Consciousness returns more slowly than it went. First come the sounds; a soft rhythmic beeping and the murmur of hushed voices. Then light that dissolves into shapes, slowly gaining clarity. The first thing I see is a lamp that flickers at irregular intervals. I quickly surmise that I'm in a bed and that I am not wearing my protective suit. I turn my head and sight the owners of the voices. I recognize two at once, Carter and Daniel. There's also a stout man with the air of commander and a short woman in a white coat. She has to be the doctor. I strain to hear what they are saying.
"It's an unknown pathogen, sir. Most likely native to P3A-421. The extraordinary thing is that even though this disease doesn't exist here on Earth, everyone I have tested show a strong active immunity to it. And we've tested pretty much everyone on the base, sir."
"Does that mean we can we synthesize a cure for our guest?"
"I believe so."
"Good, get…"
"Ey, doc! She's awake."
I know that voice. I spin my head around so fast I get a little dizzy. O'Neill is seated on the bed next to mine, eating something yellowish and half translucent from a cup. He waves at me with the spoon and lobs another load into his mouth.
The doctor appears on my left. She looks kind.
"Hi, there. I'm Dr. Fraiser. You're going to be okay, kid."
Instinctively I shake my head and protest, tears welling up in my eyes.
"There is no cure for the scourge."
She places a reassuring hand on my shoulder.
"Don't you worry. We'll make one."
"How? My people have tried for years and failed. It's impossible."
"Our people are immune to the 'scourge'. We have a kind of medicine in our bodies and we can transfer it to you."
I am at a loss for words. I stare at her with my mouth half open. She pats me on the shoulder and leaves with a smile. The commander gives me a nod.
"Welcome to Earth," he says and leaves as well, trailed by Carter and Daniel, who both give me a wave goodbye.
That only leaves O'Neill. He makes no move to leave, just readjusts his seat on the bed and scrapes the bottom of his cup.
"Is that stuff any good?" I ask him and he grins.
"I could even tell you what's in it. Nurse! Can we have some more jello here? And remember, no green."
The End
...for now