Chapter 14: Bad News
I don't own any anything but the characters and story I made up...bummer!
Sorry for the delay in posting late. Work and other issues took up my time lately.
Enjoy the chapter and let me know if I got it right or need some editing.
General Hammond was awoken by a knock at his personnel quarter's door. Lt. Rand was the overnight gate technician despite popular belief that Walter had been cloned by Thor. "General Hammond Sir, Colonel O'Neill is calling in to report." He informed to the base CO. "Thanks Lt. Rand, your dismissed." Hammond replied saluting back as the solider went on with his duties.
Colonel O'Neill gave the general a brief report on the mission outcome. He explained Daniel & Nantz's injuries and they were stable. Hammond asked if there was any sign of Shanahan in the area. O'Neill replied "The local PD has orders not let any unauthorized people in, one being Shanahan the other Jessie Bell. Neither one has arrived as of yet. " Jack said.
"Son, keep alert, we know his background and current employers. Neither will give up easily." George reminded his 2IC. "Yes Sir! The area is secure and all parties were briefed." Jack answered. "Colonel, I'll meet you at the academy hospital after you finish up there. I want to check up on your two injured team mates." he said while getting dressed. "Understood sir, I'll see you there." the colonel responded ending the conversation.
0349hrs General Hammond was waiting for his driver to bring the car up. His lead bodyguard, Major James, noticed another officer approaching them. The major yelled as he stepped in front of the general "Halt and identify yourself or I will be forced to shoot!" raising his M4 carbine along with four other soldiers. Major James knew of the threat and was determined to protect General George Hammond at all costs.
George took notice as well and waited for the officer to identify himself. "Colonel Hutch transferring in from the Pentagon, intelligence division." replied the officer. George recognized the voice immediately realizing who the officer was. Hammond also knew what his presence meant, SNAFU! (Situation Normal All Freaked Up)"Colonel Hutch may approach son. I've been expecting him." he informed his bodyguard. Major James stood at ease never fully relaxing.
"Let's see your transfer papers Colonel?" the general ordered as he saluted back. "Here's my transfer papers Sir, I would REALLY like to get started right away." Col. Hutch said in a cryptic tone.
General Hammond looked over the transfer papers that read "Jack said this ruse would only work once and use it in an extreme emergency. Jack is the target, Pete is to shoot him while in the presence of Major Carter. I tried to warn him but was interrupted by a rouge NID agent and a WET team. I came here because I was unable to contact Colonel O'Neill and warn him. The other reason, my cover has been blown. They know of my activities and I'm in their sights as well." Harry Maybourne aka Colonel Hutch stood at attention watching the general and major a bit nervously.
The general processed the information then decided to trust Jacks instincts about Maybourne. The perplexed major stood ready act if needed. His gut feeling was telling him this colonel wasn't your average run of the mill officer. "Colonel Hutch, stay with Major James. I need to make a quick phone call." He ordered getting a sharp "YES SIR and salute" from the two men. George returned the salute and stepped away for privacy. Major James eyed the suspicious colonel keeping his rifle at the ready.
Hammond tried O'Neill's cell phone getting no answer. He gave Harry a worried look then called Agent Kerry Johnson. "General Hammond, Sir! I was about to call you and report" she answered. The general was ticked that he hadn't been called before now. "Well, report then! Starting with Colonel O'Neill whereabouts!" he said with force.
The generals' bluntness threw the seasoned agent. "Colonel O'Neill was shot in the right shoulder shattering it. The medics lost the colonel twice finally stabilizing him for transport. Major Carter went into shock shortly after. Sergeant Rogers had to sedate her. Osiris's host, Sara Gardner should have arrived on base over an hour ago." she replied taking a breath.
The general took the report in going over it in detail. He knew that Sara was on base and sedated for the time being. The shock from her experience was very traumatic. "Continue!" he ordered.
"The outer perimeter has been locked down by the local PD. We have searched the immediate area finding no signs of a sniper. I expect the media soon Sir. How much information do you want me to give out given the situation?" Kerry asked as she finished her report. "Give out the already agreed upon cover story, no names of the injured just how many. Finally, if Detective Shanahan happens to appear on scene detain him for questioning and bring him here. If there's a Jessie Bell with him bring her too. Both are suspects; treat with deadly force if needed. Do you understand me Agent Johnson?" George ordered her. "Yes Sir, crystal clear Sir!" she responded as if reprimanded.
"Good, report back to me as soon as you find out something or in...3 hours." he replied back. "I will do so General." the FBI agent answered back ending the call. The general's car had pulled up in the middle of his conversation with Agent Johnson but he waved it off deciding the head back down. He had to deal with whatever Harry Maybourne found out. His need to check up on SG1 would have to wait.
The Major was perplexed at the phone calls and events that had gone on topside. The boys were going to love this story except for the parts were Colonel O'Neill was shot. He never eavesdropped on conversations but that ladies voice carried. "Major, were headed back down. Me and Colonel Hutch have some business to attend to." he said turning walking back to the elevators. Harry and the general's body guards obediently followed the general like the well trained soldiers they were.
Meanwhile at the hospital Sam had become exhausted falling asleep on the Sheppard's shoulder. Sophia procured a bed so the major could rest more comfortably. Derrial picked up the major placing her on the bed. "You can leave now if you want Sheppard Book, I think I can handle her now. Sam should be out for while." the medic informed him. "I 'm fine my child, I'll just get some shut eye right here. I may be needed again." he said attempting to get comfortable on the hard floor in the hallway. Sophia followed suit but stayed alert just in case.
Sergeant Rogers felt her shoulder Shake hearing Sheppard calling her name. "What….did I fall asleep, I didn't mean too." she answered stretching her arms yawning. "You did but it's not a big worry." he said then continued. "Major Carter is still out." He informed her then continued on.
"The colonel just came out of surgery. Dr. Frasier is waiting to give us Jacks status." Sophia looked at her watch seeing it was almost 0730hrs. The Sheppard woke up Sam and explained what was going on. Her face was drawn with concern for Jack. Sam's hopes and dreams depended on him being there for her.
The three of them walked into Janet's office sitting down in the plush chairs. Sheppard Book noticed a fancy dressed man with a doctor's coat on. He was holding a file folder with Colonel O'Neill's name on it. The name tag read Dr. Cpt. Tam. Book went to stand behind Major Carter letting Sergeant Rogers have the other seat. He figured the major would need his support given what the doctor had told him in private.
Janet looked at each individual pausing on her best friend. Sam was picking at her new BDU's sleeve as if there was blood on it. Janet sighed and began. "This is Dr. Captain Simon Tam; he performed the surgery on Colonel O'Neill. He'll brief you on the details, Captain." she finished slightly slouching back in her chair from exhaustion.
She was worried how Sam was going to react. Cassandra was another worry too. Her baby girl looked up to Jack as a father figure. Once she found out about his injuries there'd be no stopping her from barging in to see Dad.
Janet tuned back into Dr. Tam's explanation in progress. "...his right shoulder was completely shattered by the bullet. The Colonel will obviously need therapy but I'm afraid he'll never regain full mobility." he explained. "He'll also receive a mild concussion from where he hit his head on the ground…" the doctor continued but then paused.
Sam looked up for the first time finally looking at Doctor Tam. He was way young but she had heard of his talent. The rumor mill was a blaze before his arrival. The scoop was that Dr. Simon Tam had graduated in the top 3% nationwide. They all wondered why he'd join the military instead of a high end hospital.
Sophia put her hand on Sam's leg for support knowing the bad news was to come next. "What I just told you were the good news." he finished. "What's the bad news?" Sam asked waiting for the other shoe to drop. Simon looked at the major, then Sheppard Book standing behind her. Derrial Book knew whatever was coming next would shatter the majors world. The young doctor looked at Janet and she nodded.
"The base called while I was in surgery, they informed us that objective was not to kill Colonel O'Neill out right." Tam said pausing. Sam looked at Janet again then looked away. "Their objective was to poison him via the bullet." he finished. Sophia got an angry look then spoke out. "What's the point in that? Do they want the colonel and us to suffer as well?" she asked out loud. He was caught off guard despite what Janet told him about SG1's closeness. Simon regained his composure then continued. "That's the point exactly apparently. They want him to and his friends to suffer. I called in Doc. Frasier because she's the expert in this field of exotic poisons. I didn't want to risk losing the colonel again." Simon explained sincerely."
Janet looked at Sam giving her a weak smile, "We were able to stabilize Colonel O'Neill despite the poison. Once he's strong enough we'll move him to the SGC. I'll have a better chance figuring out an antidote there." she explained with confidence.
Book looked around the room noting each person's mood. Major Carter's mood was of deep concern. The others were a mix of revenge, worry, resolve and friendship. "Will Dr. Jackson and S/SGT Nantz be transferred as well?" Book asked trying move past the depressing moment. "Yes, they will be transferred within the next 3hrs. They both came out of surgery without incident. The downside is that they'll also need physical therapy. I'm afraid SG-1 will be on stand down for several months." Janet replied with a stifled yawn.
"It's been too long a night and we all need some rest." Frasier said looking at the occupants of the room. Sam was still lost in her own thoughts not hearing much of the conversation. "Major Carter. Major...Samantha!" Sophia spoke trying to get her attention. Janet came around and kneeled by her friend. Sophia gave her a sad nod. Sheppard Book and Dr. Cpt. Tam left the office letting the two women take care of their friend.
"Sam, you're not alone in this. We're here for you. Please don't shut us out." Janet pleaded. Sam came out of her thoughts as tears started forming. "I'm going to lose Jack before I can even say 'I love you', It's not fair!" she said while crying. Sophia and Janet comforted their friend as best they could give the situation.
"Sam, I can't say everything is going to be okay. What I can say is that I'll do all that's in my power to save the colonel. I want you to be happy, too say those three words to him. Just trust in God, okay. Miracles happen every day. Besides, when have you known the Colonel or me to give up?" Frasier asked.
"Never, the two of you are too stubborn to know when to quit." she replied. "You're damn right they are Major!" Sophia put her 2 cents in. "I'll be helping too. That'll make it three very stubborn people." she finished. Sam's tears were slowly stopping. "Come on, I have a cot reserved for the two of you with your team mates." Janet said with a smile. Pulling that one off took more than arm twisting.
"Thanks, Janet. I wouldn't want our guys waking up without one of us is there." Sophia said in relief. Waking up with no one there led to panic amongst SG-1 one too many times in the beginning. "Things will be better when we get some proper rest." she continued. The three women would need their rest for the coming days were going to test them even further mentally and physically.
A/N: The medical side of the story is not a strong suite all. That's why it's very limited. If I didn't get it right my apologies. My strong suites are obviously military tactics and weapons. Thank you for reading.