FIVE

"Hi Dad," Sam greeted her father, Jacob Carter, with a hug as he strolled out of the wormhole and down the gate ramp towards her. She leaned her head on his shoulder and allowed him to hold her for awhile, having missed him since he'd been unable to visit Earth for awhile due to business with the Tok'ra.

"It's good to see you Jacob," General Hammond greeted his old friend with a kind voice and smile.

Removing himself slowly from his daughter's embrace, Jacob smiled with a slight nod before shaking the General's hand. "Likewise George," He grinned as Hammond waved them out of the gate room.

"Let's go to my office," The General suggested, leading the way and gesturing for Major Carter to join them.

-

"Janet?" Sam stepped into the infirmary with her father, looking for the doctor. It was SOP for anyone coming through the gate to get a routine check-up, and Jacob insisted getting it over with so he'd have time to spend with his daughter. However, Sam was concerned to find Janet busily working around Jack with some of her nursing staff. More tubes and wires were sticking out of the Colonel than she rememebered, and it caused an icy shell to form around her heart as fear gripped her. "Janet, what's going on?" Sam failed to hide the waver in her voice.

"I'm afraid Colonel O'Neill's not doing very well Sam," Janet told her somberly as she adjusted an oxygen mask over Jack's sweaty face. "I've been running tests but I can't seem to find out what's wrong," She frowned helplessly, a hopeless look in her dark eyes. "He hasn't got another bleed anywhere, but he's just getting worse,"

The expression on Janet's face shook Sam to her very core. It was like she'd completely given up hope. Gripping her father's arm for comfort, she turned to look at him with pleading, tear-glazed eyes. "Is there something the Tok'ra can do Dad? ...Please,"

Jacob looked into his daughter's glistening baby-blues and it just broke his heart. He could see straight away just how much she loved the man lying sick as a dog on the infirmary bed. Jack was a friend as well, almost like another son. He had to do something for him. "Still have that healing device?"

Sam's eyes widened with new-found hope. She turned to the doctor. "Janet, what do you think?"

"Well, with the General's permission-"

"Granted," came a confident and commanding voice.

All eyes shifted to the doorway. General George Hammond stood with a solemn gaze drifting over his Second in Command.

"I want you to know that I may not be able to heal him completely," Jacob spoke up, trying not to get their hopes too high. He'd do what he could to help Jack, but the Goa'uld healing device was no sarcophagus by any means and couldn't quite work miracles of that magnitude.

"Understood Jacob. Do what you can," Hammond nodded toward his old friend, then looked between Janet and Sam before leaving to retrieve the device from lock-up.

While the others momentarily left the room to discuss some things, Sam sidled up to Jack's bed and took his hand that was free of IV needles and other medical doohickeys. Smiling warmly, though her eyes showed the overwhelming anxiety she was feeling, Sam lightly stroked his hand in hers. "Hey former roommate," she greeted gently in what she hoped was a somewhat-cheerful tone.

Jack's eyelids dragged open slowly, a weak smirk spreading across his face. "Hey," His voice was quiet and muffled beneath the oxygen mask, but he made no move to pull it away.

Sam struggled to keep her emotions in check while his eyes were locked onto hers. All she wanted to do was lay her head on his chest to make sure his heart kept beating. It was obvious that Jack was a very sick man, and if the Goa'uld device didn't help him, Sam was certain he wouldn't be with her much longer, and that scared her to death.

"Dad's here, and he's going to use the healing device on you to help," Sam explained, struggling to keep her tone painfully neutral while she still held his hand. Noticing the deep furrow between Jack's brows, she smiled sadly. "You're very sick Colonel, and Janet doesn't know what's wrong. She's been doing all she can, running tests, using different medications and all..." she sighed softly. "Nothing's helping sir," Sam eyed him steadily, trying to detect his thoughts on the idea of using Goa'uld technology on him. "Are you alright with that Colonel? If my Dad uses the healing device on you?"

Nodding slightly in assent, Jack breathed slowly and allowed his eyes to close for a long moment. "Sure Carter," It seemed awhile before he found the strength to speak again. "Tell..Jacob...thanks,"

"Think nothing of it Jack," Jacob said in a cheerful tone as he stepped into the infirmary with the healing device, followed by Dr. Fraiser, General Hammond, Daniel, and even Teal'c. All were clearly worried about the stubborn Colonel that was obviously very ill. When Jacob moved closer to stand at the side of Jack's bed, he settled the Goa'uld device on his hand and lowered his head, relinquishing control to his symbiote, the Tok'ra, Selmak. "As Jacob has already forewarned, I'd like to reiterate that this may not be efficient enough to heal Colonel O'Neill completely," the deep voice of the Tok'ra boomed while his sympathetic gaze drifted around the room, resting briefly on each of Jack's friends.

"We understand," General Hammond spoke up, his face expressionless, voice neutral. Only the General's slight shift in posture hinted at the emotions the man was keeping in check. He knew he had to be strong for the others. It was his duty, his job as their Commanding Officer, and head of the SGC.

Janet noticed the steady beeps of the heart monitor were increasing and becoming slightly erratic as the seconds passed. She shot a look toward the Tok'ra with a steady nod, urging him to go ahead.

Selmak reached over Jack's body as the monitors began going haywire, signaling a rapid decline in his health. The Tok'ra closed his eyes, bowing his head slightly in concentration. A bright orange glow errupted from the hand device as it was activated.

Jack's chest rose steadily as he breathed in deep, the power of the Goa'uld device already helping. His eyes were closed and he appeared to be unconscious, the erratic beeps of the monitors settling back to the normal rhythm they once held before.

The glow of the healing device soon faded, and Selmak rose his head, letting his host be in control once more. Jacob now drew back the device and lowered his hands, turning to the others in the room. "We've done all we could. He's better, but we can't yet be sure if he's been completely healed." With sympathy in his eyes, Jacob looked to his daughter briefly. He saw the desperation in her eyes and knew that she needed Jack to be alright.

"Thank you Jacob," Hammond thanked his old friend with a firm handshake and a nod, gratefulness clear in his wise blue eyes.

Returning the handshake and smiling tightly, Jacob shared a brief look with his daughter once more before leaving the infirmary with the General.

Janet quickly checked the monitors before speaking to the remaining three in the room; Daniel, Sam, and Teal'c. "I'm sure the Colonel will be out of it for awhile. He needs to rest." She smiled gently as both Daniel and Teal'c gave their reluctant nods. It was obvious that Sam was more than a little reluctant to leave Jack's side.

Daniel and Teal'c's concerned gazes lingered momentarily on their unconscious friend, hopeful and confident that he had been healed. They left slowly, one after the other, each promising to return later.

With both men gone, Janet moved beside Sam and laid a consoling hand on her shoulder. "How's your head?" She asked casually, taking her friend's focus off Jack for the moment.

Barely remembering about her own injury, Sam released a quiet sigh and smiled wearily. "It's fine."

"Anymore headaches? Dizziness?" Janet prompted when Sam turned to face her.

"Only if I get up too fast after laying down or sitting for awhile, but not bad," Sam assured her. A quiet moment passed between the two, and she sighed, running a hand through her hair, feeling useless and worn out.

Janet looked at her with a concerned, doctorly gaze. "Sam, I want you to go get some rest okay?"

Glaring with mock-anger, Sam gave the doctor a look before dropping her head and smiling slightly with a slow shake of her head. "General Hammond's finally scheduled the debriefing. It starts at 1400."

Glancing sideways to find the clock, Janet then swung her gaze back around at Sam. She smirked slightly. "That gives you two and a half hours to get some sleep." With a light smile, she tugged on Sam's arm and gave her a friendly shove toward the door. "Go on now Major, that's an order,"

Sighing heavily, Sam gave in, knowing she had no other choice. "Yes Ma'am," she mumbled, skulking slowly out of the infirmary.

-

Finding herself only able to sleep for a mere forty-five minutes, Sam had laid awake in her on-base quarters, letting her mind wander. When it came to be time for the long overdue debriefing, she was surprised to find her father in attendance. Giving him a quizzical look, she rose an eyebrow dubiously.

Sensing her confusion, General Hammond spoke up. "Jacob is joining us in this debriefing because Selmak has information regarding the aliens on P8Y-974, thanks to some of the research Dr. Jackson has provided, as well as his theories."

"Theories?" Sam questioned interestedly while she took a seat beside Daniel and across from her father.

"Uh, yeah, I discovered several bits of research that possibly point out that humans originally from Earth once occupied P8Y-974. There were several artifacts and clues suggesting that these humans were taken over and destroyed by the dominating alien species." Daniel explained energetically.

"Well, you are partially correct Dr. Jackson," Selmak took control, the deep alien voice emanating from Jacob Carter, "However, the aliens you encountered did not destroy the humans once occupying the planet," he continued with a dramatic pause, ready to gauge everyone's reactions. "They are the humans."

Daniel and Sam's mouths both gaped open slightly while Teal'c slowly rose an eyebrow in interest, and General Hammond's eyes widened.

"What are you saying?" Hammond was the first to break the tense silence.

Bowing his head momentarily, Jacob then rose his chin, his own voice coming from his mouth while his symbiote took a back seat. "It appears that the Goa'uld were the dominating species on the planet that destroyed the original humans. But they didn't exactly destroy them. Instead, they experimented upon them, merging them with other mammals inhabiting the planet at the time, many, many years ago. The original humans weren't brought there by the Goa'uld, they were descendants from the Ancients, transported to P8Y-974 by the Asgard for protection. The Asgard hadn't known of the Goa'ulds presence on that planet at the time and therefore thought the humans would be safe."

Daniel held a contemplative expression for a long while before voicing his thoughts. "But why would they capture us? It just doesn't make sense." He leaned against the table.

"Maybe by capturing us, they were trying to find a way to return themselves to normal?" Sam threw out the suggestion with a partial shrug.

"Perhaps they planned to experiment upon us after simply observing our behaviors to discover whether we were truly like they once were." Teal'c spoke for the first time since the debriefing began.

"I agree," Jacob nodded, folding his hands on the table in front of him. "I'm just wondering why the Goa'uld decided to leave them alone when they could have possibly proven to be strong, capable hosts in their altered states."

Teal'c's brows furrowed momentarily "Perhaps their altered physiology was not compatible with that of the Goa'uld."

"Wouldn't the Goa'uld have more than likely destroyed them then?" Sam guessed out loud, trying to understand the situation.

Daniel turned in his chair to face General Hammond. "Another visit to the planet may be necessary General. It could be very important for us to find out why the Goa'uld didn't just kill all the aliens off. Recon mission sir?"

With a reluctant sigh, the General nodded, knowing how right Dr. Jackson was. He looked over at Jacob. "I'll need all the intel the Tok'ra can provide before sending any teams on this mission,"

Jacob nodded willingly, then sent a cautious sideways glance Sam's way. He could tell she was still unsettled at the reminder of what had happened on that planet, and that she was still worried about Colonel O'Neill.

-

Uncomfortable and groggy, Jack fought his way to consciousness with slowly fluttering eyelids. A voice nearby caught his attention, but the only thing dancing within his vision was blurred images in dark shades of grey. The last thing he remembered was feeling pain, and blearily noticing Jacob hovering over him with one of those Goa'uld doohickeys that glowed orange.

"Colonel? Can you hear me?" Sam's gentle voice trailed off sadly, her words breaking up as he failed to respond, only managing to look terribly confused. "Jack," she whispered his name desperately, thankful that no one else was around to hear her being so informal with him. Reaching out hesitantly, she grasped his hand and squeezed it urgently in her own. "Jack, please,"

"Yeah...I'm here," he whispered hoarsely, eyes still glazed though he seemed to be trying to focus. Jack squeezed Sam's hand in return as a sign of reassurance.

She smiled, eyes glassy with unshed tears of sudden relief. Sam's expression quickly changed to concern, her brows knitting together as she regarded him carefully. "Feeling okay?"

"Yeah...actually," Jack answered quietly with a satisfied grin.

Standing slowly, Sam released his hand that she hadn't been aware she was still holding. Smiling warmly at him, she glanced back toward the door. "I'll go let Janet know you're awake, sir,"

Jack simply blinked in response, still feeling rather drained. He let his eyes linger closed once more as Sam left to retrieve the doctor, who would undoubtedly want to run some tests, or atleast give him the once-over. Before he knew it, Janet's voice was calling out to him. Jack's eyes snapped open as he jerked to full alertness, blinking rapidly and wondering if he'd accidently dozed off in the short time it took for Sam to bring Dr. Fraiser into the infirmary.

"Colonel," Janet smiled warmly, delighted to see him awake. The color had returned to his face, and he appeared much more lively, despite seeming a bit tired. "Sam tells me you're feeling better," Her eyes drifted over the monitor screens, taking in every detail, every change in the readings from earlier. "Your stats are nearly back to normal," the doctor remarked gladly.

Grinning, Jack slowly sat up, fighting back the sudden wave of dizziness and trying not to let it show. Carefully, he swung his long legs over the side of the bed, mindful of Dr. Fraiser's watchful eye. He was thankfully aware he had scrubs bottoms on instead of the usual revealing gown, but his chest was bare, only covered by monitor wires and bandages.

"Colonel," the doctor warned with a mild glare. "Lay back so I can examine you."

Grunting with a reluctant sigh, Jack did as he was told and laid back, arms resting at either side of him. "I'm all yours Doc," He decided just to humor the woman, hoping that she'd leave him alone once she was satisfied his health was no longer at risk.

Sam saw Janet roll her eyes, and she quirked a small smile. She watched the doctor go about removing the bandage over the Colonel's abdomen, aware that the dark bruising which once clearly marked his torso had completely disappeared.

Brows furrowing in concentration, Janet was amazed to find not even a faint scar from surgery left on Colonel O'Neill's flesh. Her fingers gently probed, her eyes fixed on Jack's face, searching for any signs of discomfort caused by her actions. "Any pain at all?"

"Nope," Jack grinned victoriously. She'd certainly have to release him from the infirmary since he was perfectly healthy now.

Briefly, Janet shared a glance with Sam before focusing on her patient once more. "I'd like to perform an MRI just to be sure your internal organs are all undamaged."

Sighing heavily, Jack groaned in protest. "C'mon Doc, I'm fine!" He glared fiercely, but the small woman was unaffected.

"Doesn't matter," Janet shook her head at him, smiling ruefully. "Until the results come back, you're not going anywhere," Her gaze shifted to Sam. "After a few tests I'm putting you in charge of looking after him while I go over everything," She smiled, hiding a smirk, though her dark eyes twinkled mischievously.

Jack sat back and stilled, trying to hide a faint grin. Atleast I'll get something outta this, he thought, now smirking openly. Any time given to be around Sam more was well worth it. In the past few days he'd felt the urge to be closer to her both physically and emotionally, more than usual.

Sam smiled slightly, dropping her chin to try and hide the flushing of her cheeks.

"Well, Colonel," Janet pressed her hand to Jack's forehead before flashing a penlight in each of his eyes as she spoke, "You haven't had anything in your stomach for a while now, what do you think about getting something to eat?"

"Hm," Jack grinned, thinking for a moment. Then his stomach growled, answering the question for him. "I think that sounds like a good idea,"

"Okay," Janet nodded to him with a slight smile. "But after the tests. I'll have Teal'c or Daniel bring something down for you."

Jack groaned, but otherwise gave up complaining. He sighed, giving in to Dr. Fraiser's wishes and deciding to be compliant while she ran a few tests.

-