~30~

Sam felt like she was drifting down from a cloud, but for the first time in days, she didn't feel confused. Her thoughts were clear, and she couldn't help a contented sigh from escaping. At the sound of her exhale, she felt Jack's arm tighten around her waist as he nuzzled her still damp hair.

"I thought you were sleeping," he mumbled into her neck.

"I was, but now I'm wide awake."

"Second thoughts?" he inquired.

"Yes and no," she admitted honestly. Turning to face him, she ran a hand along his shoulder, up his neck to his lips, tracing them before planting a quick kiss there. "This hasn't been without consequences. But I have no regrets. You?"

"I feel as though I've taken advantage of you," he said, reaching out to toy with a damp lock of her hair. "Like as soon as you weren't thinking straight I made a move on you."

Sam smiled as her fingers moved from his mouth to trace the bridge of his nose and up to his eyebrows. "Seems to me I was the one who was rather insistent."

"Yeah, you weren't taking 'no' for an answer, regardless how feeble my attempts were at resisting you."

Sam's smile gave way to a grin. "If that's all the better you are at saying 'no,' I don't think I'll have anything to worry about the next time I tell you I want you."

"And when might that be?" he asked, moving his hand down her side to come to rest on her hip.

"Oh, right about now, I think." Sam leaned forward kissing him soundly, amazed at how much she wanted to make love with him again. She felt him pushing her back, gently, but enough to make her open her eyes and wonder at his actions.

"Are you feeling all right?" he asked.

"I thought we'd established that," she said, moving the heel of her foot up and down his calf.

"There! That's what I'm talking about!"

Sam gave him a quizzical look. "I don't know what *you're* talking about."

"Your speech," he clarified. "Sam, for the last few days you've been speaking in simple sentences. Now you're using words like 'insistent, consequences and established.' You didn't know the meaning of those words this morning."

"Well, it does seem a little easier to think. Everything's not so cloudy," she said, propping herself up on her elbow.

"Don't you think that's a little weird? Do you think you're getting better?"

"I don't know. Maybe. It kind of feels like when I've been drinking and I'm starting to sober up. Do you think it's possible I could just get over this?" she asked hopefully.

"Kind of seems like wishful thinking to me. Still, how do we know? You got this from touching a statue, for cryin' out loud. How do we know the cure isn't just waiting it out? Janet said it's redefining its parameters, changing from its original design. Maybe it finally ran out of options."

"I doubt it could be as simple as that," she said, lying back down.

"Hey! No negative thinking, remember?" He pulled her into a hug and started raining light kisses all over her face and neck.

Sam tried not to laugh, but the scratchiness of his light beard was tickling her. "Jack! Stop it!"

His hands had moved to her sides, digging his fingers into her ribs making her squirm all the more. "Say it again."

"What?" she gasped, when he temporarily halted his assault.

"My name. I'm so God-damned tired of 'sir.'"

She rolled him over onto his back, pinning his arms to the bed as she leaned down to whisper in his ear. "Jack," she breathed, lightly biting his earlobe. She moved over to his other ear, repeating her actions and speaking his name. Then she moved to his mouth, kissing him briefly before her tongue trailed along his lips and he granted her entrance. "Jack," she moaned as she forgot her sweet torture and relaxed along his body, allowing his arms the freedom to move around her.

He ended the kiss, pulling her head down to his shoulder. "That's more like it," he sighed, snuggling her against his side. Silence hung in the room as they lay together, content to just to hold each other. Finally Jack spoke. "Don't you think we should call Janet? Tell her about the turn of events?"

"What, that we slept together?"

"You know what I mean," he said, slapping her lightly. "About you thinking more clearly."

There was another stretch of silence before she answered. "We probably should. I just don't want this to end. Can't it wait until morning?"

"What time is it?" he asked.

"Close to midnight. I don't think even Janet is keeping these kinds of hours."

"Looks like you win by default, Carter," he said, obviously trying to keep the grin from his face.

"Well, you're not such a bad consolation prize," she admitted, trying to suppress a yawn.

"Hey, I thought you said you weren't tired!"

"You going to show me something I need to stay awake for?" she asked, arching an eye brow.

"I think I have a little something you'll enjoy learning, Doctor."

This time Sam couldn't help giggling. This was a side to Jack she'd never imagined she'd have the chance to see. And one she was going to miss terribly when it was gone with the reality of morning.

~31~

Jack stood back, watching Janet conducting her exam on Sam. She flashed a light in her eyes as she not-so-gently admonished her.

"You should have called me," she said, her voice terse.

"It was late. I want you to sleep." Sam's speech had returned to simple sentences, much to Jack's dismay. He really thought she might have been getting over the effects of the virus, but with the dawn, Sam's reasoning seemed clouded once more.

Looking over her shoulder, Janet skewered him with her gaze. "Tell me again what happened." Jack relayed how he'd found her in the park, conveniently leaving out the sleeping arrangements.

"And you say she was more coherent last night?"

"I was! I think better!" Sam protested. Each time Sam spoke it drove a knife into Jack's heart. Especially when she'd been so much better just a few hours ago. He was about to answer when Daniel stepped into the infirmary.

"Hey, guys. What's up?"

"Apparently Sam had a bit of a breakthrough last night," Janet said, sounding skeptical.

"Breakthrough?"

"According to Colonel O'Neill, Sam was acting almost normal. Speaking in regular sentences, using words that suggested a higher brain function."

Jack shuffled his feet, looking away at Janet's description of almost normal. The way she'd been acting the night before was most definitely not her norm! The worst of it was, Sam was staring at him, a secret smile gracing her lips. Apparently she didn't possess the guile to pretend things hadn't changed between them. There was a openness to her now that seemed almost child-like, and in an odd sort of way, he found it refreshing. Sam had always schooled her features so well, he was never quite sure what she was feeling. Looking into her eyes now, he had no doubt what she was thinking, and if the others looked, they'd see it as well.

Janet was turning back towards Sam when a nurse handed her a sheet of paper. "The results of Major Carter's latest blood work," she informed Fraiser. Janet's eyes scanned the numbers on the sheet and looked up, pinning Jack with a hard stare.

"What?" he asked, suddenly feeling very exposed.

"Daniel? Would you mind taking Sam for some coffee? I need to talk with the colonel."

"Um, sure. Is something wrong?"

"I'll let you know."

Jack and Daniel exchanged puzzled glances as Jackson escorted Sam out of the infirmary.

"Colonel, would you join me in my office?" Jack was starting to feel like a kid called before the school principal, wondering what he'd done.

Nodding at the sheet of paper she still held, Jack asked, "You find something?"

"You might say that," Janet said, leaning against her desk. Her voice was flinty as she stared him in the eye.

"What?!" her attitude was making him feel more than a little self-conscious.

"Colonel, Sam's endorphin levels are significantly higher today than they were yesterday."

"Yeah, so?"

"So it usually takes some form or physical activity or drug use for endorphins to be released into the blood stream, and I highly doubt you took Sam jogging yesterday."

He didn't need to ask Janet what she was getting at. He knew. And she knew. "It's not what you're thinking!" Jack protested.

Janet's arms came to rest across her chest. "Oh? And what is it you think I'm thinking?"

Squirming under the doctor's intense stare, Jack felt an uncharacteristic flush cover his face. "You think I took advantage of her."

"Didn't you?"

"No! If anything, Sam's the one who took advantage of me!"

Janet's eyebrows raised in surprise. "Somehow I doubt that. I think you were perfectly capable of defending yourself against a borderline hypothermic, mentally incapacitated woman."

"Well, when you put it like that. . . ."

"Colonel, what were you thinking? Or not thinking as the case may be?" Janet was still staring at him, angry and defensive over her friend.

Jack's gaze slid to the floor. He really didn't have an excuse other than all the months of desire, and wanting her had come to a head last night. He'd felt so helpless beyond trying to warm her up. He couldn't do anything for Sam other than being there for her, and for so long, he'd wanted her. Denied the simplest touch, he knew he'd gone overboard last night in expressing his affection and concern for her.

"Janet," he said, eyes still lowered, "I think you know how I feel about Sam. You more than anyone. You were there." He knew he didn't have to remind her of the za'tarc test. Janet's posture softened a bit and her arms uncrossed themselves.

"Yes, Colonel, I do know how you feel. And how Sam feels. Although she doesn't talk much about it. I guess that's why I have a little trouble believing she's the one who initiated things."

Jack looked up at that. "Doc, do you really think I'd take advantage of her like that? Wait until she wasn't thinking straight then make a move on her?"

Janet sighed. "No, I don't. But what do you expect me to think when nothing's happened between you in the past?" There was a silence and she added, "Nothing *has* happened in the past, right?"

"No! Of course not!" Jack burst out. He looked away again and shrugged. "Neither one of us planned it. It just happened. She was scared and cold, I was relieved she was gonna be okay. . .it just sorta moved on from there." Suddenly Jack looked up. "You're not gonna tell Hammond, are you?"

Janet had busied herself with straightening her already neat desk. "Well, sir, technically I should. . . ."

"Forget the technicalities! You know this won't happen again!"

"Do I? Sir, how can I expect you to go back, pretend as if nothing ever happened? How can you expect yourself or Sam to?"

"We have to," he swallowed, feeling emotion welling up in his throat. "Or else one of us has to give up SG-1 and I don't think either of us is prepared for that."

Janet's eyes met his with sympathy. "I wish there was something I could do."

"There is," he said, taking her by the shoulders and turning her to face him. "Don't mention this to Hammond. He doesn't need to know." Janet was hesitating and Jack pressed his advantage. "We'll be good. I promise."

Janet tried to suppress a grin at his words and the expression he wore. "I guess I don't have a lot of choice but to trust you," she said. "On the upside, I think you actually might have helped her."

"Really?"

"Endorphins are a natural pain blocker, and I think perhaps in this case the effects of the virus was blocked as well. I think maybe that's why she seemed more coherent last night."

"So, can't you use that? Give her something to stimulate those endor thingies?"

"I can," Janet said, "but not for an extended period of time. It's one of the factors that contribute to drug addiction. Most 'feel good' drugs release endorphins, which is why people take them. But over time, not only do people build up a tolerance, the effects don't last as long. I can't keep Sam permanently on anything that would raise her endorphins to a necessary level. And for the sake of your careers, I don't recommend your 'home cure' either."

Jack had the good grace to look embarrassed at her last statement before he tried again. "But what about combining it with that dope stuff?"

"The L-DOPA? Again, it will help, but as far as a cure goes. . . I'm sorry. Any drug therapy at this point is just combating the symptoms. Which I'll keep trying as long as they're effective"

"So, this really doesn't help you at all," Jack said, feeling his hope flounder.

"It gives me a few other options to try, but frankly, I'm a little skeptical. I'm sorry this got your hopes up," she said reaching out to touch his arm

Jack nodded, stuffing his hands in his pockets. "Well, I'll leave you to it. Any reason Carter has to stick around the base?"

"No. But I'm not sure you're the one who should take her home."

"Come on, Doc! It's not like we're a pair of mink in heat!"

Janet tried unsuccessfully to hide her smile. "I just meant it might be easier on you since you're so close to the situation."

"Trust me. It would be worse." Jack knew he couldn't sit by and let someone else watch out for her. He had to be there.

"Okay," she sighed, rubbing her eyebrows. "Just *try* to make her take it easy?"

Jack nodded, knowing it was no simple request.

"I'm serious, Colonel. Sam's in a very fragile state right now. She needs to keep calm. And that means no excitement of *any* kind," she said pointedly.

"Gotcha," he said, heading for the door. "Guess I better go rescue her from Daniel, then. We both know how potentially exciting he can be."

~32~

Daniel settled Sam on a stool in his lab, handing her a cup of coffee. "Now, isn't this better than the commissary?" he said, not really expecting an answer. It was weird having Sam so quiet. Not that she was normally a chatterbox, but she usually had a smile or a comment for him and her lack of response was a bit unnerving.

"Where's Jack?" she asked, surprising him by not referring to him as "the Colonel."

"Um, he's with Janet, Doctor Fraiser. Don't you remember?"

The glazed look left her eyes momentarily as she turned towards him, blinking slowly. "Yes. I remember. He's in the doctor place. Is he sick?"

Daniel couldn't help smiling. "Well, that's a matter of opinion." When he didn't get a response from her, he cleared his throat, answering her question honestly. "No. He was there to talk about you."

Sam was playing with the handle of her coffee cup, swinging her foot, almost nervously. "I like Jack."

"Well, he likes you too, Sam."

"I wish he was here."

"He will be soon," he said, still amazed when she came out with such telling words. He knew there was something deeper between Sam and Jack than just the bond they shared being military, but neither had ever voiced it to him. To hear her speak so openly about her feelings made Daniel a bit uncomfortable. He knew she would never be confiding in him this way if her mind wasn't impaired. It almost made him feel like a voyeur. Seeing a part of her she'd normally never expose.

"Tell you what," he said, hoping to distract her. "Why don't we have another look at that video we shot on 642? Maybe we'll see something that will help explain what happened to the people." Daniel didn't wait for her answer. Instead he popped the tape into the VCR, rewinding it back, almost to the beginning. He stopped the tape and heard his voice, off-camera.

"So, Major Doctor Carter, what can you tell us about this temple?" Daniel watched the tape as Sam play-acted along with him on the video, smiling at her antics at being interviewed. He turned around to comment to Sam, and saw tears welling up in her eyes.

He paused the tape and crossed over to her. "Sam? What's wrong?"

Some of the tears had managed to escape, and were slowly coursing down her cheeks. "That was me. I was smart."

Daniel felt his heart clench at her words, pulling her into a hug. "That's still you, Sam. It's just blocked right now. Janet's working on a way to stop this."

"I'll die like this."

"Sam, you're not going to die."

She struggled against him, pushing him away. "You don't know! Jack doesn't know! I want to be me!" Sam hopped off the stool, running to her frozen image on the television. "I want to be her!" she cried, banging on the screen so hard Daniel thought it might break.

"Sam!" he called sharply as he ran to her side, pulling her hand away from the TV. "You just have to be patient! I know it seems like a long time since you've gotten sick, but you have to wait just a little longer." He wrapped his arms around her again and Sam relaxed into his embrace, quietly crying. It was so disconcerting seeing her like this. Sam was a rock; his and everyone else's on SG-1. She was always the optimist. To see her so distraught tore at his heart and he held her closer.

"Shhhh. It's going to be okay," he said, rubbing comforting circles on her back. He looked up when he heard Jack's concerned voice coming from the doorway.

"Daniel? What's wrong?"

Suddenly releasing Sam, Daniel felt a guilty flush creeping up his neck. "Ah, she was a little upset, so I. . . ."

"Jack!" she called, making her way to where he stood just inside the lab. She engulfed him an awkward hug, face wreathed in smiles. "I missed you!"

Daniel coughed slightly and turned away, unwilling to be witness to the affection between the two of them. Denial was a weak excuse at best, but if anyone ever asked him if he'd seen something going on between Sam and Jack, he could honestly answer "no."

"So, what's up?" he heard Jack ask, drawing his attention back to the man in his doorway. His tone was light, but he knew Jack was waiting for an explanation as to why he'd had Sam in his arms. Chancing a glance in his friends direction, Daniel noted Sam was standing a slight distance from Jack, and he found himself relaxing a bit.

"We, ah, were watching the video I shot on 642." The image frozen on the screen was one of Sam laughing, looking straight into the camera. The smile was totally different than the one she'd displayed moments ago. On the television screen, her eyes showed her keen intelligence and humor. Now her eyes were flat and vacant. Daniel hadn't realized how different Sam had really become until he compared her to the woman on the TV. "She got a little upset."

Jack nodded in understanding. "Can't say I blame her," he said staring at Sam whose gaze was locked on the television once more.

"I want her back," she said, looking at neither of them, and Daniel thought if shear will would accomplish what medicine couldn't, Sam would be the one to pull it off.

"Fraiser's still working on that," Jack said, causing Daniel to give him a questioning look. "She also said we have to keep her calm. How upset was she?" Jack asked, glancing over at Sam again.

Daniel looked a bit sheepish, "she was crying, if that tells you anything."

"Right. Well, we just have to make sure we don't get her riled up. I'm not exactly sure why, but Doc made a pretty big deal about it."

"Something happen?" he asked. He noticed Jack actually seemed embarrassed.

"Let's just say after last night Doc's working harder on a conventional cure."

If it was possible, Daniel was even more confused. He was about to ask Jack what he was talking about when he saw Sam crumple to the floor.

"Sam?" he called, rushing to her side along with Jack.

"She's not breathing," Jack said, scooping her up off the floor. "Call Fraiser. Tell her to get ready, I'm bringing her in."

"Shouldn't we call for a medical team?"

"It's only one level up, and I can get there before they'd make it here." Jack was running out of the room before Daniel could protest. Snapped out of his shock, Daniel reached for the phone, dialing the emergency number.

~33~

Jack was pacing outside of the infirmary, trying to reassure Daniel for the umpteenth time he wasn't the one responsible for Sam's collapse. If anyone was to blame, it was him. If he'd kept his wits about himself last night and not succumbed to his desires, this might not have happened. Janet practically told him he was at fault for accelerating the course of the virus. Oh, not in so many words, but he could read between the lines. She thought the stress of having sex was what brought this on. So how could Daniel possibly think it was his fault?

"I really didn't think seeing the tape would upset her," Daniel was mumbling more to himself than to Jack. Teal'c had joined them in their vigil and questioned his statement.

"What tape disturbed MajorCarter?"

"I was just killing some time while Jack was talking to Janet, so I thought I'd show her the tape from 642. I thought she'd get a kick out of seeing us joking around, but instead it seemed to push her over the edge."

"Oh for cryin' out loud, Daniel! It's not your fault! It could have been anything!" Teal'c and Daniel both looked up at Jack's outcry. Somewhat calmer, he added, "Carter was pretty worked up last night after having been lost. If anything, that's what set her off."

Daniel and Teal'c exchanged glances before Daniel asked, "did something happen last night?"

Stuffing his hands in his pockets and turning his back to them, Jack mumbled something about being lost had really shaken her up.

"You seemed most distraught as well, O'Neill," Teal'c observed.

Jack ran a hand through his hair before he turned back to his friends, embarrassed grin on his face. "Yeah, about that. Sorry if I seemed a little edgy."

"Edgy?" Daniel said, his eyebrows fully raised above the rims of his glasses.

"Okay, so I was worried! At the time I had no idea where she might have been."

"Well, you found her, that's what matters," Daniel said, standing to join Jack in his pacing.

"And we got her to Fraiser in time. *That's* what matters," Jack said, staring Daniel in the eyes. "This could have happened when she was with any one of us."

Daniel nodded, quickly dropping his gaze from Jack's.

"I do not understand why MajorCarter is now having difficulty in breathing. Did not DoctorFrasier state this would not occur?" Teal'c asked his teammates.

"I don't know why," Jack shrugged, his hands finding their way back into his pockets. "From what Doc told me, she's pretty surprised by this as well." Jack's voice dropped a notch as he scuffed a boot absentmindedly along the floor. "She said it could be the beginning of the end."

Daniel looked up at his last statement. "Is she really that bad off? I mean, none of the drugs are working?"

"From what she's told me, they were just buying her a little extra time, and even that time's running out."

Jack tried to keep the tremor from his voice, but he wasn't sure if he succeeded. Teal'c knew how he felt about Sam, and Daniel wasn't stupid. He might not have told him in so many words he loved her, but Jack was sure he knew. Daniel just had the tact not to bring it up. And he hoped he wouldn't bring it up now. Jack's control of his emotions were tenuous at best. If either one of them tried to bolster him, he knew he'd lose it and it wouldn't be a pretty sight.

He needed to do something. Hit something. He couldn't remain idle for a moment longer. Teal'c seemed to sense how he was feeling and offered him a way out.

"O'Neill, it has been some time since we have sparred. Perhaps some exercise would do you good."

Jack smiled at the invitation. Not that long ago Teal'c would have had to couch his proposal as a personal request, making Jack feel he was the one doing the Jaffa a favor. In an odd way, it was comforting to know Teal'c didn't need a ploy to try to take his mind off what was going on.

"Go on, Jack," Daniel said. "I promise I'll let you know the minute I hear anything."

He had to admit a little physical exertion was what he needed to calm down. There was nothing worse than an enemy you couldn't see. An adversary you couldn't touch. The only other time he'd felt this helpless was at the hospital with Charlie. The situation was so similar is made him shiver. Maybe the causes were different, but he was left waiting for the life to flow out of Sam as surely as it had left Charlie. He couldn't lose her. Couldn't face the thought of losing another person who'd made life worth living. Sam had saved him the last time. Who would save him now?

~34~

Janet stood at Sam's bed with a clipboard recording diagnostic readings. Normally this was the job of one of her nurses, but she wanted to do the task herself. She wanted to see personally what was happening with her friend.

She honestly hadn't anticipated this turn of events. All the initial tests she'd run on Sam and the evidence she had, indicated the autonomic portion of her brain wouldn't be affected. But then when had this virus followed a normal pattern?

At the moment, it was just her breathing that was impaired, but soon other functions could begin to break down and Janet just didn't have a clue what to do next. If Sam wasn't going to make it because of her ineptitude as a physician, she wished she would have died as quickly as the Goa'uld. It might have been incredibly painful, but could it be any more painful than knowing she was slipping away a little more each day?

What of her friends and teammates? Especially the colonel. Janet remembered what he'd been like when she'd first met him. Cold, hard, reserved, but already softening in the presence of his 2IC. At first she'd recognized them as the friends they were, but there was always something more. Jack O'Neill didn't let anyone in, but he'd cracked the door open for Sam. Over the years the door opened further and he'd changed. Janet knew for a fact if Sam didn't make it there would be nothing left of O'Neill. He'd be the empty shell of a man she'd first met, and there would be no second chances at salvation.

"Sam," she whispered, choking back her tears, "I'm not giving up. I've got one thing I can try yet, so don't you be giving up on me. Or Jack." Janet knew asking Sam to fight for herself wouldn't be as effective as asking her to hang on for Jack's sake. "You honestly aren't going to leave me here with him to pick up the pieces, are you?" Somehow Janet managed a smile as she wiped at the moisture on her face. "I'm going to the lab and I'm not coming back until I have something."

***

Hours later, Janet was still hunched over a microscope, no closer to an answer. An increased amount of endorphins in combination with the L-DOPA was having an effect on the virus, just not enough to make a difference. She had to admit she wouldn't have thought of the combination if it hadn't been for Sam's blood test and the colonel's confession. Not that she could prescribe sex as a treatment. Although, she didn't see O'Neill having any trouble with the prescription! It might even get them around the regulations if she had to recommend to Hammond that SG-1's officers needed sex on a regular basis for medicinal purposes!

She was chuckling to herself, rubbing her eyes. "God, I'm getting punchy," Janet spoke aloud.

"Maybe you should take a break." Janet looked up and saw Daniel leaning in her doorway, two mugs in his hand.

"Thanks," she said, motioning him into the room and the chair next to her. "I don't know that I can drink any more coffee, though."

"Well, this is herbal tea," he said handing her the mug. "Maybe if you relaxed just a bit it would help."

Janet took a sip of the fragrant tea. "Kind of hard to do that when my friend--our friend--is lying in the infirmary, slipping away by the hour."

Looking down into his mug Daniel agreed. "I know. I was just in there. So's Jack. I'm surprised he could even walk in there."

"Why's that?"

"Well, you know Jack. If he can't do anything, he has to hit something." Daniel was smiling so Janet knew he hadn't taken his aggression out on another person. "He and Teal'c had been in the gym forever. I think he was there until he couldn't lift his arms any longer. I can't remember the last time I saw him so wiped out."

"There's worse ways he could deal with it," Janet said, knowing Daniel, too was aware of what would happen to Jack of Sam died. Silence uncomfortably lingered in the room until Janet switched the subject.

"This is good," she said, indicating the cup in her hands. "What's in it?"

"I'm not sure, it's some pre-made mixture, but it always helps me think better. Amazing what herbs can do, huh?

"Yeah, plants do possess some amazing qualities," she agreed. The statement hung in the air for a moment before Janet's eyes widened. "Oh, my God!"

"What?"

"Plants! Herbs! Natural cures! I hadn't even considered that avenue!"

"Janet, what are you talking about?"

"Didn't you say something about Pele thinking she was immune to the virus?"

"It was just speculation on why she would have developed a disease that would have been deadly to herself as well as other Goa'uld."

"What if there's something on that planet that's a natural antiviral agent?" she asked, growing excited as her mind started going over what it could possibly be.

"Didn't you investigated that possibility?"

"I thought she'd have developed some kind of chemical antidote, but what if it was something as simple and natural as herbal tea?" she said, holding up her mug for emphasis.

A smile spread across Daniel's face. "Could it be that easy? That it was staring us in the face all this time?"

"There's only one way to find out," Janet said, turning to her computer monitor. "Sam brought back plant samples from your first mission, didn't she?"

"Yeah, I don't know if she analyzed them or gave them to one of the botanists. If they've been tested, the results should be in the records," he said, moving his chair closer to hers.

The first list came up with over twenty plant samples. "You guys were busy," Janet said as she started by clicking on the first specimen.

"Well, as busy as we could be with Jack hounding us to hurry up," Daniel said. At the bottom of the screen were photos to match the numerical designations of the plants listed at the top. Daniel pointed to one broadleaf plant. "Try that one. This was growing all over the place."

Janet clicked on the sample, scanning the break down of chemical components in the plant. "This one contains phenols," she said more to herself than Daniel. "Cichoric and caftaric acids."

"Um, so?"

"They're the same phenols as in echinacea."

"Okay, so?"

Janet looked up from the screen realizing she was probably confusing Daniel more than explaining herself.

"Echinacea is an herbal immune stimulant. It's also used as an antibacterial and antiviral treatment. It's thought that the phenol acids are the active ingredient."

"So, Pele would have used this plant to keep from catching her own virus," Daniel said.

"That's my guess."

"But it didn't work," Daniel pointed out.

"It may have for a time. We don't know how long it was from the time she developed the virus until she eventually died from it. The trouble with these phenols is that extended use causes them to become ineffective. Maybe she went through a slow change like Sam did. Once she had it, she probably tried to cure herself."

"Obviously it didn't work," Daniel stated again. "Does that mean Sam won't make it either?"

"Actually, I think we might have found the missing piece. Daniel, if you'll excuse me, I have some experiments to run."

~35~

Time was running out. Janet might as well have had a countdown ticking away the amount of time Sam had left. She'd had a call from the infirmary, informing her Sam was not only totally dependent on the respirator, but the EEG wasn't registering much brain function. How had she deteriorated so quickly? Had her coherent behavior last night merely been a last gasp?

Janet tapped her fingers in agitation against the desk, as she waited for the computer to spit out the results of the latest test. This was it. Do or die. She shivered at how close to the truth those words were.

She must have dozed off, as the next thing she heard was the beeping emanating from the computer, alerting her the test had been completed. Rubbing her eyes, Janet quickly scanned the results. No growth. The combination of all her options seemed to finally make a difference. She let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. There was a chance. At least there was a chance. If she wasn't already too late.

***

Standing next to Sam's bed, Janet flicked the bubbles from the syringe she was preparing to inject into her IV line. Her eyes met each of the members of SG-1 and their sober faces revealed they understood this was it. Their one shot at reversing what the virus had done to Sam. Even if it did work, Janet could see they were as worried as she that they were simply too late. That the answer had revealed itself only when Sam was too far gone.

"That's it," Janet said, dropping the needle into a biohazard container. "Now we wait."

"How long?" Jack asked, clearly looking as if he wasn't going to budge from his spot next to Sam.

"Several hours at the least. I wish I could say this is going to be an instant cure, but it's going to take time before we can tell if it's helping or not."

"Waiting sucks," Jack said.

Janet found herself smiling. "Yeah, it does." Serious once more, she added. "Colonel, nothing is going to be gained by you sitting here. It's up to the vaccine now. I want you to. . ."

"Doc, don't ask me to leave."

"Sir, I know you want to be here for her, but there's nothing you can do. That any of you can do. Getting some rest yourself is the best way to help her now."

"She's right, Jack," Daniel said. "Look, if you can't sleep, at least take a break. You've been here for hours."

"I believe MajorCarter would want you to rest, O'Neill."

"I guess I could do with some coffee," Jack conceded.

"No coffee. No caffeine. Rest. Sleep. Lying in a prone position, preferably under a blanket. Am I making myself clear, Colonel?"

"Okay, but. . ."

"No buts! All of you! Out of here! And just so you know, I'm not above bed checks!" Janet was literally pushing the men from the medical bay. As she physically removed them, Janet found herself with new respect for General Hammond. How on Earth did he put up with this kind of tenacity?

~36~

It was three a.m. and Jack was sneaking around the halls, well, he'd only been sneaking since he'd reached level 21. Janet had kicked him out of the infirmary hours before, threatening him with a *very* through physical exam if he didn't go to his quarters and at least try to rest. He could barely lay down, much less sleep worrying about Sam. He knew he was being melodramatic, but he couldn't help it. Last night had changed everything and he wasn't about to let it end there, even if he had to wait until he retired to be with her. The idea was sounding better all the time.

Had it only been last night? So much had happened in the span of twenty-four hours. Last night she'd been laughing, almost her old self and now she was lying in the infirmary, deathly pale, on a respirator, moments from death.

Peeking his head into the infirmary, Jack made a quick sweep of the area, alert to Janet or any of her watchdogs. He knew if any of them caught him, he'd be reported faster than he could say Doc Fraiser. He'd made it half-way across the room when he surprised a young lieutenant. He didn't recognize her, and hopefully, she didn't him, either. They stared at each other with questioning eyes for a long moment before Jack spoke.

"I'm just here to check up on Major Carter," he said, standing up straighter as if he had every right in the world to be in the medical facility at three in the morning.

"Sir?"

"Just got back from a mission," he lied. "You know how it is with 'gate lag and all."

"Yes, sir," the woman answered, clearly unaware what the colonel was talking about.

"So, how's she doing?" he asked.

"As well as can be expected. Doctor Fraiser is sleeping the next bed over, if you like I can wake her and. . ."

"No! No, that won't be necessary Lieutenant. . .Waltham," Jack said, quickly reading her name tag, and giving her a winning smile. "I'm sure she needs her rest. I'll just go see how Carter's doing myself, okay?"

"Well, sir, she's really not supposed to have visitors."

"I won't wake her, I promise." Jack poured all of his considerable charm into one more smile for the lieutenant, who was now starting to blush.

"I guess that would be okay," she said, still apprehensive about letting Jack near Sam.

"I won't forget this," Jack said, causing the woman to color even further as she moved on to her next patient. Blowing out a breath, he quietly moved a chair next to Sam's bed, on the opposite side of where Fraiser was sleeping. The chair was low enough that she'd really have to be looking to spot him.

Jack picked up Sam's hand, threading his fingers through hers. It was two weeks ago he'd been in the same position when she'd first started feeling the effects of the virus. He'd sat at her bedside then, hand in hers hoping to offer some comfort. However, this time, it was she who was offering the comfort. As long as her hand was warm in his, there was hope.

She still looked pale--almost translucent, but her hand was surprisingly warm. His thumb automatically began rubbing against the back of her hand and her lips twitched into a ghost of a smile. Did she realize he was there?

It had been about twelve hours since Janet had given her a dose of her new "kick ass" vaccine. Of course that's not what she called it, but the way she described it, it was good for whatever ailed you. He'd lost track of how she'd come up with the formula after about the first sentence. Suffice it to say, she was hopeful it was the answer. But it had been hours and there was still no sign Sam was getting better.

Janet must have felt it was going to take some time otherwise she wouldn't have consented to sleep. Although, with the hours she'd been keeping, she was no doubt exhausted and had fallen asleep despite her resolve to stay awake and by Sam's side.

He had to admit, he too was starting to feel his eyelids droop. Where before he couldn't stop pacing, just being near Sam had calmed him. Relaxed him enough that he could consider sleeping. Maybe if he just rested his head against the side of her bed for a minute. . . .

Jack jerked awake when he heard Sam coughing, fighting with the tube down her throat. "Doc!" He called, rousing Janet from her deep sleep. Seconds later Janet was at Sam's bedside, alert and taking control of the situation.

"Sam! Easy! You're on a respirator! Relax, and when I tell you, cough and we'll get that tube out of you."

Sam followed Janet's orders continuing to cough once the tube was removed. The doctor held a cup of water, angling the straw for Sam to take a sip.

"Take it easy," she warned. "Just a little bit."

Sam swallowed, took a deep breath and whispered, "thank you." Her voice was hoarse, but she seemed to be breathing fine on her own. Jack felt his own breath release, and a hopeful smile come to his face. That was until he looked at Janet.

"Colonel, I thought I left *explicit* instructions that you were to get some rest!"

"And I listened to you. I just didn't sleep where you told me to."

"Lieutenant Waltham!" Janet barked.

"Hey, don't blame her! I blackmailed her to let me stay! Doc, look, all I did was sit with her. Is that such a crime?"

Janet sighed. "No, I suppose not. It probably was a good thing you were here when Sam woke up," she conceded.

Sam was looking from Jack to Janet, her eyes betraying her confusion. Letting the argument drop, Janet turned her attention to her patient.

"How are you feeling?"

"Okay, I think. My throat's sore."

Janet smiled. "That's to be expected, but it will go away in a little bit. Other than that how do you feel?"

"Okay," she stated again. "Janet." she said looking at her. Sam turned and looked him in the eyes. "Jack," she said instantly. Then, "I'm sorry. Colonel. Sir."

"Very good!" Janet crowed, pleased with her recall. Jack wished she could have forgotten the colonel part for a little longer, but it was still encouraging to see she was beginning to remember. Jack's eyes were still focused on Sam's when he asked,

"Is she going to need another dose of your vaccine?"

"I'm not sure. She may require some kind of secondary shot or a booster, but we won't know that for some time yet. At least this has worked to some degree," Janet said, her face radiating her relief and joy. "You really scared us for a while there," she said, obviously fighting to stay in control of her emotions.

"It was scary for me, too," Sam admitted, fighting to contain her own tears.

"Well, you're not out of the woods yet," Janet said, becoming professional once more. I recommend sleep. And lots of it. For both of you."

"Doc, come on! You're not going to send me to my quarters again!"

Janet looked between the two of them, a bemused look on her face. "No, but only because I know you won't stay there. Okay! Fine! Sleep in that damn chair, but don't come complaining to me when your back's bothering you!"

Jack's hand discreetly found Sam's again, and he was pleased she didn't try to pull away from him. If she remembered his rank, surely she remembered this bit of familiarity was illicit. Perhaps that's what made it so sweet.

~37~

Sam woke as the lighting in the infirmary brightened to day mode. It was really the only way to tell what time it was when you were twenty some levels beneath a mountain. She tried to move, but felt her hand held tightly, pinned to her side and the bed by something heavy. She tried to move to get a better view of what held her hand, but felt another weight about her waist. She managed to move her head slightly and saw the weight on her hand was Jack's head lying on their clasped hands, and the pressure on her stomach was from an arm he had slung over her. She smiled at the sight for a moment before she realized she was in the central part of the infirmary, and anyone walking by could see them practically sleeping together. She knew she had to wake him up, and couldn't resist moving her free hand through his short hair before she spoke.

"Colonel," she whispered. Then louder, "Sir." He still hadn't stirred so she trailed her hand over his head once more. "Jack." That seemed to catch his attention and he sat up, freeing her hand but he still had his arm around her waist. His eyes had the unfocused look of sleep and she couldn't help smiling at his disorientation. It was such an endearing sight, she wished she could tell him to lay back down and sleep, but if he didn't release her soon, someone was bound to see them.

"Sir? Your arm?"

Jack looked at where his appendage lay and slowly he removed it, allowing his hand to trail over her stomach. "How are you feeling?" he asked, finally lifting his hand from her.

"Better, I think. It's still a little fuzzy in here, but better than it was. I stopped breathing, didn't I?"

"Yeah. You almost died. You remember any of that?"

Sam shook her head slightly. "Just that I was mad about something and then I remember gasping for breath. After that, nothing." The pained look in Jack's eyes told her all she needed to know--she'd come close to dying, but somehow she'd cheated death again. Or rather Janet must have. "Janet?" she asked.

"Still sleeping, I suppose. At least I hope so. She's exhausted."

"She must have found an antidote," Sam observed.

"Yeah, but don't ask me how she did it. She started to tell me and I think my eyes were as glazed as yours," he joked.

Sam gave him a watery smile. "You have no idea how terrifying this is. I just hope this works. There's so much I don't remember."

"You will, Sam. Give it time."

*Sam* she thought. *That's probably the last time I'll hear him call me by name. After this it's going to be 'Carter' again. No that that's so bad. I like the way he says it. He puts more affection into my last name than most guys have ever put into my proper name.*

"Hey, Carter, you okay? Ya kinda zoned out there again."

She tried to suppress her grin, but wasn't successful. "No, sir. Just thinking." She could tell Jack was going to make some crack when she heard General Hammond's voice.

"Any word on Major Carter?"

"She has a lot of words, sir," Jack called out standing and severing the last of their physical contact.

"Colonel, you're here early," Hammond said, crossing the room to stand at the foot of Sam's bed.

"Or late, depending on your perspective," Janet added, but didn't elaborate further.

"How are you feeling, Major?"

"Better, sir. Thank you."

Hammond turned to Janet. "Quite the miracle you pulled off, Doctor. You should be damn proud," he said, positively beaming.

"Thank you, sir, but I really can't take all the credit. Doctor Jackson and Sam herself made considerable contributions as well."

"Where are Daniel and Teal'c, anyway?" Jack asked.

"I just called them. I figured you'd all want an explanation, and I thought I'd tell you all at once. And I thought the Colonel could use a refresher course," Janet said, giving Jack a smug smile.

It wasn't long before Daniel entered the room, with Teal'c on his heels.

"Sam!" he called, rushing up to give her a gentle hug. "Jeez, you look so much better than the last time I saw you!"

Before she could answer, Teal'c added, "Indeed. You were most pale last evening. I'm am glad to see you are making the journey to wellness."

"That's 'road to recovery,'" Jack mumbled to him under his breath.

"As I said."

Sam and Daniel exchanged glances, and tried to keep straight faces. Hammond too seemed to be struggling with his mirth as he suddenly turned serious.

"Doctor, perhaps you could tell us how you effected this miracle."

"Well, I don't know that 'miracle' is the right term," she said modestly.

"Seems pretty miraculous to me," Jack said, gracing Janet with a huge grin.

Janet cleared her throat. "Yes. Well, like I said earlier, much of the credit goes to Sam and Daniel. And Colonel O'Neill as well if the truth be told." Jack coughed, and looked suitably embarrassed by Janet's statement. She defused the moment by adding, "if Daniel hadn't brought me some tea yesterday, I doubt we'd be standing here celebrating.

"Do tell," Jack said, earning him a soft punch in the stomach from Sam.

"Quiet! Sir."

"I found that the combination of L-DOPA and drugs that significantly raised Sam's endorphins had a notable effect on stopping the virus from blocking her neural pathways. In essence, the drugs blocked the virus before the virus could disrupt the chemical connections in her brain. That's why she spoke easier for a time after she received the treatments. However, the effects were short-lived, and she built up a resistance fairly quickly. That's why it wasn't a solution by itself.

"Then Daniel and I got to talking about herbal remedies, and I remember him saying something about how Pele might have had an antidote. All along I had assumed she would have synthesized an antiviral, since I assumed she created the virus in the first place."

"Perhaps she did not create this virus. Perhaps she contracted it somehow then decided to use it to her own advantage," Teal'c added.

"That's the conclusion I came to as well. There's a plant that grows on 642 that has immune boosting properties similar to echinacea." Janet walked over to a computer monitor and called up a picture of the plant.

"That stuff was growing all over the planet," Jack said.

"True, and one of its qualities is that it contains the phenols cichoric and caftaric acid--antibacterial and antiviral agents. However, when taken extensively, its healing powers soon become ineffective. It may have protected Pele for a while, but eventually she died of the disease as well. Probably slowly, as Sam was."

"Doctor, you say this plant wasn't a cure. Then how did it help Major Carter?" the general asked.

"It's the combination of treatments, sir. The L-DOPA and endorphins blocked the virus and the plant extract from 642 boosted her immune system so she could fight off the virus herself."

"Kind of a two-pronged attack," Jack said.

"Exactly." Janet said.

"Really? I was right?"

"Well, in a manner of speaking, sir. By themselves none of the treatments will do anything to stop the virus, especially after it's mutated. But the combination, united with the primary virus made an effective vaccine. It was more dumb luck than anything that we hit on the right mixture."

"Well, Doctor, dumb luck or not, you've pulled off another wonder. This wasn't a single effort and you should all be damn proud of your contributions."

Everyone's head seemed to duck simultaneously at the general's praise, and Sam knew how true his words were. If it hadn't been for the extraordinary efforts of her friends, she wouldn't be with them here today. How such a group of mis-matched people came together, she'd never understand, but she thanked whatever supreme being there was that they had. She would never question her place among them again.

~Epilogue~

Jack looked up at the knock on his office door. *Right on time,* he thought, glancing at his watch, but then he expected nothing less from Sam Carter. She'd always been prompt, but there was something else about her now that he'd noticed. There was a humbleness that wasn't there before. Not that she was ever boastful--she was often self-depreciating when someone complimented her--it was more like she didn't get as carried away with her ideas as she did before. She was more open to other options and assistance. Where before she was single-minded, she now invited other opinions to help her solve a problem. It was nothing overt, but knowing her as he did, Jack noted the subtle difference, and he suspected Daniel and Teal'c did as well.

"Come in!" he called, realizing he'd left her standing in the corridor as he mused on her change.

"You asked to see me, sir?"

"Yeah. Seems I've got something you need."

"Sir?!" she asked, eyes wide as she picked up on the innuendo as he intended.

"Your Power of Attorney," he said, handing her several sheets of paper. "I don't think you need me to handle your affairs any longer. Not that I actually had to do anything. Just like I told you, Carter. Fraiser found the cure."

"We all had a part in it," she said, looking down at the papers in her hand. "That reminds me. When Janet was explaining to us how she came up with her vaccine, she made some reference to help she'd gotten from you. I don't remember that you did any research."

Jack felt his face growing warm. He wasn't actually blushing, was he?

"Sir?"

"Um, well. . . . Ah, how much do your remember about when you were sick?"

"Certain things stand out," she said with a sly smile, leaving Jack wondering just what memories she was reliving at the moment.

"Do you remember us engaging in a certain activity?" He asked, purposely trying to be vague.

"Like chess?" she asked, taking a step forward.

"Um, no, it was a little more intimate than that."

"Monopoly, then."

"Ah, there were no boards involved." he said, swallowing. Sam's eyes were focused on his mouth and he couldn't tear his gaze from her face. Was she really going to kiss him? Right here in his office?

"No, what I remember was something more along the lines of this." She closed the distance between them, capturing his lips, conquering his mouth with her own. After a moment of shock, he found he was returning her kiss with equal enthusiasm. She pulled back, giving his lips one last peck before she stepped out of his arms. "Pretty much the way I remember it," she said. No doubt the smile on her face was in response to the blank expression on his own.

"And that look is pretty familiar as well," she chuckled.

"Ah, Carter? What was that?"

"That, *Jack* was me telling you that you did *not* take advantage of me. I might have been missing a few neural pathways that night, but I definitely knew what I was doing."

"You've been talking to Janet," he guessed. "You asked her how she knew about the endorphins." Sam simply nodded, surprisingly shy after her recent demonstration. "Look, we'll just pretend it never happened, okay? We'll go back to being CO and 2IC. Janet's the only one who knows, and I don't think she'll say anything."

"No, probably not," she agreed. "Is that what you want?" Sam's gaze stabbed him in the heart, making him feel nauseous. Of course it's not what he wanted! Surely she knew that? But what choice did they have?

"Sam," he sighed. "You know if there was any way. . . ."

"What if there was?"

"How?" he asked, his heart breaking at the thought he had to put her aside again.

"We'll keep it a secret."

Jack shook his head. "How long do you think we can do that? It's living a life of lies."

"Jack, we work in a secret installation. What in our lives *is* public knowledge? For God's sake, you've been in Black Ops! You probably carry more sensitive information than any ten soldiers! You're going to tell me you can't keep something like this under wraps?"

"Well, when you put it like that," he said, letting the idea germinate. Why not? He wondered. She was right. If they could keep something as big as the Stargate secret, certainly a more intimate relationship would be a piece of cake. That is if she didn't give him a look like she was giving him now in the middle of a briefing.

"And the fact that we'd be breaching every regulation in the book doesn't bother you?" he asked.

"Yeah, it bothers me. It bothers me a lot. But if this experience has taught me anything it's that life is short, and I've put off what I've wanted for too long."

"Oh, don't start going all cliché on me," he joked. "I might change my mind!"

"You agree then?" she asked hopefully. He tried to pull her into his arms but she backed away.

"Yeah, I agree! What do *I* have to lose? You're the one who's got a future ahead of you."

"The future doesn't look very bright if you're not there." she still stood apart from him. "That's a yes, then?"

"Yes it's a yes! Do you want it in writing?"

Sam moved into his arms and gave him a quick kiss. "No, that would be evidence. As is this," she said, stepping away from him. She walked to the other side of his desk, standing at attention. The perfect soldier.

"So, Major. When do you propose we begin this mission?"

"Well, sir, I'm not sure. You see, I've had this headache and nothing seems to help it."

Jack couldn't help but smile at the serious look she'd put on her face. "Have you tried aspirin? Tylenol? Ibuprofen?"

"Yes, and nothing seems to work. I've heard some recent information about the amazing benefits from endorphins, however."

"Really?" He said, his eyebrows raising in mock surprise. "Going jogging then?"

"All the way to your house, sir." she said, a slight smile starting to crack her forced seriousness.

"18:00," he told her.

Sam nodded, reaching over to retrieve her papers. "I'll be there."

Jack watched her exit as he grabbed his jacket, checking for keys. Looking at his watch, he realized he had plenty of time to get home. And dispose of every pain reliever he had in the house.

~The End~

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