A/N: Here's chapter 6. I hope you're all enjoying!
Chapter 6
Jacob Carter focused with all he had. He had the large red gemmed device slipped snuggly onto his hand. He settled it quietly just over Daniel Jackson's stomach and activated the device. This was just a cursory examination of sorts. He needed to know just what he would be having to heal and just how bad the damage really was. He could feel the many eyes on him tension crackling through the air like approaching lighting. He deactivated the device with a heavy sigh and looked to those that stared at him with hope.
"He's in a bad way. I won't be able to heal it all at once. He'll have to rest between healings." he explained mostly addressing Jack and Dr. Fraiser.
"How much rest would he need?" Janet asked.
"Can you fix him?" Jack tried over the doc.
"I think so, but I can't make any promises Jack, and at least an hour or so, I can't say for sure until I know how much the healing takes out of him." they all nodded solemnly.
"Do your best Jacob we know you can do it" and so he began. He levitated his hand, gem directly above his stomach. It glowed brightly and hummed softly.
Jacob's brow was furrowed with concentration as he forced the rent body before him to knit together, pain to lessen, and bruises to heal. He focused on the infection that he could feel, like a slime in his veins, that infested the bone and flesh where spikes had been driven through his body. Daniel's face scrunched with pain but he remained otherwise unaware and motionless. Time crept by them unnoticed. Their full attention was on the healing efforts happening before them. Janet hovered over Daniel watching his vitals closely looking concerned.
"You need to stop, he can't handle anymore" she intervened as his heartbeat started to skip and jump beating rapidly. Jacob deactivated the healing device looking markedly weary.
"I did what I could for the infection but I wouldn't advice stopping whatever antibiotics he's on. Let me know when he's ready for more" he slipped off the device and just left it on the table beside the bed. Jack traded places with him taking up his usual guarding post while Jacob went to Carter.
"And you, come have a nice chat with your father over a hot meal before you get some real rest. And don't say you don't need rest young lady I see those dark circles under your eyes." there were a few soft chuckles and to everyone's surprise she gave in immediately to his demands. A true testament to how tired the past week had been. There was a bit of chatter before only Daniel, Jack, and Dr. Fraiser were left in the room.
"Well doc?" he asked swiping a cloth across the archaeologists sweaty forehead.
"It took a lot out of him, but I think it will do him a lot of good Colonel. We'll see how his fever is after he gets over the initial slump from the actual healing. Only time will tell Sir." they nodded in unison.
Jack sat, mostly in silence, sometimes keeping Daniel aprised of the goings-on of the SGC, until Teal'c came to take his place. He stayed and talked in hushed tones with the archaeologist even though he did not answer, bathed his brow, then settled on a cot that had been placed nearby into a light Kel'no'reem, senses alert and bent towards the detection of anything regarding Daniel. It was during this time that Jack O'Neill went to see the one person he had been avoiding since his return. Kale. He was sequestered in a guest quarter, a guard at the room, not having left it by his own choice since he'd been shown to the room. He was weary looking, rather tense, and looking more like the child he was then he ever had before. He was scared. It was clear to see to all. He knew not whether they were going to bring wrath upon him as punishment for the wrongs done to Dr. Jackson, he would not blame nor resent them if they did. He had been pretending to pick at the tray of food brought to him when O'Neill had arrived. He averted his eyes quickly to stare submissively at the floor.
"Hello Kale," Jack tried to sound pleasant and unthreatening.
"Good day Sir" was the boy's overly respectful reply.
"Enjoying the food?" Jack smiled at him hoping to get the boy out of his frightened shell but it did not work.
"Yes Sir" was his only reply as he proved it by shoveling three spoonfuls into his mouth and swallowing it down with a loud gulp.
"Major Carter told me your explanation for what happened and why your people did this to Daniel" Jack stated smoothly settling into a chair watching the child closely picking up his every reaction.
"What will you do with me?" Kale chewed his lip pushing away the food giving up the pretense of interest meeting Jack's eyes for the first time filled with dread.
"Well that's the question now isn't it. You certainly weren't responsible for what happened, though you or any other that knew what was really going on in the council could have warned us," Jack began eyes narrowing slightly to catch a clue as to the boy's true state of mentality.
"I am truly sorry Sir, I wish this had never occurred. Dr. Daniel Jackson did not deserve such cruelty." Kale whispered voice trembling.
"But then, you are a child, how could you truly be expected to make such judgments. Already you have behaved and discerned things beyond your age and experience," Kale's breath hitched. Was he hinting at showing mercy?
"I could have given warning Sir" he murmured looking away again face burning with shame. He couldn't seem to banish the image of Dr. Jackson bloodied and helpless in the city ruins.
"What would you do if you returned to your people? Your father is dead and from what I understood that means you take his place on the council, the council that will be trying to kill you, correct?" Jack ventured.
"Yes. They I would take my father's place as a council member and should my view on the domination conquest they would indeed try to kill me." he sighed heavily and wrapped his arms around his waist. He didn't feel so brave anymore.
"What would you do then if you returned?" Jack perused trying to get a full grip on the situation and how to proceed. It would ultimately be up to General Hammond but he would be asking Jack's opinion on the matter for he often had a perspective that the general couldn't see or some bit of information he didn't have without asking O'Neill. It came from Hammond not being out in the field, and from being only one man.
"I would go to the village and for a while keep my head down while I went to each individual family not on the council. I would tell them the truth and offer to let them join in the plan my father put into place."
"What plan was that Kale?" Jack was intrigued. They'd had a plan of some kind.
"We set up a second village in the mountains, it was neutral territory and unless you stumble upon it on accident, as my father did, or you already know where it is it cannot be found. We have pens of herd animals already there as well as a supply of seeds for crops, some buildings in the process of being built. The makings for a new village. All that was left to do was spread word among the people of our village so we would know who would join us there. Once the people that chose to remain peaceful were safely relocated I was to travel to the other nations of the land and warn them of my people's land, inform them of our neutrality and let them handle those that were corrupt at their own will." Kale shuddered at the thought of the war that was bound to occur should the council get its way.
Jack sat back and thought for a moment. It was a good plan. They had taken the time to prepare so they would not endure so much strife and were careful in planning.
"How were you to avoid traitors revealing the location of the village?" he scratched his chin thoughtfully.
"Those that are not already in the plan and proven their trust would not know the way. We were going to take them blindfolded and in the cover of darkness to protect the village. Only certain people would be allowed to go back and forth. Very few and only those my father was sure with his life and soul that would not betray us. We have two or three people already there to tend the flocks and herds and have begun plowing for the spring planting. They continue to construct homes and buildings most necessary for the survival of the village."
"You've spent a lot of time preparing for this split of people's. Who was to be the leader of the community? Was there to be another council? Or are the people there going to answer to one man?" Jack inquired getting the situation into scope.
"Eventually we wish to set up a council, with a few changes so this cannot happen again, but until we were truly established only two or three were to be in charge, a minor council of sorts, my father having the final say in the matter though. The others would be advisors, and if in a case of extreme error they would have the power to overrule him, if all other's agreed." O'Neill nodded and the room was once more in silence for a time.
"How long was this plan going to take? Does what's happened affect it much?" Kale gave a mirthless laugh.
"We have been preparing for two years already. Clearing land, adding compost to make the soil useable, building homes and barns and silos to hold excess grain and crops should we be lucky. The plan was a very subtle and slow moving plan. There was another year at least in preparations. I may be able to provide a few more months but we will have to have those that are going moved into the mountains before the winter storms come. I am all that stand in the council's way now and I cannot hold them off long." he shuddered with fear of the attempts on his life he'd now have to face and the strife his people would have to endure because of this.
"And the other nations, what excuse are you telling them that will convince them your allegiances are no longer with the village? What diplomacy will you have to use to stay neutral?" Jack ran a hand through his hair then scratched at an annoying itch behind his ear.
"We're sending out word that we are a birthing nation and will take no diplomatic stance other than neutrality with any nation. We will not trade or make war with anyone. It will buy us five years of safety in neutrality before negotiations will have to begin as is custom."
"The other nations will go for that?"
"Yes. Will Dr. Daniel Jackson be alright?" his eyes were glistening with the hope and despair that warred over him.
"We don't know yet, but we're doing what we can." Jack stood and went to the door knowing what he needed to know now.
"What will you do with me?" it was a tiny, fearful, childlike voice that was barely audible in the quiet room.
"I don't know Kale. The decision is up to General Hammond, but I wouldn't worry, we aren't prone to punishing people for something they didn't do, especially children." he looked back throwing Kale a reassuring glance before he went back to guard over Daniel.
It was nearly six hours before the archaeologist was recovered enough for Jacob to use the healing device on him. His fever was reduced but still burning him hotly. Jacob focused once more on attacking the infection with the device. Eating away at it and cleansing the wounds of the festering until sweat beaded his brow, he swayed slightly, and at last the final tendrils of disease infestation from within the bone was be-rid of for good. The fever lingered for another hour before finally breaking. The antibiotics were still pumped into his system as a precaution for he had scared Fraiser terribly and she was taking no chances. He was left pale and far too still now that no fever caused him to shake and tremble, the flush that had for so long tinged his cheeks had drained away.
The team hovered over him more so than ever before, all standing watch over him at all times. They chatted with Sam's father and caught up on the latest news and Tokra gossip. Which was actually quite dull. Teal'c brought in his latest toy, a portable dvd player and they watched the entire Star Wars series three times. The times betweens healings shortened as Daniel grew stronger. Healthy color returned to his pallor, bones knit together. The bruises were finally gone, only the gouges in his neck remained severe. Jacob was afraid to work on them before Daniel had recovered some strength they were such severity. Especially as he feared they would have to remove the intubation equipment. He would be left without anything to help him breathe while the healing device worked. It was dangerous. His friends refused to be anywhere else while it was to be done, a source of ominous dread levitating in the air like a bubble of unique atmosphere that resided in the corner of the infirmary Daniel was placed.
Finally they couldn't put it off any longer. Janet stood ready for emergency intubation if they had to, Sam and Teal'c stood back a ways side by side tensely, and Jack sat beside Jacob at Daniel's head, Janet opposite of him, and with bated breathe, Jacob Carter began.
It started out as a strange, indescribable sensation. He felt…lacking. Of what? He wasn't sure. His thoughts were so muddled he couldn't come to coherency. He recognized a dull ache in his body, and a strange chill, one that, at last, did not go to the bone. Everything was dark around him. A shroud of the remnants of oblivion. It slipped away slowly. First had come that vague feeling of lack followed sluggishly by the cold ache. He tried to catch the vague thoughts but they slipped away from him like the bar of soap from his grasp. It was maddening. He felt frustrated when he realized his lungs were burning. They needed. Needed what? It was the lack he realized but still he could not attain what was it they did not have and so desperately wanted.
Pain. It sliced through him like a hot knife. He jolted at its abrupt arrival. He could sense he wasn't alone. There were people all around him. He could hear a constant hum somewhere near him. Air. He couldn't breathe. He needed air. His throat felt like a roaring fire with bolts of lighting shooting through the flesh. Panic surged through him like a tsunami crashing over him. Drowning him. He writhed and heard contorted, unnatural grunts and moans of agony somewhere in the distance. Was that me? It was the first conscious thought he formed. Voices darted and flittered over him, quick, sharp, soothing, worried. They were all and none. Nothing made sense. He couldn't latch onto anyone reality. No one feeling beyond the panic and pain.
"Hold him still" pressure on his legs. Hands. Strong and large hands holding his legs down. Pinning him so he couldn't move. Danger. His mind flashed back to the table with the consistent whoosh and thunk that brought sheer agony to his body. Daniel thrashed against the hands holding him down, hurting him. A hand was on his forehead now, brush through his hard rhythmically, a hand clasped against his own drawing his attention though failing to stop his struggles. Hot pain scorched through his throat, his lungs screamed for air. His whole body trembled overwhelmed.
"C'mon Danny, it's okay, it's okay, just calm down. Try to breathe Danny, don't struggle, just calm down and breathe," the voice was right over him. Soft and soothing filled with worry. Jack?
"Hold him still!" Jacob Carter? Daniel was confused and terrified. They were hurting him. It couldn't be his friends. So much pain. He had to breathe. He had to escape. Pain, suffocating. No! This wasn't right. He was hallucinating. Daniel thrashed again renewing the efforts his exhausted body had already given up.
"Dannyboy you gotta hold still. Just breathe Daniel. It's okay, you're going to be okay." No Jack. They're hurting me. Make them stop. Please make them stop. It hurts so bad. They were the coherent thoughts that filled his mind though all that his friends could see were the tears beginning to streak down his face and hear the moans that broke free of his mangled throat.
"Daniel you have to hang in there." Sam. Sam help. Someone's hurting me! They're killing me! Please….make it stop. Air. I need to breathe. I'm suffocating! Why won't anyone help?!
"Daniel Jackson, you must remain strong. You're friends are with you." Teal'c? Teal'c where are you? Help me! A choked sob broke free blood dribbling from the raw edges of his deep lacerations, down his neck, from the corner of his mouth. Jack wiped it away immediately.
"Jacob?" the voice was panicked. Janet. Help. Hurting me, they're hurting me. I can't breathe! Janet. Another feeble moan.
"Almost done…just a moment longer…." Jacob. Don't wait! Help! I can't breathe! Please help me! It hurts so bad. Why won't you help me?
Suddenly Daniel took a shallow, shaky intake of breathe on his own then exhaled heavily a small amount of blood dripping from the corner of his mouth again. His friends held their breath until he took in another, still very shaky, but deeper breathe soon settling into a pattern of increasingly deep, but still quite shallow, breathing. Jacob deactivated the device, afraid to push Daniel too far now that he could at least breathe, his whole body sagging with the abrupt draining of tension. A few minutes passed in silence as their friend continued to twitch and tremble from pain, thankfully no longer writhing, his eyes peeling open to mere slits, surprising them.
"J…J…K" it was such a struggle. Keeping his eyes open. He could barely do it.
"I'm here Daniel. I'm here. You're going to be okay now." there was something rubbing back and forth on his forehead. A thumb. His hand broke away sporadically to run through his hair. The motion brought him such a comfort, a feeling of safety, as no other action could do.
"I'll have to do two, maybe three, more healings. I don't know what scarring there will be." Jacob explained once more removing the healing device and tucking it away looking considerably worn out.
"He can breathe now, that's something to be grateful for. I'll have to watch him close but it's my hope we won't have to intubate again." the voices floated over him. He struggled to pay attention but it was so hard to hold onto the meaning of their words. They slipped away from him just as he just barely caught their meaning. So tired. The pain was fading but slowly. Every breath was still a struggle that he had to focus on to take.
"Ja….ck…" Don't leave. Please don't leave. I can't be alone. I might suffocate without you here. The pain will drown me if you go. I'd be alone.
"I'm here Daniel, it's okay, just rest. I'm not going to leave. It's okay." Jack could see the glint of confused fear in his friend's eye that stung his soul. Daniel's glazed eyes lolled sluggishly about the room for a moment, almost unseeing. The darkness was pulling at the edges of his mind again, beckoning him towards sleep once more. The senior Carter quietly retreated from his bedside quickly replaced by his daughter, and Teal'c took up position at the foot of the bed. They each had a hand on Daniel hoping to convey comfort to him.
"Sam…" it was barely a whisper as his eyes locked onto her then he grunted, eyes clenching closed, body tensing, arched slightly, as white hot pain scoured through his throat once more bringing tears to his eyes and left him shaking.
"No, don't talk Daniel. You can breathe but you're throat is still badly damaged." Janet. What? Throat? Badly? I don't understand.
"Shhh, don't worry Daniel, you're going to be okay" Jack. I'm so tired. It hurts to breathe. Why does it hurt so bad? He opened his mouth to speak once more only to have a gentle finger pressed against his lips unsure of its owner.
"Daniel don't talk. Just rest now. You're friends are with you. You're safe now. Just rest." Janet instructed softly as she pulled a breathing mask over his mouth and nose tenderly lifting his head and wrapping the elastic band around his head so it would remain secure. He startled as the air turned on hissing loudly in his ears.
"Easy Daniel. Sleep. I'll be right here. Just sleep." his eyes drooping, body going slack, the panic slipped away. Daniel nodded feebly the terror of being alone crushed by the promised presence of his friends. He let sleep take him over without fighting it, his hand gripped by Jack's with Same and Teal'c so very near to protect him.
In the doorway, unnoticed by all was General Hammond watching his subordinates with a sense of joy. Gone was the fevers and infections. Broken bones and flesh once more were healed. With Daniel breathing and likely to live at last SG-1 could be whole once more.