Chapter 7: Remaining Vigilant

Back in the operating room, Janet returned from giving her friends an update and prepared to assist Dr. Anderson in finishing up the procedure.

"How are things going here. Are we almost finished with the operation?" Janet asked.

"Yes, Doctor, we are almost finished here. I just need to transplant this organ portion into Colonel O'Neill and then if there don't appear to be any complications we'll be ready to close them up and finish this procedure. If things keep going as well as they are, hopefully we'll be finished in about an hour." Dr. Anderson confirmed, not bothering to look up from what he was doing as he spoke.

"That's great. The sooner this is over the better because I'm not sure how much more Sam and Sarah can take."


Sam and Sarah were anxiously awaiting the news of the end of the surgery. Sarah was sitting quietly in the corner, lost in thought about how in the world they had all managed to end up in this situation in the first place. Sam, on the other hand, was pacing back and forth across the room thinking that if everything kept up much longer, then she was going to completely lose her mind.

"Are you all right, Major Carter? It appears that you are letting this get to you and you appear to be tense." Teal'c commented, stopping Sam by placing a hand on her arm.

"I'm okay, Teal'c. It's just that I wish this whole thing was over with already so I wouldn't have to be so worried anymore. You know what? Before he was taken into surgery, I promised Jack that when this was all over and things were back to normal that we'd all go out and do something spontaneous and crazy together. You know as a team, Jack and I, you, Daniel and Sarah, and Jonas too of course if he'd like to come along." Sam said, smiling honestly for the first time that day.

"It is my belief that it will be helpful to keep your mind engaged upon this rather than what is presently happening. As Jonas Quinn said before, no benefit will come to you from becoming worked up and upset."

"I know. Thanks Teal'c. It really helps to know that I have so much support. The thing that really worries me about my being so upset is that it might make certain people suspicious. I don't want to cause any more trouble than we've already got."

"Indeed. Have you thought that perhaps this is a new beginning in more ways than one? I say this because I am confident that O'Neill and Daniel Jackson will emerge from this exactly as they were before. Maybe you can find a way to tell O'Neill what you have been keeping inside for such an extended time." Teal'c told her quietly, giving Sam a slight hug.

"You know, that's something that I haven't thought about before now. This whole thing put that into perspective for me without me even realizing it. How is it that you stay calm and keep a cool head even in the worst situations?"

"Inherited patience and many years of training with Bra'tac when I was serving Apophis."

"Okay. Sure, Teal'c." Sam giggled, grateful for the distraction, no matter how momentary it might have been.

At that time, Jonas noticed that Sarah had been really quiet for some time so he decided to talk to her and see if he could help. He was really hoping that he could bring at least a small bit of comfort to his friend's fiancé.

"Hey, you okay?" Jonas said quietly, sitting down in the chair beside Sarah. "Other than being worried about Daniel, that is."

"Yes, I suppose I'm as well as I can be. I really can't explain to you what it is, Jonas, but I get a feeling that something off is about to go on and there isn't anything I can do about it." Sarah said, keeping her eyes on the floor.

"I don't understand why you feel like that. From what Dr. Fraiser has been telling us, things are going great and there haven't been any problems."

"I know that everything seems to be well for the time being but I'm so afraid that something will go wrong that we can't know right now. The worst part about it is that if it does, it'll be my fault. I mean, I should have done something to stop him, been able to talk him out of this. That sounds selfish, I realize, but that's just what I feel right now."

"Sarah, look at me. I want to tell you something and I want to make sure that you completely understand." Jonas insisted, causing Sarah to look up and meet his gaze. "I didn't tell you this before because, well to be honest I didn't think it was relevant, but back on Kelowna when Daniel saved my life and my planet like I told you before, I tried to tell him to stay behind and let me go through the glass but he didn't listen. He was determined to save my world no matter what the cost to himself. I guess the point I'm trying to make here is that trying to keep Daniel from doing something he's passionate about would be as effective as trying to walk through a brick wall. Knowing Daniel like I do, I can tell you with 100 certainty that there is absolutely nothing you could have said or done that would have prevented him from going through with this, especially since he and Jack are as close as they are. Don't worry though, things are going to be okay."

"Thanks. That really helps. I'm really glad that you came and that I got to meet you. I think Daniel is lucky to have a friend like you on his side. Now I understand why he thinks so highly of you."


A little over an hour later, Janet came back into the waiting room to let everyone know that the surgery was finally over. She was glad to ease at least some of Sam and Sarah's tension and anxiety.

"It's all over." Janet said simply.

"Oh, thank God. It's finally over." Sam breathed as Sarah sighed heavily and slumped in her chair slightly, Jonas' hand on her shoulder to offer support.

"How did everything go, Dr. Fraiser?" Hammond asked, relief evident in his voice.

"Well, everything went like in a textbook. There are no signs that Colonel O'Neill is rejecting the new organ and Daniel's doing just fine too. The only stipend to that is that we're going to have to keep them heavily sedated for the next 48 hours so that they can have a chance to begin the healing process. It's nothing at all to worry about. Everything's fine."

"That is indeed good news. All that is left to do now is maintain vigil so that O'Neill and Daniel Jackson are aware that they have our unwavering support." Teal'c said stoically.

"When can we see them?" Sarah asked as soon as she was able to find her voice.

"Not just yet. They've both been taken into recovery. Even though we're going to be keeping them sedated, we still have to make sure there is nothing else foreign. So as soon as they've had the chance to clear enough of the anesthetic from their systems, we'll move them to private rooms. You can see them then." Janet explained.

"Wait. How long will that be, Janet." Sam asked, beginning to become impatient.

"It won't be that much longer. I'd say thirty minutes at the most. I promise that I'll let you know as soon as you can go in and see them. Just stay strong."

"Okay. Thanks, Janet."

"I'll be back soon." Janet promised again, squeezing her best friend's hand gently as she walked from the room.

"So, now what? I can't stand much more of this waiting around."

"Well, what time is it?" Jonas asked.

"It's 1700 hours, Jonas. But what does that have to do with anything?"

"I was thinking that we can grab a bite to eat since we haven't eaten anything since this morning right after I got here. That way we can kill some time and help ourselves in the process."

"That's a good idea, I think. Jonas is right that we haven't eaten anything since early this morning and I don't know about everybody else but I'm starting to get really hungry. Besides, if we go down to the cafeteria for a little bit, it'll keep our minds off of what's going on up here and that way we won't be going out of our minds wondering when we can go and see Jack and Daniel." Sarah agreed as Sam nodded and walked over to her.

"Okay. Let's go get some food and then we'll go from there and see what happens. As it is, we aren't going to do any good to anyone if we're starving to death." Hammond broke in finally.

"Indeed."

After letting someone on staff know where they would be if they were needed, they all walked down to the cafeteria and got some lunch.


In the cafeteria, the hungry group were seated around a small table having some sandwiches. It proved to be a very good way to keep their minds off of what was going on upstairs. Knowing that the surgery was over took a huge load off of the women's minds, which was obvious by the fact that Sarah had managed to inhale two sandwiches in ten minutes.

"Sarah, are you hungry? You seem to be inhaling that food." Sam noted with a slight amusement.

"I'm starving. I think I just didn't realize it before because I was too preoccupied with all that was going on. Now that we know that the worst is over, I guess my stomach just kind of took over." Sarah laughed.

"You both do appear to feel much better since you have received the news that the operation has gone well. It is my belief that once you are allowed to see O'Neill and Daniel Jackson you will slowly return to your normal selves." Teal'c observed in his typical stoic manner.

"How can you possibly know that, Teal'c?"

"Because I... think what he means is... that once you guys see with your... own eyes that... everything's okay then you'll... stop being on edge and feel better." Jonas interjected through bites of his food, extracting laughter from his companions.

"Oh, I just noticed something. Sarah, where did that jewel on your necklace come from? You didn't have that on when we got here this morning. Where'd you get it? It's very pretty."

"Well, this morning when we got to the hospital before... everything... Daniel and I were talking and he was trying to reassure me. Anyway, he gave me this gem. He said he found it at a dig he was on years ago and it's very old. It's a little piece of him that I can hold onto when I can't physically be beside him." Sarah explained, fingering the sparkling gem around her neck, watching as the lights hit it at the right angle and reflected a rainbow of lights onto her palm.

"That sounds like something that Daniel would do. Actually before Jack went into surgery he told me to hold onto his tags while he was in the operating room. It makes me feel a little better to have them for some reason."

"Well, I think we should be making our way back up to the waiting room since we're finished eating. We've been down here for about twenty minutes and by the time we get back up there, Dr. Fraiser should be ready for you two to go and be with Colonel O'Neill and Dr. Jackson." Hammond broke in, gently reminding them of the time.

After getting up and throwing away their garbage, the five headed to the elevator and went back up to the surgical floor and as they walked into the waiting room, Janet was standing there waiting for them to return. Sarah's stomach was tied in knots as they approached her.

"Janet, is something wrong?" Sam whispered nervously.

"Oh, no, no. Nothing's wrong. Everything's fine. I just wanted to tell you that we've moved Jack and Daniel out of recovery and they're in private rooms now. You can see them if you want."

"How are they doing?"

"They're both doing well considering what they've just been through. Of course, as I told you before, they are both heavily sedated and we're going to have to keep them that way for the next 48 hours to give them a chance to begin healing. Other than that, there aren't any other problems. No signs of rejection or complications from the surgery. I'm confident that they'll both make a full recovery. It's not going to happen overnight, though, and it won't be an easy road but with love and support both of them will be back on their feet and hopping planets in no time and they obviously have plenty of love and support." Janet confirmed, smiling at her friends.

"Good work, Dr. Fraiser. I'll see that you're commended for this." Hammond acknowledged.

"Thank you, sir. Now, Sam, Sarah, if you would both come with me please, there are a couple of people who would like to see you."


As Sarah walked into Daniel's room, at first she got a knot in her stomach when she saw him lying unconscious on the hospital bed. Then that knot was soon replaced by a feeling on intense relief that came from knowing that he was going to be okay and would make a full recovery.

"I'm right here, Daniel. It's all over. That was a very heroic thing that you did, even if you don't see it that way, and I am so very proud of you. Jack's going to make a full recovery too. When you wake up in a couple of days I'll be right here by your side. I won't go far from you. I promise." Sarah whispered, taking Daniel's hand and stroking his arm gently.

For a long time, Sarah sat by Daniel's side, whispering softly to him and talking to him about things that she knew he was interested in. She knew she had to make sure he knew that the people he cared about were all there for him. As she sat there, Sarah realized how peaceful and angelic Daniel seemed as he slept. The thought occurred to her that this was a big change from the stress he normally showed after his day to day work at the SGC. At the same time, a sense of relief washed over her as she realized that Daniel really was okay and she didn't have to worry about his safety anymore.

"Everyone is here, Daniel. We're all pulling for you and Jack to hurry up and recover. I heard Sam telling Teal'c earlier that she promised Jack that we'd all go out and do something spontaneous and crazy after you recover completely and we can take you guys out of here. I think that sounds like a really fun idea. I'm going to be right here beside you every step of the way." Sarah said reassuringly as she maintained her constant vigil by his side.


At the same time, Sam was keeping vigil at Jack's bedside. She was very glad to see that Jack was okay and that everything was over. She was sitting by the bed, holding Jack's hand and talking softly to him.

"Hey, Jack. Everything's over now. Janet says that you're going to be fine. Daniel's doing fine too. I'm trying to think of something spontaneous that we can all do after you guys get out of here and I have a few really good ideas. I can't wait for you to wake up so I can tell you some of them. It's going to take a while for you to recover but I promise you that I'm going to stay beside you every step of the way." Sam said quietly, raising Jack's limp hand to her lips and kissing it gently.

"Major." Hammond said casually from the doorway.

"Yes, sir." Sam announced routinely, attempting to leap up and salute him.

"At ease, Sam. I just came to see how Jack was holding up before I leave. I need to head back to the mountain to check on a few things. I'll be back in the morning. Teal'c and Jonas are going to stay here in case you need anything."

"Okay. If you don't mind my asking sir, with respect, how long were you standing there just now."

"A few moments. Long enough to confirm what I've suspected for a long time. I know you have feelings for Jack and that he has the same feelings for you." Hammond confirmed as Sam's cheeks turned bright red. Then he walked over slowly to his friend and laid a hand on his shoulder.

"Hey, Jack. I know that if anyone can come through a situation like this better than they went in, it's you. But just in case you need it, I have a little bit of incentive for you. If you come out of this, I'm willing to bend a certain regulation for you. Not like you usually do a good job abiding by them anyway." Hammond paused to turn to Sam, who smiled wryly. "Just wake up and come through this roadblock and then we'll go out for drinks and discuss it."

"Do you mean what I think you mean, General?" Sam asked hopefully.

"Yes, I do. After this whole thing is over, I'm going to look the other way if you and Jack want to start a relationship. I'm really not one to dictate matters of love to anybody."

"This is amazing. I never thought that anything like this would ever happen. All I can say is thank you, sir. Thank you very much."

"It's actually something I've been thinking about for a long time. So, how's Jack doing?"

"Well, he seems to be okay right now. Actually he seems pretty calm. I'm just glad that its all over and I don't have to worry about it as much anymore. The best thing is that I don't feel as helpless anymore. I don't ever want to feel like that again, sir. It's the worst feeling I've ever had in my life." Sam admitted.

"I understand how you feel. But like you said, you don't have to worry anymore. All you need to concentrate on right now is being here for Jack when he needs you. I'm going to go now and let you both get some rest. I'm going to look in on Dr. Jackson for a moment before I head back to the base." Hammond said softly.

"Goodnight, sir."


Sarah was still in Daniel's room, watching and fussing over his sleeping form when she heard footsteps in the hallway. The fact that these footsteps sounded like they were coming closer startled her. She still felt a little uneasy and it didn't help when the sounds stopped right outside the door.

"Who's there?" Sarah demanded, not turning around.

"It's just me, Sarah. I'm sorry if I startled you. I wanted to come and check on Daniel before I head back to the SGC. So, how's our boy?" Hammond apologized as he stepped into the room.

"Well, he seems to be doing okay. The only positive thing about this arrangement here is that he doesn't seem to be in any pain right now. I'm just so very proud of him for what he's done. If I had been in his shoes, I honestly can't say that I would have done the same thing. At least now it's all over and our lives can start to get back to normal." Sarah said, keeping her voice unnecessarily quiet.

"I know how you feel. I need to go back to the SGC now to take care of a few things. I'll come back in the morning to check up on things. If you need anything, Teal'c and Jonas are in the waiting room and of course Dr. Fraiser is still here."

"Okay. Thank you for stopping by."


A couple of hours later, Sam began to feel like she was going to go stir crazy if she didn't do something to keep herself distracted. So after pondering for a moment on what she should do, she finally decided to take a walk to the waiting room and talk to Teal'c.

Sam walked into the quiet waiting room and stopped just inside the doorway, debating whether or not she should venture further. She found Teal'c sitting in a chair in the corner of the room, flipping through a magazine and keeping an alert ear for anything out of the ordinary. Jonas, on the other hand, was sleeping peacefully on one of the couches along the back wall, the long and tiring day combined with his early arrival through the Stargate having completely exhausted him. After a moment, Sam walked into the room and headed over to where Teal'c sat. At the sound of her silent approach, the Jaffa looked up from what he was reading and spoke softly to her.

"Are you all right, Major Carter?" Teal'c asked softly.

"I'm okay, Teal'c. I just can't stand not being about to do anything for Jack and I really just wanted someone to talk to. You don't mind keeping me company for a little while do you?"

"I do not. Your friends are always here for you when we are needed. I am not sure of the reason that you believe that you are able to do nothing for O'Neill. Your presence beside him helps the matter more than you are aware."

"I didn't really think of that, Teal'c. I'm going to go back in a bit. I needed to get out of there for a minute and clear the cram of things out of my mind. I wish I could be as calm and levelheaded as you are in these types of situations. I don't see how Jonas can sleep like that with all the tension going on around here. He must have been exhausted." Sam commented casually, trying to find anything to create conversation about.

"Indeed he was. Jonas Quinn stated to me earlier that he had not engaged in sleep for more than 24 hours prior to coming through the Stargate this morning. I believe you to be much stronger and more levelheaded than you see yourself to be. This day has indeed been stressful, yet you have done well in concealing how much you truly are affected. The amount of control you have demonstrated during this difficult time is most impressive. It is my belief that your courage would rival that of any Jaffa." Teal'c confirmed.

"I really appreciate that, Teal'c. Thank you. I knew that coming to talk to you was a good idea. I still think that the sooner we can get Jack and Daniel out of this place and back to a normal routine, the better it'll be for everybody. I think I'm going to go back and sit with Jack now. Who knows, maybe my presence will make a difference somehow. Thanks for helping me to feel better."

"You are welcome. Goodnight, Major Carter."


Sam walked back into Jack's hospital room, determined to stay there beside him until he opened his eyes and could talk to her. She smiled at a fleeting thought as she sat in the chair beside the bed and took his hand in her own.

"Hey, Jack. I'm back now and I'll stay with you the entire time until we can take you guys out of here. I was just thinking how much I'd love to hear one of your ridiculous jokes right about now. I can't wait until you can wake up and tell me some. I'm right here. You're going to be okay."

For about an hour, Sam stayed like that, holding Jack's hand and talking softly to him about everything and nothing. She wanted to make sure that he knew that she was there and wasn't going to leave his side for anything. After a while, Sam became tired from the long day that she'd had so she rested her head softly on Jack's arm, closed her eyes and fell asleep, preparing herself for whatever lay ahead in the coming day.