Reunion
Sam took in the silence and the stares with concern. Was she going to be reprimanded the minute she got back and carted off to a holding cell? She didn't think either the Colonel or the General would do that, but she wasn't positive. "Uh... hello guys. Is everyone OK?" she announced to the room in general.
General Hammond was the first to recover. "Sergeant Miller, go and get the villagers of Kortaul right away. Major Carter, welcome back!" He moved to the end of the ramp. "Thank you sir," she mumbled. Sam stayed where she was, watching her team mates. She didn't know what had gotten into them but she wasn't sure she liked this. Geez, she thought they'd be at least a little glad to see her!
Teal'c stepped forward next, the first of her team mates to recover. "Major Carter, it is good to see you well," and he inclined his head toward her.
At the sight of the large Jaffa, Anya hid her head in Sam's neck and the other children gasped and tried to hide behind her. All of them except for Josef, who stood by her side and hid his sister behind him. They had seen Jaffa in their village just a few days ago and knew what they were capable of. At the display by the children, Teal'c cocked his head to one side and stopped his advance up the ramp.
"Hey, it's all right. Teal'c won't hurt any of you, I promise. He's a good friend of mine." Sam reassured the children. They peeked out from behind her and looked cautiously at the Jaffa. Slowly the group made their way down the ramp, pausing in the middle. Sam looked at Daniel and the Colonel. She couldn't quite read the expression on her CO's face. He seemed somewhat in shock. There may have been relief there as well. And she detected a bit of anger in his eyes. She closed her eyes briefly and looked to Daniel.
Daniel came up the ramp and stopped right in front of her. "My God, Sam. We didn't know for sure you were alive! How did you manage to get back here with these children? Who are there? Are you OK? Your arm is injured."
"Relax Daniel, I'm fine. Just an abrasion on the arm. I'll let you know everything in a while OK? I need see to the children first."
"Who is this little beauty?" Daniel asked, indicating the little girl in Sam's arms. "What is your name honey?"
Anya put her head back in Sam's neck and refused to look at Daniel. "This is Anya Daniel. She's five years old. She doesn't talk right now. She saw some...things that made her want to keep her thoughts to herself for a while." Sam looked pointedly at Daniel during this speech. He got the picture, as did the rest of the people within hearing distance. Daniel walked down the ramp the rest of the way with Sam and the children and looked to Jack. Was he going to come over and say something to Sam?
Jack couldn't take his eyes off his 2IC. He couldn't believe she was back and that she had gotten there without any help from them. Well, actually, he could believe it, but he was still in a bit of shock. How had she done it, and with seven children in tow? He was also feeling anger, not toward her anymore but toward himself. OK, maybe a bit at her for disappearing on him for four days. But he felt more anger toward himself. He should have been there with her: she was his responsibility, as were these children under her care.
Before Jack could say a word, General Hammond spoke up. "So, who do we have here Major Carter?"
Jack finally found his tongue. "Yeah Carter, it looks like you picked up some souvenirs on your little side trip. Care to share with us?"
Sam looked at him carefully, still not sure what he was really feeling. She decided to let it go for now. She had the children to think of.
"You already know Anya. This is Josef and Kiera. They are Treyem's children. Over here are Jalia, and Teegan. And these two handsome devils are Kellan and Bryson. They're brothers. I found them all in the meeting house that Treyem told me about. We had quite an adventure, didn't we guys?" and she smiled gently at all of them. "This is General Hammond, Daniel, Teal'c, and Colonel O'Neill. Remember I told you about them?"
The children nodded to the men. Teegan stepped forward and tugged on Daniel's arm. "Major Sam told me that you knew all about the Stargate. She said you'd tell me about it. I already know that it takes seven symbols to come here. How does that work?"
Jack smiled for the first time and said quietly, "Remind you of anyone Teal'c?"
"Indeed he does O'Neill. He seems very similar to Daniel Jackson."
Daniel shot both men a look, then leaned down toward Teegan. "I'll tell you all about the Stargate after we see about finding your family and you get checked out by the doctors, OK Teegan?"
"OK. I can't wait!" came the enthusiastic reply.
Just then the cargo bay doors slid open to reveal a contingent of villagers from Kortaul. Leading the group was Treyem and his wife Maresa. They stopped short at the sight in front of them. Then Treyem cried in a loud voice, "Josef, Kiera you are safe. Oh, my beloved children, you are safe!"
The two children stepped off the end of the ramp and were engulfed in ecstatic hugs from their parents. More cries of gladness could be heard from other adults as they found their children and were reunited with them. They had not dared to believe that they would see their children again, but here they were, safe and whole.
As the reunions were taking place, Sam stepped to the side, still with Anya in her arms. The little girl watched the scene before her with large, sad eyes. She knew her mother would not be coming for her. She didn't know what had happened to her father. Sam talked quietly to the little girl, feeling tears prick the back of her eyes. She was overjoyed to see the happiness of the others before her, but sad for the little girl who held onto her so tightly.
A man with blonde hair made his way from the back of the crowd, slowly circling the lucky parents who had their children once again in their arms. He had seen his wife taken by the Jaffa, but didn't know what had happened to his little girl. As he made his way to the front of the group, he looked toward the people who had brought them here. He stopped short when he saw Major Carter, a little girl wrapped around her body.
"Anya," he whispered. He couldn't get the name out any louder. Then: "Anya?" as he walked closer.
The little girl turned her head toward the voice. She stared intently at the man making his way toward her. "Papa?" she whispered.
Sam turned in amazement to the little girl in her arms. She had spoken! Sam looked back to the man approaching and let Anya down as she began to wiggle in Sam's arms. Anya ran full throttle to her father, shouting "Papa!" loud enough for everyone in the room to hear. As her father gathered her close in his arms, the tears of joy ran unchecked down his face.
Sam couldn't hold her own tears in any longer as they ran unabated down her cheeks. Right now she didn't care about looking professional or about the repercussions she might receive from this mission, she knew that the scene before her made it all worthwhile.
Unbeknownst to her, Sam wasn't the only one with tears in her eyes. Daniel's eyes were suspiciously moist, as were the General's. Teal'c had an uncommon wetness to his eyes as well, but he blinked rapidly and tried to appear his usual, stoic self. Colonel Jack O'Neill, leader of the best SGC team at the base, had to keep looking down at the floor and remind himself to remain impassive. It wasn't an easy thing to do.
Jack felt the need to redirect his attention as the children were being reacquainted with their parents. He took Sam lightly by the elbow and brought her a few steps back from Daniel and Teal'c. General Hammond followed the two officers.
Jack stopped and cleared his throat, "Uh... Carter, there are some things we are going to need to talk about."
Sam wiped her eyes and looked up at her CO. "I know Colonel, but before you start anything, please let me say something. I know I disobeyed a direct order when I went back looking for those children. I'm sorry if I made you worry. I regret the need for you to spend extra time and personnel on figuring out how to come and get me. But I have to be honest with you, both of you," she indicated General Hammond in this as well. "If I had to do it all over again, I would do exactly the same thing. I mean this..." and here she indicated the scene in front of her, "is a hell of a lot more important in my book than retrieving any weapon could ever be."
The two men looked at each other after her little speech, not sure what to say. Jack's intention had not been to reprimand her, but to get some answers to the myriad questions he had about her solo mission. Before they had a chance to respond, Treyem came over to them.
"Major Carter," he held out his hands and took both of hers. "I can not begin to thank you enough for what you have done for us. You are truly an andolana, a guardian of children. You have brought back to my wife and me what is truly most important to us. For that, you will always be honored among our people." And he bent forward and kissed both of her hands.
Sam, a bit flustered with all of the praise and attention, dropped her hands from his and hugged him. "You are most welcome Treyem." She pulled back. "But you must know, that I could not have done it without Josef and Kiera's help. Josef showed us the way to the second Stargate on your planet and Kiera helped so much with the younger children. You should be proud of both of them, I know I am!" She smiled in the direction of the two oldest children, who came over and gave her hugs of their own.
Anya scrambled down from the safety of her father's arms and ran over to Sam. "Major Sam!" she cried as she launched herself at Sam. The Major bent down and caught the happy child. It was so good to see Anya smile and hear her talking! Anya gave Sam a big hug, kissed her on the cheek, and looked intently into her eyes. "Major Sam, thank you for bringing me back to my Papa. You promised you would take care of us and you did. I love you, Major Sam."
Sam couldn't believe that her eyes were tearing up once again! "I love you too Anya," she said quietly to the little girl.
Once the other four children saw their friends giving Sam hugs, they came over and wanted to show their thanks and appreciation as well. Bryson, who was still wearing Sam's shirt, was the last to give her a hug. "Thank you for not letting me fall when we crossed the bridge Major Sam. I want to be brave like you when I grow up."
"Bryson, you are already very brave. Don't forget that. And I would never have let you fall, either would Kellan," and she hugged him tightly.
Most of the guards had left the room by this time, but the four men who had waited and worried for four days heard all that the children had to say to Sam. They were extremely touched by the deep feelings the children and Sam had for each other, and for how she had worked tirelessly to get the children back. This was further proof to each of them of the special qualities that made up Major Samantha Carter.
While the children were huddled around Sam, Jack quietly stood next to General Hammond. "You know, she's right sir. This..." and he indicated the group of children hugging his Major, "is a helluva lot more important than any weapon or technology we could ever acquire." He paused and looked thoughtfully at the small group, then turned to the General. "There will be no charges filled against Major Carter or any disciplinary action taken in this matter. I hope you will back me up in this General. Hell, I think she should get a commendation medal for this, not some mark on her record."
The General looked carefully at Jack. "I don't know if I could push through a medal, son, especially since she did disobey a direct order. As for the rest though, it's your call Jack and I'll back you 100%. Of course, that means you give me your assurance that you won't 'ring her neck' like you threatened to," he said with a smile.
Jack gave the General a wry grin. "Don't worry. I think if I tried, I'd have a large Jaffa, a livid archeologist, and seven very angry children on my case! I'd not make it out of here alive!" The two officers shared a laugh, then General Hammond made his way over to the small group on the floor.
He felt it was time to get the children checked out in the infirmary and get some food into them. "Sergeant Miller, Airman Woods, please escort the children and their parents to the infirmary. Make sure you contact the commissary to have hot meals ready to be delivered for seven; make that eight, hungry people," Hammond stated, looking down at Sam.
"Do we have to go Major Sam?" asked Jalia. She wanted to stay with both her parents and Major Sam.
"Yes, you all need to get checked out by the doctors but don't worry. I'll be coming right behind you. Then you'll get something good to eat, we haven't had much to eat today. And after you eat, I know I promised you some..."
"ICE CREAM!" they all shouted together.
Sam and the other adults in the room laughed at this and the children went less reluctantly with their parents to the infirmary, thinking ahead to the ice cream they would get to taste soon.
Sam found herself suddenly exhausted and couldn't seem to get herself up from the crouched position she had taken beside the children. She was physically and emotionally exhausted. Sam leaned back on the back of her legs and placed her hands on her thighs. She bowed her head and took some deep breaths, trying to regain her strength and her composure.
Daniel came over and crouched beside her, putting his arm around her shoulders and talking quietly to her.
"Colonel, I think it's time you escorted your wayward Major to the infirmary. While we are all anxious to hear about your adventure Major, we'll wait until tomorrow when you are more rested. Briefing at 0900. And Major Carter, welcome back once again," the General stated with a smile.
Jack came over to Sam and lightly grasped her elbow. He nodded to Daniel to take her other arm and then both men helped her gently to her feet.
"Come on Major Sam," he used the children's name for her. He rather liked it himself! "Let's get you to the infirmary. If you're good, you can have some ice cream with your new friends."
Sam looked at him with tired eyes and saw only friendship and concern for her reflected in their depths; no anger or consternation. She shared a small smile with him as she was led to the infirmary by two of her team members, Teal'c picking up her pack and following.
She had meant what she said before, if she had to do it all over again, she would do exactly the same thing. But it sure was good to be home. The children were all back with their families and she was back with hers. It didn't get much better than this!
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A/N: Well, that's the end of my first fanfic and I got it done before heading off on my vacation! Hopefully I didn't get the ending too sappy for you! I hope you had as much fun reading it as I did writing it. Your wonderful reviews have boosted my confidence and have me thinking of more stories to write! Janissima
Sam took in the silence and the stares with concern. Was she going to be reprimanded the minute she got back and carted off to a holding cell? She didn't think either the Colonel or the General would do that, but she wasn't positive. "Uh... hello guys. Is everyone OK?" she announced to the room in general.
General Hammond was the first to recover. "Sergeant Miller, go and get the villagers of Kortaul right away. Major Carter, welcome back!" He moved to the end of the ramp. "Thank you sir," she mumbled. Sam stayed where she was, watching her team mates. She didn't know what had gotten into them but she wasn't sure she liked this. Geez, she thought they'd be at least a little glad to see her!
Teal'c stepped forward next, the first of her team mates to recover. "Major Carter, it is good to see you well," and he inclined his head toward her.
At the sight of the large Jaffa, Anya hid her head in Sam's neck and the other children gasped and tried to hide behind her. All of them except for Josef, who stood by her side and hid his sister behind him. They had seen Jaffa in their village just a few days ago and knew what they were capable of. At the display by the children, Teal'c cocked his head to one side and stopped his advance up the ramp.
"Hey, it's all right. Teal'c won't hurt any of you, I promise. He's a good friend of mine." Sam reassured the children. They peeked out from behind her and looked cautiously at the Jaffa. Slowly the group made their way down the ramp, pausing in the middle. Sam looked at Daniel and the Colonel. She couldn't quite read the expression on her CO's face. He seemed somewhat in shock. There may have been relief there as well. And she detected a bit of anger in his eyes. She closed her eyes briefly and looked to Daniel.
Daniel came up the ramp and stopped right in front of her. "My God, Sam. We didn't know for sure you were alive! How did you manage to get back here with these children? Who are there? Are you OK? Your arm is injured."
"Relax Daniel, I'm fine. Just an abrasion on the arm. I'll let you know everything in a while OK? I need see to the children first."
"Who is this little beauty?" Daniel asked, indicating the little girl in Sam's arms. "What is your name honey?"
Anya put her head back in Sam's neck and refused to look at Daniel. "This is Anya Daniel. She's five years old. She doesn't talk right now. She saw some...things that made her want to keep her thoughts to herself for a while." Sam looked pointedly at Daniel during this speech. He got the picture, as did the rest of the people within hearing distance. Daniel walked down the ramp the rest of the way with Sam and the children and looked to Jack. Was he going to come over and say something to Sam?
Jack couldn't take his eyes off his 2IC. He couldn't believe she was back and that she had gotten there without any help from them. Well, actually, he could believe it, but he was still in a bit of shock. How had she done it, and with seven children in tow? He was also feeling anger, not toward her anymore but toward himself. OK, maybe a bit at her for disappearing on him for four days. But he felt more anger toward himself. He should have been there with her: she was his responsibility, as were these children under her care.
Before Jack could say a word, General Hammond spoke up. "So, who do we have here Major Carter?"
Jack finally found his tongue. "Yeah Carter, it looks like you picked up some souvenirs on your little side trip. Care to share with us?"
Sam looked at him carefully, still not sure what he was really feeling. She decided to let it go for now. She had the children to think of.
"You already know Anya. This is Josef and Kiera. They are Treyem's children. Over here are Jalia, and Teegan. And these two handsome devils are Kellan and Bryson. They're brothers. I found them all in the meeting house that Treyem told me about. We had quite an adventure, didn't we guys?" and she smiled gently at all of them. "This is General Hammond, Daniel, Teal'c, and Colonel O'Neill. Remember I told you about them?"
The children nodded to the men. Teegan stepped forward and tugged on Daniel's arm. "Major Sam told me that you knew all about the Stargate. She said you'd tell me about it. I already know that it takes seven symbols to come here. How does that work?"
Jack smiled for the first time and said quietly, "Remind you of anyone Teal'c?"
"Indeed he does O'Neill. He seems very similar to Daniel Jackson."
Daniel shot both men a look, then leaned down toward Teegan. "I'll tell you all about the Stargate after we see about finding your family and you get checked out by the doctors, OK Teegan?"
"OK. I can't wait!" came the enthusiastic reply.
Just then the cargo bay doors slid open to reveal a contingent of villagers from Kortaul. Leading the group was Treyem and his wife Maresa. They stopped short at the sight in front of them. Then Treyem cried in a loud voice, "Josef, Kiera you are safe. Oh, my beloved children, you are safe!"
The two children stepped off the end of the ramp and were engulfed in ecstatic hugs from their parents. More cries of gladness could be heard from other adults as they found their children and were reunited with them. They had not dared to believe that they would see their children again, but here they were, safe and whole.
As the reunions were taking place, Sam stepped to the side, still with Anya in her arms. The little girl watched the scene before her with large, sad eyes. She knew her mother would not be coming for her. She didn't know what had happened to her father. Sam talked quietly to the little girl, feeling tears prick the back of her eyes. She was overjoyed to see the happiness of the others before her, but sad for the little girl who held onto her so tightly.
A man with blonde hair made his way from the back of the crowd, slowly circling the lucky parents who had their children once again in their arms. He had seen his wife taken by the Jaffa, but didn't know what had happened to his little girl. As he made his way to the front of the group, he looked toward the people who had brought them here. He stopped short when he saw Major Carter, a little girl wrapped around her body.
"Anya," he whispered. He couldn't get the name out any louder. Then: "Anya?" as he walked closer.
The little girl turned her head toward the voice. She stared intently at the man making his way toward her. "Papa?" she whispered.
Sam turned in amazement to the little girl in her arms. She had spoken! Sam looked back to the man approaching and let Anya down as she began to wiggle in Sam's arms. Anya ran full throttle to her father, shouting "Papa!" loud enough for everyone in the room to hear. As her father gathered her close in his arms, the tears of joy ran unchecked down his face.
Sam couldn't hold her own tears in any longer as they ran unabated down her cheeks. Right now she didn't care about looking professional or about the repercussions she might receive from this mission, she knew that the scene before her made it all worthwhile.
Unbeknownst to her, Sam wasn't the only one with tears in her eyes. Daniel's eyes were suspiciously moist, as were the General's. Teal'c had an uncommon wetness to his eyes as well, but he blinked rapidly and tried to appear his usual, stoic self. Colonel Jack O'Neill, leader of the best SGC team at the base, had to keep looking down at the floor and remind himself to remain impassive. It wasn't an easy thing to do.
Jack felt the need to redirect his attention as the children were being reacquainted with their parents. He took Sam lightly by the elbow and brought her a few steps back from Daniel and Teal'c. General Hammond followed the two officers.
Jack stopped and cleared his throat, "Uh... Carter, there are some things we are going to need to talk about."
Sam wiped her eyes and looked up at her CO. "I know Colonel, but before you start anything, please let me say something. I know I disobeyed a direct order when I went back looking for those children. I'm sorry if I made you worry. I regret the need for you to spend extra time and personnel on figuring out how to come and get me. But I have to be honest with you, both of you," she indicated General Hammond in this as well. "If I had to do it all over again, I would do exactly the same thing. I mean this..." and here she indicated the scene in front of her, "is a hell of a lot more important in my book than retrieving any weapon could ever be."
The two men looked at each other after her little speech, not sure what to say. Jack's intention had not been to reprimand her, but to get some answers to the myriad questions he had about her solo mission. Before they had a chance to respond, Treyem came over to them.
"Major Carter," he held out his hands and took both of hers. "I can not begin to thank you enough for what you have done for us. You are truly an andolana, a guardian of children. You have brought back to my wife and me what is truly most important to us. For that, you will always be honored among our people." And he bent forward and kissed both of her hands.
Sam, a bit flustered with all of the praise and attention, dropped her hands from his and hugged him. "You are most welcome Treyem." She pulled back. "But you must know, that I could not have done it without Josef and Kiera's help. Josef showed us the way to the second Stargate on your planet and Kiera helped so much with the younger children. You should be proud of both of them, I know I am!" She smiled in the direction of the two oldest children, who came over and gave her hugs of their own.
Anya scrambled down from the safety of her father's arms and ran over to Sam. "Major Sam!" she cried as she launched herself at Sam. The Major bent down and caught the happy child. It was so good to see Anya smile and hear her talking! Anya gave Sam a big hug, kissed her on the cheek, and looked intently into her eyes. "Major Sam, thank you for bringing me back to my Papa. You promised you would take care of us and you did. I love you, Major Sam."
Sam couldn't believe that her eyes were tearing up once again! "I love you too Anya," she said quietly to the little girl.
Once the other four children saw their friends giving Sam hugs, they came over and wanted to show their thanks and appreciation as well. Bryson, who was still wearing Sam's shirt, was the last to give her a hug. "Thank you for not letting me fall when we crossed the bridge Major Sam. I want to be brave like you when I grow up."
"Bryson, you are already very brave. Don't forget that. And I would never have let you fall, either would Kellan," and she hugged him tightly.
Most of the guards had left the room by this time, but the four men who had waited and worried for four days heard all that the children had to say to Sam. They were extremely touched by the deep feelings the children and Sam had for each other, and for how she had worked tirelessly to get the children back. This was further proof to each of them of the special qualities that made up Major Samantha Carter.
While the children were huddled around Sam, Jack quietly stood next to General Hammond. "You know, she's right sir. This..." and he indicated the group of children hugging his Major, "is a helluva lot more important than any weapon or technology we could ever acquire." He paused and looked thoughtfully at the small group, then turned to the General. "There will be no charges filled against Major Carter or any disciplinary action taken in this matter. I hope you will back me up in this General. Hell, I think she should get a commendation medal for this, not some mark on her record."
The General looked carefully at Jack. "I don't know if I could push through a medal, son, especially since she did disobey a direct order. As for the rest though, it's your call Jack and I'll back you 100%. Of course, that means you give me your assurance that you won't 'ring her neck' like you threatened to," he said with a smile.
Jack gave the General a wry grin. "Don't worry. I think if I tried, I'd have a large Jaffa, a livid archeologist, and seven very angry children on my case! I'd not make it out of here alive!" The two officers shared a laugh, then General Hammond made his way over to the small group on the floor.
He felt it was time to get the children checked out in the infirmary and get some food into them. "Sergeant Miller, Airman Woods, please escort the children and their parents to the infirmary. Make sure you contact the commissary to have hot meals ready to be delivered for seven; make that eight, hungry people," Hammond stated, looking down at Sam.
"Do we have to go Major Sam?" asked Jalia. She wanted to stay with both her parents and Major Sam.
"Yes, you all need to get checked out by the doctors but don't worry. I'll be coming right behind you. Then you'll get something good to eat, we haven't had much to eat today. And after you eat, I know I promised you some..."
"ICE CREAM!" they all shouted together.
Sam and the other adults in the room laughed at this and the children went less reluctantly with their parents to the infirmary, thinking ahead to the ice cream they would get to taste soon.
Sam found herself suddenly exhausted and couldn't seem to get herself up from the crouched position she had taken beside the children. She was physically and emotionally exhausted. Sam leaned back on the back of her legs and placed her hands on her thighs. She bowed her head and took some deep breaths, trying to regain her strength and her composure.
Daniel came over and crouched beside her, putting his arm around her shoulders and talking quietly to her.
"Colonel, I think it's time you escorted your wayward Major to the infirmary. While we are all anxious to hear about your adventure Major, we'll wait until tomorrow when you are more rested. Briefing at 0900. And Major Carter, welcome back once again," the General stated with a smile.
Jack came over to Sam and lightly grasped her elbow. He nodded to Daniel to take her other arm and then both men helped her gently to her feet.
"Come on Major Sam," he used the children's name for her. He rather liked it himself! "Let's get you to the infirmary. If you're good, you can have some ice cream with your new friends."
Sam looked at him with tired eyes and saw only friendship and concern for her reflected in their depths; no anger or consternation. She shared a small smile with him as she was led to the infirmary by two of her team members, Teal'c picking up her pack and following.
She had meant what she said before, if she had to do it all over again, she would do exactly the same thing. But it sure was good to be home. The children were all back with their families and she was back with hers. It didn't get much better than this!
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A/N: Well, that's the end of my first fanfic and I got it done before heading off on my vacation! Hopefully I didn't get the ending too sappy for you! I hope you had as much fun reading it as I did writing it. Your wonderful reviews have boosted my confidence and have me thinking of more stories to write! Janissima