Grey Matter 2

A Medical Mind

by SJSlashfan

URL: http://www.area52hkh.net/ass/sjslashfan/greyma02.php
Summary: Sam knows she's not the only genius in the household

Cassie snuggled up to Sam on the couch. Janet had been offworld for five days now, and Cassie was missing her mom, though she loved spending time with Sam. But tonight she was particularly clingy, and Sam was trying her best to comfort her.

"Why did she have to go, Sam?" Cassie asked her, plaintively, for about the twelfth time.

"She's trying to find a cure to the disease that's wiping out half the population, Cass. She's saving lives," Sam told her patiently.

"But why does it have to be her?" Cassie insisted. "Why not one of the other doctors? Why not Warner? It's your birthday tomorrow, we need her here to celebrate that."

"It has to be her, Cass," Sam explained. "Warner's a good clinician, but he's nowhere near as good as your mom. She's super-smart, you realize that? There isn't a doctor around who could do what she can do. The disease only takes 72 hours to kill, from the onset of symptoms. So every minute counts."

"And you're sure she's safe?" Cassie asked. "What if she catches it?"

"Cassandra Frasier, listen to me," Sam said, taking Cassie's face in her hands, and looking her straight in the eye. "Your mom is definitely safe. For some reason, the disease only affects the people from the southern continent on P9Y-R8R. Janet's checked, she's absolutely sure that people from Earth are immune to the disease. So she's gonna be fine, I promise."

Cassie nodded. "Sorry," she said in a quiet voice. "S'just... I miss her. I miss you too, when you're offworld. It's worse when you go, 'cos I know you're a soldier, and there's more danger."

Sam wrapped her arms tightly round her daughter. "There's nothing to be sorry for Cassie, it's natural for you to worry. But I swear to you, it's a very peaceful planet, there's no risk from any hostiles. And I spoke to your mom this morning, she says everything's going well, she's very close to a cure. So it won't be long before she's back here. And just think of the number of lives she'll have saved. That's got to be worth postponing my birthday celebrations, hasn't it?"

"Yeah," Cassie agreed. "So Mom's the only one smart enough to find a cure?"

"Well, she's the smartest person I know. She's the right person for this job."

"Because she's so smart, right?" Cassie asked.

"That's right, kiddo," Sam smiled proudly. "Sharper than a tack, your mom."

"Is she as smart as you Sam?" Cassie knew what a genius Sam was.

"Oh yeah," Sam told her, "she sure is. And in some ways, she's much smarter."

"Is that why you fell in love with her Sam?" Cassie loved to hear about her parents' relationship; she had never seen two people such in tune with each other, and it made her feel safe and secure to talk about it.

"Yeah, one of the reasons, Cass," Sam told her. "And because she's beautiful. And kind. And tender. And funny; real funny. And wise. And loving." She inhaled sharply; she missed Janet terribly when she was away, and particularly hated it when she was offworld. She had just reassured Cassie that Janet would be safe, but she wouldn't believe it herself until Janet was back in her arms, where she belonged. She realized that Janet must go through similar emotions when she was offworld - probably worse, Sam's missions were more often than not unpredictable and fraught with danger.

"Sam?" Cassie was a very perceptive 12-year-old.

"It's nothing, Cass," Sam hugged her. "It's just I miss her too. This house doesn't feel right without her."

"She'll be home soon, Sam," Cassie returned the hug.

"Yep," Sam smiled. "And then shall we go out to celebrate her homecoming? You want to choose somewhere?"

"Okay," Cassie agreed. "Ice-skating. Mom loves that. We can celebrate your birthday at the same time."

"That's a date!" Sam told her. "Cassie, I want you to know how sorry I am that I make you sad when I go away. I only do it 'cos it's so important, you know that, don'tcha? I'd like nothing better than to stay safe on Earth with you and with Janet. But the dangers out there are very real. I couldn't live with myself if the Goa'uld overran Earth and I did nothing. Don't get me wrong, I love going through the 'Gate. But I'd give it all up tomorrow if I could, if it meant I could stay safely with you and your mom. One day, hon, it'll all be okay. And then I'll get a job in a lab, I promise you. I'm real careful when I'm out in the field, though, you know that don't you? Even more so since I've had such a great family to come home to."

"I know Sam," Cassie nodded. "I know your work is important. I just love you so much."

"I love you too, Cass," Sam kissed her on the brow. "Now up to bed Short Stuff. I know it's Saturday tomorrow, but you still need your sleep."

"So do you Sam," Cassie chided. She had noticed the dark rings under Sam's eyes.

"Busted!" Sam laughed. "I'm coming too, I think." The thought of an early night appealed to her; she hadn't really slept since Janet had gone, and decided that tonight she might take one of the sleeping pills Janet had left for her. She didn't like sleeping pills, but knew she had to get some sleep, and she didn't want Cassie worrying about her too.

After settling Cassie, Sam made her way to her and Janet's big bed. She took half a pill, washing it down with water. Very soon, she felt her limbs grow heavy, and not longer after sank into a grateful sleep.

= = =

So Sam was sprawled out on their bed, completely unaware, as Janet returned just after 0300hrs. She had found the cure, and had organized a proper immunization program before leaving the planet and returning home to her family. She was exhausted, but exhilarated to have saved so many people from the terrible disease. She undressed quietly, and looked down at her sleeping lover. Sam had somehow spreadeagled herself all over the big bed, lying diagonally. She looked so adorable that Janet was tempted to leave her sleeping and go to the spare room. But she wanted Sam in her arms, wanted to be held. So very gently she pushed the loose tendrils of hair away from Sam's face, and stroked her cheek softly. "Hey bed-hog," she whispered. "Room for a small one here?"

Sam stirred, groggily.

"Move over a bit, sweetie," Janet said, slightly louder this time.

"Jan?" Sam sat up. "Oh Janet, is that you?"

"It's me," Janet grinned. "Why, who were you expecting?"

Sam's eyes filled with tears, and she reached out desperately to her lover, pulling her into a tight embrace. "God, I've missed you," her voice was muffled as she buried her face in Janet's front. "Is this what it's like for you when I go away?"

"Pretty much, hon," Janet admitted. "But it's always worth it when I see your face again." She reached up and kissed her lover deeply.

"Cassie's missing you too," Sam told her, waking up properly now. "She doesn't think you should have to go offworld. I told her it was your own fault for being so damned smart!"

"Samantha Carter, I hope you told her no such thing!" Janet swatted her affectionately.

Sam laughed. "Well, not in so many words. But I did tell her that her mom was a genius."

"Both her moms," Janet reminded her.

Sam smiled. "You may not think that when I tell you what Cassie has planned for your return. Time to dig out your skates sweetie!"

"Not the ice rink AGAIN?" Janet groaned. She didn't know where Cassie had got the idea she loved ice-skating. It was cold and tiring - and she always fell on her ass at least once. Why people thought that was entertaining she just didn't know. But Cassie loved it, so she faked enthusiasm every time they went.

"We'll ask the guys too, the colonel loves it on the ice. That'll distract her," Sam suggested. "Now come to bed. You need your rest."

"Yep," Janet agreed. "I want to be full of energy for your birthday celebrations."

"You remembered!" Sam smiled.

"Of course I did. I'm a genius, remember?"

Sam grinned, as she pulled her smaller lover to her. "Brains and beauty," she said. "Lethal combination."