Chapter 29
"Okay Carter I've got the doohickey you asked for." Jack said patting his pocket.
"You mean the healing device Sir?" Sam replied smiling slightly.
"Yea, that one." Jack said looking at Sam still lying flat in bed. "So how are we going to get you out of here?" He said looking a little confused.
Sam used the remote device attached to the bed to slowly raise the head of the bed; trying not to show the discomfort that came with the movement. Jack then helped her on with her robe and slippers before trying to get her up.
"Ready Carter?" Jack said concerned, Sam had been lying down for a long time and may not be to steady on her feet.
"Ready Sir." Sam said taking a deep breath getting ready for the movement. Jack helped Sam to stand keeping a tight hold on her as she swayed a bit.
"So ready for the wheel chair?" Jack asked, thinking this was a big mistake he was making.
"I think it would be better if we walked Sir, staying upright will be easier than having to keep sitting and standing." Sam said keeping a tight hold on Jack arm.
"Okay Carter, but lean on me and try to keep as much weight off that leg." Jack said positioning himself next to Sam having her put her arm around his shoulder while he placed his arm around her waist.
Slowly but surely they made their way through the infirmary, avoiding Janet and her nurses. Finally, they arrived at Stan's room coming up to his bedside. They saw the heavy bandage around his head and the monitors that were hooked up to him. Normally Jack would have felt some pity seeing someone in this condition, but couldn't muster the feeling for Stan. Instead, he felt Stan got what he deserved; it scared him a little that he could feel this way for a defenceless person but couldn't get what Stan did to Sam out of his mind.
Sam couldn't hide the disgust she felt seeing this man again. It took all she had to be able to remain in the same room as him, yet having to be this close to him.
"So what's next?" Jack asked trying to break Sam out of her thoughts.
"Hand me the device Sir… and try to keep me from falling over." Sam said half joking but more serious.
Jack handed her the device, then positioned himself close behind her so she could lean against him to help her balance. Sam took a deep breath and raised the device over Stan's head. Moments passed and nothing happened; Jack didn't know if he should ask her if she was okay, or just wait. A few more moments passed before Jack spoke up.
"Carter are you Okay?"
Sam opened her eyes and took a deep breath. "Yea, I'm fine Sir…I just can't seem to get it to activate."
"Maybe you're thinking too hard…or remembering too much." Jack said gently.
"I have to do this Sir, Teal'c and Daniel's future may depend on it." Sam said anxiously.
Jack placed his hand on one of her shoulders and looked over the other one. "Carter try to relax and don't put so much pressure on yourself. Just relax, close your eyes and think about the good times you've had with Daniel and Teal'c. Like the time we all took Cassie to the zoo. She had a great time and Daniel spent most of the time explaining things to Teal'c."
Sam closed her eyes and smiled at the memory, she could feel herself relax into the colonel behind her, his strong arms helping to keep her upright. Then the device began to glow, starting off weak and then growing stronger. She could feel Jack's hands guiding hers into position.
Jack was astonished that his suggestion worked, he felt Sam relax and lean back against him, then he watched as the device began to glow and the light grow in intensity. He moved her arms so the device was over Stan's head and waited. It seemed like it was taking forever, he didn't know how long it was supposed to take, and he didn't like the idea that this healing device was draining the strength out of Sam. Then all of a sudden, the device snapped off. Then he felt Sam lean heavily against him. With quick reflexes, he grabbed hold of Sam before she could fall to the ground.
Sam felt the heat in her body as the device glowed, when it snapped off she felt dizzy and weak and thought she might fall over if it hadn't been for the strong arms holding her up.
"Carter, are you alright?" Jack asked concerned. He saw her nod her head, more than he could hear her answer.
"Here let's get you seated in that chair." Jack said as he guided her to the chair next to the bed. He helped ease her down and kept a concerned eye on her as he knelt down beside her and kept a hand on her shoulder.
"Carter, you with me here?" Jack said tenderly. He watched as her eyes blinked a few times, he could tell that her vision was clearing, as she was now looking at him and not through him.
"Yes Sir…I'm here." Sam said weakly, not quite realizing where she was.
"Carter, should we ah get you back to bed?" Jack asked, not sure if she would be able to walk back.
"Um, no Sir, I'm okay, I can wait here." Sam said leaning back in the chair. "Did it work Sir?"
Jack hadn't even thought about Stan, he was more concerned with keeping Sam off the floor. "Are you okay to stay in that chair without falling over?"
"Yes Sir, just a little weak, but I'll be fine."
"Okay." Jack said getting up, but keeping his hand on her shoulder making sure she would stay put before checking on Stan. Jack took the couple of steps to look at Stan, he was still unconscious and Jack didn't know what the monitor readouts meant, so he had no idea if Stan had improved or not.
"Ah, Carter I can't tell a thing, I'm sorry." Jack said looking down at Sam.
"Hmm, I thought it worked, I mean I thought I could feel it working."
"Maybe he just needs a little time to come around, I mean he has been out of it for a long time." Jack said trying to sound hopeful. "How about for now we get you back to bed?"
"I guess that would be okay Sir, I mean if we don't know when he'll wake up it's no use sitting around here." Sam said a little sadly.
Jack made his way to Sam and helped her to stand, keeping a tight grip on her since she still felt weak and was leaning heavily on him. They were both standing next to the bed when they heard a slight moan coming from Stan.
"Well that sounds like a good sign. " Jack said grinning at Sam.
They both looked down at Stan, watching to see if he would wake up. "Well this is like watching paint dry." Jack said wryly as he looked back at Sam.
Sam kept looking at Stan's eyes noticing them moving under his eyelids. "I think he's actually waking up Sir."
"Oh Staa-an., time to wakey- wakey." Jack called to him while slapping his face lightly.
"Sir, I think he's had enough head trauma with out you adding to it." Sam said, even though she didn't have any pity for the man, she did work hard trying to heal him.
"Oops." Jack said as he stopped his action.
"What the hell?" Stan said groggily.
"Stan my man, nice to see you finally awake." Jack said grinning at the man.
Stan's eyes slowly began to focus and when they cleared, what he saw frightened him immensely. Two faces, one he had tortured and the other wanting revenge. "No stay away from me."
"Well would you look at this Carter, you save the man's life and he wants us to go." Jack said in a mocking voice.
"Really Sir, some people just don't show any appreciation." Sam said following Jack's lead.
"What are you talking about?" Stan asked puzzled.
"Don't you remember anything Stan? Someone tried to rearrange your brains." Jack told him hoping to refresh his memory.
Stan closed his eyes trying to remember, then it slowly started coming back to him. Yes, he remembered the attack and who had done this to him, but there was no way he was going to tell them, not when he could possibly use this information to help get him out of here.
"No, sorry I don't remember anything."
Jack and Sam looked at each other with that admission, Jack had a suspicion that Stan was lying, but then again if Stan's lips were moving, he was probably lying. He felt Sam shifting her weight against him, he knew she was tired but he had to keep this up just for a little while longer.
"So you don't remember anything huh, that's too bad. I guess now that your going to live and are able to talk, you're life will be in danger again." Jack said getting straight to the point.
"You're right Sir; I guess we'll have to put a 24 hour guard on him." Sam added.
"Yea, well I guess I'd better call to get a guard post set up." He was glad Sam was going along with him and not telling Stan that already had guards posted outside his door for his protection
"Hey Carter why don't you sit down and wait for me while I make a phone call." Jack said as he once again helped her to sit down.
Stan watched how O'Neill helped Carter sit down rather painfully and then left the room. "You know Major there's one thing I don't understand?"
"Only one now there's a shock." Sam said sarcastically.
Stan just huffed at the remark. "After what I did to you…" Stan said while gesturing towards Sam's injuries, "why would you heal me? Considering what you went through to deny that you could use the alien device."
Sam had to think about it, what could she tell him that would be believable without letting him know about Daniel and Teal'c. "Well Stan, unlike you, I have a conscious and morals. The doctors said you were close to death and as much as I may hate you, I can't let my hate keep me from doing the right thing. You're just lucky you didn't kill me, because then you'd still be in a coma about to die at any minute."
Stan shook his head, "You know I wouldn't have the same thing for you."
"Well there's another big surprise. Did I mention I have morals unlike yourself? Geez I wish the colonel would hurry up so I can get out of here."
"Hmm, I must have done more damage than I thought if you can't leave without any help."
"Is that the sound of remorse in your voice?"
"Well if I had any morals or a conscious than I guess I would be sorry for what I did to you…but as you said I don't have any of those."
Sam's attention was caught by Jack coming back into the room, "Hey guys did you miss me?"
"More than you know Sir." Sam said having had enough of Stan and his 'apology'.
"Okay Kids, there will be a couple of guards coming down any minute." Jack said giving Sam a look.
"A couple, are you sure that will be enough?" Stan asked very concerned.
"Oh, yea two is plenty."
"Who are they sending Sir?" Sam asked, knowing Jack wanted her to.
"Um I think they said it would be Sgt. Parker and Lt. Simms." Jack said without missing a beat, watching Stan's face for a sign.
The door to Stan's room opened and Sgt. Parker walked in, "Sorry for taking so long Sir."
"Where's your partner sergeant?" Jack asked.
"Sorry Sir, Lt. Simms will be here any moment, he had some scheduling problems to work out."
"Okay then, do you think you'll be alright to guard him by yourself for a while?" Jack asked keeping a sly eye on Stan.
"No problem Sir, I'll be fine after all Simms will be here any second." Parker said then left the room to 'stand guard' outside the door.
"Okay Carter you're looking wiped out, why don't we get you back to bed." Jack said heading over to Sam.
He and Sam were taking an extra long time to get Sam standing noticing a worried look and some sweat starting to form on Stan's forehead.
"Okay Carter, you ready to go?" Jack said holding onto Sam.
"Yes Sir I could use the rest." Sam said as they slowly began to turn around.
"O'Neill…Major, you can't leave me alone like this." Stan said his voice showing fear.
"Oh, you won't be alone Stan Sgt. Parker and Lt. Simms will be standing guard right outside that door." Jack said pointing to the door.
"Ah, that's what I'm afraid of. Listen you can't leave me alone with that guy."
"What, why not Sgt. Parker is a very good security officer. You'll be very safe in his hands until Simms gets here." Jack said saying it that way on purpose to make Stan more nervous.
"No! Not Parker, you can't leave me alone with Simms!" Stan said his voice getting louder and his face turning red.
"Why is that Stan?" Jack asked.
"Damn it! Because he's the one who bashed my head in!" Stan yelled getting very upset.
"Well now, do you think that's enough?" Jack said grinning then reached into his pocket and pulled out a microphone.
"Oh I hope so." Sam said with a wide smile on her face.
"Yes Colonel that's plenty." Mac said as she, Harm and General Hammond entered the room.
"And we have it all on tape." Harm said holding up the recording device, grinning himself.
"Hey, what's going on here?" Stan asked confused with everyone coming into his room.
"Good job you two." Hammond said smiling at his two officers. "However I'm not sure Dr. Fraiser will agree." Hammond said as Janet entered the room.
Janet didn't like being kept out of the room with two of her patients in there. She looked at Stan then at Sam and shook her head. "Sam I can't believe you did this!"
"Look Doc…."
"And you Colonel O'Neill, I can't believe you helped her. Doesn't anyone around here follow doctor's orders?"
"I'm sorry you're upset Janet, but I had to do it…for Daniel and Teal'c."
Janet could see how weak Sam was after healing Stan and went to get a wheelchair from the corner of the room. "Major Sit now and then you're going straight to bed."
Janet called a nurse into the room to escort Sam back to bed. "Now if everyone would leave the room I'd like to examine my other patient."
Hammond saw the angry look on Dr. Fraiser's face and was sure glad he wasn't on the receiving end of her fury. "Come on people let's clear out of here."
Out side in the hallway, Hammond spoke to the group. "Well Colonel, it looks like your little plan worked out. I'd just hate to have to be the one facing Dr. Fraiser's ire."
"Yea, well I'm sure Carter can handle it." Jack said grinning and shrugging his shoulders, causing Hammond to shake his head and chuckle a little.
"So you two have enough to write up your little reports and put an end to this whole fiasco." Jack said looking at Harm and Mac.
"Yes Sir we do, and I'm sorry your friends had to go through all of this." Harm said relieved at least they had been exonerated and they now had more proof against Simms.
"Now all we have to do is inform Dr. Jackson and Teal'c." Hammond said.
"Ah Sir could you leave that up to me and Carter?" Jack asked.
"Sure thing Colonel, but I'd hurry I'm sure news of Stan's recovery will all over the base soon."
"Yes Sir I will and thank you." Jack said.
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Jack was heading for Sam's room when he heard Janet's loud voice from outside the door. "Geez Sam I can't believe you did that…again! You're in no shape to be traipsing around my infirmary healing people."
'Oh boy time to bite the bullet' Jack thought to himself as he entered the room.
"Look Janet I had no choice, I had to do it." Sam answered.
"Hey guys can I join the party." Jack said grinning.
"And you Colonel O'Neill how could you help her do that and risk her already failing health?"
"Look Doc when Carter gets her mind set on something there's no stopping her, it was either help her or risk her doing it herself." Jack said noticing the look Sam gave him and had to look away.
Sam couldn't believe that the colonel was throwing her to the wolves like that, well Janet that is.
"Well at least things are looking up, what Carter did worked and now Teal'c and Daniel have been proven innocent." Jack said smiling, hoping to get Fraiser in a better mood.
"Have they been informed yet Sir?" Sam asked.
"Nope, they're on their way here now so we can tell them. By the way Doc, how is old Stan doing?"
"Actually he's doing very well, another couple of days in the infirmary under observation then he can join Lt. Simms in a cell." Janet paused for a moment, "Ah Sam I did notice that even though you healed his brain injury his nose is still broken."
Sam could only grin at that observation, "Well Janet I was kinda weak…and didn't want to overtax myself."
Jack couldn't help but snicker at that comment, then saw Daniel and Teal'c enter the room.
"Hey Jack, we got your page what's up?" Daniel asked, as he took in the sight of Janet at Sam's bedside.
"Are you alright Sam, did anything happen?" Daniel said getting worried looking from Sam to Janet.
"I'll let these two explain it to you two." Janet said walking away from Sam and out of the room.
"Well Daniel, Teal'c; there's been a break in the case…I'm afraid you two…oh geez how the hell am I supposed to tell them this Carter?"
"That's okay Sir, I'll tell them if you want me to." Sam said watching Daniel start to squirm and Teal'c just remain as solemn as ever.
"Look Daniel Teal'c the break in the case is that you two have been exonerated."
"No way! Were innocent…wait did you say exonerated?" Daniel stuttered out.
Jack couldn't hide his smile any longer he slapped both Daniel and Teal'c on the back, "Yes Daniel, it means you've been proven innocent."
"This is indeed good news O'Neill, how did this come to pass?" Teal'c asked.
Jack wondered if Teal'c ever showed joy or happiness. "Well you two have Carter to thank. You know the only witness to the attack on Stan was Stan."
"Oh no Sam you didn't. You healed that bastard didn't you?" Daniel said feeling guilty that his friend put herself at risk for him.
"Um, guilty as charged I'm afraid." Sam said sheepishly.
Teal'c stepped up to Sam's bedside and put his hand on her forearm. "I am very grateful Major Carter." Then he bowed his head to her.
"You are very welcome Teal'c, I'm just glad it worked out in the end thanks to Colonel O'Neill."
Daniel and Teal'c both looked over at Jack. "Hey Carter did all the hard work, I just provided a little backup.
"So what's happening with the lawyers, I mean are we free to finally leave the base?" Daniel asked.
"Yep they have everything they need to charge Simms with the attack and the General is up to date with everything.
"So I guess that means everything's back to normal with us." Daniel said cheerfully unable to hide the grin on his face.
"Well almost back to normal." Jack said looking at Sam.
"Hey Daniel could you do me a favour?" Sam asked.
"For you Sam anything."
"As would I Major Carter." Teal'c added.
"Okay, could you two talk Janet into letting me out of this place?"
Daniel and Teal'c looked at each other then said at the same time.
"Daniel Jackson would be happy to."
"Sure Teal'c can do that for you."
Jack couldn't help but laugh at the two. "Where's your courage guys?"
Sam just cleared her throat at Jack's comment knowing he had the same fear.
Janet walked back into the room and noticed four sets of eyes on her. "Ah, what's going on?"
The three men looked at each other, then Teal'c spoke up. "Daniel Jackson would like to discuss a matter with you Dr. Fraiser."
Daniel looked angrily at Teal'c. "Gee thanks Teal'c." Teal'c bowed his head at Daniel as Daniel continued. "Well Janet, um, you see…um"
"Geez Daniel I thought you were the linguist here." Jack said getting annoyed at Daniel.
"Look Doc, Carter wants out of here and to go home." Jack said as quickly as he could.
"She does, does she?" Janet said looking from Jack to Sam.
"Yes she does, and if you keep her in here, who knows how many patients of yours she's going to heal? She just might put you out of business."
Janet couldn't help but shake her head at the show O'Neill was putting on.
"Look Janet we took care of Sam before we can do it again. I think she should be able to get out of here and get some real rest at home." Daniel said finally getting into the argument.
Jack's face paled a little when he thought of what was waiting for Sam at her house. He didn't know if she was ready to face the fact that someone had been killed in her bedroom leaving a rather gruesome bloodstain on her carpet.
"Ah guys you know I have more room at my place, we could take care of Carter there." Jack said hoping Daniel and Teal'c would catch on.
"Colonel I think I'd rather go to my own home, and I can look after myself." Carter told Jack feeling frustrated.
Janet thought about for a few moments, "Well Sam, as I see it I can't have you around here healing all my patients, but I won't let you out of here unless you agree to accept help from your teammates."
Jack clapped his hands together loudly. "Well now that that's settled, let's see about getting you home; ah that is to my home."
"But Sir…"
"No buts Carter, you heard the Doc, it's either here or my place."
"Well Carter?" Jack said looking at her.
"I'm thinking …Sir." Sam said trying to hide a grin.
"Okay, as long as I can get out of here." Sam said starting to try and get out of the bed.
"Not so fast Major. I have your meds and instructions to get ready then I'll get one of the nurses to help you get dressed, unless you want to get out of here wearing one of our hospital gowns."
"Well that would be a fashion statement." Daniel said grinning.
"Come back in about an hour and everything should be ready for Sam to leave." Janet said, she really didn't want to let Sam out of the infirmary but decided that she just might get some rest if she was away from the mountain.
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Jack, Daniel and Teal'c were waiting in the cafeteria. Jack had already talked to Hammond about their plans to take care of Carter and was glad when he agreed to give the team the time off to do so.
"So what do you think guys?" Jack asked.
"If you're sure she won't mind I have no problem with it, what about you Teal'c?'
"I too am willing to do what ever it takes to help Major Carter." Teal'c said agreeing.
"Okay then, let's get this show on the road." Jack said getting up from the table followed by Teal'c and Daniel.
The three of them went to the infirmary to find Sam waiting 'patiently' for them.
"Oh hey Carter, I see the Doc here supplied you with a new wheelchair." Jack said walking up to Sam.
"Yea well the other one is now in a scrap heap, and Janet and I have reached an agreement." Sam said looking over to Janet.
"Yes Sam we have, Sam only has to use the wheelchair for the trip to your car Sir. After that she has to keep her walking to a minimum and use this." Janet said reluctantly holding up a cane and handing it to Daniel.
"Um okay." Daniel said a little flustered grabbing the cane from an irate looking Janet. Obviously, she and Sam must have been arguing before they came in, or she would have handed it to Sam.
"Here's the instructions." Janet said moving around from Sam and handing them to Jack along with a plastic bag. "And her meds; make sure she takes them on time and WHEN NEEDED Sir."
'Oh yeah, Carter must have pissed of the doc.' Jack thought to himself. "Don't worry Doc, Carter's in good hands."
"Are we ready to go yet?" Sam asked resting her forehead in her hand and shaking her head.
"Yes Sam, you can go now." Janet said letting out a sigh as she watched the colonel wheel Sam out followed by Daniel and Teal'c. 'I hope they know what they're getting themselves into.'
"Ah Jack why don't you and Sam go on ahead, Teal'c and I have a few things we need to attend to." Daniel said.
"Both of you?" Sam said puzzled.
"Indeed we do." Teal'c answered.
"Okay, we'll see you at my place later." Jack said as the elevator door opened and he wheeled Sam in.
Daniel watched the elevator doors close, "So are you ready Teal'c?"
"Indeed I am I hope Major Carter will approve." Teal'c said bowing his head.
"Oh boy, I hope so."