The Joys of Youth
Part 2
After their meeting with Hammond, Sam and Teal'c made their way back to the room where Simmons was being held. As they turned the corner both froze, the two SFs who normally stood guard outside the door were lying unconscious on the ground. Sam pulled out her gun and Teal'c fired up his zat. As they reach the door they could hear the muffled sounds of scuffling and thumps coming from inside. Sam indicated a silent count of three and they both burst into the room. They were greeted with the sight of Simmons pinned to the wall by Jack.
As they put away their wepons Jack turned and grinned at them. "Hi, guys! Simmie and I were just having a little chat. You wouldn't believe how helpful he's become."
He turned back to the beaten and bloodied man he was holding against the wall and smiled ferally at him. "Ole Simmons here underestimated his opponent. He forgot that Jack O'Neill still has the memories and training of the former 45 year old Colonel."
He gave Simmons a final sucker punch to the gut and let him drop to the floor. He turned and grinned again at his two team mates. "God I love this body! I've still got the moves, but faster and stronger." He gave a little bounce and walked towards them.
Sam gave herself a little shake and allowed the Major to take over. "You know, Sir. I'm going to have to report this to the General. You knocked out two SFs and may have seriously injured a prisoner."
Jack gave her a smile of understanding, "I know, Carter, I know. Just give me 20 to let Janet know where that substance came from, so she can pull the reports on it and start doing her stuff." He looked pleadingly at her and Sam gave a smile and a nod. She then found herself engulfed in a hug and just as quickly, released. She chuckled as she watched the whirlwind called Jack thunder down the corridor. She closed the door and joined Teal'c who was standing glowering down at the groaning Simmons.
Giving him a sharp prod with her boot, she said, "Be thankful, Simmons, that Colonel O'Neill was in a reasonable mood when he came to visit you. A few days earlier and you wouldn't have been lying here whimpering." Sam gave a smile that didn't reach her eyes, "you wouldn't have been making any sound."
Teal'c gave a nod of agreement, "Indeed."
Janet was reading the NID notes when Jack arrived and knocked on the doorframe of her office. "You got a minute, Doc?"
Janet looked up and smiled, "For you Colonel, always."
Jack grinned as he came into the room and flung himself into the chair facing Janet. Her eyebrows rose at his actions, then she noticed his grazed knuckles, 'adrenaline high' she thought
She frowned at him, "OK, Colonel, who have you beaten up and will there be any repercussions from it?"
Jack had the grace to look shamefaced as he replied, "Well...ummm...I had a 'chat' with Simmons."
"Simmons!!" Jack slumped in his seat as Janet picked up speed, "Simmons! Oh for the love of....Colonel what were you thinking?!"
"I wasn't," he muttered.
"Does Hammond know?"
"Not yet..." Jack checked his watch, "but he will in around 10 minutes."
Janet sighed, "Did he at least 'talk' before you beat him to a pulp?"
"Yeah, he did. The substance was brought back by SG10 from PXS467." Janet grabbed a notepad and scribbled the information down. Jack continued, "It seems it's a native fungi that has a liking for living organic matter...." He paused, looked round, frowned, then got up quickly and left the office. Janet quickly followed and joined him by Daniel's bed. She watched as Jack gently laid his hand on Daniel's chest and almost at once the restless youth calmed and settled into a deep sleep.
"Colonel, what just happened?" She asked quietly.
"I...I...He was anxious and afraid. I needed to let him know he wasn't alone. That I was here." He gently smoothed back a lock of Daniel's hair, "He was afraid, I felt it."
Janet watched as Jack continued to gently stroke Daniel's forehead, "Was this the first time that this has happened?"
Jack looked at the Doctor and saw only concern in her eyes, "It's the first time that I have felt it so strongly..." Suddenly the klaxon sounded indicating that there had been an off world activation. Janet watched as Jack went back to gently soothing Daniel, who had become restless again because of the noise.
"You're not going to see what's happening?" she asked.
"If they need me, they will track me down," he answered. Daniel was getting really twitchy he noted. Which meant there was a full blown nightmare just about to happen. Jack took a deep breath, placed his hand again over Daniel's heart. He had no real idea what the hell he was doing. He just seemed to be acting on instinct and that instinct was telling him that Daniel needed him, needed his presence, needed him to help chase the darkness away.
Janet's eyes widened as she watched. A glow had developed between the Colonel's hand and Daniel's chest. It then spread completely over the upper part of Daniel's torso. It grew in intensity to the point where Janet had to look away. Finally it stopped and Jack staggered back and Janet grabbed his arm and guided him to the chair by the bed.
"OK Colonel, I don't know what on earth happened just now, but I am going to give you a thorough going over. Something is going on with you and I am going my best to find out what it is."
Jack gave a weak chuckle, "Doc, you can poke and probe as much as you like. I doubt though, that you find anything physically. That darn Cube did more to us than just de-age us." He rubbed his hand over his face and was about to say more when they were interrupted by Hammond, Carter, Teal'c and, "Lya!" Jack smiled as he hurried over to greet the diminutive Nox.
"Greetings O'Neill," she drew him into a hug and smiled as she added, "You are looking well." She then released him and headed over to the still sleeping Daniel. In a similar action to Jack's she gently smoothed back a lock of his hair.
"Ah Parvulus has suffered much. You have punished the person responsible for damaging the Light?" She looked directly at Jack as she asked the question. He smiled and nodded. "That is good, " she turned to Hammond, "Petrus will not be punished for doing only what he was meant to do and punished the one who caused Parvulus so much damage."
Hammond sighed, "Lya, we have rules that we must follow," He sighed at the frown Lya levelled at him, "but, I can assure you that Colonel O'Neill will only receive a verbal warning for his actions."
"That is fair," the Nox said as she turned back to look at Daniel.
Jack didn't question how she knew Oma's name for Daniel or how she knew he was the Light. Or even how she knew about Simmons. There was only one question he wanted to ask, so he asked, "Lya can you help him?"
Her smile turned to a sad one, "I cannot undo all that has been done, but I can prevent it from causing him anymore damage." Her smile brightened a little, "I can also take away what is unsightly." She then gave her full attention to the sleeping youth.
To Janet it was like watching a repeat performance. This time the glow centred round Daniel's eyes and temple. Again she had to look away as it grew in intensity. When she turned back round Lya was hugging Jack again.
As she hugged Jack the diminutive Nox admonished him, "Pavulus needs his Petrus! You must guard him and care for him. Do not let any more damage come to him. We, the Nox, are most unhappy that he has been damaged in this way. We will be watching, Petrus, and will be most displeased with you, if you do not protect the Light as you should."
Jack gave a chuckle and hugged her back, "You or any of the other Nox, don't have to worry Lya. Nothing means more to me than the guy sleeping in that bed. He's my life, Lya and I am not ashamed to admit that. I will protect him to the best of my ability and promise you no more harm will come to him."
Lya stepped back and placed her hand over his heart as Oma had done. "You tell the truth, that is good. Parvulus has a long and difficult journey ahead of him. He will need his Petrus and the rest of his family." She looked round at the rest who were gathered round listening, "All of you will be needed, the Darkness approaches and the Light will soon be needed." With that she gave a little bow to them all and walked out, hastily followed by Hammond.
A loud yawn made them all turn round. Daniel lifted his right hand and gave a little wave. "Hey, man have I had a good sleep. Have I missed anything?" He listened in confusion to the sound of laughter. "Jack? What's so funny?"
Jack moved quickly to the side of the bed and said, "I'm sorry Danny..." Anything he was going to say died on his lips as he gazed into the incredible blue eyes that seemed to be looking back at him. Something Lya had said came back to him, 'I can also take away what is unsightly.' 'Ah, Lya what a gift you have given me.' he thought as he continued to be captivated by the blueness.
"Jack? Something wrong?" Daniel's worried voiced broke through to him. Jack quickly grabbed Daniel's hand and gave a gentle squeeze.
"Nothing's wrong, Danny. Get comfortable though. I have a story to tell you." He began to tell Daniel of his visit to Simmons and shushed him as Daniel began to sputter. Then as he carried on with the tale the others gathered round to listen, all the while drinking in the sight of the blue eyes, still sightless, but back to their incredible blue.
"Ok," Jack said as he gripped the handles, "are we ready to try again?"
Daniel nodded with grim determination and tightened the hold on the bowl in his lap. "Yeah, just try to take it a little slower this time."
"Danny, if I go any slower you won't be moving at all!"
"Just try to curb the wheelies at the corners, then!"
"Listen, Wonder boy, do you or do you not want to leave this base?!"
"Of course I do!"
"Well, you have to get over this motion sickness. Up-chucking in the General's office this morning did not help matters. Aht! Talking here! Fraiser says you have to use this chair until you have completed the physio on your legs. There's no way round it. It's the chair and home or the VIP suit and Fraiser's tender mercies until she is satisfied you are completely mobile again. What's it gonna be?"
"Move 'em out, Flyboy!" Daniel gave a wave of his hand. Jack chuckled and slowly began to push Daniel out of the Infirmary.
As they moved down the corridor he kept up a running commentary of where they were and when he was going to change direction. So, far this seemed to working and there hadn't been a repeat performance of the morning. Though General Hammond had been very understanding.
They were well in to the tour of the base and Jack was about to head them back to the Infirmary when Daniel suddenly gasped, "Stop, stop!"
Jack brought them to a halt and lent down, placing his hand on Daniel's shoulders. "Ok, Danny, breath, slow and steady." He tightened his grip on Daniel's shoulders as the young man heaved heavy breaths and fought the nausea. "Slow and steady, buddy. You're doing good." He watched as Daniel brought the nausea and disorientation under control.
"'m ok." Daniel gasped, "'m ok. It's the disorientation. The not knowing where I am. Well I do know where I am, but I can't picture it. I can't see where I am!"
Jack brought his head down till his forehead rested on the top of Daniel's head. Daniel allowed Jack's warmth to enfold him and for a few moments they didn't move, letting themselves take comfort from each other. Finally Jack pulled back up and patted Daniel's shoulders as he moved his hands to the handles of the chair.
"Are we good to go?" He asked. Daniel tilted his head back a little more and Jack was blindsided by the smile he had come to call the Daniel Special. 'Geez that smile should come with a health warning!' he thought as he watched Daniel settle back in the chair.
"Yeah, 'm fine," Daniel said as he settled the bowl more firmly in his lap.
"Okey Dokey!" Jack gave the chair a little wiggle as a warning that he was about to move it.
There were no more sudden halts on the journey back and Janet was waiting for them as they arrived back.
"Hey Doc!" Jack called out as he wheeled the chair back to the bed and helped Daniel up on to it. Janet joined them as Daniel allowed himself to relax back on the pillows.
"How are you feeling, Daniel?"
"Tired and disorientated."
"No nausea?"
"We had one moment, but no up-chucking." Jack ignored the scowl Daniel aimed his way.
"Did the nausea last for any length of time?" Janet asked.
"A few minutes, no more," Daniel said quickly wanting to answer before Jack got the chance.
"No other incidents before arriving back here?"
"Nope," Both men answered and then scowled again at each other.
Janet gave a small smile. "Ok, well I can see no other reason to keep you detained here any longer Dr Jackson."
Daniel brought his head up. "You're letting me go?"
"Yes, I'm releasing you, Daniel, into the clutches of Colonel O'Neill and SG2. But, I expect you back here weekly to continue the physio on your legs. Also I've prescribed medication for the headaches I KNOW you are still having occasionally." Daniel gave a scowl as he had thought he'd managed to hide the headaches. Janet had known though and now Jack did too. He could feel the daggers Jack was shooting his way. Oh well he'd deal with those daggers later. All he wanted was for Janet to say the magic words and they could go home. Home, to Jack's house.
"Ok, you're now officially released from the Infirmary Dr Jackson. General Hammond wants to see both of you before you depart. Now, get out of here!" She watched as Jack helped Daniel back into the chair and then wheeled him out. She gave a sigh and headed back to her NID reading.
A few minutes late the two of them were sat in front of the General.
"I take it you have our covers and paperwork in place, Sir?"
"You are correct in that assumption, Colonel. I have to say the President is fascinated by the predicaments SG1 seem to continually find themselves in and he expressed his hopes that the solution to this one is found as quickly as possible."
"Kind of him, Sir"
"Yes, it is. But, to get to the matter in hand; your covers, Dr Jackson we have arranged that your parents were killed in a car accident which has left you blind. You have a relative living in the area, a cousin, Colonel Jack O'Neill. Unfortunately he is away at the moment, but his son..."
"Son!! Son!!! Sheesh why do I have to be my own son?!"
"Colonel! As I was saying, Colonel O'Neill's estranged...
"Estranged!!! What?! Did we a falling out?!"
"I won't warn you again Colonel!!"
"Yes, Sir. Sorry, Sir. Estranged, sheesh. Oh, sorry again, Sir. Zipping up now."
"Thank you. As Colonel O'Neill's son is currently living at the house, it has been decided that Daniel Jackson will live with him until he is capable of living independently. To help you become independent, Dr Jackson, you will attend the Colorado Springs Deaf and Blind School..."
"School!! I'm 36 years old! I don't need to attend school!"
"Yes, you do, son. You are blind and legally, sixteen years old. Attending this school will enable you to learn Braille..."
"Hey, hey, easy Danny. Think of it as learning a new language. You like learning languages."
Hammond waited until the Doctor's sputtering had died down. He had known this was going to be difficult and he hadn't even fully begun to tell them of the Colonel's cover. He gave a silent sigh, braced himself and continued, "As I was saying, you will learn to use Braille and become fully mobile..."
"I WILL NOT use a cane!!" Daniel snarled.
"No," Hammond replied, "it's been arranged that you will have a dog. A retired AF dog is being retrained and will arrive in a couple of months time."
"A former guard dog?" Jack asked.
"Yes," Hammond smiled, "We thought it would be prudent to have a former guard dog. A kind of back up if required." Hammond looked down at his notes for a moment. Then looked back up and at Jack. "Now, Colonel, as you have heard your cover requires you to be your son. Jack Junior has never known his father, Jack Senior, until recently."
"I take it he was the result of a fling during one of my tours of duty?"
Hammond nodded, "Yes, you are house sitting for your father when the unfortunate accident involving your relatives occurs. You are of legal age to take care of a minor, so Dr Jackson will be able to join you at the house. We had a problem where you work is concerned. But, we resolved it by placing Dr Jackson in the school and you as a civilian..."
"Civilian! You classified me as a civilian?!"
"Yes, MR O'NEILL, as civilian. Unless you want to be classed as Airman since at your current age it would be assumed you are just out of the Academy." At Jack's shake of his head, Hammond continued, "I didn't think so. While Dr Jackson is at school you will be working here as a civilian translator and linguist..."
"Translator?! You're going to have Jack working here as a translator?!"
"Hey! I'm doing ok with the Ancient Chicken Scratchings on the Cube!"
"Gentlemen!! As I was saying, Mr O'Neill will be working in the Linguistic section here on the base and as such will not be taking any further part in off world activities."
"What about Teal'c and Carter, Sir?"
"Teal'c has indicated that he wishes to remain and help with the research into the NID activities. Major Carter has accepted an assignment with SG9 to PSX-581 where preliminary evidence indicates similar structures to those on PSX—771 where the Cube was located." He looked at the two men, "Is there anything else gentlemen?" Both shook their heads. He smiled, "then you're both dismissed. Go, relax and we will see you back at base seven days from now, Mr O'Neill. Once you have finalised all the arrangements for your cousin Daniel. We are all very sorry about your loss."
Jack smiled as he slowly swung the chair round, "Yes, Sir. Thank you, Sir. We are both heartbroken, Sir."
Hammond gave a soft chuckle, watched them leave and picked up a file from the pile that was threatening to collapse.
After parking the chair in the hall way and keeping a strong grip on Daniel, Jack led them towards the living room.
"Okay, two steps ahead of you."
"'kay." Jack felt Daniel tense up as they reached the top of the steps. He watched as Daniel felt along the top of the step with his foot. Then as Daniel made to step down he tightened his grip on Daniel's shoulders and left arm. They stepped down together.
"Okay, doing good. One more, then we can get you nice and comfy on the couch."
"'kay." They went through the same process with the second step as they had done with the first. Then they made their way over to the couch and sat down.
"This sucks."
"I know, Danny, but it will get better."
"How?! Tell me, Jack! How will it get better? I can barely walk unaided. We had to stop four times on the way here because of my motion sickness...."
"Alright, hold it right there! Your walking will improve. Frasier said it would take time to build up the muscles. Which is why she wants you to attend the physio sessions. The motion sickness will abate eventually. Once we get you orientated. That's why Hammond wants you to attend that school. They can train you in this stuff."
"I just feel so useless, Jack."
"Well, you're not and never will be, Danny boy. I'll definitely still need your expertise with the Ancient Chicken Scratchings. It's one thing to be able to translate them, but we still need your thinking out of the box brain to make any sense of them."
"But, I need to see them to do that!"
"We'll find a way for you to do that, don't you worry." Jack pulled the young man closer to him and felt Daniel relax against him.
They stayed that way for a few minutes until Daniel broke the silence, "I suppose we should talk about this."
Jack watched the elegant fingers worry one of his shirt buttons. "Talk about what?"
"This," Daniel lifted his hand from the button and waved it between them.
"Ah."
"You've changed Jack. You're not the same person that you were when I came back. The Cube did something to you, to us. It didn't just de-age us."
"I know," Jack gave a soft sigh and rubbed his free hand through his hair, "I feel like I've lost all my barriers and to be truthful, I don't want to rebuild them. I like the new me."
Daniel gave a chuckle. "I like the new Jack to," he gave a shy smile, "very much."
Jack gently stroked his hand down Daniel's shoulder and planted a soft kiss on the top of his head. They lapsed, again, into a comfortable silence.
"So," Jack said.
"So," Daniel replied.
"This thing between us. We let it develop and see where it takes us?"
"Sounds good to me. But what about the Regs?"
Jack laughed softly, "The Regs don't matter anymore. Civilian now, remember?"
"Oh! Yeah."
"So, we take things slowly and let things develop naturally."
Daniel smiled and answered him by planting a shy kiss on his neck.
"Cool!" Jack said, releasing his hold on Daniel to stand up. "Okay, I'm going to bring the bags in from the truck. Then I'll start making dinner. Baked chicken with salad sound good to you?"
Daniel could only nod in stunned amazement. In all the years he had known Jack, he hadn't known the older man could actually cook; other than burn burgers and steaks on a barbeque.
"Right, you just sit and relax."
Daniel listened to the sounds of Jack moving. For a tall man, Jack was light on his feet, and his footsteps were very distinctive. It had taken Daniel a while to differentiate between peoples footsteps, but Jack's he had picked up almost immediately. He didn't know whether that was because they were always together or because of the connection that seemed to be developing between them. He leaned back in the couch and closed his eyes.
The sand storm took him by surprise; especially the fact that he could see it. He remembered Jack's tale of meeting with Oma. He guessed it was his turn to meet her. He waited and eventually his patience was rewarded. Oma stepped out of the swirling sand and stood in front of him.
"You are looking well, Parvulus."
"Thank you."
Oma smiled. "You are curious and puzzled. That is good." She stepped forward and laid her hand on his chest. "Never lose your fascination and interest in all things. Knowledge is the key. Rely on your Petrus, he is your link and your strength."
"The Cube has changed us, not just physically."
"The Cube has only enhanced what was already there."
"Okay! You are so not going to do this without me here!" Daniel spun round to see Jack striding out of the storm to join them.
"Jack, how?!"
"How the hell should I know! I walk back into the living room to see you slumped on the couch, which we are so going to talk about later. I touch you and presto here we all are on Abydos in a freaking sand storm. Oma, what's with the storm fer crying out loud?" He stopped talking when he noticed Daniel was looking at him and tears were running down his face.
"Danny?" He walked up to him and pulled him into his embrace. "Aw, Danny."
"I can see you, Jack. I can see you!" The two stood together watched by Oma, until Daniel had managed to get his emotions under control.
"You ok, Sport?"
"Ye-ah."
Jack gave a short nod and turned his attention to Oma. "I take it that Daniel's sight happens only when we are here?"
"You are Parvulus' eyes, Petrus. You are his link."
"Right, as usual that is as clear as mud. Ow!" Jack glared at Daniel as he rubbed his side, "What?!"
Daniel ignored him, "Oma, why are we both here? You said the Cube only enhanced what we already have...." He paused, his eyes widened and he gave a silent 'ooh'. "I was ascended and Jack had the Ancient's knowledge downloaded and who else knows what. Are you saying the Cube has enhanced abilities that these situations left?"
"The Darkness approaches. The Light is needed," Oma said simply.
Jack could see Daniel's brain processing every little bit of information. Then a look of horror came over the teenager's face. Daniel took a step towards Oma, suppressed rage making him shake. "You want me to finish what you prevented me from doing the last time."
Jack place a hand on Daniel's shoulder, "What, Danny? What does she want you to do?"
Daniel looked at Jack and Jack could see the suppressed rage sparking in his eyes. "It's Anubis, Jack. Isn't it, Oma?" He looked back at the Ascendant, "Anubis is becoming more powerful and because you and the Others won't interfere you want me to do your dirty work." He looked round at the swirling sand surrounding them. He smiled at Oma and it wasn't a nice smile, "They don't know what you've done, do they? This is why every time you arrange a meeting it's in this sand storm. You are shielding us from them." Jack could feel the shaking increase and knew an explosion was imminent and he was right. "WHY! Why, did you stop me?! Why, did you stand and watch as the Others sent me back?! If, as you fear, Anubis is more dangerous now, would it not have made sense to allow me to finish him back then?"
Oma stepped forward and placed her hand on his chest again, "Peace, Parvulus, peace."
"Don't keep calling me 'Little One'," Daniel said sullenly.
"You are the Light and only the Light can extinguish the Darkness."
"Then why didn't you allow me to do my job the first time?"
"It wasn't the time and you were following the wrong Path."
"Paths, smash! If you had allowed Danny to do what he needed to, then we wouldn't all be standing here and Danny would never have met Simmons..."
"Both of you would still have your barriers. Your Paths were wrong. Great hurt and pain would be felt. The Light must have his Rock, his Protector. Without him, the Light would perish."
Daniel frowned, "Why are you so interested in myself and Jack? Why us? Why are we important in the plans of the universe? Why does it always come down to us?! What did we do that made the Fates decide to dump all the universe's problems on us?!"
Jack caught one of the flailing arms and pulled Daniel to him. "Breath, Danny, hyperventilating is not good for you." He looked at the Ascendant and to his surprise he saw a look of concern in her eyes. "You want to give him answer? 'Cause to be truthful I'd like to know as well. Why do you have such an interest in us and Danny in particular?" As he waited he rubbed his hand in gentle circles on Daniel's back still holding him closely.
"Parvulus is special, unique. Not of one, and not of the other. Can live in either, be either. Must be protected." Jack watched as Daniel listened intently to what Oma said. He knew he just had to wait while Wonder Boy joined the dots and made sense of what Little Miss Glow Worm had said. He smiled as he saw Daniel's eyes widen and knew that Daniel had done it again, pulled the improbable together and made sense out of all.
Daniel spoke quietly, so quietly Jack had to strain to hear him. "If I am not one or the other, that would mean I am half human and something else. If I can be either, that would mean I can be human or something else. Well, it is obvious that I am mostly human, but I was ascended and if I am right, could do again if I chose to do so. If I can change at will that would mean that one of my parents was possibly an Ascended." He paused and looked searchingly at Oma standing impassively before them. "My mother used to call me her Little Man or Little One. I find it interesting that you call me, Parvulus. It is not common for Ascendants to use something that could be classed as a nickname. Also, Parvulus in English means Little One. So, Mom, do you want to explain to me what happened and is Dad around?"
"Mom! Only you, Daniel, only you! Y'know I'm not surprised. It kinda makes sense..."
"Jack, please, stop pacing. I'm getting nauseous just listening to you," Daniel said tiredly. Jack had been pacing and ranting ever since they had been summarily dismissed from Oma's presence once Daniel had opened his mouth and put his foot in it. Jack gave a huff and bounced down beside him on the couch.
"You're certain, Danny?"
"Oh, yeah."
"So, Miss Glow Worm of Who Knows When, is your Mama."
"Yup."
"How in Netu..."
"She must have done what Orlin did."
"Nick?"
"She's an Ancient. With all the abilities they have, making someone believe you are their daughter would be child's play."
"But, Nick! Why, Nick? She could have at least picked someone better."
"She wasn't to know what was going to happen."
"Yeah, 'bout that. After it happened and you were being bounced about. Surely, she could have stepped in and done something?"
Daniel gave a sigh, "She's an Ascendant, they don't interfere."
"Her own son?! I sure as hell would have!"
Daniel smiled and gave the arm closest to him a hug, "Thanks Jack, but I think the difference here was, she went back to what she had been. I think she cares in her own way. Which is why she stepped in after Kelowna."
"So?"
"Ye-ah?"
"Not only are you a boy genius, former Ascendant, linguist extraordinary. Hush, on a roll here. We can now add the fact that you are half Ascendant, Ancient, whatever. Oh boy, if the NID didn't love you already they will be wetting their panties over this! NOT that they will ever find out."
"Should we let people know?"
"Hammond, yes. The rest, no."
"'kay." Daniel allowed himself to relax and soak in Jack's presence.
"You ok, Danny?"
"No, but I will be."
"What do you think happened to your father?"
"I can only hope that she loved him enough to help him ascend. Since I have no memory of my time there, I have no idea if he was there or not," he gave a sad smile, "It's funny, thinking back now, I remember more times with my father than I do with my mother. She was always a little standoffish; as if she didn't really know how to relate to me."
Jack was quietly furious at the way little Miss Glowy had treated Daniel. As if the guy didn't have enough to cope with. He now finds out that not only is he the saviour of the known universe, but he was also the son of Miss Not So Touchy Feely. He stood and clapped his hands, "Ok, are we still on for Baked Chicken and Salad?"
"Sounds nice." Daniel said with a smile as he struggled to stand.
"Hey! What do you think you're doing?" Jack asked as he helped Daniel stand and held him steady.
"Don't wanna be on my own."
"Then you won't be. Come on Wonder Boy, let's get this meal on the road."
Daniel sat at the kitchen table listening to Jack prepare the meal. "Jaaack?"
"Yessss?"
"Do we haveta tell Hammond about Oma?"
Jack turned round from the salad he was making. "Not unless we are really certain. Are you, Daniel? Or do you have some doubt?"
"Oh, I have not doubt, Jack. But, the General is going to ask for proof and we can't give it."
Jack looked at the young man gazing sightlessly at him and saw the fine lines of stress that had gathered round the eyes. Darn it, Daniel had been through enough and he didn't need to be put through any more. He gave a small smile and he admitted to himself that, yes, he was a marshmallow where are certain Dr Jackson was concerned. Whatever was in Danny's best interests or needs, Jack would give it to him.
"In that case, Danny, we don't say anything to the General. Not until Miss Glowy comes back with confirmation or gives you proof." Jack turned back to the salad and picked up the bottle of Balsamic Vinegar.
"'kay, Jack," Daniel said, "We will just keep it between ourselves. Hey, don't put to much of that vinegar in. It's got a really sharp taste. You're better with the Ranch Dressing beside your right hand."
Jack froze and slowly turned back round to Daniel.
"Daniel?"
"Jack?"
"How...?"
"I don't know!!"
"Okay. Don't panic."
"I'm not panicking!!"
"Yes." Jack started to walk. "You." He increased his pace as he heard the wheezing start. "Are." He wrapped his arms round the trembling shoulders and Daniel lent back against him.
When Daniel had recovered, Jack rubbed his shoulders gently and then sat down beside him. He took hold of Daniel's hand and twined their fingers together.
"Okay, let's see if we can make sense of this..." He paused and brought Daniel's hand up and gave it an absent kiss. "It would seen that some how you can now 'see' things that I can see, but not all the time..." He brought the linked hands back down to rest on his leg and his thumb began to stroke over the top of Daniel's hand, "We know there is a link developing between us and this, it would seem, is the latest development."
"Just as you could sense what I was feeling in the infirmary," Daniel asked.
"Yeah, Miss Glowy said something about me being your eyes when we were back there. So, the question is, is it selective or will it develop to the point where you can see anything I can."
Daniel gave a shrug and smiled. "There's no answer to that Jack it's like all the rest of this. We just wait and see what will happen and develop. In the meantime I'm getting really hungry and would like to finally eat."
Jack gave a chuckle, gave a final kiss to the hand he held, released it and went back to finish making their dinner. His mind, however, was spinning over what had just occurred. Did he have to be close to Daniel or just in the vicinity? Could it happen at will? He mentally slammed the door on those thoughts and decided there and then that for the next seven days they were going to be Jack Junior and his cousin Danny. All conversations about Cubes, Glowy Aliens and Ancient Abilities were off limits. They had more mundane things to cope with, such as the delights of school for Daniel.
Jack opened the oven, placed the platter on the table and dished up the chicken and salad. He watched as his companion carefully manoeuvred the food on his fork and then to his mouth. His heart broke all over again and he prayed to any god listening that sooner rather than later Daniel would regain his sight.
"Daniel! Stop grabbing the wheels of the chair! Whether you like it or not we have to go in. Mrs Adamson is waiting to meet Mr O'Neill and his cousin Daniel Jackson. So, let go of the wheels Wonder Boy!"
"I'm 36..."
"You are legally, and acting exactly like, a 16 year old."
"I can learn how to cope, by myself."
"Oh yeah, you're coping so well you nearly took a swan dive down the living room stairs this morning."
"I miscounted the number of steps from the kitchen to the top of the stairs."
Jack took advantage of the 'discussion' to push the chair to the entrance of the Administration building of the school. "Now, see, that is why attending here will help." He manoeuvred the chair through the doors and towards the reception desk.
Daniel turned his head and glowered at Jack. He was about to make a sharp come back when he realised where they were, "Hey! How did we get in here?!"
"Tactics, Danny boy, tactics." Jack smirked before he smiled charmingly at the girl behind the desk and told her they had an appointment to see Mrs Adamson.
Angela Adamson gazed at the two young men facing her. "Well I have to say we don't normally accept someone this late into a semester. But, from what I've read we can agree that these are exceptional circumstances. Though I was expecting to meet your father, Mr O'Neill."
"Yeah well..." Jack squirmed a little in his chair. Sheesh, he felt like he was 13 years old again, facing old man Smithers after he had put the frog down the back of Jenny Higgins' dress in Biology class. "...my father is out of the country at the moment and until he arrives back I've been made Danny's legal guardian. Will there be a problem registering Danny?"
"No, no, there won't be a problem. We just need you to sign the required forms. Then next Monday we will have Danny in for an Orientation session. I understand he is required to attend physiotherapy one day a week at the Academy Hospital?"
"Yes I am!" Daniel said a little more forcibly than he intended to, but darn it he was getting tired of being ignored.
"Yes, well, we are happy to work that into Danny's schedule. We will have a time table made up for him when you bring him in for the Orientation session next Monday." She stood up and made her way to the door. Jack stood and manoeuvred Daniel's chair and headed for the door Mrs Adamson held open.
"If you see Stacy on your way out she will have the appropriate forms for you to sign." She smiled down at Daniel, " We are pleased that you will be joining us Danny and we hope you have a happy time here."
"Oh I'm sure I will." Daniel replied through gritted teeth.
It was Wednesday and they were halfway through their seven day hiatus. Jack stood quietly, gritting his teeth, clenching his hands and fighting the urge to help, as he watched Daniel attempting to make and pour himself a mug of coffee.
"Jack, I can hear your teeth grinding from over here. Please..." Daniel gave a silent sigh, "...go and sit down and stop watching me. You are making me feel even more nervous than I am."
Jack walked over and slid his arms round Daniel's waist and placed a kiss on the back of his neck. "I'm sorry, I know you have to learn to do things, but it's very difficult to not step in and help." He gave Daniel's waist a squeeze, "I'll be a good boy and go and watch some hockey. Give me a shout when you're done in here and I'll come and give you a hand back to the living room." He felt Daniel nod, released him and went back to the living room.
10 minutes later and he couldn't, if asked, have said what the score was. All his attention was focused on the sounds come from the kitchen. He had flinched a couple of times when he had heard a string of Abydonian curses echo round the place and also the distinct sound of a mug smashing. So far into what he thought was Daniel's possible fourth attempt, all was relatively calm in the kitchen. He eventually let out a silent sigh of relief when Daniel's happy voice called out, " Jack, can you come and help me?"
Jack stared in amazement at the kitchen. The only way he could think to describe it was the a hoard of rampaging Jaffas had passed through. Coffee grains were scattered everywhere. As were pools of water and milk. A smashed mug lay on the floor by the counter. Jack took it all in, in a matter of seconds. Then ignored it and concentrated on the smiling youth standing in the middle of it all. For the umpteenth time Jack thought that Daniel's smile should come with a health warning. It had a terrible habit of making him go weak at the knees and his brain turn to mush. He stood there just gazing at the sight for a couple of moments.
Then he walked over and place an arm round Daniel's waist. "You good to go?"
"Yep!" Daniel made to pull the full mug of coffee towards himself.
"Hey, hey! I'll get that. You just get yourself back down to the couch." Daniel grinned again and grabbed the crutch resting against the counter. He slowly made his way back to the living room. Jack gave a final disbelieving shake of his head as he looked round the wreckage that had been his kitchen, picked up the coffee mug and went to join Daniel in the living room.
"Here ya go." Jack sat down and handed the mug to Daniel.
After taking a sip, Daniel said with a small smile, "I made a mess, didn't I."
"Oh, yeah. Kitchen looks like a hoard of Jaffa rampaged through it."
"Sorry."
"S'ok. It's cleanable."
They sat in companionable silence. Daniel taking occasional sips of his coffee and Jack trying to keep his concentration on the game being played on the TV and not on the person sat next to him.
"So," Daniel said. "So?"
"What we got on for tomorrow?"
"Apart from visiting the City Clerk Office to finalise all the paperwork that will make us legal, nothing."
"Nothing?"
"Nothing, zip, nada. The bulk of the day is ours. Is there anything you particularly want to do?"
"Ummm, no, not really. Though I like the idea of just sitting in a park enjoying the feel of the sun and breeze on my face."
Jack put his arm round Daniel and pulled him to his side. Being careful not to knock the half filled mug in Daniel's hand. "Then that's what we'll do. We'll go and sit and enjoy the sun and breeze."
"God I hate bureaucracy and red tape!" Jack held the door of the City Clerk office open as he pushed Daniel's chair through.
"Jack they are just doing their job."
"Yeah, yeah. Doesn't mean I have to like what they do!"
Daniel just shook his head and sighed silently as Jack pushed him towards the truck. As they neared where they had parked, a car screeched round the corner. Jack heard the sound of popping then everything went black.
Daniel had been protected by a parked car, he knew a gun had been fired. He waited for what seemed an eternity, until the sound of the car had completely faded. Then he carefully stood up and using the arms and handles of the chair made his way round to the rear of the chair.
"Jack?" A groan answered him and he knelt down on the ground in the area he had heard it come from. He reached out with his hands and came in contact with the solid feel of Jack's chest. The dampness and tangy smell confirmed his worst fears. Jack had been shot in the chest. Acting on instinct Daniel placed his hands over Jack's chest and a strange sense of detachment came over him.
Anyone passing would have seen two young men, one lying and one kneeling, on the ground. A golden glow emanated from the younger man's hands and spread over the upper chest area of the man lying on the ground. They would have equally stunned to see three spent bullets work their way out of the wounds in the chest, then roll and fall to lie beside the kneeling youth. They would have been further amazed to see the wounds close and heal.
Eventually exhaustion engulfed Daniel and he collapsed across Jack. This was the sight that met Jack when he regained consciousness. He was convinced that he had been shot. The holes in his shirt confirmed it somewhat. As did the blood stains, that were still slightly damp. His first concern, however, was Daniel. He carefully manoeuvred and placed Daniel in the chair. Giving him the once over Jack assured himself that Daniel was alright. Then he set about trying to figure out what had happened. He had heard and felt the shots. He had woken up to find Daniel out cold and sprawled over him. His shirt had holes in it and there were also the damp blood stains. Something glinted on the ground, caught by the sunlight. Jack crouched down and found three spent bullets. He picked them up and gazed at them lying in the palm of his hand. He knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that Daniel had somehow managed to remove the bullets and heal him. He turned and looked at the still unconscious youth sat in the chair. Wonder Boy had done it again.
Daniel woke to the feel of Jack's fingers stroking through his hair and his right hand being firmly grasped. The smell and sounds told him he was back in the infirmary. He gave a gasp as recent memories came flooding back.
"Hey, hey. Easy. I'm ok. We're ok." The hand grasping his tightened.
"You almost died, Jack."
"But, I didn't. Thanks to you."
"If I hadn't been there..."
"But, you were, Danny. You were." The fingers continued to stroke through his hair and Daniel allowed himself to relax.
A few minutes later the familiar tapping of heels herald the arrival of Janet Napoleon Fraiser. The curtain swished back and Jack watched as she came and stood beside him by the bed.
"So, Doc. What's the verdict? Are we being set free?"
Janet looked at the hopeful face looking at her and gave a small smile. "There is no medical evidence that you have been shot. Despite the fact I have seen the bullets and the shirt. As for you, Daniel," she turned and look at youth lying in the bed, "the tests show that you are suffering from exhaustion, which is understandable. My prescription is rest and relaxation for at least two days. So," she gazed at the two of them. Both with hopeful looks on their faces, "there is nothing that warrants you both cluttering up my infirmary. So, yes, you are both released. Now get out of here." She gave Daniel's foot a tweak, grinned at Jack and with a further swish of the curtain left them and headed back to her office.
As Jack helped Daniel dress his mind went back over what had happened after the shooting. SG-2 had arrived fairly quickly at the scene once Jack had given Lou a call. Lou had berated himself for not being there. Jack had told him there was nothing he could have done as it had happened so quickly and also could Lou stop calling him Lazarus.
SG-2 had then transported them to the Mountain and the Doc had gone over both of them with a fine toothcomb. Daniel had slept through all of his tests. Hammond was spitting nails and everyone was keeping out of his way. Teal'c had been given the pleasure of 'talking' to Simmons about the latest development in NID activity. They all knew the NID were behind this.
He was brought out of his trip down memory lane by Daniel. "Jack, will Hammond let us go home? Or will we have to stay on base?"
Jack gave the hands he held a squeeze, "Hammond is letting us go home. But, as well as SG-2 he's also posting a number of SFs in the area." Seeing Daniel's frown, he added, "hey, it was the only way I could get him to agree to let us off base. Though the Doc was good at citing your mental stability, excreta."
Daniel gave a snort and allowed Jack to lead him out of the infirmary. They were almost out the door when Janet's voice halted them. "Chair, guys! Until Daniel is cleared of his physio any trips that involve walking for a long length of time, the chair must be used." She pointed to the wheelchair still sitting by the bed.
With a large amount of grumbling Daniel was settled into the chair and with two identical scowls aimed at Janet they left the infirmary.
Few minutes later they were sat round the briefing room table with Hammond, Sam and Teal'c.
"Well this is getting old." Jack said, as he pinged a paper clip into a plastic cup.
"If you and Dr Jackson could refrain from creating incidents that required us to meet..." Hammond paused and looked at Jack. Who then slid down in his chair and made a zipping motion with his hand across his mouth.
Hammond gave a small smile and turned his attention on Daniel. "How are you feeling, son?"
"Tired, sir, but otherwise, fine. It just took a lot out of me, sir. Dr Fraiser says a couple of days rest and I should be fully fit again."
"Good, glad to hear it, son. Teal'c has Colonel Simmons shed any light on the matter?"
"ColonelSimmons was most helpful. Indeed, he has been so helpful that DrFraiser has had to visit him. He is exhausted from all the 'talking' he has done."
"Such a shame. Please give him my sympathies." Jack murmured and then winced as Daniel sent a kick in his direction.
Teal'c gave a nod. "ColonelSimmons indicated that the recent incident involving O'Neill and DanielJackson is the result of us rescuing DanielJackson from the warehouse..."
Jack took hold of Daniel's hand, which in turn was gripped so hard he feared the blood circulation would be cut off. No reaction, whatsoever, showed on either of their faces as they continued to listen to Teal'c's account of his 'talk' with Simmons.
"ColonelSimmons is of the view that the plan was to remove O'Neill completely from the scene and acquire DanielJackson again."
"Over my dead body!" Jack said fiercely.
"It almost was, Jack." Daniel replied quietly.
"Indeed. ColonelSimmons also stated that the car they were in would have circulated round a large block. To allow time for O'Neill to expire and allow them to pick up DanielJackson."
"Yeah, right!! Like, I wouldn't put up any fight!!" Daniel exclaimed partly rising from his seat. Letting go of Jack's hand in the process.
"Easy, buddy." Jack placed a hand on Daniel's shoulder and gently pushed him back into his seat.
"Yeah, well..." Daniel muttered as he subsided back into the seat.
"ColonelSimmons also stated they would have been prepared to use the same method to subdue DanielJackson as they did the last time. However, when they returned they would have seen O'Neill alive and tending to DanielJackson. Therefore, as you Tauri say, their plan was shot to pieces."
"Thank you, Teal'c." Hammond turned to Sam who had been sitting quietly, "Major Carter have you had time to examine the bullets?"
"Yes, sir. They are of the calibre commonly used by the NID. We compared them to the calibre used in Colonel Simmons' gun and they matched perfectly. Unfortunately neither Col...sorry, Mr O'Neill or anyone from SG-2 managed to see anything of the car or the occupants and since the calibre is a very common one we have no real hope of making a match to anyone."
They all looked at Daniel when he gave a heavy sigh. Jack knew instantly that Daniel was blaming himself.
"No! Daniel, don't! It's not your fault."
"But it is, Jack! If I had my sight, I might have been able to see the number plate or recognised the make of the car."
"Yeah, but then again, it's possible that with it happening so quickly you might not. Daniel, if it wasn't for you I wouldn't be here and you would be back in the clutches of the NID."
"O'Neill is right DanielJackson. There is no blame to be attached to you. It is because of your actions that he is alive and is here to give all headaches."
"Hey!" Jack glowered at Teal'c who simply smirked back at him.
"We're almost done here, people. I have one more item to cover, which concerns you, Dr Jackson."
Daniel sat up a little straighter with a look of surprise on his face. "Sir?"
"In light of the events today, I have been in conversation with the President and we've agreed to pull you from the school it was originally planned you would attend. We think it would be to tempting a target for the NID if you were to attend there."
"Yes!" Daniel pumped the air with his arm and then, embarrassed, by his reaction muttered, "sorry, sir." Jack bit the inside of his cheek to stop himself from laughing.
"It's alright, son. We are under no illusion that you wanted to attend there. The Principle, Mrs Adamson, has been informed. However you still need to learn certain skills."
Daniel grimaced as he remembered the coffee making attempts of the previous night. A slight nudge from Jack brought his attentions back to Hammond.
"A Life Coach will visit daily in the mornings to help you develop the skills you need. Finally to keep the city authorities happy and off our backs. You will be home schooled here in the Mountain, in the afternoons. Major Carter has agreed to supervise and a curriculum is being arranged to see you through the Graduate Exam."
"It will be fun, Daniel." Sam said gently.
"Yeah, sure, fun"
"Daniel." Jack's voice held a warning in it.
Daniel sighed. "Sorry, Sam. I didn't mean to snipe at you." He flung his arms up in frustration. "Couldn't I be a dropout? I always liked the idea of being a school dropout, but never had the guts the first time round to be one." He could almost feel the waves of surprise coming from everyone. He frowned, "What? Look just because my IQ is way off the scale, doesn't mean I was required to like school. I hated it, it was boring, dull and I counted the minutes until I could leave. So, I want to be a dropout, I don't need to take any exams as I have no plans to go on to college." He took a calming breath and waited for someone to say something.
The first to respond was Jack. "Daniel, if you really hate the idea of school you don't have to do it." Jack turned to Hammond. "Sir, the only reason Daniel was going to attend school was because it was a place where he could learn Braille and other things. Now with the life coach there's no real need for him to do the school work. He is of legal school leaving age. I think, sir, if he really doesn't want to do the school work, then he doesn't have to." Daniel flashed a grateful smile in Jack's direction as he waited for the General's reply.
Hammond looked enquiringly at Sam. Who in turn shrugged her shoulders. "Sir, we haven't begun to organise everything yet. So, there will be no problem there."
Hammond gave nod. Then looked at the young man who was sat with his clenched fists resting on the table. "Very well, son. If you truly don't wish to attend school again then, as Mr O'Neill says you are at the legal school leaving age, you don't have to." He paused and gave a small smile. "It would seem, the second time round, that you get your wish. Daniel Jackson will be a school dropout."
Daniel gave a grin and a nod of thanks. Then asked, "Can I still be here in the afternoons? I mean, I can spend my time helping Jack with translations and there must be other things I can do as well."
Hammond replied, "I think that can be arranged. Ok people I think we are finally done here." He rose and looked at what he considered still to be his primary and most important team. It always amazed him how they remained as close knit and loyal despite all that the universe threw at them. They drew strength from each other, gave unstinting support and would die, and had died, for each other. Yes, he was proud, darn proud, to have them all as his premier team. He drew himself up and saluted them receiving salutes from both Jack and Sam and a deep nod from Teal'c.
Jack watched as Hammond left wondering what had caused the General to give them all that salute. Still puzzling over it he pulled Daniel's chair back from the table and looked at the other two. "You two up for some coffee and whatever they have on offer in the Commissary?" Both Teal'c and Sam nodded and together SG1 left the briefing room.
