Title: Stargate: SG-1 – New Families (A New Beginnings sequel)
Summary: Colonel Samantha Carter's new found happiness is tested as circumstances out of her control threaten her family.
Rating: MA for Mature Readers.
Disclaimer: The following story is purely a work of fiction created by borrowing characters from a television series with the purpose of entertainment. Characters other than originals remain the property of creators Brad Wright & Jonathan Glassner. No profit is gained nor is any copyright infringement intended towards Sony Pictures Television, Gekko Film Corp & MGM Worldwide Television.
Author's Note:Please take the time to review and nourish the Muse.
Chapter 1
USAF Colonel Samantha Carter drove alongside hanger three at Petersen Air Base and Brigadier General Dana Ridley explained, "There is a jet waiting for us."
Nodding, Sam swiftly parked the SUV thirty feet from the entrance and the three occupants collected their bags and ran into the hangar. George was standing at the bottom of the steps of a Gulfstream 5 dressed in black fatigues and a bulletproof vest.
"Good to see you are coming along for the ride sir," said Dana in greeting.
"Well, I thought I'd be the co-pilot." He held out his hand to Army Major Trisha Browning, "I'm sorry we've had to meet under such dire circumstances Major Browning."
"I am too sir and I appreciate your assistance."
"Safety check is complete and the flight plan registered Brigadier Ridley, we are ready to depart."
"Thank you again for all your help sir."
Once the four boarded, Dana handed her cell phone over to Sam, "Answer it if it rings please Colonel Carter."
"Yes ma'am," replied Sam sullenly.
Dana and George entered the cockpit and proceeded to fire up the engines. Once they were cleared for take-off from the control tower, Dana taxied onto the runway and they were soon on their way to Andrews Air Force Base.
Ten minutes into the flight, Sam entered the cockpit, "Major Sciff just called to say McDonald is not registered at any hotels."
"Thanks Carter. Can you please call him back and tell him McDonald used to own an apartment at 346 Independence Avenue six years ago. It's a long shot, but she may still use it."
"Can do ma'am," acknowledged Sam before leaving.
"I couldn't help but notice the tension between you and Sam," noted George.
"We had a disagreement, but Sam should be okay soon sir." She explained the reason behind the argument.
"Well, it's rare for Sam to lose her temper," said George.
"I know, but when she does, she's a little fire cracker."
George chuckled at the synopsis, "That she is and once she calms down she'll understand your position on not disclosing the full facts behind McDonald's past."
"I believe you are right sir."
Sam appeared again fifteen minutes later looking distraught, "They've located Lieutenant Smith at McDonald's apartment. She's in bad shape and has been taken to Walter Reed Army Medical Center."
"How bad is she Sam?" asked George.
"She's been beaten and raped. Lieutenant Smith identified McDonald as her attacker. Apparently she assaulted her some three hours ago. Major Sciff retrieved a recording device from Lieutenant Smith's jacket and is having it analysed now."
Dana dropped out of Military mode, "How is Trish doing baby?"
"She's a mess Dana."
"George can you take the controls please? I'll go speak with her."
"I'll take your seat Dana," offered Sam quietly.
-o-
Dana found Trisha slumped over her knees and sobbing violently. She knelt beside the chair and gently caressed her friend's right shoulder, "I'm so sorry sweetie."
"It's not your fault and thanks for helping find her."
"Don't thank me, I should have figured it out sooner."
Trisha raised her head and looked at Dana, "Don't blame yourself, it happened hours ago. It was way before I even realised there was a problem."
"That fact doesn't make me feel any less guilty."
"Bron shouldn't have gone out with McDonald and put herself in jeopardy without backup."
Dana's phone rang, "Hello Major."
"Brigadier, the blood toxicology on Lieutenant Smith found traces of GHB in her system."
"Well that would explain how McDonald lured her back to the apartment."
"It does and we have everything on audio tape ma'am."
"Have there been any sightings on McDonald yet?"
"No, but Lieutenant Smith told us she may have broken McDonald's arm during the struggle. The local police have an APB out on her."
"Okay, we will be there soon."
"Yes ma'am. I have advised Lieutenant Smith her fiancée is on the way and she is responding well to treatment."
"What are her injuries Major?"
"A broken nose, fractured jaw, dislocated left shoulder, several lacerations to her face and severe trauma to the genital area. She is sleeping at the moment."
"It's good she is resting and I appreciate all your assistance."
Trisha cried harder when told the extent of Bronwyn's assault. Dana held her firmly and offered her comfort when the tears stopped.
"Once we land I'll have Sam take you directly to the hospital. It's a forty minute trip, but she'll get you there sooner."
"What are you going to do?"
"Join in the search and catch the fucking bitch. We'll get her sweetie; she wouldn't get away with this."
"I know." Trisha sat up straight, "I love you."
"I love you too and Bronwyn will recover from this, just support her."
"I will and I won't turn away from her like I did with you."
Dana smirked, "You better not or I'll kick your arse. Bronwyn will need you and you have to talk to her about what happened. It's good therapy for her to get it all out."
"I promise and I'm sorry I wasn't there for you when you needed me the most."
"Apology accepted, now I better go get ready for our landing." Dana removed her arms from around Trisha and stood up.
"I need to use the head," said Trisha as she got to her feet.
"I'll see you after we land."
Trisha reached out and framed Dana's face, "You're still a wonderful person Dana and I'm so glad you are my friend."
"I am too."
Moving in closer, Trisha kissed Dana chastely on the lips. Sam closed the cockpit door at that precise moment and froze. Her heart ached as she witnessed the contact between the two women.
"I ... uhm ... George said we are fifteen minutes out from Peterson."
The duo parted and Trisha said, "Thank you again for everything you've done."
"You're welcome." Dana stepped into Sam, "Take that look of jealousy off your face; it was just a friendly kiss."
Sam was still suffering hormonally and the words were out of her mouth before she could stop herself, "Fuck off."
Dana moved past her, "Thank you Sam that was extremely adult of you at a time like this." Returning to George, she took her seat, "You keep control sir, you've been doing such an excellent job and I need a moment to collect my thoughts."
As he prepared for the landing, Dana told him about the latest development.
-o-
Sam stormed off the plane and the other three caught up to her as a tall, well-built blond met them inside the hangar.
Dana introduced everyone then said, "Major Sciff, it's good to see you again and I am thankful for all your assistance."
"Likewise ma'am and if you'll come this way, I'll take you to the hospital." He led the foursome to a parking area and a black SUV.
"Major, Colonel Carter and Major Browning will accompany you while General Hammond and I will be joining the search."
"As you wish and I can organise another vehicle for you."
"Thank you, but before you do, do you happen to have McDonald's cell phone number?"
"No, but I can get it for you ma'am."
"Thank you."
Colin made a phone call and Dana placed her laptop on top of the vehicle's hood and turned it on. Entering her security code, she brought up a cell phone tracer program. Once she typed in the number, she asked Colin to call it.
McDonald failed to answer, but Dana got a fix on her signal within seconds, "Got her. She's on Pennsylvania Avenue at Gus' Bar. I'll take your car now Major."
"I'll drive Dana," offered George.
"I appreciate it sir."
Colin pulled Dana aside, "McDonald is armed and by Lieutenant Smith's account, very unstable. I'll contact the local police with the latest details and have them meet you there."
Dana withdrew her gun, chambered a round then holstered it, "Thanks for the heads up Major."
Sam felt bad about snapping at Dana on the plane and was about to apologise when Dana and George raced off with Major Sciff to the GMC Sierra. By the time she caught up to them, Dana and George were headed towards the main gate. Sam reached for her cell phone and realised she had left it at home.
Colin turned and neared them, "Colonel Carter and Major Browning, I'll take you to the motor pool then onto the hospital."
-o-
George pulled up outside Gus' Bar and turned to Dana, "How do you want to handle this Brigadier?"
"You take the back entrance sir and I'll take the front. I'll give you a count of ten to get into position before I breach the door."
"Sounds just about right to me."
The two officers got out of the SUV and George withdrew his Berretta before heading down the alley. Dana counted before taking out her gun and moving to the front door. She opened it and snuck inside. Moving to the left, she aimed her weapon at Erin as she sat at the bar counter nursing a drink.
Dana nodded to George as he approached from the rear of the building and the middle aged bartender looked at George than Dana and started to move away from the counter.
Erin's right hand rose and she pointed her gun at him, "Did I say you could move?" Her voice was slurred and her hand shook.
"No ma'am."
George spoke calmly, "Brigadier General McDonald, I suggest you lower your weapon and turn around slowly and face me."
"I don't think so."
Dana bobbed her head at George, "Erin, it's Dana. Let's do as the Lieutenant General says and we can all leave here and get some rest."
Erin turned her head to the left and stared at Dana, "What the hell are you doing here?"
"Ensuring you don't hurt anyone else."
Waving her right hand around in the air, Erin protested, "I didn't hurt her, she wanted it rough."
Dana noticed Erin's left arm was hanging limply at her side, "No she didn't Erin. Now put the gun down."
"What would you know and what business is it of yours anyway?"
"I know all about how you arranged for Lieutenant Smith to come here and how you manipulated Colonel Bellows to draw up new orders for Major Browning to be redeployed to Iraq. You wanted her out of the way so you could pursue Lieutenant Smith without interference. I know all your dirty little secrets Erin, but you have gone too far this time to get what you want. You hurt my friends as well as abused your position and rank."
Erin sneered, "You can't prove any of that?"
"Your attack on Lieutenant Smith is on audio tape and I have copies of your memos and e-mails to Colonel Scott Bellows, so yes, I can prove it. Now put down the gun."
Erin stood on unsteady legs and aimed her gun at her accuser, "You think you're pretty smart, don't you? You waltz in here and act like you figured it all out."
Dana cautiously watched Erin's trigger finger resting on the guard, "No Erin, I'm just looking out for my friends and people like you always come unstuck sooner or later. You're finished Erin."
George crept closer and Erin yelled, "I MAY BE DRUNK, BUT IF YOU TAKE ONE MORE STEP BEHIND ME; I SWEAR I'LL SHOOT."
"I'm not moving," replied George firmly.
Dana reacted quickly as Erin's finger moved inside the trigger guard. She fired as Erin pulled the trigger and declared, "I'm fucked either way."
Erin fell to the floor clutching at her right shoulder and George stepped in to kick away her weapon.
Dana pivoted and saw the local police and Colin enter the bar. She turned her attention back to George and uttered, "Sam." She sank to her knees then fell forward as blood seeped onto the floorboards underneath her.
-o-
George ran into Lieutenant Smith's room and found both Sam and Trisha asleep in the armchairs positioned on either side of the bed. He approached Sam and lightly shook her right shoulder, "Sam honey, you need to wake up. You have to come with me."
Sam stirred and focused on him, "Sorry, I must have dozed off. Where are we off to?" She detected the colour drain from his face, "No George, don't you dare tell me." Tears immediately fell from her eyes.
"Honey, Dana is here at the hospital and has been rushed into surgery."
Sam gripped George's shoulders, "Please tell me she will be all right."
"Come on, I'll take you upstairs."
Sam cried all the way to the waiting room and sat down beside George and held his hand, "What happened?"
"McDonald shot her."
"That bitch, how did it happen?"
George took his time to recount the episode.
Sam stopped sobbing then asked, "She wanted Dana to kill her?"
"That's my guess honey."
"How bad is Dana?"
"She took the hit to the stomach and lost a lot of blood. The Paramedic said she should be okay." George looked at this watch, "Dana went into theatre thirty minutes ago."
"I told her to fuck off before on the plane. I was tired and hormonal and didn't mean to say it, it just came out and we had a fight before we left the house."
"I know, Dana told me all about it. She was fairly upset, but hid behind her Military mask."
Sam smiled, "She does that when she is hurt. I didn't mean to wound her George."
"She knows that Sam and was just giving you some space."
"If I'd been thinking straight, I would have given her my vest."
"Come on, there is no need to beat yourself up. I'll go get us a coffee."
"Thanks George."
George returned fifteen minutes later and handed Sam a drink container and a muffin, "I thought you might need something to eat."
Sam took a sip of coffee before saying, "Thanks. Oh crap, I better call Cassie and Reese."
"Already taken care of and as soon as we know something we have to call them back."
"Okay, so what happens now?"
"McDonald is under Military guard and being patched up down in the ER. It was a through and through that didn't require surgery. Major Sciff will transport her to Andrews Airbase then arrange for her to face a Court Martial."
"What a mess," lamented a weary Sam.
"I would expect McDonald to plead diminished capacity due to battle fatigue syndrome or some other psychiatric terminology her defence can come up with."
"Well either way her career is over," noted Sam softly.
"When Dana first notified me of the situation I did a little digging and discovered some improprieties. Her career should have ended years ago."
"Yes it should have." Sam stood and paced the floor while George remained lost in thought.
-o-
Dana groaned as she slowly fought her way out of the anaesthesia. Her eyes adjusted to her surroundings and she realised she was in a surgical recovery area.
A smiling nurse appeared and spoke to her, "How is the pain?"
"Bearable," answered Dana. "What's the extent of my injury?"
"Doctor Adams will speak to you once we move you to your room Dana."
Pain gripped the left side of Dana's abdominal region, "Uhm nurse, I think I'll revise that level, it's a nine.'
The nurse smirked down at the patient, "I'll give you five milligrams of Morphine."
Dana stretched out her hand, "Is it possible to have Pethidine, it works better for me?"
"Doctor Adam wrote you up for both, so I don't see a problem."
"Thank you nurse, I appreciate it."
Five minutes passed and Dana was feeling no pain as the nurse checked her vitals again.
"How long before I go to my room?"
"I'm calling for an orderly now."
"Cheers," replied Dana while closing her eyes and drifting back into restful sleep.
-o-
After being informed Dana was being moved to room 728 on the seventh floor, Sam excused herself and went down to the Emergency Room to locate Major Sciff. She found him standing in front of a cubicle being guarded by two Military Police Officers.
"Colonel Carter, how is Brigadier Ridley?"
"She's out of theatre and will be just fine. They are taking her to a room now. Can I ask to speak to McDonald for a moment?"
"Yes ma'am, go right ahead."
Colin stepped to the side and Sam drew back the curtain to find Erin propped up and handcuffed to the bed railing.
Erin glared at her and snarled, "Come to gloat Colonel?"
"No, but I do have something I wish to say."
"I really don't care to hear it, just go away."
"You don't get to tell me what to do. I despise you for what you did to Lieutenant Smith and loath you for shooting Brigadier Ridley. You are a cold hearted, selfish bitch and have finally gotten what you deserve." Sam moved in closer and slapped Erin across the face then added, "Dana is worth a hundred of you and I hope you rot in hell." She turned heel and left. As she passed Colin, she said, "Thank you Major."
"You're welcome ma'am and please inform the Brigadier I will visit later in the day."
"I will." Sam made her way up to Dana's room and saw George sitting in a chair to the right of the bed holding Dana's hand. The patient was asleep, so Sam took a seat to the left and took hold of her other hand.
"She looks good," she noted with a smile.
"She does and the nurse said the doctor will be here shortly to speak to us."
Dana opened her eyelids, blinked twice then whispered, "Hello you two."
Sam and George both stood and kissed her on the forehead.
"Welcome back young lady," said George.
"Thanks Partner," joked Dana. "What happened to the psycho General?"
George chuckled briefly, "It's nice to see you still have your sense of humour and McDonald is being transferred to Andrews."
"Don't tell me I missed her shoulder?"
"No, you got her all right."
"George, can I impose on you for one more favour?"
"Name it Dana."
"Can you fly me back to the SCG Infirmary? I want to go home."
"I'll see what I can do, but the doctor may want to keep you here."
"I'm sure he will, but I'd rather go home." She looked at Sam and asked, "Have you still got your cranky pants on?"
"No honey."
"Good and I need a favour from you too sweetheart."
"Go ahead."
"When we get home I want you to have a blood test and have your hormone levels checked because you have been way too nasty."
Sam laughed at the comment, "Deal and I apologise for being a bitch."
"It's okay Sam and we can discuss it later."
After Doctor Adams arrived and explained the damage to Dana's abdominal wall and muscle, George stepped outside with him and organised to have Dana flown to Colorado Springs as soon as possible. The doctor agreed to release her in twelve hours time as long as there were no complications during that period.
Dana thanked George when he returned to the room then said, "I want you two to go book into a hotel and get some sleep. I'm tired and ready for sleep, so I would like it if you rested for the flight home."
"You won't get any argument from me, I'm beat," admitted George.
"We'll be back here at 1700 hours," suggested Sam tiredly.
"It's a date and I love you both, now scoot."
Sam kissed Dana tenderly on the lips, "I love you too."
-o-
At 1810 hours George took off from Andrew's Air Force Base with Sam as his co-pilot. Dana was asleep on a gurney that was anchored to the floor while Trisha and Bronwyn were seated side by side in the rear section of the plane. Sam had asked the couple to return to Colorado Springs and stay for the remainder of the week. The trip to Toronto was now off for Sam and Dana, but Sam had insisted Trisha take the tickets with instructions to enjoy the weekend and catch up with family.
Once Dana was settled into Observation Room 2, she was immediately fussed over by Janet. The doctor was working the night shift and took great care to ensure Dana was comfortable and pain free.
As requested by Dana, Sam undertook a blood test and Janet made the necessary adjustments to Sam's contraceptive prescription.
By ten fifteen, Sam had driven Trisha and Bronwyn home, showered and crawled into bed after speaking on the phone to Cassandra, Jack, Teal'c and Daniel.
-o-
The following morning Jack paid Dana a visit before departing for an off-world recon mission with SG-16. Dana went back to sleep and was woken when Carolyn arrived to check her surgical site and drain.
"Daniel is in his Lab and will be dropping by to see you soon," explained the doctor while making a notation in Dana's chart.
"Cool and how is the good Doctor Jackson." Dana noted the frown on Carolyn's face and reached out for her friend's upper arm. "What's wrong?"
Carolyn lowered her eyes and avoided Dana's, "Nothing."
"Come on Doc, I read people for a living and your face is telling me something is troubling you."
Putting down the clipboard, Carolyn looked at Dana with tears in her eyes, "I'm confused about my feelings for Daniel."
"I'm sorry to hear that. Have you spoken to him about your concerns?" questioned Dana while removing her hand.
"Yes."
"Has this anything to do with our conversations on Gretin?"
"Yes and no."
With a sly grin, Dana inquired, "Which one is it Doc?"
"I lied when you asked if I was curious about being attracted to women."
Dana laughed softly, "I know you did and it's okay."
Carolyn responded with a wry smile, "Dana, I'm not attracted to other women, just you."
"I kind of figured that part out for myself."
"I mean I've always been curious about how it would be to be with a woman, but until you turned up here, I hadn't given it a second thought."
"I'm flattered that I piqued your interest. Have you talked this over with Daniel?"
"Good god no, I don't want to confound the issue any further. Dana, I love you as a friend and don't want to jeopardise our relationship by constantly wondering what it would be like to be kissed by you."
"Can I ask you a personal question?"
Carolyn rolled her eyes, "I think we passed that stage about five minutes ago."
Dana giggled and held her stomach, "Oh don't make me laugh; it hurts."
"Sorry, so what's your question?"
"Do you feel like Daniel is holding back from you?"
Carolyn's eyes lit up, "Yes I do, just when I think we are as close as we can be, he closes off and comes up with some excuse to avoid me. Last night we went out for a lovely dinner and he dropped me home, stayed for coffee then told me he was coming here this morning to do some research and wanted an early night."
"So I gather you guys aren't sexually active then?"
"No and it's frustrating the hell out of me. Every time I think Daniel is about to initiate sex, he's out the door."
"It sounds like he is afraid of commitment."
"That's what I am beginning to think. I know all about his wife Sha're and the other doomed relationships, but I really thought he was making progress in being more open with his feelings."
"I must admit I've seen a marked improvement in that area too."
"When I ask Daniel about it he just shrugs his shoulders and says that's just the way he is."
Dana shook her head, "You guys really do need to talk it over."
"I know."
"I think your interest in me is a result of you transferring your frustration with Daniel."
"You're probably right," agreed the doctor glumly.
"When did you first view me in a different light?"
Carolyn blushed, "Uhm, when we were at Jack's prior to the mission to P3X-666."
"What occurred to change your mind?"
"Well after you arrived I was on my way around the side of the house to get a CD out of Daniel's truck."
Dana suddenly remembered her enthusiastic greeting with Sam pressed up against the front wall, "Oh crap, sorry about that Carolyn."
"Uhm well, I have to admit I took one look at the sheer bliss on Sam's face and became interested."
Dana didn't know where to look and settled on viewing the ceiling, "Just how much did you see?"
Carolyn's expression changed to one of guilt, "I ... uhm ... everything."
Dana grinned madly and made eye contact, "I really don't know what to say."
"That makes two of us."
"Moving right along from the awkward moment, what are you planning to do about Daniel?"
"This is where the confusion comes into the equation, I really like Daniel, but I don't want to keep wondering."
Dana recalled her conversation with Sam regard Carolyn and advised her, "Talk to Daniel and be open about what you are feeling and don't ignore the problem."
"You are right and you can rest easy, I'm not going to embarrass myself by pining over you."
Dana chuckled, "I'm glad to hear that because nothing is going to happen between us, although Sam did tell me it was okay to kiss you and quell your curiosity."
Carolyn's eyes widened to the size of saucers, "You've discussed this with Sam?"
"Yes, we have no secrets Doc."
"Good lord, why doesn't the floor just open up and swallow me now? Where is a Goa'uld attack when you need one?"
Laughing, Dana winced with pain, "Oh Carolyn, it's not that bad. In fact, if you hand me my toothbrush, I'll clean my teeth then lay one on you right now."
Carolyn stood still and stared, "I couldn't do that."
"I'll stop messing with you."
Carolyn giggled, "It's all right; at least I'm feeling better." She glanced at her watch, "I need to get going. I've my weekly report with George to attend to."
"Say hello to the General for me."
Carolyn moved towards the door and Dana asked, "Hey Doc, can you get my toothbrush before you go?"
"No worries and after the meeting you are attempting to get out of bed."
Dana smiled, "Thank goodness for that, I'm starting to an FNB."
Carolyn's right eyebrow rose, "Say what now?"
"It's an acronym for fucking numb bum."
Laughing, Carolyn opened the door, "I'll see you later."
-o-
Bill Otto and Cameron were next to visit the patient followed by Walter and Josh. Once she was alone, Dana closed her eyes and drifted off.
Eighty minutes later, Sam opened the door and quietly stepped inside the room.
Dana fluttered her eyelids open and beamed, "Hey beautiful, it's so good to see you."
Sam grinned broadly at her, "Hello honey, sorry I'm late but I was busy being interviewed by AFOSI investigators in regard to McDonald. They are still at home speaking with Bronwyn."
"At least they are moving fast with the matter."
"I've just come from George's office and he informed me you won't be questioned until you've been discharged."
"Cool, so how is my favourite Colonel this morning?"
"Much better now I am here." Sam moved to the side of the bed and took hold of Dana's hand, "How are you feeling?"
"Not too bad."
"I ran into Carolyn outside and she was all flustered. Do you have any idea why?"
Dana gave her girlfriend a sly grin, "I do." She proceeded to tell Sam about the conversation she had had with the doctor.
Sam's face bore the expression of shock, "Oh ... my ... god. She actually watched us making love?"
Dana's left brow arched, "Apparently so."
Giggling, Sam reasoned, "No wonder she couldn't look at me."
"The poor woman is riding the full gamut of emotions, I'm afraid."
"I'm guessing Daniel's reluctance is due to this past?"
"You'd be right honey."
Sam racked her fingers though Dana's hair, "By the way, I missed you last night and nearly drove over here at 0200 hours when I couldn't sleep."
"Well lucky you didn't because I would have kicked your arse," taunted Dana with a chuckle.
Leaning over, Sam huskily said, "And then you could have kissed it better for me."
"Oh good god Sam, it's time to change the subject."
Sam responded with her dimpled smile, "Done." She handed Dana an envelope, "It's from your lawyer's office."
Opening it, Dana withdrew two contracts and read the cover letter, "We both need to sign and the money has been transferred to your account."
Sam looked around for a pen and ended up removing the one clipped to Dana's medical chart. After signing, she took the papers off Dana and placed them back into the envelope.
"When do you want to break the news to Janet and Carrie?"
"Janet is on duty tonight, so if you happen to be still around when she arrives you can tell her."
Sam's voice lowered, "I adore you Dana."
"Oh I never tire of hearing you say that."
Sam pressed her lips to Dana's and kissed her tenderly. Dana placed her left arm around Sam's shoulder and drew her closer. The pair separated when Dana heard the door open.
It was Carolyn and she blushed brightly, "You ready to attempt standing Dana?"
"I am Doc, so get out of the way."
Shaking her head, Carolyn said, "Not so fast, I want to check your drain and empty your catheter first."
"Yeah, yeah less talk and more action Doc," wisecracked Dana while flinging back the covers.
Sam stepped out of the way and allowed Carolyn some space to manoeuvre.
Moments later Carolyn declared, "You are healing well and I'm going to remove the drain."
"That's music to my ears."
Carolyn set to work and Dana was standing beside the bed seconds later.
"Okay Dana, I don't want any of your stoic bullshit, if it hurts tell me."
"Yes Carolyn." Dana gingerly took a first step and experienced a slight twinge but no pain. "I'm good to go Doc."
Sam watched as Dana slowly walked around the room several times then praised her, "Well done honey."
"You're not checking out my peekaboo arse are you Colonel Carter?"
"Of course I am."
"That's my girl," replied Dana smugly.
Carolyn giggled at the interplay before saying, "All right Dana, that will do for now." She helped the patient to the side of the bed and observed for any signs of discomfort.
"Can I ask you to remove the catheter Doc?"
"I don't see why not, you're mobile enough to use the bathroom on your own."
Sam excused herself and waited outside. She felt funny about watching Carolyn administer to Dana. Knowing the doctor was attracted to her fiancée evoked a sense of jealousy and she wasn't sure of how to react.
Carolyn exited the room moments later, "Dana is doing so well, that I am going to release her before she bugs me too much."
Sam laughed, "I'm surprised she has been still this long."
"I advised her to take a shower while I take care of the paperwork."
"Thanks Carolyn."
"Welcome."
Carolyn moved off down the hall and Sam re-entered the room to find Dana rifling through her bag. She stopped and looked up at Sam, "I'm clear to go home."
"I know and that's good news. I'll give you a hand to get dressed."
-o-