New Fic - Meant To Be
And the Final Part.
Daniel knelt by Karim’s bedside reading him one more story at bedtime. He was completely overwhelmed by how much he loved this little boy in the few hours he’d known him though he was even more stunned by how much Karim liked him.
“He is a smart boy,” Sha’re had explained as they sat watching Karim read to his bear, “He asked me one day why he didn’t have a daddy like his friend Joshua. I knew I had no right to deny him knowledge of you so I told him that you worked far away on an important job. I told him that you wanted to be here but you weren’t able to.”
Realising his son was fast asleep Daniel placed the book down and fixed Karim’s covers before standing at the door watching him sleep. He had a son.
Sha’re felt tears slide down her cheeks as she watched Karim sleep after bonding with his father, quickly wiping them away as Daniel turned to her.
“He loves you,” she whispered, “I knew he would.”
Daniel smiled at her, “I didn’t. He is amazing, Sha’re, I just…”
He trailed off. Sha’re slid past him to kiss her son and ensure he was comfortable for the night before she turned on his night-light and led Daniel back to the lounge.
“Would you like some tea or coffee?” she asked softly.
“Tea,” Daniel said as he took a seat staring at the photographs of Karim sitting around the room showing him from a day old baby to a two year old toddler.
When Sha’re set the mug down on the table in front of him he looked up and watched her as she sat on the couch beside him.
“So,” he took the tea wrapping his hands around the mug as a protective shield, “What do we do now?”
“I don’t know.”
“Well,” Daniel sighed, “I want to be a part of his life. I know it might be complicated because I’m in Chicago and I travel a lot but…he is just amazing.”
Sha’re beamed, “I’m so glad. I know it will be complicated but I want you in our…his life.” She licked her lips hoping her little slip hadn’t been too obvious, “Tomorrow Karim and I have playgroup in the morning and music time in the afternoon, if you wish to join us.”
“I can’t make the morning,” Daniel nodded, “I have some work to do I can’t put off but I’d love to go to music time.”
“I believe Karim takes after me when it comes to rhythm unfortunately,” Sha’re smiled, “But he loves it.”
Daniel chuckled, “He’s still young. My mom taught me to play the piano when I was three and she swore it was years before I had any sense of timing.”
“Do you still play?”
Daniel shrugged putting his mug down now he’d finished, “Not really. Every so often I get the notion to play but to be honest it’s not very often.”
Sha’re pushed a curl behind her ear, “Perhaps you’d play for me some time.”
“I’d love to,” Daniel breathed staring at her. He reached out and tucked the same curl back that had fallen out again his hand lingering on her cheek.
Sha’re caught her breath as they moved towards one another before sighing softly as his lips touched hers.
The kiss deepened very quickly before Daniel pulled back sharply, “Sorry.”
“Daniel,” she stopped him, “Its fine. It’s obvious that there is still an attraction between us but we can’t act upon it.”
He nodded, “I should go. What time tomorrow.”
“Just after noon,” she smiled.
“Well?” Eleanor asked before her husband could their voices echoing through the hotel room over the speaker-phone.
“He’s adorable,” Daniel gave a soft laugh, “Guys, I have an amazing son.”
“That’s fantastic,” Steven said softly, “So what now?”
Daniel hesitated, “I have the interview tomorrow then I’m going to a music class with them.”
“Have you told her about the interview?” Eleanor asked.
“No,” Daniel admitted, “We all know this could be a bust so I’d rather wait and see if it’s a real job or not before I even think about it.”
“Get some rest,” Eleanor told him, “Call us tomorrow and let us know how it goes.”
“No problem,” Daniel promised, “Thanks guys.”
As he hung up Daniel lay back on the bed and thought about his day. His mind wandered straight to the kiss he’d shared with Sha’re and he wished that things were simpler. But he understood that they had to think of their son before themselves - a concept he was still having difficulty with. Closing his eyes Daniel tried not to dream about her and focus on this interview tomorrow - it didn’t work.
*********************************************
The next morning Daniel’s first action was to check his phone in case Sha’re had changed her mind about having him join them later. He knew it was stupid but he couldn’t stop the feeling of paranoia, especially after what happened the last time she’d promised to see him again.
He checked about three more times before he finished breakfast and another twice while he went through his emails.
Finally it was time for him to head for his interview; something he wasn’t looking forward to as he had no idea what he was stepping into. The others were sure this was someone wanting to ridicule him, Daniel wasn’t sure but hoped not. Not only because he’d had enough abuse regarding his theories but he knew he wanted to be close to his son and Sha’re.
The cab he was in drew up to a large grey building that looked completely unlike a college or university. A little bemused, and worried, Daniel slowly followed the instructions in the email finally finding the office his interview was in. Taking a slow deep breath hoping this wasn’t a huge practical joke Daniel knocked.
Catherine watched the young man nervously enter the office she was sitting in. Although they had said to Sha’re they weren’t going to talk to Dr Jackson about joining the SGC until after he’d met Karim and they had decided what they were going to do, orders had come from on high that if they could get someone with Daniel Jackson’s credentials they had to.
“Dr Jackson,” she stood to greet him, “I’m Catherine Langford, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Taking her hand Daniel nodded slightly, “You too. And Daniel is fine.”
Catherine motioned him to take a seat and she sat down in her own again, “Before anything due to the nature of the work I do and what I will be revealing to you I need you to sign this.”
“What is it?” Daniel asked as she pushed a small folder over to him.
“A standard non-disclosure agreement,” she told him, “If you reveal anything we talk about then we can prosecute you. I’m hoping you will sign.”
Daniel scanned over it, shrugged before signing and passing it back to her.
Catherine filed it before looking up at him, “I’ve read your papers on cross-pollenisation of cultures. Very interesting as was your lecture.”
She watched him carefully seeing the defensive words filling his head waiting for what she was about to say next.
“How much do you know about your grandfather’s work?” Catherine asked seeing surprise fill his eyes - he hadn’t been expecting that question.
“Nick?”
“No,” Catherine smiled, “Henry Jackson, your father’s father.”
Daniel stared at her bemused, “He was in the Air Force, disappeared when my Dad was ten. What does that have to do with anything?”
She shrugged, “I’ll get to that. I want you to look at this first.”
Daniel looked confused at the sudden change of subject but as she brought out an amulet, some carbon dating results and a photograph of a tablet. His mind instantly started to try and translate the writing. He took the paper and pen Catherine handed him without comment and Catherine smiled in how short a time he’d written a translation.
As she scanned it Catherine smiled, it was perfect and she knew how long it had taken originally to get the correct translation.
“Dr Jackson, the reason I asked to meet you here is because I didn’t want to show you this until I was sure you were as good as your reputation suggested,” Catherine told him.
Daniel chuckled wryly, “What reputation?”
“Despite the lecture you gave you do have a reputation due to your language skills and David Jordan does not want to lose you,” Catherine smiled, “And I understand why. The amulet…”
“The fake,” Daniel cut her off.
“Why would you say that?”
“Because these results can’t be real,” Daniel replied, before giving a slight snort of laughter shrugging, “Unless you’ve somehow found proof I’m right.”
Catherine simply smiled at him and Daniel shook his head laughing slightly.
“You’re kidding me,” Daniel stared at her.
“Daniel, these results are real,” she said softly, “Your theories aren’t theories where I work. I have nothing else to talk to you about here but I want to show you the work we’re hiring you to do.” She paused before adding, “That is if you want the job.”
Daniel stared at her, “What job exactly?”
“It is translation and working on artefacts very like the one I’ve given you there,” she replied, “There is more but I can’t explain fully here. If you have the time then we can head to base this afternoon.”
Daniel nodded before frowning, “I can’t. I’m spending the afternoon with my son.”
“How long are you here for?” Catherine asked.
“Till Friday,” Daniel replied.
“Then how about Thursday morning,” she said, “We can go through everything and you can decide whether or not you’ll take the job. Though I will be surprised if you don’t.”
“Well?”
Catherine smiled slightly, “He can’t come this afternoon as he’s spending it with his son. Ernest, he translated the coverstone’s inscription in minutes.”
“So you were right,” her husband chuckled.
“I was,” Catherine replied.
“Sha’re won’t be happy when she finds out,” he noted, “We did agree not to interview him for a job until he’d met Karim and they decided what they were going to do.”
Catherine sighed, “Unfortunately Sha’re’s private life is not a concern for the Oversight Committee.”
“Are you coming back to the base?” her husband asked.
Catherine chuckled, “Not until later. I’ll see you at home.”
As she hung up the phone Catherine thought about the young man she had spoken with that morning. She had been the closest thing Sha’re had to a mother since her own had died when she was fifteen and Catherine loved the young woman as if she were her own. It had been a huge surprise when Sha’re had announced she was pregnant, even more so when she explained about the child’s father.
Catherine had been with Sha’re the day she gave birth to her son, it was the only time she spoke of the night she’d spent with Daniel Jackson and Catherine had known then that Sha’re was completely head over heels with him, a fact that had been cemented when she had told them he was coming to Colorado.
*********************************************
Sha’re smiled as she watched Daniel sitting with Karim helping him bang the drum he had. Daniel had instantly taken a seat beside his son without any thought and joined in. Karim loved having a Daddy all of a sudden and Sha’re was beginning to worry. She didn’t want her baby boy to miss his father too often.
“It’s so nice when the father’s join in,” one of the women who took the class said to Sha’re as she joined her.
“He wanted to spend some time with Karim,” Sha’re smiled.
The other woman chuckled before moving on.
“Mamma,” Karim ran over to her when the song finished, “Was I good?”
Sha’re picked him up and hugged him, “You were very good.”
“You have to help,” Karim told her as he slid out her arms, pulling her over to his drum and Daniel.
Taking a seat beside them she felt Daniel rest his hand on her waist so they were both able to help their son play.
Karim was sleeping by the time they returned home, Sha’re opened the door watching Daniel as he carried his son to his bed. She headed to the kitchen to make her a tea and Daniel a coffee.
“Either I’m really predictable or you already know me well,” Daniel chuckled as she handed him a mug.
“You told me the night we met,” Sha’re laughed, “How you were so well known in the coffee shop you didn’t even have to order. In the morning it is a latte while in the afternoon coffee, strong and black.”
Daniel stared at her, “You remember that?”
Sha’re blushed suddenly before confessing, “Yes. I remember all of that night.”
“So do I,” Daniel replied.
Sha’re suddenly moved away from him heading back into the kitchen in the pretence of finding something. She wiped her eyes looking up to find Daniel there. He moved to her without a word and wrapped her in his arms.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered not moving from the comfort of his arms, “I wanted to see you, I wanted to be there that day but I was so afraid. I was pregnant and the thought that telling you this then being rejected was too much for me.”
Daniel gently wiped the tears for her cheeks before moving closer to her. Their lips touched for a moment but before they could lose themselves in the kiss Karim’s voice made them pull apart.
Sha’re headed to check on her son leaving Daniel standing in the kitchen.
Daniel shook himself relieved when his phone rang giving him a distraction.
“Ellie?” he answered, “What’s up?”
“Just thought I’d see how you got on this morning,” she said.
Daniel chuckled, “It wasn’t a joke. It was a serious job offer,” he made sure his voice was lowered so Sha’re didn’t hear, “I’m going to have a second I suppose it’s an interview on Thursday morning.”
“Are you seriously considering moving to Colorado?” Eleanor demanded, “Daniel this is a huge decision. Your family are here in Chicago.”
Daniel winced, “But my son is here and so is Sha’re.”
There was a pause on the other end of the call before Eleanor came back on, “We will support you just do what’s right for you. Call us later, okay?”
“Okay,” Daniel promised.
Hanging up Daniel sighed, it shouldn’t be this complicated. He was thrown out of his thoughts as Karim came barrelling into the room and over to Daniel.
“Hey,” Daniel caught him, “Did you have a good nap?”
Karim nodded and hugged Daniel resting his head on his shoulder, “Are you having dinner with us?”
Daniel looked up at Sha’re who nodded.
“Yes, I am,” Daniel told him.
*********************************************
Jack knocked on the door smiling to himself as he heard Karim’s call that someone was there. He wanted to check in on Sha’re and Karim after the visit from the child’s father, he also wanted to find out some more about the man and this was the way he could do it.
“Jack,” Karim cried in delight, bouncing over to him when Sha’re opened the door.
Catching the boy in his arms Jack squeezed him, “Good morning, kiddo.”
“Good morning, Jack,” Sha’re greeted him with an annoyed frown, “You’re here early.”
“I thought you might want a ride to the base,” Jack smiled at her.
Sha’re kept her even gaze on him, “I was sure you knew I am not coming in this week while Daniel is in town.”
Jack clicked his fingers in mock surprise, “I forgot that.”
“Why are you here?” Sha’re demanded.
Jack gave an innocent smile and Sha’re rolled her eyes motioning him inside. Karim squirmed to get out of his arms and ran over to the couch pulling his bag over to Jack.
“We’re going to the zoo,” Karim told him.
“The zoo?”
Karim nodded and ran out of the room to get something from his bedroom.
“Yes,” Sha’re replied, “Daniel and I are taking Karim to the zoo.”
Jack raised an eyebrow, “Family day out?”
“Please,” Sha’re frowned, “Jack don’t. Daniel is Karim’s father and he is going to be a part of his life from now on. I need you to not scare him away.”
“And you think I’ll do that?
Sha’re folded her arms and stared at him, “I know you want to protect us but we don’t need protecting from him.”
“So have you guys got any idea what’s going to happen now?” Jack asked.
Sha’re sighed, “Not yet.”
“Then if you want Sara and I will take Karim for a while tomorrow,” he told her, “You can have dinner and talk without him.”
“That would be helpful,” Sha’re told him, “Thank you.”
Jack hugged her quickly, “I just want to make sure you guys are okay. And you’re happy.”
Jack whistled as he wandered through the corridors of the SGC finding Catherine in her office.
“Good morning, Jack,” the older woman greeted him, “What can I do for you?”
“I came to see what you thought of this Jackson,” Jack told her, “Sha’re isn’t giving much away.”
Catherine smiled, aware of how protective Jack was of Sha’re and Skaara, “Honestly he seemed like a very nice guy.”
“But?”
“But I was interviewing him for a job,” Catherine reminded him before shaking her head, “Jack, you do know Sha’re is a very good judge of character. And if she does really care about this man nothing any of us say will stop her.”
“I know,” Jack sighed, he dropped into the seat across from her and glanced at the file in front sitting there. Pulling it over to read it properly Jack looked up at Catherine in surprise, “He’s related to the SGC’s Jackson?”
Catherine nodded, “He is Henry Jackson’s grandson.”
“Is it me or is that just a really odd coincidence?” Jack said.
Catherine shrugged, “Does that actually surprise you? Strange things happen here all the time.”
“Good point,” Jack nodded, “I’ll see you later. I’ve got to call Sara and let her know we offered to babysit tomorrow.”
*********************************************
Sha’re checked herself in the mirror fixing her hair slightly before checking the time. She had arranged to meet Daniel at the restaurant so they could discuss what they were going to do now.
Karim had been ecstatic when Jack picked him up; he had talked all day about watching The Lion King with Charlie and getting to sleep in the special bed in Charlie’s room they had for him.
Slipping her jacket on Sha’re checked herself once more in the mirror before heading out the door and to her car.
Sha’re arrived at the restaurant first and ordered water as she waited. It felt odd, only a few weeks ago she had been at a girl’s night in with Sam, Sara, Janet and Catherine a few days before she was due in New York where they were trying to convince her to go on a date with the new doctor. She had agreed to think about it while in New York, it seemed so long ago.
“Sorry I’m late,” Daniel said as he arrived looking a little breathless, “We were stuck in traffic.”
Sha’re smiled as he leaned in and gently kissed her cheek, “I have not been here long.”
Daniel took his seat and they ordered some wine before they looked through the menu. Once they’d ordered their meal Sha’re began the conversation she was here to have.
“Now you have met Karim,” she said softly, “What do you intend to do?”
Daniel stared at her for a few moments, “Intend to do? Sha’re, I intend to be his father.”
“Good,” a relieved smile covered her face, “Because he loves you so much.”
“What I want to know is what about us?”
“Us?” Sha’re asked.
Daniel reached across the table and caught her hand with his, “Three years ago we had an incredible night together and I have spent all the time we were apart thinking of you.”
“Daniel,” Sha’re began.
“Before you say no answer me one question,” Daniel said, “If you hadn’t been pregnant would you have met me that day?”
Sha’re stared at him for a few seconds before nodding, “Yes,” she whispered, “I had been looking forward to seeing you, hoping that the one night we were together wasn’t just that one night. I wanted to take the chance.”
“Then take the chance now,” Daniel said, “I’m here and we’ve spent enough time around one another to know what happened that night wasn’t a one off.”
“Is that enough?”
Daniel smiled, “It’s more than some people start with.”
“But you live in Chicago and we live here,” Sha’re reminded him.
“I’ve been offered a job here with one of the local colleges,” Daniel told her, “I’m moving here to be close to you.”
Sha’re stared at him, she had always been practical and let her head make her decisions never her heart not until that night three years ago. Finally she smiled and squeezed his hand letting him know everything he needed to.
Daniel held Sha’re’s hand as they stood in the elevator heading up to his room, as they reached his floor he led her in. Nervously Sha’re placed her bag down on the nearby chair before sliding her jacket off and resting it across the back.
“Are you sure about this?” Daniel asked softly as he moved to her.
Sha’re reached out and touched her fingers to his sliding them until they were entwined, “Yes.”
Daniel leaned in and kissed her, Sha’re’s arms wrapped around his neck as they kissed neither pulling away this time. Daniel lifted her and carried her to the bed continuing to kiss her.
They parted for a moment and Daniel looked down at her, her dark eyes were wide, her face flushed and her breathing deeper than normal. With a smile Sha’re reached up and pulled him down to her once more.
Sha’re moaned with disappointment as Daniel moved to lie by her side. They’d spent all night getting to know one another again and she smiled as he pulled her close.
“You’re leaving soon,” she sighed.
“I’m coming back this time,” he reminded her, “And I know where you live now so you can’t hide from me.”
Sha’re giggled, “I am not going anywhere.”
Daniel checked the clock and sighed, “I have to get ready soon. I don’t want to jeopardise getting this job.”
“Then perhaps we should have a shower?” Sha’re suggested, kissing him quickly before slipping away from him.
Under an hour later they were both dressed and ready to head out.
“Do you want me to drive you to your interview?” Sha’re offered.
Daniel shook his head, “You need to go get Karim. I’m fine to get a cab, it means I can over things before I get there.”
“Okay,” Sha’re slipped her hand into his as they left the room and headed to where she’d parked her car the night before, “But come to the house tonight.”
Daniel nodded a little surprised as she passed a key to him.
“I have to go to work for a few hours,” she explained, “This is so you don’t have to wait around until I am finished.”
As they reached her car Daniel kissed her, “I’ll see you later.”
Sha’re sang to herself as she drove to the base. Jack was going to drop Karim off at the day care so she didn’t have to make a detour. She was stunned that Daniel had decided to get a job here before he’d even met Karim and knowing how much he wanted to be with them made her feel amazing.
It felt so good to have let herself go, to admit she wanted to be with him and spend the night with him once more. Now, although it might take a few months, he would become a permanent part of her life and once things had settled down she would agree for the others to speak to him about joining the SGC.
“Good morning, Jack,” she greeted him as she left the elevator on the changing room level.
“Pretty fancy for the office,” Jack smirked at her.
Sha’re felt her cheeks flame, she hadn’t even thought about going home to change before coming in.
“I’m guessing last night was good,” Jack chuckled before moving on before she could think of an answer, “Karim was great. He fell asleep early on top of Sara and talked all night about his Daddy.”
“Daniel is going to be here from now on,” Sha’re told him, “He is due to go back to Chicago tomorrow but once he comes back for his next visit I want him to meet the rest of the family.”
Jack hugged her, “Looking forward to it. Now go get changed, we have a briefing in fifteen minutes.”
Daniel was bemused why he was in a military base but he was also completely intrigued.
“Good morning,” Catherine greeted him at the entrance, “We have a lot to go through Daniel so let’s get you through all the security so we can start.”
Daniel signed his name about a dozen times before he was given a visitors pass and Catherine led him into the elevator. He watched the numbers count down and followed Catherine into a second elevator surprised as he watched the numbers continue to go down.
“In 1950 a group of scientists and a few Air Force personnel worked on a secret project,” Catherine began her explanation as they walked through the corridors, “It was an artefact found in Giza by my father many years before. The translation you did on Monday was the same one they worked on for months.”
Daniel stared at her no precisely sure what to say relieved when they entered a conference room and he could sit down. Catherine took a seat beside him and placed the folder she’d been carrying on the table pulling out a few photographs.
“This is the Stargate,” she told him, sliding a picture over to him before sliding a second over, “And this is the team that opened it.”
Daniel stared at the small group his eyes instantly focussing on the man standing at the centre of the back line, “My grandfather.”
“Henry Jackson was a wonderful man,” Catherine told him, “Smart, witty and respected by every member of this base.”
“What happened to him?” Daniel asked still staring at the man in the picture.
Catherine sighed, “The Stargate is a device that opens a corridor through space to other planets. Henry was part of the exploration team.”
“What?” Daniel stared at her in complete bemusement.
“During one of the missions he was on a planet called Abydos,” Catherine explained, “We have never found out the details of what happened as the only witness was a three year old girl. But he saved her life and we never heard from him again.”
“That’s why he ‘disappeared’,” Daniel stated, “Because no one knew if he was dead.”
“No one wanted to believe it,” Catherine replied with a smile, “Your grandfather was the corner stone of this base once and I know he would want you involved.”
“Involved in what?” Daniel asked still confused.
The alarms sounded and Catherine moved, she hit a button at the side of a screen which slowly opened. Daniel walked over as the window was revealed gasping in amazement as the large circle he’d just seen in the picture lit up before what could only be described as a burst of water shot from its centre. It moved back and settled into a puddle within the centre of the circle.
“Welcome home SG7,” a voice called as four figures stepped out of the puddle and down the ramp.
Daniel continued to stare even after the ‘water’ had disappeared and the ‘Stargate’ sat silent until a familiar voice sounded in the room.
“Catherine, I need the file on P4T 66Y.”
Spinning Daniel stared at her as she stared back at him, “Sha’re?”
Sha’re checked her to do list as she handed the report to General Hammond, she had only one thing left to do before she could pick up her baby boy and head home. Sitting in her office she realised she didn’t have the file. Bouncing up she headed to Catherine’s office finding it empty.
“She’s got a new recruit in the conference room,” Catherine’s assistant Joey told her.
Sha’re smiled at the young woman, “Thanks.”
Walking through the base she smiled slightly at the others in the base, she couldn’t stop smiling today.
“Catherine, I need the file on P4T 66Y,” Sha’re called as she entered the silent room assuming the other woman had finished.
To her astonishment Catherine wasn’t alone and the man she had been talking to turned staring at her in shock.
“Sha’re?” Daniel asked.
Anger filled her, they had promised her and she turned to Catherine who gave an apologetic shrug.
“Welcome to the SGC, Daniel,” she said softly moving to him and moving to take his hand, relieved he didn’t pull away, “Will you let me explain?”
Daniel nodded and allowed her to lead him back to the table where they sat.
“I didn’t want them to talk to you about this job until after you had met Karim,” she said softly, “That was the reason for this week. For you to meet him, in fact they promised me they wouldn’t.”
“This is for real?” Daniel asked.
Sha’re smiled, “Your theories are not theories here, Daniel. You were right.”
Daniel grinned back at her.
“There’s one thing you should know,” Catherine interrupted them; “The little girl your grandfather saved was Sha’re’s mother. Daniel, the job is yours if you want it but I think you two should discuss this before you give me your answer.”
Sha’re smiled gratefully at Catherine as she left them alone. Daniel reached out and pushed her hair back from her face.
“Why don’t we go get our boy and talk about this later?” he suggested.
Sha’re felt the breath she didn’t realise she was holding release, the tension in her body easing as with that one sentence she knew he was putting them first.
Taking his hand in hers Sha’re led him out smiling as he let go of her hand and wrapped his arm around her.
Daniel knelt by Karim’s bedside reading him one more story at bedtime. He was completely overwhelmed by how much he loved this little boy in the few hours he’d known him though he was even more stunned by how much Karim liked him.
“He is a smart boy,” Sha’re had explained as they sat watching Karim read to his bear, “He asked me one day why he didn’t have a daddy like his friend Joshua. I knew I had no right to deny him knowledge of you so I told him that you worked far away on an important job. I told him that you wanted to be here but you weren’t able to.”
Realising his son was fast asleep Daniel placed the book down and fixed Karim’s covers before standing at the door watching him sleep. He had a son.
Sha’re felt tears slide down her cheeks as she watched Karim sleep after bonding with his father, quickly wiping them away as Daniel turned to her.
“He loves you,” she whispered, “I knew he would.”
Daniel smiled at her, “I didn’t. He is amazing, Sha’re, I just…”
He trailed off. Sha’re slid past him to kiss her son and ensure he was comfortable for the night before she turned on his night-light and led Daniel back to the lounge.
“Would you like some tea or coffee?” she asked softly.
“Tea,” Daniel said as he took a seat staring at the photographs of Karim sitting around the room showing him from a day old baby to a two year old toddler.
When Sha’re set the mug down on the table in front of him he looked up and watched her as she sat on the couch beside him.
“So,” he took the tea wrapping his hands around the mug as a protective shield, “What do we do now?”
“I don’t know.”
“Well,” Daniel sighed, “I want to be a part of his life. I know it might be complicated because I’m in Chicago and I travel a lot but…he is just amazing.”
Sha’re beamed, “I’m so glad. I know it will be complicated but I want you in our…his life.” She licked her lips hoping her little slip hadn’t been too obvious, “Tomorrow Karim and I have playgroup in the morning and music time in the afternoon, if you wish to join us.”
“I can’t make the morning,” Daniel nodded, “I have some work to do I can’t put off but I’d love to go to music time.”
“I believe Karim takes after me when it comes to rhythm unfortunately,” Sha’re smiled, “But he loves it.”
Daniel chuckled, “He’s still young. My mom taught me to play the piano when I was three and she swore it was years before I had any sense of timing.”
“Do you still play?”
Daniel shrugged putting his mug down now he’d finished, “Not really. Every so often I get the notion to play but to be honest it’s not very often.”
Sha’re pushed a curl behind her ear, “Perhaps you’d play for me some time.”
“I’d love to,” Daniel breathed staring at her. He reached out and tucked the same curl back that had fallen out again his hand lingering on her cheek.
Sha’re caught her breath as they moved towards one another before sighing softly as his lips touched hers.
The kiss deepened very quickly before Daniel pulled back sharply, “Sorry.”
“Daniel,” she stopped him, “Its fine. It’s obvious that there is still an attraction between us but we can’t act upon it.”
He nodded, “I should go. What time tomorrow.”
“Just after noon,” she smiled.
“Well?” Eleanor asked before her husband could their voices echoing through the hotel room over the speaker-phone.
“He’s adorable,” Daniel gave a soft laugh, “Guys, I have an amazing son.”
“That’s fantastic,” Steven said softly, “So what now?”
Daniel hesitated, “I have the interview tomorrow then I’m going to a music class with them.”
“Have you told her about the interview?” Eleanor asked.
“No,” Daniel admitted, “We all know this could be a bust so I’d rather wait and see if it’s a real job or not before I even think about it.”
“Get some rest,” Eleanor told him, “Call us tomorrow and let us know how it goes.”
“No problem,” Daniel promised, “Thanks guys.”
As he hung up Daniel lay back on the bed and thought about his day. His mind wandered straight to the kiss he’d shared with Sha’re and he wished that things were simpler. But he understood that they had to think of their son before themselves - a concept he was still having difficulty with. Closing his eyes Daniel tried not to dream about her and focus on this interview tomorrow - it didn’t work.
*********************************************
The next morning Daniel’s first action was to check his phone in case Sha’re had changed her mind about having him join them later. He knew it was stupid but he couldn’t stop the feeling of paranoia, especially after what happened the last time she’d promised to see him again.
He checked about three more times before he finished breakfast and another twice while he went through his emails.
Finally it was time for him to head for his interview; something he wasn’t looking forward to as he had no idea what he was stepping into. The others were sure this was someone wanting to ridicule him, Daniel wasn’t sure but hoped not. Not only because he’d had enough abuse regarding his theories but he knew he wanted to be close to his son and Sha’re.
The cab he was in drew up to a large grey building that looked completely unlike a college or university. A little bemused, and worried, Daniel slowly followed the instructions in the email finally finding the office his interview was in. Taking a slow deep breath hoping this wasn’t a huge practical joke Daniel knocked.
Catherine watched the young man nervously enter the office she was sitting in. Although they had said to Sha’re they weren’t going to talk to Dr Jackson about joining the SGC until after he’d met Karim and they had decided what they were going to do, orders had come from on high that if they could get someone with Daniel Jackson’s credentials they had to.
“Dr Jackson,” she stood to greet him, “I’m Catherine Langford, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Taking her hand Daniel nodded slightly, “You too. And Daniel is fine.”
Catherine motioned him to take a seat and she sat down in her own again, “Before anything due to the nature of the work I do and what I will be revealing to you I need you to sign this.”
“What is it?” Daniel asked as she pushed a small folder over to him.
“A standard non-disclosure agreement,” she told him, “If you reveal anything we talk about then we can prosecute you. I’m hoping you will sign.”
Daniel scanned over it, shrugged before signing and passing it back to her.
Catherine filed it before looking up at him, “I’ve read your papers on cross-pollenisation of cultures. Very interesting as was your lecture.”
She watched him carefully seeing the defensive words filling his head waiting for what she was about to say next.
“How much do you know about your grandfather’s work?” Catherine asked seeing surprise fill his eyes - he hadn’t been expecting that question.
“Nick?”
“No,” Catherine smiled, “Henry Jackson, your father’s father.”
Daniel stared at her bemused, “He was in the Air Force, disappeared when my Dad was ten. What does that have to do with anything?”
She shrugged, “I’ll get to that. I want you to look at this first.”
Daniel looked confused at the sudden change of subject but as she brought out an amulet, some carbon dating results and a photograph of a tablet. His mind instantly started to try and translate the writing. He took the paper and pen Catherine handed him without comment and Catherine smiled in how short a time he’d written a translation.
As she scanned it Catherine smiled, it was perfect and she knew how long it had taken originally to get the correct translation.
“Dr Jackson, the reason I asked to meet you here is because I didn’t want to show you this until I was sure you were as good as your reputation suggested,” Catherine told him.
Daniel chuckled wryly, “What reputation?”
“Despite the lecture you gave you do have a reputation due to your language skills and David Jordan does not want to lose you,” Catherine smiled, “And I understand why. The amulet…”
“The fake,” Daniel cut her off.
“Why would you say that?”
“Because these results can’t be real,” Daniel replied, before giving a slight snort of laughter shrugging, “Unless you’ve somehow found proof I’m right.”
Catherine simply smiled at him and Daniel shook his head laughing slightly.
“You’re kidding me,” Daniel stared at her.
“Daniel, these results are real,” she said softly, “Your theories aren’t theories where I work. I have nothing else to talk to you about here but I want to show you the work we’re hiring you to do.” She paused before adding, “That is if you want the job.”
Daniel stared at her, “What job exactly?”
“It is translation and working on artefacts very like the one I’ve given you there,” she replied, “There is more but I can’t explain fully here. If you have the time then we can head to base this afternoon.”
Daniel nodded before frowning, “I can’t. I’m spending the afternoon with my son.”
“How long are you here for?” Catherine asked.
“Till Friday,” Daniel replied.
“Then how about Thursday morning,” she said, “We can go through everything and you can decide whether or not you’ll take the job. Though I will be surprised if you don’t.”
“Well?”
Catherine smiled slightly, “He can’t come this afternoon as he’s spending it with his son. Ernest, he translated the coverstone’s inscription in minutes.”
“So you were right,” her husband chuckled.
“I was,” Catherine replied.
“Sha’re won’t be happy when she finds out,” he noted, “We did agree not to interview him for a job until he’d met Karim and they decided what they were going to do.”
Catherine sighed, “Unfortunately Sha’re’s private life is not a concern for the Oversight Committee.”
“Are you coming back to the base?” her husband asked.
Catherine chuckled, “Not until later. I’ll see you at home.”
As she hung up the phone Catherine thought about the young man she had spoken with that morning. She had been the closest thing Sha’re had to a mother since her own had died when she was fifteen and Catherine loved the young woman as if she were her own. It had been a huge surprise when Sha’re had announced she was pregnant, even more so when she explained about the child’s father.
Catherine had been with Sha’re the day she gave birth to her son, it was the only time she spoke of the night she’d spent with Daniel Jackson and Catherine had known then that Sha’re was completely head over heels with him, a fact that had been cemented when she had told them he was coming to Colorado.
*********************************************
Sha’re smiled as she watched Daniel sitting with Karim helping him bang the drum he had. Daniel had instantly taken a seat beside his son without any thought and joined in. Karim loved having a Daddy all of a sudden and Sha’re was beginning to worry. She didn’t want her baby boy to miss his father too often.
“It’s so nice when the father’s join in,” one of the women who took the class said to Sha’re as she joined her.
“He wanted to spend some time with Karim,” Sha’re smiled.
The other woman chuckled before moving on.
“Mamma,” Karim ran over to her when the song finished, “Was I good?”
Sha’re picked him up and hugged him, “You were very good.”
“You have to help,” Karim told her as he slid out her arms, pulling her over to his drum and Daniel.
Taking a seat beside them she felt Daniel rest his hand on her waist so they were both able to help their son play.
Karim was sleeping by the time they returned home, Sha’re opened the door watching Daniel as he carried his son to his bed. She headed to the kitchen to make her a tea and Daniel a coffee.
“Either I’m really predictable or you already know me well,” Daniel chuckled as she handed him a mug.
“You told me the night we met,” Sha’re laughed, “How you were so well known in the coffee shop you didn’t even have to order. In the morning it is a latte while in the afternoon coffee, strong and black.”
Daniel stared at her, “You remember that?”
Sha’re blushed suddenly before confessing, “Yes. I remember all of that night.”
“So do I,” Daniel replied.
Sha’re suddenly moved away from him heading back into the kitchen in the pretence of finding something. She wiped her eyes looking up to find Daniel there. He moved to her without a word and wrapped her in his arms.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered not moving from the comfort of his arms, “I wanted to see you, I wanted to be there that day but I was so afraid. I was pregnant and the thought that telling you this then being rejected was too much for me.”
Daniel gently wiped the tears for her cheeks before moving closer to her. Their lips touched for a moment but before they could lose themselves in the kiss Karim’s voice made them pull apart.
Sha’re headed to check on her son leaving Daniel standing in the kitchen.
Daniel shook himself relieved when his phone rang giving him a distraction.
“Ellie?” he answered, “What’s up?”
“Just thought I’d see how you got on this morning,” she said.
Daniel chuckled, “It wasn’t a joke. It was a serious job offer,” he made sure his voice was lowered so Sha’re didn’t hear, “I’m going to have a second I suppose it’s an interview on Thursday morning.”
“Are you seriously considering moving to Colorado?” Eleanor demanded, “Daniel this is a huge decision. Your family are here in Chicago.”
Daniel winced, “But my son is here and so is Sha’re.”
There was a pause on the other end of the call before Eleanor came back on, “We will support you just do what’s right for you. Call us later, okay?”
“Okay,” Daniel promised.
Hanging up Daniel sighed, it shouldn’t be this complicated. He was thrown out of his thoughts as Karim came barrelling into the room and over to Daniel.
“Hey,” Daniel caught him, “Did you have a good nap?”
Karim nodded and hugged Daniel resting his head on his shoulder, “Are you having dinner with us?”
Daniel looked up at Sha’re who nodded.
“Yes, I am,” Daniel told him.
*********************************************
Jack knocked on the door smiling to himself as he heard Karim’s call that someone was there. He wanted to check in on Sha’re and Karim after the visit from the child’s father, he also wanted to find out some more about the man and this was the way he could do it.
“Jack,” Karim cried in delight, bouncing over to him when Sha’re opened the door.
Catching the boy in his arms Jack squeezed him, “Good morning, kiddo.”
“Good morning, Jack,” Sha’re greeted him with an annoyed frown, “You’re here early.”
“I thought you might want a ride to the base,” Jack smiled at her.
Sha’re kept her even gaze on him, “I was sure you knew I am not coming in this week while Daniel is in town.”
Jack clicked his fingers in mock surprise, “I forgot that.”
“Why are you here?” Sha’re demanded.
Jack gave an innocent smile and Sha’re rolled her eyes motioning him inside. Karim squirmed to get out of his arms and ran over to the couch pulling his bag over to Jack.
“We’re going to the zoo,” Karim told him.
“The zoo?”
Karim nodded and ran out of the room to get something from his bedroom.
“Yes,” Sha’re replied, “Daniel and I are taking Karim to the zoo.”
Jack raised an eyebrow, “Family day out?”
“Please,” Sha’re frowned, “Jack don’t. Daniel is Karim’s father and he is going to be a part of his life from now on. I need you to not scare him away.”
“And you think I’ll do that?
Sha’re folded her arms and stared at him, “I know you want to protect us but we don’t need protecting from him.”
“So have you guys got any idea what’s going to happen now?” Jack asked.
Sha’re sighed, “Not yet.”
“Then if you want Sara and I will take Karim for a while tomorrow,” he told her, “You can have dinner and talk without him.”
“That would be helpful,” Sha’re told him, “Thank you.”
Jack hugged her quickly, “I just want to make sure you guys are okay. And you’re happy.”
Jack whistled as he wandered through the corridors of the SGC finding Catherine in her office.
“Good morning, Jack,” the older woman greeted him, “What can I do for you?”
“I came to see what you thought of this Jackson,” Jack told her, “Sha’re isn’t giving much away.”
Catherine smiled, aware of how protective Jack was of Sha’re and Skaara, “Honestly he seemed like a very nice guy.”
“But?”
“But I was interviewing him for a job,” Catherine reminded him before shaking her head, “Jack, you do know Sha’re is a very good judge of character. And if she does really care about this man nothing any of us say will stop her.”
“I know,” Jack sighed, he dropped into the seat across from her and glanced at the file in front sitting there. Pulling it over to read it properly Jack looked up at Catherine in surprise, “He’s related to the SGC’s Jackson?”
Catherine nodded, “He is Henry Jackson’s grandson.”
“Is it me or is that just a really odd coincidence?” Jack said.
Catherine shrugged, “Does that actually surprise you? Strange things happen here all the time.”
“Good point,” Jack nodded, “I’ll see you later. I’ve got to call Sara and let her know we offered to babysit tomorrow.”
*********************************************
Sha’re checked herself in the mirror fixing her hair slightly before checking the time. She had arranged to meet Daniel at the restaurant so they could discuss what they were going to do now.
Karim had been ecstatic when Jack picked him up; he had talked all day about watching The Lion King with Charlie and getting to sleep in the special bed in Charlie’s room they had for him.
Slipping her jacket on Sha’re checked herself once more in the mirror before heading out the door and to her car.
Sha’re arrived at the restaurant first and ordered water as she waited. It felt odd, only a few weeks ago she had been at a girl’s night in with Sam, Sara, Janet and Catherine a few days before she was due in New York where they were trying to convince her to go on a date with the new doctor. She had agreed to think about it while in New York, it seemed so long ago.
“Sorry I’m late,” Daniel said as he arrived looking a little breathless, “We were stuck in traffic.”
Sha’re smiled as he leaned in and gently kissed her cheek, “I have not been here long.”
Daniel took his seat and they ordered some wine before they looked through the menu. Once they’d ordered their meal Sha’re began the conversation she was here to have.
“Now you have met Karim,” she said softly, “What do you intend to do?”
Daniel stared at her for a few moments, “Intend to do? Sha’re, I intend to be his father.”
“Good,” a relieved smile covered her face, “Because he loves you so much.”
“What I want to know is what about us?”
“Us?” Sha’re asked.
Daniel reached across the table and caught her hand with his, “Three years ago we had an incredible night together and I have spent all the time we were apart thinking of you.”
“Daniel,” Sha’re began.
“Before you say no answer me one question,” Daniel said, “If you hadn’t been pregnant would you have met me that day?”
Sha’re stared at him for a few seconds before nodding, “Yes,” she whispered, “I had been looking forward to seeing you, hoping that the one night we were together wasn’t just that one night. I wanted to take the chance.”
“Then take the chance now,” Daniel said, “I’m here and we’ve spent enough time around one another to know what happened that night wasn’t a one off.”
“Is that enough?”
Daniel smiled, “It’s more than some people start with.”
“But you live in Chicago and we live here,” Sha’re reminded him.
“I’ve been offered a job here with one of the local colleges,” Daniel told her, “I’m moving here to be close to you.”
Sha’re stared at him, she had always been practical and let her head make her decisions never her heart not until that night three years ago. Finally she smiled and squeezed his hand letting him know everything he needed to.
Daniel held Sha’re’s hand as they stood in the elevator heading up to his room, as they reached his floor he led her in. Nervously Sha’re placed her bag down on the nearby chair before sliding her jacket off and resting it across the back.
“Are you sure about this?” Daniel asked softly as he moved to her.
Sha’re reached out and touched her fingers to his sliding them until they were entwined, “Yes.”
Daniel leaned in and kissed her, Sha’re’s arms wrapped around his neck as they kissed neither pulling away this time. Daniel lifted her and carried her to the bed continuing to kiss her.
They parted for a moment and Daniel looked down at her, her dark eyes were wide, her face flushed and her breathing deeper than normal. With a smile Sha’re reached up and pulled him down to her once more.
Sha’re moaned with disappointment as Daniel moved to lie by her side. They’d spent all night getting to know one another again and she smiled as he pulled her close.
“You’re leaving soon,” she sighed.
“I’m coming back this time,” he reminded her, “And I know where you live now so you can’t hide from me.”
Sha’re giggled, “I am not going anywhere.”
Daniel checked the clock and sighed, “I have to get ready soon. I don’t want to jeopardise getting this job.”
“Then perhaps we should have a shower?” Sha’re suggested, kissing him quickly before slipping away from him.
Under an hour later they were both dressed and ready to head out.
“Do you want me to drive you to your interview?” Sha’re offered.
Daniel shook his head, “You need to go get Karim. I’m fine to get a cab, it means I can over things before I get there.”
“Okay,” Sha’re slipped her hand into his as they left the room and headed to where she’d parked her car the night before, “But come to the house tonight.”
Daniel nodded a little surprised as she passed a key to him.
“I have to go to work for a few hours,” she explained, “This is so you don’t have to wait around until I am finished.”
As they reached her car Daniel kissed her, “I’ll see you later.”
Sha’re sang to herself as she drove to the base. Jack was going to drop Karim off at the day care so she didn’t have to make a detour. She was stunned that Daniel had decided to get a job here before he’d even met Karim and knowing how much he wanted to be with them made her feel amazing.
It felt so good to have let herself go, to admit she wanted to be with him and spend the night with him once more. Now, although it might take a few months, he would become a permanent part of her life and once things had settled down she would agree for the others to speak to him about joining the SGC.
“Good morning, Jack,” she greeted him as she left the elevator on the changing room level.
“Pretty fancy for the office,” Jack smirked at her.
Sha’re felt her cheeks flame, she hadn’t even thought about going home to change before coming in.
“I’m guessing last night was good,” Jack chuckled before moving on before she could think of an answer, “Karim was great. He fell asleep early on top of Sara and talked all night about his Daddy.”
“Daniel is going to be here from now on,” Sha’re told him, “He is due to go back to Chicago tomorrow but once he comes back for his next visit I want him to meet the rest of the family.”
Jack hugged her, “Looking forward to it. Now go get changed, we have a briefing in fifteen minutes.”
Daniel was bemused why he was in a military base but he was also completely intrigued.
“Good morning,” Catherine greeted him at the entrance, “We have a lot to go through Daniel so let’s get you through all the security so we can start.”
Daniel signed his name about a dozen times before he was given a visitors pass and Catherine led him into the elevator. He watched the numbers count down and followed Catherine into a second elevator surprised as he watched the numbers continue to go down.
“In 1950 a group of scientists and a few Air Force personnel worked on a secret project,” Catherine began her explanation as they walked through the corridors, “It was an artefact found in Giza by my father many years before. The translation you did on Monday was the same one they worked on for months.”
Daniel stared at her no precisely sure what to say relieved when they entered a conference room and he could sit down. Catherine took a seat beside him and placed the folder she’d been carrying on the table pulling out a few photographs.
“This is the Stargate,” she told him, sliding a picture over to him before sliding a second over, “And this is the team that opened it.”
Daniel stared at the small group his eyes instantly focussing on the man standing at the centre of the back line, “My grandfather.”
“Henry Jackson was a wonderful man,” Catherine told him, “Smart, witty and respected by every member of this base.”
“What happened to him?” Daniel asked still staring at the man in the picture.
Catherine sighed, “The Stargate is a device that opens a corridor through space to other planets. Henry was part of the exploration team.”
“What?” Daniel stared at her in complete bemusement.
“During one of the missions he was on a planet called Abydos,” Catherine explained, “We have never found out the details of what happened as the only witness was a three year old girl. But he saved her life and we never heard from him again.”
“That’s why he ‘disappeared’,” Daniel stated, “Because no one knew if he was dead.”
“No one wanted to believe it,” Catherine replied with a smile, “Your grandfather was the corner stone of this base once and I know he would want you involved.”
“Involved in what?” Daniel asked still confused.
The alarms sounded and Catherine moved, she hit a button at the side of a screen which slowly opened. Daniel walked over as the window was revealed gasping in amazement as the large circle he’d just seen in the picture lit up before what could only be described as a burst of water shot from its centre. It moved back and settled into a puddle within the centre of the circle.
“Welcome home SG7,” a voice called as four figures stepped out of the puddle and down the ramp.
Daniel continued to stare even after the ‘water’ had disappeared and the ‘Stargate’ sat silent until a familiar voice sounded in the room.
“Catherine, I need the file on P4T 66Y.”
Spinning Daniel stared at her as she stared back at him, “Sha’re?”
Sha’re checked her to do list as she handed the report to General Hammond, she had only one thing left to do before she could pick up her baby boy and head home. Sitting in her office she realised she didn’t have the file. Bouncing up she headed to Catherine’s office finding it empty.
“She’s got a new recruit in the conference room,” Catherine’s assistant Joey told her.
Sha’re smiled at the young woman, “Thanks.”
Walking through the base she smiled slightly at the others in the base, she couldn’t stop smiling today.
“Catherine, I need the file on P4T 66Y,” Sha’re called as she entered the silent room assuming the other woman had finished.
To her astonishment Catherine wasn’t alone and the man she had been talking to turned staring at her in shock.
“Sha’re?” Daniel asked.
Anger filled her, they had promised her and she turned to Catherine who gave an apologetic shrug.
“Welcome to the SGC, Daniel,” she said softly moving to him and moving to take his hand, relieved he didn’t pull away, “Will you let me explain?”
Daniel nodded and allowed her to lead him back to the table where they sat.
“I didn’t want them to talk to you about this job until after you had met Karim,” she said softly, “That was the reason for this week. For you to meet him, in fact they promised me they wouldn’t.”
“This is for real?” Daniel asked.
Sha’re smiled, “Your theories are not theories here, Daniel. You were right.”
Daniel grinned back at her.
“There’s one thing you should know,” Catherine interrupted them; “The little girl your grandfather saved was Sha’re’s mother. Daniel, the job is yours if you want it but I think you two should discuss this before you give me your answer.”
Sha’re smiled gratefully at Catherine as she left them alone. Daniel reached out and pushed her hair back from her face.
“Why don’t we go get our boy and talk about this later?” he suggested.
Sha’re felt the breath she didn’t realise she was holding release, the tension in her body easing as with that one sentence she knew he was putting them first.
Taking his hand in hers Sha’re led him out smiling as he let go of her hand and wrapped his arm around her.