Work Text:
Alternate Ending to Frozen
Season 6, ep 4
General Hammond looked up at the knock. “Dr. Fraiser, Major Carter is trying to contact the Tok'ra.”
“Sir, you might want to hold up on that.” At his wave, she sat, laying the file she carried on the desk. “In Antarctica, I didn't have full access to Colonel O'Neill's file. As you know, sir, because of our unusual access to technology not readily available to others, we have asked every one to complete and sign a Medical Advanced Directive.” She opened the file and slid it across the desk. “This is Colonel O'Neill's. As you can see, it is written in his hand and witnessed by two medical staff.”
Hammond read, then sighed. “This does rather change things doesn't it?” He picked up the phone. “Walter, I need Major Carter and Teal'c in the briefing room. ASAP.”
*
“Sir, he can't have meant it.” Sam shook her head after reading the document. “If it means saving his life...”
“The document is plain, Major. Emphatic, I would say. No symbiote under any circumstance.”
“What about his medical power of attorney?” Sam was grasping at straws.
Hammond sighed. “Dr. Jackson. He left all decision making to Dr. Jackson.”
“Well, Daniel isn't here, is he?” She snapped. “He must have meant to change it. He had to know, after Daniel died... He couldn't have wanted to just die.” Her voice petered out.
“I do not believe Colonel O'Neill was seeking his death.” Teal'c stated then held up his hand as Sam started to speak. “I do believe, however, that he would have preferred death to losing control of his mind and thought process. It would seem that he was more deeply affected by Major Kowalksy's death than even O'Neill would acknowledge. If he had wanted to change his instructions. He had sufficient time to do so.”
“But surely there's something, someone who can override those instructions.”
“Not even the President himself could. And to ask Dr. Fraiser to do so would be to open herself up to charges of malpractice and dereliction of duty. As much as we all would like to save the Colonel, I cannot ask anyone to risk their career.”
“I believe that the thing that O'Neill feared the worst was that an implantation, even one thought to be non-threatening, would result in him harming those for whom he cared the deepest. This he would have fought to his death. We cannot, we have no right, to take this from him.” Teal'c offered.
“Even if it means his death?”
Teal'c nodded. “Even so.”
Sam slumped in her chair. “What now?”
“I will continue to treat him with antibiotics. If we can keep his fever down, we can buy some time to hopefully find something. Maybe a healing device?” She shook her head. “It isn't much but it's all I have at this point. If I may be excused, I'd like to return to the infirmary.”
“Of course, Dr. Fraiser. Major Carter, contact the Tok'ra, explain the situation and ask if they can offer any help. Teal'c, thank you for your insight.”
Teal'c rose. “I wish there were something I could offer. I would like to be by O'Neill's side, if I may.”
“I'll go with you, Teal'c.” Just in case, he said silently, just in case. To lose O'Neill so soon after the death of Dr. Jackson, just didn't bear thinking about.
*He squared his shoulders. Cleared his throat and prepared to say what might be his last words to Jack O'Neill.