The Colour of Pain – Chapter 2
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Dr Frasier pulled off her surgical gloves, mask and gown and stuffed them roughly in the bin. In some ways the operation had gone better than she'd hoped but they were far from out of the woods yet. Only time would tell, as they say.
"Doctor? How did it go?"
Recognising her CO's Texan drawl without even looking up, she told him.
"We might have saved the leg, General, but it won't mean much if she dies."
Janet blinked away tears, surprised at the bitterness in her own voice. She realised she was actually shaking a little, now the adrenaline was wearing off, and she was finding it increasingly difficult to continue to sound professional and detached. It had been tough enough during the operation.
"I have every faith in you, Doctor. Major Carter has received the best possible treatment here today."
He placed a hand on her shoulder for a moment, sympathising fully with his CMO who tried to stand a little straighter, sound more like a doctor than a friend.
"Only Lt Hopkins is giving us any other cause for concern, it'll take some time for his burns to heal but he's in no danger. Teal'c's symbiote is already repairing the injuries he sustained and Dr Jackson's wrist fracture will only need a few weeks in plaster. The others had only the usual assortment of bumps, bruises and abrasions."
"As I understand from the debrief Doctor, we got off lucky."
Almost as one they looked over towards the bay where Sam's bed had been put.
"If you say so, Sir, but let's hope General Carter gets here soon. Sam might not be lucky enough to have a later."
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Colonel Jack O'Neill wearily pulled on his boots. He and General Hammond had finally finished their debrief just 15 minutes before but it felt like hours. Time was dragging itself out. He knew he should be down in the Infirmary, checking on his team but equally, he knew exactly why he wasn't.
He was afraid.
He noticed, startled, that there was still blood under his fingernails, even after 10 minutes in a scalding hot shower. Carter's blood. His throat was still dry and aching after yelling for the medics while holding her limp body. No, not yelling, screaming. He'd thought she was dead but at the same time, he couldn't give up hope.
Someone knocked on the door. It opened, admitting Daniel. He looked tired, pale, his left arm hung in a sling. He sat down and the two remained in silence, waiting for news.
End of chapter 2.
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Thanks to those who reviewed my first chapter and my other fic, I was really touched by your kind words. I only hope I can live up to those words with the rest of the story. Please keep reviewing, it's amazing to know people like what I've written and equally, I'd love any hints, advice or even criticism you may have to make my writing better.
Dimac99