Van Diemen's Land: part sept
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Jack followed Sam into the debriefing room, after giving her shoulder a squeeze. She gulped, and took
some courage from the grin that she knew Daniel would be throwing at her, looking like the cat who'd
got the cream. He walked over and hugged her.

"Nice to see you again, Sam."

"Same, Daniel." She said tensely.

Helena stepped forward from behind General Hammond and inclined her head towards Sam, smiling
in a friendly way.

"Samantha. I offer you greetings from the high council of the Ancients. I also offer you our most sincere
regret at your unfortunate injury."

Sam nodded and smiled shortly, anxiety gripping her.

"Do not be afraid, it will not be difficult, however I must explain some things to you before I can treat
you."

"Yes?" Sam tried to say it normally, but she winced inwardly at the way it sounded more squeak like.

"There are...a few side effects from the treatment."

"Like what?" Jack said suspiciously, stepping forward so that Sam could feel his presence behind her.
She found his warmth reassuring.

"The treatment consists of me passing a small field over your head, much like the Goa'uld healing
devices. However, this will result in you sinking into a coma like state for a few days."
Helena saw the look of horror on Sam and Jack's faces, "It's completely normal, I assure you." She
said quickly. "But, I cannot perform the treatment without your complete agreement, as it won't work
otherwise. I need you to think about it. I will leave you." She looked around at everyone else. "I think
Samantha needs some time."

Sam heard everyone leave, and felt scared that she'd have to make the decision on her own. What the
hell was happening to her? What happened to the self-confident independent Sam Carter?

But Sam still felt Jack's presence behind her.

"Sir?"

"Carter?"

"What should I do?"

Jack sighed and rubbed his temples. He sat down and took Sam's hand.

"Carter...It's your decision. You can't expect me to tell you the answer."

"But..." Sam's voice broke, "I've already been in a coma once...and it wasn't nice. It was horrible. I
was trapped in this world of pitch black, I still am...and the only chance I'll get to be free of it is this...
but then..." Sam broke down.

Jack pulled her towards him and stroked her hair. He kissed her forehead and whispered to her,

"You know what to do, Carter."

Sam sniffed and tried to smile.

"I suppose there's nothing to lose."

"That's the spirit, Carter." Jack smiled at her, even though she couldn't see him.

Half An Hour Later
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They all sat round the debriefing table, after Helena had assured Sam that she should sit down.
Jack squeezed Sam's hand under the table and she smiled uneasily at him and tried to quell the tight
feeling of panic in her stomach.

"Try to relax, Samantha." Helena said from opposite Sam.

She nodded and swallowed, trying to calm herself.

"Please move away from Samantha. If you are touching her the energy will be transfered to you."

Jack let go of Sam's hand and she felt the sense of panic rise in her throat, but she beat it away.

Just at that minute, Janet hurried in.

"Sorry I couldn't get here quicker, sir." She said to General Hammond, "But SG11 had were
complaining of severe headaches."

"That's okay, Doctor."

"Sam!" Janet hurried towards her, "Are you okay? Are you about to be treated?" She asked, half to
Sam and half to Helena, who she had already got to know.

"Yes. Please sit round the table. The circle of energy will help the treatment."

Janet sat down at the end of the table next to Daniel, no one noticing that he took her hand under the
table as Jack had Sam's. She shot him a quick smile, then turned her worried gaze back to Sam.

"Close your eyes." Helena said to Sam, "You will not feel any pain. You will be asleep for three days,
during which time your eyes will be healed. You may develop a fever, however this will not damage you.
You will need someone to stay with you through this time."

Sam glanced round, wanting Jack to stay with her, but knowing that she couldn't say so. He seemed to
take the hint.

"I will." He said.

"But, sir. Surely I should..." Janet began to protest, but General Hammond interupted,

"Very well, Colonel."

Sam sighed with relief and turned back to the direction of Helena's voice.

"Just relax." Came the soothing instruction.

Sam closed her eyes and breathed deeply, it was now or never.

Helena held up her hand and focused on Sam's eyes. Everyone round the table held their breath as they
waited for something to happen.

Suddenly, a thin band of blue energy came out of the palm of Helena's hand and hit Sam gently on the
forehead. She gasped as if in pain, and then relaxed. Helena moved her hand and the band of light
broke.

Sam slumped sideways and was caught by Jack. He held her for a second and everyone noticed the
worry and anguish in his eyes at not being able to help her.



To be continued....
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