I do not own anything. If you recognize it, it is not mine.
Where have all the reviews gone?
Long time passing.
Where have all the reviews gone?
Long time ago.
It took Laura quite some time to get Sam into the medical clothes specially designed to improve muscle strength. The upper part was made of thick vest that felt as heavy as the standard bulletproof one that SG teams wore, but the material was softer to touch and got warm as soon as it touch Sam's skin. The trousers were made from the same material from mid-thigh to ankle, the rest from something more breathable.
Laura was worried about Sam getting cold in the meantime, especially when her long hair were wet, so before she even got to that, she wrapped Sam into a ridiculously big towel and dried her hair. Originally she made the hairdryer for Sam, but ever since she tried it, she found the warm jets of air very enjoyable and so she used it as well.
When they were both dressed and ready, Laura helped Sam into the wheelchair and covered her with a light blanket, just to be on the safe side. Then she took her jacket off the hook and tied it around her waist.
"Are you hungry, Sam? How about some soup?"
"Can I have some already?"
"I don't see why not. It's not going to be anything special, we still have to be careful with you, though."
"That's fine, any step forward is good!" There was a hint of happiness in Sam's voice as she stretched her hands and then clasped them in her lap.
"Then let's get to the kitchen. I think the boys should be there having dinner."
Laura was right about that. All three men were in the kitchen, drooling over some steaks and roasted potatoes and vegetables. Daniel was talking about one of the artifacts he found on the ship, while Teal'c and O'Neill were concentrating one hundred per cent of their energy on eating. This was the first time Laura made them steak and they were not going to be ungrateful.
"Hello, everyone!" Laura greeted them.
"Look who it is! Hi. Hello, Sam." Daniel interrupted his lecturing to welcome them.
"Hi." Sam said quietly.
Teal'c and O'Neill kept chewing until they could say hi as well. Then they all made room for Sam at the head of the table where it was easier to park the wheelchair and moved their chair close to her spot. Sam was visibly overwhelmed by hearing all the movement near her without being able to keep track what was happening. Laura slowly put her hand on Sam's shoulder and squeezed in effort to reassure the woman.
"I am going to prepare your soup, okay? Guys? You are responsible for her now. So behave!"
"We will look after Colonel Carter." Teal'c said, finishing the last bite of his steak and laying the cutlery down.
"Moreover, we always behave." O'Neill objected.
"Not sure if I agree with that assessment." Laura said in jest, laughing as she went to the fridge. "Does anybody want anything?" After three negative answers, she proceeded to warm the soup for Sam, half-heartedly listening to the conversation going on.
"So, Carter, how are you feeling? You look good… u-um... You know, like healthy."
"Thank you, sir. I am feeling much better."
In the background they could hear the microwave-like appliance doing its thing. Laura then walked back to the table, checking on Gracie that was sleeping in her basket next to Daniel.
"How is she, Doc?" Laura asked resisting the urge to stroke the sleeping beauty.
"She really hates getting the formula on a spoon. Maybe it's too soon. I know she's the right age, but she was very hurt." Daniel said, cutting the last portion of his steak in two.
"It will take some time before she gets used to it. That's normal, don't get discouraged."
"She gets very mean, though." Daniel murmured. He really didn't like the looks Gracie was shooting his way when he tried to feed her with the spoon.
"Okay, I'll try it next time." Laura said, leaving the table to get Sam's meal. She choose tasty vegetable broth, similar to what the General had as his first meal on the ship, but not so spicy. Sam's body was still reeling from what it's been through, so she'd get only the liquid for now, without any chunks of meat or vegetables. Laura poured the warm soup into sturdy white mug, filling about half of it. If Sam wanted more, she could always say so, but it might be difficult for her to enjoy the meal blind, so starting small was definitely a good idea.
Laura made sure Sam knew where she was standing before she laid the mug in front of her. She did not want to surprise her. Then she took Sam's right hand and put it lightly on the handle. Sam grudgingly moved her other hand until it gripped the mug from the other side.
"I didn't fil it to the top. If you want more, just tell me." Laura said, waiting for Sam's response, which came only in the form of a small nod. Laura frowned at that, but found it understandable. Sam still had trouble adjusting to functioning with her sight. Even though it was most probably temporary, her situation was still unfamiliar and terrifying.
"I'll get something to eat, too. So excuse me." Laura said, more to inform Sam she'd be away than anything else.
The General watched closely as Carter carefully raised the mug to her lips and took a small sip. Afterwards she let out a little satisfied sigh, which made him smile. Her bright blue eyes were fixed forward, but sometimes she just closed her eyes, taking in inputs from her other senses.
Laura came back with two cheese muffins on her plate and a cup of hot cocoa. She sat down next to Daniel, who was passionately talking to Sam about the Nox. She watched in silence, slowly drinking her soup, so it was an ideal time to observe her. In a way Daniel was the best option of getting Sam more in tune with what had happened in her past. He shared with her all the cultural details, descriptions of the inhabitants and even tried to mention some of what Sam had talked about during the missions.
Laura established that Sam's procedural memory was almost unaffected. She hadn't lost her scientific knowledge and would likely be able to use a printer, microscope or even fly a plane. Even her semantic memory seemed intact, because she had little trouble recalling factual information or understanding Laura when they talked about medical issues. Episodic memory was where Sam struggled. When asked about specific personal events she either didn't remember anything (which was the case with the more recent) or the details were less vivid (when it came to her first years of service at the SGC). No wonder she felt lost and awkward in company of her devoted colleagues.
"How's the soup?" Laura asked, wanting to find out if Sam wanted seconds.
"Good." Not realizing it, Sam gestured wildly in response and knocked over her mug. Although it was almost empty, some has spilled on the table. "Damn." She whispered quietly.
The General reacted first, moving Carter further from the table, so the soup didn't end up on her. It was not a big deal by any measure, but he was able to see Carter's reaction up close. Her quivering lips, the tense brow and misty eyes. Her hands were now in her lap and she cradled them so tightly, her knuckles turned white.
O'Neill tenderly laid his hand on hers, lightly brushing his thumb back and forth until she relaxed at least a little. "Carter? You okay?"
Laura brought some tissues and handed some to Teal'c and Daniel, who helped her clean the table. It was all over in a few seconds, but for Carter it had bigger significance.
"Yes, sir. I am so sorry, I just…" She tried to keep the hurt from her voice, but wasn't entirely successful. It gripped O'Neill by his heart and he needed to take a deep breath before speaking again.
"No need to apologize. I mean, do you remember the time Daniel spilled that important ceremonial wine? That instance warranted an apology. This, however, does not."
"I don't think I remember anything like that." Carter frowned.
"Oh, then let me tell you." O'Neill rearranged the blanket that covered Carter's legs so it wouldn't get caught in the wheels. He took charge of the wheelchair and started to move her towards the exit. He shared a knowing look with Laura, who seemed to understand what he was doing, but then Daniel voiced his objection.
"Jack! That wasn't my fault, you are going to tell that story entirely wrong."
"Maybe. But even the right version doesn't make you look great." O'Neill smirked at him and then turned away, leaving him mumbling something about it not being fair.