Silent Screams In the Night-1

Chapter 1

Janet Fraser lowered her head to hide her amusement. To say that the SGC was populated by heavily armed children was a massive understatement. Sometimes she felt more like she was running a daycare facility, instead of an infirmary in a top secret military base. She raised her head and met the amused blue eyes across the table from her. Sam Carter was openly grinning now. Colonel O'Neill and Daniel Jackson were at it again. Even Teal'c had a slightly amused look on his face, if you knew what to look for. General Hammond though, had finally had enough.

"Colonel O'Neill!" Hammond barked, "That is enough! Dr. Jackson, I've heard enough from you as well." Hammond was definitely frustrated with his premier SG team. Daniel looked slightly affronted with a "he started it" expression. Jack was smirking, as only Jack O'Neill could. Yes, Janet thought, O'Neill put the smirk in smirking. Hammond cleared his throat, took a deep breath in and slowly let it out.

"Doctor Fraser, do you have anything else to add that would be helpful with this case?

Janet smoothed her face back into her professional mask.

"No sir, not at this time. However, I expect to be kept up to date with anything that can advance this issue and-" Staff Sergeant Walter Harriman bustled into the room.

"Sorry to interrupt sirs, and mams, but Dr. Fraser has an urgent call from the main gate. You can pick up on line two mam." And just as quickly as he entered, Walter departed. Janet pushed back from the table.

"Excuse me sir, I'll try to make it quick." Hammond nodded his agreement, and the table buzz started up again. Janet reached for one of the two phones sitting on the side table, next to the coffee carafes, the ice bucket with bottled water, and the tray of muffins and assorted pastries.

"Fraser". Janet listened intently to the disembodied voice on the other end of the line. "Who? How long have they been there?" A brief pause. "Why didn't you call me or have me paged?" She listened intently. "That's not an excuse. Put officer-" Janet nodded, "put Major Stevens on, right now." Janet's hand came up in a stopping motion. "Ah-ah! No excuses sergeant!" Janet had everyone's attention now.

Ah, Jack thought, the little Napoleonic Power Monger was mongering at full speed. Shouldn't take long to get things straightened out.

"Stevens, Fraser. What are her vitals?" Janet quickly scribbled on a memo pad conveniently placed by the phone. "Injuries?" Janet asked, adding to her copious doctor scribbling, "What have you done for her? OK, hang on while I start a team to your location." Janet put Stevens on hold and punched in the infirmary extension. "This is Fraser. I want an ALS team to the main gate. I have an officer down. Broken ribs, concussion, she has been in and out of consciousness, possible facial fractures, may have a punctured right lung." Janet took a breath. " Broken right clavicle and wrist. Left patella is out of position, probable ligament damage. No, she wasn't in a car wreck. Training accident. Possible kidney damage. Massive bruising and guarding to her back. "Janet paused in her narrative. " Right, I'm in a briefing. I'll start up as soon as I can, but I have to brief the general. When you are ready to transport have security inform me." Janet switched back to the other line. "Still there Steven's? Good. I've got an ALS team on the way. I'm with the base commander and 2IC right now. I'll get your clearance and notify the gate. Can you tell me anything more specific than a training accident?" Janet's fingers tightened on the handset. "Oh my god! I knew there were problems, but-" Janet nodded her head. "Right, stay with her, keep her as calm and comfortable as you can, I'll be there as soon as I can get away." Janet hung up the phone and turned angrily toward the table.

"General, I need immediate clearance for two officers, one is critically injured, and the other is the person responsible for keeping her alive and getting her here alive." Janet paused for breath.

"We overheard your end of the conversation doctor. What kind of training accident? I'm not aware of any accidents on the mountain." Hammond turned to face O'Neill. "Colonel, are you aware of anything of this nature?" The meaning was clear. Had O'Neill neglected to keep him apprised of a situation? "Where exactly did this training accident occur?" Hammond glanced between O'Neill and Fraser. "You must realize that if this was not on the mountain and the officers are not part of my command, there's not a lot we can do. This is after all a highly classified facility."

"Sir, the critically injured officer is a doctor I recruited last year. She's been security cleared and signed all of the nondisclosure papers. Unfortunately for all of us, she declined the offer. The other major is a RN that has been working with Dr. Bergman, the officer who turned us down . Kat, um, Dr. Bergman, called Major Stevens late last night. Sir, Dr. Bergman was written up on totally false charges and ordered to complete a hand to hand defense class. Kat is 5'2' and 130 pounds. Her training instructor is 6'2" and 200 pounds. Who do you think comes out on top? She's been getting the crap beat out of her on a daily basis. Of course she's continued her normal duties of flight training, ER shifts, and rounds. Her CO also insisted she begin weight training and running every morning before beginning her shift. Apparently the guy went nuts last night. Her "trainer" was not content to take a few cheap shots, he darn near beat her to death. He left her on the floor, turned off the lights, and locked up. When she regained consciousness she dragged herself to the locker room and managed to retrieve her cell phone. She was afraid he would come back to finish her off so she couldn't bring charges."

"Which doesn't explain why she didn't go to her base CO." Hammond reiterated.

Janet stared Hammond in the eye grimly.

"Because sir, this goes all the way to the top of the food chain. The abusive nature of this command is beyond belief."

"Are you absolutely sure about this Doctor? These are pretty damning allegations. You had better be damned sure of your facts before you go making accusations you can't back up."

"Yes sir, I'm well aware of that sir. If Kat survives, I'm sure she can fill us in on all of the details. Right now, it's true we only have Steven's word, but Kat and I have been corresponding since before she arrived back in the states. As a matter of fact, she would still be in Iraq if she hadn't been injured in the line of duty. She was transferred back stateside to recuperate and was transferred to a training position instead of rotating back to the front line. She wasn't very happy about it, but you go where you're ordered. She's dropped hints about her frustrations with this new assignment. She told me her new command wasn't very fond of women on the front line. Actually, they're not even happy with women doctors. They prefer their women in secretarial, nursing, and cooking positions, but mostly in their beds." Janet was beyond angry. She was homicidally furious. "Kat has never backed down from a challenge, ever. She thought she could bring these idiots out of the stone age and into the modern world. She asked me to stay out of it. She said she could handle this on her own, that any interference would only make it harder to assimilate into the command." Sam nodded her head in agreement. Women could have a very hard time, whether in the military or business world. Just when you thought you were accepted, someone would make a comment that would tell the real truth. Something like "bet she slept her way there or not bad for a women", She knew tongues were still wagging over her rank and position at the SGC. The fact that her father was a general hadn't helped any.

"Sir, she thought she could handle it on her own, that she didn't need for someone to come and rescue her. Obviously she was wrong. Sir, I need for you to trust me on this. There is a really good chance that the people who did the deed and condoned their actions are out there looking for them. With the entire command dirty, they will call in favors to find them. I'm sure they'll do just about anything to keep this under the radar. They won't want this to get out. Sir, their lives are in real danger. Even at the Academy Hospital. All they need are some cover stories and good system hackers. General, they will not be anywhere near the gate. You can run a security check while they're confined to the infirmary, mess, and possibly the guest quarters. They'll need cover stories until their old command is taken down and behind bars. They'll need clothes from the quartermaster until they can safely get out and buy some. If something negative blocks their reassignment to the mountain, they can be transferred to the Academy Hospital after this whole sordid affair has been taken care of." Janet was nearly pleading now. "Sir, they are as good as dead if you deny them medical care and a security detail." Janet looked at her watch. "She's dieing sir, we've already wasted precious time. Every minute counts." Hammond sighed. He really couldn't see any other way to handle the entire mess.

"All right doctor. Colonel, call the front gate and make arrangements with security. Normal protocol for unexpected visitors. Major Carter, I want you to put the background checks in motion, put feelers out on base moral and anything that strikes you as unusual. Talk with Major Stevens as soon as you can. I want her side of this as soon as possible. Stevens should be able to give you enough facts to get a good start. If there is something this dirty going on, I want enough information to take it to JAG and clean house." Hammond turned his attention to Teal'c. "Teal'c, you still have recruit hand to hand training in fifteen minutes." Teal'c inclined his head in agreement. Dismissed."

Sam turned to ask Janet some questions regarding Dr. Bergman and realized she was already gone. She hadn't even heard her leave.

"Carter," Sam's head swiveled to O'Neill. "I want you to do some digging, on the same level as NID investigations. Find out everything you can from Stevens, and do a little midnight hacking, get all the dirt you can dig up. I want to know what's been going on there for the last five to ten years. Any complaints that have been filed, and I mean of any nature, and the outcomes." Sam nodded and turned to Daniel.

"Daniel, can you give me a hand once I talk to Stevens? I could use another set of eyes."

"Sure, no problem. I'll be in my lab , just call when you're ready for me." Daniel gathered his papers together as he and Sam made their arrangements.

"Thanks Daniel. See you later." Sam turned back to the table to pick up her notes.

"Colonel, a word in my office. Dismissed Major.

Jack followed the general to his office.

"Come on in Jack," the general said over his shoulder, "and close the door." Hammond sighed as Jack closed the door quietly.

Jack was pretty sure he knew what was coming. As a matter of fact, he couldn't wait to get started. The only drawback to the mission was not being able to make the scumbags disappear. There were some things you just didn't do. And attacking, with the intention of killing, a member of your team was right at the top of the list. Yes by god, he was itching to get the ball rolling. And let the bodies drop where they may. He recalled the t-shirts he'd often seen with the caption "KILL THEM ALL AND LET GOD SORT THEM OUT" This seemed to him to be that kind of mission. Not to mention that he knew this major. The name "Kat" Bergman was not a common name. Her name rang a few distant bells. Bells he would rather remain silent.

"Jack, are you listening?" Hammond seemed a little irritated as Jack jerked his thoughts back to the here and now.

"Sorry sir, just thinking things through."

"Son, I get the feeling you and this doctor may have met before. Is this going to be a problem for you?"

"The answer to the first question is, quite possibly yes. If this is the doc I think it is, we have quite a history. Most of it didn't "officially" happen, if you know what I mean sir. And two, it won't be a problem."

"Glad to hear that. Jack, this smells mighty bad. We need to find out how high up the chain of command this goes. Dr. Fraser seems to think this command is rotten all the way to the top. I want you to find out." Jack nodded in agreement as Hammond continued. "I need to have all the intel you can gather. I need it to be clean. I'll be taking everything you and Major Carter bring me and handing it over to Jag to begin courts martial proceedings." George leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers. "Jack, you know we have to keep this on a need to know basis. I want you to run a special security check on Bergman and Stevens. Bergman should be cleared already, but I want you to make sure she still is. If everything checks out, have Dr. Jackson brief Stevens on the SGC, Dr. Fraser can offer her a job. I'm sure she'll want her. I happen to have it straight from the doctors mouth, not to mention the constant personnel requests that cross my desk. It would seem that you have been awfully hard on Dr. Fraser's nursing staff." Jack opened his mouth to challenge the remark, but Hammond waved him off. "Have Stevens sign on the dotted line ASAP. Bergman will obviously have to wait until she's recovered enough to make an informed consent. But that doesn't mean you can't have her on temporary reassignment to this command from when she and Stevens left their base to seek medical care and report what had happened to someone outside of their chain of command. Make sure the paperwork states they did not know who was involved as the reason for not going up their chain of command. In the meantime, I would be willing to bet that if you ask Sgt Harriman he can find a copy of Bergman's paperwork on file. You know darned good and well the military never throws anything out, we just file it away." Hammond and O'Neill shared a laugh at the military's expense. I'm sure if Harriman can't find it Major Carter can. I want them re-assed to this command yesterday. I don't want any AWOL issues to interfere with taking out the trash. Now, that's the easy part." Hammond leaned forward and braced his arms on the table. "Now, this is what I want you to do….."

Finally the door to the generals office opened and Jack walked out. Damn, Jack thought, there had been an awful lot of sirs in his last conversation with Carter. He had a sneaking suspicion that "his" major was just as pissed as the good doctor. He was dammed glad he was on "their" side. Still, it wouldn't hurt to be careful around the women on base. Sometimes there was fallout. He definitely didn't want to get caught up in that. Hmmm, he should probably have Walter get a message to the men on base to tread carefully. He knew the news would spread like wildfire. Gossip spread faster than the speed of light, even deep inside a mountain. He'd deal with that later. For now though, he had his orders to carry out. He was going to enjoy beating the crap out of officers that got their kicks by physically and mentally damaging the people that they considered weak. And in their little world, that would be anyone other than their little club. Soon they would know how it felt to be on the other end of the equation. Yep the shit was about to hit the fan. By the time the SGC was through with them, they would be intimately acquainted with the term FUBAR. In spades.

Teal'c was waiting in the hallway as O'Neill exited the briefing room. Jack checked his watch.

"Aren't you supposed to be somewhere right about now T?"

"I have sent a message to the training class to begin warm ups without me. Lt Marsden shows promise as a leader. I have put him in charge of the men until I arrive." O'Neill nodded. Together they walked to the elevator. Jack could tell Teal'c was working up to something. He was not disappointed.

"O'Neill, this betrayal must be avenged! Are not physicians greatly valued by the Tauri?" He didn't wait for an answer. "This woman seems to be a honorable warrior and healer. What would cause these men to attack a valued member of their team?" Jack's features were set and hard.

"Well Teal'c, you know that men on all worlds can be dumber than shit. I think this lady doc has more balls than the men she works with." Teal'c looked at O'Neill sharply. "Come on T, you know what I mean." Teal'c nodded gravely.

"These inferior warriors are shamed by this woman. They show their inferiority by attempting to instill fear in her. They wish to humiliate her in order to increase their standing among the other men. When they failed at this, they attempted to kill her in a most cowardly way. They are traitors and must be removed before they spread their disease to others. They must be eliminated." Once again Jack was impressed by Teal'c's understanding of the situation. He didn't rise to First Prime because he was stupid.

"Oh yeah. Heads are so gonna' roll, and it will be my pleasure to do the rolling."

"Ah, much as it is on Chulak, we will behead the offenders and defend the doctor's honor." Jack blinked.

"Well, actually, it's more a metaphorical thing, but you're more than welcome to join in." Teal'c nodded his head.

"It will be my honor. It will be a good lesson for other inferior warriors. Such behavior will not be tolerated." Teal'c pushed the elevator call button.

"I'm glad you're on my side T, these scumbags won't know what hit them." The elevator doors opened and Teal'c followed Jack inside.

Sam was waiting in Janet's office, mostly just staying out of the way. It was like a swarm of agitated ants had invaded the infirmary. From what she had seen on her walk through the triage area, the new doctor appeared to be in pretty bad shape. Major Stevens was helping out Fraser's crew. Hopefully, she'd have a chance to talk to Steven's soon. "Kat" almost disappeared under the swarm of doctors and nurses. Sam knew the more quickly they got started with the debrief and undercover investigation, the better it would be for everyone. They needed to get to work as quickly as possible, gather all of the background intel they could, and clean up the base from hell. She would get to kick some good old fashioned male chauvinist ass. Sam mentally cracker her knuckles. She could hardly wait.

As a career officer and an AF brat, she knew things could get nasty, but this was way beyond the norm. She knew Hammond and O'Neill would both be furious. In their book, there wasn't anything much worse than what had happened to this officer.

Sam looked up as Janet popped into the room with Stevens.

"I have to go prep for surgery. Could you take Stevens to the mess? She's been up 36 hours and hasn't eaten in god knows how long. Then a shower, clean clothes, and a bunk. If not in visitors quarters, bring her back, and she can bunk here. Try to get anything you need from Eileen during this little respite, because she's heading to bed. ASAP. Doctors orders. If Colonel O'Neill or General Hammond have a problem with that, they can see me when I come out of surgery." Sam blinked and looked Stevens over. She did look kind of rough.

"Is Dr. Bergman going to be ok?" Sam asked. Janet locked eyes with her.

"I hope so. If not, hell hath no fury….." And Janet jogged out to shower and gown up. Sam turned to the other officer.

"I'm Major Samantha Carter, you can call me Sam." The other woman nodded tiredly.

"I'm Major Eileen Johnson. I'm a trauma nurse. Kat and I have worked together off and on for the past 15 years. I was happy to see her at my new posting." Eileen swallowed, "I had absolutely no idea how bad it was going to get." Sam nodded in agreement.

"What do you want to do first? Clean up or eat"?

"I 'd better eat first. I have a feeling I'm gonna crash soon." Eileen rolled her eyes and snorted, "And it won't be pretty." Sam nodded and led the way to the mess hall. As they were walking through the halls with their security shadow, Sam began to question Eileen.

"Just give me a brief synopsis for now, we'll have a full on debriefing once you get some sleep. I just need the major facts as you understand them. I'll also need your full name, serial number, dob, and official posting information. While you catch some rack time, I'll get Dr. Bergman's info from Dr. Fraser. Colonel O'Neill , the base 2IC, has given me orders to have you and Dr. Bergman re-assed to the SGC effective yesterday. Eileen's head snapped up in surprise. She really hadn't given much thought to what was going to happen after she got Kat to safety.

" Dr. Bergman is already cleared for permanent re-assignment here. It seems Dr. Fraser recruited her, cleared her, and then Dr. Bergman turned her down." Eileen nodded to herself.

"Kat, uh, Dr. Bergman ,told me about it. We spent an entire night with a couple of bottles of Bailey's and discussed the pro's and con's." Sam looked at Eileen sharply.

"Told you what exactly?"

Eileen touched Sam's forearm to stop her. She glanced at the SF shadowing them and Sam gestured for him to hang back a bit. The SF nodded in understanding.

" Don't worry Sam, Kat didn't tell me anything classified. She just told me she had been recruited by a friend to work in an underground facility. She said it was a fascinating posting, but felt she could better serve by continuing what she did best."

"And that is?"

"Kat is the best flight medic par none. She's a trauma specialist. She's served in two wars, not to mention the not so public ones. She quite literally flies in where angels fear to go, and then she brings them out alive."

"Ok, so basically you're saying she didn't want to leave flying behind?"

"Yep, pretty much. She felt if she wasn't on the front line anymore, at least she could be a valuable source of information on the advances and practicalities of front line action. You know as well as I do that things can get stale in the class room, not always up with the frontline action. Advances are made, and they filter back, but it takes time. Kat wanted to share what had she learned the hard way on the front line. Try to save lives. It's the kind of stuff you only learn in the thick of it, if you live long enough. You know what I mean?"

"Oh yeah. It's that little voice in your head yelling at you to get the heck out of there, or you need to be over there not here. It seems to be innate, you either have it or you don't. I think the major hurdle is learning to listen and trust yourself in a situation. All our lives we are told what to do, we literally get our marching orders in the services. It's hard to trust yourself to know what to do with the information you have. I've learned a lot from Colonel O'Neill, Teal'c, and General Hammond. It's not all book learning. If it was ,everyone would be a five star general, and no one would ever die."

"Exactly." Eileen said, head nodding in agreement.

"So how long have you and Dr. Bergman known each other again?" Sam asked.

"Oh, around 15 years or so, we were both lowly lieutenants when we met. When you are a woman, most of the time you are in the minority. We've been under fire together way too often. I think you understand what I mean when I say combat duty forges very strong bonds. You eat together, sleep together, shower together-" Eileen blushed bright red, "ohmygod! That sounded wrong in oh so many ways!" Sam couldn't help it, she doubled over laughing. Eileen looked over her shoulder and found the SF smirking and shaking his head. Yep, that little ditty was going to make the rounds. She'd lay odds it was all through the mountain before the ink was dry on her transfer. She cleared her throat and tried again. "We just clicked. It's like we know what the other is going to say before we actually say it. Does that make sense to you or am I just too exhausted to be coherent?" Eileen shook her head and ran her fingers through her short hair. "We just hit it off right from the start. We pretty much have the same warped sense of humor. The worse the situation, the more bad jokes we crack. We just sort of hang out on the same shaky tree branch. And it's creaking and swaying in the breeze."

Sam smiled knowingly and nodded in understanding.

"Yeah, Janet and I got to know each other when we were locked up together."

"Excuse me? I don't suppose you can tell me why you were locked up?"

"Uh, no. Not just yet. If your background check turns out ok, and after you sign the non disclosure papers, we can have a ladies night out at Janet's and swap war stories."

"That sounds really great. Kat and I haven't made many friends at the base from hell. It'll be really nice to have some friends to chill out with. Now all we have to do is convince Kat to give up the choppers. Although, after this, I think she'll be more than ready for a change." "I can't blame her really," Sam stated as they began walking again. "I miss flying too, but she's totally wrong about this place. If she's an adrenaline junkie, she'll love it here. How about you? Do you like the unexpected never a dull moment kind of daily routine?"

"Oh yeah. I am a trauma nurse after all. That's not exactly geriatric medicine." She giggled, then snorted.

"Oh my god, my brain is so totally fried." And she began giggling helplessly. Sam couldn't help it. Before long they were snorting and giggling their way through the SGC corridors bouncing off of the walls and each other. The very male SF shadowing them just shook his head in total confusion. Women! He'd never understand them.

Sam fought to catch her breath.

"We're almost there. Food, shower, clothes, bed. In that order. How's that sound to you?"

"Sounds great! I'm afraid I'm going to do or say something really stupid. Low blood sugar and no sleep are so not a good idea. Look, I'm going to apologize in advance for anything I may say or do. Please forgive me if I do or say something I shouldn't." Eileen gestured toward their shadow. "Could you try to reassure that scary looking SF that I'm not a threat? Maybe you could try to keep him from shooting me? He doesn't look like he has much of a sense of humor."

"Yeah, been there, done that, have the t-shirt. Just don't make any sudden moves or make a run for it. We can be deadly serious around here, but I think he'll cut us some slack. Right Hendricks?" The SF didn't totally relax, but nodded their way. Sam waved her arms enthusiastically, "look, we're here! Food at last!" All intelligent conversation ceased as they concentrated on food and drink. And chocolate. Definitely a chocolate kind of night. Must have chocolate! Lot's and lot's of chocolate! She'd earned it by god!

Daniel hated crack of dawn briefings. He didn't actually have to attend this one, but after helping Sam most of the night, he figured he had a vested interest in the proceedings. Even Jack was late, but finally everyone was assembled around the table. Sam and Jack sat together on one side while he and Teal'c sat on the other. Janet and Eileen sat together at the end of the table with their heads together quietly discussing something. Eileen was in clean BDU's, but she still looked exhausted. Janet didn't look any better. As Hammond entered Jack, Sam, Janet, and Eileen pushed up from the table. Hammond casually waved them back down.

"At ease," Hammond sat and took a drink of his coffee. "Please tell me you have some information for me. Dr. Fraser, what is Dr. Bergman's condition?"

Janet didn't even need to look at the papers in front of her. She took a sip of her coffee and began.

"Well sir, I have a rather long list of injuries. She came through surgery last night and moved into ICU. I'll keep her there for at least another 24 hours. I'm keeping her sedated, allowing her to recuperate with as little movement as possible. She has a skull fracture which we're keeping a close eye on. We had to re-inflate her right lung. Dr. Warner took care of her right knee. All in all, it's amazing she made it to the SGC. She's not out of the woods yet, but I've known Kat for a long time. She's small, but she's scrappy.

"Major Stevens here had a good meal, a shower, change of clothes, and some sleep. She could use some more sleep, but being a nurse, she's pretty much used to it. Right?" Eileen smiled and nodded.

"Yes mam. It kind of goes with the territory." Eileen speared General Hammond with her blue eyes. "Sir, is it true I might be transferred here or to the academy hospital?" Hammond nodded acknowledgment.

"Yes major. Colonel, did you get the results on the security check I asked you to run?" Jack remained slouched in his chair.

"Yes sir I did…. Carter?" Sam smirked slightly tucking her chin to her chest briefly. It always rolls down hill. The higher up it starts, the faster it goes.

"Sirs, the report came back early this morning. Dr. Bergman and Nurse Stevens have been cleared for SGC duty. I had the transfer papers drawn up and gave them to Sgt. Harriman. He placed them on your desk this morning for you to sign."

"Sergeant!" Hammond bellowed just as Walter entered the room.

"They're in your folder sir." He waited a beat as Hammond looked through the papers in his briefing folder.

"Where-" Hammond was shuffling through his stack of papers as Walter whipped around the table to Hammond's side and almost instantly retrieved the papers in question.

"There you go sir."

"Thank you sergeant, dismissed." Walter left the room muttering into his headset. Hammond glanced at the paper work and back up to Major Stevens.

"Major, your official paper work will read you have been on temporary assignment to Cheyenne Mountain Complex. If you are so inclined, that can be made permanent. Or… you may take assignment to the academy hospital. If you so desire, you may return to your previous posting. Dr. Jackson, please give Major Stevens the standard SGC introduction so she can make an informed decision. Major, you have 48 hours to make up your mind. That being said, had you given any thought to what you were going to do once you got here?" Eileen straightened in her chair beside Janet, squared her shoulders and made eye contact with the general.

"General Hammond, while this entire disaster came at me like a tornado, I must admit I'm intrigued. From just the little I've see, this base functions much more cohesively than the cesspool I just left. The general feeling of this base is positive, welcoming, and I've noticed the feeling of "family" here. It would be really nice not having to look over my shoulder all the time, wondering when I'll be taken down, maybe literally, by people that are supposed to watch my back, not stick a knife in it. For the past year I have walked a tightrope. I watched my best friend having "accidents" on training missions, escalating to extreme pt, harassing phone calls, e-mails, and notes placed in her locker and jump bag. The fact that I'm Kathleen's friend began to make me a target as well. I was written up for non existent incidents. The women I worked with began to pull back until there was only minimal contact during duty hours only. That's not normal. There can be -" and she made little quote marks in the air, "bad postings, bad CO's, but this-" Eileen's voice cracked. She could feel her cheeks reddening and tears pooling in her eyes. She cleared her throat and swallowed. "Sirs," and she glanced toward Hammond then O'Neill, "It would be my honor to join the SGC. Where do I signup?" Janet broke formality with a little squeal and hugged Eileen.

"Oh, sorry! Not enough sleep." O'Neill huffed and muttered under his breath. Janet tried to puff up. "Really!" Sam snorted causing Janet to flush bright red. "Oh come on! Give me a break here." One of Teal'c's eyebrows rose toward his hair line. His eyes sparkled. The Jaffa was guffawing on the inside. Daniel smiled and offered congratulations. Janet rolled her eyes.

"Watch out for Dr. Jackson major, he's just buttering you up. He always wants something he shouldn't have when he's our guest in the infirmary." Jack covered his mouth and coughed into his hand.

"Mrmfcoffee…." Sam grinned while Daniel blustered.

"Okay people, calm down." Hammond raised his hands in a quieting gesture. "Welcome to the SGC major. We can't promise a perfect work environment, but I dare say, you should find it better here than what you left behind. We do tend to have some amazing things going on here. I won't promise never a dull moment, but we probably have more than our share of excitement. That being said, we need to get down to some very distasteful business. Colonel O'Neill, Major Carter, what have you found out about Major Bergman's CO and the base CO?

The mood in the briefing room changed from light hearted bantering to deadly serious in a heartbeat. Eileen watched in quiet awe as O'Neill morphed into a self contained killing machine. She had seen warriors before. After all, she had a lot of combat trauma experience. She saw them before and after the unthinkable happened to them. Right now she was very glad she was on the right side of this little war.

She remembered O'Neill, he had changed over the years. But then, so had they all. She had happened to be on duty the day O'Neill had brought a very damaged Kat in from the bowels of hell. She had thought she would never see Kat alive again. She didn't even know if her tags or body would be found. O'Neill had left shortly after depositing Kat into medical hands. Eileen had heard he had stayed only long enough to debrief and he was off again. She knew these special ops guys were a different bunch. Unfortunately, a depressingly large number of them died on a mission, or went dark side. She was very glad to see this one seemed to have beat the odds. Maybe when Kat was better, they could go out for a drink or something. Have a drink in honor of those who didn't come back, be they fighter or healer, they shouldn't be forgotten.

A hand slammed down on the table and Eileen jumped. She had pushed her chair back and was halfway to the door before she knew what was happening. She spun around and faced the table, chest heaving, lungs fighting for air. Her pulse was pounding so hard and fast she was sure it would either erupt from her chest or blow the top of her head off. As her eyes darted around the room, briefly touching on each person at the table, she felt the adrenaline reaction pump through her body. Jeeze, they'd think her totally unfit for duty. Ok, maybe it was still possible to salvage her first day with this command. Play it down. Take a seat like nothing happened. Was it working?

"Sorry, um, just sorry. I guess I'm a little edgy right now. I'm fine, really". She took a calming breath and wondered if anyone believed her. Janet reached out to lay a calming hand on her arm. Just a quick touch, a soft reassuring smile, almost like quieting a scared child or perhaps a wild animal. Was that redundant? Weren't children and wild animals one and the same? Oh, this was bad, very very bad. She looked like a freaked out babbling idiot, and she was talking to herself. Out loud. Worse than that, she was answering. Ok, this was totally humiliating. "Really, I'm fine." She couldn't help but notice that she was the center of attention. Crap. She tried a little smile on, reached for her cup of coffee, and was stopped dead by Colonel O'Neill .

"Ya know Major, maybe you should ease up on the coffee a little. Maybe try decaf?"

"Jack! Leave her alone."

"Daniel."

"Jack"

"Daniel?"

"Jack?"

"Daniel!"

"Jack"

"Sir."

"O'Neill, Danieljackson".

"Colonel O'Neill, Dr. Jackson." On my god, it sounded like the Walton's or something. And she had started it. Eileen noticed Sam and Janet rolling their eyes, almost in unison. Hmmm, interesting. She tried very hard to become invisible. Where was her damn cloak of invisibility when she needed it.

O'Neill held his hands up and cleared his throat. "Ok, no offence intended major." Jack looked Eileen in the eye. Damn-it! How could he look her in the eye if she was invisible?

"No offense taken sir. I'm a little edgy. I'm sure that'll pass now that Kat is safe here, and thanks to General Hammond and yourself, I'm going to be safe too! I admit I was worried about what would happen to us. I've never been AWOL before. I sincerely hope it's the last time. But I have to be honest sirs, I would do it again under the same circumstances. I will not stand by and do nothing if someone needs my help. What happened to Kat was not in a combat situation, nor was it perpetrated by the enemy. This is a case of a morally degenerate person in a command position taking advantage of members of his command. The "good ole boys controlling through intimidation and physical threats. Compliance of subordinates was obtained through fear of career and threats to family life." Eileen sucked in a shaky breathe and tried to relax her tightly fisted hands. Huh, where did that little rant come from? Jack quirked an eyebrow.

"So Major, why don't you tell us how you really feel?" Daniel rolled his eyes toward the ceiling, Sam and Janet grinned, and Teal'c paid careful attention to the very strange Tauri. Just when you thought you had a handle on them, they went and did something even more bizarre. Interesting.

"Sorry sirs, mam, no disrespect intended. Really, I kick ass in the field. I know my enemy there. It's death. I'm not naïve, I've seen what people do to each other, and it's not pretty. Frankly sirs, I'm tired. Tired of bucking abuse of power, by the people I'm supposed to trust my life to. Tired of being under attack by the people in my care. Tired of feeling like I'm in enemy territory, even on base in the USA. Tired of worrying when those assholes would finally go too far and kill one of my best friends. Or maybe me too, because I won't cave to their threats. I stand by my friends. Hell, I stand by anyone who needs a hand. I've seen bad leadership before, but this…." Eileen swallowed and swiped at her eyes and tried her damnedest not to break down totally. "I know how to fight death! What's hard for me is dealing with idiots, especially idiots in command roles, and the trickle down idiots that kiss their idiot ass." Eileen swallowed and took a shaky breath. "Ok, now that I'm probably up on insubordination charges, I'll just shut up now." Eileen took the time to look General Hammond and Colonel O'Neill in the eye. "I don't normally behave like this." Eileen cast worried eyes to Sam and Janet. "Um, one more thing. If we're staying here, how do I get our things sent to us? Will accommodations, and duty stations be covered in the "welcome to Cheyenne Mountain" book?

"No problem major," Jack drawled, "I'm sure Major Carter, Dr. Fraser, and Dr. Jackson will be happy to help you with finding satisfactory accommodations. Right Daniel?" Jack smirked evilly at Daniel. Daniel dipped his head briefly and emitted a long suffering sigh.

"Of course I will Jack." Eileen was a little worried about the undercurrent going on. She had a feeling she was the butt of some kind of insider joke. Hopefully it wouldn't be too embarrassing.

"Carter will get you sorted out. Won't ya Carter?"

"Of course sir, already working on it." Sam turned to Eileen and tried to project calmness and reassurance. "Base personnel quarters aren't the ritz, but they're better than bunking in the infirmary." Janet glared at Sam. As if! Her infirmary beds were a heck of a lot better than many of the places SG1 had spent the night. Just wait till it was time for Sam's next pre-mission physical!

"So Carter, you and Doc going to take Steven's shopping?" Sam had been making notes and looked up quickly.

"Sir?"

"Shopping Carter?"

"Shopping sir?" Jack rolled his eyes.

"Are you playing me Carter? Because I happen to know that you know bigger words than shopping." Oh boy, Carter death glare. His internal fatal trap alarms was flashing red and blaring. Walk very carefully grasshopper.

"Yes sir, I know what shopping means. I'll take Major Stevens to get some things to hold her over until we can get out of the mountain and go shopping. Janet, are you putting her to work right away or are you allowing transition time?"

"I'm giving her 48, then starting her rotation. That should give plenty of time for her paperwork to process." Janet turned toward Eileen. "You can check on Kat and kind of get to know the infirmary and the other doctors and nurses while you're stuck on base. Daniel, Sam, and I will try to help out all we can where our schedules permit. After you're finished with your paperwork, and giving Sam your statement, you can come back to the infirmary and get the lay of the land. But I'm sure your priority will be to make yourself available to Colonel O'Neill and the investigation."

Daniel checked his notebook. "Um, I'll be helping Sam with her cyber research, but I can do your orientation as soon as you're cleared. Do you mind having me as a guide?" Eileen looked surprised.

"Why would I mind?" Daniel studied Eileen intently for moment.

"I just thought you might have some wariness toward men right now." Eileen was surprised.

"Why? I like men, it's just idiots that I have a problem with. Especially idiots that hurt people. Brain damaged individuals sometimes have accidents." Her eyes widened. "Did I just say that out loud?" They were going to lock her in a padded room if she wasn't careful. She caught Janet's eye. Ok, maybe she'd be all right. This Dr. Fraser looked like someone she could trust. Teal'c's baritone voice cut the sudden silence.

"MajorStevens, on Chulak you would be within your rights to punish these inferior warriors as you see fit. I am available to provide assistance if you so desire ." Huh, Jack thought. Teal'c was a little pissed about this. Interesting. He'd better keep an eye on him. It wouldn't do for Teal'c to go haring off on his own.

"T, they'll be fine here. But if it makes you feel better, you can be in charge of their security detail." Teal'c bowed his head solemnly.

"I will give utmost care to providing for your security MajorStevens." O-k, that was a little unexpected. But who was she to complain?

"Thank you, um, Teal'c? That means a lot to Kathleen and me." Eileen paused for a minute. She switched her attention to Colonel O'Neill.

"Colonel, I think I can provide a contact for you at the base infirmary. Would it be possible for her to get a transfer as well?" Jack studied the nurse carefully.

"What do you have in mind major?" Eileen folded her hands on the table and took a fortifying breath.

"Sirs, Captain Elaine Hunter is a friend. She could feed information to you. She's kind of been riding both sides of the fence. She's as unhappy there as we are, but she felt she couldn't openly support us. She has a young daughter, and she's afraid of retaliation. But if you can provide a safe place for her daughter, I'm sure she would be willing to help us." O'Neill carefully considered the new information.

"Also, Major Sean O'Bryan is a new doc that just transferred in six months ago. He's been questioning the number of injuries Dr. Bergman has been having. He's raising questions that are about to get him in a lot of trouble." Jack nodded adding the names to his list of contacts.

"How would you explain Captain Hunters daughter not staying with her?"

Janet thought carefully.

"How about a stay with grandparents. Are they available?" Eileen grinned.

"Yes, absolutely. Either her folks or her in-laws would be happy to keep Jen. That shouldn't be a problem. Elaine's in-laws are both retired military." Jack processed the new information.

"Think they'd want to visit the Springs?" Eileen grinned.

"Sure, why not. Her father-in-law is Colonel Thomas Anthony Hunter , Air Force(ret). I'm sure he would love to visit the Springs. He'd be very upset to think his granddaughter might be in danger." Jack grinned smugly.

"General, it looks like we have a plan. I already have some contacts moving in, but having Captain Hunter already on the inside is a plus." Hammond nodded in agreement,

"You have a go with what we discussed last night Colonel. How do you intend to contact Captain Hunter?"

"Carter will come up with something. Won't you Carter?" Sam rolled her eyes at her co.

"Of course sir. We'll have a little hen party as soon as we're dismissed," Sam stated dryly. Janet and Eileen tried not to chuckle out loud. Of course they'd solve the problem. We are woman, here us roar! Who needed the men anyway? After all, it was men who were the problem.

"Alright, you have a go people, dismissed." Hammond retreated to his office to get on with his day.

Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep.

Eileen listened to the steady beeps of the heart monitor. Kathleen was hanging on. It was the end of her second day at Stargate Command. She had been cleared, signed, picture taken, and fingerprinted. She was officially part of the SGC. The mission to take down General McGee and company was well underway. Little Jennifer Marie Hunter was safe with her grandfather and her mother was feeding intel to Col O'Neill. She shifted in her chair and reached out to hold Kat's bruised hand. So still and cool. Intellectually, she knew her friend was in a medically induced coma. She knew the reason for it. But she'd give just about anything to see her friend open her eyes and look at her with her intelligence shining through. She sighed. Another half hour and she'd have to hit the rack. She had a full shift starting in eight hours. A slight noise at the door made her look up warily. She was relieved to see Dr. Fraser standing in the doorway. Janet came in and checked the readouts. She didn't need to look at Kat's chart. She knew what it said.

"She's looking petty stable. I think I'll let her wake up tomorrow. What do you think?" Eileen smiled.

"I think that's great. I've been missing my friend. Besides, I have to get to work. I don't have time to sit here and hold her hand anymore." Janet agreed. It was time for Dr. Bergman to wake up and get on the road to recovery. It was high time she started pulling her own weight again.

"Think she'll be ok with the transfer?" Janet asked.

"I think she'll be glad to be anywhere but where she was. Quite frankly, she's got to take orders. It doesn't matter what she wants." Janet agreed. However, she knew firsthand an unhappy Anna Kathleen Bergman was not a pretty sight. But Kat adapted. She'd get over it. Janet cleared her throat. "I think you should probably get some sleep. I'll stay with her for a while." Eileen nodded and squeezed Kat's hand.

"I gotta get some sleep Kat. Gotta work in eight. First day on a new job. I'm a little nervous, you know? Your friend Doc Fraser is gonna sit with you a while. I know you've got a lot to catch up on. Dr. Fraser might even have a sitrep on the McGee project." Eileen looked to Fraser for confirmation. Janet nodded. "So anyway, I'll see ya tomorrow. Doc's gonna let ya wake up, and we can plan a male bashing party. Sound good? Goodnight Kat." Eileen released Kat's hand and stood. "Good night doctor. See you in the morning." Janet smiled.

"Get some rest, you're going to need it." Janet stopped Eileen at the door.

"Eileen. I don't know if I've said it before, but thank you for risking so much for Kat. I owe you more than you can imagine." Eileen took a step back into the room.

"I know you and Kat go back a long way. And I know some of Colonel O'Neill's history with Kat. I was there for some of it. He doesn't remember me, but I'll never forget him. He brought Kat back to us. I'll never be able to repay that. And here he is, doing it again. It's like we're all connected. And now, he's taking down a new enemy. He's taking a big risk taking on General McGee. He's got connections. Otherwise he'd have been gone long ago." Eileen shook her head. "I'm rambling. I'm sorry, guess I need sleep. Good night Dr. Fraser."

" Goodnight Eileen." Janet turned back to Kat. She took a cloth and rewet it in the basin on the instrument tray next to the bed. Wringing it out, she began to wipe Kat's face and neck while talking to her softly.

"Hey Kat. I'm going to let you wake up in the morning. You've been slacking long enough. I've got some news for you. Colonel O'Neill has been working with Captain Hunter and Dr. O'Bryan. I think they'll be surprising General McGee and that no count former team of yours any day now. By the way, you work for me now. What? No comment? I'm sure you'll let me have it tomorrow. I'm looking forward to it." Janet dropped the cloth back in the basin and sat down. "I'm not going to lie to you. You've got a long rehab ahead of you. But you'll be fine. Don't forget. The best revenge is living well and being happy. I know you can do it. We have a great hen party planned. You know, Eileen, Capt. Hunter, Major Carter - you don't know her yet, but you'll like Sam. We'll have a hell of a party." Janet sighed and closed her eyes. She was so tired. Thank goodness Cassie could stay with friends, because she couldn't remember when she'd been home last. Time to call it a night. "I'm beat Kat. I really need to hit the sack. See you in the morning." Janet stood and stretched. Yep, time to call Cassie and say goodnight. Janet walked out the door on the way to her office. The machines kept their vigil. The sound of the heart monitor and the ventilator steady and reassuring.

It was a bright and sunny summer morning in Colorado Springs. But you'd never know it deep down in Cheyenne Mountain. The only way you knew the passage of time was the increased traffic in the hallways. Daniel Jackson juggled his steaming cup of coffee and paperwork as he passed airman in the hallway. He hadn't seen Jack for two days. He knew the takedown was in progress. He scrunched his nose up in an attempt to keep his glasses from sliding farther down his nose. He'd be wearing his contacts if he hadn't been putting in so much time. His eyes were shot. He walked through the open door of Sam's lab and stopped short. Major Samantha Carter was sound asleep on her keyboard, and was she snoring? Daniel stayed well clear of the sleeping officer and cleared his throat. Huh. No response.

"Sam?" nothing. A little louder, "Sam?" Sam jerked and sat up straight almost falling off of her stool. She grabbed for the table and steadied herself while looking around wildly. Daniel did a finger wave from the doorway. He knew Sam had a tendency to bite first and ask questions later.

"Daniel. What time is it?" Daniel set his stuff down and checked his watch.

"06:00." Daniel pointed at his mouth and cheek. "you've got, um, keyboard marks." Sam's face reddened. She rubbed her cheek self-consciously.

"Oh for cryin' out loud!" Daniel grinned. She was channeling Jack.

"I take it you haven't heard from Jack?

"No. At least not before I crashed. Wanna grab another cup of coffee and some breakfast?" Daniel nodded in affirmation. You could never have too much coffee after all. He'd only had three cups so far this morning. He was still trying to wake up.

"Yeah, and then maybe we can ask Walter if he's heard anything." Sam and Daniel headed for the mess chatting amiably. Things had been crazy for the last couple of days. No problems off world. It was Earthbound troubles. Always where you least expected it. Hopefully Colonel O'Neill and Teal'c would be back soon and things could get back to normal, at least as normal as things got at the SGC. Like aliens dropping in unexpectedly, over the top bad guys threatening Earth, hostile natives on other planets. Yep, just the everyday stuff.

Janet yawned over her coffee, stirring slowly. She hadn't taken her first bite of breakfast yet. She looked up as Sam and Daniel walked through the door. She smiled and waved at them. Sam waved back and pointed at the food service line. Janet nodded and carefully sipped her coffee. Mmmmmmm. Better than sex. Well, maybe that depended on who you were having sex with. The corners of Janet's mouth quirked up. She did the pre and post mission physicals, and she had some ideas on that. She was still smiling as Sam and Daniel sat at the table with her. Sam and Daniel looked at each other and back at Janet.

"What are you smiling about so early? You've got a cat who got the canary smile going on. Something you want to share?" Sam asked. Janet's cheeks reddened slightly.

"What?" Janet asked. Sam checked Janet out a little more closely. Hmmm. Interesting. She filed it away for later.

"What have you got planned today? Anything interesting?" Janet nodded.

"Yes actually. Major Stevens should be reporting for duty about now. SG's 3 and 5 are headed out this morning, so two sets of pre gate physicals. And…I'm waking Kat up today. At least I hope she wakes up. She's going to be a little mad at me." Daniel frowned.

"Why? You saved her life, what's to be upset about?" Daniel asked. The caffeine was finally making it's way through his system. Janet took another drink of coffee before answering,

"Because I stepped in and took charge. I saved her life, but I also got her a transfer she didn't ask for." Sam swallowed the spoonful of yogurt in her mouth.

"I think she'll understand Janet. She might be embarrassed that everyone knows what was going on, but she'll get over it. I'm sure with you here, and her friends Eileen and Elaine, that she'll adjust quickly." Daniel watched the exchange and chewed on his bagel. He figured this new doctor had a tough go ahead of her. But he had seen both Janet and Eileen. He knew they'd be there for her. And if he knew Sam, she'd be there too! The girls club had just grown by three.

Janet's pager buzzed. She pulled it out of her lab coat pocket and read the message. She looked at the rest of her breakfast with longing. Taking a last gulp of her coffee she pushed her chair back and stood up. "Gotta go, Kat's beginning to wake up. It'll take a while, but I want to be there. See you later." Sam and Daniel nodded as Janet turned to leave.

"Leave your tray, I'll take it back for you. " Daniel offered. Janet looked over her shoulder and grinned.

"You just want my bacon. Thanks Daniel" and she walked briskly away. Daniel reached for Janet's tray, snagging her bacon and toast. Sam grinned.

"Janet was right, you did want her bacon." Daniel turned puppy dog eyes on Sam, "Ah! That won't work on me, I work with you." Sam glanced at the tray. "Hand me her apple." Daniel smirked. An abandoned tray was fair game. He handed Sam the apple and munched contentedly on "his" bacon.

As Janet walked into the infirmary she noticed nurses coming at her from all directions. Nothing looked urgent, just reports and change of shift. Hmmm, airman Johnson was coming along. She penned dismissal orders on his chart. She checked the little box for crutch instruction and pt scheduling, initialed, signed, and dated it. She handed the chart back to the nurse and took the next one. Glancing over it she decided Lt. Andrews needed another 24 in the ward. She filled in obs instructions, adjusted his antibiotic, switched him to a thick liquid diet, did the whole signature bit again and handed it to the nurse.

"Dr. Fraser." Janet looked up to find Dr. Warner approaching. She smiled and took the next chart.

"Good morning Bill. How are you this morning?" Warner's stern features softened a little.

"Fine. I just got in from the Academy hospital. Getting ready to start my rounds. Anything new?" Janet smiled in good humor.

"Nope. At least as of five minutes ago. Bill, I'm allowing Dr. Bergman to wake up this morning. I got a page about oh," Janet took a quick look at her watch, "Twenty minutes ago. I'm going to check on her as soon as I finish up here." Dr. Warner held up his hands.

"You're done. I know you want to be there when she wakes up. I got it here."

"Thanks Bill. I'll buy you a cup of coffee later." Dr. Warner smiled.

"I'll hold you to that Janet." Janet handed the chart over to Warner and headed for the little ICU/ISO room.

There was some noise. What? Beep, beep, swoosh, beep, beep, swoosh, swoosh. Mmmmmm. Floating, weightless, she tried to take a breath and realized she was forced to breathe with the rhythm of the swooshes. Swooshes, was that a word? Why did she care? Beep, beep, sa-woosh, she was becoming solid. She reached out with her mind. Did she feel her fingers? Cautiously, she attempted to wiggle her fingers. First her left hand. Success! Ok, what about the right hand? Ok, not a good idea. Fingers wiggled, but her wrist complained loudly. She continued to assess. Head hurts, a lot. Right clavicle aches. She tried to take a deeper breathe. Oh. My. God. So not a good idea. Broken ribs. Now she was fighting what she new was a ventilator. The beeps speeded up. She broke into a sweat, tears streaming from the corners of her eyes. Oh God! She felt like she was suffocating. She couldn't breathe. She couldn't make any noise, her throat paralyzed to accommodate the vent. She tried to bang her arms on the rails to make some noise. Where was everyone? Why didn't they come? She was screaming, over and over. Help me! Please! She heard movement, shoes running into the room, voices. Someone was here! God, hurry! She felt a burning sensation in her arm, then a warmth spreading through her body. Her breathing slowed and became easier. The noises in the room were receding, becoming tinny and distant. Then nothing.

Janet ran into trauma nurse Eileen Stevens. She had just come on and was going over Kat's chart with nurse Jenkins. The bank of monitors at the nurses station seemed quiet. Suddenly alarms started sounding. Kat's monitors were lit up in red. Shit! Shit! Shit!

"When was her last dose of Diprivan?"

" I dropped her .3 mg ten minutes ago."

"Get me .3 mg Diprivan stat!" Janet yelled over her shoulder as she ran for Kat's room. As soon as she entered she could tell Kat was fighting the vent. Crap! She had to get her calmed down before she hurt herself. She rushed to Kat's side, placed her hands on either side of Kat's face and tried to hold her head still. She'd come up too fast! Way to fast!

"Kat, hush. You're fine. You need to stop fighting the vent." Kat's head rolled wildly side to side as she tried to take a breath. "Kat, slow your breathing honey, come on, you can do it." Janet turned her head toward the door. "Where's that Diprivan? I need it now!" Jenkins rushed in with a pre-filled syringe. She handed it off to Janet, who checked it and injected it into Kat's iv line. "Hold on Kat, hold on. You're ok." Kat quieted, relaxing and going limp. All this fuss, and she never even opened her eyes.

"Eileen, check her hookups and check her chart for the last time she was suctioned. She sounds congested." Eileen nodded.

"Yes mam." She checked Kat's iv line, still good, thank god. Leads are all still good. She re-adjusted the pulse oximeter and checked the readout. Oxygen stats could be better. "Her O2 sat's a little low. Everything else looks good. I'm going to suction her." Eileen reached for the suction pump even as she spoke. She was actually glad Kat was out. Suctioning wasn't painful, but it was a little uncomfortable. It was easier when the patient was out. Your body just automatically tried to fight it.

Janet breathed a sigh of relief and tried to lose the tension in her body. She actually hated the adrenalin rush that followed an incident. She trusted herself, and her nurses, but the body chemistry was just wired for fight or flight. And fighting for someone's life wasn't what nature had in mind. Janet filed away the wet gurgly sound as the suction machine pulled fluid from Kat's lungs. She checked the clear sided container for blood. Nope, still good. They had gotten a break there. Well, that hadn't gone exactly according to plan. Time to regroup and chart a new course. She was going to have to keep a very close watch on the infusion rate. It looked like it would be slow going weaning her off the vent.

Janet picked up Kat's chart and wrote the new infusion rate. She noted Kat's agitated awakening and the consequences. She was going to have to chart out the infusion reduction rate and keep her closely monitored.

"Eileen, check her L.O.C every five minutes. I want her closely monitored as she's brought up and weaned off the vent. Give her thirty minutes to rest and recover, then start decreasing the Diprivan. Take her down .3 mg/kg/h every fifteen minutes. If it looks like she's coming up to fast, hold and call me immediately."

"Yes mam." Eileen heaved a sigh, "She always has to do things the hard way. I was worried there for a minute." Janet regarded the nurse intently.

"Just keep a close eye on her. She'll be fine. She's just making us work for it. I'll be in my office if you need me." Janet handed the chart back to Eileen, "Don't forget to update her file on the computer," and Janet walked out the door deep in thought.