As Teal'c turned to leave the infirmary the two medics carrying Daniel on the gurney arrived, with Vala following closely behind. Seeing the worry and fear on her face Teal'c went over to her. Standing quietly next to her he slipped his hand into hers and held it. Feeling Teal'c's hand in hers, Vala gave a small smile and clasped it in return, liking the comforting feel of it. She was glad that Teal'c was here with her.

For the next several minutes they stood by and watched as the medical team went about their business, pooling their medical skills together to concentrate their efforts on saving the lives of Daniel and Anna. Clothing was cut off, tubes and machines hooked up, scans taken. For Teal'c and Vala none of what they saw was new to them. They had both witnessed medical personnel in action before, and yet even though they had seen this kind of thing many times before, it didn't make it any easier. Watching and waiting, knowing there was nothing you could do was one of the hardest things in the world to do.

Through all the activity going on in the infirmary, Doctor Carmichael as the head of the medical personnel watched over everything, checking that everything that needed to be done was done. Eventually he came over to where Teal'c and Vala stood waiting in the corridor, where they had been watching it all from a distance.

"Their both in critical condition. Doctor Jackson's condition is stable at the moment, but he has suffered a blunt force trauma to the head causing a skull fracture" Doctor Carmichael paused, taking in their stunned expressions he wondered how much of what he was saying they were taking in. Before he could say anything more the voice of General O'Neill interrupted his thoughts.

"So, Doc, how's Daniel?"

Doctor Carmichael looked up to see General O'Neill walking towards him, stopping to stand next to Teal'c, concern on his face, impatience in his voice. The General was not a man to be kept waiting and was known for being outspoken. The doctor knew that everyone at Stargate Command had a great deal of respect for General O'Neill, and not just respect. The General was well liked by pretty much everyone there, even if his methods were a little unorthodox at times. He also knew that the General and Doctor Jackson were close friends.

Seeing the expression on the doctor's face Jack knew that the news wasn't good. "What's wrong with him? Other than the fact that the Furlings tortured and beat the crap out of him. It's obviously something serious. I'm the closest thing to family that Daniel's got, so if there's something wrong with him I'm the one you need to tell."

"Doctor Jackson's has suffered a skull fracture which has caused some swelling around the brain as a result of internal bleeding, his condition is critical but stable. We're going to have to perform immediate surgery to relieve the pressure."

Teal'c felt Vala's hand begin to shake in his, the tremor it caused travelling up his arm. Taking a stronger grip but being careful not to squeeze too hard as to cause her pain he glanced at O'Neill. He had seen O'Neill cope with much over the years. He had seen them all get close to death at one stage or another, and then there were the actual deaths, those of Doctor Frazier, Major Kawalsky and even Daniel Jackson. Death in the line of duty was to be expected and Jack had seen his fair share.

"Okay, then." Jack was surprised how calm his voice sounded. Years of hearing bad news had obviously given him the strength to sound in control, even if the rest of him was only now catching up with what the doctor had said. "And how's Doctor Mitchell?"

"Doctor Mitchell's condition is just as serious. She's got a concussion, a collapsed lung, and massive internal bleeding. Doctor Kobayashi is preparing her for surgery right now. Look I can't give you any more details at the moment, I'm needed in there," he said giving a nod towards the infirmary, "But someone should let Colonel Mitchell know."

With that Doctor Carmichael hurried back inside and the infirmary doors closed behind him, leaving the three of them standing alone in the corridor. Hearing gulping, heaving sounds Jack and Teal'c turned in the direction of the sound which was coming from Vala. Yanking her hand out of Teal'c's grasp Vala took a couple of steps backwards, tears streaming down her face.

"I...," shaking her head as she said this, Vala suddenly spun around and ran down the corridor away from them.

"Vala Mal Doran!" Teal'c cried out her name to her fast retreating back, hoping she might stop but knowing that deep down she wouldn't.

"Teal'c, buddy. Leave her. For now anyway."

Teal'c stopped in mid-stride, knowing that O'Neill was right, turning to his friend. "We need to inform Colonel Mitchell. He would want to be here."

Giving a nod Teal'c made a move to go to the bridge, leaving O'Neill standing outside the infirmary. Teal'c had taken two dozen steps, maybe more when he met up with Colonel Mitchell.

"Colonel Mitchell..."

"You don't need to say it Teal'c. I think I know how bad it is. How's Jackson?"

Teal'c turned back around, falling into step with the Colonel.

"He is badly injured."

"And... Anna?"

When Teal'c didn't say anything straight away Cameron looked at him, the two of them sharing a quick look together and understanding the serious of the situation.

"That bad," stated Cameron.

Teal'c gave a half nod as his way of saying yes.

Just as the two of them came in sight of O'Neill, who was pacing outside the infirmary doors, they heard voices coming from within.

"What the HELL..."

"Doctor Carmichael..."

All three of them looked towards the infirmary where the voices could be heard, seeing a golden light shining underneath they rushed in.

~*~*~*~