A/N: There are no TWs for this chapter. (After that last chapter, I don't think there are many more I could add anyway!).
"Major Carter is stable, sir," Janet told General Hammond as he, Jack, Teal'c, and Daniel stood up when she entered the conference room.
"Thank god," Jack sank back into his chair as relief washed over him. He'd refused to allow anyone to tend to him after ordering the medical team to transport her directly to the SGC infirmary. A civilian hospital had been closer, but he refused to trust any place where the CSPD could come charging in, trying to claim jurisdiction.
"I successfully excised all the necrotic tissue from her wounds," Janet explained. "You saved her life, sir," she nodded to Jack. "That was quick thinking with the calcium gluconate. It slowed down the hydrofluoric acid enough that we could stop its progression before it reached a vital organ."
"It was Carter's idea," Jack said from his chair.
Janet nodded. "While she will make a full recovery, Sam's body has been through a lot," she sighed deeply. "She's going to need to be monitored for the next 48 hours. After that, I'll release her to go home once I'm satisfied she won't be in significant pain, but only if someone stays with her at all times. Given the severity of her injuries, she won't be mobile anytime soon. She'll also need someone to help change the dressings covering her wounds."
"I'll stay with her," Jack answered before anyone else could offer, drawing a sharp look from Hammond. At this point, Jack simply didn't care. There was no way he was letting Sam out of his sight.
"Very well," Janet said at the General's nod.
"When can we see her?" Daniel asked.
"Not for a few hours," Janet told them. "She's in recovery now. I'll let you know once she wakes up."
"Very well, Doctor," Hammond nodded. "Colonel," he addressed Jack. "Why don't you go get checked out."
"I'm fine," Jack replied.
"Why don't you let me be the judge of that," Janet said, gesturing for Jack to follow her. When they stepped into the infirmary, Janet pointed to a table and pulled out her stethoscope once Jack took a seat. She listened to his heart and lungs then shined a penlight into his eyes and drew some blood. "Cassie told me what happened."
"I'm sorry, Janet," Jack sighed deeply.
"Cassie told me how you found her," Janet ignored his apology. "How you made sure she was safe before leaving. Thank you, sir."
"It shouldn't have even happened," Jack growled. "If the police had done their damn jobs. If I had thought to call and check on Shanahan's arrest."
"Neither of which are your fault," she motioned for him to take off his shirt and examined him for any signs of damage. Finding none, she asked him about other possible injuries. His wrists were raw from the restraints, but he was otherwise okay, so she applied a healing salve and bandaged them.
"He tortured her because of me," Jack said softly. "Made me tell her—" he clenched his jaw. "Never mind."
Janet pursed her lips into a thin line as a thought began to form. She glanced at a closed door then back at Jack. "Come with me," she ordered, having made a decision.
Jack followed her to an observation room. As soon as he crossed over the threshold he knew which room they were in. It was the same one Sam had been in after her disappearance aboard the Prometheus. Once again, she lay on a hospital bed hooked up to wires and monitors.
"Sit," Janet pointed to an infirmary chair and waited for Jack to comply. "Talk to her," she told him. "She always has trouble coming out of anesthesia. Let her know she's not alone. And have a nurse page me when Sam wakes up." Janet left through the same door, closing it behind her.
Jack closed his eyes for a few seconds, needing a moment to gather his thoughts. He scrubbed a hand across his face as images of the last time he sat next to her bed flashed through his mind. Opening his eyes, he looked at her still form and a million emotions swirled inside him.
"I'm so sorry, Sam," he touched a finger to the back of her hand. Her fingers twitched. "Sam?" He said again, scooting his chair closer. When she didn't respond, he slipped his fingers beneath hers. Her hand flexed, fingers curling into his.
"I'm here," he told her, tenderly brushing her hair back from her forehead with his other hand, not caring who might be watching from the observation window above. "I'm here," he said again. "Come on back whenever you're ready."
Sam fought against the darkness pushing her under. She was so tired of the dark. She craved the light, but couldn't find it anywhere in the sea of blackness surrounding her. Hopelessness filled her. It was no use. The darkness would never end.
"I'm so sorry, Sam," his voice was faint, but it rang across the vast blackness.
"Jack," she tried to answer, but his name died in her throat.
"Sam?" He called again. Clearer but still so far away.
"I'm here!" She tried to call out to him, but again, only a breath passed from her lips. Sorrow filled her for surely he would leave never knowing how hard she was trying to reach him.
But then his voice echoed hers. "I'm here," Jack answered. "Come back to me." With his words came the light. The suddenness of it blinding. The triumphant brilliance dulled only by the pain that accompanied it. Because that was the balance. The trade demanded.
"Jack?" The sound of his name on her own lips brought her out of the anesthesia. Squinting against the fluorescent lighting, she sought his face, knowing he was there.
"I'm here," he assured her and gently squeezed her hand.
"Stay," She murmured, incapable of asking more, but knowing he'd understand.
"Always," he whispered. His soft promise tugged her lips into a smile as she slipped back into oblivion.
Post Note: Let the healing begin! I promise, everything I've put them through will be worth it.