Flickering candlelight filled the small room as Teal'c sat on the floor meditating. The soft scent of vanilla wafted in the air, relaxing the occupants.
"Teal'c?" Sam's groggy voice broke the silence.
"MajorCarter, how are you feeling?"
She stretched languidly and yawned.
"Tired, but other than that, I'm okay. What's with the candles? I thought you didn't need Kelnorim with the Tretonin."
"I do not, though it is beneficial in focusing one's thoughts."
"Daniel told me that he sometimes meditates with you. Is it my turn?"
The catch in her voice betrayed the nonchalant attitude she was trying to convey.
"Only if you are so inclined. I merely wished to offer you the opportunity to find the answers that you seek within yourself."
His gentle words penetrated the fear that she held in her heart, the terror of losing her mind.
"What do I do?" Sam whispered, afraid to know the cost of her sanity.
Teal'c extended a hand to help her from the bed to the floor beside him. He gently placed his palm to her forehead and began to chant softly.
Sam closed her eyes and felt the tension ease from her weary body, allowing the rhythm of the words and the aura of the room to still her thundering heart.
"Focus on the last memory you have of O'Neill. Place yourself in that moment. Let your mind be free to explore the thoughts and events. Though they seem to be an illusion, they will be the answers that you need to retain peace."
Floating as though on air, Sam felt a strange tingle in her left hand as it trailed up her arm to her shoulder and then down to her heart. She could feel her pulse change its beat to a faster pace, as if she had just run a marathon. Her breathing became labored and she thought she would pass out from hyperventilation.
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"Hey."
The sound drifted into her mind, but sounded as if it were spoken in her ear.
"Jack?"
Her eyes flew open, but instead of the Iso Room, she saw him. Standing in the doorway of her lab, hands stuffed in his pants pockets and his shoulder leaning on the frame.
"Yeah. Though, I gotta admit, it's kinda weird to hear you say my name. It's always Colonel or Sir."
"Not in my head."
She ducked her head at her blatant admission, but then glanced up to see him grinning at her.
"Sorry."
"Don't be, I'm not. You've always been Sam to me, in here and out there. I'm just not as good at hiding it anymore."
He stepped forward, coming to a stop mere inches from her.
"Yes, you are. We both are."
She sighed wistfully, staring down at her bare feet. "How are you here?"
With a shrug of his shoulders, Jack replied, "Carter…you're askin' me? You might be able to figure it out, but it's way too complicated for my head and I don't have time to explain. I just needed you to know that you are still you. I'm just hanging out in here until Thor can put me back."
Glancing up into his face, she forced herself not to move. Her entire being wanted to reach out and touch him, just to see if he were real.
"I'm real, Sam."
With his left hand, he lifted hers and then placed his right palm to her left one, entwining their fingers. A jolt of electricity flew into the joined hands and then surged through her body.
"What was that?" She asked breathlessly, shaken by the sensation.
"That's me. You are keeping me alive. I need you to trust Daniel and Teal'c; they are doing everything they can to keep us together. I need to lay low until Thor gets here, but if you ever need me, I'm here. Okay?"
His free hand rose up to brush her cheek gently before he pulled away from her.
"Jack?"
Tears gathered in her eyes and Sam started shaking in fear.
"Jack wait, I'm not ready yet."
He smiled at her, and with a tug, pulled her into his strong arms. Holding her securely, he felt the tremors finally subside.
"You're ready, Sam. You just have to believe in yourself. I have every confidence that you'll do fine without me."
"No, I need you. I always have."
"Back at ya.'"
His words breathed on her neck caused a shiver to race down her spine.
He tightened their embrace briefly, but then pulled apart from her until only their hands were joined.
He gave her hand a quick squeeze and said lightly, "I gotta go."
Nodding, Sam managed a smile.
"Yeah, but not too far."
She swallowed the lump of emotion in her throat and stated brightly, "I'll see you soon, Sir."
"Ya sure you bet ya."
Jack winked at her and then let go of her hand. The room faded away as Sam surrendered to the darkness of sleep.
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