Wormhole reality

Chapter 4

The operation was done on Camilla to remove the bullet. It was successful; she is now recuperating in the infirmary.

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I was aware of everyone and everything around me but couldn't open my eyes. I tried but they won't budge. I was probably heavily sedated. Could recognize the voices without even seeing who they belonged to.

"She was extremely lucky. The bullet did not touch any major organs. But it shattered a bit of pelvic bone."

"What's her condition, Doctor?"

"Well, I gave her a sedative, so she would sleep and a pain reliever, but she is stable. She just needs rest for the time being."

"Thank you. I will check on her status later. Please keep me apprised of any changes and especially when she wakes up, I want to hear what she has to say for herself."

General Hammond's and Doctor Fraiser's voices were unmistakable and sounded as a relief to me. I was alive and not in jail after all.

"Daniel, you need your rest too." Doctor Fraiser's voice was strict.

"I'm sorry, Janet, I can't leave Camilla, I need to be here when she wakes up." Daniel's voice was so close, I wanted to see him. Was he sitting by my side the whole time after the surgery?

"And you will see her, you just need to sleep. Please, Daniel, as your Doctor, I must insist."

"I can't…it's all my fault she got shot. I appreciate you worrying about me, but I'll stay. I can sleep in this chair, it's fine. And plus, I got coffee."

"It's not your fault and you know it."

"Well, I didn't pull the trigger, but I should've kept my mouth shut about her knowing everything."

"Look, the airman who did it, will be court marshaled, if that makes you feel better…"

"It doesn't, actually. He heard her saying "I am armed" instead of "unarmed"; it was just an impulse."

"I thought they were trained for situations like this. Just an impulse!"

"Yes, well, it still happened."

The familiar sound of claxons roared and then Walter's voice announced over the intercom: "Doctor Fraiser to the gate room!"

"Well, that's my cue." The sound of Doctor Fraiser's footsteps faded from the infirmary.

I tried to open my eyes and this time they opened. My whole body felt weak and exhausted, I couldn't even get up.

"Feels like I was hit by a track." My voice was hoarse and not louder than a whisper.

"Cam!" Daniel hopped from the chair he was sitting and sat on the edge of my bed. He put his hand on my face and was gently stroking it.

"How are you feeling?"

"Actually, I don't feel much, Doctor Fraiser must have given me a pretty good pain medication. I am thirsty though." Daniel got up and handed me a glass of water. After I gulped it, he continued sitting on the edge of my bed and gazing into my eyes.

"Cam, I just wanted to tell you how sor…"

"I know, I heard everything. You don't have to apologize, please. And I really appreciate you looking after me like this. I mean I may know everyone and everything here but they don't know me and I feel very lonely."

"I'm not going anywhere. I'm here for you."

"Thanks." He just smiled and replied: "You're welcome."

I was looking at him, lost in his blue eyes.

"Daniel, there is something you should know…"

"Oh, for crying out loud, Daniel!" jack and Sam entered the infirmary.

"I saw Fraiser on the way here, she told you to get some rest!"

"Jack! Sam!" I rose from my bed as much as I could to get a good look at the newcomers.

"Well, I guess introductions are not needed here."

"Daniel, you've been up since you went to that museum of yours, I'm ordering you to get some shut-eye."

"You can't order me, Jack. And I don't feel like sleeping anyway. It's only my third coffee cup so far." Daniel thought his little joke could soften Jack's nasty mood but he was wrong.

"And by the way, young lady" – he turned his attention to me – "that's Colonel to you, not first-name basis."

"Listen, Jack, fictional characters are not allowed to order me!" I wasn't trying to be an ass but with Jack you just couldn't not to.

"Excuse me?"

"Sir, may I?" Sam pleaded with O'Neill to calm down and came up closer to me.

"Camilla, is it?"

"Yes."

"Could you tell us how you know…well, what you know, please? We were sketchy on the details."

"Sure. But before I say anything, could I just ask you you to do me a favor, Sam?"

"Of course."

"Do you have SCI-FI channel here?"

"Yes, we do."

"Well, would you check what's on Friday at 9pm?"

"Well, I can tell you right now because I love that channel. I believe it's Star Wars TV show, it's Teal'c's favorite. Why?"

"Star Wars? Are you sure? It doesn't make any sense."

At that moment General Hammond entered, followed by Dr. Fraiser.

"So, will you quit dancing around and just answer Carter's question already!" Jack was irritated.

"Jack, will you be nicer to her, please." Daniel asked him.

"Daniel, that's just how I always talk."

"No, it's not"

"Yes, it is."

"No, it's…"

I sighed.

"I don't think you're real. You're all a figment of my imagination. Because where I'm from (wherever that is), you are all part of a TV show called Stargate SG-1, played by actors."

They all looked at each other in silence.

"You're fictional characters. You're not real. And as much as I love you guys and the show, I don't think I belong here."

Tears streaked down my cheek.