Jack wearily sauntered around the research compound, his arm resting on the butt of his weapon. A soft breeze whispered past his face. He turned his eyes toward the sun and basked in the warmth. He hadn't been able to sleep much since they arrived on the planet. Images of his sister crept into his dreams, punctuated the quiet moments of the day. He tried to disregard the visions, but they were persistent, in a silently disconcerting way.

They had been on this planet for five days and four nights, taking samples of the surroundings during the four hours of brightest light, cataloguing the ruins in the hazy, truncated afternoon, and writing reports by lamplight during the seven hours of night. Except for the shortened days, it had been a gentle, simple mission for which Jack was grateful.

He diligently tried to keep his focus on the objective of the mission, ready for any danger that might present itself. But the inhabitants of the planet, Talanthon, were a peaceful people, and danger didn't seem to be part of their culture. Nor did worry or grief, both of which Jack held in abundance. He forced himself to put aside his unfounded concerns and enjoy the tranquility of the place.

Near the outskirts of the little village, Jack found Daniel sitting cross-legged in a patch of weeds, his notebook nestled in his lap. Jack sidled up to him, found a large rock on which to sit, plucked a long piece of grass, and with it, produced an ear-splitting frack.

Daniel closed an eye and looked up at Jack who glanced sidelong at the younger man.

"I know things," Jack said sheepishly.

"I had no doubt. It's just you know...odd things," Daniel said.

Jack picked a new piece of grass, positioned it lengthwise between his thumbs, and with an embouchure learned on long summer days during a Chicago childhood, Jack blew air through the weed, producing again the mating call of some tortured bird.

Daniel smiled, bemused by the strange instrument.

Jack picked a weed for Daniel and taught him the call of the wild. The whining they produced summoned Teal'c to promptly survey the situation. Jack looked up at the Jaffa, the bright mid-day sun behind him.

"Teal'c?"

"Are you in need of assistance, O'Neill?" Teal'c asked.

"Nope."

"Are you well, Daniel Jackson?"

"Uh, yeah. Great."

"Want to give it a shot?" Jack asked, handing Teal'c his own piece of grass.

Teal'c raised one eyebrow before answering. "No." And then he walked away.

"So, Daniel, find anything noteworthy for your notes?" Jack asked.

Daniel leaned back on his elbows, took off his sunglasses, and let the warm sun wash away his fatigue. "There are some interesting things here, but, all in all, nothing earth...make that Talanthon-shattering," said Daniel.

"You figure out the language yet?"

"It's, well, it's Greek to me."

"Come on. You speak every language I've ever heard of and some that I think you made up. And you're telling me you don't know this one?" Jack said.

"I said it's Greek. To me, it's Greek." Daniel squinted his eyes, wondering why Jack was confused.

"Oh. Well, okay, then. Greek."

Daniel spread his arms out wide and laid down in the tall grass.

"Tired, Daniel?"

"My circadian rhythms are a little off with these compressed days. Other than that, I'm...I feel great. This is a nice place."

Jack looked around the surrounding area. Rolling hills of emerald green, a languid sea that splashed hypnotically against white sand. Okay, so there were trees, but even they were inviting. A perfect place to stop, shore up one's resolve, and relax. "Yes, it is," Jack said, rising.

He wiped the back of his fatigues and ambled off in the direction of the other SGC members. Try as he might, even in a place as restful as Talanthon, Jack couldn't stop the nagging feeling that something was amiss, a fleeting inkling that Siobhan was calling his name. Not one to believe in premonitions, Jack dismissed it as general concern for her well-being.

The last time he had been able to call her, she was unable to speak. Siobhan's caregiver, Lin, translated Siobhan's mouthed words. Jack despised using a go-between to hear that his sister loved him. But that's what the ALS demanded. And it was not lenient in its demands.

He knew Siobhan was in her final days of battling this monster. Jack had promised early on that he would use the time to be with her as much as possible, and he had been able to keep that promise. They had spent countless hours talking and reminiscing. Many more hours were spent with Jack on the receiving end of lessons that his sister fervently wished to impart. There were times of bubbling, loopy giggles and times of quiet, tearful despair.

Through it all there was touch. Regretfully Jack knew that touch, her hand in his, was all he would be able to offer her in those final moments.

That is if he got there on time.

As he stood in the center of the village, the warm breeze trailing across his skin, he tried to let go of the pestering thoughts that took his attention away from the job at hand. He tried, instead, to concentrate on this place and its people.

A young boy, maybe eight-years old, noisily ran out from behind a hut, circled around Jack and tried to use the colonel as a hiding place. Jack looked back to find a young woman with a smile as bright and as warm as the Talanthon sun chasing after the boy. Keeping himself positioned between the two, Jack couldn't help but smile at the game. The boy lunged away, only to be caught from behind by the woman. In mid-stride she snatched him up off the ground and spun him around and around until they were both too dizzy to stand. Breathless and giggling, the two fell to the ground. Jack watched, remembering times when he used to twirl Charlie through the air, calling out the G-forces created as he spun the young boy faster and faster.

"Colonel, have you seen Daniel around?" asked Sam.

Jack whipped around to face her, jostled out of his haunting reverie. "What's that?"

"Daniel. Do you know where he is?"

"Uh. Yeah. He's just at the edge of the village, probably asleep in the grass. Something about his circus...rhythms or...whatever," Jack said slightly shaking his head and rolling his eyes.

Sam lowered her face to mask her amusement.

"Why? What's up?"

"Teal'c and I checked out the ruins up over that hill," Sam said, pointing to a knoll some 200 yards in the distance. "They look good, so we'd like your permission to go up there with Daniel and the rest of the science team."

Jack glanced at the hill and then at Sam. "Sure. Be back in..." but before he could finish, the Stargate spewed out its liquid salutation.

"Colonel O'Neill? This is General Hammond. Come in, Colonel O'Neill," came the voice over Jack's radio.

Jack grasped the device in his vest and depressed the button. "Hey, there, General. It's a beautiful day here in paradise," Jack said.

Sam smiled.

"Colonel? Jack," the general began.

Jack felt his limbs suddenly go cold. General Hammond rarely called him by his first name while out in the field.

"Yeah, go ahead," Jack said, his hand shaking on the radio. He dropped his head ready to receive the in-coming message.

Sam stepped in front of him concerned.

"Jack, we just got a phone call from a Lin in Chicago. I think it's time you came back home, Colonel," General Hammond said. His Texas drawl smoothed out the roughness of the words, but the impact of the message was still the same

Jack screwed his eyes shut tight. "Ah, thank you, sir. I understand."

"I'm authorizing Major Carter to take over command of the operation," the general said.

Jack clenched his jaw and looked at Sam who stood stoically in front of him. Jack depressed the button of his radio. "I'll give her the message. I'll be home ASAP. Thank you, sir," Jack said and dropped his hand. The event horizon dissipated.

"I've got it, sir," Sam told him.

Jack pursed his lips and pulled in the corners of his eyes. He swallowed once, twice.

"I'll inform the rest of the team that you were called away. Don't worry about a thing, Colonel. We'll take care of everything. You can count on me, sir."

"I know I can, Major," Jack said, finding it difficult to keep up the demeanor of CO and 2IC when all he wanted to do was grab her hand and ask her What do I do now, Sam?

"Why don't we go get your gear and you can give me any instructions I'll need," Sam said, making her way toward Jack's sleeping quarters.

Jack stopped in front of the Stargate. "No. Just...just bring it through when you're done. And as for instructions, you know more about this mission than I do. So, you know, do what needs to be done and then...come home," Jack said in a more dejected tone than he wished had left his lips. He looked dolefully at the Stargate. "Dial it up, would ya, Carter?"

"Certainly, sir," Sam said. She pushed the correct number of cartouches in order to activate the gate.

When the wormhole stabilized, Jack took three steps up the ramp before turning around. He looked back at Sam. For a long moment he held her focus, trying to convey his fear and his need for her.

She never took her eyes off of him, silently offering her support. "We'll come home as soon as we can, sir," she told him.

Jack nodded. "Sam," he said, shaking his head.

"I understand, sir," she replied.

Jack turned toward the gate and then disappeared through the liquid transporter.

General Hammond and Dr. Frasier met Jack on the other side. The usual din of his feet hitting the grate was diffused in Jack's ears as he made it to the end of the ramp.

"I took the liberty of reserving a transport for you to Chicago. As soon as you can be ready, we'll get you on that plane," said General Hammond.

Jack nodded and continued toward the doors that lead out of the embarkation room.

"I spoke with Siobhan's caregiver," Janet began.

Jack stopped and gave his full attention to the petite physician.

"Her oxygen levels are very low. There's not much time."

Jack peered through pinched eyes and nodded that he understood.

He walked solemnly to the locker room where he perfunctorily pealed off his gear and stored it in his cubby. With numb fingers he untied his boots, loosened his pants, and pulled off his black t-shirt. Jack absently let the discarded clothing fall in piles. He stepped into the shower stall and washed. As if on auto-pilot, he dried himself, put on his civvies, and sat back down on the bench to tie his shoes.

His hands shook. He tried clenching his fists to control the trembling, but to no avail. He lowered his foot and grabbed the edge of the bench.

His shoulders quaked. He stood up and shook out his arms.

He felt light-headed. The periphery of his vision began to close, like a camera being stopped down.

"Sit down, son. Lower your head," General Hammond said, suddenly at his side, easing Jack onto the bench and gently pressing on his back. "Breathe normally, Jack. That's it. Relax." General Hammond strode to the shower room and came back with a wet washcloth. He placed it on the back of Jack's neck.

Jack tried to straighten up, but the general held the colonel's head down.

"Give it some time, son. Give it some time. When my wife was near the end, I was out on field exercises. Didn't think I'd make it back in time. So, I know the feeling."

"Yes, sir."

"From the looks of things, Colonel, you haven't been able to sleep much. Would you like someone to go with you to Chicago?"

Jack turned his head to look at the general. Did he mean Sam?

"No," said Jack, taking the damp cloth from his neck and slowly sitting up. "I'm fine. Must have stood up too fast. Thank you, Sir." He handed the cloth to the general. General Hammond stared at Jack from under a heavy brow. Jack pulled on his jacket.

"Keep us informed. Take as much time as you need, Jack," the general told him. "Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family."

"I appreciate that, Sir," said Jack, kneeling down to tie his shoes.

General Hammond left Jack to finish his preparations.

The colonel finished tying his shoes but remained crouched on the ground. "My family," he uttered. "Bonnie is my family." He slapped the heel of his hand into his eye and braced himself against the imminent loss. The loss of his family.

*****

Daniel, Teal'c and the members of the science team, plus a few Marine escorts, corralled around the center of the village. Samantha Carter waited until each member was present before she began her explanation.

"Colonel O'Neill has been called back to the SGC. General Hammond has authorized me to take over command of this mission. Therefore, any questions regarding the remaining objectives should be directed to me. That is all. Please feel free to go back to what you were doing." Sam turned toward her tent.

Daniel stood nonplussed, shaking his head, shocked by the callousness of the message. He ran to catch up with Sam. "Is it Siobhan?" Daniel asked, grabbing Sam's sleeve.

Sam stopped, took off her hat, and ran a hand through her hair. "I believe so," she said.

"How can you be so...I mean, Sam. This is Siobhan we're talking about," Daniel said, horrified by the sudden news and the indifference with which it was reported.

Sam held her detached expression.

"I understand that, Daniel. But we have a job to do, and Colonel O'Neill..."

"What are you talking about?" Daniel demanded, grabbing Sam by the elbows. "This isn't about 'Colonel O'Neill'."

"Yes, it is, Daniel. Now more than ever," she said glaring at him. "Colonel O'Neill is counting on us to finish this mission in his absence. I am his second-in-command, and I will not let him down."

"But Sam, he's your..."

"Not out here, he's not. And you know that!" she said pointedly. She grabbed him by the sleeve and pulled him into her tent. Once out of ear shot, Sam began again. "Don't you think I know what's going on inside him right now? Don't you think every molecule in my body wanted to go with him? I love her, Daniel. She's my..." Sam stopped to regain her composure. "For the sake of this mission and the trust General Hammond has in me, I will not let my personal life come first. I can't. I didn't think I'd have to tell you, of all people, that," Sam said. She turned from him and laced her hands behind her head.

"I'll never understand this military mindset," Daniel said, his hands defensively positioned on his hips.

"Consider it one of your blessings," she said.

Daniel dropped his chin to his chest.

"Daniel?"

"What?" he answered, frustrated by her stoicism.

"Do what you have to do so we can get out of here," she said softly, never turning toward him.

Daniel exited her tent quickly, leaving Sam alone where she forced herself to become engulfed in that military mindset.

*****

Lin waited at the door of the convent for Jack. She had received a call from him moments earlier telling her that he would be there shortly. This was her least favorite part of the job as a caregiver, receiving family members, having to inform them that death was close. It was all part of the process of dying, but it never lost its awful power.

She had come to know Jack through the last few months as Siobhan's caregiver. She was impressed by the devotion he had for his sister; by the tenderness and care he showed her. When Siobhan would rest, which was often, Lin would answer Jack's questions about the disease and what they could expect. When all the questions were answered, they would discuss Lin's grown children and how they were doing. She would ask about Sam and that other young man, Daniel? Not much else. Jack wasn't much of a talker, she knew. And in these remaining days of Siobhan's life, she absolutely understood his focus would be and must be on his sister.

Jack appeared at the door to the convent. His face was haggard and his eyes were blood-shot and dark. Lin held the door open for him. He didn't stop to talk as he strode to Siobhan's room.

"How is she?" Jack asked as he quickly made his way down the corridor.

Lin kept up with him stride for stride. "It's good you got here when you did," she said.

Jack glanced sadly at her.

She opened the door to Siobhan's room.

Jack paused outside the door for a moment to gather up his strength. Forcing an exterior of calm, he walked into Siobhan's room.

Lin closed the door and allowed the siblings their privacy.

Jack took off his coat and sat softly on the edge of Siobhan's bed. He rested one hand on the far side of her and with the other gently cradled Siobhan's atrophied hand. He looked into her still shining eyes, bright with the knowledge that her brother was with her now.

"You waited for me," Jack said to Siobhan, smiling warmly. "And they said I was the stubborn one." He shook his head as he gingerly stroked her hand. The ALS had everything now. Everything except her mind, her vision, and her few remaining breaths. It would have those also, soon enough. Jack bent over and kissed her cheek, so soft and still so young. "I'm proud of you, Bonnie. You did this with such dignity and honor. You're the toughest person I've ever known."

Tears slid effortlessly over Siobhan's temples.

Jack lovingly wiped them away. "I have everything you taught me, right here," Jack whispered as he placed a hand over his heart. "Let go now, Bonnie. You don't need to fight anymore." He caressed her hair, brushed the bangs from her forehead. "Don't worry about me, honey. I'll be..."

Like a tidal wave, it hit him. Jack bit down hard on his grief. He focused on her hand trying to abate the tears. Glancing back into her eyes, he found he could no longer swallow his emotions. Jack felt the stinging of tears in his eyes and nose. He laid his head on her pillow, close enough to hear her shallow breaths, as his sorrow embraced him. His own breath came in raspy gulps.

He had been witness to so many senseless deaths, so many gruesome murders, but here was the simple passing of his only sibling. His baby sister.

All the hidden emotions from Charlie's death came pouring into his body. On that awful day, stunned beyond comprehension by the horrific events, Jack could only stand at the edge of the room paralyzed as Sara rocked their dead son in her arms. Jack couldn't hold him, couldn't touch his sweet face, couldn't say goodbye, tell him he loved him.

Here he was again, in the shadow of death, next to his sister who would be leaving him, too. Leaving to be with his son. Jack found the strength to do what he couldn't do so many years ago. "Give Charlie a kiss for me. Tell him I love him. Ask him to forgive me, Bonnie." Jack's tears fell onto the pillow and blended with Siobhan's tears.

"I'm going to miss you, Siobhan," he wept.

Through his tears, his face next to hers, Jack watched as Siobhan eyes closed. His heart ached at the poignancy of the moment. Jack cupped her cheek in his shaking hand and pressed his face into her hair. "I love you, Bonnie. I love you."

*****

"Well done, Major Carter, especially under these trying circumstances," said General Hammond as she and the rest of the group poured through the event horizon.

"Thank you, sir. If you don't mind, Daniel, Teal'c and I, would like to give you our reports as soon as possible," she said taking off her hat.

Daniel and Teal'c stood by her side.

General Hammond recognized the look of concern in their eyes and knew the sooner he could release them from their duties, the better off they'd be. "Of course. Report to the infirmary, find out what Dr. Fraiser has in mind, and then be ready for the debriefing in two hours," said General Hammond.

The three SG1 members nodded to him and made their way to the infirmary. Daniel fidgeted nervously with the string on his hat waiting for a moment when he could confront Sam. The three walked in heavy silence out of the embarkation room, down the corridor, and to the elevators. Once inside, Daniel's agitation caught up with him. He pushed himself away from the elevator wall and gesticulated incoherently.

Sam dropped her gaze from the numbers above the door to Daniel. "Not here, Daniel. Wait," she said. She didn't want the airman in the small enclosure to be a party to this conversation.

Daniel dropped his head in frustration. The doors to the elevator opened, and Daniel, Teal'c and Sam piled out. Three sets of feet plodded into the infirmary.

Janet stood waiting for them. "Welcome back, SG1. How was the mission?" she asked, setting up examination trays as each team member chose a bed.

"It was fine," Sam said, stowing her gear.

Daniel shook his head incredulously. "Look, if you're not going to ask, I am," he said.

Sam remained silent.

Teal'c turned his attention toward Daniel.

"Janet, have you heard anything from Jack?" Daniel asked.

Janet hung her stethoscope around her neck and asked the nursing staff to leave. "Colonel O'Neill called yesterday. His sister had fallen into a coma. We haven't heard from him since, so I'm assuming she's still in a coma," she said quietly, with deference to the people in the room. "Now, let's get these examination over so you can finish up." Janet called in the nursing staff and began the exams. Janet took on the care of Sam, closing the privacy curtain as she stepped to Sam's side.

Sam kept her eyes on the exam table.

"Sam? How are you doing?" Janet asked, well aware of the situation.

"Fine, Janet. Thanks."

"You're sounding rather cavalier about this," Janet noticed.

"That's what I said!" Daniel called from the next bed.

"Janet, you understand my position. Until I'm out of this mountain, I can't afford to be anything else," Sam said, pleading through her eyes for Janet's approval.

The doctor nodded.

"I do understand, Sam. Let's get you out of here," Janet said.

Each member of the away team underwent the obligatory tests, and then they went on to shower and change.

The debriefing was very straight-forward, formal. General Hammond commended Sam for her excellent work under extenuating circumstances. Daniel and Teal'c spoke in support of that same issue, attesting to the fact that the mission could not have continued as smoothly without Sam's leadership.

When the reports had been given, Daniel, Teal'c and Sam excused themselves to their quarters.

Meeting back at the elevators, Daniel and Sam remained silent for their ride to the surface. Once on top, the two stepped into the tunnel leading out to the parking lot. Daniel's face mirrored the concern and anger he felt over the situation. Sam stepped to her car and began to open the door when she suddenly stopped. Daniel looked over to see her hands fly to her face. He dropped his duffel and ran to her.

"Okay. I'm here, Sam," he said wrapping his arms around her.

Sam clamped her hands over her mouth and shook her head. "I don't know what to do, Daniel," she said.

"You get on the first plane you can to Chicago," Daniel told her quietly. "Call us when you know anything."

"I don't know if I can do this, Daniel."

"Yes, you can, Sam. Go. Jack needs you," he said releasing her. "We'll fly in tomorrow."

She nodded her head and opened her car door. "You know how hard the last few days have been, right?" she asked.

Daniel creased his brow and pursed his lips. "I know. I'm sorry, Sam. I should have been more supportive. I do understand," he told her.

Sam sat down in her car, closed the door, cranked the engines and hoped beyond hope that she'd be able to get to Chicago in time.

*****

He had been with her for 38 hours, talking quietly and constantly to her until his voice was ragged from use. Jack held her hand through it all.

When his body could no longer sustain consciousness, when the sleepless nights on Talanthon had finally caught up to him, Jack drifted off.

Languorous smiles and whispered sentiments floated around him, through him. ...Can you...Soft shapes and liquid apparitions swirled through his dreams. ...Jack?... Muted laughter tickled his thoughts. Pigtails and Buster Browns. ...see me... A child danced amidst hills of green. ...you see me...Listen...

From his deep slumber, Jack awoke and turned to Siobhan. The warmth of the morning sun blanketed her still body in a mellifluous shroud. Jack lifted the tiny hand that he still held in his grasp, stroked the cool skin, brought it to his lips and kissed it. "Goodbye, Bonnie. I love you."

He held her hand next to his face. He rubbed his forehead against the smooth skin. "Bonnie...," he whispered, invoking her name like a prayer.

Lin silently entered the room, stroked Siobhan's forehead and pulled the oxygen tube slowly away from her face. She stepped to Jack's side, bent over and placed a hand on his back. "She's gone, Colonel."

Jack nodded.

"I'll leave you alone," she told him, and then discreetly left the room.

Jack rocked back and forth while the hushed grief filled him. Minutes passed by as he alone sat vigil with his sister. Sweet memories of her filled his mind, eased his sorrow, if only a touch. Memories of coming home for holidays, late at night, creeping up to her room and waking her just to hear the latest adolescent gossip. Remembering how she held Charlie, her Godson, singing softy to the infant on her shoulder as Sara slept peacefully on the couch.

"Thank you," he whispered to no one in particular. He stayed by her side, touching her hand, gently rubbing her arm until he could lay eyes upon her face. There he found a luminescence, an aura of peace and serenity. From somewhere deep inside, he felt a strength he didn't know he had. Slowly he leaned over and kissed her tenderly on the cheek.

The door to Siobhan's room creaked slowly open.

"Colonel O'Neill?" came the subdued voice of Sister Mary Catherine. "There's someone here for you."

Jack faced the nun and noticed the tears in her eyes. He stood to his full height, drawing in air slowly. As he passed the nun, he stopped and kissed her lightly on her forehead. "Thank you for taking care of her," he whispered into her ear.

Sister Mary Catherine bobbed her head up and down, her voice gone, swept away in tears.

Jack filled his lungs with cleansing air, exhaled, and made his way into the hall.

Jack found her in the darkened hall with her arms wrapped tightly in front of her. Even in the limited light, Jack could see the blue eyes turning green and brimming with tears. He felt his chest tighten.

"I got here as soon as I could," Sam mewled. "Is she..."

"Twenty minutes ago," he told her.

Sam's face contorted. She bent forward and pressed a hand to her mouth.

Jack stepped quickly to her and enveloped her in his arms.

Sam buried her face in his chest and sobbed. "Shhhh."

"I'm so sorry, Jack. I should be comforting you," she cried.

He held her tightly as her entire body shook. "That's okay, Sam. We'll take turns," he whispered breathlessly to her.

"I tried to get here sooner, but..."

"It's okay, Sam."

"I didn't want you to have to do this alone."

"It was better that way."

"I'm going to miss her so much."

"I know. She loved you, Sam."

"I loved..." Her words were choked. Sam grasped the front of Jack's shirt and held on until she could breathe without gasping.

Jack smoothed her hair, rubbed her back, calmed her.

Siobhan had been a comfort to Sam as much or more as Sam had been to her in those last few months. Even when the disease had ravaged her body, leaving her barely able to communicate, Siobhan could still impart her simple message: Don't let this time pass you by. Hang on to love. Fight for it.

Sam reached one hand up and caressed the back of Jack's neck.

He dropped his face into her shoulder and sighed. Exhausted from his days spent by Siobhan's side, Jack gratefully accepted Sam's comfort.

She held him in her arms, soothing him with tender ministrations over his shoulders, his back, his temple. In time he pulled away, resting his forehead against hers.

She stroked his rough, unshaven jowls, and kissed his red, tired eyes.

"I have to talk to the priest and make arrangements for the..."

"I know," Sam interjected, sparing him from having to say the word.

"It shouldn't take long. Bonnie took care of most of it before she..." Jack broke off and clenched his teeth.

Sam could feel the tension in his body. "Jack, what can I do for you?" Sam asked, fresh tears trailing down her cheek.

Jack shook his head, lost in the dizzying affects of grief. "I don't know, Sam. Why don't you go check into the Allerton. I should be there soon."

"You look so tired."

"I am." Jack told her. He placed his hands on her face and searched her eyes, eyes that mysteriously turned green under stress.

She had never seen him look so vulnerable, so tired, and yet so warm.

"I'm glad you're here, Sam. Can we talk later?"

"Um, sure. You know that."

Jack kissed her softly and then held his lips close to hers while he found breath.

Sam combed her fingers through the soft gray hair at his temples.

"I love you, Sam," he whispered, his eyes closed.

Sam kissed him tenderly, drew him into her arms and held him. "I love you too, Jack. Go make the arrangements. I'll be waiting for you in our room."

Jack nodded his head, wanting to stay in the comforting embrace forever, knowing that he couldn't. Soon. In an hour or so. He would allow her kindness and support and compassion to consume him, to restore him. He would allow her love to carry him through to the morning and beyond.

Soon.

"General Hammond," Daniel said as he knocked on the general's open door.

"Yes, come on in, Dr. Jackson." General Hammond said, closing a file.

Daniel stepped into the office and slid his hands in his pockets."I just got a call regarding Siobhan O'Neill's funeral arrangements. Tomorrow will be the visitation, and the following day will be the funeral Mass at 9 am," he informed the older man.

General Hammond pressed his fingertips together and nodded. "When will you and the rest of the team be flying out?" he asked.

Daniel squinted his eyes, loathe to broach the subject of Sam's travel plans. "Teal'c, Janet, Corey and I will be flying out tomorrow morning," he said, hoping the general would take the information as satisfactory.

"But what about Major Carter?"

"She's...Sam's in Chicago already," Daniel told him as plainly as possible.

General Hammond cocked his head to one side and stared at Daniel.

"Sam and Siobhan were very close, General. She wanted to get out there as soon as possible." It wasn't a lie, but it wasn't the truth. Either way, General Hammond seemed to accept the explanation without further question.

"Very well, then. I suppose I should send word through the gate to Jacob Carter also," the general said.

Daniel felt a nervous twinge in the back of his neck. Did he know about Jack and Sam? No. Not possible. "Uh, yeah. General Carter probably should know. He and Jack are pretty good friends," Daniel added, hoping that was General Hammond's line of thinking as well.

"Dr. Jackson, how long has Major Carter known Colonel O'Neill's sister?" the general asked.

Daniel cringed. "Sam and I met Siobhan about two years ago. She and Sam hit it off right away." Daniel hoped, prayed that there would be no further questions.

General Hammond pressed his fingertips to his chin.

"She sounded like a wonderful woman. I think I missed an opportunity not knowing her," General Hammond said.

Daniel looked at the older man, surprised by his pitch-perfect characterization of Siobhan. "She was...wonderful. I'll miss her a great deal, Sir," Daniel said. He felt his chin tightening under the memories of Siobhan and for the loss that Jack was experiencing. "Excuse me, sir."

Daniel strode out of the office and into is lab. He closed the door and sat down at his desk. He propped his elbow up on his desk and rested his forehead in his hand. He gently massaged his temples.

Six months earlier, when he and Jack were in Chicago, when Daniel had first met and fell in love with Corey, Daniel took Corey to meet Siobhan. It was important to Daniel that Siobhan meet this woman, to know her and to see how happy he was.

Siobhan had always cajoled Daniel about getting on with his life, about finding someone with whom to make a life.

Daniel didn't believe it could ever happen again.

And then it did happen.

Corey appeared serendipitously, a treasure that he hadn't known to look for. He felt his heart begin to beat again, his eyes begin to see clearly beyond the narrow scope of his work. And he wanted Siobhan to know of this wonderment.

So they went to her.

She was tired that afternoon. Daniel was shocked by her appearance. She looked frail and beaten. It frightened him. He knew Siobhan was in the final months, but he never allowed himself to fully understand what that would entail.

He forced himself to breathe and smile.

Siobhan took note of his expression. She told him to give her a hug, which Daniel did willingly. When his face was near hers, she kissed his cheek. "I know I look pretty rough, Daniel. It's okay." Her words were muddled and her timbre was foreign. The ALS had spread, and its affects were exacerbated by her fatigue.

He pulled back from her. "I'm sorry, Siobhan. It's just...well, your hair, for one thing. When did you cut it?" he asked, trying to take in the changes that seemed to happen overnight.

"A couple weeks ago," she told him, and then she saw Corey. Siobhan smiled tenderly at the woman standing in the door. "Daniel, you brought a friend?"

"Yes, I did," Daniel said, looking back at Corey. He held out his hand to her.

Corey took it and, smiling, stepped to his side. "How do you do, Sister. My name is Corey," she said, placing a hand on Siobhan's hand.

"Corey, please, call me Siobhan. Daniel does." Corey nodded. "Please, have a seat, you two. But I'll warn you. I'm tired today. Won't be doing a lot of talking."

Corey and Daniel sat down next to each other.

Siobhan's heart leapt with joy.

Daniel and Corey told Siobhan about how they had met, about their incredible weekend, about their journey back to Colorado, about how lucky they felt to have found each other.

Siobhan smiled, happy that her surrogate brother had found the one thing he needed the most: someone to love him.

After a long while exchanging stories and laughter, Corey excused herself to use the restrooms.

When she was out of earshot, Daniel turned to Siobhan. "You must think I'm fairly foolish, having just met Corey."

"Not in the least. I think your heart knows things far sooner than your brain."

"Is it possible to love someone you've only known for a few days?"

"Are you willing to sacrifice things for that love?" Siobhan asked.

Daniel blinked. "Um, I'm not sure what you mean."

"Daniel, love isn't what the world says it's supposed to be, all googley eyes and romance. Love is about sacrificing yourself for the other, for your faith in that person." Siobhan looked hard at Daniel. "You sacrificed everything for Sha're. Can you do it again?"

Daniel held Siobhan's focus. "I think I can."

"Then I am so happy for you."

"Thank you. Funny, I'm...well, I'm happy for me too," he said, blushing.

"You took a risk. You opened your heart. That may be the bravest thing you ever do. Good for you, sweetie. Love is a gift. Have faith in it. Draw strength from it. Because one day you'll look around and you'll find there's not much more out there for you," she said, her eyes heavy with fatigue, and with the fatigue came unchecked emotions.

Daniel reached for her hand. He saw her tired eyes brimming with tears. "Siobhan, why don't we leave. Let you rest."

"I'm sorry, Daniel. I am tired. And I'm just feeling...some days it gets the best of me."

"I kind of assumed you always had the upper hand," Daniel said.

Siobhan turned her head to the window. "You're it, you know."

"I'm what?"

"When I'm gone. You and Sam. You're his family now."

Daniel wrapped his arms around his waist.

"He loves you. You've helped him heal more than you'll ever know. And that's what families do."

Daniel shook his head sadly. "My whole life I wanted to be part of a big old family. Why do you have to leave me now, Siobhan, just when I found myself a favorite sister?"

"Look around. You still have a family of people who love you."

Daniel lowered his head.

"And now you have Corey."

"I do." Daniel said as he blinked his tearful eyes. "I'm going to miss you, Siobhan."

"I won't be far away, Danny. We can talk any time. Just make sure you keep those smutty little thoughts to yourself, okay?"

Daniel laughed. "I don't think you'd talk that way to me if I were your brother," he said.

Siobhan laughed.

He stood up, hugged and kissed Siobhan, his face lingering near hers. "Thank you for everything, Siobhan," he told her, looking out the window, trying not to let the tears in his eyes become tears on his face. "I'm, uh, I'm having a hard time here saying goodbye."

"It's not time for goodbyes yet, but soon. I love you, Daniel," she told him.

Daniel nodded, unable to produce a sound. He rested a hand behind her and dolefully smiled. They looked at each other a long time.

"Thank you for bringing Corey here. I'm very happy for you, Danny."

"Thank you, Siobhan. Sister," he said.

Corey walked back in the room.

Daniel quickly reached under his glasses and wiped his eyes. He turned his to attention to Corey. "Ready to hit the road?"

"I am," she told him. "Siobhan, it was an honor and a pleasure to meet you. I hope next time we're in Chicago we can stop by."

"Please do," she said.

Corey squeezed her hand.

Daniel reached over and hugged her.

"Be careful out there, Daniel."

"I will be. I have something to come home to," he whispered to her. Daniel kissed her cheek, and then he and Corey left.

A few weeks later, Siobhan was too ill to visit. A few weeks after that, Siobhan could no longer speak. A few weeks after that, Siobhan was gone.

As he sat in his office remembering their final conversation, Daniel wept. Siobhan, a woman he had known so well, who had come into his life just when he needed her, was dead. It seemed cruel and vindictive. How could he love another person knowing they would die, just like everyone else?

Because people you love die, just like everyone else. Love them and they die. Hold yourself away from them, guard your heart from pain, and they die.

It's part of life. And trying to protect yourself from loss is not a life worth living.

Love is a gift. Have faith in it. Siobhan's voice penetrated his grief.

"Okay, Siobhan. I hear you," Daniel said aloud. He pressed his hands into his eyes and cried.

*****

Arrangements for Siobhan's funeral had taken much longer than Jack thought they would. By the time he straggled into the Allerton and up to his room, it was late in the day. He carefully opened the door and stepped inside the dark room.

"Sam?" he said quietly. He looked into the adjacent bathroom next to the door, but found nothing. Once fully inside the room, once his eyes acclimated to the diminished light, he saw her, asleep on the bed. Jack took in her long legs and graceful arms. He was grateful to have her with him, finally, after these long, draining days by Siobhan's side, and the long, restless nights on Talanthon. He knew she was probably just as tired as he was. He wanted nothing more than to curl up next to Sam, but he had one more thing to do.

Jack stepped into the bathroom and shut the door. Sitting on the edge of the tub, he pulled out his cell phone and dialed. Jack rubbed his tired eyes waiting for the phone to pick up.

"Hello?" came the voice on the other end of the line.

Jack felt this stomach knot up hearing the voice. He knew he had to make the call, but he was hoping to get the answering machine.

"Sara? Jack," he said. He leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees.

"Jack. Haven't heard from you in...Oh, no. Siobhan?"

Jack screwed his eyes shut tight. "Yeah, Sara. She...," Jack exhaled loudly, not wanting to say the word, as if saying it would make it true, truer than it was.

"When?"

"This morning around 10," he told her. Jack could hear Sara sniffling. "I'm sorry I didn't call sooner..."

"No, I understand. Oh, Jack, my heart is breaking. The world is a much sadder place all of a sudden," Sara said.

Jack tossed his head back and forth trying to gain the upper-hand on his rapidly decaying stoicism.

"You're not going to believe this, but I had a dream about her last night."

Jack sat up, a chill ran through his body. "What kind of dream?"

"She was with Charlie, dancing and laughing in a field. It was so...Jack, it was like she was telling me...I know you don't believe in those kinds of things, but..." Sara broke off.

Jack felt his eyes burn with tears. He nodded his head, understanding the dream all too well.

"Jack? Are you still there?"

"Mm-hmm," he uttered through a strained voice.

"Jack? Are you okay?"

Jack didn't know what to say or how to begin. "Sara, I...I had the same dream," he said before the trembling in his body made speech impossible.

Sara was silent on the other end.

Jack pressed a shaking hand against his mouth trying not to make a sound.

"She's with our son, Jack."

He nodded and closed his eyes.

"He's not alone anymore. That was her final gift to us and to him, Jack."

"I...I think..." Jack's breath came in short gasps as he tried to talk. "I think so."

"I loved her, Jack. She was always very kind to me, even after we split up. I'll miss her." Sara cried.

Jack pulled at the hair on the top of his head, as if the pain of it would pull him out of this heartache. "The, uh, funeral..." Jack sniffed. "Day after tomorrow at 9 am. Holy Name Cathedral."

"Okay. I'll try to make it."

"Sara, thank you for visiting her. It meant a lot to her. And to me." Jack squeezed the bridge of his nose, anything to get through this call without crying.

"You're welcome. It was my..." Sara sniffed.

"You okay?"

"No. You?"

"I've been better."

"I understand, Jack."

"Listen, I'll, uh, talk..."

"Okay."

"Maybe at the..."

"Yeah. Get some rest, Jack. You sound tired."

Jack nodded his head and pulled at his lips with his teeth. He drew in a trembling breath and rubbed his thigh with his hand.

"Okay. Bye."

"Bye, Jack. Thanks for...I know this was hard for you."

"Yeah."

"I'll keep you in my thoughts."

"Okay." Jack quickly hung up the phone. He blindly placed the phone on the vanity and then wrapped his head in his arms. He pulled his elbows in tight around his face trying to stifle his sobs. The last thing he wanted to do was wake up Sam, draw attention to his inability to control his emotions. He grabbed a towel off the back of the commode and pressed it against his face as pitiful utterances escaped him.

He felt the warmth of her hands on his.

She wasn't trying to pull the towel away, Sam was trying to tell him that she was there. Kneeling in front of him, her hands went slowly to his neck and the back of his head. Silently, carefully, Sam coaxed him to rest his weary head on her shoulder. Without removing the towel from his face, as if to shield her from his grief, Jack submitted. The depths of his sadness would be contained no longer. As she rubbed his back and hair, Jack quietly wept, too tired and overcome to hide it any longer.

Sitting in that small bathroom, on the edge of the tub, wrapped in Sam's love and comforting embrace, Jack began to grieve for his sister and, finally, for his son. Just as he promised Siobhan he would.

*****

Jack stood at the side of the open room that was brimming with flowers, fidgeting with his tie.

That morning, Sam had done him a favor by running out to Marshall Field's in order to find some clothes for him to wear.

He had left Colorado in such a blur, he had forgotten to gather clothes suitable to wear to the visitation. He remembered his suit, the first suit he had purchased in, God, in forever. It was hermetically sealed, hanging on the back of the bedroom door, ready to go with him when the call came in. That he remembered. Nothing else.

She came back a few hours later with a cobalt blue dress shirt, a pair of worsted wool khaki trousers, and a tie.

Jack liked everything except the tie.

Sam convinced him of its necessity.

Normally he'd be in his dress blues. Normally he'd be able to hide behind the formality of the class A uniform, the posture, the angle of the hands. Shoulders back, head up, chin in, chest out, thumbs on pant seams. Keep repeating it. Keep telling yourself how to stand in your dress uniform so you don't have to think about why you're in your dress uniform. I guess that's why Bonnie wouldn't let me wear it. Jack pulled at the two ends of the tie.

"Jack, it looks fine," Sam told him, straightening the knot.

"I hate ties," he said, shoving his hands in his pockets.

"I know the feeling," Daniel said.

Jack swung around, surprised by the voice of his friend.

Daniel hesitated before embracing Jack. "God, Jack. I'm...I don't know what..." Daniel broke free. "Siobhan was..."

"Thanks, Daniel," Jack told him softy, cupping Daniel's face with a hand. He noticed Corey next to Daniel. She hugged Jack as well. Jack resigned himself to the fact that that would be happening a lot in the next few days. Truth be told, he didn't mind.

"I'm very sorry for you loss, Jack," Corey told him.

Jack thanked her, and she turned her attention to Sam.

"So, Jack. How are you?" Daniel asked, taking in Jack over his glasses.

Jack looked at him, took a deep breath, shook his head and hunched his shoulder.

"I know. Stupid question."

"I just don't know how to answer it the right way, that's all," Jack told him.

Teal'c appeared behind Daniel.

"O'Neill. You have my condolences. Daniel Jackson has told me stories of your sister. She was a formidable woman." Teal'c bowed his head reverentially to Jack.

Jack nodded, accepting the Jaffa's gracious message. "Thanks, Teal'c. You fasting?"

"I am."

"I appreciate it," Jack told him, and patted Teal'c on the arm.

Sam sidled up to Jack and took his hand. "Jack, Sister Mary Catherine wants you to meet the Monsignor," she told him.

Jack smoothed his tie down and excused himself.

"He was able to say goodbye," Corey said to Daniel, wrapping an arm behind him.

Daniel placed his arm around her shoulders. "Hmm?"

"Sam told me he was able to talk to Siobhan before she died. He was able to say goodbye, tell her how much he loved her." Corey knew Daniel would understand how important that moment was.

"That's good. I'm glad," Daniel said. He watched Jack talking to the Monsignor.

Jack looked uncomfortable. Daniel saw Jack reach for Sam's hand. Without even looking down, Sam placed her hand in his. Daniel lowered his head and rubbed his eyes. He was glad that Jack didn't have to do this alone.

"General Hammond, sir," Teal'c said, ripping Daniel out of his thoughts. "General Carter."

"Hello, Teal'c. Good to see you again," Jacob said, offering his hand to Teal'c. "Nice hat."

"It is an essential part of my civilian wear, as I'm sure you realize," the Jaffa stated.

"General Hammond?" Daniel said, noticing the red creeping into the older man's face.

The general's attention was focused on Jack and Sam, and as the senior officer watched them, Jack, still holding Sam's hand, turned toward Sam and kissed her quickly on the forehead as he looked around the room.

"Doctor Jackson," he said, shifting his sight. "You'll excuse me, won't you."

Daniel tried to stop the general from confronting his CO. Fortunately, Jacob Carter grabbed his arm first.

"George," Jacob said, aware of the scene his old friend had witnessed. "Not now," he said, his gentle eyes beseeching General Hammond to rethink his position.

"Jacob, if I'm seeing what I think I'm seeing..." General Hammond's eyes widened with anger.

"You want to do something here, in this place? Come on, George. Whatever it is, it can wait. Okay?" Jacob said, letting go of his friend's arm.

General Hammond pulled the sleeve of his dress blue jacket back in place. He corrected his posture and looked sternly at Jacob.

Jacob returned the stare with an added amount of compassion for his daughter's sake.

Jack turned to see the two generals deep in conversation. He dropped his hand from Sam's quickly and walked over to the two older men. "General Hammond, sir, thanks for coming," he said offering his hand.

General Hammond decided that Jacob was right. This was neither the time nor the place for such a conversation. "Colonel, my thoughts and prayers have been with you these last few days," General Hammond said. He turned to Sam who was standing on the other side of Daniel and Corey. "Major Carter, Dr. Jackson tells me you were a very good friend of Colonel O'Neill's sister. I'm sorry for your loss as well."

"Thank you, Sir," she said taking his hand. Sam spied her father beyond General Hammond. She smiled. She was glad to have her dad with her. Sam stepped around General Hammond and warmly embraced her father. "Dad," she said, smiling.

"How you doin', kiddo?" Jacob asked returning the hug.

"Better since you got here," she said.

Jacob held her at arms length. "How's Jack?"

"He's okay, I think."

"It was an awful battle his sister went through."

"Yes, it was."

"Are you two ready for a new battle?" he asked.

Sam gave him a confused look.

"George saw Jack kiss you. Sam, honey, you're going to have to come up with some pretty fast answers."

Sam felt her face become hot. "Oh, my God. Dad, I..."

"I'm not your CO, Sam. Don't explain it to me," he said kissing his daughter on the cheek. Jacob walked over to Jack and offered his hand.

Daniel stepped to Sam's side and placed a hand on her back.

She turned her head to him, her eyes filled with desperation.

"We'll think of something," Daniel told her.

Sam pressed a finger to her lips nervously.

"Don't worry about it, Sam."

Janet walked into the room, looked around, and found her friends gathered together, just as she knew they would be. She signed her name to the guest book and then walked to them. She stepped to Jack's side first. "Hey, there, Jack. How are you holding up?" she asked as she reached up to give him a hug.

"I really need to figure out how to answer that," Jack told her.

"I know. How's Sam?" she asked, stepping back from the taller officer.

"She's..." Jack squinted his eyes and looked around the gathering of people, including two high-ranking generals. "Major Carter has been a great help to me these last couple days."

Janet looked into his eyes and understood the meaning immediately. "Major Carter was very fond of your sister," she said, maintaining the level of conversation. "By the way, Cass sends her love. She couldn't make the trip because of school."

Jack smiled. "Tell her thanks," he said.

Janet turned to Sam.

Jack looked around the room. Daniel was introducing Corey to Jacob Carter. General Hammond was talking to Msgr. Rush. Teal'c was stuck in a one-sided conversation with Sister Mary Catherine. The rest of the people were unfamiliar to Jack. And he to them.

Jack slowly made his way over to Siobhan's casket. She had requested a closed-casket, much to Jack's relief. On top were pictures of Siobhan. One showed her surrounded by the children of the village in Mozambique where she had taught for three years. Another was a picture of her with other clergy members of Holy Name Cathedral. Finally, in the middle was a portrait of Siobhan, a simple photo of her in her wimple, smiling sweetly for the camera. Draped over the frame was Siobhan's rosary. Jack ran his hand over the beads.

A woman came to kneel in front of the casket. Jack quickly stepped back. He felt his heart racing and decided he needed to step outside for a while.

Daniel saw him exit the room and followed him.

Behind the funeral home, Daniel found Jack sitting on a bench in a secluded garden. Daniel took a few steps into the garden not wanting to startle Jack.

Jack looked up and noticed Daniel standing off to the side with his hands in his pockets, looking at Jack with concern in his eyes.

"I'm all right," Jack said.

Daniel took a few steps closer. "You want to talk?"

"Not really."

"Okay."

"Daniel?"

"Yah?"

"My family is gone," Jack said focusing on his feet.

Daniel felt his stomach knot. "I know."

"I'm fifty-years old. I can't consider myself an orphan, can I?"

"It might be a stretch," Daniel said sitting next to Jack.

"She...she thought the world of you, Daniel."

"I felt the same way about her," Daniel said, squinting into the afternoon sky.

Jack rubbed his trembling hands together. "I miss her, Daniel. And I know I should have this feeling of relief that Bonnie's not suffering anymore, but all I can think about is ...I'm alone." Jack leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees.

"You'll get there, Jack." Daniel put his hands on the back of the bench. "It took months after Sha're died before I could put aside my grief and remember the joy of her. You'll get there."

Jack sniffed.

Daniel took a tissue out of his jacket pocket and casually handed it to Jack.

"That's what Bonnie said," Jack told him, taking the tissue from Daniel. He bunched it up and tossed it between his hands.

Daniel saw Sam entering the garden. He stood up and placed a hand on Jack's head. "She was right," he said, touching Jack. Daniel had been on the receiving end of Jack's comfort many times before. He hoped he could be some comfort to Jack who was his best friend and so much more. Daniel stepped aside to let Sam have his seat. When she passed him, Daniel reached over and kissed her cheek. Sam smiled appreciatively. Daniel returned to the visitation room.

Sam sat down next to Jack, leaned over in the same manner as him, and offered him her left hand.

Jack accepted her hand in his and touched the Claddagh on her ring finger, a gift from Siobhan. He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it.

"How long has this been going on, Jacob?" General Hammond asked from inside the small library off the visitation room. The two generals watched through windows as Sam and Jack exchanged tender gestures of comfort and love.

"I don't know, George. I think I started noticing things about a year ago. I never really knew for sure that anything was going on until today," Jacob said. "But, there's no denying it. You've got a couple officers who are...Well, I'd say they're ass-over-tea kettle for each other."

"Jacob, don't make light of this. This is a court-martialable offense. Now I've got to decide what to do about it," General Hammond said.

"I know. I know. But what do you want to do about it, George?"

"There are rules and regulations..."

"I agree. And the Air Force is very clear about this kind of thing in its ranks. But George, you've got yourself a decidedly out of the ordinary situation there in Cheyenne Mountain. These people are under enormous pressure, doing things most people in the Air Force can't even understand. Maybe the rules and regulations can be over-looked."

"I certainly do not agree," General Hammond spat out.

"Okay, not over-looked. Amended. Give the two a break. Are you really willing to sacrifice your two best officers for this?" Jacob asked. He watched Sam rub Jack's back.

"I'm not sure I have a choice," General Hammond said.

"Yes, you do. You can look the other way."

"I don't believe I can."

"Look, George, it's fairly obvious that this has been going on for a while. Have you seen any evidence of it on base?" Jacob asked.

General Hammond saw the tenderness with which Jack smiled at Sam, a smile he had never seen on his officer's face. "No, I have not."

"You yourself said Sam did a terrific job taking over command for Jack on their last mission. And you gotta know that was killing them both. Remember when your mother died? Could you have gone through that without your wife?"

"What does that have to do with..."

"Isn't that strong evidence that shows they're able to separate their relationship from their ranks?" Jacob hoped his argument was enough to win over his friend.

"I don't know, Jacob."

"You and I both know that Jack O'Neill is going to get kicked upstairs in a few years. Sam's on her way to a career in the Air Force that you and I never could conceive of. It just so happens that these two people have fallen in love in the middle of all the chaos that comes with their jobs. I say rules be damned."

"Would you say that if Sam weren't your daughter?" General Hammond asked, still rankled by the scenario.

"Actually, George, their ranks don't concern me half as much as the fact that my little girl is in love with that flyboy," Jacob said motioning to Jack. "He already calls me Dad. Can you imagine if one of your daughters brought him home?" Both men chuckled a little. "You do what you have to do, George. But I'd consider it a personal favor if you allowed my daughter this latitude. She's in love, George. Don't we want that for our daughters? And our sons?"

Through the slightly dappled pattern of the window pane, the two old friends watched as Sam and Jack stood up, faced each other, spoke a few words, and then embraced. There was nothing about the embrace that suggested a new romance. It was an embrace earned over time, over hard-fought battles, over life-threatening moments, and heart-breaking news. It was an embrace between two people who respected each other, trusted each other, and, above all else, deeply loved each other.

"Let me think about this, Jacob," General Hammond said in a hushed voice.

"Okay," Jacob answered, nodding. He watched his daughter walk arm-in-arm with the man she loved. His heart filled with joy for his only daughter that she had found it in her heart to love again. And if anyone could handle Jack O'Neill, it was his daughter, Dr. Samantha Carter, Major, United States Air Force.

*****

Everyone had left the funeral home. Sam had walked her father back to his hotel. Sam and Corey were taking Janet back to hers. Teal'c and General Hammond were out prowling the streets of Chicago in search of something to eat.

Jack sat in the quiet room hunkered down in an arm chair a few feet away from Siobhan's casket. The last few days had been a whirling frenzy of emotion and chaotic logistics. His mind swirled with the people he hadn't had a chance to talk to, to thank, to inform. He raked his fingers through his hair in exhaustion.

"Hello, Colonel O'Neill."

Jack turned. He saw a small, intense woman staring at him. It took a moment for his mind to recognize her outside the convent, but finally he put a name together with the face. Lin, Bonnie's caregiver.

"Jack, please," he said, motioning for her to sit with him.

Lin took a seat.

"I..." Jack cleared his throat. "...I wanted to thank you for the excellent care you gave my sister."

"Believe me, Jack, it was my pleasure. Bonnie was a wonderful person," she said.

Was. Pain gripped Jack's heart.

"May I speak to you for a moment, Jack?" Bonnie asked me to pass something along to you."

Jack leaned over his knees, laced his fingers in front of him, and turned his head to listen to her.

"She told me to tell you to love yourself, Jack, as much as you loved Charlie."

He felt the tears start.

She handed him a tissue and made no comment at all. "She's gone home, Jack. We will miss her, but she is where she had always wanted to be."

Jack made a gesture - his throat ached too much at the moment to trust it with speech.

Lin stood up to leave. "Be well, Jack. Travel far, and come home safely."

"Thank you," he managed, and she turned to go. Jack sat thunderstruck in his chair. He clenched his jaws trying with every ounce of resolve left in his emotionally spent body to stop the tears. But it was to no avail. He lowered his head, scrubbed his hands through his hair, and wept. In the last year, whenever he needed some reassurance, he'd call his sister. Well, now she was gone. But he had one more thing he had to know.

"Bonnie, dammit. You said these tears would stop," he cried. "You never lied to me, Bonnie. Please, keep your promise."

*****

A cold wind swirled through the streets of Chicago, past the Water Tower, on up the John Hancock building, and over Grant Park. Autumn seemed to be coming early this year. No one felt it more than Jack.

"I can't do this, Sam," Jack said, frustrated by trying to make a knot in his tie.

Sam stepped in front of him. "Here, let me do it," she said. She took the two ends and began to wrap and turn, forming a perfect knot. "There. Now can you zip me?" she asked turning around.

Jack took the tab of the zipper and slowly raised it. When he finished he laid his hands on her shoulders. "Sam, in case I forget to tell you later...Thank you. I..." Jack shook his head.

Sam turned to him and wrapped her arms around his neck.

"You helped me through this, Sam, and..." He clenched his jaw.

"I know, Jack. I know." Sam pulled her arms away and cupped his face in her hand. "Today's going to be hard. But I'll be with you the whole time. Count on it."

"I do, Sam. More than you know," he said. He looked at his watch and blew out a mouth full of air. "Guess we better go."

Sam took his suit coat off the bed and helped him put it on. "I've never seen you in a suit before," Sam said, straightening his collar.

"Is...is it okay?" Jack asked nervously.

Sam smiled tenderly at him. "You look great. Bonnie would be proud."

Jack lowered his head and brushed a finger by his nose. "Yeah, well." He gathered up his key and change from the desk. "Let's go."

Sam grabbed her clutch and followed him to the door. They had called Daniel and Corey, Janet and Teal'c, all of whom were staying in the Allerton, and asked them to meet in the lobby. Jack thought it would be better if they walked into the church together, present a strong front.

The walk down Superior from Michigan Avenue was quiet. Jack and Teal'c lead the group, followed by Corey and Daniel. Janet and Sam were close behind. At the corner of Superior and State they met up with General Hammond and Jacob. Silent greetings were exchanged.

Jack looked up at the great sandstone building with its spires and stained glass windows. He felt his heart pounding.

Daniel, knowing Sam couldn't comfort him with the generals in tow, placed a hand on Jack's back. "You alright?" he asked.

Jack breathed heavily. "It's been a long time since I was here. This is where Bonnie took her vows. It's, uh..." Jack shook his head.

Sam watched Jack from the back of the group. Her heart screamed for her to join him, soothe him. She knew she couldn't.

"I know," Daniel said quietly. "Let's go inside." Daniel moved his hand up to Jack's shoulder and walked with him into the cathedral.

Once they were through the enormous bronze doors, once they were through the vestibule, they stood motionless at the back of the grand cathedral. The arched ceiling of oak, the rose windows at each end, the hanging crucifix above the altar, all of it made Jack's heart hammer inside his chest. He didn't think he had the strength to go through with this day.

"I'm here, Jack," Sam said, holding his arm.

He turned to her. "Sam, General Hammond is..."

"I don't care," she said pressing her hand into his.

"Sam, I can't let you do this," he told her, afraid that her show of compassion might destroy her career.

"I love you, Jack. This, today, being at your side, this is more important," she told him.

Jack felt his brow tightening. "Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"I can't do it without you, Sam."

"And you don't have to," she said. Sam gave his hand a gentle squeeze. They walked up the long center aisle to the front row of pews.

Siobhan's casket was placed in front of the rose marble steps that lead to the altar. Jack paused in front of the casket. Slowly, with a shaking hand, he reached out and touched it. Out of respect for his sister, Jack genuflected in front of the altar and made the Sign of the Cross before he took his seat next to Sam.

The Mass was a blur to Jack. He performed all the obligatory gestures, tried to listen to the readings, but he found he was numb.

It occurred to him that he was doing exactly what he had always done when faced with an emotionally charged situation: he was shutting down, closing off, protecting himself. He leaned forward and peered down the opposite pew. There he found Sara, watching him, a look of great sadness and pity on her face. Jack quickly looked away. He rested his elbow on the high end of the pew and rubbed his eyes.

Sam leaned into him. "Jack. Jack. It's time," she said, motioning toward the altar.

Jack shot her a panicked look, took a deep breath, and stood up. Slowly, with heavy feet, he climbed the three steps that lead to the lectern. He kept his eyes focused on the oak surface, forcing himself to maintain his rigidity.

"I'm here to say a few words about..." Jack looked up from the stand. In front of him was a sea of faces. All people Siobhan had touched in her life. He didn't recognize any of them, but knew from their expressions the love and respect they held for his sister, the nun. And then in the front rows he saw a different set of faces. These were the faces of people who knew his sister, Siobhan. The sisters of her order, her caregiver Lin, the men and women of the SGC. Sara and her new husband. He kept his sight focused on Sam, tried to glean from her some strength to proceed. Sam tried to smile for him, but nodded instead. Jack swallowed hard. He took a deep breath before trying again.

"I'm here to say a few words about...Sister Margaret Therese." Jack grasped the edges of the lectern. "Sister Margaret Therese was a woman of deep and abiding faith. She invited all around her to join her in that journey toward faith. She did so with contagious excitement and joy. If you're here today because you took her up on that invitation, then she would be well pleased.

"Sister Margaret Therese was also a woman with incredible wisdom and insight. She didn't so much see a person; she looked into your soul. Her amazing ability to intuitively understand your needs, your strengths and weaknesses, was one of her greatest gifts." Jack glanced over to Sara. Sara bobbed her head up and down acknowledging the truth in his words. "If you are here today because your life has been made better thanks to her insights, then you honor her memory." Jack looked through the silent gathering, suddenly aware of the thousands upon thousands of souls Siobhan had touched. None more than his own soul. He looked at the casket below him. He felt the pressing overture of tears coming to his eyes.

"Sister Margaret Therese...was the most courageous person I've ever known. In my thirty years with the Air Force, I have never seen a more ruthless, wicked enemy than ALS. The dignity and determination with which she fought this disease is testament to her awe-inspiring courage." Jack felt his arms begin to shake but knew he could do nothing to stop it. "Tonight, when you ask God to bless her..." Tears stung his eyes. Jack turned his face down and away from the mourners. He pressed his thumb to his lips before beginning again. "...ask that you can learn from her example of strength and bravery in your own day-to-day battles." Jack rubbed the front of the lectern, desperately trying to control his emotions. He cleared his throat and forced himself to continue.

"Whatever way you choose to remember her, whether it be her work through the Church, her laughter, her..," Jack half-smiled, catching Daniel's eye, "...humor, I ask that you remember her one more way." Jack's eyes welled up with tears. His hands nervously shook. "Before she was Sister Margaret Therese, she was my...sister. Siobhan Catherine O'N..." Tears escaped his eyes, coursed down his cheeks. Sara clutched her chest, overcome by his show of emotion, something she knew was long-past due. "Bonnie was a beautiful child with an enormous capacity for love and joy and forgiveness. She was the greatest gift my parents ever gave me." Jack's voice wavered, barely able to articulate every word. "And even though she was my baby-sister, she grew up to be my hero," he said almost in a whisper. Corey held Daniel's hand aware of his own pain. Jack opened his mouth to continue, but found he could no longer speak.

He stepped away from the lectern and down the steps. He paused next to the casket, reached for it, but found himself unable to touch it. He stepped to the pew and lowered himself into his seat. He rubbed his legs before leaning forward and succumbing to the tears.

General Hammond looked on through tearful eyes as Sam caressed Jack's back and spoke words to him that only Jack could hear. The senior officer watched as Jack nodded his head and wiped tears from his face with a tattered tissue. General Hammond pulled a linen handkerchief from his inner pocket and leaned forward to hand it to Sam. "Sam, give this to Jack," he whispered.

Sam looked back at the general. He closed his eyes and nodded reassuringly . Sam mouthed a thank you to him and gave Jack the handkerchief.

Daniel reached past Sam and held Jack's arm. Teal'c offered his support to Janet who sat weeping next to him.

Jacob Carter leaned his head closer to his friend George Hammond. "They're a family, George. That's what makes them such an exceptional team."

General Hammond looked over the group of people sitting, comforting each other in front of him. They came from such divergent backgrounds: an old soldier, an astrophysicist, an archeologist, a Jaffa, and a physician. And yet they shared a common bond. The love and respect these people had for each other was incredible in its depth. They needed each other just as much as the world needed them. General Hammond knew he could never do anything to fragment that bond. He turned to Jacob Carter.

"I suppose there can be exceptions for exceptional people," he whispered.

Jacob nodded and patted his old friend on the knee.

*****

"Here's to Siobhan," Daniel said, raising his glass of Killian's Red. Jack, Sam, Jacob, Janet and Corey joined him in his salute. Teal'c bowed his head. "We are the better for having known her." Six glasses clinked together amidst a chorus of "here-here."

Jack drank from his glass and winked at Daniel.

"It was a lovely service, Jack," said Janet, reaching across the table to grab his hand. "I'm sorry I never got a chance to meet her."

"She was one of a kind, Doc. You would have..." Jack stopped as a man touched his shoulder. Jack looked up the man. A smile swept across his face. "Patrick Shanahan, you old son of a bitch," he said as he stood up to embrace the man at his side.

"I didn't get a chance ta talk wid you after da funeral, but I t'ought I might find ya here," he said. "Whenever I wanted ta find any of de O'Neills, da first place I'd check was dis bar," he told the group sitting around the table.

They all laughed, partially because of the truth of his statement, partially because of his thick Chicago accent.

"Let me introduce you here. Listen up, you guys. This is Pat Shanahan, the worst stick-handler in Chicago prep-hockey history," Jack announced.

"But I taught you a ting or two about da boards," Pat said, ruffling Jack's hair. Daniel almost spit beer out of his nose.

"That you did. Pat, this is..." Jack pointed to the Jaffa sitting at the end of the table and grimaced. "...this is Murray. Dr. Murray Handleman." Teal'c waved a hand to Pat. Corey threw Daniel a confused look. "Next we have Dr. Daniel Jackson, Dr. Corey Barnett, Dr. Janet Fraiser, General Jacob Carter, and his daughter, Major Samantha..." Jack paused and smiled at Sam. She smiled back and nodded. "...Samantha Carter-O'Neill. My wife." A sense of calm washed over Jack. It was the first time he had ever been able to publicly say her name, and it felt like a miracle.

Daniel turned to Janet and smiled, happy for his friends.

Jacob leaned over and kissed Sam. After the funeral, when things had finally settled down, Sam and Jack had taken him aside and told him the truth. They told him that they had been married for three months, and that it was important to Jack that his sister be with him at the wedding. She was the reason they were together at all. They were married in an ecumenical service under a trellis next to Lake Michigan. Daniel and Corey were there, as was Teal'c.

"Love each other. Bless you," Siobhan whispered to them at the end of the service. They were the last words she would ever speak.

Jacob listened to their story. And then he hugged them both and told them he understood, and that he was happy for them.

Hearing Jack refer to Sam as his wife brought tears to Jacob's eyes.

Jack patted his shoulder.

Patrick Shanahan reached out his hand to Sam. "Pleasure ta meet ya, Major. General. Doctors," he said to the group. "Hell, Jack, you seemed to have done all right fer yerself hangink around wid a group of doctors and officers."

"Janet's the only real doctor. The rest are just...academics," Jack said, smiling at them over his beer.

Corey and Daniel threw peanuts at the colonel.

"Hey, why don't you sit down and join us."

"Nah, can't. Da wife is waiting for me. Just wanted ta stop and pass along my condolences," Pat said, wrapping an arm around his old high school buddy.

Jack slapped him on the back in appreciation. "Thanks, Pat. Bonnie always liked you," Jack told him.

"Are you kiddin' me? Dat sister of yers scared da hell out of me. Never knew if she wanted ta hug me or hurt me," Pat said.

Daniel choked on a mouthful of beer.

"You, too?" he said.

Jack smiled.

"Anyway, pleasure meetin' all of you," Pat said. "Take care, Jack."

"See ya, Pat," Jack called. He sat back down next to Sam and draped his arm around the back of her chair. Across the table, Daniel was teaching Teal'c how to shoot bottle caps with his thumb and middle finger; Corey was deep in conversation with Janet and Sam.

"These people, Jack. They're your family," Jacob said, gently squeezing the back of Jack's neck.

Jack looked over the gathering of friends.

Teal'c. A man whose tenacity and loyalty could always be counted on. A brother in arms.

Daniel. Jack's best friend, but so much more than that. Sometimes Daniel was his brother; sometimes Daniel was his son. He doubted Daniel knew how much the young man meant to him.

Jack's eyes fell next on Janet. She had seen Jack through more injuries and traumas than he cared to remember. Her compassionate mothering kept the entire team well.

Jacob Carter. Dad. He along with General Hammond were the father-figures in Jack's life who put up with his recklessness, supported his endeavors, and allowed him to lead a group of such amazing people.

And then there was Sam. Jack respected and trusted her long before he loved her. Long before he thought he had a right to love at all. Siobhan had recognized the love Jack felt for Sam before Jack even knew. She helped him realize that he was worthy of love, that he was capable of loving someone again. Sam was his world, and now that Siobhan was gone, she'd be his confidant as well. Jack trusted her with his life. More importantly, he trusted her with his heart.

He turned to Jacob. "Yes, they are, Jacob. Yes, they are," he said.

"Oh, and Jack?"

"Yah."

"If you ever hurt my daughter, well, she'll kick your ass," Jacob warned him.

"I'm well aware of that...Dad," Jack said with a smirk.

Jacob chucked Jack's face lovingly.

Sam glanced over at Jack.

"You okay," she asked, grabbing his hand.

Jack looked at her and smiled warmly. The pain from losing Siobhan was still there and would be for the rest of his life. But just as she had promised, the tears were at bay. At least for now.

As he looked at his wife and those around him, Jack knew he'd be all right. He knew because his family would make sure of it. He reached over and caressed Sam's cheek.

"I'm fine, Sam," he said, kissing her. "I'm fine."

*****

The End