-12th November-
"Hey doc." John said hopping onto a gurney.
"Colonel, how was the mission?"
"Full of hours of negotiations, what more could I want?"
"At least there were no Wraith." Jennifer said.
"Or clowns." John added.
"Clowns?"
"Pet hate." John said. "So how's it been here?"
"No Wraith or clowns here either."
"Good to hear. Don't take this the wrong way, but if there were no Wraith or clowns why do you look so tired?"
"We are short staffed and a bug has been doing the rounds so I'm on doubles at the moment."
"Try to take it easy."
"Worse case it is only for another three weeks."
"That's right, I forgot you were abandoning us." John grinned.
"Only temporarily."
"Seven weeks is a long time, who'll patch us all up?"
"All the new staff the Daedalus is bringing." Jennifer said.
"Anyone would think you are looking forward to heading back to Earth and spending Christmas with your family."
"Can't imagine why." Jennifer smiled. "You're all set."
"Thanks doc. And doc, make sure you get some rest."
"I'll try." Jennifer said as Marie rushed over.
"Doctor, there is an emergency in the control room."
"What is it?" Jennifer asked.
"Captain Harwell's team is bringing back an eight year old with a gunshot wound."
"What happened?" John asked jumping off the gurney.
"No idea." Marie said.
"He'll probably need surgery." Jennifer said to the nurse. "Prepare things down here."
"Yes doctor."
-00-
Three hours later Jennifer stared down at the body of the lifeless eight old before her. Her arms, hands and chest were covered in blood, the boy's blood. Shaking her head sadly she called the time of death and walked out of the OR to Captain Harwell's team.
"I'm sorry, I couldn't save him." Jennifer said.
"God damn it." Lieutenant Clark growled before storming out of the infirmary, silently followed by the rest of his team.
"You okay?" Cole asked approaching Jennifer.
"Yeah." She said dejectedly. "Can you hold things down here? I need to shower."
"I'll take the rest off your shift." Cole volunteered.
Nodding her thanks Jennifer left the infirmary, wondering how many children would needlessly die in front of her.
-00-
-13th November-
Having showered Jennifer knew that, despite her exhaustion, she would not be able to sleep. So instead she dressed and headed for a remote balcony where she relived the last few hours trying to determine if there was anything she could have done differently to save the boy. As the image of his lifeless body kept flashing through her mind she let silent tears fall.
"Dr Keller?" Woolsey asked seeing her sitting on the floor of a balcony, her knees pulled to her chest. Seeing her jump he added. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you."
"It's fine." Jennifer said, hastily wiping the tears from her face with her sleeve. "What are you doing here so early? Do you need me?"
"Are you okay?" Woolsey asked walking to Jennifer's side and sitting beside her.
"Yes, no. I'm sorry."
"You're sorry? For what?"
"The lack of professionalism." Jennifer said wiping more tears away. "Being weak and pathetic."
"Dr Keller, you just lost an eight year old boy. If you weren't upset by that I would be worried. One of the things that makes you a great doctor and CMO is your heart, never forget that."
Looking round at Woolsey she gave a watery smile of thanks.
"So what brings you out here?" Jennifer asked.
"I'm afraid I have bad news."
"What?"
"The IOA rejected the infirmary staff increase."
"But it was approved." Jennifer exclaimed.
"I know. But apparently some unforeseen budgetary constraints arose and the medical, botany and language departments have had to bear the brunt."
"But we're already short staffed." Jennifer complained.
"I know and I know how many of your team work double and triple shifts to keep the infirmary working. I will do all I can to get you extra staff, however, they will not come on the Daedalus, including the relief staff."
"So all leave is cancelled?" Jennifer guessed.
"I'm sorry. I know you were hoping to be on Earth at Christmas."
"Along with seven others on my team. Do they know?"
"Not yet, I wanted to tell you first."
"I'll tell them." Jennifer said. "They're my team."
"They won't take it well and they'll hold the messenger responsible." Woolsey warned.
"I know, but what's happened is not your fault."
"It's not yours either." Woolsey pointed out.
"It's my responsibility." Jennifer countered.
"Very well then." Woolsey agreed. "But Dr Keller, please don't shoulder this alone. I know all to well the loneliness that a position of power brings. If you ever need to talk I am always available."
"Thank you." Jennifer replied.
-15th November-
"Something happen?" Lorne asked Marie as he received his post mission check. "There's a definite air of discontent in here."
"Whilst you were away Dr Keller informed us that we aren't getting the new staff and the Christmas leave has been cancelled."
"What? Why?"
"Budget cuts, apparently."
"I'm sorry." Lorne said, "I know you were looking forward to going home."
"I'll miss seeing my family, but there's always next time." She smiled sadly.
"That's very understanding." Lorne said.
"Well, someone has to be. Not everyone took the news so well."
"Not surprising." Lorne shrugged.
"There was still no need to take it out on Dr Keller."
"How bad?" Lorne asked.
"Some of it was pretty bad, some of it got pretty personal."
"Where's the doc now?"
"Gone to get some rest. Some of the more disappointed are calling in sick so she's working triple shifts, getting rest whenever it gets quiet here."
"How long are they going to unofficially strike for?" Lorne asked.
"No idea, probably a few days, unless there is a medical emergency when most will come straight back."
"Most?"
"Yes, there are a couple who have never pulled their weight and I can't see that changing now."
"If I can do anything let me know?"
"Will do. A reduction in sparring injuries would help."
"I'll see what I can do." Lorne smiled.
"Thanks. You're all done."
"Catch you later." Lorne said as he left, hoping to find Sheppard.
AN: Thanks for reading. Next chapter up tomorrow.