Young Again (Sam and Jack)

Young Again pt5

Jack was sitting on his bed, staring into space feeling sorry for himself when there was a knock at his door. “Come in.”

In walked Janet holding a very distressed Sam, who quickly jumped out of her arms as soon as she saw him.

“Jack!” she cried and jumped into his lap and hugged him fiercely.

“Her dad had to go, and she wouldn’t settle down in the infirmary. So since you two have spent the last week together, I assume you can look after her tonight in your quarters? Janet asked, sounding weary and in need of sleep herself.

“Sure thing.” Jack replied, feeling so happy with Sam back again. He pulled back the covers and lay Sam down with him, while she snuggled into his chest. This was the way they had gone to sleep for the past week on the alien planet, and he hadn’t been able to sleep without her there. It had felt strange, but now he could finally relax because he knew where she was and he knew she was safe.

Jack and Sam awoke the next morning to Daniel knocking on the door, asking if they were going to breakfast in the commissary with him. They got dressed quickly and followed the man that claimed to be their friend, slowly becoming accustomed to the fact that they were adults just over a week ago.

In the commissary Jack helped Sam onto a chair while Daniel went and got them some breakfast, apparently they both wanted fruit loops; Sam had never tried them but Jack assured her that they were wonderful. Daniel couldn’t help but wonder if the adult Jack still liked fruit loops since the time loop incident, still he brought them their breakfast of choice. While he was walking towards the table he noticed how close they were, how protective Jack was towards Sam, and how much happier Jack seemed now that she was in his care. Shrugging to himself Daniel supposed that no matter where or what happened to those two, they would always gravitate towards each other.

Smiling reassuringly to them, he joined them at the table.

“I have some good news to tell you.” He started.

Jack and Sam looked at him expectantly.

“I can see my parents?” Jack asked.

“My Daddy’s coming back?” Sam added with enthusiasm.

“No I’m sorry, neither or your parents are here.” Daniel told them with regret at their disappointed faces.

“But…” his face brightened, “The alien scientist Mourin’T that devised the drugs that changed you has contacted us and wishes to help us change you back. Apparently after struggling long and hard with his conscience he’s decided not to help Apophis interrogate small children any more. He wanted to help you two have your lives back, and he’ll be here in… about half an hour.”

The disappointed look still hadn’t left his friends’ faces.

“What’s wrong?”

Jack and Sam looked at each other, still eating their fruit loops.

“I want to stay Jack’s friend.” Sam said quietly, sneaking glances at him.

“You will still be friends.” Daniel told her. “You were very good friends before this, and you still will be when you are back to adults.” He smiled at her to try and cheer her up, but it didn’t look like it was working.

“You promise?” Sam asked shyly, hiding behind her bowl.

“I promise.”

This elicited a smile from the girl, who then turned around and enthusiastically hugged Jack.

Daniel looked in interest at Jack who was obviously embarrassed. But Jack simply shrugged and admitted “I don’t know what I would have done without Sam on the alien planet. She’s just so brave and kind… I’m glad we were friends before, I would hate not to see her again.”