Here you go, the next part is flying in. Have fun and enjoy it. If you guys don't mind, leave a comment I would appreciate it and love to hear from you all...
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Xxx
Jack woke up a few minutes later. He was disorientated and needed a bit to get his head around. The memories came back, and he looked for Cassie. The Girl was gone but his dog had appeared again. `Jack you are an idiot every time of the week could you not have taken one day off?’ he shouted to himself inside his head. `She is a kid, for crying oud loud. Do not treat her like one of your Air Force buddies. She has not chosen a career like that.’
His room door opened slightly and Cassies head appeared again. “You can still sleep Uncle Jack; I just had some fresh air and only came back for my backpack. I will come back tomorrow” she whispered
“Cass, stay. I am sorry I fell asleep on you. I am sorry if I made you feel like you have to be all grown up.” He looked at her before continuing “and I got a question for you”
“Stop apologising. It’s a sign of weakness.” Cassie stated, quoting one of her favourite TV characters. “What’s the question?” by now she was back in his room and seated herself on the chair
“Where is the dog come from. I missed it earlier. They brought me here on a stretcher and even I asked, they did not take the dog with me.” Jack looked with confusion towards Cassie.
“I bought it for you. Your friends can not be always with you as we all have other commitments as well. So, for you not to be alone, I was thinking of giving you a plush toy as a companion. Hope you like it” Cassies face blushed
“I love it. Thank you. Would you like to name the doggy Zoe or Andy?” he asked with a big grin around his face
“I would go for Andy.” She beamed.
“Very good choice” he smiled and took Andy in his right hand, faced the dog towards him and greeted her as his new roommate.
His eyelids drooped, and he had trouble staying awake. But he did not like the fact of falling sleep on his little friend again. Cassie would have noticed it.
“You can go to sleep you know. You don’t have to fight it. You need to heal,” she stated.
“But it’s nice to have your company,” he answered with a yawn.
“Don’t worry, I will do my homework and wait for you till you wake up again. I will be here when you wake up. I promise with one exception,” she cleared her throat. “When my mum says I must go home, and you are still asleep. But this is not for another few hours. So, get some rest, Colonel. That is an order,” she grinned over her whole face.
“Yes Ma`am.” He gave her a very sloppy salute and closed his eyes. Cassie did not even have the chance to make herself comfortable at the table by the window before Jack was already asleep.
She looked at the sleeping man. A smile crossed her face before she settled herself to do the homework she had to do.
Xxx
SGC, Carters Lab
Sam was working on another gadget after her lunchbreak with Daniel. They both had been talking about how to go further with the Colonel. First thing is always to be there for him and distract him as much as possible. Second thing would be to help him and encourage him on his journey.
So far SG1 was on stand down until further notice. Teal`c used the last six weeks to be with his son and Master Bra`tac and help to fight for the free Jaffa while Daniel and Sam caught up on some much-needed work which was laying around. The General had asked for a long time and finally there was time.
Daniel had told Sam that he would pick her up after work. The plan was to get to Jack`s house and get some stuff for him. The Major had already made a playlist with some music at home two days ago for her friend. She was sure he would like it.
As she was checking up on the time via the clock on the wall, the Major realised that it was nearly home time and the archaeologist would come by any minute. Starting to put her belongings away, she could hear some footsteps already.
“Hey, how is it going,” she addressed the person without looking.
“Sorry, I know I am a bit early but I had a good point where I could stop. So, I didn’t want a new start till tomorrow.” He grinned.
“Where is my friend Daniel and what have you done with him?” Sam looked at him playfully confused but had a big smile afterwards.
“Very funny. Just let us hurry up, shall we?” He was smiling and waiting in a corner so as not to stand in the way of his friend’s cleaning.
“You have an idea what the Colonel has at home and what he would like to have?” asked the Major after a few seconds of silence.
“I know he’s got a Gameboy and a yoyo. You’ve got the music and if we bring him a book or two that should do the trick.”
“He’s got a game boy? That is hilarious. I mean, ah never mind.” She stopped herself in mid- sentence. In her head she had found it cute that her CO would play with a little computer in his spare time.
“I think he’s only got Tetris on it. Never saw a different game.” He shifted his stand a bit. “I just hope we find the toy. I have no idea where to start looking for it”
“We will find it; we can start in his bedroom. If I would be him and nobody needs to know I would leave it where nobody normally goes,” she stated, putting the last items in a drawer.
“Oki, let’s start there.” Daniel stepped out of Sam’s lab and went already to the elevator.
Xxx
Colorado Springs, Fort Carson
Cassie was just finished with her homework when the door opened. A nurse poked her head in and Cassie showed her with a finger on her lips that she should be quiet.
“How can I help you Miss?” Cassie asked the nurse outside the room.
“I was just checking if he is ok and what the Colonel would like to have for his evening meal,” the Nurse confessed.
“He is asleep. When does the meal order have to be in?”
“In about 30 min. If he doesn’t wake up, maybe you could make the decision for him. Otherwise he would not get really anything after the kitchen closes for the night.”
“Ok, I will see what I can do. To whom do I give the order?”
“Just go to the reception desk. They will know what to do or you can find a nurse. Either way it will work.” She waited for the slight nod of the girl before she went on with her other patients.
Cassie went back to the Colonel and seated herself next to his bed. She was sure he would not take long to come around as he was already stirring a bit.
“Hey, Cass.” A soft mumble from the bed reached her ears.
“Hey, Uncle Jack,” she replied with a soft voice.
“You are still here.” He closed his half open eyes again and took a deep breath.
“Mum is not here yet to chase me away. So yes, like promised, am still here.” She smiled and came a bit closer to get his attention back. “A nurse was here earlier, she wanted to know what you would like for your dinner”
“What time is it?” Jack opened his heavy eyelids again
“Just after five. She said it would be difficult for you to get something once the kitchen is closed. You’ve got another few minute`s till I must give your order in. Would you like something in particular?” She took a pen and a piece of paper out ready to make some notes.
“Tuna would be nice. I am only allowed a light diet. The nurse this morning had tuna on the list if I remember right.” He tried to remember but gave up after a while. He was far too tired.
“Ok, I will ask.” She stood up and watched her friend who already had his eyes closed again.
Slowly and quietly she made her way out of the room. Heading for the reception desk, she crossed the path with a nurse she knew well from the ICU.
“How is Colonel O`Neill doing?” the Nurse stopped and placed her questioned look on the girl.
“He is doing ok, I guess. He is just very tired but then he was a long time out, so I assume that is normal for his body,” smiling, giving a bit of information away.
“Yes, it is, well I have to go. Take care, Cass, and all the best to the Colonel.” With that she walked past and disappeared behind the next corner.
Cassie continued her way to the reception desk to place the order. It was still very busy, and she had to wait a very long time to be called.
After accomplishing her mission, she walked back. Her watch said it was almost 6 in the evening and she was sure that the rest of his team would drop in very soon.
Taking her seat, next to the bed again, she looked at some magazines and waited patiently. The door opened soon after and Sam appeared with Daniel in tow.
“Hey, Cassie, how is he doing?” Sam came closer and watched the sleeping figure.
“Ok, just very sleepy today. We had an interesting conversation. I think this wore him out.” She didn’t look up to the Major while she had chosen her words.
“We got him some stuff from his home that he might like when he is awake like in the morning hours when no one is around. I think we have to keep him occupied,” stated Daniel who placed a plastic bag on the table near the window.
“I am sure he will like it. Do one of you know anything about when he will start on his therapy? I know that there is someone coming to him every morning around 10. But when will he get out of bed?” Cassie asked her friends.
“I have no idea to be honest. Maybe your mum knows something,” Sam whispered.
“I think we should go, Sam. One person is enough, and I don’t think Jack would appreciate it if too many people see him sleeping.” Daniel interrupted the conversation.
“Its ok, you can stay. I am awake but I do appreciate the fact that you are so concerned, Danny boy.” A soft, sheepish voice came from the bed.
“Hey Jack, nice of you to join in. How are you doing?” Daniel grinned.
“Just peachy.”
The conversation had gone along its path till another knock on the door announced his dinner. A nurse came in, placed the tray on a side table over his bed, and left again, smiling at Daniel on the way out.
“Whatcha having, Sir?” Sam asked interested.
“Tuna,” Jack replied while lifting the lid off his plate.
“Look, that even looks good on a plate,” Jack quipped as he discovered the slice of poached tuna on his plate with a little parsley sprig as garnish.
“Jack, that looks like cat food right out of the television advertisement,” Daniel stated.
“Thanks, Danny Boy. Exactly what I need to know now.” He smiled and took his fork. Without the pleasure of eating he just poked around on his plate.
“Anything wrong, Sir?” Carter questioned after noticing how listless he appeared.
“All is fine, I am just not hungry, that’s all.” With that he pushed his plate away.
“Sorry if I said anything that put you off your food.” Daniel replied apologetically.
“It`s not your fault. Just don’t feel like eating.” Jack tried to rearrange his position as he grew uncomfortable.
“Shall we leave you alone, Sir?” Carter queried.
“You don’t have to leave on my account. Make yourself comfortable and stay if you want for as long as you like.”
“Uhm, Jack, we went to your house. All seems in working order over there. But while we were there, we brought you some stuff so that you are not so alone and bored when we are not here.” With that Daniel placed the bag on his bed.
Jack looked up and strayed into the warm smiling grey eyes of his friend. He did not quite know how to react to it. He was not really in the mood for talking at all and he wished they all just would go and leave him alone but then he did not want them to leave. He enjoyed their company and that was what he was looking forward to every day when he was alone in this room.
“Thanks, glad all is ok. What did you get me?” He took the bag and peeked inside.
Sam watched him very closely. If she wouldn’t have, she would have missed the grin on his face which appeared just for a split second. Then his visor had been back up and the Colonel who tried to hide his emotions was back.
“Thanks Kids, I appreciate it very much. That should keep me occupied for a while.” He took all the items out and found a place for them on his nightstand, giving Daniel his bag back.
“I think we should go now.” Sam checked her watch and, after realising it was just before 7 pm, she concluded it was time.
“So soon? You guys coming tomorrow?” Jack looked disappointed.
“We will, Sir, promise.” With that she opened the door and stepped out. It was so hard for her to see him like that. She knew he could be grumpy, and she knew what kind of character her CO was. She knew him better then she would ever admit wishing in the same second that she would have some time with him alone. But, on the other hand, they had better not so no false rumours could develop.
Seeing a Doctor, she went to him to ask him some information she was not even sure to get as she was not a relative of him. But she could at least try.
“Sir?” She stepped on up to him.
“Ma`am? What can I do for you?” the man in the white coat turned to face her
“I’ve got a few questions regarding a certain patient. I am just not sure if you are allowed to give me any answers as we are not related. He is my
Commanding Officer and we are very close as a team. I would just like to know where he stands.” She swallowed hard and waited for his answer.
“Ma`am, it is correct. I am not in the position to give you any answers even if you are very close as a team. But please follow me.” He pointed to the right side where a door was open just a slight bit.
“Take a seat. Water?” he offered as he got himself a glass full of the clear liquid.
“I am fine Sir.” Sam replied while sitting herself in the chair opposite a dark wooden desk which looked very expensive.
“Ma`am. Whom might we be talking about? I ‘ve got lots of patients in this wing. They all would be old enough to be your CO.” He addressed the issue at hand.
“Colonel Jack O`Neill, Room HF 202. He is from the Air Force. They have brought him here about six weeks ago as your equipment is better than we have in our hospital.” Sam smiled in a shy and kind of embarrassed way.
“Oh yeah, I know who you mean. He is quite a fighter with a strong will beating the odds like that. I wish all my patients would be like him.” He smiled and stood next to a filing cabinet.
“Well, that’s him. And yes, you are right. He has an extremely strong will if he wants something to happen and is convinced it it’s worth fighting for.”
The Doctor took Jack`s file out and flipped through it. turning around to see his visitor eye to eye. He sat himself down, sipped on his glass, and cleared his throat.
“As I said before, I am not allowed to tell you anything about the health of my patient. I am not allowed to tell you, hypothetically, that next week we can start in our gym with his therapy. But he needs to put on some weight. As right now he is far too slim and has no strength. I am also not allowed to tell you that by the last test about two weeks ago, his chest was finally clear of his pneumonia and his ribs are healed. His head seems ok now after the concussion he had and also, I am not allowed to tell you that apart from his vertebras he seems fine. He just needs to get back to his strong self. We will help him with that and knowing him by now, he will achieve this sooner than we all think. I know the type of his character. He just needs a spark to light his fire again. But this is all just hypothetical.” The doctor closed the file and smiled into Sam’s face.
“Of course, all just hypothetical. Thank you, Sir. I’ve got one last question. Just from what you are not allowed are to tell me, did the venom have any long-lasting effect on him or his organs? Hypothetically?” Sam smiled her biggest smile.
“He was very lucky. The antivenom he received was just in time and, thanks to the information we had, this was vital time save. And no, his organs and he himself will not have any long-lasting effects from that which also is quite unusual as normally victims are suffering already from damaged organs after the time in which we got him the necessary dose. I put that down to his shape he was in which for his age is remarkable. You see, normally it’s best after a snake bite to get help in the first 30 minutes. It varies from snake to snake, but you need the antivenom in the next six to twelve hours. He got it after and still recovered from it. Maybe that is the reason why he was that long in a coma. But of course, this is all just hypothetical.” He answered her truthfully but made clear that he had not told her anything and he would deny everything if something would come back to him.
“Of course, I thank you for your time doctor.” With that, the Major stood up, held out her hand to underline her gratefulness. “and don’t worry. You did not tell me anything and your speculations are safe with me.” She smiled and left the room after a hearty handshake. Stepping outside she saw Daniel and Cassie waiting near the entrance area. She walked over to the pair and greeted them.
“Hey, Sam, what’s going on? We just saw you going into the room with that guy. That’s why we are waiting here.” Daniel explained.
“I just needed to find something out; got my answers and now we can go. Sorry to keep you waiting.” She smiled apologetically and turned into the way the car was waiting.
“Cassie, shall we drop you off at your home?” Daniel asked the girl who had been walking next to him now.
“Can do, but I have no idea when mum is coming home. She texted me earlier that there was another emergency and it would be very late.” She looked at Sam with a questioning look on her face.
“Yes, let your mum know and you can stay with me.” She knew what the teenager wanted and turning to Daniel said, “If you like come over and we will order some food and have a nice evening together.”
“Sounds good. I will go and take you up on that offer as I am far too lazy to cook for myself tonight.” He stated and grinned over his whole face.
Xxx
Jack felt so alone. After Sam was gone, the other two left as well. He wished he would have a bit of time with Sam alone but then this would be hard as she always was coming with someone else. He liked his friends a lot. His 2IC just a bit more.
Looking at his plate with the messed-up tuna, he took a mouthfull and chewed it very slowly. The taste was bland, and his tummy rumbled the second he received the contents.
Jack felt sick and just managed to press the bell before he puked all over his bed. His body was shaking and cramped all up in this seizure. One wild retch followed by the next one. He could not help himself and tears been now streaming down his face.
A nurse came in, immediately pressing the emergency button and tried to calm her patient down. Holding a sick bowl under his face for the mess that was still emerging and she stroked his back in circles and spoke with a very soothing voice to him.
Sweat beads built themselves on his forehead and he tried to swallow the bile down he was feeling coming up. Still shaking from the heaves he experienced, he tried his best to calm down.
“That’s better, Colonel. Calm down. Nothing will happen to you. You are safe here. Whatever has caused your panic attack, it’s time to let go.” She continued to rub in circles and a few more nurses had already been busy with changing his bed and getting him a new gown to wear. Windows opened for fresh air. Jack was changed and in his bed in no time. The food had been taken away. He laid there staring holes into the ceiling.
Why was he having an attack? There was no need for one. He was fine, all the events of the remembered weeks had been stored in his mind, far away from where anyone could touch them. Hidden in a drawer he would not touch again. So why would he act like that? He did not know and before he knew it, he had fallen asleep.
Xxx
Carter’s House
“Daniel, what type of take away would you like to have today?” Sam shouted from the kitchen into her living room.
“How about Sushi? You guys like it?” he looked at Cassie while shouting back to Sam.
“Fine by me.” Sam shouted back and Cassie nodded with an “and me.”
“Good, I know a Chinese restaurant not far from here, they do takeaway and make the best sushi ever.” The archaeologist beamed with excitement.
“I just need to pick it up. They don’t deliver.”
“You got a menu,Daniel?” Sam asked coming out of the kitchen with a bottle of wine and two glasses.
“Internet, Name is Sushi Ring.” Daniel explained while taking his mobile phone out of his pocket.
“Cassie, what would you like?” He opened the menu card and gave her the phone to write down what she fancied. After that it was Sam`s turn and Daniel last. He placed his order and was told to pick it up about 20 minutes later.
Xxx
SGC, Infirmary
Doctor Fraiser was fighting for the life of a young lieutenant who had an encounter with another alien race that was not very friendly. An arrow had stung him near his heart.
She was checking the clock and was relieved to know that Cassie would have a good time. Her friends she could always count on stepped in yet again and helped her out. Remembering the text she had received from her daughter earlier where she had informed her that she will spend the time with
Sam and Daniel and that it was Sushi night tonight.
The patient in front of her was stable for now and her team had done a good job. The arrow was finally removed, and the soldier was hooked onto machines. By the time she was finished it was way past midnight and she decided to stay in the mountain for the night. She would have to have an early start anyway so no use to drive down just so she has to drive up the mountain a couple of hours later.
Making herself an herbal tea, she sat in her office and took a specific file out. She had requested an update on the Colonel’s heath and had received the mail somewhere during the last few hours.
Making herself comfortable in front of her computer she opened the file. Skipping the stuff she already knew, she was glued to the new entry where it was spoken about a panic attack. Scrubbing one of her hands over her face, the doctor took a deep breath. If the Colonel starts on something like that now, he would have more to recover from than just his physical health. The problem was to get him to open up and talk about it.
He wasn’t best known for letting someone see his feelings. He always shut everyone out and she had the feeling that he was just scared he would be a burden to his friends. She knew that he was a very private and proud man and she admired him for that. But sometimes, especially after the last weeks, he needed to talk it over. She was determined now to go to the hospital in the next few days, alone, and talk to him.
A feeling told her that he might think that she would be mad at him which was true before she knew everything she knew now. With that she shut the electrical device down and laid down on the field bed she had in her office for exactly that kind of emergency.
Xxx
Fort Carson
Jack had slept all night and felt better today. He was in a good mood and now had been waiting for some eggs. After last night’s episode, he been advised to stick to eggs in different variations for now till his stomach is accustomed to food again.
The team of Doctors had already been and gone. They had told him that the main concern right now was to rebuild his strength, then the walking would follow.
Jack could not wait to get walking again as he was sick of just laying around and doing nothing. But in a way he understood that his body needed the time. He had to be patient. In that minute, his breakfast came and gave him a welcome distraction.
He put his earplugs in and turned the volume on full. He was pleased when he discovered that Carter had given him an iPod where she put opera music on. This one was his favourite. The opera was by Leoncavallo and called `The Clowns’ and the extract he was listening to was from Pagliacci.
Closing his eyes, he lost himself in the world where no one could touch him. Here he was free. The music engulfed him and built wings around him, taking him on a trip far away, away from this world, his problems, his friends, his situation. Teal’c once showed him how to meditate. This kind of technique he used now.
By the time he opened his eyes again, he felt better. His eggs which were still in front of him, were cold by now but tasted better than ever. He had found something now that he had missed for so long: the feeling of being worthy, the feeling of belonging somewhere and not being a failure, the feeling of being loved.
He looked at the small device in his hand and smiled. `How did Carter know what type of music he preferred? And then his absolute favourite piece of all?’ He made himself a mental note to ask her one day. For now, he was just grateful to have friends who look out for him.
He had finished his eggs and did not leave one crumb on his plate. When the nurse would come and pick up his plate, she would be pleased with him. He smiled and looked out of the window. Not much longer and he would get out of this bed. He would get out into the open again and breathe the fresh air, see the sky above and listen to the birds singing in the tree. Patience was the key.
The day flew by and he enjoyed his activities. He read a bit but could not concentrate for very long. He played a bit on his Gameboy and slept on and off. He had an omelette for lunch and ate it all. The nurse was surprised and happy to see him picking up and starting to eat.
It was late in the afternoon when he expected for Cassie to come. She told him yesterday that she had a long school day and would be coming later.
As the knock on the door came, he got very excited and had to hide a little disappointment after he realised that it was her mum.
“Hey, Janet, what brings you here?” He tried to be nice and hide the fact that he wasn’t in the mood to see her. He was looking forward to his younger friend.
“Colonel,” she greeted him. “May I sit down?” She indicated on a chair near the bed.
“Sure, make yourself comfortable.” He watched her as she settled down.
“How are you today?” She knew where she wanted to go, just not exactly how to achieve it without scaring him off.
“Good, yourself?” He looked at her with a questioning look.
“I am glad to hear it. Colonel, we need to talk.” Janet had realised there was no way around it and she knew from the previous encounter with him, he was a straightforward man. No fuss around - just the plain truth.
“About?” His facial expression changed to a stern mask. No emotions would get through anymore.
“Everything. Cassie, you, the adventure you had. And…” she took a deep breath “I wanted to thank you.”
“For what, there is nothing to thank me for.” His voice was cold. He felt so good all day and now she had the desire to talk.
“Colonel, please. You went through a traumatic experience. That’s not easy to shrug off. And for the thanks part. The Thank you is for keeping Cassie out of harm’s way. From what she told me you saved her life and that more than once.” She looked at him, his body language had not changed a bit.
“I got her in this mess at the first place. It never should had happened and if you think that it would be best that Cassie is not be allowed to spend any holidays with me anymore, I will understand. You gave her into my guardianship, and I placed her in danger. I know what you might have thought, and I understand.” He started to play with his blanket.
“That’s what I mean. I am not mad at you. Yes, it was a mess and you should have not gotten her into it. but this is you. You stand for fairness and defend the weak ones. See, you had sent Cassie out to your car so she didn’t have to see anything she should not see in her age. You protected her afterwards as good as you could. I will not deny that I was fuming when Sam phoned me with what had happened. I was mad at you. Very, very mad. But she had not told me all of it on the phone. I had to come back and get a debriefing to get all the facts and since I know that information, I am not mad at you at all. I am grateful that you protected my daughter.” She took a deep breath, realising how relaxed he appeared now. All his stiffness was gone
“She can go with you on holiday again, so long she wants to. I just wanted to let you know what I thought. I would have come earlier but I was not sure how far you would be able to cope with it. I know how you handle things like this, and I am not sure it is the right way, but if you need someone with whom you would like to talk, I can recommend a friend. She is very good in matters like that. Maybe it will help you not to bottle it all up this time.”
“Thank you, Doc. I would have given my life for Cassie. And if something would have happened to her, I would not have forgiven myself. I have gone through it once. I could not handle a second time. I will always protect her with what I have and more. This is a promise.” He looked her deep in her eyes. She could see that he meant every word he said.
“I know” she patted his right arm slightly, relieved that this was out of the way.
“Nothing against you, but is Cassie coming today?” He looked at her full of hope.
“Yes, she is outside. I just made her wait as I wanted to have this conversation out of the way. You can have her now. I need to go shopping anyway. See you later then Colonel and get well soon.” She stood and walked to the door. Turning around she added “When you are back on your feet, we will have a race together.” Smiling and not waiting for his reply, she went outside to let her daughter know that she could visit him now.
A feeling of relief washed over him and as his teenage friend stepped into the room, he was all full of joy.
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TBC