Breathing Space
Chapter Nine
All the Rest of Their Tomorrows
Martouf looked around the cafeteria the next morning at breakfast and was struck anew at the change in the atmosphere. Where there had been an indefinable tension the day before, there was now a relaxed and easy feeling. There was more laughter and smiles. Not that laughter and smiles had been completely missing before, for they hadn’t been. But, somehow, today it seemed easier, less restrained, as if it had been released from some dark place and let out into the sunlight.
Jacob and Janet Fraiser were having breakfast with the General and Resenna. Martouf blinked. He had not realized that anything had developed between the General and her, but it probably should not surprise him. She was older, a calm and sensible woman. Her symbiote, Arisanal, too, was a quiet one, not given to outbursts or snap decisions. Looking around he realized that at many tables there were Tau’ri and Tok’Ra, sitting together talking, laughing, and sharing their meal. And it was not only hosts that were in the forefront. Many of the symbiotes were the ones in conversations.
/So, once again something that our Samantha has done has brought out two peoples together to find a better understanding. This is exactly what the General was hoping to accomplish with his exchange program. I would guess that there are several Tok’Ra who will be staying on when we return to the tunnels, Martouf,/ Lantash said, his satisfaction obvious.
/Yes, and from what I am seeing today, I am guessing that we have simply been so caught up in our own world that we have not seen these things developing. I would guess that several SGC personnel may be going to the tunnels for some time, as well,/ Martouf answered.
/I agree. I think it is exactly what we needed, so even though it was deeply distressing for many of us, some very good things seem to have come out of it,/ Lantash said.
Martouf sent him a smile and a hug. It was a very good feeling this quiet happiness. They were anxious for their Samantha to return, but it was a normal feeling of missing her, not the panic they would have felt before.
/No, it is not,/ Lantash answered his feelings. /This is how it should have been all along. Yes, we miss her, and we wish she was with us, but the overwhelming fear is gone. Yes, something could still happen to her, but something could happen to her with us in the same room as well. We cannot help but worry, but we now know that we cannot keep her safe. And we can live with it./
/It is a great relief, Lantash, as if a burden has been lifted from us. We survived not knowing and came out stronger for it. She did not intend this, but since it happened, I can see that it has forced us to come to accept the truth of what she was saying./
/Yes, dear one, it did. Now, all we must worry about is whether or not she will be home for the birth of our child. It very well could be that she will not be here, Martouf. We must accept that as a possibility. She is due anytime now, we are both aware of that fact, and as she said, the child shall choose its own time to arrive. She has no control over that. Perhaps it would be just as well if it did happen before she arrived back./ Lantash said.
/Why, Lantash? Why would you not wish to be with Samantha?/
/I do wish to be with her, Martouf, but childbirth is not an easy process. And,” Lantash stopped, wondering if he should remind Martouf of the child birth classes they had attended what seemed like a very long time ago now. The movie Janet Fraiser had played for them had been graphic and while they were both aware of the process neither of them had actually seen a birth. Well not for a very long time anyway. Lantash seemed to remember helping at a birthing a very long time ago, but the woman had been a mother several times over and the process easy compared to what they had viewed.
/And what?/Martouf prodded him.
/And it is, well, it will be painful and we will be able to do nothing for her, Martouf, nothing but hold her hand and help her breathe./ Perhaps we should ask Janet to go over everything again, in case she does get back in time to have our child here./ Lantash fretted as the thoughts chased themselves around his mind.
/Lantash, dear one, you are simply replacing one worry with another one. We went through several classes with her and Janet. We will be fine. Stop worrying./ Hoping to distract his friend, he said, “There is Daniel and he does not look very happy. I wonder what is the matter?/
/See if he will join us, Martouf. We will see if we can not find out what the problem is. He could simply be lost in thought about some ruin or artifact he is studying. He looks just as absent minded when he is doing that./
/No. There is something else on his mind,/ Martouf said, as he motioned him to join them.
“Good morning, Daniel, how are you today?”
“I’m doing fine. I slept a little better last night, I have to admit. I didn’t realize just how tense I was over not knowing what was happening. I thought I had myself convinced that they were fine, but I must not have. I think I slept as if I was dead for a good six hours.”
“Only six hours, Daniel?” Martouf asked, frowning. “That is not very long when we have not rested well for so long. Both Lantash and I slept for well over twelve hours, which is a very long time for a symbiote. I suspect that Lantash has been getting even less sleep than I have, though, for he can increase the chemicals that help me to sleep. However, short of putting himself into a dormant state, which I know he did a few times, there is nothing else he can do to help himself sleep.”
“I didn’t realize he wasn’t putting himself into a dormant state. He should have been. You were both very tense.” He sighed before saying, “We’ve all been tense. There is a palatable sense of that tension easing this morning. Jack stopped by this morning, and he said there was a party last night that went on into the wee hours. General Hammond cancelled all off world trips that weren’t absolutely necessary for today, so everyone can just enjoy the feeling of relief.”
“But you are not feeling relief, Daniel. You are quite tense,” Martouf said gently. “What is wrong, Daniel?”
Daniel shook his head as he stared at the pancakes he was just playing with instead of eating. Finally, he looked up, saying, “It sounds crazy, but I think there is something wrong with Anise. I can’t explain it. It is just a weird feeling I’m getting that Freya was lying to me. Something in her voice, I guess.”
“What do you mean, Daniel? What was she lying about and why do you suspect that there is something wrong with Anise? Do you mean she is ill? That would be very unusual.”
Daniel shook his head again, as he tapped his fork against his plate, obviously deep in thought. “I asked to talk to Anise and Freya said she was asleep. That she had been up all night working on the communications and that she had just fallen asleep. She didn’t want to disturb her.” He took a sip of his coffee and looked at Martouf, who was staring back at him.
“Anise was asleep when they contacted us?” He finally asked. “And Freya didn’t want to awaken her? I have to admit it does sound odd.” Martouf frowned.
“At the time, I took it at face value. I mean, no doubt others were doing as much as they could so that Sam would rest. But then, the more I think about it, the more worried I become. It just doesn’t make sense. And shortly after that she said she should allow someone else the opportunity to talk to their mate and that was it.”
“There were several people who needed to talk to their mates and no doubt Malek wished to talk to Selmak. Perhaps it was simply that she was truly tired, Daniel. As you said, they may all have been doing extra to keep Samantha from doing it and by doing so she became exhausted. It’s possible. And knowing they now have communications it is not as if you will not get to talk to her the next time.”
Daniel indicated his refusal to agree with what Martouf had said, “She just really sounded strange to me once I thought about it. I woke up in the middle of the night convinced that something is very wrong and there isn’t anything I can do about it. We’ve been apart for almost five months now, and the last time we were together it was a very brief surprise visit by me. Surely Anise would have wanted to talk to me. Perhaps, she no longer cares for me, or she never truly did, and now she realizes it. She was attracted to me first though, so that makes no sense. If it was Freya, I would believe she was still not in love with me. But I would have sworn they both loved me.”
“They do both love you, Daniel. Whatever the cause, it is not because she does not care for you. I feel quite certain of that, and Lantash agrees with me.”
Daniel sighed again. “Perhaps I’m over reacting. I just feel it, you know? Freya was keeping something from me. It just makes no sense for Anise to be asleep when they contacted us. None at all,” Daniel said firmly.
“That is not true, Daniel,” Lantash came forward to say. There are many reasons a symbiote might be dormant and exhaustion is certainly one of them. Do not forget that Anise wants to return to you as much as Samantha wants to return to us. She would be working herself very hard to try to accomplish that, and when you add the issue of Samantha’s pregnancy into the equation, you have a true reason for her to have done so.”
Daniel still looked unconvinced, but he did seem a little more relaxed. “I suppose you could be right. At any rate, there is nothing I can do about it, so worrying is pointless. Let’s try changing the subject; maybe I can just forget the entire thing for a while. They are safe and that’s the main thing. Now that we don’t have to worry about an attack taking place as they were settling in, we can concentrate on some of those writings we found a week ago in that temple. The one where there seemed to be missing sentences, but we couldn’t figure out why.”
“You know, General Hammond and Selmak could be right about those phrases that describe the birthplaces of the symbiotes. I’m wondering if the two are connected. We have sentences that make very little sense on the one hand, and a temple with poetry that appears to have missing lines on the other. It wouldn’t hurt to look into it at any rate.”
“I remember. You could be right and they may be connected and, as you say, it will not hurt to check it out. Would you care for some help? I’d be glad to have something to occupy myself with. The next few days are going to be very long I’m afraid.”
“Look on the bright side, Lantash. You know she’s safe, and if she has the baby before she gets back, you and Martouf won’t have to go through the worry of the birth. Although,” he added, “it would be a shame to miss it. It’s a pretty special happening.”
“We agree, Daniel, and that is why we wish to be there. It is something that may never happen for us again. We have already missed the last two months of her pregnancy through no ones fault but our own. We do not wish to miss the culmination as well.”
“Well, rest assured, Sam will do her best to get back here for the big event so that you can be there with her for it. She wants you to share it with her as much as you want to share it with her. So just keep in mind that they will all be working flat out to get the DHD up and going again, as soon as possible.”
“Yes, I know.” Suddenly Lantash laughed. “We are also worrying about her working too hard. It seems we are destined to worry regardless.”
Daniel grinned at them as he finally began to eat his now cold pancakes. “That’s what new-daddy’s-to-be do best. They worry. So, you are doing your job. Just relax and go with it.”
“I will remind you of that when Freya is the one that is carrying your child, Daniel.”
“Somehow I just can’t see Anise agreeing to that. It would be a fantastic thing to have happen, of course,” he said, his eyes shining softly at the thought, “but the chances of it are pretty slim.”
“Do not be so sure, Daniel. There is really no reason that Anise would not agree. What are a few months? She would not have to go to sleep for the first month or so, and would awaken as soon as the child is born to help Freya’s body readjust quickly. I can see her agreeing to it.”
“Really? So, you think I should maybe bring it up to them? Talk to them about the possibility? I mean, I agree with Selmak, and it would be nice if our kids could have each other to play with. I remember you telling me about Sam talking about them not being able to go to school like normal kids would. And she’s right, they can’t, not as long as the NID is out there. So, it would be a nice thing to have one right away so they can all grow up together.” Daniel nodded once, decisively. “You’re right, and I will talk to them as soon as I can. Well, as soon as they are back, and we can be alone and discuss it,” he revised his comment.
Martouf took control back from Lantash, and grinned as Daniel both asked questions of them and answered them himself. They agreed with him anyway, “Yes, Daniel, we believe that is a wonderful idea.”
“Me, too.” Daniel finished his pancakes and stood. “Ready? We may as well occupy ourselves.”
“We are ready, Daniel.”
Martouf smiled at Janet Fraiser as she stopped him in the hall. They had heard from Verduna two days ago when the ships had arrived. Again Freya had given Daniel an excuse for Anise not talking to him. Both he and Martouf were puzzled, but her excuse had been that someone was needing her right away and they had to leave. They loved him and would see him very soon now. They hoped to have the DHD working in two or three more days.
“Martouf, believe what Sam told you. She said she is fine and we have to trust her. She sounded fine. Without being able to examiner her I can’t tell you anything else. Keep in mine that many first babies are late. So don’t worry so much, we could still have another three weeks to go even after her due date.”
Martouf smiled slightly, saying, “While we know this intellectually, Janet, we do not seem to be able to make our hearts believe it. Daniel says it is new-daddy-to-be syndrome, and that we have to worry; it is obligatory, and we can do nothing, but suffer through it. The next one, he says, will be easier. Or so he has been told. I do not think it would ever become easy.”
Janet smiled broadly at him, as she said, “Well, he is right, so just try not to worry too much. And I really think that if they can get the gate fixed she will make it back before it is born. I just hope that going through the gate this close to her delivery date doesn’t throw her into it before she is ready. I don’t suppose you have seen enough of that type of gate travel to know?”
“I have seen women who were in the process of labor enter the circle to go to a certain midwife. They returned with healthy babies. Not right away of course, but perhaps a few days later. Gate travel does not seem to harm very young infants either.”
He watched as she relaxed. “Good. I have to admit, that part kind of had me worried. I almost asked Selmak, but I was afraid it would upset Jacob, and if he hadn’t really thought about it, I didn’t want him to begin worrying.”
“I understand. It is something we have thought about, too, and Lantash has shown me many instances of it happening, beyond those with which I am familiar, with no ill aftereffects. I just hope she makes it home,” he sighed.
“I know. We all do. And from what they were saying, they should have it fixed anytime now. The next people through the gate could be Sam and Freya. So do your best to stay calm. I’m sure if anything happens they’ll contact you.”
“I agree. I just hope they do not contact us to tell us our child has been born.”
“Martouf and Daniel sat in Daniel’s office going over some of the film of the temple with the missing lines of poetry. Or they were pretending to go over it. Finally Martouf stood, saying, “We are not concentrating on this Daniel, much as we would like to believe we are. Neither of us can keep our minds on it. Why do we not simply stop and go get some coffee? At least we will not have to pretend to be doing that,” he grumbled, obviously upset with their inability to think of anything other than Samantha and the coming child.
“Good idea, Martouf. It is twenty-two hundred hours. We should be in bed and asleep instead of having coffee, but I have to admit it does appeal more. Let’s…” Daniel didn’t finish his sentence. The klaxon’s were blaring an off world activation. One that was not expected.
“It could be SG10 coming back. They might be coming back early. Hopefully, it’s not injuries like SG6 were a couple of hours ago. I don’t think Janet has left the infirmary yet.”
“You are probably correct but…”
“Yeah,” Daniel agreed, “let’s go see.”
They headed for the control room, but they never made it there. They met Malek in the hall carrying a very pregnant Samantha. And she was obviously in pain. Daniel didn’t notice. He was looking at Freya walking beside him. Neither of them noticed Martouf take Sam from Malek and head toward the infirmary. They were to busy holding each other.
“Dear universe, Samantha, when did your labor start?” Martouf managed to ask.
“Late - last night,” she panted as another hard contraction hit her. “They’re - very - close together, - Martouf. My - water broke hours - ago,” she bit out. “We don’t - have much - time.”
Rushing into the infirmary, Martouf called for Janet.
She came out of her office and took in the situation at one glance. She started snapping orders and asking questions. When she found out when the labor had started, when her water had broken, and how close the contractions were together, she snapped at the nurse, “Forget the prep, I want to do an exam, but I may just be in time to catch the baby.”
Martouf laid Samantha down on the bed and she screamed at him, “Not - flat, for god’s - sake, I - have to sit - up!”
He crawled into the bed and sat behind her, letting her rest against him, except that she seemed to have no rest. The contractions seemed to be almost continuous. He realized she was in a long dress or shift of some sort and that Janet was not bothering to try to get her out of it.
“Lean her back just a little Martouf, not much. That’s it, that’s good. Oh, yeah, we’re going to have a baby really soon.”
“I can’t - stop – pushing, Janet, - I just - can’t,” Sam gasped.
Janet nodded, “Go ahead, you’re completely dilated. I don’t know how you managed to wait this long.”
“Had to – get the- Aaahhh,”
“That’s right, sweetie, push, Sam.” Then, “Okay, relax.”
“the gate – going. Just – just now – finished – it.” Sam screamed as the next contraction hit, and Martouf held her, forgetting all about breathing, or anything else. All he wanted to do was to stop this for her. No more, he swore to himself. There would be no more children. He could feel the muscles harden in her abdomen and back and he knew it had to be agonizing. She was gripping his hands so hard it felt as if she was breaking his fingers, but if it helped her, he did not care if she broke them all. Lantash could repair them.
“Push, Sam, push - now, - good girl, one or two more like that and you’ll be holding this little one.”
“I don’t – think I – can. I’m – so – tired.”
“You can do it, Sam, here it comes, push… harder… good girl. We’ll have the head out next push. Almost over, hon. Breathe, Sam.”
/Martouf, we are supposed to be helping her to breathe./ Lantash remembered suddenly.
/I know, but I do not remember how,/Martouf replied urgently.
/At this point, I am not sure it matters, and she seems to be doing it herself,/he soothed and calmed Martouf.
They were brought back by Sam’s moan and Janet’s triumphant cry. “One more, and it’s all over, Sam.”
“Breathe, my love,” Martouf tried to help, but he felt bewildered. It was all happening so fast. But at his words, and the touch of his lips on the top of her head, he felt her acceptance of his being there for her, and knew that he was helping. She had made a supreme effort to be here for this birth, and all she really wanted was for them to be there with her. She could breathe, but she couldn’t hold herself. Only he and Lantash could be there and do that for her, and that was what she truly needed from them. Realizing that, he felt calmer, and he noticed the same feeling from Lantash. It was all right. Now, they knew what to do, and they kissed her again, silently giving all their love to her.
She moaned once more, and then he heard Janet saying quietly, “It’s a girl. A beautiful, healthy little girl. Well, not so little, actually. She’s a chunk, Sam.” The baby let out a cry, and then she was placed on her mother’s tummy.
Martouf blinked at the mucky little body that was put onto his Samantha’s abdomen and chest to lie next to her mother for the first time. Women had an odd concept of beauty, he decided.
Samantha touched her cheek and the little one opened her mouth. Sam laughed and cried all at the same time, and watched as they took her to be cleaned up and checked out. She sighed then, obviously exhausted.
“Okay, Sam, we’re going to deliver the rest of this stuff and then get you cleaned up and into a clean bed and clean clothes. Martouf, while we do that, why don’t you and Lantash go get one of Sam’s nightshirts that she bought, for when the baby came. One that opens in the front, so she can nurse easily.”
“In a minute, Janet,” Sam said, as Martouf moved from her back to her side, so that she could lie down. She looked up at him, and smiled tiredly. “I’m glad you were here with me. I’m sorry I couldn’t make it back before. We really tried.”
Seeing her tiredness, he leaned over her and took her lips in a soft kiss, “You are here now, and that is all that matters. We love you, Samantha Carter. More than you will ever know.”
“I love you both, too. Just as much, I promise you.”
He nodded. “We will go and get you some clean clothing and return at once.”
“Hurry. They will have the baby cleaned up soon, and I want you to be here when they give her back, so you can hold her, too.”
He nodded and left to do as they had asked. As he entered the hall, he realized that there were people everywhere. Jacob, the General, and SG1 were the closest though.
“Well?” Jacob asked.
Martouf gazed blankly at him for a moment, as he tried to focus on the question and what it meant. Then as he and Lantash realized what Jacob was asking, they smiled, saying, “It is a girl. We have a daughter. She and Samantha are both fine.”
“Yes!” Jack cried.
“Congratulations, Martouf, Lantash,” Teal’c said in his usual stoic way. Then he smiled. “I am most pleased for you.”
“Thank you. I, um, I have to go get some things for Samantha. They need them.”
He accepted congratulations as he walked through the throng that was now slowly disbursing. It was over, everyone knew it was a girl, that the baby and Sam were fine, and that they would find out later who had won the baby pool. After offering their best wishes, they left so the new father could get back and get acquainted with his new daughter. Martouf saw Malek standing nearby and went to him.
“We wish to thank you for helping Samantha return here for the birth,” he told him.
Malek smiled tiredly, “She would not stop and have the baby there. They insisted they were too close to finishing to stop once she went into labor. She did rest often before the labor started, but she wished to be with you for the birth, so they worked on it until they got it fixed. We had time only to test it once, dial here, send the code, and when she doubled over, I simply picked her up and came through. Thank the universe our own scientists were able to finish the actual work on it with her simply giving verbal instruction.”
He paused before saying softly, “I do not think I have ever been so frightened in my life, as I was when she screamed and doubled over. She had been in hard labor for some time, but only stopping for the pains to pass. Arwanna was with her and kept checking her. She was cared for even as we worked to get her here. Her labor started very early this morning Earth time. Last night for Verduna. So do not think she was not caring for herself. She was.”
“I am glad to know that. She and the baby are very healthy according to Janet, so there is no doubt she was well taken care of. We do thank you for watching over her, as I am sure you did.”
“You are most welcome. Now, I believe I will wait until after Jacob has seen his new granddaughter, and then I will return to Verduna. If I do not see you before I leave, believe that we are all very pleased for you and Lantash.”
“Thank you, and we will bring the child to the tunnels soon, I am sure.” Smiling as he said goodbye, he turned and made his way to the apartment where he soon found what they wanted.
Martouf returned in time for Janet to smile, as she said, “You’re just in time. Sam’s cleaned up and waiting for her own gown. Why don’t you help her to get it on? She could probably manage for herself, but I happen to believe that new mothers should be pampered and coddled a little bit. They do very hard work during the delivery, and they deserve the extra care and attention.”
“I will be very pleased to help her, Janet. I will feel as if I am actually doing something for her, which is more than I could do during the birth,” he sighed.
“You did fine, Martouf. Everything happened very quickly. Normally you would have been able to be of more help, but you were there with her and that was the most important thing. For now, you can help her dress and then help her to the room we’ve got ready. She’s staying the night here tonight and going to the apartment tomorrow. Let me know when you have her settled, and we’ll bring the baby, she’s wanting fed already and these first few feedings are very important.”
“I remember. The liquid that contains the things the baby needs for its immune system. We will work as quickly as we can,” he assured her, as he became aware of the high wail that could only be a new born infant.
Janet nodded, before saying briskly, “As soon as she is settled and has fed the baby, SG1 and Jacob will come in. I’ll have them in scrubs by then, although, the birth itself exposed her to god knows what germs. But, she’s healthy, so I don’t look for any problems for either of them because of that.”
Samantha was sitting gingerly on the edge of the bed when he entered. She smiled at them and allowed them to help her into her gown and then into the other room that was ready and waiting for her.
Martouf picked her up and laid her gently on the bed before bending down, kissing her softly, and resting his forehead against hers. “I love you, we love you. Malek told us what you did. You took a great risk, Samantha, but I am so happy to have you here, I will say nothing other than that I understand why you did it and holding you in this way is worth much.”
“I love you, too. I knew we were almost finished with it, Martouf, and I had to try. I’m so glad you were with me. I needed you with me. Thank you for being there for us.”
Martouf shook his head, saying, “You would have been fine without us there, Samantha, but we are glad that we were there.”
“Yes, I would have had the baby whether you were there or not, but having you there helped me. It made it that much more special. I’m glad you were there.”
They turned to look at Janet as she brought a now cleaned and dressed baby into them. “She really is beautiful, Sam, and everything checked out great. She’s perfect. Here you are, mommy” Janet said, as she settled the little bundle with Sam. “She has some good lungs on her, too,” she remarked over the squalls that were getting angrier by the minute.
As Samantha brought the baby to her breast, and she latched onto the nipple, it finally registered on Martouf and Lantash. They had a daughter. And this time they had to agree with Janet’s comment. She was beautiful. The little bud of a mouth suckled greedily, and Sam smiled down at her.
/We have a daughter as we had hoped, Martouf. A small Samantha to wrap within our hearts. We shall keep her there forever, locked into a place that is only hers that no one else will ever breach, just as our love of Samantha is locked it its place forever./
/Yes. Yes, we have a beautiful daughter. It is an overwhelming feeling, this love for this helpless little creature that is flesh of our flesh. We knew it would be a wonder, and so it has proved to be./
They were brought out of their internal conversation by Samantha talking to them.
“Come and sit here on the bed next to us, Martouf, and hold her.”
“That is not necessary, Samantha, but we will come sit with you,” Martouf said, as he settled himself next to her against the pillows. He was unprepared when she ignored his comment and laid the infant into his arms. He was just as unprepared for the rush of emotions that raged through him. It was wondrous and exhilarating and terrifying all at the same time.
They had a daughter. Looking down at her as she lay in his arms for the first time, he caught his breath. She opened dark blue, but very unfocused eyes, and he smiled wider. He touched her skin and felt the wonder of the softness of her skin. /She is so tiny, so very delicate,/ he whispered to Lantash.
She closed her eyes and was instantly asleep.
He insisted that Lantash come forward to hold her as well. He felt the wonder that coursed through him as he, too, looked down at this tiny being they had made.
/I did not believe the emotion could go any deeper, but it is. She is a wonder, a true miracle for us, beloved,/ Martouf said softly.
/It is. I was not prepared for these overwhelming feelings. I knew we would love this child, but this feeling – it is indescribable,/Lantash replied.
“She is beautiful, Samantha,” Lantash said, his voice low and quiet, so as not to disturb the now sleeping infant. “What are we going to call her? We never did decide on a name, but there were several we liked. Did you finally decide which one you liked best?”
“I was thinking of naming her Latara
Elizabeth. The Latara has aspects of
both your name and Martouf’s and the
Lantash looked down at the small bundle he was holding. He could not get over how very tiny she was. “Neither Martouf nor I would object to that name. It is very pretty. And it will fit her, for she will be as beautiful as her mother,” he said softly, as he placed a kiss on the soft downy head.
He heard Samantha laugh softly, and he looked at her in inquiry.
“She already has you wrapped around her little finger. You will be a very doting father and allow her to get away with all kinds of things you shouldn’t.”
Lantash smiled slightly, “Perhaps you are correct. But, she will deserve to be so indulged. She is such a miracle to us, Samantha. Thank you for this gift of your love. We will cherish her always.” Leaning into her, he kissed her sweetly.
“You are most welcome, my love. Thank you for this part of you and Martouf that you have given to me as well. She is a gift for each of us from the other.” She smiled at him, and then turned at the commotion coming through the door. SG1 and Jacob entered as quietly as a group can enter. She smiled at her dad and held out her arms.
“I get a hug before your new granddaughter captivates you, and takes you away,” she said to him, as he hugged her hard.
“I’m glad you’re okay, Sam. We’ve been worried, but you knew that. You sure know how to make a spectacular entrance.”
“I wanted to make sure everyone knew we were here. I couldn’t do that quietly. Now, would you care to hold her? If, that is, you can pry her away from her fathers.”
“Have you named her?” Jack O’Neill asked. “Did you name her after me? It’s Jacqueline, right?”
“Sorry, Colonel, but we did not. She is to be known as Latara Elizabeth.”
“
Lantash frowned. “We just told you, Jacob. She is to be…”
“Yes, that’s her name, but what are you
going to call her, Lantash? Lat isn’t
much of a nickname. Neither is Tar. But,
“Certainly, you may hold Latara, Jacob,” Lantash replied, but he made no move to give up his daughter. Sam laughed and reaching over for the sleeping baby, she took her and handed her to her grandfathers.
“She’s a pretty little thing, Sam. You did good,” Jacob said softly, as he held her.
“Indeed, Samantha, you, Martouf, and Lantash are to be congratulated. She is lovely,” Selmak added, before returning control to Jacob.
The others all had to come for a better look, but shortly Janet was there shooing them out of the room. There would be more than enough time to see her again tomorrow. For now, mother, fathers, and baby needed their rest.
Goodnights said, the new family was left alone, with the baby once more cuddled in Martouf’s arms.
He watched as Sam yawned. “Go to sleep, Samantha. They brought the small bed for her, and after Lantash holds her one more time we will lay her down. It will only be a moment.”
She nodded, closing her eyes and falling to sleep at once. Lantash held her for a moment, and then carefully lay the sleeping infant down. He returned to the bed to lie beside his mate and take her into his arms where she fit so well, and where she belonged. She snuggled up to him, her arm going around him, murmuring his name. Even in her sleep, she seemed to know who held her. He stretched out beside her, and sighing in near bliss, he closed his eyes.
A moment later, they popped open and he grinned, almost laughing aloud. Something had just registered with him. Now they knew why Anise had not talked to Daniel. She was asleep and would remain so for the next four months or so. Daniel was about to join the new-daddy-to-be club. Still smiling, Lantash and Martouf prepared to follow their mate into sleep. Tomorrow would be soon enough to find out all the details.
Tomorrow. Lantash smiled as he thought of tomorrow. And not only tomorrow, for it was only the beginning. The beginning of all the rest of their tomorrows.
The
End
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