Hi all. Sorry for the delay in posting. RL is crazy as always. Add to travelling and working the search for a new house. Thanks as always to all my wonderful reviewers. I do promise to get back to you soon! :-)
They were on their way home. She couldn't believe it – they'd actually made it. She had been sure that they were finished – that Sopdu had won, but instead they were free and heading back to earth. It wasn't because of her though. She frowned to herself – no, she had failed in the end. It had been the Colonel who had saved them – the Colonel and Kar'pal. She'd been useless, had allowed herself to be captured and had almost gotten the Colonel killed as a result.
"Stop it Sam", O'Neill's voice interrupted her musings. "You did good", he said.
She turned to him and was relieved to see him looking a tiny bit better. He still obviously needed some of Janet's TLC – but he didn't look like he was ready to drop dead at any second. He was also looking exasperated.
"What Sir?" she frowned.
"You're – sitting there – blaming yourself", he said, sounding certain. "I know you – Major. You did great. It's – because of you – we made it so stop beating yourself – up!"
"But Colonel – you were the one who -"
"Sam, I was able to help at the end only because you – saved my hide. You got us through against terrible odds and dragging along a dying man. I'd say you should relax and just – be happy. You saved us Major. So I helped a little – that was about all I did. You did almost everything." He grinned slightly. "You had to leave something for me otherwise I'd feel – left out."
She laughed, feeling slightly better. "I wouldn't want to leave you out Sir", she responded. She moved over and knelt down beside him. She gently felt his forehead.
"How's it feel?" he asked.
"You still have a fever, but I don't think it's so bad. Janet'll hook you up to an IV and you'll be better in no time."
"I think I'd rather – go back to the – planet", he grimaced.
She grinned again, knowing how much he hated the infirmary, but also knowing that he was probably looking forward to some good pain meds and a soft bed. "Well, I can turn the ship around if you'd like?"
"No, no – that's okay Major. Home is good."
As she pointed the Al'Kesh towards earth she thought back over all that had happened the last few days. Although she still felt badly about getting caught, she knew that what the Colonel had said was true. She had gotten them through a bad time and she should feel good about that. She'd have felt better if she'd been the one to defeat Sopdu, but she really couldn't begrudge the Colonel some of the action!
She looked over at Colonel O'Neill and frowned again. She was still worried about him and hated the thought of him continuing to suffer. Although she was pretty sure he was no longer in imminent danger of dying, he was still very weak and sick. He'd rallied for awhile, but for the last few hours had been in a deep sleep – at least she thought it was a sleep. She worried that he was unconscious.
"What will happen to me?" Kar'pal suddenly appeared behind her. He had been relatively quiet on the trip to earth and she'd practically forgotten him. Still, she'd promised him freedom and there was no way she was going to let anyone on earth – like the NID – get a hold of him. If she hadn't been so anxious to get the Colonel back, she would have dropped him off somewhere. However, as it was, she was going to have to take him home with her. Like a puppy, she grinned to herself.
"Please General Hammond, can I keep him? I'll look after him, really." The words spun through her brain and she had to keep from laughing. Somehow she didn't think it would be that easy to house train a Jaffa!
"I'll take you back with me to earth and introduce you to my friend Teal'c. He will tell you where you can go to be free. There are many Jaffa who are now part of the Free Jaffa – you can go to them – or if you'd rather you can go to a planet that's not under Goa'uld domination and simply live your life there."
He nodded solemnly, although she could tell he still had doubts that he'd truly be given his freedom. She worried too about some of the people on earth who would want to hold him, but promised herself she would make damn sure he was not kept from his promised freedom.
By the time they'd arrived in earth's atmosphere she was ready for a month long vacation. She felt totally drained, both physically and emotionally. She was still worried about O'Neill, and about Kar'pal – and she desperately wanted a shower and a hot meal.
She contacted the SGC as soon as she could and told them to inform the powers that be. She really didn't want to get shot down – or to have to defend herself.
"Major Carter", Hammond's voice came over the intercom.
"Yes Sir, it's me", she answered.
"It's good to hear your voice Major. Is the Colonel with you?" He asked.
"Yes Sir, he's here. He's been wounded and needs medical attention."
"How bad is he Major?" Hammond asked, worried.
"He's pretty sick Sir, although he's a bit better than he was. We almost lost him", she told him, a hitch in her voice. She still hated to think how close it had been.
"I'll have an ambulance waiting for you and we'll get him to Dr. Frasier right away."
"Thank you Sir. I also have two other passengers, a mercenary who was among the men who first attacked us – he was working for the Goa'uld and a Jaffa by the name of Kar'pal. He helped us escape the same Goa'uld. I have promised him he will be allowed to remain free."
"I see Major. Well, we'll work everything out when you're home. In the meantime, you've been cleared to land at Peterson. The ambulance will meet you as well as security and they'll bring you to the SGC. I look forward to having you back –I'm glad you're okay."
"Thank you Sir – I'm happy to be home." She signed off and let out a long breath. She could hardly wait until they were back and she could see the General and Teal'c and Daniel and Janet.
She landed the Al'Kesh on the landing strip at Petersen. She bet there were some pretty happy people right now just waiting to get their hands on the ship. She wondered what they'd say to the public who must have seen her fly in. She knew the Air Force would come up with some plausible explanation although she was pretty sure 'weather balloon' wouldn't cut it.
The General kept his promise. The moment she opened the doors she could see medics outside waiting as well as half a dozen SF's. She quickly gathered her things – including the black box. She wanted to hang on to it until it could be carefully analyzed. Once she'd given the okay the waiting medics rushed in and immediately started working on the Colonel. The SF's also boarded and waited until she gave the go ahead.
"We're to escort you Ma'am", one of them explained. She nodded, knowing it was a precaution taken be the General – in case there was a Goa'uld present – or because of the Jaffa.
"The prisoner is locked in one of the rooms in the back of the Al'Kesh. Be careful – he's a trained mercenary and he doesn't speak English.
They nodded and four of them made their way back to collect the Tatari. The other two stayed and kept their eyes on Kar'pal – as well as on her. Carter knew this was smart – and what the General would have ordered. They had no way of knowing whether or not she'd been compromised.
The medics quickly put the Colonel on a gurney and moved him to the waiting ambulance. There was another vehicle – a van – just behind it and she and Kar'pal were escorted to it. Another vehicle followed and the four SF's with a yelling Tartari, got into it. Within minutes they'd all taken off and headed to the mountain.
By the time they'd arrived, the Colonel had already been taken to the Infirmary. She knew the General would want her to report in first thing but what she really wanted to do was to check on Colonel O'Neill to make sure he was going to be okay.
"Major", General Hammond stood up as soon as she knocked on the door. Kar'pal stood beside her and the two SF's were right behind them. "Come in. It's good to have you back safely."
"Thank you Sir. It was quite an adventure!"
"I'm sure it was. I look forward to the debriefing, but right now I think you'd better go get checked out. Dr. Warner is waiting for you." He looked past Sam to the Jaffa standing there quietly. He smiled and walked towards the silent figure. "You must be Kar'pal", the General said. "I'm General Hammond, and I'm in charge of this facility. I want to thank you for helping my people. You are welcome here until we can find you a place to go."
"Thank you General Hammond", the Jaffa bowed his head. "I am honored to meet you and I thank you for allowing me to stay here."
The General turned to Sam. "Teal'c and Daniel are in the Infirmary. Why don't you take Kar'pal with you and introduce him to Teal'c. He'll be able to tell him some of his options."
"I will Sir, thank you!" Sam smiled at the General with relief and thanks. She then looked at Kar'pal. "Let's go and I'll introduce you to my favorite Jaffa!"
Kar'pal bowed his head again and Sam had to stop herself from giggling. He reminded her so much of Teal'c right then. She hoped they'd get along.
They walked down the hallways silently, both of them lost in thought. The SF's continued to follow them and Sam knew they'd remain there until everyone was sure Kar'pal was safe – and that she hadn't been taken over by an alien presence.
"Sam!" Daniel was standing outside the Infirmary and rushed to meet her. He threw his arms around her and gave her a big hug. "I'm so glad you're okay. We were worried about you, especially when we couldn't gate back to the planet. Are you okay?"
"I'm fine Daniel, just a bit tired – and dirty! I could really use a shower." She noticed Teal'c at that moment, standing quietly beside Daniel. "Teal'c!" The Jaffa moved closer and gave her another big hug.
"It is good to see you safe, Major Carter", he said simply. "I too was concerned."
"Thank you Teal'c. I can't tell you how much I wished both of you were there. It was – a bit harrowing."
"But you did it Sam", Daniel said. "You both got back alive!"
"Do you know how the Colonel is doing?" she asked. "Has Janet said anything?"
"No" Daniel replied. "They took him in straight away and we haven't heard anything since then. Was he – was it bad?" he asked, a worried frown between his eyes.
"Yes", she answered softly. "We almost lost him. The men on the planet – they're called Tatari – use a form of poison on their arrows. Fortunately we were able to find the antidote – I just hope it was in time."
They all stood silently for a few brief moments, each thinking about the Colonel. It was only when Teal'c's eyebrow went up that she remembered.
"I'm sorry guys. This is Kar'pal – he was formerly a Jaffa with the Goa'uld Sopdu, but now wishes to be free. He helped us and saved our lives."
"I am honored to meet you Kar'pal", Teal'c said to the Jaffa. "And I honor you for what you have done. You have made the right decision, and I assure you, you will never regret it."
"I do not", Kar'pal answered calmly, "although I no longer know where I belong. I understand that you can tell me where I might go – and still remain free."
"I can indeed", Teal'c answered. "You now have many choices, but all of them are yours." He turned back to Sam. "With your permission Major, I will take Kar'pal to a room where he can eat and rest and I will return."
"Of course Teal'c." She turned to the Jaffa who had helped her and smiled. "I hope you've forgiven me", she asked.
"I have", he smiled slightly. "I have grown to see that you are indeed a fine warrior and that there was no shame in being captured by you." He suddenly grinned. "Although I ask that you not do it again. It would not be good for my reputation."
She smiled in return. "I won't – and I'm sure I won't need to. Take care Kar'pal and know that you have friends among the Tauri."
"Then I am indeed fortunate", Major Carter, "for you are an honorable and brave people." He turned to follow Teal'c when he stopped and looked at her again. "You made me realize that it was important to take a chance, to go after what was truly important to me. I hope that one day soon you will do the same." With that he turned and followed Teal'c.
"What did he mean?' Daniel looked at her, puzzled.
"I - uh – I'm not sure", she responded. "God – when will they tell us how the Colonel is doing?"
If Daniel recognized that she was changing the subject he didn't say anything, although he did give her a rather strange look. She could feel her face burning, but refused to think or even acknowledge the Jaffa's words. Right now all she could think about was the Colonel – and pray that he would be okay.
It was soon after these thoughts that the door opened and both Sam and Daniel turned to look at the person exiting the Infirmary.
"Janet!" Sam said, "how is he?"
"He's alive", she said wearily, "but he's weak. We're keeping an eye on him and I have him hooked up to fluids and pain medications." She stopped and looked carefully at Sam. "Has Dr. Warner seen you?" she asked.
"Uh – no – we've been waiting to hear about the Colonel."
"Well then let's get you checked out", Janet said. "You look like hell!"
Sam realized that Janet was worried, otherwise she never would have spoken that way. That in turn frightened her. She wondered if the Colonel was worse than she thought.
"Is Jack going to be alright?" Daniel asked, obviously reacting the same way to Janet's words and demeanor.
The doctor sighed. "I think so Daniel, Sam." She suddenly seemed to realize that she frightened the two people in front of her. "I'm sorry – I didn't mean to imply that he wasn't going to make it – I'm just confused by his blood work. We can't figure out what's wrong yet – but he certainly hasn't gotten any worse."
"He was poisoned, Janet – and then he received what we were told was the antidote." She sucked in a quick breath. "What am I thinking – the man with the antidote – he's here. He's being held in the brig. He should have had some of the poison on him – and maybe even the antidote. I don't know if security collected his things from the ship or not."
"Daniel?" Janet turned to the archaeologist.
"I'll check right away", he replied.
"And Daniel", Sam said. "The man – he's from a race called the Tatari – he doesn't speak English or Goa'uld. You may be able to talk to him. None of us could understand him."
Daniel smiled. "I'll find out Sam, don't worry. You just go and get yourself checked out."
"Janet", Sam complained a few minutes ago. "Shouldn't you be looking after the Colonel?" She was sitting on an examining table and Janet was checking her over. The nurse had just left with her blood tests but the Doctor was giving her a thorough going over.
"Dr. Warner is checking on Colonel O'Neill", she answered calmly. "I told him to call me if his condition changed. My staff is perfectly capable of looking after him. Until I have more details there's really nothing I can do."
"Okay", Sam said wearily, although she was still worried. She wanted to see him and sit with him because, for some reason, she felt like she had to be there to make sure he was okay.
"There, all done", Janet said, pulling off her gloves. "You need some rest and something to eat and drink, otherwise I think you're going to be just fine. Barring various scrapes and bruises – and the cut on your arm – you're not too bad. Of course I want you on base until your blood work comes back."
Janet had already disinfected and stitched the wound from the knife and, although it stung, it was feeling better. What she really wanted was a shower and something to eat and then to collapse – but not until she knew the Colonel was going to be okay.
"Sam, the Colonel is fine. We're looking after him and there's nothing you can do. The best think you can do is get cleaned up, eat and rest. He's going to need all of you when he starts to recuperate, but right now he's not even conscious and won't know if you're there or not."
Sam scowled at the Doctor, hating how well she could read her. She knew what Frasier said was true, but she hated the thought of leaving him. "Okay", she finally sighed. "But promise me you'll tell me if anything changes?"
"Of course Sam. Just go get cleaned up – you'll feel a lot better. After you've eaten and slept for a few hours - at least - you can come back. And I'm sure that Daniel and Teal'c will be here shortly as well. They'll watch out for the Colonel."
As Sam made her way to the showers she couldn't help but feel that Daniel and Teal'c – although they cared for the Colonel – weren't really a substitute. She was the one who lo- she stopped. Where the hell had that come from? She shook her head and kept on walking. She was just over tired and her emotions were getting the better of her.
It felt like she'd only been asleep for a few minutes when someone started shaking her awake. She kept hearing her name and finally opened her eyes. "What?" she asked, sounding peeved. She really didn't want to wake up.
"Sam, come on", Daniel said. He was standing over her looking at her in concern. "I couldn't wake you up and I thought you'd want to know."
"Know what?" she said, waking up fully and sitting up, her legs over the side of the bed. "What's happened?"
Daniel grinned. "Well, I was able to speak with Bartomeh – he's the Tatari you captured. I got a hold of the poison and the antidote. He explained how the antidote was made – after I promised him we wouldn't execute him. I gave it to Janet and she's been able to use it to treat the Colonel. She figured he just needed some more of the antidote because he'd been suffering the symptoms for so long. He's starting to do better."
"Oh thank God!" she said, heaving a relieved breath. "Is he awake?"
"He woke up very briefly but went right back to sleep. He asked about you and Janet told him she'd made you rest. He muttered 'good' and fell right back to sleep." Her friend grinned. "He is looking better Sam, although Janet says he has a long recuperation ahead of him. She doesn't think there'll be any lasting effects from the poison, but it did mess up his system pretty badly. He's going to have to stay here for a while so Janet can monitor him closely. I guess his kidneys and liver almost hit the dust but they're on their way back. She said that if he hadn't gotten the antidote when he did, the first time, he wouldn't have made it. I guess it's a pretty bad poison although relatively slow-acting."
"Yeah, it was. I thought for a while he wasn't going to make it." She suddenly stopped and looked at Daniel. "Did you say you promised not to execute the Tatari in return for the antidote?"
"Yup", Daniel answered, looking pleased.
"Did you threaten him with execution?"
"Who me? Sam, you know me better than that. I didn't say anything about execution – he just assumed that's what we'd do. I guess it was based on his experience with the Goa'uld. I think he still worries that we're going to kill him."
"What are we going to do with him?" She asked. It wasn't as if they could put him in an earth prison.
"Well, General Hammond has already figured that out. He got in touch with the Tokra and asked them. It turns out they know of the Tatari and have come across them a number of times. They've offered to take him to a world with a number of Tatari refugees. There's no gate there, and none of the people have access to space ships, so he should be fine."
"Good – I didn't really want to have to worry about him." She stood up. "Can we go see the Colonel now?"
"Yes, of course", he answered. "Teal'c is sitting with him but I told Janet I would come and get you."
"How long was I out?" she asked suddenly, not having any idea of the time.
"Uh, about eight hours", Daniel replied.
"Eight hours!"
"Yeah, you were exhausted. You're looking a bit better now."
"Only a bit?' she frowned at him as they walked down the hall towards the Infirmary.
"Well", he grinned, "you do look a bit – tousled!"
"What! And you didn't tell me?" She stopped and tried to comb her hair with her fingers and rearrange her clothes. She hadn't even bothered to put on pajamas she'd been so tired.
"You look cute Sam – and I'm sure Jack will think so too." Daniel's eyes grew big when he saw Sam's face go totally red at his comment. He wondered what in the world that was about.
They'd arrived at the Infirmary before Sam thought to ask about Kar'pal. Daniel had said Teal'c was with the Colonel, so where was the Jaffa? She'd have to ask later. Right now she wanted to see the Colonel.
She entered the room quietly, although Teal'c immediately turned his head and smiled at her.
"He is doing well", he said softly. "He sleeps right now but Dr. Frasier says he is getting better."
She smiled at her friend and approached the bed. Colonel O'Neill looked like he was sleeping peacefully – for the first time in days. She could feel her shoulders relax – she finally believed he was going to be okay.
He still looked bruised and battered – his eyes were black and he had various cuts and scratches and he was hooked up to all sorts of monitors and tubes. Still, the lines of tension and pain around his eyes had smoothed out –finally – and he was breathing deeply.
It took her a second before she realized that his eyes had opened and he was looking at her. It seemed so natural, so normal that she didn't even blink.
"Howya doin' Major?" his soft voice finally penetrated her abstraction.
"Sir! You're awake!"
"I think so – unless this is another dream." He frowned slightly – It's nice but not as nice as the last one."
"Huh?" She looked at him, puzzled. "What dream was that Sir?" asked.
"The one where you kissed me Major", he answered softly.
She could feel herself blush again – not just because of his words, but because she knew it wasn't a dream. He was remembering the kiss, she realized and felt terribly embarrassed. What if he figured out it had been real?
"I'm sorry Major", his voice broke into her thoughts. "That was – inappropriate", he mumbled, although he didn't look terribly repentant. "It's the drugs talking."
"That's okay Sir", she answered, after a slight pause. "I'm just glad you had – pleasant dreams. It was a rough trip for you."
"Yeah, you could say that again", he winced. "Can't say as I want to go through that anytime soon." He suddenly seemed to notice that he and Sam weren't alone. "Hey Danny, Teal'c, how you guys doing?"
"We are fine O'Neill. It was you we were worried about."
"Nah – you know me. I'm as tough as nails. Nothing can keep me down for long."
"Except a couple of poisoned arrows Jack", Daniel chimed in. "You almost didn't make it this time, you know."
"Yeah, I know. Carter here brought my sorry hide home. She's a good person to have around when you've been kidnapped and shot", he turned and smiled at her again. "She's also one tough soldier. You should have seen her with - what was his name – the Karpet guy?"
"That's Kar'pal Sir", she grinned. "Poor guy, he had quite a problem with getting captured by a woman."
"Indeed Major Carter. Jaffa are not used to women warriors. He confided in me however, that you were very strong and brave. You can be very proud. It is not many Jaffa who would admit to having such respect for a woman. I have gotten to know you and know that you are a true warrior. Kar'pal now knows that as well."
"Yes, well, I'm glad because I was really ready to zat him twice after he kept making sarcastic comments about women."
"Indeed", Teal'c bowed his head.
"So kids, how long until I can leave this place?" O'Neill said, attempting to sound cheery, although she noticed he was getting tired again.
"Janet says you have to stay for awhile until everything is working properly again Jack", Daniel told him.
"Everything's working just fine", O'Neill said with a frown.
"Really", answered Daniel. "So all those tubes -"
"Hey – not my idea! I'm perfectly capable of peeing on my own. It's the power-monger who won't let me!"
"I think she needs to monitor your kidneys Sir", Sam said with a small smile. "But I'm sure you'll be out of here soon. She won't want to keep you longer than necessary."
"You can say that again!" Daniel piped up.
Jack looked at him, his eyes narrowed. "What does that mean Jackson?" he asked ominously.
"Oh, nothing – just that I'm sure she wants you to be up and around again soon – you know, for your own sake."
"Yeah, right!" Jack snorted.
Sam noticed that the Colonel was having trouble keeping his eyes open so she decided it was time to leave him in peace. "I think we should let the Colonel sleep", she said. "The more you can rest Sir, the sooner you can get out of here."
He nodded, knowing that she was right and also he was having trouble keeping his eyes open. As his three friends went to leave he called out softly. "Sam?"
She turned, a question on her face. "Yes Sir?"
"Uh – could you – maybe you could stay for a bit?" he asked tentatively.
Sam knew how hard it was for the Colonel to ask anything – or admit he needed anything – from his friends. She looked into his face and could tell he was embarrassed – but also that he really wanted the company.
Speaking calmly she answered. "Of course Sir, I'd be glad to." Glancing briefly at Daniel and Teal'c she indicated she would stay. They both knew what the Colonel had gone through – and how important friends were to help one deal with those kinds of things. They both smiled and then left quietly as Sam settled down in the chair beside the Colonel's bed.
"Just close your eyes and sleep Sir", she said softly. "I'll be right here."
He gave a slight nod and closed his eyes. She watched as he began to relax, but then saw his hand searching for something. Slightly hesitant, she nonetheless reached out and put her hand over top of his. He turned it until she was clasping his hand gently. Within moments his breathing had evened out and he was asleep. Even in sleep, however, his hand held on to hers.