Fic, A Promise of Better Times to Come, 4/4, Sam/Martouf/Lantash

[hathor_girl]

 Unsurprisingly, it took a while to explain to the Colonel how Martouf and Lantash could be alive, just as I had taken some time to understand it. Martouf then left to report to the Tok'ra on the progress, promising to meet me for a late dinner in the mess hall, in about 1 hour.

Colonel O'Neill and I then went to the infirmary, and talked to my dad for a short time. There was another Tok'ra there keeping an eye on him, a Tok'ra healer.

My dad was tired, but clearly getting better, and Selmak was awake now and talking to him, even if she was still too weak to take control. I don't remember seeing my father this happy for many many years!

It makes me wonder how it would have been to be host to Jolinar still. If she had survived, and I had remained her host? Would I have that type of relationship with her, that Martouf and Lantash have? Or that my dad and Selmak have? I feel a twinge of envy.

"Carter? Penny for your thoughts?" Colonel O'Neill says, when we enter they elevator again.

"Um? Ah, well...nothing in particular."

"You looked pretty far away for 'nothing in particular'? Are you still thinking about Pete and the wedding?"

"What? No. No, I was thinking about Jolinar, and how it would have been if I had remained her host. I'm...kind of a bit envious of my dad and Selmak - and of Martouf and Lantash."

"Are you crazy?" Colonel O'Neill shakes his head. "Of all the insane things I've heard you say..."

"Well, they do seem very happy together." I shrug, not caring to explain myself.

"Yeah, well...it's not for me, that's for sure! So...Pete?" He prods, looking genuinely concerned.

"I broke up with him. There's not going to be any wedding."

The Colonel nods. "That's what I thought. Are you sure that's what you want? It's not something you did because of Marty coming back, is it?"

"What? No! No, I had decided on that before I knew he was still alive."

"Okay. It's just...when I saw you looking at Marty, you got a look I haven't seen on your face in years." He was quiet for a moment. "You looked happy. I mean, you've looked happy now and then, but never like this. Never this truly happy."

"Well, I missed him. He's a good friend. They're good friends." I defend myself.

"Sure, but that's not what I mean. You're in love with him, aren't you?"

I make a double-take. I hadn't expected he would notice - or that anyone would, really. I mean, for a long time I barely knew myself! "Um, sir?"

"Quit denying it." He shakes his head. "I can't say I'm completely okay with the Tok'ra, you know that, but Marty is at least one of the good ones. We all had each other's back on Netu, and I respect - and even trust him. If you have to chose a Tok'ra, then I'd much prefer it's him, despite all the stuff about Jolinar - which I can't say I understand, but as long as you're okay with it..."

I smile. "I am...and you're right. I do love him. Them, actually." I remember my visit to the Colonel's house yesterday, and suddenly find myself very happy Kerry had been there, happy I hadn't said something I would have regretted now. "How about you and Kerry?"

"We're good." He smiles at me. "We're not totally serious yet, but I think we might be. I like her a lot."

"I'm happy to hear that. You deserve to be happy."

He look directly at me. "Thank you. You too. Carter...Sam...we're good, aren't we?"

I nod. "Yes. We are. Friends?"

He smile again. "Yeah. Friends. Oh, and Carter?"

"Yes?"

"Go talk to Martouf - and Lantash." He grins. "We all got cheated out of a wedding party, so we'd appreciate being invited to another one soon!"

I roll my eyes at him. "Goodnight, sir."

---

I hurry to the mess hall, and get there almost exactly at the time agreed on with Martouf/Lantash. They walk into the room moments after I did, and bow their head to me, sombrely. "Hello, Samantha."

I smile at him. "Hi, Martouf, Lantash. Ready to get something to eat?"

"Yes, that would be most agreeable."

We go get some food - it is late, so there is not much left, but the lady in charge of the kitchen knows me well. I work late often, and she finds us some food and reheats it, so we end up with some sort of beef stew and potatoes, salad, and even a slice of pie for dessert each!

"So..." I say, as we have sat down and eaten for a little while. The rest of the room is empty, since it is almost 10PM, so we can talk privately. "I can't begin to thank you for what you and Lantash have done. You have saved my dad and Selmak."

"It pleases us greatly that we were able to do so."

I nod. "It's great to have you back here, alive and well. Are you going to come to Earth regularly again, do you think? You're not going to go off on another long-term undercover mission, are you?"

He hesitates. "I... do not know. We do not normally do so, however, as many people as the Tok'ra have lost, everyone is needed. We may have to take some longer term missions than what we did before."

"I understand...I just...really missed you, and I would be very sad if years should pass before I see you again."

He nods, a pained expression crossing his features. "We feel the same...however, we thought it would be best if we stayed away. You would not have time anyway. Jacob told us...you are getting married. I..." He takes a deep breath. "Congratulations. We..."

"Martouf." I take his hand. "I'm not. Getting married, that is. I'd been thinking it over, and yesterday... I had decided it wasn't working. That Pete wasn't the right one for me. I decided to call off the wedding, and I've done that, earlier today."

"You are not getting married?" He looks hopeful.

I shake my head. "No." I hold up my hand. "See? No ring."

"I do not know the Tau'ri marriage traditions...but I know that Jacob was wearing a ring. However I was under the impression you did not exchange rings until you were married?"

"Some do. It was an engagement ring. Never mind. Fact is, I'm not getting married to Pete - or anyone else?"

Martouf smiles. "I see." He gets a mischievous expression. "Never?"

"Well, I didn't say never...it all depends...on whether or not I find the right ones to marry." I realize I used plural, and blush deeply.

Martouf's eyes flash, and Lantash leans across the table, giving me a kiss. "I may have a suggestion..."

"Really?" I pull him to me again, and kiss him. "Let's eat, then we can go to my quarters and discuss it?"

"That sounds like a very good idea." He smiles happily at me.

We eat, talking about this and that. It feels wonderful to have them back...and I feel happier than I can remember doing in a very long time. My dad is alive and getting better. Martouf and Lantash are alive, and here with me - and there is a good chance we may find happiness together.

THE END.