Tapestry, Part 1
Tapestry, Part 1
by AriadneM
Summary: A major thread in the tapestry of Sam's life has come to an end, but a new thread is at hand.
Category: Missing Scene/Epilogue
Episode Related: 817 Threads
Season: Season 8
Pairing: Jack/Sam
Rating: FAM
Warnings: none
Disclaimer: Stargate SG-1 and its characters are the property of Showtime/Viacom, MGM/UA, Double Secret Productions, and Gekko Productions. I have written this story for entertainment purposes only and no money whatsoever has exchanged hands. No copyright infringement is intended. The original characters, situations, and story are the property of the author(s).
Archived on: 2005-02-11
"And now if you will all stand, the Tok'ra High Council will lead the chant of mourning."
Jack gratefully rose from the hard folding chair-finally, another standing part! Glancing sideways, he assessed Sam's profile. Chin firm, eyes resolute, she gave a short determined sigh as she straightened. She looked completely exhausted, but she would do her father proud one final time. Pride and concern and love filled him till he felt he might not have room to breathe. Feeling his gaze, she turned and smiled that special Carter smile that made his knees go weak, and then he felt her hand sliding across his palm, and he smiled back, his most special, private smile, as their fingers intertwined, and he squeezed her hand reassuringly.
He'd been at her side almost continuously since he watched her say goodbye in the infirmary. Jacob's final words had been his final gift to her: "I ... love ... you." So simple, and yet so complicated, those three words. Words he'd never been able to say to her, but words that would not wait any more. Once the grieving was done, he would make it clear to her that Jacob Carter was not the only man who loved her unconditionally. Somehow, he would make his heart's commitment manifest; he would be there for her, in every way she'd let him, as long as he drew breath.
Yesterday had seemed endless. First an elaborate military funeral, followed by a somber burial ceremony. It was quite overwhelming, even for Jack, who had been to some big ones. There were so many scrambled eggs[1] and stars on display, he thought the junior officers' arms might fall off from all the saluting. Ever the perfect daughter and officer, Sam had somehow kept her composure until the very end, when she'd finally broken down in Mark's arms. It was really too bad Mark couldn't at least have stayed overnight, but with so little notice, just arranging to be there had been a challenge.
As soon as Mark had let go of her, she'd turned to Jack, letting him pull her into his arms and crush her against his chest; not caring who was watching, he'd stroked her hair and whispered gently that it would be okay, he'd be there for her. Finally he'd been able to take her home and put her to bed. Despite her protests that he must be tired too, and she could take care of herself, he'd refused to go further away than her couch, in case she needed him during the night.
As it turned out, sheer exhaustion had won out and they'd both slept like logs, but he'd managed to get up first and have some breakfast ready for her when she finally wandered downstairs, not yet fully awake but looking utterly sad at the knowledge that it hadn't been a dream, her father really was gone.
He'd been thrilled to get a small smile as he held up a waffle on a fork, making a show of smelling it appreciatively and then waggling his eyebrows at her. She'd even eaten a bit, mostly to please him, he was pretty sure, but hey, whatever worked.
In the car on the way to the base, she'd let her head rest on his shoulder, and he'd even dared to put his arm around her, figuring they weren't likely to be seen by anyone who mattered, but not really caring if they were. She needed his strength and comfort to get through this, and nothing else much mattered in his world while that was so.
And now here they stood, over an hour into this long and formal ceremony at the Alpha site, honoring both Selmak and Jacob, symbiote and host, who together had helped to save the galaxy one last time. It was a moving tribute, and the number and variety of mourners were a testament to them both, but he could see that Sam had been through just about all the ceremonial mourning she could handle. He longed to take her home so she could grieve in private, but for now, all he had to offer was a smile and a reassuring squeeze. She squeezed back, and he knew it would be okay. Somehow, the gods alone knew why, she loved him too, and his support would see her through.
To be continued...
[1] "Scrambled eggs" is common military slang for the gold decorations on the hat visors of senior officers - the more eggs, the higher the rank.
If you enjoyed this story, please send feedback to AriadneM
Heliopolis Main Archive
A Stargate: SG-1 Fanfiction Site
Tapestry, Part 1
by AriadneMSite Navigation
Support Heliopolis