Major Samantha Carter would classify Q25-883 as not only unfriendly, proven by the natives firing weapons at them but also as damned hot and a waste planet. There was nothing of value that SG1 had been able to determine from it's scans and recon. They were just getting ready to leave when the trees, or rather people dressed as trees, became hostile and were literally now chasing them to the gate. Jonas was in front of her and she stopped to turn and return fire while ducking before the aliens just stopped. Sam had looked at the Colonel confused, as it grew quiet.
Colonel Jack O'Neil pushed his cap up and looked over at Carter and then Teal'c, "Carter" he asked as Jonas dialed the gate.
She shrugged but kept her P90 up, "I have no idea Colonel, it's like they were scared of the gate or perhaps..." she took a step back then and immediately regretted it as the ground gave way and she fell into a cavern.
"CARTER" Jack hollered and took off in her direction dropping down onto the ground, "JONAS GET OVER HERE! TEAL'C STAND GUARD" he hollered while pressing his radio, "Carter? Carter its O'Neil, come in. Carter" he said again reaching for his flashlight.
Jonas Quinn ran over and dropped down opposite the Colonel and he hollered into the hole as the flashlight was shown but all they saw was blackness, "Sam? SAM" he tried to holler.
Again the Colonel pressed his radio's activation button, "Major Carter report status right now or so help me..." and he let the button go.
Seconds passed and then coughing came over the radio, "Carter...here...Sir" she said and more coughing.
"What's your status Major? We can't see you" O'Neil demanded as Teal'c walked up.
"The natives have gone O'Neil," he said with a nod holding his staff weapon tightly. "How is Major Carter?"
"Unknown Teal'c" Jonas offered.
"Sir I'm...in a cavern. I...hear water and I'm wet but alive" she promised over the radio. She had to move if she wanted to get out of here and Sam knew it. There was nothing to anchor a line to near the gate unless they did it several yards away to the DHD but movement wasn't easy and she screamed in pain and panted, feeling the blood then from her leg, "OH GOD" she cried out and laid her head back pressing the radio, "Colonel I'm hurt" she told him.
"Acknowledged Carter" came the Colonel's voice, "We'll repel down and...."
"Negative Sir" Sam interrupted, God now her head hurt. "From where I fell it has to be a hundred yards easy if you can't see me Sir and based on how hard I fell. There is nothing to...anchor the ropes we have with us too."
"We can string them together" the Colonel ordered and nodded to Jonas to do that.
"Sir" she said again answering him slowly, "Even if...you come down here...you...can't move me. I fell on...my back and it's...killing me."
Thinking quickly the man nodded, "All right Carter, we'll send for Fraiser and a medical team. You just hang on" he ordered and sat up. "Jonas go through the gate, get Fraiser and a medical team as well as reinforcements if those natives get ugly again. Teal'c until they get here it's you and me buddy to keep Carter calm and keep these natives at bay," he ordered as Jonas took off.
Back at the SGC Major General George Hammond was meeting with his CMO to go over some medical reports when the off world activation came on. He glanced at Major Janet Fraiser as both raced out of his office and down the stairs, "Sergeant" he ordered.
A moment passed, "SG1 code recognized General."
"Open the iris" he ordered and headed for the stairs with Janet fast behind him as the defense team stood ready. They just entered as Jonas Quinn exited, "Jonas" the General began.
"Sir" he said pulling his hat off quickly at the base of the ramp, "We need a back up and medical team immediately to return to the planet. Major Carter fell down a cavern while we were retreating from hostile natives."
"Call a medical team. Any known injuries? How long of a fall?" Hammond asked so he could order the right kinds of backup for the man who was apparently very tense and was not telling everything "And is the area secure?"
"As secure as possible Sir but that is why Colonel O'Neil said we needed back up" he explained as Janet ran over to a wall phone and started barking orders terrified. "We're going to need anchoring and repelling gear as well Sir as there is nothing to anchor to around the hole and she says her back was killing her and she sounded in pain. We couldn't see her as she must have fallen several meters at least General."
Hammond made orders for two teams to go in one to assist in the rescue one to secure. It was many long minutes while the prepared to dial back out, as a team for going through the gate is not as easy to obtain that no time is required. To Jonas it seemed like hours to finally be going back.
"Are you sure you are ok now there Major?" Jack called
A loud scream came over the radio and then panting. Teal'c raised his eyebrow, "Major Carter sounds in distress."
"No kidding Teal'c, she fell down a hole for God's sakes" the man said glancing back at the hole he was securing and activated his radio again, "Carter, you doing ok? Fraiser and the team should be here any minute."
Seconds passed and then Sam's voice came again, "As....well as can be...expected Colonel."
"What does that mean? Teal'c you got those ropes ready I am not waiting any longer" Jack said tying one end around himself, Teal'c could be his anchor he could at least protect her
"This is not wise O'Neil" the Jaffa stated dropping his backpack to the ground and knelt down.
The Jaffa usually left his radio keyed open during this kind of action and Sam's voice soon greeted them, "Sir...you...can't. There is...nothing you can...do Sir. I'm...ok" she said laying her head back in the darkness, she wasn't about to tell him how serious she was hurt though she only knew she couldn't feel her legs at all and breathing was becoming difficult as well as her head ached. ~Worst of all I'm dying alone without even having the guts to tell the woman I love that I love her. God Carter you're such a wuss. ~
"I am not here to do as you say rather the other way around" Jack said and had the gate no activated then would have been starting down. "The cavalry has arrived" Jack said and went to greet the arriving teams
Major Sam Carter passed out about that time and when she woke up the world was alive with pain and lights, "AAAH" she screamed in pain and found her neck and body immobile, "OH GOD! THAT HURTS" she stressed as much as she could, everything she had hurt and yet her eyes started evaluating what she could see and heard voices, "Janet...Janet are you here?"
"Yes, who else" her smiling face appeared from within the gloom. "You are ok we are about to lift you out of this lovely hole you found. You know there are caves on Earth you could explore"
"Not...my specialty" she offered with a pain filled smile. "How...bad" she panted.
"I will tell you when I can examine you. You are going to need a diaper change, oh wait that is the water here" Janet said and winked at her
Sam knew that Janet joked only when it was serious and she was trying not to worry her. Since she couldn't turn her head or move she had no idea who was down there with her, "Janet..." she said and locked eyes with her, the tears there and the emotions but she didn't let them fall and wouldn't, "I...can't...feel my legs."
"Yes there is some minor pressure on your lower spine. I am not sure the extent of the damage, but I am sure I can fix you up. Would I ever lie to you?" she asked as Jack strayed into view enough to tie off the backboard to lift her out of the hole
"You just missed her smiling face Doc" O'Neil stated.
Medical personnel meanwhile started talking to Janet who nodded at various points and told the Colonel they were ready.
Jack came over to Carter glanced down at her, "We'll have you up and out of here in no time Carter, just behave. Doc you and your people go first, Jonas and I will come up with Carter," he ordered.
"See...you soon" Sam said softly, it was clear remaining conscious was a chore against the pain. But she did not win that fight. She fell unconscious then only awakening when she was bumped on arrival back at ground level.
"Welcome back" Janet said with a smile
In response she started to get sick and medical personnel responded to Fraiser's hollered orders to roll her and the backboard and once she was done was again staring at the sky, "Not fun..." she said tiredly and her eyes closed again.
"Yes not fun for anyone" Janet said and put a hand to her check "I am sorry Hon" she said then started to get everyone moving
Sam didn't wake up again until they were in the Infirmary, she heard Janet arguing with SG1 and pushing them outside the door and felt people poking and prodding at her and monitors beeping. She saw barely a nurse removing bloody gauze from somewhere and figured she must have hit her head and probably everything else. "OW" she hollered when someone stuck her somewhere.
"Sorry but you need the IV" Janet hovered into view. At least the arms were totally unaffected. "How you feel?" she asked
"Pick a body part Janet, it hurts," she answered sarcastically now that the pain meds had a chance to work she could at least talk. "On top of that I'm wet" she admitted and yawned, hell even that hurt. "What about my legs? What's wrong? How bad" were her questions among the medical staff giving Fraiser information and tending her patient.
"I will put a cath in and you wont have to worry about getting wet. I have called Warner to consult on your minor injury. Anything hurt worse than the rest?" Janet asked smiling. The smile she had seen so many times before. The last time when she said Daniel was going to die
"Head and....chest" she panted now and then passed out.
"Vitals are dropping" Abby called out to Fraiser and both knew it was likely she had internal injuries, maybe a collapsed lung.
"Great, Tell Warner to meet me in surgery we have to re-inflate a lung at the very least. Go, go" Janet said starting to get her ready to move again.
Hours later O'Neil and the rest of SG1 paced outside the OR suites. Fraiser wouldn't even let them in the observation room and the Colonel kept bouncing a rubber ball as he walked, "Damn it, how long could it possibly take to fix her up? It's been forever."
"Forever is not correct Colonel O'Neill" Teal'c said
Before he could answer Janet came out she was looking very tired
"DOC" O'Neil stated stepping in front of her worried as Teal'c and Jonas joined him. "How is Carter? Can we see her?"
"She is in recovery and she should be fine and she is not able to see anyone just now, besides it is not like she is going to be able to talk to you Colonel" she said pulling off the sweaty surgical cap
"Yeah but..." the Colonel began quickly.
"Doctor Fraiser" came Hammond's deep voice; "I was hoping to get an update on Major Carter. How is she doing? Your people's report was a little vague, they said there was a spinal injury and...."
"WHAT" all of SG1 stated except Teal'c.
"Yes there is sir, but it will take some time to find out if the paralysis is going to be temporary or not. It is possible that the cells will not die, if they did she will never walk again, Excuse me" Janet said suddenly and walked away to an area she was not supposed to be followed to. Her friend... paralyzed. The tear she could not stop she wiped away quickly
"Oh NO WAY in hell" O'Neil stated and saw his team and the General looking at him. "Excuse me Sir" he said and then followed Janet without paying attention to the odd looks and hollers that he wasn't supposed to be in there. "Doc, where are you? We need to talk, DOC" he hollered. "Don't make me tear apart this room trying to..."
She wiped away the second tear and let her anger flow as she faced him but it dropped off in seconds. "Yes Colonel" she said to get his attention so much for HIM bothering to give her time
"No" he said shaking his head as he stepped over to her now that he focused on her, "No Colonel, no Doc. You and I are Jack and Janet and we are Sam's friend and....well just, We're going to get her through this and right at this moment" the man said looking at her, "You need a friend so I'm offering because I need one too. I don't mind telling you" he said calmly, "I was scared to death when Carter fell down that hole but when I saw you I knew things were going to be ok. Regardless of what happens we're there for Sam and for you Janet just as you are for us" he said in a seldom seen touching and emotional side which told her how worried he was about everyone.
"I am sure" Janet said vaguely, she started to move off but he gripped her shoulder. "Not here" she hissed and pulled away. How could she deal with this irritating man in front of everyone? She needed the safety of her office at least
"I'll meet you there" he said watching her leave. Sighing he left and spoke to his team seeing the General had gone, "Teal'c, Jonas starting right now we take shifts outside the recovery ward or room or however close the staff will let us. I'm going to talk to the Doc and see if she'll let us sit with Carter in shifts like we normally do but..."
"Colonel" Jonas said looking over at him, "Tell Doctor Fraiser if she wants to talk..."
The older man nodded slowly, "Teal'c you take first shift, Jonas after him and I'll take the night shift. Holler if anything changes" and he turned to go toward the Infirmary and Fraiser's office
By the time he got there she was crying but hiding it well enough. It was clear that she did not want to open up at the moment but she was going to try at least
Entering Janet Fraiser's office for what most thought was a confrontation Colonel Jack O'Neil wasn't used to the role he was adopting but she needed a friend and usually the woman talked to Carter about this stuff but that was a problem and Jonas was new still and Teal'c...well he just couldn't see her loosing it on the Jaffa so it left him or Hammond and honestly the Doc was a member of his team so it was a duty he was glad to have. Closing the door after he entered he went and poured her a glass of water from the carafe set she kept in her office and then sat it within reach from the sofa and took a seat patting the spot beside him, "Come here Janet."
~This was so weird~ seeing Jack there in the role of comforter? That made no sense. She grabbed the box of Kleenex as she passed and went to sit next to him. "There is a great chance she will make a full recovery," she said in the tone of a protest
"And there is a chance she won't" he insisted and put his arm over her shoulders and put his other hand on her arm. "On top of that you're looking at a woman who will resist all efforts at help and who, regardless of what you say, you love Janet" he finished seeing her shocked face. "Just because I wear eagles on my shoulders doesn't mean I'm stupid Janet, you've loved her for years and I know and Sam loves you too. She's going to need you while she fights this."
"Yes she is a great friend" was the only denial she could manage. As sob escaped her at that point and fresh tears fell and then like a dam breaking she sobbed more, cried more, practically fell apart in worry in sadness
Without hesitation Jack pulled the woman to him, resting her head into his chest as he rubbed her back and spoke to her softly, "Shh....we'll get her through this Doc....those that love her will help her get through this. It's going to be ok..." and he cried too, he didn't often not ever really but this time he did.
That seemed to help or was that harm but she lost it even more. "She deserves to know real love!" She cried but said no more and instead let the pain flow out of her in the form or tears
After the crying fit O'Neil got Janet lay out on the sofa and covered up with a blanket, she was sleeping finally and knew how exhausted she was. Making sure the tissues and water were within reach the Colonel headed out and stopped Captain Washington walking by, "Make sure Doctor Fraiser isn't bothered for anything minus Major Carter, she's sleeping in there Captain."
"I see" Abby said but came close and offered him a scrub top from the shelf. "She spilled water on you too," she said. "I will do what I can to help"
Taking the top he glanced down at his shirt and nodded, "Thanks Captain" he said and headed to change in the Infirmary heads.
Hours later Janet had woken up and was on her way to check on Sam but found a sleeping Colonel Jack O'Neil wearing one of the medical blue scrub tops with his uniform pants and boots sitting in the floor with his knees pulled up, the chair resting against the wall on the other side and the hallway littered with paper balls and airplanes. Janet then bent down to pick up the mess. "Should have brought his gameboy or something," Janet said as she bent to the work. She hated a mess and it was a way to prepare better for going in to see Sam, which was going to be very, very hard
O'Neil stretched then and his back popped as he looked over tiredly and smiled, "Hey Doc, how you doing" he asked trying to stand up. "Carter ok? Can I see her?"
"I dont know. I had to stop and clean up this mess first. Sorry about your shirt Colonel, when you get it cleaned you can...." Janet started by way of apology
"Don't even apologize Doc," he said waving it off, "You're a member of my team and I was glad to help. Besides I've ruined more than enough of your clothes over the years and it was my fault you uh spilled water on me" he asked with a grin. "Can I go in and see her with you?"
"If you stand back unless I call you I suppose, but don't make me regret being soft here" Janet said picking up the last of the paper balls and dropping them in the trash, "I just got those extra big needles and the sharp Catheters in and I do need a volunteer" she said with a slight smile as she handed him back the paper airplane collection
"So much for my night in shining armor image" he joked holding the airplanes and motioned over an Airman, "Uh put those in Doctor Jackson's office."
"Yes Sir" the man said moving off with the planes.
Smiling O'Neil looked back at Janet, "What? They're a gift Doc."
"Just trying to save a tree, I know you love to make them" Janet said and winked at him. She took a deep breath then started for the door. "Here we go. Remember stay back a bit"
"Yes ma'am, whatever you say" O'Neil said and followed her.
The sight that greeted them wasn't a good one, Carter was pale and lying on a bed with her eyes closed. Several monitors were beeping around her; IV units and scanners ran with emergency equipment and the smell of medical filling the room. Jack O'Neil would have gasped but he had seen this image before and stayed back as Fraiser went up to Sam's bed.
Janet came up to her and checked the brainwave readings first of all. That was just a safety measure and they were fine. "Thank God" she said and then referred to the chart. They showed O2 levels still a little too low to remove the tube, yet. But they were showing an improvement. She should be awake. "Sleeping in" she said softly and aloud. Janet figured her body knew she needed it
Minutes passed and then eyes open, pain and tear filled eyes and she couldn't talk but Janet had always known what she meant. Casting her eyes down she was referring to her legs; she couldn't feel her legs still and thought maybe it was drugs they were giving her.
"Dont fight the machine and relax" Janet said taking her hand. "The pain is normal. Colonel hand me that switch on that machine on the far side will you?" she said glancing back
Retrieving it the man handed it to her and smiled down at Carter, "Hey Carter, glad to see you up" and moved to the other side of the bed again.
"Here you go" Janet said pressing the switch into her other hand. Thankfully her hands were in perfect shape her lower body took all the damage. "Press the button when it hurts, you can medicate yourself. This will allow you to control how much drugs you get and it will never let you OD at the same time" Janet said nodding as Sam pressed it once it was in her hand.
Once the pain was ebbing away the woman seemed to relax, her eyes got heavy and the machine kept breathing for her but she wanted to ask about her legs, about what had happened. Everything was so fuzzy.
"Do you want the tube removed?" Janet asked waiting for the expected nod. She suggested that Jack move back as she did that. As usual this was a messy thing to do as once the tube was out the lungs wanted to be clear. Several messy minutes passed before she could speak at all
"Thank you" she croaked out as a nurse had come in and was wiping her mouth.
Jack was smiling and nodding, "Welcome back Carter."
"What happened" Sam asked and looked at her feet tiredly, "My legs Janet, what about..."
"It is too early to tell, the entire area is under the pressure of swelling and therefore it is impossible to tell if there is any permanent damage. I tend to think not, but then again my crystal ball is in my other slacks so I can not be sure" Janet said smiling
"Relax Carter, you know you can't walk off anyway. Doc likes to..."
"Sir, Janet thanks but I'm..." she closed her eyes, "I'm just really tired. I'm going to get some more sleep."
"But you just got up Carter" O'Neil told her.
"The medication will make you tired. From just that one press you would be sleeping and drooling all over the floor" Janet said to Jack. "I will meet you outside sir" she said hoping he would take the hint
"Sure Doc" O'Neil told the woman and smiled at Carter whose eyes were open now. "I'll check on you later Carter and once the Doc ok's it we'll have a party. Bye Carter, Doc" he said and left.
"Sam it is hardly a sentence. If you had severed the spinal cord I would be saying that" Janet said clearly. "A full recovery is totally possible. We will know more when the swelling subsides." she put a hand on Sam's shoulder and squeezed "OK?"
"And what if it doesn't Janet" she asked looking over at her. "What if the swelling doesn't subside? I know you're trying to not worry me but I need to know the truth," she pleaded. "What is the chance I won't...be like I was? Please" she said a tear sliding down her eyes.
"The swelling will subside that is not a question," Janet said attacking the one part she could. "There is no way to be sure, probably.... 50, 50" Janet said
"Great" she answered in a disappointed and tired voice. "I should have fallen and let it kill me. I'd...like to be alone right now Janet." ~So much for a great future in the arms or even fantasies of the woman I love~ she thought.
Janet cupped her cheek for a moment. "It is not a death sentence, even if the worse happened it would only preclude walking" Janet said then started back out.
It was three days before the swelling in Sam's spine went down and Janet had called in the best the military had to offer in this type of injury and they were studying an MRI in her office, "She has no feeling in either leg, even after the swelling went down last night" Dalton asked.
"Well there is nothing to say that it is determinant of the final answer," Janet said but he chances of total recovery just dropped to one in five Janet knew. "I am hoping you can find a better answer than my own that states her chances just dropped drastically as far as future total recovery"
Taking off his glasses Josh Dalton studied the image and took a seat, "I'm a great Doctor but I'm not a miracle worker. We can help her to regain a small percentage of her mobility Doctor Fraiser but as you know there is just no way we have to repair that type of injury totally. We'll begin physical therapy, she can start using a wheel chair and in a few years we can offer perhaps mechanical prosthesis but for right now I'm after there isn't anything I can do. I'm sorry."
"We are not even sure how much is dead in her spinal cord and how much might still recover. I would like to use your recover plan. You know the one you pioneered for Christopher Reeves. If you can give him a partial recovery I hope and pray you can get her in better shape" Janet said. It was somewhat experimental "I know she would want that"
"All right, I'll arrange it through the Academy Hospital. I assume you can arrange her transport there by the end of the week," Dalton asked rising. "But she needs to understand the risk and the chance that this might not work, even if it does at most she'll gain only partial use of her legs back."
"Partial is better than not at all" Janet said firmly. "She will be there the day after tomorrow" she assured him
Josh nodded slowly and slid his glasses into his pocket, "I'll be ready. Would you like me to tell her before I leave Doctor Fraiser?"
"No that is OK I will tell her instead. I know her better and can better deal with the person that that is our patient. If you do not mind that is" Janet said
"Not at all" he answered holding out his hand, "A pleasure Doctor and I will do all I can for Major Carter, you have my word. I'll see you both at the Academy Hospital in a few days then."
"Yes doctor and thank you" She said and took his hand shaking it warmly "Until then" she added and then her visage darkened she could hardly wait for this.
Major Samantha Carter was upset at herself and her injuries but she had tried to put on a brave front for her team, Cassie and Janet when she visited. She loved the woman and now...now it was too late to even tell her. Sighing she smiled at the guys when she saw Janet come in holding a chart and folder and nodded, "Guys would you excuse us? I think Janet wants to talk to me."
"Sure Carter" O'Neil said and the guys left with a loud round of laughter at a joke.
"So" Sam asked looking at Janet, "It's not good is it?"
"It has been better. The fact that the swelling has gone down and you are still paralyzed is not good. I will not deny that, but I have a plan with that doctor that was here earlier. There is still a chance of total recovery dear, but unfortunately that choice is less. Still he has done great work with Christopher Reeves so...."
"JANET STOP" the woman screamed closing her eyes and opened them, "Stop treating me like I'm two years old, just tell me. Will I ever regain full use of my legs or not?"
"It is a one in five chance. The cells in your spine appear to have been killed but not all are dead. If they were I would know there are all kinds of things that can help, I can go on and on. But the chances are less now as I said. I dont know I cannot see the future. Even if you are not able to walk again you still have a job here, you still have friends" she put a light hand on her upper arm to comfort Sam
Falling silent the woman looked down at her hands, the tears and emotions pouring as a single tear slid down her cheek. "What...What are the chance I'll ever...be able to go into the field again" she asked looking at Fraiser directly then, she knew Janet would lie to her; she never had.
"The same as your walking again. Without a full recovery or near full recovery" Janet said. "I would not be able to clear you if you were not able to walk and run" Janet said. "I am sorry, but if you work hard you can easily continue your work here in some way. Why are you fixating on the worst news?"
"Because it's all I am" she snapped shaking her head and laid back, "Without field duty I'm of no use here, no use to the SGC. Scientists are a dime a dozen. I may as well be dead without full use of my legs."
"That is ridiculous. No one is as up on wormhole physics as you. No matter what you say you are still extremely valuable for that reason. Valuable to this command, and valuable to your friends like me. The fact is I am NOT going to let you give up on yourself," Janet said squeezing her arm again
"Then you're a fool Janet" she stated angrily and pulled her arm away turning her face away and closed her eyes.
"If you say so. A fool that cares about you." Janet said and started back out of the room
Later that afternoon all of SG1 and the General were being briefed by Fraiser and the Colonel was very upset, "What about the Tok'ra? The Asgard? The Nox? Don't one of them owe us a favor by now?"
"They all owe us Colonel. But you know that this kind of thing is pretty much impossible to fix this side of a sarcophagus and no one we know has one. The Asgard might have a solution but they are a bit too busy with the Replicators" Janet said the report gave her no joy. "Even Jacob said that such an injury would require more than a hand healing device"
"So that means what," O'Neil stated rising and going to look out a window, he and Carter were close. "She'd rather die than give up field duty, the SGC Doc and you all know it. This is something she's not going to accept."
"She may have to Jack" Jonas stated and glanced at Janet, "What can we do to help Sam through this Janet?"
"I am not sure other than keep up her spirits and make it so she does not stop the therapy that might possibly make it so she could see duty in the field. Or, if it works well enough, that a hand healing device might then fix her up the rest of the way, only time will tell, if only we can keep her fighting" Janet said keeping the fear out of her voice only by force of will
Sighing Jack turned from the window, "Your concern better be greater than that Doc."
"Colonel" Hammond asked.
"She..." he paused to go sit down opposite Fraiser again, "She told me she'd die before living as a worthless cripple."
"She's hardly a cripple O'Neil" Teal'c offered, "Major Carter has proven herself a noble warrior, both mentally and physically."
"That maybe Teal'c but then she had a choice, now..." he looked at Janet sadly, "She doesn't."
"She is more than a pair of legs Colonel O'Neil" she stood up and closed her files. "Even if she never recovers fully she is still a worthy officer and human being. I will have to prove it to all of you I see. That is fine I am used to being doubted around here. Do you need to know anything else General?" Janet asked before she became insubordinate to him
"Doctor Fraiser calm down" Hammond stated.
O'Neil rose as well as the rest of SG1, "Doc take it easy. I didn't say I believed it, I'm only telling you what she told me so you know what she's thinking. Carter is way more than a field officer and I sure as hell am NOT giving up on her yet" and with that he stormed out.
Jonas and Teal'c looked at one another and Hammond shook his head, "Keep me informed Doctor, and let me know if there is anything else we can be doing."
"Do you think this is a surprise for me?" Janet asked to his retreating back and shook her head. "You helped to arrange the doctor to seek a cure for her, there is little more that time will not hopefully fix"
It was later that night, Sam Carter had not been to sleep and refused to eat and anything to help her sleep. Janet had come in hours ago and outlined the aggressive therapy they were going to take at the Academy Hospital but she didn't care, it wouldn't fix this and she knew it. Sighing she heard or rather sensed someone near and spoke, "Who is it?"
"Just your friend" Janet said coming closer. "You know that you need to rest if you are going to be up for the therapy. It is very unlike you to seemingly give up. Not like the friend I am used to seeing" Janet said shaking her head
"It's called being realistic" she offered and fell silent staring up at the ceiling; it was the only good thing she could do with her life right now. "I appreciate the psych consult by the way, Mackenzie is still an ass even if he is a full Colonel."
"Its called being pessimistic, it's called giving up. And your attitude is the reason for that, you apparently need him or something like it because you are acting so contrary to the bright vibrant woman who has just happened to suffer a spinal injury, it just does not track with the reality of the woman I know you to be. I had to do something, I am not about to lose you to something as simple as depression"
"Let's deal with reality here a minute Janet" Sam said struggling to sit up and did manage it with only several winces but didn't reach for the pain med button "Do you know how I got this assignment in the SGC? Well let me tell you" she began not waiting for an answer. "By being a damned good soldier and scientist, not one or the other but both. Being in the military is all I've ever known, it's who and what I am and without that I'm worthless. You want to try to act like things are all happy and bright well I can't do that when I have two worthless tree trunks where useful legs used to be" she said falling back on the bed with the exertion. "If I could I'd cut them off myself, they're no good for anything anyway."
"You are first of all making an assumption that does not hold water. It is possible they may never heal completely. But you could also stop feeling so damn sorry for yourself and instead you could embrace the idea that you can be of good to the military, and to the earth. Not only that, but Jacob said there are things he might be able to do with the hand healing device if we can have even some minor success. But if you just give up that is not going to help anyone. Least of all yourself and those that love you" Janet said watching her intently "I am really sorry this happened, but that does not give you leave to give up. You are real good at telling everyone else to never give up, try it on yourself for a while please"
"I don't have anyone that loves me" Sam insisted staring at the ceiling, "I have a father who is an alien, a brother who doesn't speak and a bunch of co workers that are just worried because I'm the only one that knows how to repair most of what they screw up and you said yourself Doctor, a one in five chance. Twenty percent at best that I'll even regain partial use of my legs" she said the tears starting then but she kept talking, "So why don't you tell me what I can do from a wheelchair, or sitting on my worthless ass."
"That is where you are wrong. Cassie loves you, Jack loves you and I love you. I am sure there are more. Twenty percent is the chance that you will be totally cured without the need of the hand held device. You do know that almost everyone does not have a father that can bring alien technology to help the daughter, I am sure that he loves you as well" Janet said sitting on the edge of her bed to look at her. "Give yourself a break will you?"
Sighing Carter looked at Janet a moment, "I can't. Would you just let this go? I'll do the therapy however I'm fully resigned to the fact that my life is likely over."
"Bullshit" she said and slapped her on the shoulder; "I am not going to give up on the woman I love and that is final" Janet said and stood up quickly before she got really upset
Immediately her hand covered the shoulder that Janet had hit and she turned her head to look at her, as much in shock from the slap as the words, "You...What did you say? Janet you don't mean" she said quickly, "You can't mean that."
"Mean it, I mean EVERYTHING I say" Janet said turning to face her at the door now anger still etching her face still. "Do you think nothing happened to anyone else when you were hurt? You are wrong if you do"
"What do you want from me Janet" she demanded and forced herself up, the sweat and pain on her face, "I can't just be ok with this...hope it goes away and fixes itself. What am I supposed to do if..." she dropped down weakly breathing hard and ground her teeth together.
"I will find a way to help you dear," Janet said features softening as she came back. She put a hand to her cheek cupping it. "If I have to take you to a sarcophagus and do it myself to fix you I will. If you work hard you know you will be fine. You know that you can feel all the way to your upper thighs. Look at Christopher Reeves. He is hurt at the neck level. He can not have half of what you can have even if the worse comes true totally" Janet massaged her neck slightly "That should count for something" Janet said further softening her voice
"I can't even pee for myself Janet...that isn't fine" she sobbed the tears rolling down her face and closed her eyes, maybe she'd be lucky and someone would invade the base and just shoot her. It wasn't like she could get away from them.
"Yes well" Janet's other hand started down her front there in more personal of a gesture than she would normally ever use even with a friend. "Close your eyes" she said as she moved down, "See you can feel this all the way to the top of your thigh. You can relearn that control, and when I am done with you, you will be able to feel so much more than you can, the edge is always an issue. But we know that you can, the nerves that you have here" she touched her once again in a very personal way. Janet stroked above the line where feeling would stop. "And you will be better, I will never give up"
"Janet" Sam whispered and turned to face her, the tears leaving tracks on her face, "Did you mean it? How can you" she asked between sobs, "Love me...especially...like this? I can't...I don't deserve your love, not...anymore."
Janet let go of her and went to the door and locked it. She came back again and put a hand to the back of her neck. "Yes I can. You have all kinds of great things about you" Janet confirmed and then kissed her temple. "Your lovely mind for one" Janet stated, and looked her in the eyes. "What do you think? Do you have any idea how badly I felt apart after your surgery? Jack of all people could see how bad off I was, could see the love I have for you that apparently is not all that well hidden as I had thought"
"I love you too," she said wiping her eyes, terrified at first by the emotions she felt. "What if I'm not strong enough to face this Janet? What if I try and fail, it will hurt three times worse than just giving up now. Cassie, the guys couldn't even look at me and my dad...he didn't say it but I sense he knows how bad it is and you..." she took her hand off her neck and held it. "You're trying so hard Janet but as a doctor you know better than I do how serious it is, the unlikelihood that I'll ever walk again."
"You are one of the strongest people I know" Janet declared meaning every word. "You will try, you may fail even for a while, but I will be at your side all the while helping you, showing you my every love over and over. And I believe that we will succeed. Not an easy road" She shook her head. "We will find a way simple as that, but you can't give up. If I have to beat up a snakehead to get his little healing room I WILL do it!" Janet declared
Carter smiled and squeezed the hand, "Demanding little doctor aren't you Janet? Think I can get something to help me sleep...nightmares."
"Sometimes I have to be" Janet said and then kissed her deeply "I will get you something," she breathed at a close distance of mere inches
~WHOA~ Carter's mind screamed as she realized Janet kissed her, "Uh ok, thanks Janet. I'll just uh wait here."
"No problem" Janet said. She squeezed her neck slightly and then stepped back to get the medication. "Are you ok? I mean I did not push you too fast did I?" she asked clearly concerned
"No, not at all" Sam promised looking over at Janet, "Just reminding myself that I wish you would have done it or I had done it when I could have made a great lover for you."
"You still can, lucky for us you will be able to feel everything you need to. As I am going to show you, when you are better I can guarantee you that' Janet said and smiling went to get the drugs
Sam had just been settled a day or so later in the Academy Hospital recovery room she had been assigned to. Janet had pulled in favors to get her a private room and Carter knew the guys were bringing Cassie by later. The General had stopped to see her and her dad was due this weekend to see how she was doing but Carter had fallen into a severe state of depression according to Mackenzie, he wanted her on medications and possibly hospitalized and was meeting with Fraiser later about it. For now Sam was in bed as Doctor Joshua Dalton had come in and examined her, "So" Sam said tiredly, she seemed to be tired a lot lately. "What is this therapy and what do I have to do exactly Doctor?"
"Well we need to have you wear a device of my own design that will promote new cell growth and stimulate the cells that are left. In simulations and seventeen other cases we have had positive results. In three cases there was a total reversion of all issues with their spinal problems. In the other fourteen cases there was partial recovery of feeling and use. In your case there is no way to tell. At the same time as your wearing of the device you need to exercise in a special sequence that will best promote your recovery. Any questions?" Dalton asked his patient.
Glancing at Janet who offered a smile she looked at Dalton and shrugged, "No I don't guess so beyond a couple. What does this device do and where do I wear it exactly? I'm assuming you'll have someone that knows the exercises you want helping me?"
"I have a list of the exercises and I will be showing you and your personal doctor, Doctor Fraiser, so she can take over the daily work. My understanding is this is the way you both want it. As for the device it is like the worlds ugliest belt and is worn strapped tightly to the area. The area in your case is your lower back where the worst of the damage is" Dalton said
"Yes" Sam said and nodded at the first part, "Doctor Fraiser has been my personal physician for six years, if anyone can help she can. No disrespect intended Doctor Dalton" she explained. "How long do you think before we may see some improvement? I'm sure you understand as a military officer I'm not fond of hospitals and if you need a witness to that just as Doctor Fraiser."
"In all cases we can tell if it is going to help within six weeks assuming you keep it on twenty-two hours a day or more" Dalton said, "Do you have someone that can massage the area and help combat muscle atrophy? Your team members stated they would help, but I would not wish to speak for you"
"I'm sure Doctor Fraiser can arrange that for me as needed" Carter offered with a nod and yawned tiredly. "Excuse me Doctors. How long before I can leave the hospital, go home" she asked which ever one wanted to answer.
"That is up to your personal doctor" Dalton said
"I will arrange the massages and other such things. We should be able to get you together on the idea of going home in a three to four weeks" Janet said
"Wonderful" the woman said and closed her eyes.
Dalton walked over to join Janet, "Doctor is that a truthful wonderful or a sarcastic one?"
"It is an outside estimate. Since if I tell people like Major Carter it could be as little as ten days she takes that to mean that in ten days she goes home regardless, but you know as well as I do that is not the case" Janet said to Dalton
"You call that a military attitude don't you Doctor" he asked.
Sam opened her eyes, "Excuse me for interrupting the meeting of the medical minds, but when do I start wearing this belt you spoke of and the exercises to boot?"
"Today for both of them" Dalton said
"We will be here," Janet said as he nodded and then he started on out to get the supplies
"Wonderful" Carter said and let Janet help her sit up a little. "What about you? I can't tie you up with me for a month or six weeks Janet. You're the base CMO not my personal Doctor, at least when you're on duty. I don't want you getting into trouble for this."
"Not really a problem. I resigned" Janet smiled as she kissed her cheek and circled the bed.
"Ok, now I need my hearing checked" Sam said and looked at Fraiser, "You what? You can't, you're kidding. Janet, are you out of your mind? Why in hell would you resign?"
"To take care of you naturally," Janet said. "But dont panic Hammond would not accept it. I told him that I had a patient that needed me more than the rest at the command. We made a deal to take care of this. Most of the time I will be working out of the Academy hospital so I can be on hand for you. He is not amused with me. But it was this or I promised I would make the resignation permanent" Janet said. "And not amused is an understatement"
"I wish I could walk so I could kick your ass Janet" she said angry and not touched. "So it starts, just like I knew it would."
"What? I can't help now? Dont you think you are worth it to me?" Janet asked, "What starts?"
"The pity" Sam stated and turned her head away from Fraiser. "I won't have people pitying me Janet...especially you. Yes I need you in this, but what we do at the base is more important than me, I thought you of all people KNEW that. We've sacrificed so much and if that includes me getting better than it is worth it."
Janet stopped and looked at her. "OK. I will take the thumbscrews off Hammond and go back to my normal schedule then. We will have to find someone else to help with the massage and other things you will need for the next few weeks. Do you have someone you want for that? How about nurse Kelly?" Janet asked
"How about we forget about the whole thing" she said and used her arms to turn over, her legs dragging as she did it and then sat up for the blankets. "Tell Dalton thanks but not today. Good night Janet."
"By all means lets just forget everything. I will see you later sometime" Janet said and left without another word promising herself to not return for at least three days unless called
But she wasn't called, not for almost three days until she was at work and from Dalton, "Doctor Fraiser what is going on? I don't appreciate having my time wasted. There are other patients around the country who could use my services but as a favor I came out here at your call and you disappear, Major Carter has refused to even eat, she won't accept visitors and the attending physician, a Doctor..." papers were heard, "Stewart, says he started her on IV's today and there is a psychiatrist pestering me about what I told her to upset her. What the hell are you trying to do to me Doctor Fraiser?"
"By all means I am attempting to totally waste your time doctor. I thought you were going to put her into that belt thing and start her on the exercises. She and I had an argument so I was giving her some time but Nurse Kelly is supposed to be assisting you, did we miss something?" Janet asked
"YES" he all but hollered, "I am aware that your nurse is supposed to be assisting me but perhaps you missed the report about Major Carter refusing the exercises, the belt and even visitors including your nurse as I said. I've already had a yelling match with one..." he consulted more papers, "Colonel O'Neil who all but screamed right in my ear. What would you have me do? Force it on her? I can't and won't do that, you assured me she was open to this but I don't need unwilling patients that..."
"DOC" Colonel Jack O'Neil called storming into the Infirmary with Jonas and Teal'c behind him, "What the hell is the deal with Carter? She won't even see Cassie and Mackenzie has her so pumped up on happy juice that..."
"Doctor please give me a few hours to figure something out with her. If I cannot make it happen then I suppose you can go and see the other patients that need your skills. Thank you doctor" Janet said hanging up. "Hold it right there" she told Jack. "Can you possibly keep it down sir?"
"NO Doc I can't because..." O'Neil began.
"That's enough Colonel" Hammond's deep voice said as he came in behind SG1 and saw Janet rise. "Doctor Fraiser do you have a moment?"
"Sir with all due respect I was complaining first" Jack insisted.
"And you'll be heard Colonel O'Neil but my stars outrank your eagles so take your team and sit down please" he said coming into the office.
"No actually" he said coming in and motioned SG1 in to take a seat and closed the door, "I've come to speak to you and get your opinion on something."
"Sir what is this about" Jack O'Neil asked taking a seat.
"I think you will all agree that Major Carter's recovery is vital to this command, correct" the General asked taking a seat and putting the folder he held on his lap.
"Yes it is, but she refuses to accept what she sees as pity. Hence the reasons for our encounters for four days ago and then my acceptance of your original requests of three days ago. At that time after convincing her to proceed she suddenly said she wanted to forget everything apparently she is standing true to her word" Janet said, that would serve to bring them both up to date. "I was about to go back lest we lose the help of the spinal specialist who has apparently been totally unsuccessful at getting her to start therapy"
"That's not all" Hammond said opening the file and handed her a copy of a paper.
"What is it" Jack asked curiously.
"Her resignation Colonel, Major Carter emailed it to me the other day but so far I've ignored it" he said closing the file.
"For cryin out loud" the Colonel said shaking his head, "That girl is going to give me gray hairs."
"You already have gray hairs O'Neil" Teal'c offered.
Clearing his throat Hammond looked at Fraiser, "We can't afford to loose Major Carter to this command and the President agrees. Doctor Fraiser you are authorized to do whatever you need to help her get better, inform her that her resignation will not be accepted while she is under duress and anything you say is to be taken as an order from me. She maybe ready to give up on herself but I am not and neither" he offered looking at each of them, "Are any of you I would wager."
A moment of silence passed and Jonas spoke, "So what can we do Doctor Fraiser? How do we help her?"
"Oh yes there is a lot we can do. General Hammond I suggest you come and say so yourself. And you need to stress the totally non-pitying way that we are. Colonel O'Neill, get everyone that is interested in speaking with Major Carter and have them record what they want to say and I will see that she sees them. Maybe we can help with the crushing depression," Janet said
"Yeah about that Doc" O'Neil said as everyone stood up, "She ain't gonna hear much, Mackenzie has her drugged nuts and had her moved to that locked loony ward."
"He speaks the truth" Teal'c stated with a nod, "We arrived the other day and I threatened to stop him and he told us her personal physician ok'd the change."
"Doctor" Hammond asked, "I didn't know you were moving her to the psychiatric ward?"
"I didn't, at least not specifically perhaps implicitly. I am going to have to speak with McKenzie first," Janet said. "I may still need you sir but first McKenzie and I need to have" she paused considering the best words "a meeting of the minds"
"Very well Doctor, I'll stop by when you're ready" Hammond said heading toward the door.
"Doc do you want me to shoot him" O'Neil asked with a grin.
"Lets hold that option in reserve for now" Janet said, "Perhaps I will need that" she said standing and starting for the door. Maybe she would be lucky and he would be available
David Mackenzie was indeed available, he was just finishing with a patient and then met her in the hallway outside his office, "Doctor Fraiser, I'm just on my way out. Do you need to see me about something" he asked pleasantly.
"Oh yes" Janet said she wanted to see him oh yes. "We need to speak about Major Carter. Why do you have her drugged senseless?"
"First off" he said moving up the corridor with her beside him, "I resent the implication and the wording. Major Carter has expressed to both you and me that she would be better off dead, she has refused treatments that your own reports admit could be for her well being and she is in a severe state of depression which you signed off on. What would you rather I have done Doctor? Given her the knife or gun and stepped out of the room. She is clearly suffering from a stress induced breakdown and is now" he said stopping to face, "Getting the treatment she needs. Where is the problem?"
"I am concerned obviously. She cannot improve her physical condition when she is senseless. Is she so bad off? Can we decrease the medication possibly? I want to try some things to get her under the new therapy but she will need the ability to concentrate and think. What do you have her under? Naturally I do not want her dead how can you even imply that?"
"I didn't mean to imply you did but your attitude was a bit implying yourself Doctor" he stated as they talked and finally settled on a treatment plan together, including Sam moving back to a private room as long as she was under Janet's care, "I trust you'll be monitoring her medication now that you're back involved Doctor Fraiser?"
"Yes I will" Janet said, "We have to continue to work together for the good of our patient"
Stopping at the open elevator Mackenzie nodded and then stopped, "Doctor Fraiser let's be honest. I'm well aware of your feelings for the Major and her for you. The injuries she sustained, for anyone else, would be the end of their life and why the woman feels that way it is you who are going to do more to help her than I will. A free piece of advice, remember basic training. If nothing else works get her to hate you, she'll succeed if for no other reason than to prove you wrong. I'll see you tomorrow and give the Major my best."
"Thank you Doctor" Janet said and then they continued on their ways.
"How is she doing?" she asked nurse Kelly once she found her at the hospital.
"See for yourself" the woman said and motioned to the security cameras pointing out Sam's room. "She hasn't said, eaten or done anything since you left almost three days ago. Mackenzie" she said rising to go get the woman's chart, "Has her on several medications, most of them keep her so mellow she's hardly conscious and I doubt she needs them but I'm not a doctor" Kelly finished handing Janet the chart. "She's refusing to see anyone and won't let Dalton near her, saying it doesn't matter she's lost you, at least that was the last I heard her say ma'am. Do you want me to come with you?"
"No that is likely to not help. Turn these cameras off please" Janet said waiting for her to do that reviewing the file. "Most of these are in the IV delivery. Get me an IV kit change; I am not going to let this continue like this. But we need to keep her on some things, but it is way too much"
"Just give the order ma'am, she's still NORAD personnel and your patient," she answered rising to go get what Fraiser would need. When she came back she handed Janet the materials and leaned over, "I'll see you aren't bothered if you want to 'comfort' her" she said and pulled back accepting the chart and then went to get the medications she would need.
"She needs her friends more than she wants to admit" Janet said simply. She was not about to let on what is going on with their personal lives it was no ones business but their own. "Thank you" she then said and took the supplies in with her. "Good Afternoon" she said attending to her work of changing the IV first
In Sam Carter's mind she heard the voice but it couldn't be, she had left and wasn't coming back. She mumbled but it was incoherent and she turned her head or rather let it loll on the pillow to the side away from Fraiser.
Janet shook her head she was as bad as she had been told she changed the IV quickly and efficiently. Then she looked that her love. She was bad off. She went out and got a sponge bath kit and filled it warm water and first of all cleaned her face. She thought maybe her eyes had focused on her once but could not be sure. "Sam, Sam, Sam" she said then kissed her briefly on the lips hoping it might help
Nothing happened at first and then the eyes again happened, "Janet" she whispered through cracked lips, "Is it really..."
"Yes I am here," Janet said taking up the sponge and doing her neck next, then starting on the closer of the two arms. "Who else?"
"I'm...I'm sorry" she said softly and licked her dried lips again turning to look at her, the tears in her eyes. "It hurts Janet...really bad...I'm sorry...scared...didn't want you...giving up anything...for me."
"Are you kidding me? I was not giving up anything, I care about more than you, you know. Do you have any idea of what is going on over you? Jack is planning the assassination of McKenzie for drugging you practically unconscious and Hammond came in and said I had better make you well or he was going to deal with me personally. Said you sent some idiot resignation, which he trashed in about eight seconds. The President wants us to pull out all the stops in helping you, as if I did not want to do that. I will come here and hold your hand everyday if that is what it takes to cure you, or go away if that is what it takes. Your health is more important than my heart, simple as that. I can live without love again" Janet said and brought the straw of her water glass to her lips so she could drink.
As she sipped Sam didn't say anything and then pulled away and reached out grabbing Janet's hand, "Don't leave me...I...I want to tell you something..." clear thought was hard with the drugs. "Incase something happens I need to tell you this Janet; I WANT to tell you this. Are you listening" she said hurriedly, tiredly against the pain.
"I am not going anywhere but you can wait if you want" Janet said softly
"No" she said quickly and shook her head, "I...I want to marry you Janet, forever. I've loved you for a long time but I understand now...it can't work but I wanted you to know. I'm going to beat this though" she said reaching up and touched the woman's cheek, "If you'll help me, I'll beat this."
~Marry might be hard~ Janet thought but was not about to say that now. "Why can't it work? What makes you so sure?" Janet asked leaning close to hug her and lay her head on Sam's chest "It can work if we want it to my love, if we want it to"
"I can't ask you to take care of me if this doesn't work" she said holding Janet tightly.
"I dont remember your asking" she said and put he hand on her thin stomach. "You do not eat enough," she said. Janet reached Sam's belly button and did not stop there not when there was more she could feel from there
Holding her tightly the woman loved the feeling but knew any second she lost it, "I need you Janet, forever. Marry Me," she whispered.
"I think we are in the wrong state for that" Janet said her hand straying farther down her body the body that where she was she knew Sam could still feel. She looked back up at her without removing her head off Sam's body. "But you got it my love, I can think of no better woman to share my life with," she now cupped Sam's cheek with her other hand.
Tears gripped Sam Carter then as she held tightly, not letting her go and kissed her as she rubbed her back as hard and tenderly as she could pulling her using only her upper body weight to pull her onto the bed, "I'm never letting you go and if I have to...resign so we can be married...I will...I want...to spend...my life with you and Cassie...it's all that...matters "she cried.
"Cassie does not know about me like this" Janet said. "Time for her to grow up too," then she closed on Sam, she kissed her deeply hard like the only other lover since her last attempt to try this with a man, a big failure that THAT was but she stroked her hair as Janet kept up the pressure pushing past her own shyness lest she somehow find this was her only chance to show Sam how she felt, How she really felt
Several hours later, after Kelly had woken them up to get Sam to her own private room again Dalton had come in and gotten her hooked up and the guys and Hammond arrived with Cassandra to see Janet putting Sam through her paces on exercises as she screamed, "AAAAHHHHH...JANET...JANET THAT HURTS" she screamed as her leg was forced to move, more from lack of than anything at this early stage.
"Doctor are we interrupting" Hammond asked.
"Yes, but we can stop for a moment, but as you can see we could use a break" Janet said and put her leg down.
"Cassie come on lets take off to the commissary and let General and Major talk" Janet said
"Janet" Sam said wiping the sweat from her head, "Do you want Cassie to hear this too or not" she asked taking the water that Jonas came over and handed her. "Thank you Jonas. Teal'c could you wet me a washcloth please? General this is important Sir."
"I thought you would want time alone" Janet said she was not sure what they wanted at this point. Maybe she missed a clue?
"Then stay," she said as Teal'c came back with the washcloth and she wiped her neck. "General Hammond I was told by Doctor Fraiser what you said and the wishes of the President and let me assure you that I don't want to leave any longer and fully intend to follow Janet's orders in regards to my medical condition."
"That's great Carter" O'Neil said happily and walked over spinning Janet around, "Great work Doc."
"Sir put her down" Sam called. "There are certain conditions however Sir and please understand that I mean no disrespect to you or the base or what we do by stating these and I only do it because you are all friends..." Cassie came over to sit with her and she put a hand on her back, "And family otherwise I would never be so open."
"Yes, please put me down" Janet said then took the other side of the bed and put a hand on Sam's shoulder to comfort but not really let a certain cat out of a certain bag
"Go on" Hammond said
Glancing at Janet who nodded the woman licked her lips, she hadn't done anything like this before and still had to deal with her father when she told him and Mark, "General I've...oh boy" she swallowed more water. "General I've asked Janet to marry me and she's agreed."
"YES" Cassie hollered and smiled.
"Way to go Doc" O'Neil stated and saw Jonas and Teal'c raise their eyebrows.
"Congratulations Doctor Fraiser, Major Carter" Jonas offered.
"You have done a brave thing in many ways." Hammond said, "As your friend I am very glad for you. As your CO I really do not remember this conversation at all. I am sure it will come to me some day. Perhaps. Congratulations" Hammond offered his hand to Sam first
Taking it the woman nodded but then stiffened, this next part was hard, "Sir with all due respect Janet and I have talked about this. We aren't going to publicize our engagement and our marriage but we aren't hiding either. This is where the conditions come in" she said and looked at her fiancé who was being hugged by Cassie and the guys. "I want the President to issue a written statement to you that he will not punish either myself or Doctor Fraiser either militarily or otherwise for our marriage and I want his assurance that nothing and I do mean nothing will ever happen to endanger Cassandra's being with us until she reaches the age of consent."
"Yes that will be hard to do, however I think I might be able to do it. I wanted to go to Washington in any event," Hammond said
"It will be worth it, you can tell him I quit if he tries to give you any trouble sir. They deserve to be happy too don't they?" Jack said in a rare moment of emotions
Janet blushed "I am surprised and elated you are going to help ups sirs"
"Give the President this message" Sam said hugging Jonas now who had come over, "If he agrees with my request I will be with the Stargate Program however it needs me until either I die or it does, he has my word on that if I have his Sir. Thank you Jonas," she promised.
"I do not understand the issue O'Neil" Teal'c stated coming up to hug Fraiser, "Why does Major Carter need the word of the leader of your world?"
"Because they have outdated ideas. Such as only a man and a woman can be married. Those that are interested in the.... I will explain later T" Jack said
"Can I watch, that will be good for a laugh" Janet said
"I will make sure you're invited Doctor Fraiser" the Jaffa man said as he bowed and congratulated them again.
Hammond cleared his throat, "Well Major, Doctor, SG1 if I don't have t threaten you about treatment then just allow me to say congratulations and I'm very happy for you both" he said kissing Janet's cheek and then his god-daughters though no one really knew that. "I'll convince the President, just relax about that. Colonel O'Neil you'll be going with me if you want to resign however, you can deliver your own threats to our boss."
"I would like to go, if only to help you convince the CIC of the free world here" Jack said. "They deserve to be happy dont you think"
The guys left shortly after Janet said Sam had to get back to work but Carter patted the bed for Cassandra to sit down, "If I scream don't mind me, your mom is just pretending I'm a pretzel."
The girl smiled and sat on the bed, "She's got to do that if you want to get better Sam. Mom anything I can do to help?"
"I know she does" Sam said and then whimpered but did not scream or anything as Janet started moving her legs for her again.
"Sorry love" Janet said as she switched to the other leg. "Its ok" Janet said to her daughter. "There is not really anything you can do at this point"
"Ok mom if you're..."
She was interrupted by Sam squirming on the bed and then cleared her throat, "So Cassie, I'm...sorry we sprung this on you so fast. Are you ok with me and your mom? You know I don't want..." she glanced down at her fiancé, it felt so good to think that. "To take her away from you. You're always going to be the most important thing in her life, our lives regardless of whether we marry or not."
"Yes I am fine with it, but I think I like boys more, I hope you are ok with that?" Cassie said and lay on Sam's middle and then looked at her in the eyes trying to distract her. "I am happy you are happy," Cassie added
Strength of will was all that made the woman not cry out as Janet moved her legs but she couldn't, wouldn't do that with Cassie on her. Gently she brought her arms up holding the girl and saw Fraiser smiling, "I am happy and thank you. Whatever makes you happy Cass makes me happy."
Cassie came closer and hugged her shoulders. "I still care for you too," Cassie said putting her head next to hers holding her tight. "Cry out if you need too"
"I'm ok" she lied and looked down at Janet who caught her eyes and could see how much she was struggling.
"Hey Cass" Janet said putting Sam's leg down, "Why don't I give you some money and you can go grab some early dinner in the cafeteria?"
"Bring me back some blue jello" Carter offered kissing the girl's head. "Go on, your mom will take good care of me Cass."
"You sure you would not rather have some coffee? I could go for a Latte and you know that Starbucks is so close now? Can I tempt you?" Cassie asked pulling back and wiping the tear from her cheek with one thumb. "Sorry aunty"
"Hey" Sam said softly and reached up rubbing the girl's cheek, "I'm going to be fine so no tears. You know your mom won't let me give up and I plan to be walking the mall with you soon. And coffee it is assuming your mom doesn't mind" she asked as they looked at Fraiser who had come up and was rubbing her daughter's back.
"Both of us I hope, maybe now you can make Mom stop overworking." Cassie said to Sam
"Café latte with caramel for me and a light one for Sam I am watching her caffeine"
"You heard the boss, just get me whatever you're having Cass" her aunt told her as the girl got down. "Hey" she turned her head to look at her and smiled, "Remember we're very brave all right?"
"Yes we are" Cassie came back kissed Sam on the cheek then grabbed the offered cash from her Mom and ran for the door
"WALK" Janet yelled after her as Cassie slowed down as she exited. "Kids" Janet said with a smile
"We did the same thing to our parents" Carter insisted with a smile. "I'm glad she's ok about us though I wish I could have gotten the look on your face when I told the General about the conditions I wanted from the President of the United States, I bet it was great" she admitted and saw her fiancé go back to her legs. "Do we have to" she asked pouting a little.
"Yes but now that we are alone I can help distract you" Janet said an evil smile coming to her face. Now she could feel one hand just above the area of now felling. She was reaching for the right place for a pelvic exam but the smile did not remind her of any previous medical condition
Sam smiled and caught her fiancé's eyes and nodded slowly, "I...trust you Janet..." she said in a heavy voice.
And Janet let her hand stray farther and more giving her some small pleasures she hoped to give her some joy as she did it. The first fast intake of breath seemed to be indicative of that to her
"Hi guys... Mom? What are you doing to her? Aunty Sam's face is all red have you been working her too hard?" Cassie asked.
Janet blushed slightly, she HAD been working her too hard but not in the way that Cassie meant. "I am letting her rest now"
Sam didn't say anything, she was asleep by this time but Cassie merely shrugged and handed her mom the latte she had brought her, "Well good, no overworking Aunt Sam. What should I do with hers? It will get cold" she asked but didn't offer change from the twenty she had taken.
"They have this new invention called a microwave," Janet said with a smile as she tenderly moved a strand of hair from Sam's face. "She is so special"
"You really love her don't you mom" she asked her mother as she went to the small table and chairs by the window and sat down sipping her drink.
"Yes... yes I do" Janet admitted, "I have for a couple of years. I suppose that I should have said something before this time that is for sure" she said "Not that I do not love you any more that is"
"She loves you too" Cassie admitted and saw her mom come over to sit across from her. "Right after I was adopted and started calling you mom one night when you were working late and Sam was staying with me she had a nightmare. I woke her up finally, but she told me she loved you and explained about the whole lesbian thing" she admitted slowly. "I never understood why people have to be so stupid to think the person who makes them happy doesn't matter just because they are both men or women."
"Well she never bothered to tell me. I suppose she was afraid, as I was that a friendship would be ruined. Heck I am still worried about that," Janet said softly. "I wish she could have we could have gotten together before tonight"
Kicking off her tennis shoes in the floor the girl looked at her mother, "Just be grateful you're together with someone who loves you and who you love. I mean she stood up to the President for you mom, that's a big thing. Want to massage these" she asked wiggling her toes with a smile.
"Sure thing. But I want to tell you about boys. I want you to know, to understand, that how you feel about relationships is completely up to you. You deserve the best, and if that is with some man some day or some woman some day that is totally up to you. I dont expect my choice" she stated as she massaged. "To ever affect yours"
"I know that mom" Cassandra insisted as she looked over at Sam, "I want to find someone who feels about me what Sam feels about you and what you feel about her, sex doesn't matter. As I said I think that people feel the need to punish you for loving are stupid and ignorant; I'm just glad you finally told one another" she said smiling as her mom massaged her feet. "Now is Sam going to be ok? Her legs mom" she asked sipping her latte.
"I firmly believe so but I have no real proof to back up that belief. There are so many chances that she still has, more than most patients. I will find a way somehow if I have to drag her to some snaky ship" Janet proclaimed
"Now, now mother" the girl joked and smiled, "Temper or I may have to come over there and sit on you. How long are we staying tonight? I want to spend the night but have that stupid history paper due tomorrow."
"Well dont think I won't do it, Come on she is going to be sleeping a while, let's take you home. Where do you want to stop for dinner, assuming you are willing to eat with your old mother" Janet said extending an arm towards her daughter as she started for the door
"Well let me put my shoes on here mother and you forgot your latte" she called staring to put her shoes back on. "What did you give her that has her sleeping so long?"
"It is just the combination of all the things of the therapy that has her this way. That and the exercise does not make it easy to remain conscious" Janet said retrieving her latte and waiting for Cassie to put her shoes back on
"Ok" the teen, answered tying her sneakers as Teal'c came in and bowed. "Hey uncle T."
"Hello Cassandra Fraiser, Doctor Fraiser" he answered and spoke as Cassie went to kiss Sam's cheek. "I am here to sit with Major Carter. Daniel Jackson will relieve me in six hours."
"Sounds good to me" Janet said. "Call me if you need me in any way T. I don't want to have to worry that she needs me and someone is protecting me from bother or something equally stupid"
"As you wish Doctor Fraiser" he said as Cassie came by them and opened the door, "However..."
"DOC" came Jack O'Neil's hollered voice before the door closed.
"O'Neil is seeking your aid Doctor Fraiser" the Jaffa man informed her, "He injured himself striking a large wall with his left foot."
"Who made him mad?" Janet asked him first before moving on out there door
Cassie and Daniel were holding hands beside a very upset Colonel and a foot covered in a white sock with spots of blood, "Mom, Uncle Daniel and I will be in your office researching my history paper. Uncle Jack is going to need you awhile I think."
"Doc would you look at this? Stupid Newkind, the guy tripped me and I went to kick him in the shins and he moved and...." O'Neil started talking a mile a minute.
Daniel smiled and squeezed Cassie's hand, "Want me to help you get him to a room first Janet? He refused to let Warner look and made us drive him to you."
"Why does this surprise me?" Janet asked "Will you help us move him Daniel, then help Cassie, she tends to forget she had school too" she added with a wink to Cassie
"Doc I can walk" O'Neil insisted standing up.
"Jack don't be an ass," he said coming over after telling Cassie he'd meet her in her mom's office. "Where do you want him Janet?"
"On the exam table" Janet said. "It occurs to me that you would not have such issue sir if you were not trying to kick your fellow officers"
"It wasn't my fault Doc" he said hopping in the direction of the exam room with one arm over Daniel's shoulder and winced as he was helped up and heard the door close after Daniel left. "The guy tripped me Doc, what would you rather I did? Take it easy huh it hurts a little. How is Carter" he asked trying to give her a smile and leaned over to grab one of her tools to play with off a close by table.
"She is fine at least she listens to her doctor" Janet commented and took a look at the foot. She was not going to argue these points. She stripped the sock and attended the bleeding first
"I never really..." he tried to pull his foot away, "DOC take it easy huh...you never told me not to kick him...you just said don't kick walls and I wouldn't have if he hadn't moved."
"Uh huh" Janet said. She saw him jump again when she attempted to move one of the toes. "X-ray for you" she said simply
"AW Doc, really..." he began.
"Yes really" she said taping some gauze down lightly "Let's get you to down there. I will take you myself I dont want to see you get lost" she said smiling. "And we can talk"
"But you're going to make me ride in one of those wheelchairs" he said despondently.
A nurse came in then and pushed the chair, "Doctor Jackson said you might need this ma'am, Sir. Do you need some help Doctor Fraiser?"
"Yes do you have a spiky belt to keep him in the chair?" Janet asked with a wink "And thank you"
"You're welcome Doctor, Colonel" she answered and left.
Jack let the woman help him into the chair and as they were on the way to x-ray he grumbled and complained, "So what did you want to talk about Doc?"
"All kinds of things. First of all I want you there for the wedding. I know you might not want to go but...." Janet said first
"Now that's silly" Jack stated to her and glanced back at her. "Hammond and I are walking you guys down the aisle together since neither of us know which of you is the bride."
"Yes that is something I have not figured out either" Janet said. "The next thing is about the future. I want you to be executor of my will because I know if anything were to happen you will happily fight my ex to make sure he does not get a red cent of what I have made" Janet said the anger filling her only slightly
He nodded looking forward as they walked, "Whatever you need Doc but why not Carter? I mean she'd die to protect you and Cassie, you know that."
"Because the chances of her dying with me are far more likely right now, and if I die she is likely to be grieving so badly that she will be unable to do the fighting that may occur. In the new will she is to be taken care of and so is Cassie. Since she is taken care of by the will it is best that she is not the executor as well, as that will make it a far harder job" Janet said logically.
"Uh right Doc, sure" he offered confused. "No offense Doc but exactly how much are you worth? I mean I can't imagine your ex old man would want to fight the military for your pension and retirement fund and such in the event of your death...which by the way better be WAY after mine or I'm going to be royally pissed Doc. No one but you is stickin' me with big honkin' needles."
"There is more than you know" Janet said. "Family income, from my family before I joined the military. Normally, I ignored those things, but now, now that I have a daughter and a spouse it becomes more difficult. Still the ex will be happy that I am not getting maintenance from him any longer. I am sure he groans over that every month. There is the fact that I own now fully one third of the businesses. I dont know perhaps two million or so. But he might try to take my daughter as his own and using her as leverage..."
Immediately his hands dropped to the wheels and they stopped, he felt Janet almost fall over him and he turned around in the chair enough to look at her, "Doc I must need my hearing checked. I thought you said two million dollars. I mean I know Docs roll in the bucks but..."
"Yes well I am not sure about the exact numbers I never tried to cash out" Janet said. "Could be more and it does vary with the stock prices"
It took a lot to make Colonel Jack O'Neil speechless but that was what he was and barely felt the woman turning him around and putting his hands in his lab before they continued on their way, "Doc....I mean...Holy Hannah, you're...you're rich. Does Cass know, Carter, anyone? I mean we all knew you didn't struggle, hell I'm sure your finances were taken into account when you adopted the kid but this...well that's a lot of bucks Doc, really."
"Nope you are the only one that I have told. I prefer it remain that way. When people know that I am worth so much they change. I have seen it all too often" Janet said, "I know you will keep my secrets. The money is not really relevant to me, but some of my family sees it otherwise. My father for example will be happy and irate at the same time. But you can expect him to pull out all the stops regardless" Janet said. "He is work tens of millions, Grandpa is the reason for that, God rest his soul"
"Ok Janet, sure. Not a word, I promise," he said using her name that he did seldom if ever. "Do you mind if I ask you a question though" he said as they waited on the elevator now to go to x-ray. "Well two of them actually Doc."
"Sure as many as you want.... Jack" Janet said then reached forward to hit the button again
"Ok, one how in the world did your family make all that money? I don't recall any Fraiser's being filthy rich that I know of. Second" he said glancing back at her, "WHY with all that dough would you continue to work for the military or be a doctor where you get people throwing up on you all the time? And finally" he said staring back at the elevator, "How is your family going to take the news about you and Carter, I didn't even know Cassie had grandparents until just now."
"Various businesses now, stock market and land in the past. I guess the family all tolled is worth a 100 or 150 million. By the way I did not know that you knew all the millionaires in the world. You might have heard of Global Comm, Daddy owns that. He has not been a part of my life for some time, because he thinks I have in his words 'Given up on the entire idea of a normal life'" Janet said and sighed. "The Eighties are just something that happened to other people"
Once they were in the elevator Jack leaned over and hit the stop button and turned to face Janet, "Doc what I'm telling you now I'm not saying as your CO or as a patient but as a friend and a father at one time and a husband. You have to tell Carter and Cassie about the money, they're your family and they love you and if it won't change anyone it's them. And for your dad, I'd like to see you make up with him now that I know he's alive. There is no greater moment for a father" he said putting his hand on hers on the handle of the chair, "Than to be there on their child's wedding day. You're getting married Janet, regardless to who and once your folks meet Carter they'll like her like the rest of us and Cassie deserves to know her grandparents don't ya think?"
"I will be telling him do not make any mistake about that Jack. But I can also tell you that he is not an easy man to get along with. As for the financial stuff, I am not sure about that I will think about that however. Mom is dead unfortunately. That is why he is so bad, she is not there to temper him," Janet said
"Well I'm there for you Doc, whatever you need" he promised patting her hand and then turned back to start the elevator and winced. "So tell me what the next thing you wanted my help with was and by the way bad is my foot?"
"These were the big things. Except I may need you to find some way to get her in a sarcophagus if I am not successful" she said hesitantly. "I know it will be hard and Hammond will never agree, but I still want that option if I fail, you have to come through for her.... no for us"
He nodded without hesitation, "Carter is my XO Doc and my friend and you are a member of my team" he said not even acknowledging that she was the SGC CMO not the SG1 CMO. "You have my word, Carter will walk again so relax. Now about my foot, you aren't going to put it in one of those big ugly white things are you and make me hop around?"
"That totally depends on the results of the x-rays not doesn't it?" Janet said, "Now hop up so I can take a nice picture of your leg and foot there"
Forty minutes later Daniel and Cassie looked up as a tired looking Janet Fraiser came in and Cassandra stood up coming to her mom and hugged her, "Uncle Daniel wants to take us out to dinner. What did Uncle Jack break mom since he isn't with you?"
Jackson smiled as he took Cassie's seat at Janet's desk and sent the research to the girl's email and then started to log off and shut down, "I thought I would take two of my favorite ladies out to eat to celebrate your engagement Janet, if you want to that is?"
"Sure that would be great Daniel" Janet said. "He is not happy about his cast you see. I had an SF take him home. Hammond is not going to like it either, but I have to do what I have to do"
"Great Mom lets go!" Cassie said grinning
Watching the girl rush out Jackson stood up as her computer shut down and moved so she could get anything she needed from her desk, "I thought I could stay with Cassie tonight if you want to come back here with Sam. You can have my shift in six hours if you want Janet" he said trying to be helpful. "I think it's great about you and Sam, I've known for years you two have loved one another though the base tried to put Jack and Sam together and you and I...they got it way wrong this time."
"Yes that is true enough. But I really need to spend some time with Cassie. That and Sam is going be sleeping for a while now so there is little I can do coming back early" Janet said "So where did you want to take us?"
"How about Alfredo's" he asked going to get her coat and held it out for her and smiled knowing it was her favorite restaurant. "I have an open reservation."
"You are trying to impress me Daniel you know I am taken right?" Janet asked she was practically salivating now
Sliding the coat up her shoulders he winked, "I've been hanging around with Jack too much, but I have to say that all the best women are taken so I'm not surprised you are."
It was four days later before General Hammond delivered the news to Sam first and when Janet came in that afternoon to do her therapy the woman was sitting over by the window and had the widest grin, "He said yes, Hammond just told me. I'm telling my father during his visit in a few hours Janet."
"Yeah" Janet said smiling but not as broad as Sam. "Must be nice to have a supportive father" she commented. She still had not had a chance to tell Sam about her father that he was even alive
"Since when" Carter asked and motioned her fiancé over to the chair beside her and took her hand. "Dad isn't going to take this well Janet, he's military and it's all he is and was but that doesn't matter," she said leaning over to touch the woman's cheek lightly and gazed into her eyes, so soft and so welcoming. "What matters is that I love you and I am going to spend the rest of my life in your arms. This is good news so tell me what's wrong, let me try to help or at least be there as we're both confused about it honey."
"Oh well it is just that my Dad is going to freak out at this. I don't care and I do if you know what I mean. He already thinks I gave up on trying to have a normal life" Janet said sadly
That shocked Sam as she stared at her fiancé and then gently slid her arm over the woman's shoulders and pulled her over until her head was resting on her shoulder. The brought her other hand over to stroke her face gently, "Parents have an odd way of loving us sometimes, I know from experience but I'll be there when you tell your dad and I'll do my best to make a good impression, I promise" she said and turned her head and kissed her soon to be wife, pressing their lips tightly together as she continued to rub her face with one hand, "Mmmm...."
"OK" Janet said closing her eyes. "He owns a business and therefore thinks that he can order everyone because that business is a success"
"NO one is ever going to order you around again...not while I breath Jan" she whispered and was content to just hold her fiancé as she felt her eyes getting heavy and settled back as much as she could holding the woman tightly. "Rest Janet...we both are here and have each other."
Sam Carter was showing little to no progress to the treatments and Dalton had told her to just give it time but as she sat up in bed waiting on her father she found herself staring at her worthless legs and then she closed her eyes, seeing Janet's face. Despite it all she loved her, she knew there was a chance the woman would never walk again and she loved her anyway. A tear slid down her face and she didn't hear the door open or anyone come inside. She felt the tender kiss upon her lips the scent that could only be Janet as she felt her tears being dried.
"Hi honey, Jack is bringing Jacob now. Did you want me to stay?" Janet asked still tenderly
"Yes" she answered without hesitation and opened her eyes reaching for Janet's hand, "We do this together. I love you."
"OK I was just making sure" Janet said and pulled away and picked up the chart at the end of the bed. Just in time as it was because Jack and Jacob were coming in then.
"Why dont you just tell me why you are grinning like a Cheshire cat?" Jacob was saying then looked at Janet and Sam "Why do I feel there is a big surprise coming?"
"Colonel would you excuse us" Sam asked letting Janet help her sit up.
"Sure Carter" O'Neil said and nodded to the Doc and Jacob leaving.
Squeezing Janet's hand a minute Carter glanced at her dad and smiled, "I'm getting married Dad, as soon as I can walk down the aisle that is."
"That's great who is the lucky guy? I did not know you were even dating" he looked around as if he expected the guy to pop out of the floor.
Janet squeezed her hand back knowing now it was going to become fun
Swallowing hard Sam looked at her father, "I wasn't, I proposed after I was hurt. And there isn't a guy dad...not in the way you think."
"I am sorry you..." Jacob looked at her hard, the kind that she had seen before as a kid and had always scared her.... then. Then he looked at Janet then he looked at their hands. "You mean you and Doctor Fraiser?" he looked shocked and worse at the very idea
"Yes dad" Sam answered kissing Janet's hand tenderly. "I love Janet, I've always loved her and we've gotten it arranged so neither of us gives up our careers or our families..."
"But you HAVE given up the very IDEA of a real family, so much for trying to carry on the line of Carter. I guess family means nothing to you" Jacob said and looked at them both. "Are you sure about this? This is not a joke or..."
"DAD that's enough" Sam said and saw Janet start to speak and held up her hand. "I haven't given up on anything, there are still ways that Janet and I could have a child together and we'll talk about that in the future, but for now you're gaining a daughter in law and a granddaughter who already loves you. I know you're shocked" she admitted, "But I love Janet, I'm going to spend the rest of my life with her because she loves me. I love you too dad but I spent years giving up my happiness for my career, for my friends and for work and I'm not doing it again, not even for you. We are getting married, period and end of story."
"I see" Jacob said. "This is a lot to take in at once," he said stepping back. "I really do not know how to take this"
"How about how it is meant," his daughter asked squeezing Janet's hand. "Be happy for me dad, I've got what I've always wanted...what you had with mom before she died. Please be ok with this," she asked wiping a tear quickly. "I want you there on my wedding day, I want you to walk me down the aisle."
"I am not sure I can do that. I'm not sure if I can ever do that," Jacob said the shock still clear.
"Give it some time Jacob. We can be patient, but one thing is certain time will make no difference on the idea. The only thing time will do is make us even more in love" Janet said
Jacob nodded and had backed up another step. He had been blindsided.
"Go for a walk dad, go get some dinner. I'll be ready to talk when you get back," his daughter told her. "I still love you no matter what you decide but I'm not changing my mind. I found love and I'm not ever giving it up again."
"I still love you too Samantha. This is just... I still love you" He said and left in possibly the least calm she had seen from him in many a year.
"That went well," Janet said as the door closed but then she hugged Sam
"He'll be fine," she promised holding her fiancé and rubbed her back. "He just needs some time. So tell me about how we're going to tell your dad, I didn't even know he was alive honey."
"That was intentional" Janet said. "I have more to tell you. Did you ever here of Global Comm?" she asked.
"Yes of course" she said pulling back and motioned Janet to sit on the bed as they held hands. "There computer software is revolutionary, I use a lot of their stuff on my personal and base system. Why?"
"Daddy owns it" Janet said. "I own like 100,000 shares common and thirty percent of the voting stock" she said realizing how much of a bomb she just dropped
Wide eyes were all that greeted her and she started to speak and stopped but when she did it was loud, "HOLY HELL JANET" she hollered and then realized what she had done and laughed laying her head back. "Sorry, sorry...I...my God that means you're personally worth..." she started figuring in her head, "Several million dollars. Why didn't you ever tell Cassie or me? Does Cass know?"
"I think it is only two million or so. I really don't watch the stock market" Janet said shrugging "But it is part of the reason he thinks he runs the world and even more that he runs my life"
Sam nodded in understanding, "Well he doesn't run it anymore Janet and the money doesn't matter, I loved you before it. So how do we meet your dad? What's his name again?"
"Timothy Thompson. I guess you never knew that my last name is actually that of my ex. I did not want to go back to Thompson. I grew too used to Fraiser" Janet said with a sigh
"I like Fraiser better" she confirmed leaning up to kiss her fiancé. "So tell me what you believe Timothy Thompson's problem will be?"
"Other than I will never give him 'real' grandkids? That I dont care about anyone but myself, that I have not loyalty. I can go on if you prefer. He would not even visit Cassie. She does not know he exists" Janet added
"Then Cassie doesn't need to know if you don't want her to" she admitted looking at Janet. "We'll face him just like we did with the President, and my father and our love survives Janet...it's that strong."
"I sure hope so" she snuggled up against Sam. "I sure hope so"
"See, SEE your foot twitched there. Right there!" Janet said elated. It was a good twelve days after Sam had met with her father and this was the first time that there was even slight change. "Try to move it again. Go on try Sam TRY"
Staring down at her foot and pausing to glance at those in the room she concentrated and then smiled as she saw the toes bend and tears flowed from her cheeks. "I...OH GOD JANET, THEY MOVED" she cried.
"Way to go Sam," Cassandra said rushing up to give her a hug.
"See and you doubted it." Janet said enthusiastically. She then joined them both in a hug laughing with joy.
With the good news about Sam's movement that meant she needed to go back to the base and Jacob could finish the job with the hand device. Janet made all the arrangements and was just getting ready to go oversee the transport when Dalton stopped her, "Doctor Fraiser what are you doing? You can't stop her treatments at this stage. Are you crazy?"
"It is what the patient wants Doctor. We have to respect the wishes of the patient. I will try to convince her to come back, but I need to better attend her mind" Janet said simply. "I am sorry"
"Like hell you are" he stated loudly, "You just want to ruin my statistics Doctor, well it will be a cold day in hell before I consult on another case of yours again. Damn lesbians anyway" he said angrily and turned away.
His response was a bloody and broken nose as Colonel Jack O'Neil with Daniel beside him holding his crutches held his bloody hand from the man's face, "GET SECURITY TO ESCORT DOCTOR DALTON OUT OF HERE" he ordered the nearest staff as they ran to do it.
"YOU...You broke my nose" Dalton cried from his spot on the floor, the blood coming from his face as a young Lieutenant raced up to help him.
"So much for worrying about the patient first Doctor. You can still count it as a success after all she can move her foot now. So Stick that in your stats and.... Leave" Janet said she wanted to say more but she did not
The other officers moved to take Dalton away. Janet took Jack's hand and looked at it. "You broke two fingers"
"Doesn't matter," he said pulling the hand away angrily as Dalton yelled and was drug away for treatment and then ejection from the hospital.
"Jack let Janet help you, you shouldn't have hit him" Daniel said handing the man his crutches.
"NO, I should have shot him" he stated angrily. "NO ONE IS GOING TO TALK TO A MEMBER OF MY TEAM THAT WAY DANIEL," he screamed.
"Yes maybe you should have" Janet said and then put a hand to his shoulder "thank you, now let me fix you up"
"It's just fingers Doc, pop em back and let's go see Carter" he said holding his two fingers out to her.
"Jack that is going to hurt like hell" his friend told him shaking his head.
"Yes it is Daniel, just do it Doc."
"They are not out of the socket the are fractured I will need an x-ray to see how bad. Or are you going to fight us now too" Janet asked.
"Danny boy maybe but you..."
Daniel laughed, "I'm going to see Sam, Janet knock him in the head if you have to."
"Daniel don't encourage her" O'Neil called to his retreating friend. "It's just fingers Doc, they'll heal and...."
"Make it so you can not hold a gun in that hand. I can see it now permanently relieved of field duty because he was too stubborn to..." Janet started
"Fine, fine" he said gripping the crutches now, "Where do you want me Doc?"
Almost an hour later Sam and Janet were in the back of the ambulance with the guys following all on the way back to the base. Lying down on the gurney because of a headache mainly she looked at her fiancé, "I heard the Colonel decked Dalton and broke his nose. He's protective of you."
"Of all of us" Janet said tiredly "Of all of us. Are you sure you are ready for this? It could be quite painful to do this"
"I'm not marrying you from a wheelchair or crutches Jan so yes I want to do this" she said squeezing the hand she held. "Though if you could get rid of this headache I promise we'll go to Hawaii for our honeymoon" she asked with a grin. "Think you can manage?"
"Sure I can" Janet said she sat up tiredly and looked at the walls of the ambulance and found something for her headache. "OK here you go"
Taking what her fiancé gave her Sam smiled, "Once my physical therapy is over we'll fly down and talk to your dad, Cassie can stay with the Colonel as I already asked him. Have you thought about what kind of wedding you want?"
"Not really dear. I have been worried about other things" Janet said and sighed. "But I will think about it"
Using her arms as the ambulance rolled toward the mountain Sam Carter forced herself to sit up and patted the gurney beside her, just a little tired from the exertion, "Come here honey, it's going to be ok."
Janet moved up to Sam and put an arm around her at the level of her waist. "Why can't they just be happy for us?"
"I think you'd know that better than I would" she offered and leaned her head over to rest against Janet's shoulder. "You're a parent Janet, why do sometimes you think things that make Cassie happy won't make her happy? Because they worry, they don't think we know what we're doing and all that other parent stuff. They'll come around, trust me" she offered gently.
"He better his chances with me are running out. Maybe he likes being the estranged one?" Janet said softly closing her eyes
Sam was silently as she sat up to gently hold the woman soon to be her wife. She loved Janet and was so happy in a way that she had been paralyzed, it allowed her to tell the woman how she felt but she also knew that Janet wanted and needed her family and that included her father. Of course the trick was how to make her father see that.
"Nervous?" Janet asked Sam as they waited for the gate to dial, "It is still just your Dad," She added
Because of duties that Jacob had SG1 was escorting Sam and Fraiser through to the Tok'ra base where the healing would be there. Sam was outfitted in gear minus the weapons because she was on crutches, though her fiancé had tried to get her ride in a wheelchair and she had refused, "Yes but not for the reasons you think, I'm always nervous going through the gate. What about you?"
"I am surprise. And I am more nervous about how your Dad is going to be" Janet said and squeezed her shoulder
"Unless he wants a fat lip he better be nice to you" she answered protectively as the gate moved to the last chevron.
"Carter you guys ready" came the voice of Colonel Ronson who was leading SG1 while Colonel O'Neil's foot and fingers healed.
"Yes Sir" Sam answered with a nod, "Ready when you are Colonel."
"I hope you are right," Janet said to Sam. "Yes Colonel"
And soon they were at the planet. For the ease of Sam they had moved the gate close to a ring set that allowed them entrance to this Tok'ra facility. Jacob met then when the rings were done with them. "Sam good to see you" Jacob said and came up to her to hug her
Hugging him she nodded, "Dad it's great to see you too. I think you know everyone minus" she nodded to Ronson. "Colonel Ronald Ronson, he's taking over for Colonel O'Neil until he is better."
"A pleasure to meet you General Carter" Ronson stated with a nod and held out his hand, "Major Carter and General Hammond have only wonderful things to say about you."
Jacob took it shaking it firmly. "Good to meet you Colonel" He said then released and looked at Sam again. "What happened to Jack this time, did he fall off that pier at his cabin? I told him some of those timbers needed to..."
They all laughed at that but Teal'c spoke, "He injured his foot striking a wall while trying to kick a comrade and then broke a Doctor's nose with his fingers."
"He broke his ankle and his hand dad" Sam explained with a nod, "And tried seriously to upset Janet so she grounded him, though she had the good sense to send him home off base so he didn't annoy her staff."
"Jack always was one to not take things in stride. It does not surprise me that this would happen to him. So come on dears lets get you better, I have Alise that is going to do the healing, she is far more skilled than I and considering how important you are to me and so many others" he paused and looked at Janet and then back at Sam "I want the better healer on the case"
"Thank you sir" Janet said. She could see it was getting used to what was apparently a foreign concept. She saw no reason to press him... yet
The team moved as one unit until they came to a room with a pallet and Jacob told Sam to lay down. Handing her crutches to Daniel she allowed Teal'c and Janet to help her as Alise came in and spoke to them and Sam answered shifting a little, "I appreciate the help Alise, thank you."
"I am happy to help you," the Host said. "You are very important to the Earth and my.... friend" the symbiote stated.
"Alise is an efficient healer," Jacob said
"Well let's do this" Ronson ordered with a nod, "The guys and I will be outside Major Carter until you're done."
"Yes Sir" she answered as Janet held her hand and she smiled up at her.
"Good luck Sam, Alise" Daniel offered before leaving with Teal'c and Ronson.
Taking a seep breath the Air Force Major looked up at Janet and then over at her dad and held out her other hand to him, the message clear she hoped.
"It would be best if you turn face down Major Carter" Alise said
Jacob moved to her placing her face down and then taking up her closer hand. Janet did the same thing with the other hand as Alise put on the healing device. "Lay still please" Alise instructed
"I've heard that before" Sam commented and got giggles from both Jacob and Janet. "Ok Alise" she said squeezing the hands, "Whenever you're ready," she answered closing her eyes.
They tried to heal her back for some twenty minutes or so then suddenly Sam's legs felt like they were on fire. Tears naturally sprang to her eyes. "Baby, baby are you ok?" Janet asked seeing the difference
Grinding her teeth together the woman buried her face in the pillow feeling the squeezes on her hands but still her legs felt on fire. Turning her head Janet's way she managed to speak, "Hurts..."
"This is an excellent sign." Alise said letting up for a moment "We can wait to continue if you prefer Major, it does not extensively lower the chances of total success" Alise said
"Or we could give her a nerve block to stop the pain?" Janet suggested.
"This would not be my first choice" Alise said then they both waited for Sam's instructions
Relaxing for a minute Sam breathed hard and then opened her eyes looking at Janet and then her father and then back at Janet, "No drugs" she ordered squeezing the hand, "Keep going Alise, no....matter what."
She did and during the next twenty minutes she felt a new order of pain far beyond everything that she had ever felt. Then the pain started to lesson then. "How are you doing now dear?" Janet asked
"Better" she stated not opening her eyes and tried to get her breathing under control.
Jacob's voice greeted them both then, "Alise has done all she can its now up to you Sam."
"Right" Carter intoned, "Janet how long..." she asked pulling a hand free to wipe her eyes, "Before I can...walk?"
"Please lie still for the next hour or so Major Carter, and then I will be able to tell better. It is possible that you will be able to walk at this time but the final healing takes a bit of time," Alise said
"Would have brought my laptop if I knew I had to lie still" she joked and saw her fiancé smile, "I guess it's up to you to entertain me Janet."
"Would you like a song? I could dance right in front of where you are laying," Janet said.
"Perhaps I should leave you two ladies alone," Jacob said.
Alise was already on her way out at that point
Sam smiled, "She's kidding dad, you can stay," she said turning her head to face him. "So tell me what you and Selmak have been up to."
"Oh you know the same kinds of things as before. Though I feel like a taxi driver some days. Or is that an intergalactic taxi driver? I am very glad that you have been able to come back enough that you could do this, that you will walk.... again" Jacob throat closed up from all the emotions
"You owe Janet the thanks for that Dad, she wouldn't let me give up" Sam said turning her head to look at her fiancé. "Thank you" she said honestly, "For so many things Janet."
"You are welcome dear," Janet said putting a hand to her cheek.
Jacob watched them both, "Yes, Thank you doctor" Jacob said "Excuse me" he said then also headed out
Seeing the woman she loved looking so down reached up and touched her chin and smiled, "He's getting there Janet, don't worry about it. So sit and tell me a story."
A bit more than an hour later Alise came back. "Doctor Fraiser have you checked her feeling levels. It is a common medical procedure in such cases. We need to determine the amount of feeling that had returned."
"We've uh been busy Alise" Sam volunteered and saw Janet smile and stand up. "Go ahead, now is as good a time as any I guess."
Janet started the test as she was face down this would help a lot for the testing. "That is excellent, ok now try moving your left leg first"
Glancing back at her love she nodded and closed her eyes, concentrating on her left leg and then felt it rise slowly and then rested back on the pallet, "Tell me it moved" she said opening her eyes.
"Yes it moved" Janet said elated. "It moved just fine, but you are going to need to regain your muscle strength, but the nerves are apparently healed up," Janet stated grinning broadly
"Physical therapy, how fun" Sam joked and lowered her head crying on her arms. Not in sadness for once, she was actually going to walk again.
"This is great news," Janet said
"Yes it is Sam, Yes it is" Jacob said enthusiastically "We will have you running on that track in no time"
"Yes we will" Janet echoed then started to massage her foot
As the guys congratulated her Sam turned her head and looked at Alise with a small nod, "Thank you, I...owe you more than you know."
Daniel came over to Janet and whispered, "How long before we can take her back to the base Janet?"
"You are most welcome Major Carter" Alise said and then started out to let her have her private moment.
Janet shook her head trying to clear it. "Let's give her another hour to recover then go back, I am not taking any chances Daniel"
It was later that night and the guys had all visited, even the General had stopped by to congratulate her and remind her how much they missed her. Janet had arrived back with take out, McDonald's from one of Sam's favorite fast food places and right now she was eating a Big Mac and fries with a Sprite, "Should have gotten me a Coke Janet. So..." she munched a fry looking at her fiancé eating burger at the foot of the bed while rubbing her pajama covered leg. "How long before I can go back on field duty? Go home even?"
"With all tat Caffeine I think not" Janet said taking a bite of her quarter pounder with cheese and smiling. She did not answer intentionally
"Which leaves the when can I go home and back on field duty questions and I know you heard me Janet" she countered right back eating her burger and smiled.
She chewed slowly and thoughtfully, "Tomorrow you can come home to my home, and I will take care of your "she put a hand out to Sam's check" Every need"
Setting her sandwich down Sam wiped her hands and covered Janet's hand on her cheek and smiled, "Thank you baby. Now about the back to field duty one..."
"We will have to see how things go," Janet said. "It is based on how your body recovers. I have some ideas on how to help you" her voice dropped again. "With that"
"You know I think I'm going to like therapy" she admitted with an evil smile and grabbing Janet's hand on her cheek, tugging until she was beside her and leaned up to kiss her, the sandwich forgotten on her tray and in Janet's hand. "I love you Janet and thank you for not letting me give up."
"And thank you for finally admitting to me the real depth of your feelings. I wonder if you would ever have told me this truth if you had not been injured. I wonder is I would ever have too" Janet said a sad look on her face
"Probably not, we were both too afraid but it's the one good thing about this injury" she glanced down at her legs, "It got me you."
"And it got me you too" Janet said then leaned in for a kiss. Hours later she came back in to see Sam. "I got you labs back. They are looking very, very good" Janet came closer "Just like you"
"Well that's good but you REALLY need to find a better way to take pee samples Janet" she joked and winked. "The Colonel was by and said you just liked poking at me but he said it was all good because if you poked at me you'd leave him alone."
"Yeah he is so cute I could just strangle him," Janet said smiling "Tomorrow afternoon we can go home"
"You'd just have to treat him if you did" she answered smiling. "Listen..." she lowered her voice and leaned over a little, "Who do I have to bribe to get my laptop? I'm loosing my mind with all this taking it easy."
"You have to see if you can convince your personal doctor about that," Janet said in a teasing tone
"Oh now that shouldn't be too hard, she's just a big pussycat" Sam offered and leaned over enough to wrap her arms around Janet and pulled her over resting her head on her stomach, "Please let me have my laptop before I go stir crazy and have to start using Colonel O'Neil's theory and annoy your staff. He taught me how to make paper airplanes from your files" she joked.
"I did not know that it was so hard to learn the paper airplane construction from the Colonel. I guess I can get it, but this is so comfortable right now that I don't want to move" Janet admitted
"Now I didn't say a word about right now did I" she asked scooting over a little and helped Janet sit down and smiled kissing her. "So have you thought any about the wedding? Military, civilian, just elope to Vegas," she asked with a smile.
"I think civilian. As an Air Force officer I am sure you can see the logic in flying under the radar" Janet said snuggling closer
"Works for me but since we have the President's ok and it can't hurt Cassie I really don't care what anyone else thinks honey" she promised rubbing her arm. "So how are you going to entertain me when I go home?"
"I have the scented massage oils for one. Then there is other things that take more time and have lots of enjoyment too" she grinned, Sam would find out all too soon and personally too
"OOH...the possibilities are..."
"Hey Carter" came Jack O'Neil's voice as he poked his head in, "What ya doing?"
Sighing Sam looked at her fiancé and then at the Colonel, "Sir with all due respect your timing really, and I mean REALLY sucks."
"That is what the Goa'uld keep saying, you planning on answering or what?" Jack asked.
"I will see you later honey," Janet said pulling away so she could get back to work. "Colonel O'Neill come see me when you two are done please? Thank you" Janet said then continued on her way
"Feeling fine Sir and bye Janet" she called to her woman and shook her head and smiled. "So is the General going to send you guys on a mission soon Sir? I mean to keep you busy until I'm back ready to go?"
"Yes he is, he has some trainees that he wants us to work on" Jack said, "I would rather wait but Hammond said we might as well take this chance to take care of some training for the newbies" he said
"Try not to shoot any this time Colonel and I promise he won't get mad" she offered with a smile.
"Hey Sam" Daniel said coming in, "Teal'c and I wanted to see...Oh hey Jack."
"Major Carter, O'Neil" the Jaffa stated and bowed.
"Hey guys, I'm feeling fine thank you," Sam stated to her team.
"Well we still need to see that for ourselves. When you going home?" Daniel asked
"I could have sworn I did not shoot the last one. Let me think though" Jack said
Shaking her head at her CO Carter spoke to Daniel, "Uh Janet says I can go home to her place tomorrow, she doesn't know a time for active duty though I'm sure she's going to insist on weeks."
"She just wants to be mushy with you Carter" O'Neil stated.
Teal'c raised his eyebrow as Sam and Daniel looked at him, "Uh Sam" Jackson said, "How about a game of chess?"
Nodding Sam smiled, "Sure Daniel, sounds nice."
"Alrighty, then let me go get the set," Daniel said.
"Is this not the normal method for lovers to be?" Teal'c stated
"Yes Teal'c it is" Sam answered as Daniel left, "The Colonel is just jealous."
"Oh please" Jack began and rolled his eyes, "Well if you and Danny Boy are going to play Carter I'm going to go get pie, see you later. Teal'c wanna come," he asked turning to leave.
"Pie is good" Teal'c said, one of Jack's favorite sayings. "Heal well my friend" Teal'c said offering a hand to Sam for shaking
Nodding and shaking the Jaffa's hand, a strange gesture Sam thought the woman settled back, "Behave Colonel" he offered.
"Always Carter, get better and we'll stop over and see you tomorrow" he answered and left and then stopped. "OH crap, Doc wanted to see me. Come on Teal'c, let's see what she wants," he said heading toward her office and knocked, "Oh Doc, you wanted to see me? DOC you in here" he called out.
"Yes" Janet said. "How do you think she is doing? I could swear she is hiding something from me," she said as she started to pull out Sam's laptop from the top of her closest but she could not quite manage it. "Colonel a hand here please"
"Uh sure Doc" he said and came over as Teal'c remained by the door and got the device for her, "She's doing ok, you know Carter she just thinks too much. Playing chess or checkers or something with Danny Boy and...."
"Chess O'Neil" Teal'c corrected.
"Yes well can you take that to her on your way out, I have to think about this" Janet stated and picked up Sam's file maybe she missed something and it was all medical? Of Course she could just be paranoid too
"In a minute Doc" O'Neil stated and sat the laptop on the desk and motioned Teal'c in to close the door. "So what do you think it is Doc? Just Carter bored maybe, a lot of changes are happening could that be it?"
"I suppose it could be. It could also be that she is not so sure about us now too. I feel a hesitation it seems to me, and when she had her legs as unusable that was expected but now, now I dont know what to think" Janet said softly
"You know" the Colonel began as she sat on the edge of her desk and started to play with something, "Sometimes you brainy types just think too much Doc. Carter loves you, I mean hell she faced the President and who knows who else to tell you that?"
Teal'c raised his eyebrows and nodded, "I also do not believe she is doubting or regretting the decision she has made about your relationship Doctor Fraiser, but perhaps the best one to ask would be Major Carter?"
"I was just gonna say that" Jack began picking up something fragile and started to look at it curiously.
Janet took it away from him. "Please Colonel" Janet said and put it back on the desk. "I will think about it sir" Janet said taking a tired seat behind her desk
"I wasn't gonna break it Doc" he said but shrugged standing up. "Teal'c and I are on our way down for pie, want us to bring you back some? Told Carter we'd stop over to see her tomorrow once I get out from under these newbies Hammond is saddling us with."
"No thank you sir." Janet said looking down at the files again. As if the solution was in there. Her idea of paranoia was sounding more likely all the time
"You're sure Doc" he asked again joining Teal'c and smiled, "Pie can make anything better."
"I believe Doctor Fraiser has cautioned you on the amount of pie you consume before O'Neil" Teal'c stated.
"Teal'c, be quiet would ya" he asked.
"He loves my special diets anyway Teal'c, let him enjoy something," Janet said, "No pie for me sir"
O'Neil rolled his eyes and hit his head, "Now see what you did Teal'c? Half the fun of pie is eating it because someone tells you not to."
"I do not understand" Teal'c stated.
"Go on you two I need to think" Janet said and winked at them
"You think too much Doc" the Colonel offered but opened the door, "Come on Teal'c, I'll explain as we eat cake instead and when the Doc gets thinking it usually ends up with a big honkin' needle in my butt so...adios Doc" he said leaving.
"I shall speak with you later Doctor Fraiser" Teal'c offered and left.
It was the next day. SG1 had not been able to attend her release from medical but still it seemed like it should have been a happy time. Hammond had even sensed there was something and had not stayed long after he heard that she was being released. Sitting in the honorary wheelchair she no longer needed but was traditional for a released patient Janet finally had enough. She stopped the elevator between eleven and twelve and knelt before Sam. "What is it? What's wrong?"
Sighing Sam glanced down at Janet, "Nothing is wrong Janet, it's just been a stressful week you know." Seeing the woman not believing her Carter nodded and spoke almost too softly to hear, "Just thoughts. I mean even you said there was a very small chance that the damage to the nerves could be deeper than even what the healing device fixed and I keep thinking things like how I'll take care of you and Cassie if I can't walk or something happens to prevent it or I'm not able to go on missions anymore or I have to leave the SGC or..."
"Shh" Janet said leaning forward on her knees to put Sam's head to lay upon her breast. "You worry too much dear. Those things are very unlikely and if they do happen I will be here to help you, if I cant be I have taken steps to see that you and Cassie are always cared for" Janet said running her hand along Sam's back
Terror gripped the woman and she grabbing Janet holding her tightly, the tears falling lightly, "God don't say that...don't think that Janet. I can't...I won't do this without you, please."
"I am not going anywhere, I just want you to know that if I did not have that choice Jack and the money I have are going to be there so you are covered," Janet said still holding her back. "So do not be afraid my love"
"Take care of Cassie, not me," she said pulling back enough to wipe her nose. "I'm not a child Janet, she is."
"Take care of both of you, you as you take care of Cassie really. Don't you see what this all means that if the worst ever did occur I would know that you are there for Cassie, and she for you" Janet said. "Either way it is done, I would never sleep nights for worry. One good thing though" Janet pulled back. "We don't have to worry about Jack getting court-martialed for taking you to a Goa'uld ship now to be healed. He had one lined up, I was going to help if this had not worked, well let's just say we would not have stopped"
"Remind me to slap you both later" Sam answered with a grin and nodded leaning forward and kissed her fiancé. "I love you Janet, no matter what happens promise me you'll always know that."
"I know it now. I go to bed and I know it. I wake up and know it, I know it always and forever as you should know the same for me. Nothing is more important than you when it comes right down to it that I know too. My career less important than you to me" Janet said hugging her again
Rubbing Janet's back Carter kissed her cheek, "Take me home Janet."
"Yes dear" Janet said then kissed her passionately first then they were on their way
"Ok lets get you loaded up dear" Janet said and smiled. Sam was in for a surprise. It had been hard as hell to keep this from her all this time now Janet was beaming ear to ear thinking about the first event of this most momentous day. Luckily Janet was supposed to be happy at this point
"You want to tell me where we are going so early Jan" Sam Carter asked, both of them in dresses for today of the warm sun. It was clear and supposed to be in the mid seventies, perfect weather as far as both were concerned, "And where is Cassie?"
"She is going to see a friend you know how kids are always doing something" that was not technically a lie she was going to be there too. "You up for a nice lunch? Giovanni's opened that new outdoor terrace and I am feeling like a mole from being in the mountain too long"
"Sure sounds nice" she answered snaking a hand around Janet's waist as they stopped at the counter and grabbing her purse Sam pointed to a spot she couldn't reach and Janet was closer, "Hand me my sunglasses would you please baby? And you're the one that wanted to stay with Abby getting over that sore throat whatever it was she had. How is she doing by the way?"
"Much better, I sent her home before you actually now that she is not in danger of losing her voice or anything it was a variation of strep, one does not take chances with that," Janet said simply. She handed her the sunglasses and continued the drive.
Once they were there... "Lean on me if you want to, I love you warm form against mine anyways so I dont mind at all"
"Like I need an invitation" the blond said getting out took in the scenery. It was a beautiful location, not too much city but not country either and as Janet joined her Sam pulled her over and wrapped her arm around her waist and held the hand on the other side tightly, "Ready?"
"OK then let's get something to eat." Janet held the door for Sam and as they rounded the corner from the entrance to the restaurant proper there was a greeter waiting.
She was a young woman dressed in a fine dress more applicable to nights then days. "Good after noon. Two?" she asked looking at both of them
Sam smiled and nodded, "Someplace secluded but with a nice view please" she asked since Janet hadn't said anything.
"Certainly" she said picking up two menus from the podium, "This way please." the woman said leading them to two ornate wooden doors. When both were before them she opened them.
They opened to a banquet room inside was SG1 that had just barely made it back before this, General Hammond and several of the sciences and medical staff. There was a huge banner that said "Congratulations Sam and Janet" and everyone yelled surprise. Only Sam could be surprised she had been the only one kept in the dark. But Janet was surprised at the raw emotion and the numbers of people that wanted to show up just for them
A wide grin came across Sam's face and she looked at her fiancé as Cassie rushed up and hugged them both with others behind, "You arranged this you little trickster" she told the woman.
"Carter stop hogging the Doc" Jack O'Neil said hugging both women and moved aside as came Daniel and then Teal'c.
"Doctor, Major congratulations" Hammond said hugging both quickly as the others progressed.
"Yes I am good that way," Janet said
"You did not think that the momentous occasions of your release from the infirmary and the engagement would escape proper celebration did you?" Hammond asked.
"I've really been too busy threatening my therapist to notice Sir" Sam offered as she and Janet sat down at the head table and squeezed her wife's hand. "Thank you Janet" she said and turned her head just as the woman did and pressed a passionate kiss to her lips in front of everyone. It was so unlike how Sam would have been before the accident, she was so proper and would never have done anything but it was like she was living each day as the last.
Janet responded to the kiss with some passion of her own but not more than could be done in public. "Thank you for coming one and all. Though she tastes sweet I am sure she needs to eat so let's eat" Janet said
"That's what I am talking about" Jack said starting for the large table heavily laden with all kinds of Italian dishes.
"I was eating" she countered and reached over putting her hand on Janet's neck kissing her again, passionately. This could fill her up all day...
Hammond and the others went to get food leaving the two lovers semi alone for a minute as the kiss broke apart and Sam massaged Janet's neck with one hand and a smile.
"There dont you feel better now?" Janet asked looking deeply into her eyes. Eyes she could lose herself in
"Yes" she breathed in a husky voice and leaned over to kiss the woman again.
"Geez Carter, take it easy would ya" came O'Neil's voice as he sat a table nearby with the rest of folks
Breaking the kiss Sam smiled and glanced at her CO, "You're just jealous Sir" she answered.
"As well he should be, I got the best woman in the world. I am going to fix a plate for myself, I have a feeling I will need the energy" Janet said with an evil grin
"I'll come with you" her fiancé offered standing up and pulled out Janet's chair and winked, "Best damned woman in the known universe and beyond and I got her" she proclaimed wrapping her arms around Janet and hugged her.
"You know General" O'Neil said watching the two women, "We're never going to get to the wedding. Carter won't let the Doc eat."
"She's getting what she needs Colonel" Sam called over and stuck her tongue out. "And I'd be careful Sir, I know how to bribe Janet against you isn't that right honey" she said releasing her gently.
"Yes she does. Hmm you know I do need a test subject for those needles," Janet said smiling then starting again now arm and arm with Sam to the table
Hammond made no further comment; they looked so happy and so loved that was what mattered did it not?
After the party Sam was tired, she'd been pushing herself at physical therapy and had already received her letter but they stayed until most folks left and then they headed out. The Colonel, Daniel and Teal'c were taking Cassie out for ice cream so they would drop her off later and once they got home, taking a short cut Sam had a few ideas she wanted to discuss with her future wife and opened the door of the house letting her in, "Thank you for the party Janet, it was absolutely perfect" she commented closing the door.
"I try, I try" J