A/N

This story is based off my own experience 14 years ago today. Which gave me the concept of this story. Some of the circumstances are obviously different, but some of it is from my own experience. Mine was a little more drastic than what I wrote for Sam. Thank goodness! I began writing this shortly after I finished my Christmas story. It's not a happy story, but it's not hopeless. I did break it up with some humor and filler.

The story is a completely written three chapter story. I will release each chapter daily. This particular chapter is an introductory chapter.

Interruptions

Jack was sitting in the middle of a budget meeting. He had just given his speech of why it was important to keep the current budget going for the SGC. Flipping a pen in his fingers, he watched silently, fighting his need to glare, as two of the senators were arguing back in forth. It seemed the three senators with some sort of a military background trusted and understood what Jack presented, but the ones who were career politicians just didn't seem to understand.

What made him mad was these same senators didn't want the Stargate to become international property, but wouldn't accept that the United States had to fit most of the bill if it didn't.

If the Stargate did ever go international, Jack knew he would bow out quickly. He wanted nothing to do with international politics mixed into the galactic issues he knew were out there. It would turn out like the Ancient outpost in Antarctica and Atlantis times a million. They were a mess. He had lots of respect for Elizabeth Weir.

The senators were still arguing when the door opened and Lt. Colonel Paul Davis appeared. "Sirs if you would excuse me, there is an emergency call for General O'Neill. Sir?"

Jack could see the seriousness in Paul's eyes, so he quickly scooped up his belongings and headed out the door while hastily saying "Excuse me" to the others of the room.

When Jack got in the hall, Paul guided him in the direction of his office as he quietly stated, "Sir, Area 51 is on hold in your office. It has something to do with Colonel Carter and it sounded important."

Jack picked up his pace and Davis matched him stride for stride. He was almost running when he entered his office. Looking up at Davis he breathily said, "Thank you Paul, if you could give me a minute."

"Yes, sir." Davis replied as he quietly shut the door.

Jack looked at the phone nervously. His hand was shaking when he picked up the receiver. Pushing the button to bring the caller off hold, Jack said as steadily as he could, "General O'Neill."

"General O'Neill, this is Colonel Johnson at the Area 51 Medical Facility."

Gripping the phone tighter he calmly asked, "What can I do for you, Colonel?"

"Sir, you are the only person listed as Lt. Colonel Carter's representative for emergency medical matters."

With this statement, Jack's heart rate rose and he was beginning to shake from anxiety. He cleared his throat to keep the nervousness out of his voice, "That's correct."

"Sir, Colonel Carter is waiting for emergency surgery."

"Surgery? What for?"

"I really shouldn't discuss the reason over the phone, sir."

"When is the surgery?"

"That is up to her vitals, sir. She ate not too long ago and it's not recommended to take her until her stomach has emptied. If for any reason her vitals go critical, we will take her into surgery regardless."

Jack swallowed hard. "Um, I'm in DC as you already know. I will get on the next transport as soon as possible. Where exactly is she located?"

"Building 17, Area 51, because of her body chemistry she was brought here from Groom Lake. I'm not sure how you can see her with all the restrictions..."

Cutting him off, Jack snapped out, "I have the clearances. I will see you as soon as I can get there Colonel." Taking a breath, he continued, "Is she going to be okay?"

"Yes General, we are keeping a close eye on her."

Jack let a deep breath out, "Okay, thanks for the information Colonel."

"Yes, sir."

Jack hung up the phone and took some deep breaths in and out to slow his heart rate before he called out, "Davis!"

Paul Davis opened the door and walked in, concern in his eyes. Davis knew how close the original SG1 team were, so it made sense that whatever that phone call was about, the General would be rattled. He answered, "Yes, sir."

Jack was now every bit a general and spoke with authority, "Davis, I need to be on the next transport to Nellis! Get me there quickly, commercial is to slow. Also give General Letz a heads up I will be there, but I am not to be disturbed or bothered. Get me a ride from the tar-mac to building 17 ready to depart as soon as the door to the jet opens. Cancel all my meetings or send someone to take notes for the next few days."

Writing a note Davis replied, "Yes, sir." and walked out to do as ordered.

Thirty minutes later, Davis walked back into General O'Neill's office. He noticed the tension in the general's face. "Sir?" Paul waited for the general to nod before continuing, "There's a C-20H cleared to leave in an hour. I have transport to Area 51 lined up for you also." He studied the general a little longer. "Are you okay, sir?"

Jack looked at Davis and released a sigh. "Yeah, Davis close the door, will ya?"

Paul did as asked then turned around, "Sir?"

"Davis…" realizing this was a talk of a more personal nature, "Paul, I know it's a little unorthodox for me to go pick up and leave for Col. Carter."

"Yes, sir. I know SG1 is close. Is she okay, sir?"

"She will be." Jack took another breath in. "Look, can you keep the next thing that I say need to know?"

Davis nodded.

"I think this is important for you to know in case anything like this happens again or something happens to me. When Colonel Carter and I transferred, we got married. She is my wife."

With a surprised look, Davis reached out his hand as he said, "Wow, sir. Congratulations."

Taking his hand for a quick shake, Jack replied with a smile, "Thanks, Paul. I need you to gather some things for me to work on as I gather my other belongings. I have a plane to catch. "

~~SJ~~

Jack made to the Gulfstream, not realizing he was the only passenger assigned. It was a long and stressful flight for him. He had no idea how she was faring or even what the hell was wrong with her. His stress must have been noticeable because the flight crew just looked at him warily. Jack flatly ignored them.

After he landed, Jack realized he had luggage and requested to be driven to Groom Lake first. Holding onto his secret briefcase, Jack put all his items into Sam's car. Even his cell phone, this way he knew it was safe from possible prying eyes.

By time he made it to the medical facility in Area 51, it was 1900 local and he was drained. Only the adrenaline was keeping him going.

The doctor he talked to on the phone, Colonel Johnson, was waiting for him. His escort introduced them, "Colonel Johnson, this is General O'Neill."

Colonel Johnson saluted Jack and then they shook hands. Then, Colonel Johnson offered his office so they could talk. They both sat down.

The Colonel cut to the chase. "Sir, I have to admit it's a little strange to be calling a general for a medical emergency of a lower ranked officer."

Jack sat up straighter, putting his hands up, "I get that it probably is a little strange. She and I served closely together for over eight years at the SGC. Our team is closer than family. We know what each other wants and needs in medical situations better than family. Since the move here, I was the best person to put on her medical emergency paperwork, since I have better access."

The Colonel nodded, "That actually makes perfect sense, sir. I'm sorry if you thought I was thinking anything untoward, sir."

"No" Jack wanting to get to the topic of Sam changed the subject, "How is she, Colonel?"

"Colonel Carter is stable, sir. She is weak and pale from the blood loss. She's still groggy from the surgery and sore from the incisions. We are giving her pain medicine to keep her comfortable."

"What happened?"

"General, were you aware that she was pregnant?"

A/N As you can tell, I gave Paul a promotion. One of my pet peeves for the show. If your going to have a military members in recurring roles, they can't be the same rank for over 11 years. Paul Davis has a pretty significant job, he would not have been passed over. In my head canon, he is up for Colonel in the next promotion board.