When
Chapter seven - The Wind Beneath her Wings
The SGC hadn’t changed in the last five months. It was still gray, it was still deep underground and it still had a pulse, rhythm and scent all it’s own. Daniel stopped in the open door of his office and took a deep breath. Somehow, he wasn’t surprised to see Jack there. Nor was he surprised by the look of pain on his face. Mentally bracing himself and taking another deep breath, he walked into the room.
“Hey, Jack,” he said, to the man standing, staring unseeing at his desk, who whirled at the sound of his voice.
“Hey. Daniel. How you doin’?” He asked, the cheery note in his voice obviously forced.
“I’m doing well, Jack. How’re you doin’?” Daniel asked, as he looked at his friend with sympathy in his eyes. This was going to be hard, he knew, but he had promised Sam.
“I’m actually doing better than I thought I’d be. I’m surprised at the agreement of the President to make an exception in Carter and Martouf’s case and allow them to be on a team together,” Jack said.
Then seeing Daniel’s somewhat skeptical look, he added, “I think I’m gonna be okay, Daniel. There was never anything there really, although we both sometimes pretended that if it wasn’t for the military, there would be. The truth is that I’d have bored Carter in a week and she’d have driven me nuts with her techno-babble. We’re just too different and much as I hate to have to admit it, Martouf probably is the better man for her. I just really wish he wasn’t, well, you know.”
Pausing he cleared his throat and turning to fiddle with a statue on Daniel’s desk, he finally asked, “Do you think, well, that is, will they, will they be happy, Daniel? Carter deserves to be happy, you know?”
“Yeah, I know. And yes, they will be. They love her very deeply. Do you really think they’d leave the Tok’Ra, even part of the time like this, if they didn’t? Have you thought of what it’s going to be like for them? Lantash will only be able to come forward here, when they’re with us or they’re home alone. It’s going to be very hard for them to adjust here, more so than it is for Sam there. She really enjoys being with the Tok’Ra, Jack. She’d have stayed with them, but Martouf and Lantash wanted her to be with her own people, especially now.”
Daniel waited quietly for the question he knew would come, and that Sam had asked him to answer, if at all possible, before the ceremony, to be sure Jack didn’t hear it from someone else. Therefore, he waited for his words to sink in and for Jack to ask the question. It didn’t take long. Daniel watched as Jack’s knuckles turned white as he gripped the statue. Thank goodness, it was solid and couldn’t be crushed.
Looking at the statue in his hand, Jack asked softly, “Why especially now, Daniel? What’s so different now than a couple of months ago when she was going to stay with the Tok’Ra? Wasn’t she going to go ahead and blend or something? Whatever happened to that?” Still he didn’t look at Daniel.
“Sam’s two and a half months pregnant, Jack. They’ll be spending time in both places until the baby’s born, and then they’ll decide what would be best for all of them. The Tok’Ra are on the run a lot and raising a baby might be better here. They’re going to have to see how it works out. Now that Sam knows she can get pregnant, she won’t blend until they have all the children they want. However, there’s no doubt that she’ll be blended eventually. Not because Martouf is pressuring her either, but because she wants to.”
Daniel watched as Jack controlled his emotions. “She’s pretty much walking on air and Martouf and Lantash are in shock, but they’re also very excited. Janet wants Sam here, of course, and the healers on the Tok’Ra base would like to have her there. Who knows where they’ll end up, but for now, they are going to be here and on SG1. Martouf and Lantash will be an excellent addition to the team, Jack. He’s got a lot of intel and knowledge to help us. In a couple of months, Sam will have to start slowing down some, too. So having Martouf already on the team will be a help.”
Jack put the statue down. He knew the worst now and he could cope with this. Turning to Daniel, he said, “Yeah, he probably will be a help and an asset.”
Changing the subject, he asked, “So what’s this I hear about Anise and Freya taking part in an exchange program? She’s gonna be here for several months working with you and then you’ll go there for several months? What’s that all about?” Seeing the flush rise in Daniel’s cheeks, he looked at him with wide eyes and an open mouth. “You’re kidding, right? Daniel, tell me you’re kidding.”
“Sorry, Jack, but I’m not kidding. Anise and I were attracted and then I got to know Freya and the next thing we knew we were, um, well we were falling in love. I do love them, Jack. I’m glad they are going to be here, and I hope you can manage to be civil to them. I know that at one time Freya was kind of sweet on you, but things have changed so…” He left the sentence dangling, as he looked at Jack.
“That’s not a problem, Daniel. I won’t be trying to ah, no, no way, no. Nada. Not going to happen,” Jack was firm in his reassurance.
“Good. Cause I don’t want to have to compete with you, either. I’m glad to know you never had any wish to, well, that you just weren’t interested.”
Jack seemed to notice for the first time that Daniel was wearing the pants and a cummerbund that would be worn with a tux. “Um, why are you dressed like that Daniel? Are you in this ceremony?”
“Yes, I’m standing as best man to Martouf and Lantash along with Malek. Janet and Anise are standing with Sam. The ceremony’s only a few hours away Jack. I wanted to talk to you and since I didn’t know how much time I’d have left, I got dressed first.” Daniel grinned, and said, “Now, I have to go help Martouf figure out how to get into his. He’s a nervous wreck already.”
“So is it a traditional wedding
then? I haven’t heard many details;
Teal’c and I’ve been off world a lot. In
fact, we were on Eudora last week. I’m
thinking of taking a vacation there or maybe on
“I’m glad, Jack. I’ll be sure to let Sam know. I’m glad you’ve checked on Serata and that Narim’s taking an interest there. I liked what little I saw of her, and I think she’d appeal to him,” Daniel said thoughtfully.
“Yeah, he has and I’m glad cause I know it bothered Carter. Narim, I mean,” Jack said. “Well, listen, I’ll let you go get Martouf ready for the big moment. You didn’t answer my question though. Is it a traditional wedding with all the trappings?” Jack asked again.
“Yes and no. Martouf asked Sam to wear something blue to match her eyes, so she’s wearing a gown that Anise designed for her, and no it isn’t like that. It’s a deep blue and it’s made like a traditional gown except for the color. It’s beautiful. They discussed the service and decided on a combination of Tok’Ra and Tau’ri words and phrases. And the General and Garshaw are presiding.”
He paused before adding, “You know the Government is giving Martouf citizenship. He’ll get his identification under the name of Martouf Lantash. Which means they’re also probably going to recognize the marriage as legit.” Watching Jack closely, he asked, “Are you sure you’re going to be okay?”
Jack nodded decisively, “Yes, I am and I’m happy for Carter, Daniel. I’ll tell her myself after the wedding, but if you get a chance to tell her for me, please do.” A sudden thought seemed to hit him. “Are they giving him a rank, too?”
Daniel grinned, “Yes. Jacob’s been bringing him up to speed on how the military here really functions and what he’ll need to know. I think he’ll end up being an excellent officer. He’s used to a lot of responsibility and to commanding others.”
“He’ll be a Major like Sam. Major Lantash, which Martouf is having a problem answering to. The Government didn’t take the side affects of the name into consideration.”
Jack gave a whoop of laughter as he pictured Lantash appearing to answer one of the Pentagon bigwigs as they called him Major Lantash. Maybe this entire situation would have a few good laughs in it. It was worth looking on the bright side of it anyway. Looking squarely at Daniel again, he reiterated, “You tell Carter I’m happy for her, about both the marriage and the baby, Okay?”
“I’ll tell her, Jack, don’t worry. She’ll be happy to hear it. She wants you and Narim to be happy, you know that.” Looking at his watch, he said, “I’ve really got to go and help Martouf.”
“Go ahead, Daniel, I really am fine. In fact, there’s something I need to do,” he said, as he headed for the door. He needed to see the General. He had a plan to help Sam and to make this day one she’d remember with nothing but joy. Suddenly, he stopped, turned back towards Daniel, and said, “Tell me, tell me the lizard isn’t coming, Daniel, please.”
Daniel grinned at him and was tempted, but in the end, he told the truth, “I’m afraid Sam’s been deserted, Jack. Tash found a girlfriend of his own and he’s moved in with her. He does still visit the tunnels, though, and he’s brought his girlfriend a couple of times. The girlfriend seemed very taken with Jacob, so Martouf named her Jacarta,” Daniel assured him solemnly.
Jack grinned at him, then laughed at the mental picture of Jacob and a lovelorn lizard. Daniel was glad to hear him whistling as he took off down the hall.
The Stargate whooshed and Jack waved
and headed out. He stepped out onto the
steps of the Stargate on
As he stepped onto the Tollan world, he hoped he wasn’t wrong. It didn’t take long for him to contact Narim.
“Colonel O’Neill, it is always a pleasure to see you. To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?” Narim greeted him in his quiet polite way.
“It’s good to see you, too. Listen, I don’t have much time, so I’m going to be straight to the point. Rumor has it that you’ve been seeing Serata. Is that a serious thing, or are you just checking on them?” Jack asked bluntly.
Narim straightened and looked at Jack intently, before saying, “I have been finding myself drawn to her. The Nox helped both her and Taira to overcome their fears and pain. We are becoming close, although I have not yet requested that she become my partner. Why do you ask?”
“Carter is getting married today.” Jack said bluntly.
Narim looked at him blankly for a moment and then light seemed to dawn, and he said, “She and the Tok’Ra, Martouf, are taking one another as life partners?”
“Yes. Today, in a couple of hours. Serata, Taira and Kynthia, as well as Alekos and his wife are coming to the wedding. I though you might want to come, as an escort for Serata,” he said, with meaning in his voice.
Narim nodded slowly and then said calmly, “Samantha has felt guilt over me, Colonel? And this is to relieve her mind, is it not? I will be happy to attend. If you will wait, I will be ready in a few minutes. You are in your dress uniform so I assume it is a formal affair?”
“Well, not extremely formal. Just, you know, wear something nice, if you know what I mean? And we don’t have much time,” Jack said, as he followed him to his apartment.
“Please, make yourself comfortable
and I will be with you momentarily.”
Speaking from the other room as he dressed, he said, “I assume we are to
go from here to
“Yeah, she was excited come to think of it, but I think a lot of that was because I told her you might be going,” Jack answered him.
Ten minutes later, coming into the room, changed and ready to go, Narim said, “Tell me, Colonel, is it customary to give a gift at the time of a joining?”
“You will be giving her a gift, Narim, and so will I, don’t you think?” Jack asked.
Looking thoughtful for a moment, Narim finally nodded, ‘Yes, I see what you mean.” Smiling in his usual quiet way, he said, “Then let us go, so that we can deliver our gift to her on time.”
The two men left the room together and headed for the Stargate, ready to complete their mission.
“Martouf would you just stand still?” Daniel asked, for the tenth time. “Lantash, please, take control before Martouf makes himself sick or ends up going into his wedding half naked.”
His eyes flashing, Lantash said stiffly, “I am not sure why you think I will be any better than Martouf, Daniel. Do you think I have no emotional feelings over this event?” He asked, as he jerked under Daniel’s hands as he tried for the eleventh time to get his tie tied correctly. “Why must I wear this thing around my neck? It is very uncomfortable and I do not like the feel of it.” He stated almost petulantly.
Hiding his amusement, Daniel replied, “You realize, you sound like the typical Tau’ri bridegroom. You have to wear it because you insisted that Sam have at least a halfway traditional Tau’ri wedding. In a traditional Tau’ri wedding, the men dress like this. And most of them complain about it, just like you are.”
“Will you please stand still?” Daniel said exasperatedly at the end of another five-minute struggle to get the tie correctly tied. “Selmak, can you do anything for these two?” Daniel turned to ask, as Jacob entered the room. His question was asked of Selmak, but Jacob answered.
“Nope, not a thing we can do. It’s all part of the marriage ceremony. The groom gets sick to his stomach and can’t sit still. Here, I brought some port. It won’t do anything for them, but it will give them something to do besides worry about screwing up their vows.”
Jacob cautioned Lantash as he reached for the glass, “Whatever you do, don’t spill it on your shirt.” Watching as they took the glass, he further commented, “If you don’t stop shaking so much, you’re gonna spill it for sure.”
Lantash sent him a disgruntled look, but made more of an effort to remain calm and to steady his and Martouf’s nerves.
“There.
Finally,” Daniel announced, as he managed to do a decent job, while
Lantash had been paying attention to Jacob.
“If it takes as long to fasten the cufflinks as it did to tie the tie,
we won’t be ready in time for the ceremony.
Give me your arm, Lantash.” He
sighed as Lantash began to fidget as he attempted to fasten the links, and he
watched as he took another glass of port and finished it off in one
swallow. “It’s a good thing it doesn’t
affect them. At that rate we’d be
holding him up by the time the ceremony starts.” Daniel laughed suddenly at the mental picture
and Jacob grinned as he had the same one.
“Almost too bad it doesn’t have an affect,” Jacob commented.
“How is Samantha, Jacob? Is she nervous? It is not making her feel unwell is it? She has been sick lately, as you know, and I am worried about her. She seems to be unwell for no reason at all. I have been with her at all hours of the day and night when she is ill, and it is most disconcerting.”
“It’s called morning sickness, Lantash, as I’m sure she’s explained, and it will probably pass in a month or two, although it can be terrible at the time.”
“But, it does not happen in the morning, Jacob. It happens at all hours.” Lantash answered anxiously. “I am very worried.”
“Well, you can stop. Janet gave her something for it, and she doesn’t appear to be very nervous. She’s not having any second thoughts, she’s just quietly happy, or so she seems to me.” He looked at Daniel. “The reason I’m here is because she asked to talk to you, Daniel.”
Looking surprised, Daniel said, “Well, okay, if you
can keep Martouf and Lantash from walking a rut in the floor and finish getting
them dressed, I’ll go talk to her. Be
back shortly,” he called as he headed out the door wondering what Sam wanted.
After knocking on the door, Daniel smiled as Anise opened it. He kissed her lightly and then looked into the room and caught his breath. “She is a beautiful ‘bride?’, is she not? I have the correct word?” Anise asked.
Smiling at her, Daniel said, “Yes and yes. You’re looking beautiful, too.” Looking over at Janet he said, “In fact all three of you are looking lovely.” He was surprised when Janet and Anise thanked him and then left the room.
“What’s wrong, Sam?” Daniel asked, as he saw the anxiety in her eyes.
“I was,” she drew a deep breath, and tried again, “I was wondering if you’ve told anyone about, well, about the baby.” She looked at him, her real question in her eyes.
“Yes.
I told Jack. He’s okay, Sam, in
fact he told me to please tell you that he’s really happy for you and I believe
he means it. I think Narim is going to
be all right, too. I hear he’s spending
a lot of time on
Smiling tremulously, she said, “I’m so relieved, Daniel.” Hesitating for a moment, she then went on to ask, “Did you know that Narim called me his fallen angel? At first, I though he meant I was soiled, unclean, but then I finally remembered the rest of what he said. He was telling me that even though I’d fallen I could get up with help from my friends. And I did. That’s why I asked you to come here. I have something to tell you.”
“You don’t have to say anything, Sam, I know. Jack was the one to ask the Tollan to contact the Nox, you know. He’s the one you should thank.”
“I will, Daniel, but you’re the one that made it possible. I didn’t remember for quite a while, but then it came back to me in bits and pieces until I had it all. Lya used you, with your consent, didn’t she? The first time she came, they didn’t know what to do for me, so she did the only thing she could think of, and she gave you part of my pain so that I could begin to function. You shared all of it. The pain, the memories, all the emotions I was feeling. You suffered for weeks until she came back again, and you didn’t tell anyone, not even me.”
“It’s okay, Sam. I wanted to do it. And they didn’t just give me all that and not give me other things too, things that helped to work against it, just as they did you. And the second time she came, they had figured out how to really help you to get past it. Me, too. Not just your pain, but the pain I was carrying over Sha’uri. It helped me more than I can say, Sam. So I should thank you.”
Sam laughed lightly, “Only you, Daniel, would thank someone for making them miserable.” She shook her head as she looked at him, and said, “That’s not all I wanted to say. I did want to thank you for everything you did to help me and all the time you spent with me.”
“But, there’s something even more important that I wanted to tell you. I don’t know why we always wait to say things to people, but I’m not waiting any longer and taking a chance that something happens, and I never said it. I thought about it while I was held by Gamtesh. It’s what made me realize that I loved Martouf and Lantash, that it wasn’t just Jolinar. And there’s something I’ve never said to you that I want to say, and I want to say it now. I love you, Daniel Jackson, and I think I will until the day that I die. I have for a very long time and I wanted you to know. That’s all.” Daniel watched as a tear rolled down her cheek.
Daniel took her in his arms and hugged her to him. Wiping her cheek, he kissed her gently, and said, “Ah, Sam, I love you, too. I have for a very long time and I know I always will. Be happy, Sam.”
“You too, Daniel, I want that as much as I’ve ever wanted anything.” Sniffing and smiling all at the same time, she said, ‘You probably should go back although I imagine you’re getting bored waiting by now. I imagine you’re all bored to death.”
“Ah, no, Sam, I haven’t had time to get bored. Martouf and Lantash both are nervous wrecks. If they aren’t pacing, they’re sitting down and then popping back up like a jack-in-the-box. I had to try fourteen times before he’d stand still long enough for me to get his tie tied. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Lantash like this. I can see Martouf being nervous, but not Lantash. I’m never going to let him forget it.”
“Oh, Daniel, they haven’t changed their minds, have they? Maybe they don’t want to go through with it and that’s why they’re so upset,” Sam said, suddenly upset herself at the thought.
“No. No, that’s not it at all. I think they’re afraid you’re going to change your mind. Not seeing you all last night or today is taking a toll on them, let me tell you.”
Sam smiled, and gave Daniel another kiss. “Take that to them and tell them I can hardly wait to be joined to them. Please?”
“With pleasure, Sam. I’ll see you shortly. It won’t be much longer now.”
“I know. It can’t happen fast enough for me.” She said, as he smiled his sweet smile at her. With a wave, he headed back to the nervous grooms.
“What did she want, Daniel? She has changed her mind, has she not? She has decided that she does not wish to become my mate and that we should not do this.” Martouf was back in control and, if anything, he was more nervous than ever.
“No, that isn’t what she wanted. She simply wanted me to reassure you that she hadn’t changed her mind, and that she was excited and looking forward to becoming your mate. Stop stressing over this Martouf. You’re going to mess up just from being nervous if you don’t calm down,” Daniel said, with all the patience he could find. “It won’t be long now, so just try to calm down. Really.”
“You are correct, Daniel. I should not be so nervous. I will try to become calmer. Perhaps if I make an effort to stay still and take some deep breaths, Lantash will have more success in dampening the chemicals that are no doubt flooding my system.”
“I’m sure he would,” Jacob spoke up. “Listen I have to go be with Sam. I get to walk in with her, you know. That’s part of the traditional Tau’ri wedding that I’m going to enjoy. I’ll talk to you later and remember that you’re among friends and everyone wishes you and Sam well, Martouf. So, just calm down. Later, Daniel,” Jacob said, as he breezed out the door and left Martouf with Malek and Daniel.
“I too believe you should try to remain calm, Martouf,” Malek advised. “You are going to wish to do the ceremony correctly and being nervous will not be conducive to that. I believe I need to go get the flowers now, is that correct, Daniel?”
“Oh, yeah, for the lapels. Cassie will have them, I think,” Daniel said, after giving it some thought. As soon as Malek left the room, Martouf turned to him.
“What did Samantha truly want, Daniel? She could have sent that message with her father. I would appreciate the truth, please.”
Daniel drew in a breath, before saying quietly, “She wanted to thank me for agreeing to share the pain she was experiencing. The first time Lya came, she didn’t really know what to do for her. So, they gave her beautiful thoughts and transferred some of her memories and pain to me so that she had less to cope with. I realize I didn’t tell you that when I talked to you that night, but I didn’t want Sam to realize, and I was afraid you might slip and let her know. Anyway, she’s remembered what Lya did, that it wasn’t a dream she had, and she wanted to let me know that she appreciated it.”
“The second time they came, they had figured out how to heal the mind, as you know. Obviously,” Daniel grinned at him, “Since Sam had to have become pregnant that night or shortly thereafter.” He laughed as Martouf flushed before Lantash could control it. He was too busy with other emotions and hormone levels, the adrenaline not the least of what was running rampant through Martouf’s system.
Martouf smiled, but said, “There is something else though. That is not all she wanted either. She finally told you she loves you. I am glad. It has been worrying her that she had never told you.”
Daniel looked at him with relief that he didn’t seem to mind.
“She has every reason to love you, Daniel. I understand and I understand that you love her. I also understand that it is not in the way that she and I love, therefore, it is quite acceptable to me.”
“Good. Cause you’re right and I do love her.” Looking at his watch, he said, “Thirty minutes. It won’t be long now.” They turned as Malek came back with the boutonnieres and Anise and Janet who helped them put them on. Daniel watched, as Martouf seemed to gather himself together. After taking a few deep breaths, he seemed noticeably calmer. Finally.
“Sam, you look beautiful. You remind me of your mother,” Jacob said softly to his daughter. “She’d have been happy for you, Sammie, and so am I. Martouf and Lantash are good men. They love you and they’ll take care of you to the best of their ability. Yes,” he said, holding up his hand, “I know that you can take care of yourself for the most part. I just meant that you’ll be precious to them and they’ll do everything they can to make you happy.”
“I know, Dad. I love them too. So much. I can’t believe I ever wondered if it was Jolinar or me. Our feelings were similar, but mine were different. Now they’ve finally merged and the love for them is one feeling. I’m so full of emotions today. I feel like I could cry a river or dance forever. I want to laugh and cry all at the same time, but I don’t think its nervousness. I think it’s excitement. I feel as if someone’s given me the universe and told me I can do anything I want.”
“Your mother said something very similar the day we were married. She said she felt as if someone had just given her the world and told her she could have it all and do it all.” He smiled as he remembered that day.
“I love you, Dad. I love you very much. I should tell you more often,” Sam said suddenly.
“I love you, too, Sam, I love you too.” He smiled at her as he held her in his arms, and then he said, “Sel wants to tell you something.” He bowed his head, Sam watched as Selmak took control.
“Major Carter. Samantha, I wish to tell you that I too care very much for you. I share your father’s deep love for you and I am proud of my daughter on this day. Jacob is correct. You are a very beautiful woman.”
“Why, thank you. I care for you very much too. I’m glad my dad has you. I don’t think I ever thanked you for giving him back to me, and I should have. I’ve never forgotten even if I’ve never said anything. Thank you.”
“Jacob also gave me life, Samantha. Without him, I would certainly have died. The benefits were, and are, mutual. I thank you for giving him to me.” Leaning forward, he surprised Sam by kissing her lightly on the cheek.
Looking at his watch, Jacob took control and said, “Fifteen minutes, Sam. It won’t be long now.”
“Thank you for inviting us, Colonel. I am truly happy for Samantha,” Serata said, in her soft voice as she stood at Narim’s side.
“No problem. I thought seeing you and Narim would make the day even more special for her. I’m glad you agreed to come,” Jack said, as he smiled at the quiet spoken young woman. Quiet, gentle, and intelligent, she was perfect for Narim.
He saw Teal’c talking to the younger
sister. She seemed fine with the huge
warrior, no longer afraid of him just because he was male and a
What sounded like a flute accompanied by a guitar and perhaps a harp began to play. They watched as Garshaw and General Hammond mounted some steps to a ramp that had been placed on the other side of the gate. The gate looked odd, but somehow right, festooned in white and blue satin, laces, ribbons and flowers. All blue and white except for the occasional deep red rose. The rose that says, “I love you.”
Jack had barely made it back with his guests before they had started to decorate it. It looked, wedding-like, he thought.
Everyone turned as Martouf, Daniel and Malek entered and mounted the ramp, the deep blue of the tuxedos and the white shirts matching the gate decorations. Jack grinned as Martouf reached up to loosen the tie around his neck, only to be stopped by Daniel’s hand on his arm.
Suddenly the tone of the music changed, with the instruments going from nice music to something that sounded soothing and beautiful. With the change, the airmen lined up in front of the door and raised their swords. Janet came through first. Dressed in shimmering ice blue satin with an overdress of sapphire blue lace, she looked lovely. She smiled at Malek, her partner for the day, as she walked beneath the raised swords towards the gate. Anise followed and she too was lovely in the blue on blue. She smiled towards Daniel as she, too, passed under the upraised swords. He acknowledged her with a smile in return.
Once again, the music changed and became hauntingly lovely. Sam and her father entered to walk between the raised swords of the airmen. The General wore his Air Force uniform and beside him, a vision in deep blue satin and lace, stood Samantha. The full-skirted satin gown, hugged her body. The deep vee’d neckline hinted at things, as did the deep vee in the back. The long tight sleeves ended in long points on the back of her hands. Dozens of tiny buttons made there way down her back and on the sleeves they climbed to her elbows. Her blond hair shone like a golden cap, and her blue eyes reflected the deep blue of her dress. She carried a bouquet of deep red roses, blue carnations and baby’s breath.
Jack’s breath caught in his throat at the stunning picture she made. He looked down, as Kynthia’s hand made its way into his and she looked at him and smiled. Squeezing her hand, he smiled back at her. Dreams were just dreams, sometimes reality was better.
/She is lovely is she not, Martouf?/ Lantash asked, as they caught sight of their Samantha, as she entered on her father’s arm. /It is truly a wonder that we have found her and that she agreed to be our mate. Never will she regret this day./ He vowed to Martouf.
/She is, Lantash, and I agree. I do not know what we have done to deserve such as she, but I am thankful that it is so, and I will strive every day to ensure that her life with us is as full of joy as possible. We both will, I know./ Watching her walking toward them, her beauty shining in her face, her smile for them alone, Martouf almost forgot to breathe and so did Lantash.
/Martouf! We must breathe. / Lantash said, faintly.
/Yes, we must./ Martouf replied as he took a deep breath and watched as she neared them.
As Jacob and Sam stopped at the top of the ramp, she and Martouf first faced one another and bowed their heads in a respectful gesture to each other. They turned together with Jacob between them and stepped forward until the Stargate framed them, their attendants on either side of them. General Hammond and Garshaw stepped forward, and the music stopped.
The General started the service, “We have gathered here today, to share in the joy of Samantha, Martouf and Lantash. They have asked that their friends be here to witness that which they have to say to one another as they give their pledges, one to the other.”
Garshaw then stepped forward, to say, “Martouf and Lantash desire to join their lives with Samantha as Samantha desires to join her life to theirs. With respect and joy, we will listen as they speak. Be silent, and witness with reverence, the stating of their vows."
Sam and Martouf bowed to Garshaw and General Hammond. Then they turned to Jacob who took the deep red rose from his lapel and kissed it before placing it into Sam’s bouquet. Leaning forward, he kissed her gently, then taking her hand in his, he reached for Martouf’s and placed her hand in his. Looking at him, he said, “Not even life itself is more precious to me than this woman whom I now give into your keeping. I ask that you Love her, honor her, and cherish her, all the days of your lives as the most precious of any gift you’ve ever received.”
Looking first to Samantha and then to Jacob, Martouf answered, his voice alive with emotion, “We will. Never will any gift be more loved or more precious to us.” Bowing to them, Jacob stepped to the side as Sam turned to give her bouquet to Anise. She turned back to Martouf and Lantash and gave them her other hand.
Clasping their hands tightly, she looked into their eyes and said clearly, and firmly, her voice filled with the love she had for them, “I, Samantha, take thee, Martouf, to be my bonded mate, my husband. I promise to love you, and honor you, to cherish you, and respect you, all the days of my life.”
“Freely, I give my heart into your keeping, knowing this love of ours will endure and grow, and you will both nourish and protect it.”
“I promise to give to you comfort, support, and strength. I promise to share your sorrows, your joys, your hopes, and your fears. I will laugh with you, and I will cry with you.”
“I pledge to you that the day will not dawn that I do not yearn to touch you and hear your voice, nor will the night come that I do not long for you by my side, for I believe that we belong together. You are my other half, and you have made me whole.”
“Forever and always, until our time together is no more, I vow to keep myself only unto you, to worship you with my body, and love you with my heart.”
“From this day forward, you, Martouf, are my love, and my life, my partner, my husband, and my mate, forever and always. Into eternity, I love you.”
Taking a deep breath and clasping her hands tighter, if that was possible, he smiled almost shyly at her, as he said in a clear, but slightly shaking voice. “I, Martouf, take thee, Samantha, to be my bonded mate, my wife. I promise to love you, and honor you, to cherish you, and respect you, all the days of my life.”
“Freely, I give my heart into your keeping, as I accept yours into mine, knowing this love of ours will endure and grow, and you will both nourish and protect it.”
“I promise to give to you comfort, support, and strength. I promise to share your sorrows, your joys, your hopes, and your fears. I will laugh with you, and I will cry with you.”
“I pledge to you that the day will not dawn that I do not yearn to touch you and hear your voice, nor will the night come that I do not long for you by my side, for I believe that we belong together. You are my other half, and you have made me whole.”
“Forever and always, until our time together is no more, I vow to keep myself only unto you, to worship you with my body, and love you with my heart.”
“From this day forward, you, Samantha, are my love, and my life, my partner, my wife, and my mate, forever and always. My heart belongs to you, and it will be yours into eternity. I love you.” Bowing his head, Lantash took control and prepared to speak his vows, but Samantha halted him, with a slight shake of her head.
She said softly, but again, clearly and firmly, “I, Samantha, take thee, Lantash, to be my bonded mate, my husband. I promise to love you, and honor you, to cherish you, and respect you, all the days of my life…”
“…From this day forward, you, Lantash, are my love, and my life, my partner, my husband, and my mate, forever and always. I love and accept you, in all your diverse beauty, today, tomorrow, and on into eternity. I love you.”
Lantash could be clearly heard, his voice husky with emotion, his tones even deeper than usual, as he said, “I, Lantash, take thee, Samantha, to be my bonded mate, my wife. I promise to love you, and honor you, to cherish you, and respect you, all the days of my life…”
“…From this day forward, you, Samantha, are my love, and my life, my partner, my wife, and my mate, forever and always. I vow to you that never will you have cause to regret this day, as long as I draw breath to see to it that it is so. I love you.”
As he finished speaking, Sam smiled at Lantash, unashamed of the tears she wasn’t even trying to control, and then turned to Anise who handed her something. She turned back to Lantash and taking his left hand in hers, she said. “I, Samantha, give unto thee, Lantash, and thee, Martouf, this ring, as a symbol of my eternal love and devotion. As the circle is unending and eternal so is my love for both of you. Please wear my pledge to thee as the outward symbol of my vows to you.”
It was obvious to everyone in the room that Lantash had not been expecting this. Evidently, he had not been expecting what the ring depicted either. The wide gold band had sculpted into it, two hearts bracketing the symbols for a man and a symbiote who in turn had between them the symbol of a woman. Inside the inscription read, “Come, be one with me, S.C. He touched it reverently.
Still
speechless, he looked blankly at Daniel when he handed him something, and
indicated that he must do something.
Struggling to gain control of his emotions, he took it, then he looked
at Samantha, and seeing her smile at him so lovingly, he finally found his
voice, and remembered what he was supposed to do.
His voice, deeply husky and raw with emotion, he said, “We, Lantash and Martouf, give to thee, Samantha, this ring as a symbol of our eternal love and devotion. It is with hearts full of love that we ask you to wear this circle, the symbol for eternity, for that is how long our love for thee will live. Please wear our pledge to thee as the outward symbol of our vows to you.”
As he slipped the beautiful diamond and sapphire ring onto her finger, the General stepped forward, and said, “In as much as Samantha, Martouf, and Lantash have spoken their vows, one to the other, exchanged rings as tokens of their love, and had us to witness this, it is with great joy and pleasure that I declare that they are now joined, as is the custom of both the Tau’ri and the Tok’Ra.” He waited for a moment, then said softly, “Well, go ahead, son. You may kiss your bride.” Lantash and Martouf didn’t need to be told twice. They lowered their lips to hers and kissed her deeply, completely lost to the music and the applause that was greeting their newly formed bond. He and Martouf changed places seamlessly so that they both shared this first kiss in their newly formed estate.
Daniel watched with a small smile playing about his lips, as Martouf cradled Sam and murmured to her, so softly and gently, that Daniel could not hear him. He watched as Sam blushed, as people began to come up and congratulate them.
As things calmed down and people went over to get some food or something to drink, Samantha Carter leaned her head against Martouf’s chest and sighed her love to him. As he kissed her gently, she remembered what Narim had said; When angels fall, they just need time and help to recover. When they were healed, they soared again. She was going to be all right.
She looked over at Daniel as he stood with Anise, some of the Tok’Ra, and her team. He lifted his glass in a silent salute to her. She’d be fine, just as he had promised her. This fallen angel was about to soar.
Turning to the ones who were the wind beneath her wings, she held out her hand and they clasped it. They were going to soar.
Together.
The End.
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