Carolyn was sleeping soundly when she heard a noise in the room. Vala's monitor was beeping frantically. Vala could not breathe properly and her vitals were falling. Carolyn immediately jumped into action. She called the medic to assist her in ventilating Vala. Fluid had built up in her lungs and Carolyn had to act fast or she would die. Vala was in pain and trying not to panic. Her eyes were glossy and every breath felt like an elephant was on her chest. Carolyn could see Vala's face contort in pain and she was coughing up flem, her face looked clammy and she was sweating profusely. Carolyn checked her pulse and and the medic checked her blood pressure and heart rate, each was very low. Carolyn put her on emergency ventilation and informed the medic that they needed an emergency X-Ray exam to see where the fluid was building and what damage it was causing.
The team leader was alerted to Vala's condition and met Dr. Lam at the X-Ray room. The technician completed a full X-Ray and Carolyn put the negatives on the light table. She didn't like what she saw. There was white shadowing in Vala's left lung which meant she was not getting enough air flow and fluid had set in her lungs. Carolyn had to act fast. She immediately started Intubating Vala first. Carolyn with the medic assisting her inserted a flexible plastic tube down Vala's windpipe to provide ventilation. She then inflated a bulb near the distal tip of the tube to help secure it in place and protect the airway from blood, vomit, and secretions and attached her to an automatic ventilation system.
Carolyn watched Vala blood pressure and breathing closely. After a few agonizing minutes Vala was breathing easier and her blood pressure and heart rate were back to normal.
"She's out of danger now; I need her back in her room for intensive care." Carolyn mentioned to the medic.
"Yes, Dr. Lam, I'll check Ms. Doran's vitals every hour on the hour. You should get some sleep; I'll keep watch and let the Team leader know of any change to her condition."
"No, I'm not leaving her. I know you're fully capable of watching her, but she's my friend and I like to take personal care of her."
Very well Doctor. We can move her back to her room. I will set up a cot for you to sleep in her room if you like. I'm sure the Team leader would want to make sure that you get your rest."
The team leader was listening from outside the infirmary and was impressed at Dr. Lam's expertise. He made sure that there was a cot set up when the medic and Carolyn rolled Vala back into her observed room. The soldiers remained outside the entrance to guard their prisoners.
Carolyn saw the team leader out of the corner of her eyes and said nothing to respond to him. Once the medic and Carolyn had Vala settled in for intensive care he left and reported immediately to the Team Leader.
"What is her condition now?" asked the team leader to the medic. "She's stable now; Dr. Lam is quite experienced with the intubation procedure. Ms Doran could of died, but Dr. Lam has stabilized her and she will need to be watched for the next 72 hours. Dr. Lam insisted she watch over Ms Doran. I will keep monitoring her vitals every hour and kept you informed Sir."
"Make sure you do that." The Team leader was curt to make sure the medic understood all reports of Vala Mol Doran and Dr. Lam cam immediately to him.
The Team leader watched Carolyn a few moments as she settled in and left. Carolyn was upset at herself for nodding off and not watching Vala more closely. She knew there was a high risk of infection from the gun wound and she knew if she had her own people watching Vala this may not have happened. Carolyn settled her seat next to Vala and was relieved that Vala's breathing was even as she slept.
"Vala, you almost scared me to death. I wish we were back at my infirmary as SGC. I know that SG1 and my father are going to get us out of this mess and find us. I promise Vala, I promise I won't let anything happen to you. You cared enough about me to take me out and enjoy the day and then this happened. I'm going to make sure they pay for what they did to you. Rest now, I'm right here; Do you hear me? I'm going to make sure I take care of you this time. Rest, I'll be here when you wake."
Carolyn sat back in her chair to watch Vala sleep. Carolyn thought she had almost lost a dear friend and she would have to explain to SG1 what happened. But the worst would be to lose Vala and not know why they were kidnapped. Carolyn had made a promise that day that no matter what happened to her she would make sure her new found friend would survive.