A Gift Of The Amazons 9

The Gift

by John O'Connor

URL: http://www.area52hkh.net/asj/john/amazons09.php
Summary: Sam and Janet receive a very special gift

Stargate Command - Day Nineteen - Mid-morning

"WHAT? YOU'RE WHAT?"

Jack O'Neill's shout radiated out beyond the closed door of General Hammond's office. Technicians in the control room looked up from their tasks at the fading echoes.

Sitting there with an amused grin on her face, Janet Fraiser repeated her statement, "I'm pregnant."

With a broad grin on her face looking like she wanted to burst, Samantha Carter stood with her hands behind her back and bounced on her toes, adding, "And I'm the mother!"

The stunned look on O'Neill's face was priceless and never to be forgotten by those in Hammond's office.

Stargate Command - Day Nine - Early afternoon

"They want to what?" George Hammond demanded.

"They want to help us have a baby," Janet repeated.

"Who? You and Major Carter? How is that possible?"

"Uh, they have a ... Well, it's... Janet?"

"It's a procedure called parthenogenesis. They have a device that mixes the DNA of the parents. It artificially fertilizes the new zygote and in nine months a perfectly healthy baby girl is born," Janet explained.

"I can't see that being authorized by Washington, Doctor. Major. It's bordering on... Well, I just don't think it will be okayed," Hammond said.

"Sir, with all due respect to the Air Force and it's regs, this is a great diplomatic situation. It would help us show our trust of the Amazons. Especially after the..." Sam paused, blinking several times. "The loss of our people. It's a way for them to try to atone for the accident occurring on their world."

"Sir," Janet interjected. "They, Hippolyta and her government, would consider it a great honor to impregnate one of their visitors."

"It's too close to a homosexual relationship. I don't see how I can argue this point effectively with the Secretary, the Chief of Staff, or the President," the general said with a tired sigh.

"General, sir, it's not a homosexual relationship. It's the joining of two strands of DNA. Just because they both come from women shouldn't matter. This is an opportunity," Janet said. "And I have to admit, I like the idea of having a baby. I always feel like I missed out with Cassie," she finished in a quiet voice.

"Major, do you have any reservations about this procedure?"

"No sir. I'm behind it one hundred percent."

The older Texan nodded and turned to the other woman, "Doctor, I think I know how you feel. But wouldn't it be better to have a baby with someone you...well, love?"

"Sir, Sam is my dearest, closest friend. There is no one I'd rather share this experience with..."

Nodding again but with a bemused look, Hammond said, "So, if this is okayed, you'd carry the baby, Doctor?"

"Yes sir. That way Sam can still retain her mission status. I would still be able to work up until the very end of the pregnancy, as well."

"What about Cassandra? What will she think about this? I presume you haven't had a chance to talk to her?" Hammond asked.

"Not yet. Janet and I are sure she'll be very excited though, sir," Sam said. "Pending yours and Washington's approval, of course."

"Sir, may I remind you that you gave Major Carter and I virtual carte blanche on this assignment? We could have interpreted that to mean consent to this procedure without consulting you," Janet said.

"What's your point, Doctor?"

"Just that we respect you and the Air Force. We are doing this by the book. Shouldn't that count for something?"

Sam looked at her friend and lover in surprise. What was Janet doing? How could she talk to the general like this?

"I think I see your point, Doctor. I will relay that side of this to Washington as well," Hammond said with a tired nod.

"Thank you, General."

"I'm sure you're both anxious to go home and see Cassandra. I know she's been asking about you every day. I'll contact you when I receive word from the Pentagon. I doubt you'll hear anything before you return to Themyscira though."

"General, can we keep this quiet? Just between us for now?" Sam requested.

"Of course, Major," Hammond said in a voice that told them he had never considered otherwise.

The women rose, saluted, and headed for the door and on down the corridor to the nearest elevator to the surface.

Finally, clearing the last checkpoint several long minutes later, they stepped out of the vast underground complex and headed for the car they drove in together the week before. It was bitterly cold with a sharp wind off the mountain behind them. Snow scudded across the parking lot.

"C'mon! Let's get out of this wind..." Sam said as she jogged across the lot. Janet kept pace with her.

Soon, they were in the car and Sam was crossing her fingers that it would start. Fortunately she was such a nut about keeping all of her gear in tip-top shape that the engine turned over almost immediately.

"Heat! Must have heat!" Janet said, her words forced out between clenched teeth. It was such a change from the other world's near-tropical environment.

Sam flicked on the heater and slid over to hug her love. "We'll share body heat while this warms up. Okay?"

They sat in the cold for several long moments before Sam finally had to ask, "Janet, what were you doing there at the end? I thought you'd screwed everything up with that stuff about how we coulda done it anyway, and carte blanche, and all that."

"S-s-sam, I wa-was just reminding Hammond that we doing what we th-though w-was ri-ight. Go-od, it's so

c-c-cold!"

Sam started rubbing Janet's back through her heavy jacket, holding her close. "The heat's starting to kick in," she said.

Janet nodded, her brown hair tickling Sam's cheek. "Gl-glad we didn't we-wear the t-t-togas back here..."

"Yeah, between the cold and the guys, we'd've regretted that for a long time..."

"Sam," Janet said as she pulled back slightly, "I have been dealing with George Hammond and the government bureaucracy for the last few years. I think he expects me to put up a little fight. That's how he knows I mean business. Don't worry, I think he'll do all he can for us."

Sam kissed her quickly, "Okay, I just have a thing about how to talk to superior officers and..."

Janet nodded, "Yeah, but there are times you need to tweak them." She kissed Sam back, a deeper, warming kiss. She reached into Sam's coat and tweaked her as well.

"Janet..."

"Relax, the windows are fogged up anyway."

"Yeah, now."

Janet laughed, "C'mon, fly-girl. Take us to our daughter. Then home."

Sam chuckled and pulled out.

Janet and Sam's House - Day Nine - Evening

"So, Mom, Sam, I was wondering if the '70s were like that show on Fox..."

Sam looked across the dining room table at her young friend. She reached for a carton of pad Thai and asked, "Why are you asking us?"

"Well, when I asked Jack, he said you'd both know better than him."

"What!" Janet exploded. "He said we'd... Why that smart-ass son of a..."

"Easy, Janet. Easy. You'd think you were already going through those hormonal changes," Sam said as she took Janet's hand in hers. "Cassie, he was kidding. Janet and I were both kids in the '70s. By the end of the decade we were just starting high school. We weren't even as old as you are now."

"Oh. So he was..." Cassie let her voice trail off. After all these years, she was still able to be taken in by Jack O'Neill's actions. In this, she was not alone though.

"What did you mean about hormones, Sam?" the teenager asked, quickly changing the subject.

"Cassie," Janet said, "What would you think if there was a baby in the house?"

"You mean, like baby-sitting?"

"No, honey. We mean like part of the family... Our family."

Cassie looked from Sam to Janet and back. "But how? You're both... You still are, aren't you?"

"Jack Jr. here," Sam snorted, pointing a thumb at her daughter. "Yes, Cass. We're both still female."

"Then how?"

"We'll get to that. But what about us having a baby? Would that bother you? A little sister?" Sam persisted.

"Hell no! That'd be so cool!"

Sam smiled at Janet as if to say 'that's our girl.'

"Who's gonna get pregnant? You or Mom? Or both?"

Janet said, "I was going to carry the baby. That way Sam can still keep her mission status."

"Cool. So how's this work?"

Sam and Janet then began to explain to their daughter all that was involved. Fortunately they'd had the birds-and-the-bees talk several years before when Cass started to mature. And the specifics of the procedure weren't deemed necessary for a young teen.

After that, it was talk of what to name the girl, how to decorate her room, how Cassie can help, and the myriad other details that come up when a new baby is on the way.

They were all late getting to bed that night.

Stargate Command - General Hammond's Office - Day Ten - Morning

"Yes sir? You wanted to see us?" Sam asked as she and Janet stood at parade rest in front of his desk.

"Yes, Major, Doctor, I wanted to let you know before your briefing that there's been no response yet from Washington."

Sam nodded, "Yes sir, I would've been surprised it they had responded yet."

"We mentioned this yesterday but I want to make sure you understand what this looks like in the eyes of the Pentagon and the Defense Department. First, it has all the trappings of a lesbian relationship..." He held up his hand as Sam started to speak up, "Hear me out, Major. It would be a baby conceived from two women who also are living together. Considering they don't know you as I do, it's easy to understand their viewpoint.

"Second, even without you involved in the picture, Major, we are looking at an unmarried pregnant woman who happens to have a post in a highly classified security command." Hammond paused and turned to Janet, "Doctor, have you given any thought to your job? You can, at a moment's notice, be involved with highly toxic and contagious pathogens. Or worse."

"General," Janet said evenly. "I am well aware of the dangers inherent in my job. As is Sam, Major Carter. We believe that, in light of the past year or so, these dangers are less than they have been. And you yourself okayed the requisition of a virologist from Fort Detrick who will be starting here next month."

Hammond smiled, "I guess I didn't change your minds, huh? Well, I would've been surprised if I had. For what it's worth, I have added my recommendation for the procedure to the request I filed. Now, let's get this briefing over so you can return to Themyscira..."

Stargate Command - Briefing Room - Day Ten - Morning

"Yes, Doctor Jackson," Hammond said as the briefing was winding down.

"Uh, thanks. Sam, Janet, you said that the last group brought to the planet by..." Daniel adjusted his glasses as he thought, "Athena? Athena. Well, that this group was Norse?"

"Well, Norse or Celts. They both were brought to the planet within a few decades of each other. Terri Morgan is still researching that," Sam said.

"And there are Oriental, African, Central American, and Polynesian descendants there as well?" Daniel asked.

This time Janet answered, "Yes, most live in specific areas on the main continent or one of the major island groups. There is a varied mix of races in the capital city though. Why?"

"It's just that the Goa'uld tend to stay with a particular culture when they seed a given world... And the same Goa'uld taking from so many different cultures... I would think that would cause problems with some of the other System Lords."

"Well, Daniel, remember, Athena's landing craft crashed on the shore and her mothership was destroyed as was another Goa'uld mothership. I would say that was conflict. Wouldn't you?" Sam asked with a grin.

"Uh, yes, but only one ship against her? Why wouldn't more of the Lords step in? She was 'stealing' from the other Goa'uld's stock, after all," Daniel said.

"Well, next time Apophis or Nurti has us in their clutches, I'll be sure to ask, 'Hey! Why didn't you gang up on Athena?' That alright Daniel?" Jack asked sarcastically.

Daniel looked at Jack and then said, "I suppose it doesn't matter. But it is curious..."

"Daniel, I promise to have Terri check into that as well. The Goa'uld data base, well most of it, was saved by the Amazons. Maybe that will provide some clues..."

"Alright, I believe we've covered all we need to for now. Major Carter and Doctor Fraiser need to head back to the planet with some potential trade goods they think might be of interest to the Amazons. And I have far too much paper work to deal with." Hammond stood, "Unless there's anything else, dismissed."

As Sam and Janet headed for the Gate Room, Jack caught up to them. "So, a planet of women, huh? What do they do for fun?" he asked with a wicked grin.

"They have races and games of skill, Colonel," Sam replied. She and Janet had decided not to tell him about the Themyscirans' theatre. At least not yet.

"No, I mean...fun...get me?"

"I don't think so sir. After all, I'm a child of the '70s, remember?"

At Jack's blank stare, Janet added, "Yes, we're so old we must've been complete stoners..."

Realization dawned in his face, "Oh, Cassie told you... It was just a joke. I was only... I'm going to pay for that, right?"

Sam and Janet shared a grin as they followed a specially-equipped, fully-laden MALP through the open Gate.

Themyscira - Day Eleven - Morning

"Welcome back, Sam, Janet. And what is that?" Diana said brightly. She was standing to the side of the DHD. Her sister, Troia, was waiting on a hover floating a few meters away.

"Hello Diana. These are some items we think you might find of interest," Sam replied.

The three exchanged the ritual greeting kiss, a practice Sam and Janet were becoming accustomed to.

"Then come, let us return to the palace and you may show them to Mother. And, what of our offer?"

Janet shook her head, "We are awaiting the okay from our superiors."

"You require your superiors to agree before you can have a family?" Troia asked curiously. This had been explained to Hippolyta and Diana prior to the women returning to Earth but not to the teenager.

"In this instance, yes. We are in the military. There are rules..."

Troia nodded, already dismissing the strange ways of her new friends. "So what did you bring?"

Slowly loading the hover, Sam said, "We brought samples of our music, art, and literature. Some general history texts as well so you and your people can learn more about the planet your ancestors came from."

"Let us load these cartons and return to the city. I'm very curious to see what you have brought us," Diana said as she lifted one of the boxes off the MALP.

When they finished transferring the load, Sam activated the Gate and sent the MALP back. "They're pretty expensive," she said to Troia's curious look.

Back in the city, Sam and Janet were greeted in the usual manner by Hippolyta. The lovely woman kissed both as she said, "Welcome back to our home."

After the greetings, Hippolyta asked, "What have you brought us?"

"These are examples of our arts and history. Let me set up this small stereo," Sam said as she opened a carton containing a new Aiwa cd stereo player.

Using batteries, until they could work out the necessary adaptions to the Amazonian power grid, Sam placed a cd in the tray and started it.

"This is one of my favorites, a waltz called 'The Blue Danube.' This is played for a formal, stylized dance," Janet explained.

Hippolyta sat back, her eyes closed. "It's beautiful."

Diana smiled and nodded, "How wonderful..."

Sam and Janet sat back and listened to the piece with their hosts in silence. After the Strauss piece finished, Sam said, "We brought examples of that, which is considered classical. Also, jazz, blues, rock, and country/western. Each is a distinctive type of music."

"This is a book of some of the finer works of art and sculpture we have," Janet said as she hefted a coffee-table book. "As are these.

"And, these are some history text books. These are very general, a necessity when covering the past two or three thousand years."

Troia picked up one of the pictorial histories. Opening it, she asked, "What is that? All those figures..."

"That is a picture from one of our wars. Our biggest war, actually," Sam explained. "This is the Allied invasion of Europe. This was necessary to free the people from a military dictatorship.

"It was the single biggest invasion force in our history. My grandfather flew a bomber over Normandy, where the invasion took place," Sam added.

The five women talked for several hours and listened to a wide variety of music. Hippolyta was entranced by the various classical pieces. Diana and Troia both seemed to find the rock and country music preferable. But all enjoyed the new-found music.

Later, as Sam and Janet left Hippolyta's chambers, Diana walked with them. "May I ask you a question?"

"Of course, Diana," Janet responded.

"I am unsure of your ways and would like your help. I have been spending a lot of time with Terri Morgan and I find her to be a wonderfully engaging person. I look forward to our time together. I feel she does too."

Sam stopped and Janet had to smile, "Close your mouth dear." Then she looked at Diana, "You, uh, feel..."

"I believe... No, I am in love with her. She is..."

Janet chuckled, "You don't have to say anymore. Have you told Terri?"

"I am not sure of the proper etiquette with your people. Is it allowed that I just tell her?"

Janet began to walk with Diana alongside before she slowed and said, "Sam? Wanna join us?" Sam jogged to catch up.

"Diana, one thing you must remember is that we leave soon. We'll be back on our world," Janet said.

"But, if she wanted to stay?"

"It's not that simple. She's an officer in the Air Force. She's chosen that for her career and... Sam? A little help here?" Janet said.

"Uh, Diana, uh, you and Terri?" Sam had a goofy smile on her face before she saw the perplexed look on Janet's face, "Well, that's great and all but, you see, the Air Force...well, the military in general, doesn't want to deal with gay personnel. A relationship between you and Terri, while perfectly normal and acceptable here on Themyscira, is a taboo back on our planet."

"But you and Janet are together," Diana protested.

"Yes, we are. And you have no idea how hard it can be keeping it a secret. I want to stand up and tell the world that I love this wonderful woman but it would, at best, get us transferred far from each other and far from the Stargate."

Janet hugged Sam tightly. "I love you too."

"I know." Sam kissed the top of Janet's head and they continued on.

"Your ways are somewhat frightening. And most confusing. A military that does not condone homosexuality? Our history tells of an ancient Greek city, Sparta. Their warriors were encouraged to become lovers. It was believed that they would then fight all the more tenaciously," Diana said.

"I've heard how war-like Sparta was but..." Janet started to say when Sam interjected.

"That may be but that was several thousand years ago."

"Here we are, ladies. Your quarters. Thank you for the information. I have much to think about." Diana clasped each Terran's hand and then headed back towards the city center.

"Wow. I hadn't expected that," Sam said as she closed the door.

"I guess I did. Do you remember me telling you about Terri making a pass at me? And then her admission that she was in love with Diana?"

"To be honest, only the pass. There's been so much..." Sam replied.

"Well, I think it's wonderful that they feel this way about each other but I feel so bad for them too," Janet said.

That night, after Sam and Janet briefed the rest of SG-13 about their visit home and heard little new information about Themyscira, Terri asked Janet if she could remain for a few minutes.

"Sam, I'll catch up shortly. Okay?" Sam smiled and nodded as she left.

"Okay, I'll head for the Gardens and you can meet me there..." Sam said over her shoulder.

"Okay, Terri. What did you want to talk about?" Janet asked.

"Janet, I wanted to thank you. Diana told me how she feels... God, that sounds so lame and stupid." Terri chuckled and rolled her eyes at herself before continuing, "She loves me! She LOVES me! Oh, Janet, I am so happy!"

Happy at the marvelous change in her friend's life, Janet hugged Terri. "That is wonderful! I just wish there was some way to keep you two together..."

"I know, Janet. I guess I'll just follow your advice and make the most of the short time we have. Who knows? Maybe we wouldn't even be together too long anyway..." Terri said.

"But thank you for helping with this much. I don't know how to tell you what it means to me to have this goddess, who I love, love me..." Terri's eyes were moist behind her glasses. A single tear slid down her cheek. "I'm so happy."

~~~

Sam made her way to the infamous (to her) bench in the middle of the Royal Gardens. Sitting on the white marble, she smiled as she remembered what Janet did to her here a week before.

"Never again. Too dangerous..." the blonde murmured to herself.

"What's too dangerous?"

Sam jumped up, startled by the familiar, British voice. Standing just inside the opening in the flowery bushes stood Ashley Rand. The Asian beauty smiled and repeated her question.

Sam stared at the long legs and the shapely form under the tightly wrapped toga. The woman was incredible! She shook her head when she realized she'd been staring and said, "Uh, nothing. Just thinking out loud..."

"Thinking about the doctor?" Ashley took several slow steps towards Sam. "Thinking about what happened here the other night?"

"Wha...? I mean..."

"Ssh." Long fingers lay lightly across Sam's lips. "You don't have to pretend with me. I'm a civilian. Remember?" Ashley moved closer. "And I can't say as I blame either of you. You are both beautiful women. You must be glorious together..."

"Uh...Ashley, I...um..." Sam was totally flustered. Her pulse was up, her respiration was fast. Sam was becoming incredibly turned on by this woman!

Ashley took one of Sam's hands in her own. "You know, this is a romantic spot. No one can see you. No one will know..."

"Know what?" Sam started to ask when Ashley gently cupped her face in her hands and kissed her.

Sam was stunned. She felt the woman's tongue slip into her mouth and her own respond to the intruder.

One hand left her face and slipped under the bottom of Sam's garment, softly cupping her ass then gently squeezing...

Sam moaned into Ashley's mouth. Then she pulled back, shook her head and whispered, "No...I can't..."

Ashley looked at Sam, her face a mask of disappointment. "You really do love her, don't you?"

Sam nodded, "Yes. More than I ever thought... Yes."

Smiling in understanding, Ashley said, "I am happy for you. She loves you as much too."

"Then, why this?"

"I guess I just got caught up in the moment. A beautiful woman in the moonlight. A blonde on top of that. Blondes have always been my weakness..." Ashley grinned sheepishly. "Well, I just thought I had to take a chance. I'm sorry, Sam..."

Sam smiled slightly, "No harm done." 'I hope,' she thought. "Let's just keep this between us. Okay?"

"Sure. I really am happy for you. You are really just about the perfect couple. Too bad back home..."

Nodding in agreement, Sam realized something said earlier. "You saw us the other night?"

"Well, not you at first. I don't know why. I saw Janet come in here and followed, thinking, hoping I guess, that she might be interested, you know?"

Sam nodded again. "And?"

"When I got back here, I saw the both of you. It really was a hot scene. I watched for a few moments then left to see if I could... Well, you know my rep by now.

"Matter of fact...gotta go." Ashley started for the gap in the bushes and stopped. "No one will ever hear about this from me, Sam. I want you to believe that."

"Thank you, Ashley. Both for that and for the ego boost."

Ashley's happy laugh trailed behind in fragrant air as she departed. Sam smiled, shook her head, and sat on the bench.

When Janet came to her later, Sam grabbed her love and kissed her hard and passionately.

"What was that for?" Janet asked when she finally caught her breath.

"Because I love you." Sam held the smaller woman close, "And I have to tell you about something..."

Stargate Command - General Hammond's Office - Day Twelve - Afternoon

"Well, Doctor, Major. It seems that the Powers That Be in Washington acceded to your request. And quite promptly I might add," Hammond said with a smile.

Sam and Janet had been holding each other's hand tightly as the general spent a few minutes detailing communiques between Cheyenne Mountain and the Pentagon. It was all either could do not to jump up and scream, "What is the answer?"

"We...we can have the baby?" Janet asked in a quiet voice.

"Yes, Doctor. You and Major Carter can have a baby," Hammond said. Shaking his head in bemusement, he added, "I never thought, in all my years, I'd be giving permission to two women in my command to become parents..."

Sam and Janet didn't hear his last comment, they were both on their feet and hugging each other. After a moment, Sam glanced at her superior and released her lover.

"Um, sorry sir. I guess we got carried away," Sam said sheepishly.

Hammond nodded, "Quite alright, Major. I can't say as I understand completely but it's alright. So, I suppose the only thing to do now is get you back to the planet..."

Both women nodded happily. Janet spoke up, "One request sir? Can we still keep this quiet here in the Mountain?"

"Of course Doctor. The rumors..."

"No, not that. I just don't want too many people expecting too much until we know for sure the baby is on her way," Sam explained.

"Understood, Major, Doctor. It'll just be between the three of us and those in the know in Washington. Have you given any thought to Jack?" the general asked with a sly smile.

"Not yet, sir," Sam said.

"Well, I want to be there when you do tell him," Hammond said.

"It'll be our pleasure, sir," Janet responded.

She grabbed the big man in a fierce hug, kissed his cheek and whispered, "Thank you."

No one dared question the general about the grin stuck on his face the rest of the day.

Janet and Sam's House - Day Twelve - Early Evening

Cassie squealed and hugged both women when they told her the news. "I'm gonna be a big sister! This is so cool!"

"Yeah, well, I expect some help around here, young lady," Janet said, trying unsuccessfully to look stern. It was almost impossible. The big grin plastered on her face seemed permanent.

"Yes, Cass. We have to pitch in..." Sam said, with an equally big grin on her face. Then she giggled and said, "I'm gonna be a father... Or a mother... Hell, we're gonna have a baby!"

"I can hardly wait!" Cassie said. Then she suddenly got quiet. "Hey! What are we going to tell people? I don't want anyone thinking Mom just sleeps around..."

"Cassandra!" Janet said loudly.

"Well, I don't..."

Sam hugged Cassie and shot a look at a chagrined Janet. "Don't worry, baby. We'll come up with a decent cover story."

Joining the hug, Janet pressed her forehead against both her daughter's and her lover's forehead and said, "I'm sorry. It was the way you phrased it... Don't worry honey, we'll be okay." Then, with a sardonic look in her eye, she added, "I don't want people thinking I'm sleeping around either."

"MOM!"

Themyscira - Day Thirteen - Afternoon

"I am so pleased, Janet, Sam," Hippolyta said as she rose from her cushioned throne. "I hope you had no trouble convincing your people though."

"None at all," Sam said, not exactly lying. "And I would like to thank you for giving us, Janet and myself, this wonderful opportunity."

"Yes, I am very happy that I will be able to have Sam's child," Janet said, looking at her lover.

"I suggest a good night's rest for both of you and we'll see about the procedure in the morning." Hippolyta smiled and added, "And do not worry. It is a most pleasurable experience."

Sam and Janet left together and headed towards their quarters. En route, they saw Ashley Rand talking with a young, dark-skinned woman near one of the official structures.

"She really loves this place," Sam said.

"Yeah, I guess so." Janet smiled and looked at Sam out of the corner of her eye, "So, any regrets?"

"What?"

"About you and Ashley? I mean, she is one hot little number..."

"Janet! I'd never... You are my... How can you even... I mean..."

Janet laughed at the bright red color on her love's face. "I love getting you flustered! And I know you wouldn't do anything like that."

"She took me by..."

"Surprise," Janet finished. "I know. I think there's something we all forgot. Diana, on her initial tour of the city, said something about the gardens. Do you remember?" Sam shook her head. "I didn't either. Most of the girls didn't hear it. I think only Allison and and Terri heard. She said something about a blossom that seems to have an aphrodisiacal aroma. There are several bushes of these flowers in the garden."

"An aphrodisiac? C'mon Janet. There is no such thing."

"Are you sure? I would never have taken you like I did that night in the garden normally. Nor would you have acted the way you did the other night. With Ashley or with me. And Carla told me she and Marcy took a stroll through the gardens after the play our first day here and look what happened there..."

"Okay, what about Terri? Has she been in there?"

"I don't know. I don't think so, at least not until she and Diana..."

"Well, she came on to you. What about that?"

"Sam! Are you still jealous? The sexiest woman on our team, outside of you sweetie, made a big-time pass at you!"

"It's not jealousy. Well, not like that. It's just I don't want anyone else kissing you or... I would think you felt the same about me."

Janet laughed and said, "I do! But I am so proud of the fact that such a desirable woman is with me. Having Ashley make a pass at you... I didn't like it but I did. Do you understand?"

Sam pulled Janet into a tight hug, "Yes, my love. I do."

They stopped in the cafeteria, as the Terrans had come to call the communal dining hall, for an early dinner. Inside were a few scattered Themyscirans, but otherwise the room was fairly empty.

After getting some variety of local foods, as was their habit here, Sam and Janet took a table along a far wall near a large window. Looking out, they could see many of the women of the city strolling along. Some were ambling casually along, alone, in pairs, and small groups. Others were obviously busy as they seemed to be walking faster and with a purpose.

"I could get to like it here," Sam said.

"Oh yeah! You settling down? No way on God's green earth, Samantha Carter."

"We're not on Earth," Sam responded.

"No! Really? I would've sworn..." Janet smiled at Sam, taking any sting out of the sarcastic reply.

Sam decided to change the subject, "So, what should we name our little bundle of joy?"

"I really haven't gotten that far yet. I'm still amazed we'll be having a baby... I never thought I'd ever be a real mother." Janet smiled, remembering the day in the throne room when the possibility of the two women having a baby was first proposed...

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Sam's face lit up at Hippolyta's offer. "We can have a baby girl? Janet and I?"

Hippolyta nodded slowly, a wonderful smile spread across her face. "Yes. It is an offer freely given, and, if you accept, I hope freely accepted." Hippolyta frowned when she glanced at Janet. "Is something wrong, Janet?"

Sam looked at her lover in alarm, "Janet?"

Janet stood there looking ashen, her eyes brimming with tears, "Sam...I..."

Sam took Janet's hand gently, running her thumb over the other woman's knuckles softly. "What is it? You can tell me," Sam said with equal softness.

"I...I never thought it would be a factor... Sam, uh, I...I can't have babies." Janet's matter-of-fact tone belied the tragic look on her face.

"What? Why? I mean, why didn't you tell me?"

"Well, I never thought it would ever matter to us." Janet laughed bitterly. "I never imagined this..."

Hugging Janet, Sam whispered, "It doesn't matter, my love. I never really expected to be a mother anyway. And I don't want to see you upset like this. It really hurts me..."

"Oh, Sam, do you mean that?"

Sam nodded into the fearful, questioning brown eyes, "Yes. I love YOU, Janet. That's all that matters."

"I was afraid for a minute... This was a big part of the reason my marriage didn't..." Janet stopped, afraid to go on.

"You never told me. But it doesn't matter. He obviously never really loved you."

"Samantha Carter, I love you."

"I love you, Janet Fraiser."

"Ladies," Hippolyta interrupted with a gentle smile. "This inability on Janet's part should not pose a problem. We can overcome virtually any difficulty in this regard.

"The scientists at the Life Institute can take a sample of your genetic structure if an ova is not available or not viable. Then, as I understand it, the DNA is spliced with that of your life partner's egg and then the combined egg is fertilized. This is oversimplified but I am not conversant in such matters."

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

"Stupid doctor back in..." Janet said for the hundredth time. "I am so tempted to go back when I'm in the third trimester just to show her how stupid she is..."

Smiling indulgently, Sam said, "Yeah, well, if she was so stupid, how come no one else saw the mistake on any of your physicals?" She played with the remains of their early dinner, chuckling softly.

Initial tests run the day the offer had been made indicated that Janet could have babies. Her ova just needed a little push.

"Shut up," the brunette said.

Sam smiled at her woman and the soon-to-be mother of her child. "Yes'm."

Later, as they strolled through the gardens, inhaling the scent of the various fragrances, Janet said, "This will change everything, you know."

"I know."

"We'll both have responsibilities. Neither of us has given that much thought."

"I know. Why bring that up? Scared? Are you changing your mind?" Sam asked, trying to mask the worry behind her questions.

"If I was?"

"I...I just want to know." Sam swallowed past a large dry lump that had suddenly formed. "I guess I need to know..."

Janet stopped and stared at a particularly vibrant bloom. "Would you stop loving me?" she asked quietly.

"God, no! Janet, I won't lie. I would be disappointed. Hurt even. But I can't stop loving you. It'd be like trying not to breathe." Sam turned Janet to look at her, "I'm not your ex-husband. I will never be like him."

With a shuddery breath, Janet smiled, "I...I am so relieved to..."

"Janet, if you don't want to do this, we can tell the queen. I know she'll understand. She's very perceptive and well aware of the differences between our cultures and..."

"Shut up, Sam." Janet placed her hand in front of Sam's mouth, smiling. "Think we can get the babble gene removed from our daughter?"

Sam's eyes widened and she took Janet into her arms, kissing the smaller woman deeply and lovingly.

That evening, at the regular daily briefing of SG-13, Sam sat and listened to the progress reports of the various team members. No real surprises, just the gradual increase in knowledge of Themyscira's culture and technology. She could see Janet shifting occasionally in her seat.

"So the government is a democratic one, more or less? Is that right, Liz?" Sam asked.

"Yes, all except the queen. They have a tricameral system though. Each of the three bodies in their parliament has equal and exclusive authority over it's area of government. The queen is brought in to resolve any inter-legislative squabbles." The blonde captain combed back her long, straight hair.

"She is a figurehead to a point. But she does have more power than, say, Elizabeth in England. And she does stand as a nearly direct link back to the original captives left here by the Goa'uld. They can name every queen back to the first on this world, Penelope."

Terri Morgan nodded and added, "She's almost a deity to these people. Like the original Hippolyta of Greek mythology, she has become more legend than fact."

"Okay, we'll table that discussion for now. I think I better let Janet have her say before she explodes... Or do you have to use the bathroom, Doctor?" Sam asked with a straight face.

Janet held up a single finger while smiling sweetly at the team leader. This brought out several guffaws from her teammates as well as a gasp from Terri.

"Why Janet, is that a proposition?" Sam asked.

"You wish, Major."

The two senior members of SG-13 joined with the others in laughing at their little interchange. Then Janet held up her hand.

"I do have an announcement to make. Well, Sam and I do."

The room quieted and all looked at Janet questioningly.

"Hippolyta has made an offer to us that we..."

"Couldn't refuse?" Jennifer said in a bad Marlon Brando imitation.

Rolling her eyes, Janet continued, "She offered to let us experience parthenogenesis. We're going to have a baby."

The room erupted. Everyone was talking at once and Sam finally put fingers to her lips and blew a piercing, screeching whistle.

"Alright, settle down. We'll answer all your questions as we can. But before you get ahead of yourselves, we have already had this cleared through General Hammond and the Powers That Be in Washington. They see it, as we do. A great experiment and a way to further interplanetary relations. It's an opportunity too good to pass up."

Subtlety defusing any potentially dangerous rumors, Sam and Janet spent the next two hours in an old-fashioned gab session with their friends and teammates. After it was over, Terri and Ashley stayed behind. Sam and Janet had long before let them in on the reality of their relationship.

"Good job diffusing any rumors that you two might be..." Ashley said.

"Yeah," Terri agreed. "I don't think any of them will believe you are more than very good friends and colleagues from the way you presented everything."

"Good. This will create enough awkward rumors back home and it would be better if we had some back up from our team," Sam replied.

"And, they wouldn't be lying. Not as far as they know..." Ashley added.

"I...we really appreciate your help in this, girls. We were becoming a bit indiscreet and..." Janet paused.

Terri stepped into the gap, "It's the least we could do. We both owe you for so much. Being brought on this mission. Getting to meet Di...these people. I can never do enough to thank you."

"Does that include babysitting?" Sam joked.

"Come on, the concert will start soon," Ashley said.

"You two go on ahead. We have a big day ahead of us tomorrow and would like to get some sleep," Sam said.

"Sleep, yeah. Okay."

"Ashley!" Terri said in mock-shock.

"We really are going to get some rest," Janet said. "Anyway, I'm not too hip on lute music..."

"Hip? What're you, from the '70s?" Sam asked, suddenly recalling Jack O'Neill's barb sent to them via Cassandra.

"We still owe him," she said to Janet as the doctor closed the door.

"Come to bed, you sexy thing, and we can discuss that...eventually." Janet moved to the door of the bedroom and flipped the back of her toga-like garment up, showing Sam her lovely backside.

"Yeah, eventually..." Sam said as she followed the brown-haired dream into their bedchamber.

Jack O'Neill's House - Day Thirteen - Early Evening

"Cassie, what the hell is going on?" Jack demanded.

"What's the problem, Jack?" Daniel said as he came into the living room with a beer for Jack and a glass of wine for himself.

"She's been acting funny all day..." Jack shook his head, "And she won't tell me anything!"

"I told you. It's a secret!" Cass said in a voice full of typical teenaged condescension.

"Well, then, just settle down... Jeez, I may have to go buy some ritalin or something," Jack declared.

"You need a prescription for that, Jack," Daniel said.

Cassie, who had been squirming on the couch since she got to Jack's after school, got up and dashed to the kitchen. "Got any Coke?" she yelled over her shoulder.

Jack rolled his eyes and shook his head. "Remind me never to volunteer to babysit ever again."

Daniel snorted and followed Cassie.

"Hey Kiddo, what's up?"

"I said it's a secret! Gaawwd!"

"C'mon, you can tell me. Is it about Janet and Sam?"

Waiting until Daniel took a sip of his wine, Cassie retorted, "Why couldn't it be about you and Jack?"

Daniel choked and spewed wine across the kitchen counter.

Themyscira - Life Center - Day Fourteen - Mid-morning

"Just relax. You should find this quite enjoyable," Maeb, the chief of the Life Center, said as she adjusted some of the controls.

Sam and Janet were laying on a large platform, softly padded. It was roughly the size of a king-size bed. One end of the platform was attached to the wall. Two mechanical arms hung above the platform. The upper armature was long and stiff but after the first hydraulic joint, the articulation of the devices became more pronounced. At the end of each was a small, tapered tube that looked suspiciously like one of the toys back home that the women would use on occasion.

The two of them were wearing white, one-piece slips that extended to mid-thigh when they were standing. Underneath, they were naked. After they reclined, Maeb pulled up the hems of the slips and covered her charges from the waist down with a light-weight sheet.

Diana had told them that they were being treated to the best care in the Center due to their special status as guests of the queen.

True to her promise, soft Themysciran music was playing in the background and Maeb, who was descended from one of the last groups kidnapped to Themyscira, was doing all that she could to keep her patients at ease.

The other physicians were all more than capable of performing the procedure but Hippolyta wanted only the best for her guests. Maeb did ask that the two most senior staff assist her in the operation.

After explaining how the device worked and what it did, she saw that while Janet seemed fine, Sam still looked apprehensive. She leaned over and whispered to Janet, causing a sly smile to creep across the Terran doctor's face.

As Maeb and her two assistants left the room, to check on something or other, Janet took Sam's hand, saying, "It'll be fine, sweetie. Nothing to be nervous about. Here, let me take your mind off everything..."

Janet rolled to her side, pulled Sam's face towards her and kissed the blonde. At first, it was a simple pressing of lips but it soon progressed to a far more passionate joining of their mouths and tongues.

Sam's eyes almost popped put of her head and she gasped into Janet's mouth as she felt familiar fingers exploring her labia.

Janet slipped into her lover as Sam became first moist, then wet from her manipulations. Ending the kiss, she looked deep into cerulean blue eyes and said, "This is how it will feel, darling. I promise."

"How do you know?"

"I saw the procedure last week. Remember?"

As a thumb brushed an erect nubbin, Sam could only nod and swallow. Janet slipped her fingers out and licked them clean, never breaking eye contact with Sam.

"Janet, you can't leave me like this..."

"Don't worry, honey. You'll be feeling fine soon enough," the brown-eyed woman promised.

Maeb returned a few minutes later and Janet said, "I think we're both ready now, Maeb. Please proceed."

"Of course, Janet. I was just readying the scanner so you can confirm the DNA strands are intact," the Celtic woman said.

Sam and General Hammond had voiced concern that the DNA changes in the Themyscirans might somehow be transferred to their child. Janet had assured them that the genetic material wasn't being manipulated, just mated. She did promise to scan the strands to assure a clean merging.

"Thank you, Maeb. I know it's unnecessary but I had to promise..."

"No need to explain. I can well understand your concerns, now that I am aware of the alteration in our own DNA." Maeb keyed in some instructions on a vidscreen, "Ready when you are."

"Sam?" Sam smiled and nodded, secure in the knowledge that her love would never hurt her. "Go ahead, Maeb."

A soft hum emanated from the large wall unit and the armature slowly moved down towards the women. At the same time, a metal frame around their lower bodies lifted slowly, raising the sheet over their legs.

Sam grasped Janet's hand as the lower end of the devices moved out of view behind the raised linen. Janet gave Sam a reassuring squeeze.

Janet had not been completely truthful. She had observed the entire operation, with the consent of the couple having the baby. They actually seemed to enjoy the process. And Maeb had explained that stimulation did make the entire operation much smoother. Still, being on the receiving end of the large device was a little different.

Both women jumped as the smooth, warm tips of the device brushed their labia. A little gentle pressure and the device slid easily inside each of them.

"Oooo! Janet...."

"God, this is... Sam?"

Sam turned and looked at Janet, smiled and kissed her. Janet returned the kiss and they rode a small wave of pleasure as the device opened and a smaller probe slid up into each woman.

Maeb was remotely controlling the probe, watching a highly detailed scan of each woman's abdomen. The probe penetrated the womb and an even finer filament moved up one of the Fallopian tubes to the ova. There it removed several eggs and then retreated back into the womb. That probe retracted into the shaft in the vagina and the entire device withdrew from the women.

This took slightly longer to accomplish than to explain and the initial, larger probe began a subtle pulsation inside the vagina. Just before the filament reached the ova, each woman had an orgasm.

Janet had rarely experienced orgasm while kissing anyone but found it incredibly exciting. It was also wonderfully intimate to know that the person she was kissing climaxed with her. But, even more important, the woman she was kissing loved her as she loved Sam.

The eggs were removed to a warm nutrient bath. There, they could be maintained until the necessary splicing of two of the eggs was accomplished. The remaining eggs could be easily stored in the large cryo-files the Life Center maintained.

Maeb and one of her colleagues came and helped each woman up. "Occasionally, a woman might experience some discomfort, like a slight cramp. But this is very rare. It usually happens to the solo procedures," Maeb said.

"Solo procedures?" Sam asked.

"Where a woman wants a child but doesn't have a partner or recently lost her partner. If we have the partner's eggs in storage, we use one of those with the woman having the procedure. Sometimes, the patient is willing to have her egg melded with anyone's to have a baby. It doesn't happen often but..."

Sam interrupted Maeb, "What about our eggs? You said you were taking several. Will those be used in that way?"

"Only with your consent. They will remain in our files until you release them or request we destroy them," Maeb reassured her.

"Come, watch the operation. I think you will find it interesting. Shortly, Janet will have the fertile egg emplaced and you will be the expectant parents of a beautiful little girl."

They watched the microscopic splicing of their eggs and the artificial fertilization of the spliced seed. Janet confirmed that the genetic changes the Themyscirans had created centuries before had not occurred with their egg.

Janet was taken back to the table and Sam lay with her as the device slipped into the smaller woman.

"I think I'm jealous," Sam said with a smile.

"Jealous?"

"Yeah, that machine is getting kinda personal with my woman," Sam smirked.

Janet snorted as she tried to laugh around the pleasure.

Two hours after they entered the Life Center, Sam and a pregnant Janet left to return to their quarters and make love for the rest of the warm afternoon.

Stargate Command - Day Nineteen - Mid-morning

Heads turned in the command center and the adjacent corridors as Jack O'Neill's bellow could be heard beyond the closed door of General Hammond's office.

"YOU'RE WHAT?"

Next: Mission's End 1