Root sent a text to Dr. Tillman and Elizabeth.
I need to talk to the two of you.
Dr. Tillman's response was almost instant.
Is 20 minutes OK?
Yes
I'll be there.
Elizabeth's was somewhat slower. About five minutes after the doctor's text arrived-
You realize it's five AM right?
Elizabeth- I assume you're not alone and you already know what's going on. I need to talk to both of you.
Fine
Root smiled to herself as she went over her plan.
One floor down and a few corridors away, Elizabeth was dressing in the room behind Dr. Tillman's office.
"She can be so annoying at times. It's like she hacks people as easily as she hacks computers."
"I haven't known… Root as long as any of you but I know she's one of the smartest people I've ever met. I also know she loves Ms. Shaw with more…. I'm not sure the best word to describe it- enthusiasm, fervor whatever, than I may have ever witnessed.
"I'll say this, I've had few relationships and my career has always come first. If I'm ever in a relationship that's more than casual…"
At this, Megan paused and waited for Elizabeth to look over. When she did, she raised her eyebrows communicating without speaking.
".. and I feel that kind of love coming off him.. or her… I will grab onto them and never let go."
At this, Megan's cheeks flushed bright red.
Elizabeth hesitated briefly, then walked over and took both of Megan's hands in hers.
"I've never had any more than causal relationships either. I have a feeling about us that this might be different. I really don't have experience at this in any direction other than physical. I've got a past and I assume you do too. I'm not afraid of my past, and I'm not interested in yours.
"I wasn't necessarily ready to have this conversation, but I think I knew it was going to happen between us sooner rather than later… When I'm with you I feel like I'm headed into uncharted waters. I want us to be more than a casual fling… and I'm not sure how to proceed."
Megan smiled and tilted her head.
"Neither am I but maybe we should just keep going like we have been and see where it leads. As far as our pasts are concerned, I'm not afraid of either of ours, I'd like to concentrate more on discovering if we have a future."
Elizabeth smiled and brushed Megan's cheek with her lips. The doctor smiled faintly.
"We'll talk more- now we have to go."
….
When Dr. Tillman and Elizabeth arrived at the recovery area, they found Root's wheelchair next to Shaw's gurney and Root holding her hand. Sameen was still unconscious. Root looked up, smiled and indicated the two recliners she had requested.
"Please sit down. I'm afraid we have more than Sam's recovery from the surgery to worry about. Dr. Tillman, you and I spoke about my fears a few hours ago- Elizabeth, I want to bring you up to speed on Shaw's time with Samaritan and the fallout."
Root proceeded to go back to the Stock Exchange and explain everything that she had discovered about Sameen's abduction, torture and escape at the hands of Samaritan. As she recounted the story, a few tears managed to slip out of her eyes and slide down her cheeks. Both ladies were moved at the obvious emotion the retelling triggered in Root.
"Sam's default in these situations was to kill herself to avoid any possibility of hurting me. We've long since moved past the point where I worried about her flashing back to the captivity and the simulations. But with this particular trauma, I'm afraid she may start to worry this is all a simulation.
"I've figured out a way we can convince Sam this is real and not a simulation, but I need to prep you and get your cooperation for this to work. And it may be uncomfortable- for both of you."
Dr. Tillman spoke first.
"She's my patient now Root, as well as my friend. If you have a plan that can help her recovery and avoid any repercussions, I'm in."
Elizabeth only nodded.
"OK, when I explain everything, you'll see why we have to have this talk first. Both of you were part of Sam's life before Samaritan came on line, then you were gone, so its knowledge of you would have been sketchy at best.
"Sam know's this, but it is possible that there is some external knowledge of your relationship to the team. Therefore, your presence in a 'simulation' is not out of the question. Now, before I continue, I have to tell you I'm going to bring up some things that went on between you, Elizabeth, and Sameen before Sam and I were together."
Elizabeth reddened slightly and looked down at her lap. Megan smiled and reached over and took Elizabeth's hand.
"Funny you should bring that up, Root, we were just talking about this. I just got done telling Beth that I have no concerns about our pasts, just any possible future. So whatever you want to bring up is fine with me."
Elizabeth took a deep breath and let it out.
"I think I know where this is going, Root and I'll do whatever you need me to for her." She indicated Shaw, who by all indications was still under.
Root smiled and continued.
"I thought if we were all here when she wakes up, we can explain what's going on, then Dr. Tillman and I can leave you two alone. That will give you an opportunity to discuss some of the things that went on between you when you were alone at some of the safe houses."
Root stopped and gave both some time for her words to sink in, then continued.
"I know a little about those events but think coming from you it would convince Sam that this is real and no possible simulation. You see, what the safe houses had that few other areas did was absolute privacy. No one but those who were there could have known what went on.
"You would know details and entire events that Sam and I have never talked about. We really never discussed any of our pasts, except how they related to us and our relationship. I still don't have any desire to know any details of her past that might be uncomfortable for either of you to talk about.
"I guess if Dr. Tillman is interested or feels she should be around to observe while this is going on I can see that, but ideally just the two of you talking about events that only you two know about should be enough to convince her."
Dr. Tillman smiled again.
"I only have two concerns- Elizabeth and Shaw's safety. If Beth is OK with this, and we are certain Ms. Shaw won't be a danger to either, I am totally comfortable and don't need to be around. Elizabeth?"
"I'll be fine…" as the others looked at her, concerned, she continued… "no seriously, I'll be fine. I'm just thinking about some of the stuff we'll be talking about."
A voice came from the gurney.
"What's going on you guys, and why does my head feel like it's been run through a washing machine?"
Dr. Tillman popped out of her seat and headed for Shaw. After a brief examination, she began to explain.
"Ms. Shaw, you had a serious episode yesterday. Dr. West performed emergency surgery on you to fix bleeding in your brain. We believe everything went fine, but need to keep you here for a few days to a week to ensure you are in no more danger.
"I think I'll let.. Root tell you the rest."
Root turned the wheelchair back toward her love and reached out to take her hand.
"Sam, they had to go into your brain to fix a problem. While in there, they removed a small object that was causing your brain bleed. I think it was part of the chip Samaritan implanted back when they had you."
At this, Shaw's eyes widened and she reached for that place behind her ear. Root restrained her gently.
"Sam, you can't touch that area, it's one of the places Dr. West went in to fix what was wrong. And that's also why we're here. When I found out how they had to go in to fix this, I was afraid you'd react to the wound behind your ear as if this was a simulation.
"I won't take any chances with you being transported back to that time. As I said to you the night we reunited in the park, 'I can't live without you'. It's just as true now, maybe more so, as it was then.
"I asked Dr. Tillman and Elizabeth to be here when you woke up so we could convince you, if you had any doubts, that that this is real, and not any simulation."
Shaw looked at Root, doubt on her features.
"How do you think you can do that?" There was just a slight tremor in her voice indicating the fear she was feeling.
"Sam, you know that both Dr. Tillman and Elizabeth were before Samaritan became a threat. There's no plausible scenario that could put them in a simulation. However, on the off chance that their presence could have been a simulation, I want you and Elizabeth to talk about some of the details of what you two did when you were at some of the safe houses.
"As you know, nothing that went on in there would ever be known by anyone other than the two of you. Dr. Tillman and I are going to leave in a minute and leave you two so you'll be free to talk about anything and everything that went on.
"I know you're smart enough to realize that there's no way any simulation could have that information and you'll be assured this is real.
"Sam, I don't want you to be concerned in any way, I just want you to know this is real and we can begin to figure out how to get on with both of our recoveries."
Shaw's eyes flashed what could have been hope and relief, but was quickly masked. She looked over at Dr. Tillman.
"How soon can we get this over with? I don't want to wait."
"Root and I are leaving now. We'll be back when Beth calls us on her phone."
Dr. Tillman took Root's wheelchair and led them to the door. Elizabeth slid the recliner over to Shaw's gurney, took her hand and smiled down. As the door slowly swung shut, they heard Elizabeth say,
"Maybe we should start by talking about how you got me over my fear of the dark."
….
Forty-five minutes had passed since they had left Shaw and Elizabeth alone. Root looked up at the clock, then at the doctor.
"Are you OK? I'm unconcerned about anything they're talking about, but you two are at the beginning of whatever is going on with you. I know as a doctor, you're fine with this- how about as a person?"
Dr. Tillman's eyes shot up and she shook her head. A smile appeared.
"I keep forgetting how smart and observant both you and Ms. Shaw are. When Beth and her mom showed up, Shaw looked at me and said I should relax- that Shannon would like and accept me. Now you and this situation.
"I'm fine. I told Beth I didn't care about her past and I don't. I only care about the future. My biggest concern is Ms. Shaw's overall health and recovery. Anything that aids in that process is fine with me. Really… Root, I'm OK. Sorry, but calling you that is going to take some time."
"It's ok, doc, I appreciate your effort."
Dr. Tillman's phone interrupted.
"Hi Beth, what's going on?"
She listened for a few seconds, then hung up.
"Let's go back."
….
When Dr. Tillman wheeled Root back into Shaw's recovery room, they found the two of them laughing and joking. Shaw looked over and smiled at the two.
"Hey, you're back. Thanks Root, I think you knew what you were doing. I was a little concerned, and would have freaked had I not been prepared for the marks from surgery. I knew I kept you around for a reason."
She smirked and Root smiled and winked. Damn, why does that always get to me? She winks like an old man with gas. Turning to Dr. Tillman the smirk turned into a genuine smile.
"Looks like I owe you one for me too, doc; it's not just my girlfriend you saved."
"You called me your girlfriend, Sam, and in public!"
"It's a little late for discretion Root, we live together."
"Yeah, but I know how you feel about PDA's. And public declarations."
"Whatever. Look, I think I can assure you I know this is no simulation. Elizabeth and I talked about some things that couldn't have been re-created by Samaritan- or anything or anyone else."
Both blushed briefly, then recovered.
Dr. Tillman smiled at Shaw, then yawned.
"Good, because all of us, except possibly you, Ms. Shaw, are way overdue for some sleep. We'll see you later today. Come on Beth."
"Wait, what about Root?"
"I'm staying Sam, I can sleep in the recliner. That way if you need anything I'll be right here."
The inflection Root put into "anything" caused Dr. Tillman to stop halfway to the door.
"Remember you two, no strenuous activity for awhile. doctor's orders."
Both Root and Shaw groaned as the door closed.
