Title: Another day in darkness

Summery: Sam's vision is lost, and she finds out just what a caring man her commanding officer is.

Pairing: S/J

Rating: G - I'll let you know when it starts to hot up.

Spoilers: Fair game. Set in season 4ish BEFORE Divide and Conquer. (Which subsequently won't exist if the fan fic was real)

Disclaimer: Owned to MGM, lucky people.

A/N: This fic is finished, but I'm going to put up one chapter once a week because I know how annoying it is to have to read a whole story in one sitting.

This story is for Fiona, shipper fanatical and awesome friend, the only person I know who can sit and listen to be blab about Stargate 24/7, and who has helped me get through Stargate's stupid hiatus. You rock girl! :D

~**~**~**~**~

Samantha Carter stood on a beach that ran as far as the eye could see. In front of her was nothing but water, and behind her, on a small mound, stood the Stargate.

"Carter!"

Inwardly she sighed, trying to ignore the call of her commanding officer, but her military training was too deeply imbedded in her. Without conscious thought she turned around, "Down here sir!"

Jack O'Neill half skidded, half ran down the hill, and reached her position, just as the sun began to set on the planet. Her face was bathed in a rich golden hue, and Jack was taken aback at just how beautiful she looked.

Blinking hard in the setting glare, Jack tried to dismiss his less-then- regulation thoughts, "Daniel and Teal'c are ready to ship out."

Sam nodded absentmindedly, lost in the brilliance of the sun set. She was hypnotized by it, lost in its beauty.

"Sam?" A gentle shake from the older man brought her back to reality.

"Sir?" Blinking back the black spots dancing in front of her eyes, Sam tried to bring Jack back into focus.

"Common Carter, let's go home." Jack smiled at her fondly, turning to start the climb back up to the Gate.

"Yes sir." Sam followed, wiping her eyes, but still they refused to see clearly.

By the time they reached the gate, Sam still couldn't see.

"Colonel?"

"What's up?" Jack asked, as Daniel Jackson started to dial home.

"Something's wrong."

There were numerous ways to get a reaction out of SG-1, some more successful then others, but the words 'something's wrong' got instantaneous response. Teal'c had his staff weapon poised to her defence while Daniel stopped mid-dial to turn in her direction. Jack found himself at her side, unsure himself how he managed to get there so fast. "What is it?" He asked, scanning the immediate area for a tangible threat.

"I can't see."

Jack turned to her, momentarily confused, then nodded towards Daniel. The younger man continued dialling, while Jack grabbed Sam's arm, moving her closer to the Gate. "We'll get the good old doctor to look at you when we get back."

Sam gripped Jacks shoulder, feeling disconcerted at the sound of the 'kawoosh' of the gate she couldn't see. Jack guided her to the wormhole, and she hesitated before taking that first step.

No wind touched her face, no sound penetrated, only darkness surrounded her; yet Sam knew she was moving. A bone-tingling chill seeped through her skin and she felt the distinctly unsettled. Like she was falling into a void. An ever-consuming darkness that would swallow her whole. For what seemed like eternity she travelled in this abyss, and at the other side even Jack's steady hand on her arm couldn't stop her from tumbling to her knees. She shuddered violently, falling forwards and catching herself with her hands, still shaking. Blood rushed to her head and she fell on her side, the last thing she recalled before passing out was Jack's voice.

~**~**~**~**~

"Major?"

"I'm awake." Sam blinked, opening her eyes to darkness.

"How are you feeling?"

She identified Janet's voice, and guessed she was in the infirmary. The fact that she couldn't see brought a moment of deep panic, until she felt the bandages around her eyes. "What happened?"

"We think you were somehow subjected to a form of radiation. I've had to go in and scrape a thin layer of film off both your eyes, so it could be painful." Janet was slowly peeling back the soft cloths, and Sam went rigid with anticipation. "Cover your eyes." She cautioned, and Sam brought her hand to her eyes as the last of the bandages came off. She waited a moment, building suspense, then taking a deep breath she slowly pulled away her hand.

"Well?"

Sam let out her breath in one gush, and Janet could sense the disappointment, "It didn't work."

"It's okay." Janet gripped her friends arm, "I didn't expect it to work right away. We just have to be patient, your sight should be back before the month is out."

Sam nodded slowly.

"Cheer up Carter, it's not all bad."

For the first time, Sam realized she wasn't alone with Janet, "Sir?" She questioned.

"You've given SG-1 the month off." She could hear the smile in Jack's voice.

"Yes sir." She said dejectedly, unable to join in his enthusiasm. She was going to be blind, for a whole month.

She felt a warm hand grab her arm and pull her to her feet, "Common Carter, I'll take you home."