so, at last. here comes the next part. sorry, it took so long but I had a few issues with my laptop. hope all is fixed now. so enjoy the next section and have fun
The Deputy, now standing in front of the judge, presented the case of the Robbery which took place in Colorado Springs with four men of which three were here to stand the trial.
After he was finished, the Public defender stood up, walked in front of the jury and started his opening plea. “Your Honor and ladies and gentlemen of the jury: under the law, my clients are presumed innocent until proven guilty. During this trial, you will hear no real evidence against my clients. You will come to know the truth: that Bernhard, Nicolas and Peter were just puppets by someone else. After finding out what was going on Bernhard, Nicolas and Peter have been just trying to do the right thing by setting things straight. Therefore, my clients are not guilty."
The Judge looked at the prosecution. “You may call the first witness.”
“The People call the owner of the bank.” Announced the Deputy.
“Please stand. Raise your right hand. Do you promise that the testimony you shall give in the case before this court shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you, God?” The clerk swore the first witness in.
After stating his first and last name, address and business the first real question came.
“Going straight to business. Were you working there on February 8th?”
“Yes, I was”
“Which color was the car which the robbers with the hostages escaped?” The lawyer asked.
“It was blue” came the answer from the witness.
“You just indicated to the court the car was blue?”
“Yes.”
“Do you remember providing a statement to police on the night of the robbery?”
“Yes.”
“Were you telling the truth to the police at that time about what you saw?”
“Yes.”
“You were sober and aware of what had just happened?”
“Of course, I just saw it all clearly.”
“The statement was immediately after the robbery was it not?”
“It was. About 10 minutes after.”
“And like all humans, your memory would be better immediately after the event than it would try to recall things six months later, as you are trying to attempt here?”
“Sure. That makes sense.”
“Can you please look at this?”
“Ok.”
“And what is that?”
“The statement I provided to police on the day of the event.”
“And you would agree that you told the police that the car was white?”
“Yes, it appears I did.”
“You already indicated you were not trying to mislead police that day.”
“Of course not.”
“And you agreed that your memory would have been better that morning, ten minutes after the event?”
“Yes.”
“It’s fair to say that looking at this now, the car must have been white, and you are simply mistaken now, one month later trying to remember things
as best as you can?”
“I guess so.”
A few more questions had been asked, and the witness was released afterwards. The state attorney was on a roll the whole day and soon it was Jack’s time to stand in the witness stand. The Colonel still struggled to walk normally. But being him meant he tried as much as possible as not to show it. He was dressed in his full blue uniform with all his ribbons and medals on it, proud of what he was presenting.
As he heard his name called, Jack took a deep breath, closed his eyes for a second and stepped into the courtroom. He walked along the aisle with all those people to the left and right. He saw the jury sitting by the windows to his right side, the Jury pedestal in front of him. As he reached the witness stand, he looked at the three men in the eye. He could see them whisper and was assuming it had something to do with the attack on him earlier that morning.
“Please state your name for the record and your rank in the military service.” the man in front of Jack began.
“Colonel Jack O`Neill, United States Air Force” he replied and shifted a bit to make himself more comfortable.
“Can you please confirm that you're the respondent in the Supreme Court file # 24356?”
“That’s correct”
“So, Colonel is it. You are working where exactly?”
“Cheyanne mountain, deep space telemetry”
“What are you doing there if I may ask”
“Checking out the neighborhood in space”
“So that particular morning of the robbery, had you been on the way to work?”
“Yes”
“Why had you stopped at the bank”
“One of my co-worker’s car broke down and she phoned me before work and asked for a lift. She needed to go to the bank before work.” Jack shuffled again on his chair.
“Are you ok Colonel? You seem a bit restless today and what happened to your face? These wounds are looking quite fresh.” a concerned attorney was standing before Jack.
“I had some visitors this morning.” Jack looked towards the Jury.
“What did they want?”
`Asking me to come out and play`, was shot through Jack's head. But here it was serious, so he bit his tongue and replied with honesty and without sarcasm.
“They did ask me to not attend court today. I told them that this is a thing I can`t do. So, these five men decided to beat the crap out of me.” Jack looked now to the three men on the bench.
“But you still came. Why”
“It is my duty to help and protect God’s nation. No one can keep me from it.” Jack replied now with a very stern voice. He had grown tired and just wished all was already over.
“So, have you reported it to the police?” the lawyer now on a hunch
“No.”
“Why not?”
"I was unconscious and my co-worker who is here as well found me. There was no time, otherwise, we would have come too late."
“So, you have not seen a doctor either.”
“No.”
“Do you think that your visitors this morning have anything to do with the three men we are here to decide over their fate?”
“It is not up to me to make the assumption.”
“Ok, back to the day it all started. You have special training as a military person. Did you try to play the hero?”
“No”
“How come these guys picked you? I mean, who would pick a military officer?”
“I don`t know.”
The questions rumbled all along. After the state attorney had been finished with his questions, the defence made their moves and tried to twist it all around a bit. The Colonel himself would not agree to it and he fought where he was for what was right.
Finally, after over an hour, Jack was released and allowed to leave. He quickly checked his watch and recognized that it was somewhere between 1500 and 1600. In front of the room, Sam waited for her turn as the door opened and her CO stepped out.
"Sir, how you are holding up? Sit down, you look tired." Carter helped him to sit and waited until he relaxed a bit. She knew she was not allowed to talk to him in between the testimonies but she also had been concerned. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see that two men approached them both. From the way, they were dressed she believed them to be first aiders.
“You are Colonel O`Neill?” one of the men asked the Colonel who was now slumped against the wall behind him.
“Yes”, he mumbled.
"Colonel, we have been asked to check you out. For this, you must come with us. Can you walk?” The deep concern on Sam’s face was not unnoticed and the other man assured her that the Colonel would be taken good care of. With a little help from the first aiders, Jack stood and walked with the two nice men. His breathing had still been shallow, and his rib cage protested now even more than before.
Sam watched them leave, sat back down again and waited. Right now, the only thing she could do for the Colonel was to give a good and honest statement. She would see him later.
The time came and Sam had been called into the courtroom. The first few questions were the same as asked to the Colonel and Sam gave as much detail as possible. She relived nearly every single minute of that morning and realized that the questions for her CO had been that detailed. He must have relived his stay at the cave as well. It dawned on her that it was why he was so exhausted. He never spoke about stuff like this out of a free will, but she must find a way to help him: make him talk and put this experience behind him in a more natural way than to just lock it in a mental drawer.
As she came out, Jack was waiting for her. He had a little bag with some painkillers sitting next to him. Sam looked at him and was not sure what to make of his appearance. He had a cheeky boyish smile on his face as if he knew something she didn’t.
"Colonel, how you are feeling?" Sam sat next to him and checked him over silently from top to toe.
“Great, been given some of these lovely little pills.” His finger indicated to the bag next to him.
“Ok, so do you have to go to a hospital? Did these guys say anything?” Sam still had a concerned look on her face.
“Can`t remember.” Jack had gotten a bit rubbery.
“You can`t remember?” Sam did not trust the words she just heard.
“Look, we are here already for a very long time and we have had neither breakfast nor lunch. I did what I am come for and so did you. These first aid guys patched me up pretty good and that's it. So, we’re here, not home. Can we go now?” His face grimaced a bit while he was on the whining side. Sam knew him so well and the way he was now, there was no chance to get anywhere with him except to just follow his wishes.
“Ok, let`s go. You want to grab something to eat on the way home or have a pizza delivered to your house?” Sam helped him up to stand and led him to his truck.
“You want to share a pizza at my place? You have to drive me home anyway.” Jack grinned while getting into his truck.
“No.” Sam looked at Jack before she started the engine.
“Oh, ok.” Jack snapped back into his reserved Colonel mode. He was thinking that they both could have had a nice relaxed evening, but it seems she did have other plans.
“Sir, what`s wrong? Something just changed.” With a playful look towards Jack, she put it in first gear.
“Nothing, everything is fine. Drive on home Major.” Jack plastered his face straight forward and did not look once at his 2IC again for a few minutes.
“Sir, you did ask the wrong question?” Said Sam softly after a while. The quietness was so awful between them both.
“What’s that? Which question?” Jack asked now getting more irritated. Sam could not really believe it and gave him a clue.
“Sharing a Pizza.” She smirked at him now
“Oooh. You want your own Pizza?” Jack felt so stupid. He should have known his Major.
"Yes, Sir. That would be great. I am starving. So sorry to say it but I don’t want to share it with you. But if you share a bottle of beer with me that would be great.” Finally, the Colonel caught up with what she meant. The relief washed over her instantly.
“Own Pizza means own beer. That’s the rule.” now it was on Jack to smirk in relief. He was looking forward to having his friend around.
“It would be better if we invite Daniel and Teal`c over as well. We could make a team night out of it. Would be great.” stated Carter who was thinking of the rules and regulations.
“Yeah probably. I’ll give Danny a call. He can ask Teal`c. Which time do you think is ok? An hour from now?” The Colonel picked up his phone and checked the time on his watch.
The phone call placed, he looked out the window. He knew that the woman next to him was out of reach. But hey, he was a guy right. He could dream.
About an hour later, all four members of SG1 sat in the Living room at O`Neill’s place eating pizza, drinking beer, and enjoying a movie. Times like this could not happen often enough.
xxx
Next day in court:
Today it was the day to call the villains into the witness stand. After the jury listened to a hand full of witnesses yesterday, the defendant’s side decided to call one of the men in.
The judge stepped into the courtroom and the same procedure happened like yesterday. After the formality was over, one of the men stepped up.
“State your name for the protocol please?” his defendant lawyer started the long day that lay ahead.
“Nicolas Freshwater.”
“What is your job title and position?”
“I`m a mechanic, at the moment jobless.”
“So, who came up with the plan for the robbery?”
“Me”
“What is your technical background, skills, or knowledge?”
“I know how to open safe doors. I watched a lot of movies and studied police work over the internet. I talked to a lot of contacts that I have.”
“Which contacts would that be?” A long pause arose before Nicolas answered the question which still hung in the air.
“Mafia.”
A soft murmur went around in the room. People looked at each other with shocked faces. Mafia in their small community?
“Tell us, in your own words, what you were doing in the hours prior to the robbery, how you worked it all out and what happened afterwards.”
“We had an early start with some alcohol. Before you ask, no drugs. Berny had organized the weapons. We got ready, and with rap music got ourselves hot. We went over the routine one last time. We arrived at the bank after it was open for around an hour. We sat in the car a bit and watched customers coming and going. We saw the guy with the blond woman in the green truck. Marvin said he bets they are a couple and he would do everything for her.
I held the bet against him, and we stormed the bank. Everything was working perfectly till Marvin started to play with the dude from the truck. He could not resist provoking him. I mean, the guy stayed calm and that pissed Marvin off. He was a guy who loved to control. He loved to inflicted pain just to see his victim in agony and he could feel the power he had over it. So, after it went all a bit haywire, Marvin decided to take hostages. We agreed before that we would not go there. But he did it anyway. He wanted to have a real go at the calm guy. The rest you know. We got a white transport car and escaped into the mountains.” His head dropped onto his chest.
“What is your connection with those involved in the whole hostage situation?” With no rest, the next question came flying.
“No connection at all. Never saw him or anyone else of hostages that we took before.”
“What attracted your attention to the robbery?”
“The thrill, money, kind of a daring.”
“What actions did you take once you reached the cave?”
“We covered the car, brought the money into the cave, and Marvin led the guy into another chamber of the cave. He came back one time and told us that he had caught himself a Colonel of the United States Air Force. It seemed like he went completely high and into a fairyland. For him, it was like a lottery win. He hated all military service putting the blame on them for the death of his parents who both served and then the system failed him.”
“What do you think was the main cause of the robbery going wrong?”
“Marvin not sticking to the plan and taking a hostage”
“Is there any additional information you would like to provide?”
“I would like to apologize to all the victims, the bank itself and to all the persons involved. It was never intended to hurt anyone.”
“Do you regret what happened?”
“Yes.”
“Is there anyone else that you know of that we should talk with?”
“No”
“I thank you for your time. The defence is finished and now the witness is all yours." With that, he turned to his seat and sat down.
Happy with what he had achieved, the defence attorney had shown the jury that his clients were not bad at all. These kids had hearts, feelings and a conscience.
The state attorney got himself up and stood now in front of Nicolas.
"That was quite impressive. I got only a few questions for you. How come that it was your plan, but Marvin cooked it all up and now you blame it on him. He can’t defend himself anymore.”
“I had to tell the truth. That’s what had happened. I know he can’t defend himself and I know how it looks, but that’s how it happened.”
“That’s convenient. So, we heard yesterday Colonel O`Neill here as a witness. He looked quite beaten up. Who of you nice guys are responsible for the early visit to his house yesterday morning?"
“Nobody.”
“Oh please, you can tell this to your mother. You stated earlier that you have connections to the Mafia. So, don’t think that we all here are stupid." The lawyer grew impatient.
“Nothing else to say. It was not one of us three. Maybe one of our families. How should I know?” Nicolas shrugged with his shoulders.
“Thank you. That’s all.” The protectionary looked at the jury and the judge on the way as he returned to his desk.
The public Defender arose and asked questions which should now safe the skin from his three clients. He knew it was not looking good. But he had to try his best anyway. The list of questions not been long and so it was all over before it really began.
The Judge looked around in the room and asked if there be any more witnesses. The reply was a `No’ from both sides.
“So, after all the evidence has been presented and all witnesses have been heard, I am ready to hear the final argument. After that, the jury will retreat themselves.” He made it official with a loud knock of his wooden hammer.
xxx
Jack woke up quite late that morning. His friends stayed very late in the night or early this morning. After the movie was finished a relaxed chatting round had started and a few more bottles of beer had been shared out.
He sat up with legs already out of the bed. A slight groan escaped his mouth and he rubbed his eyes with the palm of his hand. His head still hurt and so did his ribs. Slowly he stood up and walked to the bathroom. As he looked in the mirror and saw himself, he just had to grin. What been his teammates. thinking of his appearance last night?
`Ah well, a nice shower would do me good.` Jack turned the water on and stepped in it. He was not sure after all if that was such a good idea. He was hurting all over. Sam promised to come over at lunchtime to pick him up. She had insisted that he get checked out by Janet.
Lunchtime came and Jack was ready to go. The only missing part was his ride. Right at that moment, his doorbell rang. He opened it with a smile to see his Major standing with a shy smile in front of him.
“Sir, you ready to go?”
Jack grabbed his Jacket and keys and locked the door behind him. Both agreed to take Jack’s truck again for easier access on the side of the Colonel.
Just a short while later they reached the so familiar base. On the way to Janet’s Domain, Daniel passed them and got a shock of his life after he saw his friend.
“Jack, what happened? you did not look like yesterday, did you?” he asked, deeply concerned.
“Had some friendly guys over for a party. They didn’t like the theme I picked yesterday morning.” Jack replied in his cynical style he had mastered so well.
"Well, you look like shit, but at least your brain still seems to work. Still the same guy." With that, Daniel hurried along to his lab to study some more of his pictures of symbols which had been lying around all over his lab.
Carter and O`Neill stepped into the Infirmary looking for Janet who was found shortly afterwards in a corner hovering over an experiment. Janet looked up after Carter called. “Colonel, what happened to you?” she asked him, taking in a deep breath.
“Nothing to worry about. Carter insisted that I come and see you. She did not trust me that I would really go and see you. That’s why she is here with me.” He looked at Sam and motioned to her that she could leave now.
“Have fun Sir, Janet.” With that, the Major left and went to her own laboratory to get some work done.
“So, Colonel. Where does it hurt?” Janet pointed at an empty bed and gestured for him to sit on it.
“The question should be, where doesn’t it hurt. I feel like I’ve been run over by a train.” Jack replied feeling the tiredness wash over him.
“Ok, here is a Hospital gown. Get changed and let me know when you’ve finished. I’d like to run some tests and take some x rays and an fMRI scan if this is ok with you.” She held the robe to him and left him with that to his own devices.
Jack muttered under his breath and with a bit of swearing and heavy breathing he got the job done. He covered himself with a blanket and lying in bed waiting for the Doctor. Shortly after he pressed the bell, Janet showed up impressed with what she saw in front of her eyes. There was her most impatient patient completely complying with what she had told him to do. That alone was worth writing a report over it. She concluded in her mind that he must feel awful to act this way.
“Ok, Colonel. First the scans. Then the rest. Do you want some painkillers to help you?” she asked him in concern.
“Nah, it will be alright. Just do what you must do. I want to have it done and over with, so I can leave again.” Jack answered softly.
Janet looked at him and had now realized that the man on the bed had fallen asleep. “Sleep on, Colonel. Hope we can sort you out.” With that Janet left and arranged two of her male nurses to get all the scans and tests done that she had arranged for him.
xxx
Several hours later
Jack woke up in a quiet corner of the infirmary. He hadn’t realized that he did fall asleep and wondered now for a moment where he was when he woke up. It all came back in a flash and he groaned softly. Looking around, no staff was to be seen. He looked at an IV drip next to him which was attached to his left hand. Trying to sit up, the room started to spin and O`Neill decided against the feeling to sit. He closed his eyes and drifted off to a restless sleep again.
Sam was in Janet’s office and both looked over the test results which were spread out all over the desk. “He took quite a hit on his head. How he managed with that to go to court is beyond me." Janet said looking at the x-ray of Jack’s head. It showed a small hairline fracture. So long as Jack would not move too much it would be no problem, but he certainly had a very bad concussion which alone was serious enough.
"I hope he did not break any of his other bones," Sam whispered looking at some other x rays.
“No, all looks fine. Sam, what had happened to him? I mean, we speak about the Colonel. It's not easy to take him out, is it." Janet watched her friend very closely now.
“He said he had some guys come over to persuade him to not go to the court and testify. He told them that’s a no go and all five had a go at him. He said that he got two or three pretty good. So, what I’d like to do is catch these guys. Jack said they had all been dressed in black. He said that it was his duty as a member of the Air Force to go. He was in bad shape yesterday. But you know him. If he sets his mind to something, he will follow it through.” Sam exhaled out loud.
“I’ll go and see how he is doing. Maybe he would like to see a friend when he is waking up. He could be confused with all this attention around him which he doesn’t like at all.” With that Sam left the office and was well on the way to see her CO.
xxx
Sam sat next to the bed of her friend for a while now as he started to shift slightly. She watched him closely and decided then to press the call bell next to his bed. Janet would come shortly and could take care of him and explain all the questions he would have now in his head.
Janet arrived just in time to see how Jack opened his eyes for a second time. He looked a bit confused but smiled once he saw the blond woman next to his bed. She smiled at him. `What better way to wake up? ` he thought.
“Colonel. Come on now. You are doing great. That’s the way to go.” Sam cheered him with a smile.
“Sam…” came an exhausted voice from the bed.
“I am here Jack; you will be fine. How you are feeling?” Sam asked him, gently stroking his arm.
“Run over by train…” his voice started to trail off again. “Tired…”
“Colonel, you can sleep again later. I need to do some more tests. But I need you to be awake for that.” Janet joined in now.
“Hey, Doc. You go and poke me with those needles of yours?” Jack turned his attention now to the Doc who was standing on the other side of his bed.
“Nope, done that already. But we saw a hairline crack on the back of your skull. You have a very serious concussion. So, I must check your eyes and see how they are responding. It will get bright and I do apologize beforehand." With that, she took her penlight out and leaned in to check the pupils of her patient.
“The response is slightly slow but better than I was expecting it to be. Well done Sir. So, your job now is to get well. Get to the police and get these bastards caught for what they did to you. I will leave you alone now. Promise me, whenever you need anything ring the bell. Don’t play the hero. You’ve done that already often enough. Are we understood?” Janet’s voice was stern on the end to bring her message across to one stubborn Colonel.
“Yes, Ma`am.” He replied with a small smile. He hated it already in here but could not do anything about it. The only good thing that came out of this whole situation was, in his eyes, that Sam was here.
"Sir, I should let you sleep. I will come back later." With that, she was already on her feet. She looked at him and noticed how frail he looked.
"Don't go, Sam. Stay with me, please." His eyes pleading for her to stay.
“Ok, go to sleep. I will stay.” She sat down again and watched the man drifting off to sleep.
xxx
Sam had waited several minutes after her CO had fallen asleep and was now in her lab to get some of her own work done. She had notified Daniel and Teal`c about what was going on and both had promised to visit Jack and stay with him so, when he does wake up, he will not be alone. Sam knew how it worked with him. First, he was nearly dying and wanted not to be alone like a small child. Then he was feeling better and drove everybody around the bend just so he could go home.
Her concentration was way off today and her mind was more circling around Jack and the day in court yesterday. With a deep sign, the Major recognized that there was no way today to get anything done. In her mind she was playing the conversation back she had had with Janet earlier.
`Two broken ribs and a bad concussion. Otherwise, he is fine. It will take a few days, but he will recover soon. ` her friend had told her. Still, here she was, concentration out the window. Figuring out a way to help her CO. She knew already that he would not go to the police. Knowing Jack O`Neill he will go after the guys himself just to make sure they get what they deserve.
A knock on her door brought her back to reality. Daniel was standing in the doorway and watched her for a few seconds. “Penny for your thoughts, Sam” he started the conversation.
"Oh, hey Daniel. Well, I can't really tell you. It's all so muddled up - the whole scenario we have here on our hands. Jack did not say one word yesterday; he did not mention once that his head was killing him, and he felt dizzy. Yeah, sure, he said he hurts and was ever so happy when I agreed to drive his car, but he should have told me. I have not even paid attention to it. I had not seen how much pain he was in. Daniel, I am his 2IC. I should take care of him. Everybody knows how he is. I can`t believe it.” She turned her head away from her friend. Tears started to form in her eyes.
“Sam, you said it yourself- we know how Jack is and works. If he doesn’t want you to see it, he will not let you. He mastered that whole `hiding the feelings` thing a long time ago. Don’t beat yourself up over this. It is not worth it.” He stepped closer and stretched one arm out to her.
“Maybe you are right. But still. I should have known. I found him, he had blood from his head all over him. How stupid do I have to be to not even think that he had a concussion from the blow? He could not even sit up at first. That was clearly a sign of how dizzy and weak he already had been."
Sam's voice was racing now, and the words were just flying around Daniel’s head. He had no idea how to respond. So, he did the only thing he knew would help her.
“Come here” And with that, he embraced her in a long friendly hug and Sam finally lost control over herself and she sobbed uncontrollably.
xxx
Teal`c was sitting next to his warrior brother leaning against the wall. He had watched over him for a while and decided then to go and meditate. He would know the second his friend awakened and would be there for him.
The man in bed started to stir and in the same second, the big Jaffa was standing next to him. He waited patiently for O`Neill to wake up. In the meantime, he patted the forehead of his friend with a cold damp cloth.
Jack opened his eyes again and seemed already a bit clearer in his head. “Teal`c?” he looked at his big friend whom he trusted so much with his life.
“I`m here O`Neill.” Teal`c sat himself down and studied the face of his friend
“Water” Jack requested. A big strong hand reached to his bedside table and helped him to sip on a straw. “Thanks”
“Rest my friend. I will notify Doctor Frasier, Daniel Jackson, and Major Carter that you have been awake." With these words, he left a dozing Colonel alone.
Janet stepped into the Colonel’s room, followed by Sam, Daniel, and Teal`c. As if the Colonel could feel all the presence around him, he flipped his eyes open. Dark brown eyes narrowed themselves as he looked around the group.
"Hey, Jack.” Daniel smiled at his friend who was awake at last.
"Hey, Danny.” Jack’s voice sounded already a bit stronger than the hours before when he was awake.
Janet checked him over again and nodded satisfied. “You are recovering well. I knew it would do you good, Colonel, to sleep a while. You still don’t want those painkillers I offered you earlier?” Janet inquired.
“Nah, I am good, Doc. Thanks anyway” Jack replied thankfully.
“Sir is there anything we can do for you” Sam joined the conversation now.
“Yeah, you could actually.” He looked to Janet and grinned. “Speak to the Doc. So, I can get out of here!” his boyish smile widened even more as he saw the expression on the doctor’s face.
“Glad you are on a good way back to your normal self, Colonel. If you behave and do what my staff tells you, I may, and only may, let you go in a couple of days.” She smirked at him and with that left the room, not waiting for the complaints to follow.
SG1 spend a nice time chatting with each other. After an hour or so the Colonel got tired again, so his team left him for the night with the promise to come back the next morning to give him some company.
xxx
Courtroom
The Jury entered the room and took their seats. The judge looked around, demanded order and addressed his question directly at the first juror.
“Will the jury foreperson please stand?” he waited till the man was standing. “Has the jury reached a unanimous verdict?”
The man who was the first juror unfolded a piece of paper. "Yes, your honour. The jury finds the defendant guilty.”
"The jury is thanked and excused. The court is adjourned." The Judge made it final with the little wooden hammer.
All three defendants sat on the bench with open mouths. No one could believe what the jury just had said. The final decision of the sentence would be made by the Judge. The court got noisy as all the people started to talk at once. The district attorney got congratulations from various people around him and thanked them all with a big smile on his face.
Nobody noticed the two dark clothed men who just left the room.
xxx
The next morning came and Jack looked already so much better, he was awake early and just let his thoughts fly. Nobody was around yet whom he could annoy with his favourite question. He knew that in the next month it was Sam’s birthday. So, he was thinking about what to give her and he also was thinking about how to thank her for the last two days. He could have not done it without her.
Deep in his thoughts, he did not hear the night nurse come in and check his vitals. He nearly jumped out of his skin when she appeared in the corner of his eye.
“Sorry Colonel, I didn’t know that you have been awake. I just wanted to check if everything is as it should be before I give the handover to the morning shift.” She smiled at him and could have sworn that he blushed a slight bit.
“It’s ok, no harm done," Jack replied already hard at work to calm his breathing down.
“Any request what you would like for your breakfast?” the nurse asked in a friendly manner and noted the last details in his file.
"Some fruit loops and coffee please if this is ok." The Colonel answered friendlier, much to the surprise of the Nurse.
“I will see what I can do. But I can’t promise the coffee. That’s up to Doctor Frasier to decide.” She smiled at him one last time and left the room before his mood could change.
Jack did not reply to it at all. He was back thinking about Sam and how he could thank her. His thoughts were so far away that he did not hear Sam enter this time.
“Morning Sir. The night nurse told me that you are awake and in good spirits, so I decided to make a quick stop on the way to my lab." She sat next to it and glanced at her CO who was lying motionless in his bed.
"Earth to Colonel Jack O`Neill? Please come in!" she mocked him somewhat.
"Oh, hey Carter. Sorry, I didn't hear you come in. These doors should be a bit louder.” He stated and smiled at her. “Did you say something before the earth bit?”
“Not important Sir, not important. How are you this morning? You do look better.” She gave him her biggest morning smile. Jack knew that this smile always was reserved for him and he felt so much better already.
“I am fine. You should know that.” He smirked at her. “So, you are having breakfast with me then?”
Sam could see how eager he was for her to stay and share his breakfast with her. “Yes, I will get something and come back. When are you getting yours?”
“The nurse did ask me earlier. I hope soon. She said she must give a handover and needed to ask the doc if I can have coffee for breakfast. If you like, you can get yours and by the time you are back, mine will be here. Hopefully." With a boyish smile, he waved her out of his room.
Sam was standing outside for a bit and was shaking her head. This was not the Colonel she knew. As soon this man is feeling better he would want to get out of the infirmary and go home. Why was he on so cuddly a course this morning? She made her way to the canteen and got herself a tray full of stuff she liked to eat and got a chocolate muffin for her CO. If he is in such good spirits, then better keep it that way.
Back in Jack’s room, he had his breakfast standing in front of him. He did not touch it, only stared at it as if the cereal bowl had said something mean to him. He was waiting for the blond woman whom he adored so much. The only time he is getting away with murder is when he is sick and must spend time here in the infirmary. Why not make the best out of it?
The door opened and Sam came in with her tray. Both smiled at each other and after Sam had settled, she had the Colonel tucked in. Sam saw a small medication pot on the Colonel's tray with a black liquid. Pointing with her finger toward it, Jack explained that the old doc told him he could not have any coffee. But for him being so nice, friendly and in a good mood she was making a compromise. So, he got a small pot of coffee. Grinning from ear to ear, Jack enjoyed his breakfast very much…
xxx
Meanwhile In court
The whole court was standing as the judge entered this morning. He looked grim and it was telling from his body language he would rather be somewhere else. The command for everybody to be seated came after the judge sat in his chair, high on his pedestal. he opened the final day in court with the following statement
“According to Section 8(1) Theft Act 1968 provides: ‘A person is guilty of robbery if he steals, and immediately before or at the time of doing so, and in order to do so, he uses force on any person or puts or seeks to put any person in fear of being then and there subjected to force.’ The defendant entered a plea of not guilty before this court, to the first-degree robbery as well as to kidnapping. On that same date, the defendant waived his right to a penalty phase jury and the court allowed the penalty.
The parties presented matters in aggravation and mitigation during the penalty phase hearing. Victim impact statements were presented, and the court has considered them in arriving at the sentence to be imposed. The defendant was given an opportunity to be heard regarding the sentences to be imposed and he made a statement. The parties stipulated to submit final arguments and sentencing memoranda and the court and jury have to listen to them and considered them. The court now finds as follows:
The accused who all have been unemployed and who supported each other, robbed a bank with loaded firearms, to flee the place, which was surrounded by police, and these men took hostages. They forced their way out with a demanded automobile. The money that was taken counted for a total of three million dollars. Two hostages had been released immediately, one later and one was held for fun. Even if it was not the three men itself who tormented the victim, none of them did anything about it. Just as they had been spotted and a S.W.A.T. Team neutralized the situation, the victim was saved. Based on the testimony presented and the other evidence in the case, the court concludes as follows: The capital felony was a planned crime and was committed in a cold, calculated and premeditated manner without any pretence of moral or legal justification.
The facts that tend to establish this aggravating factor are: (1) the defendant’s admitting that the whole act was planned out to the last detail, (2) the defendants arrived with one loaded firearm each in a black bag along with ammunition and took them with them to the bank to cause the maximum of harm and anxiousness, (3) the passage of time between the date of the robbery and the liberation of the victim (4) the coup de grace. Going to the bank and robbing it, taking hostages and repeatedly letting one be tortured by one of the friends. The court finds this aggravating circumstance to have been established beyond a reasonable doubt.
The court is convinced that the defendants were sufficiently in control of their faculties to plan and carry out the robbery and the kidnapping with the following tormenting of one victim. Accordingly, this aggravating circumstance is given great weight. The defendants have no significant history of prior criminal activity. Therefore, the court will sentence all three men to six years of jail time. Starting as from today.”
The hammer swung and the judge retrieved himself to his chambers. The Villains stood at the bench in shock. Cheering among the visitors in the courtroom grew louder and louder. Three Deputies of the court put handcuffs on the now official prisoners and took them away.
xxx
Sam sat in her laboratory and worked on one of these doohickeys which were brought back from a mission SG 7 went on. She had a great time with the Colonel and enjoyed the breakfast as much as possible in an infirmary room. She left her CO as he became tired again and drifted off to sleep.
She knew that today the trial was on the last day and she would send an email later to find out what the outcome was.
Sam already had a plan on how she would help Jack to overcome his demons. He never spoke about it, but she had watched him a few times sleeping very restlessly and tossing and turning in his bed. Carter assumed it was the experience in the cave that would not let him go and she was of a mind to help him. Nobody should suffer after such trauma. He had suffered already far too much in his life. Sam had a flashback to the time she had met him in the locker room and had seen him going through some photos, not knowing even that it wasn't him. Daniel had told her of Jack’s tragic life and what had happened to his son Charlie.
Sam just realized that they never really had talked about it. Sometimes it felt to her that she knew him for a lifetime, and on other days he would not be letting her near him, and she felt like they are both total strangers.
She sighed and continued her work. Deeply concentrating she had not realized that Teal’c had come to the doorway. “Major Carter”. He announced himself. Sam nearly jumped out of her skin.
“Oh, hey Teal`c.” she smiled at him now. “How can I help you?”
“It is not me who you can help. It is O`Neill who is in desperate need of it.” His face not even making one flinch he realized the sudden change in the Major’s body language.
“What is it? What is wrong with him?” Sam was surprised and anxious. Hours earlier he seemed fine. What was it what Teal’c is meaning?
"He seems to be very restless when he is dreaming. His skin is looking wet and it seems to me that he needs someone he can trust and talk to. I believe that you are the right person to do so Major Carter. O`Neill will only open up to a friend he is completely trusting." Teal`c bowed his head slightly and left a stunned Major standing behind.
`Hmmm, that was a bit odd. But that means I am not the only person who thinks the Colonel needs help.' She turned around to work a bit more on her device. But her concentration seemed to be off by now. After deciding to go and get a cup of coffee, she got up. Walking to the commissary meant she would pass by the infirmary. After stopping by and seeing the Colonel was awake, she decided to spend some time with him.
He was happy to see her.
"Hey, Carter. How is it going?" he smiled and pointed at a chair next to his bed.
“Everything is fine, I was just on the way to get coffee. Do you want anything? Any news on when you can get out of here?” she sat down.
"Janet has said if I behave my self and be a good boy, I can go tomorrow. I must take it easy for a while. According to her, I should stay a bit longer, but I promised her I will follow doctors' orders at home." He grinned wildly.
"That's good news. I also have good news for you, Sir." Sam took a dramatic pause and shifted her weight a bit in her chair. After she saw the blank look on her CO’s face she smirked.
"I sent an e-mail this morning to the court. Today was the last day of the trial and I was wondering what the outcome was. So just before I came here, I received a mail-back where it was stated that all three men have been sent to jail for six years each." She looked at him and could tell how his brain processed the information.
"That is good news, Carter." Jack sat himself up a bit more and both officers talked a little while till Sam decided that she needed to go. There was still lots of work to be done.
xxx
The next morning came and Jack was eager to leave the infirmary. He was extra nice to all the medical staff just to not push his luck. His sarcastic mind had lots of comments in store when he had been asked questions. In his eyes, these were stupid questions, but he wanted to go home so he bit his tongue.
Sam had promised him last night when she had visited him again before going home, that she would come this morning and pick him up. He still had a dizzy feeling when he moved too fast, but Janet had told him that he could go so long as he didn’t do anything at home and would take it easy.
Speaking of the donkey, right at this minute Sam stuck her head around the corner to see if Jack was ready to go. He was just on the last button of his top when both of them looked at each other. It seemed like the time stood still and neither of them wanted to break that moment. He was the first one to snap out of this trance-like feeling.
“Morning Carter. Nice to see you.” He beamed like a little kid.
“Ditto. You all packed Sir?” She was looking around and could not see anything that looked like a bag with personal belongings.
“Yeah, ready to go. I had an Airmen bring my toothbrush and all the other stuff to my quarters here. I will see to that on another day.” Jack waved with his arms and flapped them around jokingly.
“Ok, let's go. I just let Janet know not that she would arrange a search party in your name.” she grinned and left him alone to get finished up with whatever he was doing with the things on his night table.
Jack waited outside the infirmary till his 2IC came and they both left the base. The General had been informed, and all was sorted out. The world was looking great today.
xxx
Carefully she parked Jack’s truck in front of his house and stepped outside. Inhaling the fresh air, she looked around. Jack had insisted that he didn’t need any help to get out so she waited patiently till he came to unlock the front door.
"Ah, home sweet home." Jack stepped in and the memories of the morning a few days ago came rushing back like a thunderstorm in his head. Sam could see that something wasn't right. But she knew not to pressure him as he just would completely shut himself off. Jack took a deep breath and after a second he stepped in and smiled, hoping that Carter would not have noticed his hesitation.
"Coffee?" he shouted from the kitchen already starting the machine. He took two cups out of the cupboard as the reply came.
"Sir, if I may ask, what you plan for today then?" She stepped into the kitchen and leaned casually on the counter watching him and every move he made.
"Uhm, nothing planned. Why do you ask?" Jack gave her the cup and sat on a chair opposite her.
“Pure nosiness.” She grinned right at him. “I have a day off today. If you like we can go for a walk. Fresh air would do you good after the long stay in the infirmary.”
"Sure, I don't see the harm in that, but no holding hands." He smirked at her and emptied his cup at once.
xxx
The days had gone by and Jack was already bored out of his skull. He watched Hockey games, documentaries, the Simpson's and listened to his favourite opera music. His nights were still troubled and more than once he woke up in the middle of the night fighting his blanket off just to realize he was safe. In his own home, even after what had happened here, he felt safe.
Carter had promised that she would take him on a road trip today and for that, she told him he must be ready to go at 0800. He was already up and running by 0600. She would not tell him where they were heading even if she had been threatened with her life. Sam had it all planned out and was sure that this trip would help her CO and friend.
Exactly 0800, she rang his doorbell. He had a smile on his face when he opened and saw her standing there. No uniform, plain and casual. "Ready to go, Sir?" Sam asked him.
"Since 0630 this morning Carter." He grabbed his jacket and locked the door behind. "So, you want to tell me now where we are going?" He was sitting next to her and adjusted a bit in her car. He still could feel his ribs from time to time, but it was much better now than a few days ago.
"Still a surprise, Sir," she replied with eyes focusing on the street in front of her.
"Carter, can you stop calling me Sir for today, please? We are not at work. Call me Jack, please." She did not look at him, but his voice had a mix of playfulness, annoyance, and a plea.
“Ok, Jack, today only.” She smiled, and silence washed over them.
After a couple of hours, the small car reached its destination. Sam opened the door and told Jack to do the same and to get out. He recognized the landscape straight away and was not sure about his feelings. Hell, he was not sure of anything right now. Why did she bring him here? What does she want to do? Jack glared at her over the car. She ignored him as best as she could. The reaction of her CO was as expected as it would be.
“Come on now Jack.” She waved him over. In very hesitating steps he followed her suit.
"Carter, what are you doing?" he asked her in a low growling voice. When he got up this morning, he was expecting a nice day. But not that she would take him back here. He was working on forgetting everything and she just opened his wounds.
"Jack, I know what you will do. As soon you are up to it you will go after these black-dressed guys. But in order to so, you need to be at your best. I am here to help you. I am standing right here to help you to face your demons, to put an end to your nightmares, and to get on with it. Please, Jack, let me help you." She watched him as the words she just expressed to him sunk into Jack’s mind.
"How you know about my nightmares Carter?" His voice was more of a whisper now. He looked down at his feet and was not sure how to work it all out. He knew he had never mentioned to anyone what he lived through in his dreams.
"Jack, I am your friend. We have been working together for such a long time. It is not the first time you’ve been through stuff like this. But it is the first time I know how I can help you if you let me." She straightened her right arm and held her hand out for him to reach. He took it slowly and walked with her to the opening of the cave.
Jack hesitated to enter. Every cell in his body screamed in agony by the reminder of what had happened here not so long ago. He took a deep breath, let go of Sam's hand and stepped in it. A cold draft touched his face. His body started to shake; he was so not ready to go there where she wanted him to go. Inside he knew it was the best thing to do. End it all, right there.
Taking small steps further into the cave, he turned around to see Sam standing very close behind him. Reassuringly she smiled at him, never giving him the feeling to hurry up. This was a thing he had to do but she knew it was important for him that she was there. Her silent comforting presence was to calm his troubled mind.
Deeper into the cave he reached the small gap with the tunnel leading to the other cave chamber. He stood in front of it for the longest of times. Jack knew what would await him on the other side. It cost all of his strength to make the next move.
After he entered the second compartment and stepped a bit further in, he could hear Sam breathing behind him. The whole time she had not said a word. She waited for him to make the first move.
Sam could see how the body of her friend become shakier. Within a few seconds, she was standing next to him and softly let her hand touch his shoulder. He calmed down a bit. He was not looking at her but she knew he was silently crying.
His face was locked at the small lake in front and the chains he had been attached to. He stepped a bit closer and dropped to the floor. His feelings were no longer buried inside him and just had found a valve to escape. The tears were now rolling in streams down his face. Sam sat next to him and laid her arm around his shoulders. That was what she was hoping for: that the whole bottled up mess he was carrying would come out so that when he would leave today it would be just a bad memory he could live with.
Sam did not know how much time had passed until the Colonel eased a bit. She looked at him and the moment she shifted a bit he curled up to her. He was so keen on the feeling that she was there, comforting him and never letting go. Another few minutes had passed, and the tears had stopped. Jack sniffled a bit, stood up and straightened himself. He held his hand out for Carter to help her stand up. "Thank you, Carter. Thank you for everything." He turned around, leaving the cave for a second time. Leaving his demons right there where they belong. Leaving a time behind that he never would miss.
On the way home, neither one of them had spoken a word. A comfortable silence hung over the car. Jack looked out the window and saw the trees passing by. He was feeling so relieved right now as if someone lifted an extremely heavy stone off of him.
He knew what he would do, and he already had started to make some mental notes in his head for this. Soon he would have the clearance of Janet he would put some leave-in and would hunt those bastards down. Jack knew that Sam knew what he would do and that she would be worried about him. But he could not rest and completely find closure so long they were out there.
Sam parked her car in front of Jack’s house. Killing the engine, she sat there and glanced over to him. He looked at her, cleared his throat and asked her if she would mind coming in. “I should go home. It was an eventful day and you should get some rest now.” She replied but wasn’t sure if it was what both wanted.
“Oh, come on Carter. You deserve a nice cooldown time too. I got Ice-cream.” He stated and beamed at the same time hoping that she would change her mind.
“OK, Jack. I never say no to ice-cream. You got me there.” She answered him with a cheeky smile.
xxx
“There you go. A special bowl of ice-cream for a special woman.” He gave her a large bowl with her favourite flavour, whipped cream and sprinkles on top to round it all off.
“Thank you.” Carter took the reward for all she had done for him and dug into it with satisfying pleasure.
The rest of the afternoon went by with more relaxed talking. The cave and all the things came with it were not mentioned at all. That night Colonel Jack O`Neill had a good night sleep like he had not done in a long time.
TBC
one more part is to come. if you like to find out what is still to come and how it ends then stay tuned. Comments are welcome as usual