New Fic - I Would Give Anything To See You Again
Title: I Would Give Anything To See You Again
Author: L.E McMurray
Rating: PG-13
Summary: After an accident offworld Daniel is no longer able to go through the Stargate but, to his friend's bemusement, doesn't seem bothered by his new circumstances. What secret is he hiding?
Disclaimer: I own nothing, unfortunately.
Author’s Notes: - Thanks to Stonedtoad for betaing.
Hope you enjoy.
*********************************************
The alarms screamed.
Guards scrambled to position waiting for what was going to come through the Stargate this time. When the Iris opened the light of the open wormhole flooded the room and tension filled it.
“Medic,” Sam yelled as she scrambled out of the wormhole, followed closely by a limping pale faced Vala before Mitchell and Teal’c appeared, the prone form of the team’s archaeologist carried on a makeshift stretcher between them.
A few seconds later the Gate shut down and everyone’s attention turned to the medical team as it came running into the room.
“What happened?” Dr Western demanded as he organised the careful movement of Daniel Jackson from his friends to the gurney.
“He...he pushed me,” Vala stammered, she staggered slightly but she managed to steady herself by grabbing Sam’s arm, “It was a weapon of some kind and Daniel pushed me out of the way. It struck him in the back, when he fell the thing he was holding glowed and I think it electrocuted him.”
“How long has he been unconscious?” Western asked as he started them moving through the corridors to the infirmary.
“About two hours,” Sam noted as she slid her hand into that of her lifeless friend.
Western nodded and as they burst through the doors into the infirmary he started shouting orders, SG1 were pulled away for their own medicals. All four watching worriedly as Daniel was hidden from sight.
Sam started pacing the moment her medical was completed as she waited for news on her friend. It had been a simple mission until the cave that Daniel had been fascinated with, not his normal fascinated either there was something else in his eyes as he entered the cavern, something Sam couldn’t describe but chilled her. She’d seen that look before and not long after he’d left them for a full year. She felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to find Teal’c standing there. He didn’t murmur any platitudes as they both knew better than that, but he kept his hand comfortingly on her shoulder.
“How’s Vala?” Sam asked needing to hear something in the silence.
“Shaken,” Teal’c replied, “Daniel Jackson saved her life by sacrificing himself for her. It is something she still finds remarkable.”
Sam shrugged, “She obviously doesn’t know Daniel as well as she thinks she does.”
They both gave a wry smile as Sam moved and leaned against the wall smiling as Teal’c took up position beside her.
“How’s our boy?” the familiar Texan accent made them spin.
“General Hammond,” Teal’c greeted their former commander as he entered the room, “It is good to see you again.”
George Hammond gave them both a smile before he glanced over to the closed curtain where the doctors were working on Daniel.
“There’s been no word yet, sir,” Sam told him, “I forgot you’d be here.”
“Well when Hank Landry was due some leave Jack and I were the only two choices to fill in for the month,” Hammond told her, “I won the draw,” he sighed as he glanced over to the bustle again, “Then again maybe not.”
“Have you called General O’Neill yet?” Sam asked.
Hammond shook his head, “I’d rather have something to tell him. And it looks like I just might. Doctor?”
Dr Western nodded to Hammond as he stopped in front of the small group, “He’s stable although still unconscious for the moment. He has a few bumps and bruises but there’s swelling around his spinal cord.”
“He’s paralysed?” Sam gasped cutting Western off.
The Doctor shook his head, “We’re not sure. Because of the swelling we have no idea if there’s damage or not. That’s a waiting game. Other than that there appears to be no other injuries. If he was electrocuted then there’s no evidence of it.”
“Thank you, Dr,” Hammond said, “Can we see him?”
Western nodded, “Of course but I’d prefer if you only stayed for a short time. You all need some rest.”
Sam let out a long sigh before turning to Hammond who nodded and left to call Jack. Glancing round at Teal’c she was relieved when he started walking forward with her to where their friend lay pale and still on the infirmary bed. Sam slid her hand into his and prayed that once more Daniel would dodge a bullet and come out of this with only the memories.
Hammond had missed the SGC since he’d left it but as he stood in what had once been his office he wished he wasn’t here to make this call.
“Yello?” the cheerful greeting came.
“Jack, it’s me,” he sat down in the chair; one he’d absently noted earlier wasn’t as comfortable as his old one.
Jack chuckled, “George, how’re things going being back?” as Hammond took a breath to tell his friend what had happened Jack’s voice came back on, “What happened? And to which one?”
“It’s Daniel,” Hammond started frowning slightly as he heard Jack shout to one of his staff before a bright white light filled the room and the man he’d been talking to stood in front of him.
“Hi, George,” Jack said to his friend, “Tell me on the way to the infirmary.”
The two men started through the corridors but as soon as they reached the infirmary they were unable to get near Daniel’s bed as an alarm sounded and all they could hear were cries of pain.
*********************************************
The insistent beeping in his ear made Daniel groan, he was in the infirmary which meant he had to be injured. Suddenly pain sliced through him and he cried out.
“It is alright you are safe,” a soft voice whispered to him, “You are safe and I am with you.”
Daniel bucked as every nerve ending sparked sending pain through him.
“Focus on my voice,” the woman, he finally managed to work out it was a woman through the fog and pain, said soothingly, “The pain will lessen if you focus.”
“Can’t,” Daniel forced out through gritted teeth.
“Yes, you can,” she whispered, her warm breath ghosted across his skin and he felt her hand slide into his, “Now focus.”
Daniel gripped the hand in his, trying to shut out everything except the woman at his side finally the pain lessened to just a dull throb and he managed to open his eyes to look at who was beside him.
“Sha’re?” he breathed staring in confusion at the woman leaning over him.
“Yes, my love,” his wife smiled down at him, “That is better. How do you feel now?”
Daniel continued to stare at her dumbly.
“I do not understand this either,” Sha’re assured him, “And I know you are still in pain,” she leaned over and pressed her lips to his forehead, “You need to let them know you are awake now.”
“No,” Daniel breathed, “You won’t be here.”
“Dan’iel,” she frowned at him, “You are not making yourself worse. Do as I say and let let them know you are awake.”
“I miss you,” Daniel murmured as he reached out for the call-button.
Sha’re smiled at him, “I miss you too.”
As Daniel pressed the call button pain sliced through him once more and he cried out again.
Jack forced himself not to run to his friend as he heard Daniel cry out in pain, watching the medical staff doing their job he knew he had to stay away. He held himself back feeling George standing beside him.
“What’s happening?” Sam cried as she and Teal’c came running followed closely by Mitchell and Vala.
“I don’t know,” Jack said, seeing the surprised look on all their faces that he was there, “The doc will tell us as soon as he can.”
They waited in silence the only sounds were Daniel’s cries of pain which were lessening amongst the orders the doctor Jack didn’t recognise was giving. Finally the cries stopped and all they could hear was the sounds of the machines in the infirmary along with Daniel and the doctor’s soft voices.
At long last the doctor appeared and walked over to them.
“Is he alright?” Sam spoke up first.
“Yes,” the doctor replied before turning to Jack, “General O’Neill, I’m Dr Scott Western. Dr Jackson...Daniel was in a lot of pain. I’m only able to guess from the device Vala said electrocuted him but he’s better now. He’s aware of what’s happened and we’ve already discussed that he can’t move his legs. He was saying something before we managed to stop the pain. A name I think.”
“What was it?” Jack asked sharing a confused look with Sam.
“Sha something,” Western shrugged, “I couldn’t quite understand him.”
“Sha’re,” Teal’c stated.
Western nodded, “Yes, is it significant. Someone who should be notified that he’s been hurt?”
“Sha’re was his wife,” Sam explained, “She died several years ago.”
“Oh,” Western frowned before continuing, “He wants to talk to General O’Neill.”
“How did he know you were here?” Vala asked, frowning as no one answered her.
Jack took a breath and looked at his former team mates who let him know they’d stay back for now with a slight nod before he started towards where his friend lay.
Daniel had his eyes closed as Jack came over to the bed giving Jack time to study his friend. The younger man was pale and sadness covered his face as he was obviously trying to process everything that had happened.
“Hey,” Jack let him know he was there.
Daniel opened his eyes and relief covered his face, “Hi. I was right, the Daedalus is in orbit.”
Jack nodded, “There have to be some advantages to the job I have now.”
A brief smile flitted across Daniel’s face before the seriousness returned, “I’m paralysed.”
“The doc said...”
“I know what he said,” Daniel cut his friend off, “But right now, I have no feeling in my legs. I’m paralysed.”
“So?”
“So I don’t know, Jack,” Daniel sighed, “I don’t know if I can do this. I just wanted to give in but she wouldn’t let me.”
Jack frowned feeling he was having two completely different conversations somehow, “She wouldn’t let you?” Jack asked slowly.
“Sha’re,” Daniel breathed the name almost reverently before grimacing at the worried look on Jack’s face, “I’m not crazy. This time anyway. I think she was a hallucination because I was in too much pain to actually make a sound. But she was there and I know how insane this sounds.”
“Sure about that?” Jack pulled a seat over and sat down, “Then again she’s probably the best person to get you to calm down and your subconscious is not stupid.”
Daniel nodded and they sat in silence for several minutes. Daniel finally spoke again.
“I don’t know what to do,” Daniel confessed raw fear filling his voice, “Jack, what do I do?”
Jack reached out and clasped his friend’s hand, Daniel very rarely asked for help like this so Jack knew how scared the other man was right now.
“You listen to the doctors,” Jack told him, “You spend a few weeks under my care, then you go home and get on with your life.”
Daniel let out a long breath not letting go of Jack’s hand for the moment, holding on to his closest friend for the strength he needed.
Sam looked up as Jack reappeared, “How is he?”
“He’s being Daniel,” Jack replied before he nodded to Western who headed back to his patient, “They’re moving him to a private room.”
“Then we can see him?” Sam asked picking up on the unspoken.
Jack frowned, “He doesn’t want to see anyone just now.”
“Other than you,” Vala stated harshly.
“It’s what he wants,” Jack replied, steel filling his voice, “George, I believe this lot owes you a post mission briefing.”
Vala shook her head before she started towards where Daniel had been taken.
“Shouldn’t we stop her?” Mitchell noted.
Jack shook his head, “She needs to see Daniel then she’ll see him. We’ll wait for her.”
Daniel waited as the nurses fussed over him, fixing everything so it was in easy reach before they left him to get some rest. As he closed his eyes to try and sleep for a bit he felt someone in the room with him.
“What do you want?” Daniel demanded as he found Vala standing at his side.
She shrugged, “Just making sure you’re alright. O’Neill said you didn’t want to see anybody but I knew that wouldn’t include me.”
“No, it was specifically you,” Daniel retorted.
Confusion filled her eyes, “What?”
Daniel glared at her his blue eyes filled with rage, “I should have known you wouldn’t have done as I asked. Though I hoped since the last time you decided to ignore me I ended up paralysed you might actually do it this time.”
“But...”
“I explicitly told you not to come into that cave,” Daniel reminded her, anger filling his voice, “I told you, Sam and Teal’c not to come in the cave because of the Naquada in your blood. But you didn’t listen because you can’t take a simple instruction. This is your fault, Vala. So this time leave me alone.”
Vala spun and with her head held high she walked out the room leaving Daniel alone still seething.
“That was uncalled for.”
Daniel turned to the other side of his bed and stared in astonishment, “Sha’re?”
“I believe we have already had this discussion,” his wife told him.
“But I was hallucinating,” he whispered.
Sha’re shrugged, “Then you must be again but you are changing the subject. You should not have treated her like that.”
“I’m paralysed because of her,” Daniel reminded the woman at his side, not caring that she was a hallucination because he needed to talk to her.
“Dan’iel,” Sha’re sat on the bed beside him, “You cannot think like that, the doctor told you it is swelling and once it goes down everything could return to normal.”
“I know you’re here only because of the drugs in my system,” Daniel sighed, amazed at the feel of warm flesh beneath his fingers as he slid his hand along her arm, “I know you won’t be here when they’re gone,” Sha’re slid the fingers of her free hand through his short hair as his eyes started to close, “But it’s so good to have you here.”
“Go to sleep, my love,” Sha’re whispered, the last thing Daniel felt was her soft lips touch his forehead.
*********************************************
“Here you go, Daniel,” Jack said as he wheeled his friend into his apartment, “Home sweet home.”
Daniel rolled his eyes but didn’t say anything as he looked around his home, Sam and Teal’c had fixed it to accommodate his wheelchair while he was in Washington where he’d spent the past six weeks recovering. Although the swelling in his spine had gone down quickly Daniel was still in the wheelchair. Something had weakened the muscles and he could only stand for a short time using crutches, even with the physical therapy he was receiving. The doctors were completely stumped as to why he wasn’t getting stronger. However Daniel needed to get back to work so was allowed, with a ten page list of instructions, to return to Colorado and his work at the SGC.
“I can stay if you...”
“Jack,” Daniel cut his friend off before he could finish that sentence, “We already talked about this. I need to learn to be on my own.”
Jack frowned but they’d spent several hours going over and over this before Jack had finally given in. Daniel didn’t want anyone spending all their time hovering over him, he’d lived on his own for years and could do it even now.
“I’ll call you later tonight,” Jack told his friend, “And if you need anything before then...”
“I have Sam and Teal’c on speed-dial,” Daniel rolled his eyes, “Go. I’ll talk to you later.”
Jack grimaced but clapped his friend on the shoulder before he pulled out the communicator, “Commander, send me back to Washington.”
Bright light filled the room and when it faded Jack was gone.
Daniel wheeled himself to the couch and grabbed the crutches sitting there to help him transfer onto the couch. Once he was seated Daniel closed his eyes and sighed.
“It is nice,” Sha’re sat at his side resting her head against his shoulder, “Your friends did a good job.”
Daniel gently kissed her forehead; he’d given up questioning her presence and the fact they could touch about two days after she’d first appeared.
Daniel hadn’t told anyone that his wife was with him again. He knew they’d think he was crazy but that wasn’t the real reason. He was so afraid of what had happened to him and the road ahead that he needed the comfort she gave to him and was afraid if he told anyone she was there then she wouldn’t be any longer.
“Now,” Sha’re pulled away, “You need to eat, my husband. I shall make us dinner and then we can unpack your things.”
Daniel gave her a smile and watched as she started puttering around his kitchen discovering where everything was. That was the other weird thing, although she had to be a hallucination she could touch things, move things. In fact she could eat and drink as well as participate in much more intimate activities. It was bizarre.
Daniel watched Sha’re as she made them dinner. She was never with him when anyone else was in the room but it didn’t matter because she was there when no one else was.
“Welcome back,” Sam grinned at her friend as he entered his office, “We fixed it as best we could, Siler is going to redo your shelves once you decide how you want them organised.”
“Thanks Sam,” Daniel told her, he reached out and squeezed her hand, “You guys have been great while I’ve been a pain in the ass.”
Sam tilted her head slightly, “Daniel, you’re allowed. It’s been a tough few months for you. But look at you, you’re back to work faster than anyone thought.”
Daniel shrugged, “When are you guys going on a mission?”
Sam hesitated.
“You know you’re going to have to give me your schedule so that I don’t come to your office and find you’re not there,” Daniel laughed, “Just tell me.”
“SG1 has a mission this afternoon,” Sam told him, she checked her watch, “And I have to get to the infirmary. See you later.”
Daniel waved her away before turning and looking at his office, almost everything now at perfect height for his use.
“This is not how I imagined your office would look,” Sha’re said as she slid her hand along the desk.
“What did you think it would look like?” Daniel asked amused at the way she was touching everything.
Sha’re chuckled and kissed his cheek, “Messy.”
“I’m not that...”
“My husband, it took me several months to train you to put your things away when you returned from the cave,” Sha’re reminded him with amusement.
“I need order to work,” Daniel replied frowning as she continued to laugh at him.
Sha’re gently kissed his forehead, “Then I will leave you to your work.”
Sha’re was sleeping.
Daniel wondered how it was possible that the woman he’d watched die in front of him so many years ago was somehow here lying at his side sleeping peacefully as he gently stroked her hair. Sha’re murmured and turned so she was facing him, still fast asleep so he could watch her slumber.
It was now three months since his accident, three months since he’d been confined to a wheelchair and somehow he was happier than he’d been in years.
He’d asked her several times where she went when she wasn’t with him but every time he asked the question Sha’re simply shrugged, kissed his forehead and told him it didn’t matter.
But it did.
Daniel needed to know that she wasn’t somewhere that she was being hurt when they weren’t together. It was getting harder not telling any of his friends that she was here, especially as they were trying to include him in nights in again.
“Why are you not sleeping?” Sha’re’s tired voice cut through his musings.
“I’m just watching you,” he replied.
Gently her hand slid across his chest, “You need your rest, my husband.”
“Will you promise me something?” Daniel asked.
Sha’re looked up at him sleepily, “And what would that be, my husband?”
“Promise me that when you’re not with me that you’re safe,” Daniel whispered.
Sha’re reached out and stroked his cheek, “I promise. Now, will you go to sleep?”
Daniel nodded and pulled her close again, “I love you.”
“I love you too,” Sha’re whispered as sleep pulled her down.
*********************************************
“Welcome to Washington,” Jack greeted Sam as she entered the Homeworld Security Offices, “How was your trip?”
“Barely noticeable,” Sam grinned back at him taking the seat he motioned her to, “So, why am I here?”
“You’re heading to your new ship,” Jack reminded her, “And you’re under my command again, does that give you a clue?”
Sam laughed, “Despite the fact I’ve already received my orders and I’ve to report there in twenty minutes. Why am I really here?”
“I just...I thought...”
“You want to know how Daniel is,” Sam stated with a slight smile, “Without being obvious.”
Jack shrugged, “All I get from him is, ‘fine’ and you know what that usually means.”
“In all honesty he’s acting strange,” Sam said.
“I’ve always defined Daniel as strange,” Jack said, without even a slight smile, “A little more information would help.”
“He’s leaving each night at a reasonable time,” Sam shrugged, “Comes in after breakfast and doesn’t drink even half as much coffee as he used to.”
Jack frowned a little worried, “I’m not sure if that’s good or not. Is he talking to Vala yet?”
“No,” Sam grimaced, “She keeps trying to talk to him, I’ve heard her apologise sincerely several times but he refuses to even look at her. I’ve never known Daniel to hold a grudge like this.”
“Not being able to walk without the crutches and even then he can only go a short distance,” Jack said, “It’ll take its toll on anyone even someone like Daniel.”
“But he’s not angry,” Sam frowned, “He seems very content in a way.”
Jack sat in silence for a few minutes and Sam smiled at him.
“I bet he’d be glad of a visit from you though, Sir,” she said.
Jack nodded, “You should get to your new ship, Colonel.”
Daniel lay in the warm water convinced his physiotherapist had completely run out of ideas. Since Daniel wasn’t getting any better she’d come up with this thought that perhaps Daniel was not relaxing enough so he was to take hot baths to soothe his muscles.
“How do you feel?” Sha’re asked leaning over the side of the tub, “Is it helping?”
Daniel let out a wry chuckle, “Not really. You could join me and see though.”
Sha’re rolled her eyes, “I doubt that would be relaxing the way you are supposed to.”
Daniel moved and caught her lips with his in a soft kiss, “But it’ll be fun,” he murmured into her mouth before he scooped up a handful of water and tossed it down her back.
“Dan’iel,” Sha’re cried.
“You’re wet now,” he chuckled leaning back with a grin.
Shaking her head Sha’re slid out of her dress and climbed in the bath resting back against her husband. Daniel wrapped his arms around her waist holding her tight. Pressing a kiss to her shoulder Daniel knew it was time to ask her the question that had been plaguing him for the past few weeks.
“Sha’re?”
“Yes, my love?”
“When are you leaving me?”
Sha’re turned to him in shock, “What?”
“I’m the only one who sees you,” Daniel continued not letting go of her, “Whenever someone else is here you’re not. This can’t last, and I need to have an idea when I’ll lose you again.”
“Oh my Dan’iel,” Sha’re whispered shifting slightly so she could look at him, “I do not know why this has happened, I do not know if I will ever leave you. All that I know is I love you and we are together for now.”
Daniel hugged her tightly, “I just want you to be here always. I want to be able to go out and show you this world.”
Sha’re nodded sighing slightly, “The water is getting cold. I do not want you to get sick. We can continue this once we are dry.”
Sha’re sat on the couch waiting for Daniel to join her. She knew he was worried that she would simply disappear and never come back one day. In all honesty so was she. At least she knew what happened when she was not with Daniel, something she was not able to tell him just yet. As Daniel appeared using his crutches Sha’re moved to help him to the couch, they sat together and she gently kissed him.
“Dan’iel,” she whispered, “I know you worry that I go somewhere awful when I am not with you but I promise you, I promise that when I am not here I am completely safe.”
Daniel gently stroked her cheek, “I can’t lose you again. But if I have to then I just want to be ready. I want to be able to say goodbye this time.”
Sha’re closed her eyes, resting her head against his chest wishing she knew what to say to calm his fears. Before she had to speak again someone knocked on the door and they moved apart. Sha’re gently stroked his cheek, “I will come back,” she promised before kissing him.
Daniel nodded and headed to answer the door, Sha’re stood and watched catching a glimpse of Jack O’Neill before Daniel’s apartment disappeared.
The grey room that appeared around Sha’re was so different from the one she’d spent the past few hours within. A hand gently touched her arm making her turn to the man standing there watching her with concern. He was about the same height as her husband with broad shoulders, red hair and green eyes.
“Am I still healthy?” she asked with a roll of her eyes as he checked her over with several medical devices.
“Yes,” he replied with a slight grimace.
“Thor, why is it a bad thing that I am not ill?” Sha’re asked slightly annoyed.
“Because these devices were not supposed to create a bond for this length of time,” Thor replied, “Sha’re, we’re concerned.”
“Not concerned enough to allow me to tell Dan’iel where I am,” she retorted making him frown, it was an argument they’d had many times.
“The council do not believe we are ready to allow the Tauri knowledge of that we are alive,” Thor reminded her as they left the room, “We disappeared for a reason.”
“I know,” she sighed, “He is just so worried about what happens to me when I disappear.”
Thor shook his head, “I will speak once more with the Council but I do not think they will agree. They are determined for now that the galaxy believes that the Asgard perished.”
“Sha’re,” Freya greeted with a smile, as she entered the small lounge, “You’re back.”
“O’Neill came to visit,” Sha’re explained as she took the seat beside her friend, “I do not believe I will return to Dan’iel’s side for some hours.”
The other woman chuckled, pulling her long auburn hair out of her face and clipping it out of her way before reaching for Sha’re’s hand. With a grimace Sha’re did as she was told and waited as Freya did a few more checks.
“How is Daniel?” Freya asked as she checked the computer at her side.
“His health is very good,” Sha’re said, “But strength is not returning to his legs, which is baffling the healers that are looking after him.”
Freya nodded as she studied the readings in front of her, “I’m convinced that is because Daniel’s own energy is connected to what is moving you from place to place.”
Worry filled Sha’re at that, “Will this make him worse?”
Freya sighed dropping her head for a second before looking back at her friend, “I cannot say that without being able to examine Daniel myself.”
“I doubt that will happen,” Sha’re grimaced, leaning back in annoyance.
Freya reached out and squeezed her friend’s hand, “Thor is trying to persuade the Council to either let you leave the colony or to tell the Tauri we are here. Neither is an option they wish.”
Sha’re grimaced, “Surely whatever is happening will stop if we are on the same planet.”
“We can’t be sure of that,” Freya reminded the other woman, “You could be pulled from wherever you are on Earth to wherever he is. This device was created by one of our people long before we began cloning ourselves in an attempt to be with her loved ones whenever she was on a deep space assignment. We have no idea the long term affect this will have on you and Daniel. And without both parts we can’t get proper readings or a way to shut it down.”
“I know,” Sha’re sighed, “I just hate what this is doing to Dan’iel.”
Part Two
Author: L.E McMurray
Rating: PG-13
Summary: After an accident offworld Daniel is no longer able to go through the Stargate but, to his friend's bemusement, doesn't seem bothered by his new circumstances. What secret is he hiding?
Disclaimer: I own nothing, unfortunately.
Author’s Notes: - Thanks to Stonedtoad for betaing.
Hope you enjoy.
*********************************************
The alarms screamed.
Guards scrambled to position waiting for what was going to come through the Stargate this time. When the Iris opened the light of the open wormhole flooded the room and tension filled it.
“Medic,” Sam yelled as she scrambled out of the wormhole, followed closely by a limping pale faced Vala before Mitchell and Teal’c appeared, the prone form of the team’s archaeologist carried on a makeshift stretcher between them.
A few seconds later the Gate shut down and everyone’s attention turned to the medical team as it came running into the room.
“What happened?” Dr Western demanded as he organised the careful movement of Daniel Jackson from his friends to the gurney.
“He...he pushed me,” Vala stammered, she staggered slightly but she managed to steady herself by grabbing Sam’s arm, “It was a weapon of some kind and Daniel pushed me out of the way. It struck him in the back, when he fell the thing he was holding glowed and I think it electrocuted him.”
“How long has he been unconscious?” Western asked as he started them moving through the corridors to the infirmary.
“About two hours,” Sam noted as she slid her hand into that of her lifeless friend.
Western nodded and as they burst through the doors into the infirmary he started shouting orders, SG1 were pulled away for their own medicals. All four watching worriedly as Daniel was hidden from sight.
Sam started pacing the moment her medical was completed as she waited for news on her friend. It had been a simple mission until the cave that Daniel had been fascinated with, not his normal fascinated either there was something else in his eyes as he entered the cavern, something Sam couldn’t describe but chilled her. She’d seen that look before and not long after he’d left them for a full year. She felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to find Teal’c standing there. He didn’t murmur any platitudes as they both knew better than that, but he kept his hand comfortingly on her shoulder.
“How’s Vala?” Sam asked needing to hear something in the silence.
“Shaken,” Teal’c replied, “Daniel Jackson saved her life by sacrificing himself for her. It is something she still finds remarkable.”
Sam shrugged, “She obviously doesn’t know Daniel as well as she thinks she does.”
They both gave a wry smile as Sam moved and leaned against the wall smiling as Teal’c took up position beside her.
“How’s our boy?” the familiar Texan accent made them spin.
“General Hammond,” Teal’c greeted their former commander as he entered the room, “It is good to see you again.”
George Hammond gave them both a smile before he glanced over to the closed curtain where the doctors were working on Daniel.
“There’s been no word yet, sir,” Sam told him, “I forgot you’d be here.”
“Well when Hank Landry was due some leave Jack and I were the only two choices to fill in for the month,” Hammond told her, “I won the draw,” he sighed as he glanced over to the bustle again, “Then again maybe not.”
“Have you called General O’Neill yet?” Sam asked.
Hammond shook his head, “I’d rather have something to tell him. And it looks like I just might. Doctor?”
Dr Western nodded to Hammond as he stopped in front of the small group, “He’s stable although still unconscious for the moment. He has a few bumps and bruises but there’s swelling around his spinal cord.”
“He’s paralysed?” Sam gasped cutting Western off.
The Doctor shook his head, “We’re not sure. Because of the swelling we have no idea if there’s damage or not. That’s a waiting game. Other than that there appears to be no other injuries. If he was electrocuted then there’s no evidence of it.”
“Thank you, Dr,” Hammond said, “Can we see him?”
Western nodded, “Of course but I’d prefer if you only stayed for a short time. You all need some rest.”
Sam let out a long sigh before turning to Hammond who nodded and left to call Jack. Glancing round at Teal’c she was relieved when he started walking forward with her to where their friend lay pale and still on the infirmary bed. Sam slid her hand into his and prayed that once more Daniel would dodge a bullet and come out of this with only the memories.
Hammond had missed the SGC since he’d left it but as he stood in what had once been his office he wished he wasn’t here to make this call.
“Yello?” the cheerful greeting came.
“Jack, it’s me,” he sat down in the chair; one he’d absently noted earlier wasn’t as comfortable as his old one.
Jack chuckled, “George, how’re things going being back?” as Hammond took a breath to tell his friend what had happened Jack’s voice came back on, “What happened? And to which one?”
“It’s Daniel,” Hammond started frowning slightly as he heard Jack shout to one of his staff before a bright white light filled the room and the man he’d been talking to stood in front of him.
“Hi, George,” Jack said to his friend, “Tell me on the way to the infirmary.”
The two men started through the corridors but as soon as they reached the infirmary they were unable to get near Daniel’s bed as an alarm sounded and all they could hear were cries of pain.
*********************************************
The insistent beeping in his ear made Daniel groan, he was in the infirmary which meant he had to be injured. Suddenly pain sliced through him and he cried out.
“It is alright you are safe,” a soft voice whispered to him, “You are safe and I am with you.”
Daniel bucked as every nerve ending sparked sending pain through him.
“Focus on my voice,” the woman, he finally managed to work out it was a woman through the fog and pain, said soothingly, “The pain will lessen if you focus.”
“Can’t,” Daniel forced out through gritted teeth.
“Yes, you can,” she whispered, her warm breath ghosted across his skin and he felt her hand slide into his, “Now focus.”
Daniel gripped the hand in his, trying to shut out everything except the woman at his side finally the pain lessened to just a dull throb and he managed to open his eyes to look at who was beside him.
“Sha’re?” he breathed staring in confusion at the woman leaning over him.
“Yes, my love,” his wife smiled down at him, “That is better. How do you feel now?”
Daniel continued to stare at her dumbly.
“I do not understand this either,” Sha’re assured him, “And I know you are still in pain,” she leaned over and pressed her lips to his forehead, “You need to let them know you are awake now.”
“No,” Daniel breathed, “You won’t be here.”
“Dan’iel,” she frowned at him, “You are not making yourself worse. Do as I say and let let them know you are awake.”
“I miss you,” Daniel murmured as he reached out for the call-button.
Sha’re smiled at him, “I miss you too.”
As Daniel pressed the call button pain sliced through him once more and he cried out again.
Jack forced himself not to run to his friend as he heard Daniel cry out in pain, watching the medical staff doing their job he knew he had to stay away. He held himself back feeling George standing beside him.
“What’s happening?” Sam cried as she and Teal’c came running followed closely by Mitchell and Vala.
“I don’t know,” Jack said, seeing the surprised look on all their faces that he was there, “The doc will tell us as soon as he can.”
They waited in silence the only sounds were Daniel’s cries of pain which were lessening amongst the orders the doctor Jack didn’t recognise was giving. Finally the cries stopped and all they could hear was the sounds of the machines in the infirmary along with Daniel and the doctor’s soft voices.
At long last the doctor appeared and walked over to them.
“Is he alright?” Sam spoke up first.
“Yes,” the doctor replied before turning to Jack, “General O’Neill, I’m Dr Scott Western. Dr Jackson...Daniel was in a lot of pain. I’m only able to guess from the device Vala said electrocuted him but he’s better now. He’s aware of what’s happened and we’ve already discussed that he can’t move his legs. He was saying something before we managed to stop the pain. A name I think.”
“What was it?” Jack asked sharing a confused look with Sam.
“Sha something,” Western shrugged, “I couldn’t quite understand him.”
“Sha’re,” Teal’c stated.
Western nodded, “Yes, is it significant. Someone who should be notified that he’s been hurt?”
“Sha’re was his wife,” Sam explained, “She died several years ago.”
“Oh,” Western frowned before continuing, “He wants to talk to General O’Neill.”
“How did he know you were here?” Vala asked, frowning as no one answered her.
Jack took a breath and looked at his former team mates who let him know they’d stay back for now with a slight nod before he started towards where his friend lay.
Daniel had his eyes closed as Jack came over to the bed giving Jack time to study his friend. The younger man was pale and sadness covered his face as he was obviously trying to process everything that had happened.
“Hey,” Jack let him know he was there.
Daniel opened his eyes and relief covered his face, “Hi. I was right, the Daedalus is in orbit.”
Jack nodded, “There have to be some advantages to the job I have now.”
A brief smile flitted across Daniel’s face before the seriousness returned, “I’m paralysed.”
“The doc said...”
“I know what he said,” Daniel cut his friend off, “But right now, I have no feeling in my legs. I’m paralysed.”
“So?”
“So I don’t know, Jack,” Daniel sighed, “I don’t know if I can do this. I just wanted to give in but she wouldn’t let me.”
Jack frowned feeling he was having two completely different conversations somehow, “She wouldn’t let you?” Jack asked slowly.
“Sha’re,” Daniel breathed the name almost reverently before grimacing at the worried look on Jack’s face, “I’m not crazy. This time anyway. I think she was a hallucination because I was in too much pain to actually make a sound. But she was there and I know how insane this sounds.”
“Sure about that?” Jack pulled a seat over and sat down, “Then again she’s probably the best person to get you to calm down and your subconscious is not stupid.”
Daniel nodded and they sat in silence for several minutes. Daniel finally spoke again.
“I don’t know what to do,” Daniel confessed raw fear filling his voice, “Jack, what do I do?”
Jack reached out and clasped his friend’s hand, Daniel very rarely asked for help like this so Jack knew how scared the other man was right now.
“You listen to the doctors,” Jack told him, “You spend a few weeks under my care, then you go home and get on with your life.”
Daniel let out a long breath not letting go of Jack’s hand for the moment, holding on to his closest friend for the strength he needed.
Sam looked up as Jack reappeared, “How is he?”
“He’s being Daniel,” Jack replied before he nodded to Western who headed back to his patient, “They’re moving him to a private room.”
“Then we can see him?” Sam asked picking up on the unspoken.
Jack frowned, “He doesn’t want to see anyone just now.”
“Other than you,” Vala stated harshly.
“It’s what he wants,” Jack replied, steel filling his voice, “George, I believe this lot owes you a post mission briefing.”
Vala shook her head before she started towards where Daniel had been taken.
“Shouldn’t we stop her?” Mitchell noted.
Jack shook his head, “She needs to see Daniel then she’ll see him. We’ll wait for her.”
Daniel waited as the nurses fussed over him, fixing everything so it was in easy reach before they left him to get some rest. As he closed his eyes to try and sleep for a bit he felt someone in the room with him.
“What do you want?” Daniel demanded as he found Vala standing at his side.
She shrugged, “Just making sure you’re alright. O’Neill said you didn’t want to see anybody but I knew that wouldn’t include me.”
“No, it was specifically you,” Daniel retorted.
Confusion filled her eyes, “What?”
Daniel glared at her his blue eyes filled with rage, “I should have known you wouldn’t have done as I asked. Though I hoped since the last time you decided to ignore me I ended up paralysed you might actually do it this time.”
“But...”
“I explicitly told you not to come into that cave,” Daniel reminded her, anger filling his voice, “I told you, Sam and Teal’c not to come in the cave because of the Naquada in your blood. But you didn’t listen because you can’t take a simple instruction. This is your fault, Vala. So this time leave me alone.”
Vala spun and with her head held high she walked out the room leaving Daniel alone still seething.
“That was uncalled for.”
Daniel turned to the other side of his bed and stared in astonishment, “Sha’re?”
“I believe we have already had this discussion,” his wife told him.
“But I was hallucinating,” he whispered.
Sha’re shrugged, “Then you must be again but you are changing the subject. You should not have treated her like that.”
“I’m paralysed because of her,” Daniel reminded the woman at his side, not caring that she was a hallucination because he needed to talk to her.
“Dan’iel,” Sha’re sat on the bed beside him, “You cannot think like that, the doctor told you it is swelling and once it goes down everything could return to normal.”
“I know you’re here only because of the drugs in my system,” Daniel sighed, amazed at the feel of warm flesh beneath his fingers as he slid his hand along her arm, “I know you won’t be here when they’re gone,” Sha’re slid the fingers of her free hand through his short hair as his eyes started to close, “But it’s so good to have you here.”
“Go to sleep, my love,” Sha’re whispered, the last thing Daniel felt was her soft lips touch his forehead.
*********************************************
“Here you go, Daniel,” Jack said as he wheeled his friend into his apartment, “Home sweet home.”
Daniel rolled his eyes but didn’t say anything as he looked around his home, Sam and Teal’c had fixed it to accommodate his wheelchair while he was in Washington where he’d spent the past six weeks recovering. Although the swelling in his spine had gone down quickly Daniel was still in the wheelchair. Something had weakened the muscles and he could only stand for a short time using crutches, even with the physical therapy he was receiving. The doctors were completely stumped as to why he wasn’t getting stronger. However Daniel needed to get back to work so was allowed, with a ten page list of instructions, to return to Colorado and his work at the SGC.
“I can stay if you...”
“Jack,” Daniel cut his friend off before he could finish that sentence, “We already talked about this. I need to learn to be on my own.”
Jack frowned but they’d spent several hours going over and over this before Jack had finally given in. Daniel didn’t want anyone spending all their time hovering over him, he’d lived on his own for years and could do it even now.
“I’ll call you later tonight,” Jack told his friend, “And if you need anything before then...”
“I have Sam and Teal’c on speed-dial,” Daniel rolled his eyes, “Go. I’ll talk to you later.”
Jack grimaced but clapped his friend on the shoulder before he pulled out the communicator, “Commander, send me back to Washington.”
Bright light filled the room and when it faded Jack was gone.
Daniel wheeled himself to the couch and grabbed the crutches sitting there to help him transfer onto the couch. Once he was seated Daniel closed his eyes and sighed.
“It is nice,” Sha’re sat at his side resting her head against his shoulder, “Your friends did a good job.”
Daniel gently kissed her forehead; he’d given up questioning her presence and the fact they could touch about two days after she’d first appeared.
Daniel hadn’t told anyone that his wife was with him again. He knew they’d think he was crazy but that wasn’t the real reason. He was so afraid of what had happened to him and the road ahead that he needed the comfort she gave to him and was afraid if he told anyone she was there then she wouldn’t be any longer.
“Now,” Sha’re pulled away, “You need to eat, my husband. I shall make us dinner and then we can unpack your things.”
Daniel gave her a smile and watched as she started puttering around his kitchen discovering where everything was. That was the other weird thing, although she had to be a hallucination she could touch things, move things. In fact she could eat and drink as well as participate in much more intimate activities. It was bizarre.
Daniel watched Sha’re as she made them dinner. She was never with him when anyone else was in the room but it didn’t matter because she was there when no one else was.
“Welcome back,” Sam grinned at her friend as he entered his office, “We fixed it as best we could, Siler is going to redo your shelves once you decide how you want them organised.”
“Thanks Sam,” Daniel told her, he reached out and squeezed her hand, “You guys have been great while I’ve been a pain in the ass.”
Sam tilted her head slightly, “Daniel, you’re allowed. It’s been a tough few months for you. But look at you, you’re back to work faster than anyone thought.”
Daniel shrugged, “When are you guys going on a mission?”
Sam hesitated.
“You know you’re going to have to give me your schedule so that I don’t come to your office and find you’re not there,” Daniel laughed, “Just tell me.”
“SG1 has a mission this afternoon,” Sam told him, she checked her watch, “And I have to get to the infirmary. See you later.”
Daniel waved her away before turning and looking at his office, almost everything now at perfect height for his use.
“This is not how I imagined your office would look,” Sha’re said as she slid her hand along the desk.
“What did you think it would look like?” Daniel asked amused at the way she was touching everything.
Sha’re chuckled and kissed his cheek, “Messy.”
“I’m not that...”
“My husband, it took me several months to train you to put your things away when you returned from the cave,” Sha’re reminded him with amusement.
“I need order to work,” Daniel replied frowning as she continued to laugh at him.
Sha’re gently kissed his forehead, “Then I will leave you to your work.”
Sha’re was sleeping.
Daniel wondered how it was possible that the woman he’d watched die in front of him so many years ago was somehow here lying at his side sleeping peacefully as he gently stroked her hair. Sha’re murmured and turned so she was facing him, still fast asleep so he could watch her slumber.
It was now three months since his accident, three months since he’d been confined to a wheelchair and somehow he was happier than he’d been in years.
He’d asked her several times where she went when she wasn’t with him but every time he asked the question Sha’re simply shrugged, kissed his forehead and told him it didn’t matter.
But it did.
Daniel needed to know that she wasn’t somewhere that she was being hurt when they weren’t together. It was getting harder not telling any of his friends that she was here, especially as they were trying to include him in nights in again.
“Why are you not sleeping?” Sha’re’s tired voice cut through his musings.
“I’m just watching you,” he replied.
Gently her hand slid across his chest, “You need your rest, my husband.”
“Will you promise me something?” Daniel asked.
Sha’re looked up at him sleepily, “And what would that be, my husband?”
“Promise me that when you’re not with me that you’re safe,” Daniel whispered.
Sha’re reached out and stroked his cheek, “I promise. Now, will you go to sleep?”
Daniel nodded and pulled her close again, “I love you.”
“I love you too,” Sha’re whispered as sleep pulled her down.
*********************************************
“Welcome to Washington,” Jack greeted Sam as she entered the Homeworld Security Offices, “How was your trip?”
“Barely noticeable,” Sam grinned back at him taking the seat he motioned her to, “So, why am I here?”
“You’re heading to your new ship,” Jack reminded her, “And you’re under my command again, does that give you a clue?”
Sam laughed, “Despite the fact I’ve already received my orders and I’ve to report there in twenty minutes. Why am I really here?”
“I just...I thought...”
“You want to know how Daniel is,” Sam stated with a slight smile, “Without being obvious.”
Jack shrugged, “All I get from him is, ‘fine’ and you know what that usually means.”
“In all honesty he’s acting strange,” Sam said.
“I’ve always defined Daniel as strange,” Jack said, without even a slight smile, “A little more information would help.”
“He’s leaving each night at a reasonable time,” Sam shrugged, “Comes in after breakfast and doesn’t drink even half as much coffee as he used to.”
Jack frowned a little worried, “I’m not sure if that’s good or not. Is he talking to Vala yet?”
“No,” Sam grimaced, “She keeps trying to talk to him, I’ve heard her apologise sincerely several times but he refuses to even look at her. I’ve never known Daniel to hold a grudge like this.”
“Not being able to walk without the crutches and even then he can only go a short distance,” Jack said, “It’ll take its toll on anyone even someone like Daniel.”
“But he’s not angry,” Sam frowned, “He seems very content in a way.”
Jack sat in silence for a few minutes and Sam smiled at him.
“I bet he’d be glad of a visit from you though, Sir,” she said.
Jack nodded, “You should get to your new ship, Colonel.”
Daniel lay in the warm water convinced his physiotherapist had completely run out of ideas. Since Daniel wasn’t getting any better she’d come up with this thought that perhaps Daniel was not relaxing enough so he was to take hot baths to soothe his muscles.
“How do you feel?” Sha’re asked leaning over the side of the tub, “Is it helping?”
Daniel let out a wry chuckle, “Not really. You could join me and see though.”
Sha’re rolled her eyes, “I doubt that would be relaxing the way you are supposed to.”
Daniel moved and caught her lips with his in a soft kiss, “But it’ll be fun,” he murmured into her mouth before he scooped up a handful of water and tossed it down her back.
“Dan’iel,” Sha’re cried.
“You’re wet now,” he chuckled leaning back with a grin.
Shaking her head Sha’re slid out of her dress and climbed in the bath resting back against her husband. Daniel wrapped his arms around her waist holding her tight. Pressing a kiss to her shoulder Daniel knew it was time to ask her the question that had been plaguing him for the past few weeks.
“Sha’re?”
“Yes, my love?”
“When are you leaving me?”
Sha’re turned to him in shock, “What?”
“I’m the only one who sees you,” Daniel continued not letting go of her, “Whenever someone else is here you’re not. This can’t last, and I need to have an idea when I’ll lose you again.”
“Oh my Dan’iel,” Sha’re whispered shifting slightly so she could look at him, “I do not know why this has happened, I do not know if I will ever leave you. All that I know is I love you and we are together for now.”
Daniel hugged her tightly, “I just want you to be here always. I want to be able to go out and show you this world.”
Sha’re nodded sighing slightly, “The water is getting cold. I do not want you to get sick. We can continue this once we are dry.”
Sha’re sat on the couch waiting for Daniel to join her. She knew he was worried that she would simply disappear and never come back one day. In all honesty so was she. At least she knew what happened when she was not with Daniel, something she was not able to tell him just yet. As Daniel appeared using his crutches Sha’re moved to help him to the couch, they sat together and she gently kissed him.
“Dan’iel,” she whispered, “I know you worry that I go somewhere awful when I am not with you but I promise you, I promise that when I am not here I am completely safe.”
Daniel gently stroked her cheek, “I can’t lose you again. But if I have to then I just want to be ready. I want to be able to say goodbye this time.”
Sha’re closed her eyes, resting her head against his chest wishing she knew what to say to calm his fears. Before she had to speak again someone knocked on the door and they moved apart. Sha’re gently stroked his cheek, “I will come back,” she promised before kissing him.
Daniel nodded and headed to answer the door, Sha’re stood and watched catching a glimpse of Jack O’Neill before Daniel’s apartment disappeared.
The grey room that appeared around Sha’re was so different from the one she’d spent the past few hours within. A hand gently touched her arm making her turn to the man standing there watching her with concern. He was about the same height as her husband with broad shoulders, red hair and green eyes.
“Am I still healthy?” she asked with a roll of her eyes as he checked her over with several medical devices.
“Yes,” he replied with a slight grimace.
“Thor, why is it a bad thing that I am not ill?” Sha’re asked slightly annoyed.
“Because these devices were not supposed to create a bond for this length of time,” Thor replied, “Sha’re, we’re concerned.”
“Not concerned enough to allow me to tell Dan’iel where I am,” she retorted making him frown, it was an argument they’d had many times.
“The council do not believe we are ready to allow the Tauri knowledge of that we are alive,” Thor reminded her as they left the room, “We disappeared for a reason.”
“I know,” she sighed, “He is just so worried about what happens to me when I disappear.”
Thor shook his head, “I will speak once more with the Council but I do not think they will agree. They are determined for now that the galaxy believes that the Asgard perished.”
“Sha’re,” Freya greeted with a smile, as she entered the small lounge, “You’re back.”
“O’Neill came to visit,” Sha’re explained as she took the seat beside her friend, “I do not believe I will return to Dan’iel’s side for some hours.”
The other woman chuckled, pulling her long auburn hair out of her face and clipping it out of her way before reaching for Sha’re’s hand. With a grimace Sha’re did as she was told and waited as Freya did a few more checks.
“How is Daniel?” Freya asked as she checked the computer at her side.
“His health is very good,” Sha’re said, “But strength is not returning to his legs, which is baffling the healers that are looking after him.”
Freya nodded as she studied the readings in front of her, “I’m convinced that is because Daniel’s own energy is connected to what is moving you from place to place.”
Worry filled Sha’re at that, “Will this make him worse?”
Freya sighed dropping her head for a second before looking back at her friend, “I cannot say that without being able to examine Daniel myself.”
“I doubt that will happen,” Sha’re grimaced, leaning back in annoyance.
Freya reached out and squeezed her friend’s hand, “Thor is trying to persuade the Council to either let you leave the colony or to tell the Tauri we are here. Neither is an option they wish.”
Sha’re grimaced, “Surely whatever is happening will stop if we are on the same planet.”
“We can’t be sure of that,” Freya reminded the other woman, “You could be pulled from wherever you are on Earth to wherever he is. This device was created by one of our people long before we began cloning ourselves in an attempt to be with her loved ones whenever she was on a deep space assignment. We have no idea the long term affect this will have on you and Daniel. And without both parts we can’t get proper readings or a way to shut it down.”
“I know,” Sha’re sighed, “I just hate what this is doing to Dan’iel.”
Part Two