May 17th, 2006
SGC infirmary

Alexia walked into the infirmary, a little confused as to why Janet wanted her here. "Janet," she called. The infirmary appeared to be empty.

Janet sat in her office with her head in her hands. She didn't know how she was going to break this news to Alexia. She lifted her head when she heard Alexia call her name. She walked to the door of her office, "Alexia, I'm in here."

Alexia followed her back into the office, and sat down in the chair across from Janet. "What's wrong, Janet?" she asked, wondering why she looked so grave.

"Alexia, apart from yesterday, when was the last time we ran tests on you?" Janet asked, wondering how they ever could have missed this.

Alexia thought back, "well, probably the last time I went off-world. So, that would be around October or November," she said, "why Janet, what's wrong?"

"There's something that came up in your blood work and on your MRI that we need to discuss." Janet hung up the results of Alexia's MRI on the wall. She turned to Alexia and pointed to a mass on the scan, "Do you see this, Alex?"

Alexia looked at the picture, wishing that she had paid better attention in those biology classes in college, because she had no idea what Janet was saying, "What it is, Janet?"

Janet sighed, "It's a tumor, Alex," she said, "a cancerous tumor, and it's putting pressure on your brain."

Alexia sank back into the chair, "What? I have cancer?" she asked.

"Yes, Alex, it appears that you do. We can start chemotherapy immediately, and try to operate, but Alex, I'm warning you, the tumor placement is going to make that very difficult. What do you want to do?" She asked Alexia.

Alexia was in shock, and didn't know how to answer Janet. She turned to face Janet, "Will you get Daniel for me, and, um, explain this to him? I don't know if I will be able to," she said as the gravity of the situation sank in, and Alex felt her eyes fill up with tears.

Janet nodded, "Wait here," she said, and stood up. Squeezing her shoulder in support, Janet left the room in search of Daniel.

Alexia waited until Janet left the room before she let the tears fall. She didn't know what she was going to do. Chemotherapy? Operations? Cancer? How could she have cancer? She didn't deserve this. And Daniel, what would he say? They had only been married for five months, and now this had to happen.

Janet found Daniel in his office. She leaned in the doorway, "Daniel, I need to talk to you," she said, gravely, "in my office."

Daniel looked up from what he was working to translate, "Um, ok," he said and followed Janet back to the infirmary.

Alexia heard footsteps returning and quickly wiped her eyes to get rid of any tears. She didn't turn as Janet and Daniel walked back into the office.

Daniel walked into Janet's office surprised to find Alexia there, and was more surprised to notice that she had been crying. Daniel looked from his wife to Janet, wondering why both of their faces were so grim, "What's going on here?" he asked.

"Daniel, why don't you have a seat?" Janet said, going over to the scans on the wall.

"Um, I think I'll stand, thank you," Daniel answered.

Alexia reached up and grasped his hand, "Please, Danny, sit down," she pleaded.

Daniel looked into Alexia's eyes. He was surprised to see fear there. He took a seat next to her, keeping her hand in his, "Will someone please explain what is wrong?"

"We got Alex's test results back today, and we have some bad news. See this mass here," she said, pointing.

"Yes, I do," Daniel said, impatiently, "what is it?"

Alexia gripped his hand, "It's a tumor, Danny."

Daniel looked from Alexia to Janet, "A tumor?"

Janet sighed, "Yes, a cancerous tumor."

"Wait, wait a minute," Daniel interrupted, his eyes darting back and forth between Janet and Alexia, "Cancer?"

Janet nodded, "We can start Chemo whenever Alexia is ready, and we could try to operate. Tumor placement might make that difficult, but my advice is to check Alex into Bethesda and operate a soon as possible. They have the best doctors, and if anyone can safely operate on Alex, it would be those doctors."

Daniel nodded, "Um, ok," he said, still in shock. How could she have cancer? She was so young, they had so much life left to live, together. How could this have happened?

"I just want to go home and pretend that this is all a dream," Alexia said, trying to keep her emotions in check. It was too unreal, too unbelievable.

"Go home for the rest of the day. We can discuss this in the morning. When you have time to think everything through, but Alex, it's not a dream," Janet said.

Daniel was about to respond when the loudspeaker came on, "Daniel Jackson to the briefing room."

Daniel looked at his watch, "Damn, I forgot about the briefing."

Alexia stood, "Go to the briefing, Daniel. I'm going to go home and try to sort this out. I'll talk to you in the morning Janet," she said.

Daniel followed her out of the office, "I'm going home with you," he said, "Just let me go and tell them."

Alexia nodded, "Tell them the truth, Daniel. I don't want to be the one who has to tell them," she said, "I'll meet you at home."

Daniel nodded, "I'll be there soon," he promised, hugging her tightly.

Alexia left the base as Daniel made his way to the briefing room to find Jack, Sam, Teal'c, and General Hammond waiting. With the shock he'd just received, he couldn't even remember what this briefing was for.

"Nice of you to join us, Dr. Jackson," General Hammond said, "Aren't you going to sit down?"

Daniel didn't even know where to begin, "Sorry, Sir, but I have to go home. Janet ran some tests on Alex yesterday," he said, trying to keep his emotions in check, "and they found a cancerous tumor in her brain."

"What?" everyone chorused.

Daniel nodded, "Janet wants to attempt an operation at Bethesda. If Alex agrees, we leave tomorrow."

"What do you mean, if she agrees?" Jack asked.

"Well, Janet said the operation could be risky due to the placement of the tumor, so Alex went home to think about it," Daniel said. It was becoming more and more difficult for him to control his emotions, and knew that if he didn't get out of here soon, he was going to break down.

"By all means, Dr. Jackson, go home," General Hammond said.

"Thank you, Sir," Daniel said, and practically ran out of the base.

Daniel went home where Alexia was waiting for him. They didn't talk much, just held each other, both dreading what the next day would bring.

The next morning, Alexia made her way to Janet's office, having made up her mind. Daniel walked beside her, clinging to her hand. They met Janet in her office.

"What have you decided?" Janet asked.

Alexia took a deep breath, "We have decided to go through with the operation," she said, "depending on how that turns out, we will talk about chemo after that."

Janet nodded, "I'll make the arrangements," she said, "General Hammond has already got a plane ready. By the time you arrive at Bethesda, everything will be set."

Alexia and Daniel nodded, "We've packed bags, they're in the car," Daniel said.

"Ok, well, Jack, Sam, and Teal'c have been given permission to go with you. Actually, they wouldn't take no for an answer. I also would like to go, but I am needed here, as I have been reminded. They are going to meet you at the airstrip," Janet said, standing. Reaching out, she pulled Alexia into a hug, "Good luck, and call me."

"We will," Alexia promised as Daniel led her out the door. They made their way to the plane where Jack, Sam, and Teal'c were waiting. Sam pulled Alexia into a hug, "I'm so sorry, Alex," she said, as they boarded the plane together.

Teal'c turned to Daniel, "It is my hope that AlexiaMiller will come through this successfully," he said, and boarded the plane.

When they were left alone, Jack turned to Daniel, "How's she holding up?" he asked.

Daniel sighed, "better than can be expected," he said, then added softly, "better than me. I just feel so helpless."

Jack gripped his shoulder, "I wish I could tell you that everything will be ok, but I can't. She's strong, Daniel, and she's got a lot to live for. She'll fight this until she can't fight it anymore," he said.

Daniel looked into the door of the plane, "that's what I'm afraid of," he said, glancing at Jack before boarding the plane.

Jack followed Daniel onto the plane watching as he took a seat next to Alexia. He watched as she gave him a weak smile, and he pulled her into his side. He felt Sam come up beside him, and turned to face her, "How's he doing?" she asked.

"Not too good," he answered, "whatever happens will affect him more than it does her." He led her to seats behind Daniel and Alexia, where Teal'c was sitting.

Alexia leaned into Daniel, a part of her still hoping that this was a dream. She looked up at Daniel, "I'm scared Danny," she whispered.

Daniel wrapped both arms around her, "So am I," he whispered, kissing her forehead, "so am I."

They arrived at Bethesda around one o'clock, and Alexia's surgery was set for 5:00. She was immediately was rushed away for a battery of tests. Daniel, Jack, Sam, and Teal'c were led to the waiting room, and were told that it would probably be a few hours before they would be able to see her.

Jack, Sam, and Teal'c sat in chairs and watched as Daniel paced around the room. Sam and Teal'c looked at Jack, who raised his eyebrows at them. Sam made motions toward Daniel, so Jack turned to Daniel, "Daniel, they said it was going to be a few hours, why don't you sit down," he said.

Daniel stopped and turned to him, "What am I going to do," he said, sitting down and putting his head in his hands.

Two hours later when the doctor came back into the waiting room, Sam and Jack were dozing, Teal'c was still sitting, and Daniel had resumed his pacing, "Who's waiting on news for Alexia Jackson?" the doctor asked.

Sam's and Jack's heads shot up and Daniel walked over to the doctor, "I'm Daniel Jackson, Alexia's husband. How is she?"

"Ms. Jackson is resting comfortably. You'll be able to see her in a moment. Your wife is very lucky. I believe that we caught this early enough to have a successful operation," the doctor explained, as Sam, Jack, and Teal'c walked over to them.

Daniel nodded, "Can I see her now?" he asked.

"I must warn you, your wife is exhausted. We did run numerous tests. She might not be up for much excitement. She's been through a lot, she's very weak. Don't let that alarm you, it's perfectly normal. If you'll follow me, I'll lead you to her room," the doctor said.

They followed the doctor down the hall to a room. Alexia was lying in the bed, looking very pale. Daniel walked to the bed, took her hand, and stroked her hair, "Hey, you," he whispered, "how you feeling?"

"I feel fine, just exhausted. I just remembered how much I hate needles. Have all of you been in the waiting room all this time," she asked, looking around at them all as Daniel and Sam pulled chairs up to her bed.

"Of course we have. You didn't really think that we were going to leave, did you," Sam asked.

"We would not leave in your time of need, AlexiaMiller," Teal'c said, sitting down on the couch in the room.

"However, now that we've seen you, Carter, Teal'c and I are going to get some food. We'll be back before you leave for the OR," Jack said, "Want us to bring you something back, Daniel?"

"Nah, that's ok. I'll be fine," Daniel answered as they walked out the door.

Once they were alone, Daniel turned his attention back to Alexia, "So how are you really feeling?" he asked.

Alexia felt tears come to her eyes, "I'm just tired," she said, avoiding his eyes.

Daniel knew that she wasn't telling the whole truth. Reaching out, he turned her face back to his, "And..." he trailed off.

"I'm terrified," she whispered, wiping her cheeks and sitting up.

Daniel had to fight to control his emotions. He sat down on the bed beside her and took her into his arms, "I wish that I could make this go away."

Alexia pulled away and looked into his eyes, "I'm going to fight this, Daniel," she said.

"Hey," he said, stroking her hair, "you are not going to face this alone. We're going to get through this together, understand?"

Alexia nodded, "You're too good to me."

"I meant what I said on our wedding day. For better or for worse, and this is definitely not one of our better times, but I love you. I'm not going anywhere. I can't lose you," he said, hugging her tightly.

"I'd rather you not lose me, either," she said.

He let her go and gently pushed her back onto her bed, "You've still got over an hour before the operation. Try and get some sleep, okay." He pulled the covers up around her and gave her a long kiss, "I'll be right here when you wake up."

Alexia nodded and closed her eyes. She was asleep almost instantly. When Daniel was sure she was asleep, he allowed his emotions to overflow. He put his head in his hands and allowed himself to cry.

By the time Jack, Sam, and Teal'c returned, Daniel had regained his composure and was merely sitting by Alexia's bed, thinking.

"Hey," Jack whispered, patting Daniel on the shoulder, "how long has she been asleep?"

Daniel rubbed his eyes and turned to face him, "Not long," he answered.

Jack nodded. Less than an hour later, Alexia was wheeled away for her operation. She was gone for over two hours; a time in which Daniel paced a lot and Sam tried to help him calm down. They finally convinced him to eat something, and when the doctor arrived from Alexia's surgery, he was crying softly and practically ripping his hair out. Like before, the doctor asked who was waiting on Alexia Jackson.

Also, like before, Daniel rushed to him, "I'm Alexia's husband. Is she all right? Was the operation successful? Can I see her?" he said, quickly.

"Mr. Jackson, you must calm down. You are not going to do your wife any good if you keep this up. Now, we feel that Ms. Jackson's operation went very well. As far as we can tell, we were able to eradicate all of the cancer. She's in recovery at the moment, and you probably won't be able to see her for about another hour. Your wife is going to be fine, I suggest you use the time to get some sleep," the doctor said, "you look as bad as she does. I'll be back to get you when you can see her."

"How long will she have to stay here," Jack asked.

The doctor turned to him, "And you are..."

Jack crossed his arms over her chest, "Colonel Jack O'Neill."

Daniel sighed, "Jack is Alexia's dad," he said, knowing that was what Alexia would say if she were there.

"You're the person she calls dad?" the doctor asked.

"She doesn't really call me that, but it's there, yeah," Jack answered, "why?"

"Because Ms. Jackson continually asked for two people when she was being prepped for surgery. The drugs we give can be, uh, affecting. Anyway, Ms. Jackson was asking for her husband and her dad, so I asked the nurse to make sure that they were both waiting for her when she came out of surgery. We have her father listed as a Joshua Miller, and were told that he wasn't here, so we contacted him," the doctor said.

"You didn't," Daniel said, turning to the doctor.

"I apologize, Mr. Jackson, it was a misunderstanding."

"Fine, a misunderstanding. But listen to me, and listen good. If, and it's a really big if, but if Joshua Miller shows up here, he does not get within 100 feet of my wife. He is the last thing that Alexia needs right now," Daniel said, then collapsed in a chair, "Oh, shit."

Teal'c turned to him, "What is the matter DanielJackson?" he asked.

"You don't actually think that Alex's father will show, do you?" Sam asked.

Daniel shook his head, "No, not really, but I do think that he will call Catherine. Which is something that I forgot to do," he said, turning to the doctor, "Contact Catherine Langford, will you? She's Alexia's grandmother, and remember what I said about Alexia's father."

The doctor nodded, "To answer your question, Colonel. We intend to keep Ms. Jackson here for about a week. Then she will be released."

A little over an hour later, Daniel, Jack, Sam, and Teal'c were led to Alexia's room. She was asleep when they arrived, so they made themselves comfortable and settled in for the night.

Over the next week, Alexia slowly regained her strength. Her father never did show, but no one really expected him to. Catherine did show up the next day, a little upset that she hadn't been called sooner, but she understood.

The team returned to Cheyenne Mountain a week after Alexia's surgery. The doctors recommended a few rounds of chemotherapy just to make sure that they had gotten all of the cancer cells. The chemotherapy made Alexia very weak, but she made steady progress. They waited for the day that she would be cancer free.