CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR: FRACTURED
WARNING: WHILE THIS CHAPTER DOES NOT ACTUALLY GRAPHICALLY DESCRIBE VIOLENCE, IT DOES DEAL IN DISTURBING SUBJECT MATTER AND THE AFTER-AFFECTS OF VIOLENCE FOR NOT ONLY THE VICTEM BUT THOSE AROUND. THE SUBJECT MATTER IS ATTEMPTED RAPE AND ALSO DISCUSSES THE SOCIO-POLITICAL RAMIFICATIONS, OR SOMETIMES LACK THERE OF. IF YOU ARE YOUNG OR OF A SENSITIVE NATURE YOU MAY NOT WANT TO READ THIS CHAPTER.
A/N most of the segments in this chapter are in the first person. Any segments that are labeled with a character's name will be from their POV.
Sunday morning Lisa Chang and Gunny were at a local park. They used the excuse that they were walking for exercise, but they really just wanted to spend time together.
Lisa spotted a toddler girl dragging a stuffed Tigger by the tail. "Isn't she cute! The Tigger reminds me of the Colonel."
"What Colonel?"
"Colonel O'Neill."
Gunny looked at her like she had instead said in a resonate voice, "Bow before your God!". "Colonel JACK O'Neill reminds you of Tigger?"
"He's all bouncy and adorable."
"Colonel O'Neill, the head of SG-1, former black ops is "bouncy" and "adorable"? Have you lost your mind?"
Lisa snickered, "oh, I know that he's good at his job and can be dangerous, but he's also very sweet."
"Did you hit your head recently?"
She laughed loudly, "no, you just haven't seen him with the people he cares about."
//right, and I'm the Easter Bunny\\ "Umm...I don't' have to go and watch the game with the guys it you don't want me to."
"No, that's OK, you go. It will give me a chance to do my laundry and weekly "girl" type things."
"If you're sure?"
She locked her arm with and giggles again, "just drop me off near my barracks and go.
~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~
GUNNY
The games kind of boring, VERY one sided. I keep thinking of Lisa. I REALLY, REALLY like her, but what she said about the Colonel makes me wonder about her. There's my cell phone. I look at the caller ID and see that it's her. I suppress a smile say in an official sounding voice, "Gunny."
"Michael...help me..."
Oh, God, her voice is so faint and she sounds so frightened. I must have shown something on my face because all the guys stare at me and Jones hits the mute button on the TV. "Lisa, baby, what happened?"
"Attacked...help Me.."
"Where are you?"
"Mountain...topside...hurry.."
"Hang on, I'll be right there." I hadn't even realized that I had stood up until I looked at the guys again and saw that they were also standing, they had already turned off the TV. "Lisa has been attacked. She somewhere topside on the mountain."
"OK, we'll take two cars," I don't even know who said that. I feel sick and I can't think straight. Ferretti shoves me into the back of someone's car. I hear him on his phone, "This is Major Ferretti, Tech SGT Lisa Chang has been attacked and is somewhere topside. Get search parties out NOW. Make damn sure that a medical team is ready. No, I don't know exactly where she is or how bad she's hurt, just FIND her, damn it!"
Hurry, hurry, hurry, I am trying so hard not to think of how bad she sounded. She's so small, how the hell could she fight someone off? I should have blown the guys off and stayed with her and this would never have happened. Please, God, let her be all right. I can't lose her.
~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~
TEAL'C
I am approaching the security station to sign out to go for a run when I hear the phone ring. I hear the SF relay a message to the Officer of the Day about SargeantChang. She has been attacked and is outside on the mountain. I am aware of this female, she is an assistant to VictoriaO'Neill. I grab a radio unit and sign for a weapon that I know are kept in a locked cabinet there for emergencies. I inform the guard that I will begin to search. I am very good at tracking and will endeavor to find the female quickly..
I consider where the female may have been to best ensure an efficient search. As it is Sunday, a day the Tau'ri consider a non-working day, I presume that she will be in the vicinity of the female barracks. I will begin my search there.
As I near the barracks I begin to call the female's name. I stop and listen, move forward and call again. I hear a faint noise. I am unsure of the source, however will investigate. I move carefully through the brush and hear a faint voice call, "help."
I spot the female lying on the ground, she appears to be severely injured. I move to the side to where her head is turned and stop a few feet from her. "SargeantChang, it is I, Teal'c. I will not harm you. May I approach you?"
She gives a slight nod. I approach and begin to check her for injuries. She is so small and fragile and her injuries are expensive. Who would do such a thing? It appears the while she is severely injured, I will not damage her further by moving her. I click on my radio, "This is Teal'c, I have found SargeantChang. I will bring her to the base. Have a medical team meet me at the entrance."
"Good job, Teal's. We'll have the team here."
I move and gently pick her up. She is so small and light. My son Dray'ac, weighed more when he was but seven years. I will find this person who would do such a thing and they will pay dearly for this.
The medical team is indeed waiting. I set her gently on the gurney. A female medic climbs onto the gurney can carefully straddles her and begins to examine her, even as the others rush her towards the infirmary. I notice that all of the medical personal are also female. This is a wise thing, as almost certainly the attacker is a male.
"Lisa!"
I turn and see a male in civilian clothes rush forward. I stop him, "they must attend to her injuries."
"I have to do something to help her." He appears to be in great anguish. She must be his female.
"I will walk with you to the infirmary." HE has several of his companions with him. I recognize MajorFerretti. "MajorFerretti, would you place a call to VictoriaO'Neill? SargeantChang works with her and I know that she would wish to be informed. MajorFerretti indicates his willingness to do this as we all head to the infirmary.
~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~
VICKY
I am tired. I was hard sleeping last night, just to weird being in the same house with Jack. I was up early but he still beat me. When I came down stairs I heard him puttering around in the kitchen. He always liked to make breakfast for some reason. Damn, he looks good in a pair of jeans. He heard me behind him, no surprise there.
He smiled at me. Please stop being so damn cute, I can't stand it. "Good morning, good timing. Breakfast will be in a couple of minutes. Sit down." I do and he brings me some orange juice and some tea. I could so get used to this.
He brings the plates to the table and sets one in front of me. "I'm getting spoiled already."
He grins, "that's what that smell is!"
I reach over and smack him on the arm and he grins broader.
We are about halfway done when the phone rings. He reaches behind and grabs it off the counter. "O'Neill." His face turns completely white, it must be really bad. "Thanks Ferretti, we'll be right there." HE comes over and squats down beside me and puts one arm around me and grabs one of my hands with the other. OK, he has officially scared the hell out of me.
"Honey, Chang has been attacked, she's in the infirmary on base." He looks at me, managing to look worried, sad, and the beginnings of fury all at the same time.
"Is she..."
"She's alive, but that's all I know so far."
"What happened?"
"I don't know. Come on, let's go." He takes me out to the truck and puts me in and even buckles the seat belt for me. That's probably a good thing, I don't know if I would have been able to at this point. I had started to tremble and I am getting sick to my stomach. Please God, let her be OK. Please. After Jack started the truck and pulled out onto the street he reached over and took my hand and squeezed it. "She'll be fine, Vicky." God, I hope so.
I take out my cell phone. I'm so glad the Jack programmed the speed dial for me. I hit the number for Uncle George. He answers on the first ring. "Hammond."
"Uncle George, Tech SGT Chang has been attacked."
"I know, I just received the call from the base. I'm on my there now."
"We're on our way, too."
"Good, I'll meet you there."
Next I hit the number for Alex. "Schmidt," he answers.
"Alex, this is Vicky. My assistant, SGT Chang, was attacked at the base and is in the infirmary. Could you come there in case she needs to talk to someone?"
"Of course, Vicky, I'll meet you there."
I am not aware of the trip there, except occasionally when Jack let's go of my hand to turn a corner, then he immediately grabs it again. I don't know what I would do without his presence now.
We signed in and hurried to the infirmary. When we got there Uncle George was already there. Just then a doctor came out into the hallway, "OK, here's what I've got so far. She has been beaten severely. There is no sign of rape. She is stabilized and I want to take an MRI and monitor her blood counts. Right now I don't want to operate unless she seem to be bleeding internally. I feel it would be an unnecessary risk."
"Can I see her?" I turned and looked at Gunny, he looked so pale. I don't blame him, I feel the same.
"She didn't want to see you right now. However she is asking for Captain O'Neill." Gunny did not look happy. The doctor continued, "You can't stay long nad try not to up set her. I want to warn you, she is in bad shape, though I think that it looks worse than it really is. There will be IV's and machines hooked up to her. Prepare yourself because I don't want you to look upset or it will frighten her. She doesn't need any more stress now."
"I understand." Jack, who had been standing next to me with his arm around me, squeezed me a little tighter. Reassuring me with his touch. I take a deep breath, bracing myself, and walk slowly walk into the ICU.
Thank God her eyes are closed. I know I wouldn't have been able to keep the shock off of my face in spite of the warning. She was so fragile and she looked like a doll that someone had ran over with a tank.
I manage to steady myself and walk to the side of the bed. I'm almost afraid to touch her but I know that she needs the physical reassurance right now so I carefully take her hand and reach up and start stroking her hair. She opens her eyes and I manage a week smile.
"Ma'm."
"Who did this to you?"
"Didn't see...grabbed from behind." I could tell that she was telling the truth but there was something there. Did she suspect who it was? I continue to stroke her hair, "That's OK, sweetie, just get better. Gunny wants to see you."
She shook her head a little, "don't want him to see me like this."
"Lisa, he blames himself."
She looked shocked, "it's not his fault."
"I know, but he thinks he should have been there to protect you. Could you see him for just a minute to tell him you don't blame him?"
She nodded. "That's my girl. I'll send him in for just a minute then I'll be back."
I walk out side and say to Gunny, "She'll see you for just a minute." The doctor says, "I can't let..." I turn and glare at him and I can literally read his face as he is evaluating his survival chances. He clamps his jaw shut and I turn back and continue, "she's in very bad shape. If you upset her I will kill you and if you are in there longer than two minutes I will personally drag you out. Do you understand me?"
He nodded and walked into ICU. I turned to Teal's and asked, "Someone needs to guard her. Whoever did this might try to kill her in case she might be able to identify them. I also think she will feel better if someone is there with her."
Teal'c bowed his head and said, "Indeed. I would be honored to assist."
Uncle George asked, "Can she tell us who it was?"
"No, but I think that she does suspect who."
Just then Gunny can out and he looked somewhat better. "Teal'c, if you'll come with me."
Teal'c hung back some until I could tell her what he would be here for. I think that he didn't want to frighten her and I appreciated it.
"Lisa do you know Teal'c?"
"He rescued me."
"I think that you need someone to guard you, just in case. Is it OK if he does it?" She looked very relieved. I motioned Teal'c forward. He approached the bed and bowed to her.
"I am honored to be of assistance, SargeantChang. No one will harm you while you are under my protection."
"Lisa, he's going to stay in the room with you, OK? I'll just stay until you go to sleep." I took her hand again and stroked her hair. It was only a couple of minutes until she was asleep.
I walked out and straight into Jack's arms. He pulled me to him and held me tight and I finally broke down and sobbed.
~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~
JACK
I held Vicky tightly to she cried. I couldn't blame her, I felt like crying and I hadn't even seen Chang. Poor kid. She's so sweet and smart. It really pisses me off that someone would do this to her.
As Vicky's sobs lessened a little, I moved her away from ICU. I didn't want Chang to hear her. When she stopped crying I had her go and wash her face. When she came out of the bathroom I made sure Ferretti would stay with her while I talked to the General.
"Jack, how's Vicky?"
"About as well as you could expect. Do they have any idea who did this?" He shook his head. "Have there been any other attacks?" The damage that was done to Chang was not the type that happened by a first time offender.
"There have been attacks, but none of them have been this bad."
"Then why the hell is this animal still loose?"
George shook his head, "unfortunately none of the women would press charges and none would identify the attacker."
I thought for a minute, "That means that he is military and is an Officer."
"Unfortunately, I have to agree," He said sadly.
"I tell you what, George, we are going to find the bastard now and he better hope the SF's find him before I do."
"Jack, I don't want you to do anything foolish. Remember, Vicky needs you now more than ever."
Damn, I hate it when he's right. "OK. But I'm SURE he going to resist when I bring him in."
The General gave me a tight smile, "oh, absolutely, he'll resist." Good old George.
I went back to collect Vicky from Ferretti. She told me that she was going to re-question all of the women off the record because she thought they might open up to her more without any men present. I hate to admit it but she's right.
"OK, but I want you to carry a sidearm AND a Zat."
She smiled at me, agreeing, and gave me a quick kiss before heading off. Ferretti turned to me, "So, Jack, a wife huh?"
I glare at him and he just laughs, "you seem to be awfully...umm...comfortable around each other." I make like I'm going to smack him, he dodges and laughs again. Then he got serious, "now, let's go find that son of a bitch." A man after my own heart.
After a couple of hours I went to the infirmary. Teal's bowed at me, "O'Neill."
"How's she doing?"
"She is resting, O'Neill. The Doctor says that though she appears to have internal injuries they do not have to operate at this time."
"Great, T. Why don't you go get something to eat and I'll stay with her until I get back."
"Indeed. If you do not mind, O'Neill, I will also take a shower and change. I still have blood on my clothing from SargeantChang."
"Geez, you should have said something."
"There were more important considerations, O'Neill."
"Well good thing that the t-shirt is black."
"Indeed, O'Neill." He gave another little bow and left. I waited a few minutes after he left until I approached the bed.
Dear God. That poor baby. What kind of animal could do this. She lookds like a little kid for cryingoutloud. Sick Bastard. She starts to mumble and thrash around. Probably having a nightmare. I go up and take her hand gently and begin to stroke her hair. Easy, baby. Everything's OK, I won't let anything happen to you and I promise I'll get the son of a bitch." She settles down and I continue to stroke her hair. Oh, yeah, I'll get him and I'll do things to him that would make Baal green with envy. I'll teach him torture, the bastard will beg to die.
After a while I hear someone behind me. I can tell its Vicky, all those years in black OPS wasn't for nothing. She comes up beside me and slips her arm around my waist and lays her head against me. "How's she doing?"
"Better, I think. They don't need to operate, at least for now. That's good news, the Doctor wants to wait if possible so that's she's stronger." We stay like that for a while, me still stroking the kid's hair. I think that it is doing me more good then her.
When Teal'c comes back I convince Vicky to get something to eat. She doesn't want to but I tell her that she won't do Chang any good if she doesn't take care of herself. Guilt has always been a good motivator for Vicky.
After we eat in the Commissary we go home and I suggest that we take a nap. I didn't sleep well and I could hear her up and down all night. I lead her to my room and tell her to sleep with me. Just sleep, I promise. I wouldn't take advantage of her like that. I tell her I will feel better if I know for sure that she is safe. After what has happened, she buys it.
Damn, it feels good to hold her as she falls asleep, to good. I can feel myself falling asleep right behind her. I know that both of us will sleep better than last night.
WARNING: WHILE THIS CHAPTER DOES NOT ACTUALLY GRAPHICALLY DESCRIBE VIOLENCE, IT DOES DEAL IN DISTURBING SUBJECT MATTER AND THE AFTER-AFFECTS OF VIOLENCE FOR NOT ONLY THE VICTEM BUT THOSE AROUND. THE SUBJECT MATTER IS ATTEMPTED RAPE AND ALSO DISCUSSES THE SOCIO-POLITICAL RAMIFICATIONS, OR SOMETIMES LACK THERE OF. IF YOU ARE YOUNG OR OF A SENSITIVE NATURE YOU MAY NOT WANT TO READ THIS CHAPTER.
A/N most of the segments in this chapter are in the first person. Any segments that are labeled with a character's name will be from their POV.
Sunday morning Lisa Chang and Gunny were at a local park. They used the excuse that they were walking for exercise, but they really just wanted to spend time together.
Lisa spotted a toddler girl dragging a stuffed Tigger by the tail. "Isn't she cute! The Tigger reminds me of the Colonel."
"What Colonel?"
"Colonel O'Neill."
Gunny looked at her like she had instead said in a resonate voice, "Bow before your God!". "Colonel JACK O'Neill reminds you of Tigger?"
"He's all bouncy and adorable."
"Colonel O'Neill, the head of SG-1, former black ops is "bouncy" and "adorable"? Have you lost your mind?"
Lisa snickered, "oh, I know that he's good at his job and can be dangerous, but he's also very sweet."
"Did you hit your head recently?"
She laughed loudly, "no, you just haven't seen him with the people he cares about."
//right, and I'm the Easter Bunny\\ "Umm...I don't' have to go and watch the game with the guys it you don't want me to."
"No, that's OK, you go. It will give me a chance to do my laundry and weekly "girl" type things."
"If you're sure?"
She locked her arm with and giggles again, "just drop me off near my barracks and go.
~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~
GUNNY
The games kind of boring, VERY one sided. I keep thinking of Lisa. I REALLY, REALLY like her, but what she said about the Colonel makes me wonder about her. There's my cell phone. I look at the caller ID and see that it's her. I suppress a smile say in an official sounding voice, "Gunny."
"Michael...help me..."
Oh, God, her voice is so faint and she sounds so frightened. I must have shown something on my face because all the guys stare at me and Jones hits the mute button on the TV. "Lisa, baby, what happened?"
"Attacked...help Me.."
"Where are you?"
"Mountain...topside...hurry.."
"Hang on, I'll be right there." I hadn't even realized that I had stood up until I looked at the guys again and saw that they were also standing, they had already turned off the TV. "Lisa has been attacked. She somewhere topside on the mountain."
"OK, we'll take two cars," I don't even know who said that. I feel sick and I can't think straight. Ferretti shoves me into the back of someone's car. I hear him on his phone, "This is Major Ferretti, Tech SGT Lisa Chang has been attacked and is somewhere topside. Get search parties out NOW. Make damn sure that a medical team is ready. No, I don't know exactly where she is or how bad she's hurt, just FIND her, damn it!"
Hurry, hurry, hurry, I am trying so hard not to think of how bad she sounded. She's so small, how the hell could she fight someone off? I should have blown the guys off and stayed with her and this would never have happened. Please, God, let her be all right. I can't lose her.
~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~
TEAL'C
I am approaching the security station to sign out to go for a run when I hear the phone ring. I hear the SF relay a message to the Officer of the Day about SargeantChang. She has been attacked and is outside on the mountain. I am aware of this female, she is an assistant to VictoriaO'Neill. I grab a radio unit and sign for a weapon that I know are kept in a locked cabinet there for emergencies. I inform the guard that I will begin to search. I am very good at tracking and will endeavor to find the female quickly..
I consider where the female may have been to best ensure an efficient search. As it is Sunday, a day the Tau'ri consider a non-working day, I presume that she will be in the vicinity of the female barracks. I will begin my search there.
As I near the barracks I begin to call the female's name. I stop and listen, move forward and call again. I hear a faint noise. I am unsure of the source, however will investigate. I move carefully through the brush and hear a faint voice call, "help."
I spot the female lying on the ground, she appears to be severely injured. I move to the side to where her head is turned and stop a few feet from her. "SargeantChang, it is I, Teal'c. I will not harm you. May I approach you?"
She gives a slight nod. I approach and begin to check her for injuries. She is so small and fragile and her injuries are expensive. Who would do such a thing? It appears the while she is severely injured, I will not damage her further by moving her. I click on my radio, "This is Teal'c, I have found SargeantChang. I will bring her to the base. Have a medical team meet me at the entrance."
"Good job, Teal's. We'll have the team here."
I move and gently pick her up. She is so small and light. My son Dray'ac, weighed more when he was but seven years. I will find this person who would do such a thing and they will pay dearly for this.
The medical team is indeed waiting. I set her gently on the gurney. A female medic climbs onto the gurney can carefully straddles her and begins to examine her, even as the others rush her towards the infirmary. I notice that all of the medical personal are also female. This is a wise thing, as almost certainly the attacker is a male.
"Lisa!"
I turn and see a male in civilian clothes rush forward. I stop him, "they must attend to her injuries."
"I have to do something to help her." He appears to be in great anguish. She must be his female.
"I will walk with you to the infirmary." HE has several of his companions with him. I recognize MajorFerretti. "MajorFerretti, would you place a call to VictoriaO'Neill? SargeantChang works with her and I know that she would wish to be informed. MajorFerretti indicates his willingness to do this as we all head to the infirmary.
~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~
VICKY
I am tired. I was hard sleeping last night, just to weird being in the same house with Jack. I was up early but he still beat me. When I came down stairs I heard him puttering around in the kitchen. He always liked to make breakfast for some reason. Damn, he looks good in a pair of jeans. He heard me behind him, no surprise there.
He smiled at me. Please stop being so damn cute, I can't stand it. "Good morning, good timing. Breakfast will be in a couple of minutes. Sit down." I do and he brings me some orange juice and some tea. I could so get used to this.
He brings the plates to the table and sets one in front of me. "I'm getting spoiled already."
He grins, "that's what that smell is!"
I reach over and smack him on the arm and he grins broader.
We are about halfway done when the phone rings. He reaches behind and grabs it off the counter. "O'Neill." His face turns completely white, it must be really bad. "Thanks Ferretti, we'll be right there." HE comes over and squats down beside me and puts one arm around me and grabs one of my hands with the other. OK, he has officially scared the hell out of me.
"Honey, Chang has been attacked, she's in the infirmary on base." He looks at me, managing to look worried, sad, and the beginnings of fury all at the same time.
"Is she..."
"She's alive, but that's all I know so far."
"What happened?"
"I don't know. Come on, let's go." He takes me out to the truck and puts me in and even buckles the seat belt for me. That's probably a good thing, I don't know if I would have been able to at this point. I had started to tremble and I am getting sick to my stomach. Please God, let her be OK. Please. After Jack started the truck and pulled out onto the street he reached over and took my hand and squeezed it. "She'll be fine, Vicky." God, I hope so.
I take out my cell phone. I'm so glad the Jack programmed the speed dial for me. I hit the number for Uncle George. He answers on the first ring. "Hammond."
"Uncle George, Tech SGT Chang has been attacked."
"I know, I just received the call from the base. I'm on my there now."
"We're on our way, too."
"Good, I'll meet you there."
Next I hit the number for Alex. "Schmidt," he answers.
"Alex, this is Vicky. My assistant, SGT Chang, was attacked at the base and is in the infirmary. Could you come there in case she needs to talk to someone?"
"Of course, Vicky, I'll meet you there."
I am not aware of the trip there, except occasionally when Jack let's go of my hand to turn a corner, then he immediately grabs it again. I don't know what I would do without his presence now.
We signed in and hurried to the infirmary. When we got there Uncle George was already there. Just then a doctor came out into the hallway, "OK, here's what I've got so far. She has been beaten severely. There is no sign of rape. She is stabilized and I want to take an MRI and monitor her blood counts. Right now I don't want to operate unless she seem to be bleeding internally. I feel it would be an unnecessary risk."
"Can I see her?" I turned and looked at Gunny, he looked so pale. I don't blame him, I feel the same.
"She didn't want to see you right now. However she is asking for Captain O'Neill." Gunny did not look happy. The doctor continued, "You can't stay long nad try not to up set her. I want to warn you, she is in bad shape, though I think that it looks worse than it really is. There will be IV's and machines hooked up to her. Prepare yourself because I don't want you to look upset or it will frighten her. She doesn't need any more stress now."
"I understand." Jack, who had been standing next to me with his arm around me, squeezed me a little tighter. Reassuring me with his touch. I take a deep breath, bracing myself, and walk slowly walk into the ICU.
Thank God her eyes are closed. I know I wouldn't have been able to keep the shock off of my face in spite of the warning. She was so fragile and she looked like a doll that someone had ran over with a tank.
I manage to steady myself and walk to the side of the bed. I'm almost afraid to touch her but I know that she needs the physical reassurance right now so I carefully take her hand and reach up and start stroking her hair. She opens her eyes and I manage a week smile.
"Ma'm."
"Who did this to you?"
"Didn't see...grabbed from behind." I could tell that she was telling the truth but there was something there. Did she suspect who it was? I continue to stroke her hair, "That's OK, sweetie, just get better. Gunny wants to see you."
She shook her head a little, "don't want him to see me like this."
"Lisa, he blames himself."
She looked shocked, "it's not his fault."
"I know, but he thinks he should have been there to protect you. Could you see him for just a minute to tell him you don't blame him?"
She nodded. "That's my girl. I'll send him in for just a minute then I'll be back."
I walk out side and say to Gunny, "She'll see you for just a minute." The doctor says, "I can't let..." I turn and glare at him and I can literally read his face as he is evaluating his survival chances. He clamps his jaw shut and I turn back and continue, "she's in very bad shape. If you upset her I will kill you and if you are in there longer than two minutes I will personally drag you out. Do you understand me?"
He nodded and walked into ICU. I turned to Teal's and asked, "Someone needs to guard her. Whoever did this might try to kill her in case she might be able to identify them. I also think she will feel better if someone is there with her."
Teal'c bowed his head and said, "Indeed. I would be honored to assist."
Uncle George asked, "Can she tell us who it was?"
"No, but I think that she does suspect who."
Just then Gunny can out and he looked somewhat better. "Teal'c, if you'll come with me."
Teal'c hung back some until I could tell her what he would be here for. I think that he didn't want to frighten her and I appreciated it.
"Lisa do you know Teal'c?"
"He rescued me."
"I think that you need someone to guard you, just in case. Is it OK if he does it?" She looked very relieved. I motioned Teal'c forward. He approached the bed and bowed to her.
"I am honored to be of assistance, SargeantChang. No one will harm you while you are under my protection."
"Lisa, he's going to stay in the room with you, OK? I'll just stay until you go to sleep." I took her hand again and stroked her hair. It was only a couple of minutes until she was asleep.
I walked out and straight into Jack's arms. He pulled me to him and held me tight and I finally broke down and sobbed.
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JACK
I held Vicky tightly to she cried. I couldn't blame her, I felt like crying and I hadn't even seen Chang. Poor kid. She's so sweet and smart. It really pisses me off that someone would do this to her.
As Vicky's sobs lessened a little, I moved her away from ICU. I didn't want Chang to hear her. When she stopped crying I had her go and wash her face. When she came out of the bathroom I made sure Ferretti would stay with her while I talked to the General.
"Jack, how's Vicky?"
"About as well as you could expect. Do they have any idea who did this?" He shook his head. "Have there been any other attacks?" The damage that was done to Chang was not the type that happened by a first time offender.
"There have been attacks, but none of them have been this bad."
"Then why the hell is this animal still loose?"
George shook his head, "unfortunately none of the women would press charges and none would identify the attacker."
I thought for a minute, "That means that he is military and is an Officer."
"Unfortunately, I have to agree," He said sadly.
"I tell you what, George, we are going to find the bastard now and he better hope the SF's find him before I do."
"Jack, I don't want you to do anything foolish. Remember, Vicky needs you now more than ever."
Damn, I hate it when he's right. "OK. But I'm SURE he going to resist when I bring him in."
The General gave me a tight smile, "oh, absolutely, he'll resist." Good old George.
I went back to collect Vicky from Ferretti. She told me that she was going to re-question all of the women off the record because she thought they might open up to her more without any men present. I hate to admit it but she's right.
"OK, but I want you to carry a sidearm AND a Zat."
She smiled at me, agreeing, and gave me a quick kiss before heading off. Ferretti turned to me, "So, Jack, a wife huh?"
I glare at him and he just laughs, "you seem to be awfully...umm...comfortable around each other." I make like I'm going to smack him, he dodges and laughs again. Then he got serious, "now, let's go find that son of a bitch." A man after my own heart.
After a couple of hours I went to the infirmary. Teal's bowed at me, "O'Neill."
"How's she doing?"
"She is resting, O'Neill. The Doctor says that though she appears to have internal injuries they do not have to operate at this time."
"Great, T. Why don't you go get something to eat and I'll stay with her until I get back."
"Indeed. If you do not mind, O'Neill, I will also take a shower and change. I still have blood on my clothing from SargeantChang."
"Geez, you should have said something."
"There were more important considerations, O'Neill."
"Well good thing that the t-shirt is black."
"Indeed, O'Neill." He gave another little bow and left. I waited a few minutes after he left until I approached the bed.
Dear God. That poor baby. What kind of animal could do this. She lookds like a little kid for cryingoutloud. Sick Bastard. She starts to mumble and thrash around. Probably having a nightmare. I go up and take her hand gently and begin to stroke her hair. Easy, baby. Everything's OK, I won't let anything happen to you and I promise I'll get the son of a bitch." She settles down and I continue to stroke her hair. Oh, yeah, I'll get him and I'll do things to him that would make Baal green with envy. I'll teach him torture, the bastard will beg to die.
After a while I hear someone behind me. I can tell its Vicky, all those years in black OPS wasn't for nothing. She comes up beside me and slips her arm around my waist and lays her head against me. "How's she doing?"
"Better, I think. They don't need to operate, at least for now. That's good news, the Doctor wants to wait if possible so that's she's stronger." We stay like that for a while, me still stroking the kid's hair. I think that it is doing me more good then her.
When Teal'c comes back I convince Vicky to get something to eat. She doesn't want to but I tell her that she won't do Chang any good if she doesn't take care of herself. Guilt has always been a good motivator for Vicky.
After we eat in the Commissary we go home and I suggest that we take a nap. I didn't sleep well and I could hear her up and down all night. I lead her to my room and tell her to sleep with me. Just sleep, I promise. I wouldn't take advantage of her like that. I tell her I will feel better if I know for sure that she is safe. After what has happened, she buys it.
Damn, it feels good to hold her as she falls asleep, to good. I can feel myself falling asleep right behind her. I know that both of us will sleep better than last night.