JACOB

Jacob walked into the bar looking for Jack O'Neill. Knowing he wasn't long for this world Jacob was loathe to possibly upset Sam's plans. And he had always been hesitant to speak so forthrightly to O'Neill and interfere in their personal lives.

But then he met Sam's intended.

He called Jack.

Jack was seated at the end of the bar sipping a beer. A seat next to him was free. Jacob sat and said "Maybe we should get a table and we're gonna need something stronger."

Jack though if he were wise he leave right now. But he asked "What's up Jacob?"

There was no way they would be discussing Galactic affairs in a Colorado Springs bar and grill.

"What happened to Dad, Jack?"

"Okay, Dad." Jack was beginning to get nervous.

"Have you met that... guy?"

Jack could play dumb, he knew exactly to whom Jacob was refering. However Jacob seemed to be in a no nonsense mood.

"Yeah...once." He said hesitantly, trying to figure out where this conversation was headed.

"What did you think?" Just from the tone of Jacob's voice Jack knew Jacob's assessment. So Jack weaseled out.

"It's not my call."

"Bullshit." Jacob was working up a lather.

"Jacob, it's Sam's life."

"And your going to let her throw it away?"

"Jacob"

"Don't you love her?"

"Of course I…shit" Jack blew it and Jacob sat there looking smug.

"Are you really going to sit back and let this happen?"

"You're her father."

"She doesn't listen to me."

Jack signaled to the bartender and asked Jacob "You still drink?"

As the bartender approached Jacob asked for water. Then said to Jack "Selmak doesn't even like coffee."

"That's gotta be tough."

"I'm kinda used to it...almost. You know…" Jacob waited a second to get Jack's full attention, " you'll do almost anything for someone you love."

"Including letting them make up their own minds, Jacob."

"A person needs all the facts to make an informed decision. She's a scientist you know. She needs to know everything, Jack. I want her to have everything she has ever wanted. I want her to be happy."

"I do too, Jacob, I do too." Jack said softly as he stared into his drink.

Another man walked into the same bar and sauntered over to his new colleagues.

A group of men, buddies from the Springs police force, were seated at a table in the far corner. One of them addressed their newest member, a transfer from Denver.

"How's it hanging Shanny?"

Pete didn't answer. He was distracted by two men seated at the bar. He could swear one was Sam's boss and the other, her father. They seemed quite friendly toward one another. He gave a thought to go over and say hi but neither one seemed very warm and friendly toward him when he had met them before. Actually both seemed stiff and standoffish if not downright dismissive of him. No matter, he'd probably see them at the wedding.

It occurred to him, hadn't Sam blown him off from meeting his new buddies with the excuse that her dad was in town and she wanted to spend time with him? And the old man was sitting not twenty feet from him.

"Hey guys" Pete said as he tried for a smile. He pulled up a chair and grabbed the pitcher of beer on the table and poured himself a glassful.

As his buddies chatted his insides churned. He had made the down payment on the house just this morning, the invitations were sent, the flowers were ordered. And he had a sudden feeling of unease about Sam's commitment to him.

"Hey Shanny, you look worried." said his partner.

"Wedding jitters?" said another.

"Give him another beer." They all agreed on that.

Pete smiled and thought wait til she sees the house, she'll be blown away. Pete was feeling a lot more confident.