To all my wonderful readers ... My sincere apologies for having disappeared this summer. I lost my beautiful mother to ovarian cancer on July 23rd and decided to take a break from writing. After her funeral my family and I went on a long-planned trip to Europe for 16 days, only getting back home this week. It has been a crazy summer - full of sadness and joys - and I appreciate everyone's patience and the kind words of so many of you! I didn't always get a chance to reply, but can't tell you how much I appreciated the encouragement, thoughts and prayers I received.

I'm back now and will try and finish up the stories in progress. I have a few new ideas swirling and hope to start on those soon. Thank you!

The last chapter ...Sorry if the ending is a bit abrupt but I feel I've reached the end of this story. I hope you enjoy.

"Jack. Jack. JACK!"

"Huh?" The Colonel turned bleary eyes towards his friend and breakfast companion. "What Daniel? What is it?"

"Are you okay? You look like you're ready to collapse."

Jack sighed. "Yeah, I feel like that too."

"What's wrong?" Daniel frowned, worried about his friend.

"The babies were up all night, crying. I looked after them so that Sam could get some sleep." He grimaced. "I'd forgotten this part."

"Is everything okay? I mean, they're not sick or anything are they?" Daniel knew next to nothing about babies and was concerned there was something wrong. He knew it would kill Jack if anything happened to either of his kids.

"They're fine. It's just their digestive system kicking in, or at least that's what Sam tells me. I guess it's normal when they're a few days old. Hopefully it won't last." Jack laid his head down on the table. "God, I'm too old for this."

"Hey Jack", Jacob cried happily as he arrived in the commissary. He slapped his son-in-law on the back "How's Papa?"

"Dying", the Colonel answered morosely, his head still down.

"The kids getting to you already? You know it's only going to get harder, don't you?"

"Don't remind me", O'Neill groaned.

"You might want to consider a symbiote after all", Jacob said seriously, winking at Daniel. "It'd give you more energy and you'd be able to keep up to my grandkids."

"Over my dead body", he muttered in reply. After a second he raised his head, yawning fiercely. "It will get better", he told the two men now seated across from him. "Sam promised."

Jacob laughed. "Right, as if she's an expert in parenthood." At Jack's pained look the Tokra, father and grandfather, relented. "I'm sure she's right Jack. And anyway, you should know, you've done this before."

"I was gone most of the time", he confessed. "Sara handled everything. And anyway, I was a lot younger back then."

"But not as wise", Jacob told him softly. "Don't let it get to you Jack. It will get better. Soon they'll be sleeping through the night and anyway – it's all worth it in the long run."

Jack finally grinned, his face lightening up with the joy that was lurking beneath the exhaustion. "Yeah, it is. Hey Daniel, you up for babysitting?"

Daniel looked horrified. Not that he didn't hope to become a favorite uncle, but he didn't have a clue what to do with two tiny newborns. He had been hoping to wait until they were a bit older. "Uh – why – do you, I mean – are you sure you want to leave the babies now? Isn't it a bit -"

Jack laughed. "I didn't mean now Daniel. They have to stick close to Sam – and I'm pretty sure she won't let them out of her sight for a while. No, I meant when they're older. I'm sure they'll love to have Uncle Danny look after them."

"As long as I can bring Teal'c to change their diapers", the archaeologist agreed. "I'll play with them."

"Fair-weather friend", Jack snorted. "Anyway, I'd better get to work. Hammond wanted to see me for some reason. God, I hope it's not about my reports." He stood and stretched, a big yawn escaping. "You'd think he could have given me a few days off."

Both Daniel and Jacob grinned as they watched the Colonel walk away. "He's happy", Daniel said softly.

"I know. He deserves to be", Jacob agreed. Then, with a big grin he stood up. "But I'm gonna enjoy watching him try and cope with twins."

Daniel laughed as Jacob left. "Hey Teal'c", he called as he saw the big man walk in. "Come and sit. Did you see Jack?"

The man in question made his way slowly to Hammond's office. God, he was tired. He was happy, but he couldn't help but worry about how he was going to handle having young children at his age. He was healthy and still fit, but by the time the kids were ready for college he'd be moving into the senior's home. Maybe Jacob was right – he should think about a – no, he shivered; he'd rather grow old and senile than accept another snake in the head.

"Colonel", Hammond motioned him in after he'd tapped on the door. "Come in, come in." He looked closely at his subordinate, feeling like wincing when he saw the bags and dark circles under the man's eyes. "You look tired Jack."

"Babies Sir", O'Neill said, a grin appearing on his face. "They're cute as hell, but man, can they cry."

"Colic?"

"Hopefully just short term. If not, I may request an off-world assignment for the next few months."

"As if you'd leave Major Carter", Hammond laughed. "I'm sure it will be fine."

"Uh, you wanted to see me Sir?" Jack finally asked, after a few moments of silence. He wondered what was up. Normally the General would have told him to have a seat, especially since he recognized how tired he was. Instead, he was looking as if he was waiting for something. "Uh, I know my reports are a bit overdo, but I will get to them Sir. It's just, with the babies and everything -"

Hammond waived his hand dismissively. "I'm not worried about your reports Jack – well actually I am, but they can wait for a week or so. No, I actually called you here to give you a small present to congratulate you on the birth of your babies."

"A present Sir?" Jack replied, his eyebrows lifting in surprise. "You didn't have to." He glanced around but couldn't see anything and the General continued to sit in his chair, not moving. "Uh, can I ask what -" a flash of light appeared ….

" – the present is?" He shook his head, feeling momentarily disoriented. "Uh – Thor! Hey buddy, what the heck is going on?"

"Welcome O'Neill", his little alien friend answered. "General Hammond informed me that you and Major O'Neill have had your children. On behalf of the Asgard people I would like to offer our congratulations."

"Thanks Thor and uh – thank your people too."

"I shall. General Hammond also asked that I give you a present on his behalf."

"O – kay", Jack again glanced around, starting to really wonder what this present was. He still couldn't see anything so he turned back to Thor. "Uh, what – holy hell!" Suddenly he was lying in a pod – it looked and felt like one of the medical pods he'd experienced a time or two. But he wasn't sick or injured, so what the hell was he doing here? He tried to move but found his limbs were too heavy. The next thing he knew, his lids began to droop. "Thor?" he whispered, as everything around him began to fade out.

He blinked awake, confused for a moment. Soon, however, everything rushed back. He looked down – yup, he was still in the damn Asgard pod. "Thor?" he called. "Where are you? What the hell are you doing to me?" He tried to sit up and this time, thankfully, he succeeded. He swung his legs over the side of the table and waited until the doors 'swooshed' open and his alien buddy walked in.

"What the hell was that about Thor?" he asked indignantly.

"How are you feeling O'Neill?"

"How am I – what difference does that make? I want to know why – wait", he frowned in confusion. "I'm – hell, I'm feeling great." He looked at his friend suspiciously. "How long was I sleeping?"

"Just a few moments of your time. "

"A few moments? But I feel like I've slept for twenty hours. You're sure it was only for a short time?"

"Yes indeed. That is all the time I needed."

"Time you needed – for what?"

"To heal you and restore your energy. General Hammond told us that it is difficult for humans of your age to care for small infants. The Asgard are very pleased that you and Major Carter have produced offspring and we want to help ensure that you will be able to care for them for many years."

"Of course I can care for them!" he answered indignantly. "I don't know why Hammond said that. I'm not that old. In fact, I'm in the prime of my life."

"You are", Thor agreed. "And indeed, you shall be able to care for your children and Samantha. You are healthy and strong and shall remain so."

"Yeah, I know. As much as I appreciate it Thor, I really didn't need you to bring me here to tell me that."

"I did not", Thor told him bluntly. "I brought you here to improve your strength and stamina and to ensure you are healthy and will live a long life."

"You – what?" Jack wasn't quite sure what Thor meant by his words. "Uh, did you do something to me?" He began to worry.

"You will feel much stronger and will have energy for many years", Thor said, not really explaining anything. "I could have made you a new, younger clone – after reversing the process we used to prohibit cloning of your body, but Hammond felt you wouldn't appreciate that."

"Uh – no, probably not", Jack agreed, feeling bemused. "So instead you - ?"

"We optimized you", Thor said proudly. "You body is completely healthy and strong and shall remain so. It is Hammond's gift, and ours."

"Really? He looked in confusion at Thor, still not sure what the heck was going on, but before he could ask for any more details he'd reappeared in Hammond's office.

"Jack!" Hammond looked up from his desk, where a stack of papers lay in waiting. "How was your visit with Thor?"

"Strange Sir. He told me he 'optimized' me, whatever the hell that is!"

"It simply means he used their technology to give you a bit of a boost. It's nothing bad, I promise – or at least Thor promised. I just think you'll find things a bit easier now."

"Oh, yeah." Jack thought for a moment – mostly about how great he suddenly felt – and then grinned. "Thanks Sir. What about Sam? I'm sure she could use a tune up too."

Hammond laughed. "Thor is hanging around for a couple of days. He wants to see the babies so he can report back to the Asgard. He said he'd be happy to help Sam, but we didn't want to surprise her. He'll wait until you say she wants to do it."

A few days later both of them were feeling much better. The short episode of colic seemed to have passed and, although the babies weren't sleeping through the night, and probably wouldn't for a while, at least they weren't crying all the time.

And the fact was, whatever Thor had done had really helped both of them. Jack couldn't remember feeling so strong or energetic for years. He also felt happier than he had since Charlie's death. He didn't really believe he deserved it, but he wasn't about to question it, not now, not when he had a beautiful wife and two wonderful children.

So intent was he on these thoughts that he almost missed the knock on the door. When it sounded a second time he started and then walked to answer it. "Saeena!" he was surprised to see the young woman standing there – surprised, and, if he were honest, a bit nervous. "What brings you here?" He motioned for her to enter.

"I am sorry to intrude Colonel O'Neill," she told him softly.

"No need to apologize. I hope you're doing okay? You've recovered?" He didn't want to think about the fact that she'd just born his child, but knew he couldn't really ignore it.

"I am fine. I feel much stronger. I came by to tell you that I am leaving and to wish you and Samantha well."

"Uh, shall I call her?" he asked turning towards the hallway.

"No – no", she answered quickly. "That is alright. You may tell her for me that I am happy for her. Is the – are your babies doing well?"

"Yes", he answered gently. "Both of them are very well. Did you – would you like to see them?"

She looked torn for a moment but then shook her head. "No, it is best that I do not. You do love them both – equally?" she asked, hesitatingly.

He knew this had been a fear of hers, that neither he nor Sam would love their daughter as much because Saeena had carried and given birth to her. "Yes", he smiled, being totally honest "Like I told you before, it doesn't matter. Both Sam and I are more grateful than we can ever say for the care you took of her. But she is our daughter – that's all that matters – and we love her, every bit as much as her brother." He frowned suddenly. "Actually, there are days I think more. She's not nearly as loud as her brother."

Saeena giggled, looking relieved and – for the first time since he'd met her – happy. "So Saeena, what's next for you?"

"Jacob Carter has arranged a home for me", she confided quietly. "He tells me that the people are kind and gentle, but that they are short of marriageable women. I will be able to marry and have a family."

"Good for you", Jack told her, feeling incredibly happy. He also felt a twinge of guilt, recognizing that at least some of his happiness was due to the fact that Saeena would be leaving Earth. As much as he appreciated what she had done, he figured they'd be happier the farther away she was.

They chatted for a few more moments and then the young alien woman stood. "I should leave you now", she told him. "I am spending the day with Cassie and then I must prepare to leave Earth and go to my new home."

"Thank you for coming by Saeena. It was very good and very brave of you."

"It was nothing", she told him. "But there is one thing I would like to ask."

"Of course, what is it?"

"Could I have – do you have a picture that I could keep?" She spoke in a rush and Jack realized that it must have been hard for her to ask.

"Of course", he answered. "Just a minute." He walked over to the side table and opened a drawer. "I don't have a lot of pictures – most of them are digital – but these should do." He handed her a stack of four or five pictures. "They're mostly of Kate, but one of David too."

She clutched them carefully and then put them into her purse. "I shall look at them later", she told him. With a small smile she walked towards the door. "Thank you O'Neill", she told him seriously. "Thank you for looking after my baby and yours. It as an honor carrying your daughter.

Jack stood quietly after she had gone, thinking of the bravery and sacrifice of that yound woman. "May you get what you deserve Saeena – a man to love you a houseful of children." He thought of the pain she'd endured, and the loss and suddenly felt guilty for the dark thoughts he'd had of her. He would tell his daughter about her.

"Are they here yet?" his wife of two weeks shouted down the stairs.

"Not yet", he answered, "although I just heard a car pull up." They were having a small get together with their closest friends to celebrate the birth of the babies. It was a potluck and Jack was providing the drinks and the meat. They were, of course, barbequing.

"I'll be right down", Sam called. A moment later she descended the short staircase into the hallway, humming as she walked.

"Humming?" Jack asked with a grin.

"Yup", she answered, a saucy look in her eye. "When I'm happy, I hum."

"I've noticed. Just remember though, you can only hum about me and the kids. Oh, and did I tell you that you look beautiful tonight?" And she did! She looked radiant and happy and he thought again how lucky he was to have her as his own wife.

She grinned and gave him a swift kiss on the cheek. She then turned to answer the door when a knock sounded. "Daniel, come on in."

The friends laughed and talked and ate – celebrating the good fortune of their Jack and Sam. It was only as it got later and everyone was sitting quietly – tired from a long day – that the conversation turned serious.

"So Jack", Jacob took a swig of beer, refusing to pay any attention to Selmac's stern disapproval of the fact that this was his fourth. "Have you made a decision on the embryos?"

Jack sighed and put down his own bottle. "We're thinking about it', he told his slightly inebriated father-in-law – although how that was possible with a symbiote he didn't quite know.

"Thinking won't get you very far", Jacob snorted. "Look what it did for you and Sam all these years."

"Dad! You know we couldn't do anything, not with the regs!"

"Pfft", he snorted again. "You could have figured something out. But I guess you did", he suddenly grinned. "Great to blame it on the aliens."

"We blamed them because it was their fault Jacob", Jack objected. "We didn't plan this whole thing."

"Of course you didn't!", Jacob answered smugly, looking as if he were sharing a secret with Jack and his daughter. "So, what about the embryos?"

"We're not quite sure yet", Jack finally confessed. "We don't have to make a decision right now anyway. All we're thinking about is the babies – we can't worry yet about those that aren't even born yet."

"Okay, but I'm just sayin' …."

"You're not saying anything Dad", Sam chimed in. "You're just being nosey."

"Of course I am", Jacob acknowledged. "I'm curious."

Jack took a deep breath and looked around the room at his friends and family. Yes, it had been worth it to get kidnapped by the aliens. As a result he had a beautiful family and life couldn't get any better. At least …

"About those embryos Jacob …"

"Yes?" the man/Tokra sat forward eagerly.

"Well, I'm thinkin' hockey team", was all he said.

Jacob grinned, Teal'c nodded, Janet frowned, Cassie squealed and Daniel pushed up his glasses and raised his brows. Sam – well Sam just smiled. Having a hockey team of their own – an O'Neill hockey team, suddenly sounded like a great idea.

She heard one of the babies crying and stood up. Giving a quick wave to tell her husband she had it, she turned and headed towards the nursery. As she walked she thought about the fact that her life would never, ever be boring – but also knowing that all the adventures, all the time waiting, all the craziness of the past few years – all of it was worth it. She smiled. Yup – the aliens had given her the best gift in the world.