Title: A Christmas Wish

Author: Lady Taevyn

Rating: T

Summary: Jack's son Charlie befriends a young Daniel Jackson who is living down the street from them in a bad situation.

"Hey sport, who's your friend?" Jack asked as his son walked
up the sidewalk flanked by a shaggy-haired, bespecticled boy who's
nose was firmly planted in a book about two sizes too big for him

"Dad, this is Daniel Jackson, he is staying with the
Wreskitts. Today was his first day at school. He used to live with
his mom and dad in Egypt though, isn't that cool?" Charlie said in
a rush, excited to finally get to introduce his new friend to his
dad.

"Egypt, that is pretty neat. It's nice to meet you Daniel."
Jack said his mind already going in twenty different directions
about the boy.

Daniel barely lifted his head from the large volume to say a
quickly mumbled "Nice to meet you sir" before being absorbed by the
text again.

As the pair headed further along the sidewalk in the direction of
some other kids from the neighborhood Jack wondered several things
to himself. The least of them being where he had heard the name
Jackson before, he was sure Carter would know. The most important
thought, the Wreskitts taking in another foster child. wasn't there
still an investigation after the last one. Jack was glad for one
thing, Charlie had befriended the slight boy. He was too quiet for
an eleven year old. Hopefully Charlie's rambunctiousness would rub
off on Daniel.

The pair were inseperable so it was at an oddly silent dinner table
two months later that Jack asked "What do you want for Christmas
Charlie?" Several beats and a few vegetables later Charlie answered
with a question of his own, he was getting more like Jack every
day. "Can I get something for someone else, it would kind of be for
me too?"

"That depends on what it is." Jack answered unsure of where this
was going to end up.

"I want Daniel to live with us. To be my brother. He wants it
too." Charlie said worried that his dad wouldn't agree, but knowing
he had to for Daniel.

"Charlie he's living with the Wreskitts. He can't just move in.
Where is this coming from?"

How was he going to get out of this. Charlie had promised Daniel he
wouldn't tell anyone, the things Daniel told him were scary, and
made him sad. But Charlie had 'pinky sworn' he'd keep the secret.
Now it looked like he'd have to tell "Crap" the boy said under his
breath. 'Wait a second dad's in the military, maybe that means he
can get the President to make Mr. Wreskitt stop.' Charlie's
thoughts were going a mile a minute.

"come on Charlie, I see the wheel's spinning in your head,
whats going on?" Jack asked, wondering what could be weighing on
his son so heavily.

"Dad, Daniel doesn't want to live with the Wreskitts any more,
do you think you could get the president to say he doesn't have
to?" Charlie asked sure he had come up with a great solution.

"Charlie it doesn't work like that, I don't talk to the
president. Why doesn't Daniel want to live with the Wreskitts
anymore?" Jack asked, dreading the answer. He knew about the
investigation started by aligations from the last foster child they
had.

"Daniel says Mr. Wreskitt is mean to him. He hits him alot.
Daniel showed me a bruise on his back that looks really hurty. Dad,
he shouldn't have to stay there. That's what we both want for
Christmas, for Mr. Wreskitt to stop hurting Daniel. It's the only
thing I'll ask for. I promise.

"Buddy, it's more complicated then him just moving in. There's
alot of adult stuff that would have to be done. What about when I
go on missions. I know your Grandmother wont be able to handle both
of you."

"Dad, he doesn't do anything. He sits around and reads all
day. He's real quiet"

"Yeah bud I know. I just can't give you an answer you'll like
right now. Go work on your homework, while I'll clean up from
dinner then we'll go skating."

"Ok dad." Was the boys dejected answer.

Charlie and Daniel spent just about every waking moment
together. With the startling revelation of two weeks ago Jack was
loathe to put an end to the friendship. Here Daniel was safe. Jack
wouldn't take that away from him, but could he seriously consider
bringing the boy into this family. Yes. The conclusion was quickly
reached as Jack watched the boys work on a science project to be
handed in before Christmas break. Daniel had a grasp of scholastics
that was well beyond his eleven years. He needed to be in an
environment that nurtured that, not one that stomped it down.

"So Daniel," Jack began as he came into the living room with
mugs of steaming hot chocolate for all of them knowing he had to
keep the conversation a light as possible "now that you've been
here for a couple of months what do you think of Colorado Springs?"

Daniel took a sip of the coco considering Jack's words
carefully, if this was a trick question he had to come up with the
right answer, if he didn't he knew there would be consequenses,
there always were. "Well sir, it's ok I guess. I kind of miss
the desert though, it's too cold here." Daniel realised after he
said it he had gone too far, and flinched waiting for the hit. When
it didn't come he opened his eyes to see Jack sitting relaxed on the
sofa, with the remote in hand. Daniel started closing his notebook,
and text book, getting ready to move into another room, so Mr.
O'Neill could watch tv in peace.

"Where ya going? You can stay in here and keep working, I was
just going to watch a hockey game."

"Oh, we wont bother you by being here?" Daniel asked totally
unsure of himself.

"No not at all. Infact, I'd probably bother you guys with the
game. So I'll keep the tv off for now." As they got back to work
Jack formulated his next question. "Are you excited about
Christmas? Have you told Santa what you want yet?"

"I guess so sir. It's hard without my parents. If we were on
a dig dad would usually have a tree shipped in, and get presents for
all the workers, and their families. Mom would read "The Night
Before Christmas" to me. I really miss them." Daniel said, the
emotion choking him up a bit.

"What do you say we go to the mall tomorrow, since it's
Saturday and you two can get your picture taken with Santa. Then
we'll pick out a tree. If it's ok with Mrs. Wreskitt you can stay
the night, and we'll get an early start."

"That would be cool. Can I call her now?" Daniel raised a
silent prayer glad that he would get away from Mr. Wreskitt for
atleast one night.

The next morning dawned with a fresh dusting of snow on the ground,
and the sun shining, bright but cold. Jack woke up late around 0830
to the sounds of cartoons and two giggiling boys. Laughter, a sound
he hadn't heard in this house since the accident that took Sara from
them two and a half years ago. It was a sound that went straight to
Jack's heart.

"Ok boys" Jack said risking life and limb to wade through
the 'fort' they had constructed out of blankets, in the living
room, "who's ready to go see Santa, and pick out a Christmas tree?"

Daniel stood rooted to the spot. They hadn't thought to get a
change of clothes last night, in the excitement of Mrs. Wreskitt
allowing him to spend the night movies had been picked out
and 'bookmarked' on the Dish network, trivial details had been
forgotten. Daniel was worried and in a move Jack had seen all too
often in the two+ months he had known the boy, he was hugging
himself tightly. Sure that since he didnt have a change of clothes
he wouldn't be able to go. Meaning he'd have to go back to the
Wreskitts and risk a beating for messing up plans he was sure his
foster parents made knowing he'd be out of the house.

Jack, seeing this thought process taking residence in Daniel's
brain quickly put a halt to it by saying "Charlie, do you think you
might have something that would fit Daniel so he can change his
clothes and we can get out of here?"

At this suggestion Daniel let out an audible sigh of relief and
followed Charlie out of the living room to get the day started. He
wouldn't have to go back to the Wreskitts anytime soon. Maybe his
own quietly asked for Christmas wish would come true.

It was quickly decided they would get breakfast out and head to
the mall as soon as possible. Jack not wanting to be at the mall
any longer then necessary with all the other Christmas shpooers was
hoping for a quick in and out. A stop at McDonald's and 20 minutes
later they were headed to the mall. The boys talking quietly in the
back seat of the extended cab truck. Jack caught small bits of
conversation ranging from the Christmas Daniel spent in Germany to
the time Charlie got to fly all by himself to Minniesota to spend
the holiday with Jacks parents.

As the trio climbed out of the truck at the mall they were
greeted at the entrance by a 'Salvation Army Bell-ringer' Jack gave
them each a handfull of change to drop in the kettle as they
passed. Once inside the mall christmas music could be heard playing
over the loudspeaker system just barely audible over the bustle of
shpooers. Jack's quick admonishment of "Stick close" was grumbled
at by Charlie, and agreed with studiously by Daniel who had been
separated from his parents once at the bazaar in Ciro. He didn't
like the feeling much and was glad to grab Jack's hand quickly.
They found their way to the 'Santa's Workshop' area that had been
set up in the center of the mall the boys getting in line and Jack
standing off to the side to wait for them, and pay for the keepsake
picture. Soon Charlie and Daniel were ushered up to Santa by an elf
that very closely resembled Cassie. She turned as the boys were
seated and said something quietly to another elf and strode over to
Jack.

"Happy Holidays Uncle Jack." Cassie said wiht merriment in her
voice, hugging Jack.

"How'd you get roped into this gig Cass?" Jack asked humor
evident in his tone.

"Mom volunteered me through the community center. It's a lot
of fun though." Cassie said sincerely.

Pictures quickly taken and paid for Charlie, Jack, and Daniel
headed off to wander around the mall. Jack noticed a calmness in
Daniel he hadn't ever seen before. It was then that Jack realised
where he knew the boys last name from. He had a striking
resemblence to his mother Claire Jackson. Who Jack had met briefly
once after she and her husband had figured out how to get the Star
Gate open. Giving Jack his current job, Intergalactic explorer. He
had to give this boy a better existance then the one he was
currently living. If only to honor the memory of Daniels parents.

Charlie had spotted the 'Build-a-Bear workshop' "Dad can we go
in, can we make a stuffed animal?" He asked expectantly.

"Yeah, sure. It looks like fun." Jack said resigining himself
to make this a good day for Daniels sake.

They entered they store and quickly set to work deciding which
animal to stuff. Charlie quickly picked a dog, and was off to the
stuffing machine. For Daniel the choice was a bit more difficult.
He had seen the huge amount of softly furred animals and couldn't
decide. He stopped infront of a barrel of unstuffed monkeys to read
the sign above. It stated that this was the 'Animal of the month'
and a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the monkeys would go
to the local orphaned childrens home. Jack could see the wheels
spinning in Daniels head, and made up his mind quickly.

"I don't know about you but I've always been partial to
monkeys. So I think I'll get one." This seemed to make up
Daniels mind as well as he reached into the barrel and also grabed a
monkey. Secure in the knowledge that the money would go to helping
children who's possition he had once been in. Once they got
done 'Stuffing and Fluffing' their animals a reality seemed to hit
Daniel and he stopped in the middle of the store and hugged his arms
to his chest tightly. Jack saw this and realised that Daniel didn't
have any way to pay for his monkey, and was afraid it would be taken
away from him. Jack wouldn't let that happen and he squatted down
in frnt of Daniel saying "Consider it an early christmas
present." Jack stood and headed off to find the perfect outfit.
Charlie picked out doctors scrubs, for Jack's it was an explorer
outfit complete with 'boonie hat', and Daniel chose a set of Air
Force 'blues'. Charlie must have told him that Jack was in the
service. When it came to the 'make your own birth certificate'
Charlie named his Janet, Jack went with D.J. wondering if Daniel
would understand, apparently he did as he named his monkey Colonel
Jack.

They left after paying for their animals. Next stop the toy
store, which Jack realised some marketing genius had thought to put
across the mall from the shop they were just in. "Ok guys, your
not leaving untill you've each picked out two toys." Jack said sure
that Daniel probably didn't have many toys. He came back to where
Jack was standing quickly holding two very small easy to pack and
travel with toys. Jack scowled saying "Bigger, if it takes both
hands to carry then it's big enough. Daniel walked away and came
back again about ten minutes later carrying a train set and Trivial
Pursuit.

"Is this ok, Mr. O'Neill?" Daniel asked afraid he had gone too
far.

"That's fine, buddy, and call me Jack." Jack said, realising
the young man would probably continue to call him the more formal
name till the end of time unless told otherwise.
Daniel smiled at the use of the nickname. 'This is going to be a
good Christmas' he thought to himself as they left the toy store.

As they left the toy store Jack was already planning how Daniels
Track and cars would fit with the set He and Charlie had been
putting together since Charlie could tottle down the steps to the
basement. Before leaving the mall Jack knew one more stop had to be
made that niether one of the younger boys would like. They would
all need to get nice clothes for church on Christmas Eve. Jack had
decided that Bob and Lorna Wreskitt be damned Daniel was spending
Christmas Eve and Day with Charlie and him.

"Ok boys let's try these on and get out of here I wanna get a
tree before all the good ones are taken." Jack said to get them to
hurry through the boring try on part. He just didn't want to have
to come back any closer to Christmas then was necessary.

When Jack saw what Bob had done to Daniel he saw red. Cigarette
burns to the shoulder, belt, and hand marks all over his back. Jack
wanted nothing more then to beat the man senseless at the moment.
No body hurts a child like that. Neither adult would see the light
of day for a very long time if Jack anything to do with it.

As they headed for the Tree Farm Jack was already formulating
his plan. He wasn't a Colonel in the Air Force for nothing. He
would need a professionals documentation of the injuries. He'd call
Janet when they got home. Hopefully her report would convince DCS
that Daniel needed to get out of that situation. Letters of
recomendation from General Hammond and Major Carter would go along
way in proving his fitness to be an emergency foster parent till he
could file for adoption of Daniel. They picked the biggest tree
they could find a 71/2 foot tall Douglas Fir they aptly named 'The
Beast'.

Once they got home Jack let Charlie and Daniel play outside
while he put in the call to Janet.

"Fraiser." was the clipped response he got when the call was
transfered form the main switchboard to her office.

"Janet, it's Jack. Would you mind stopping by on your way
home. I need a huge favor." Jack asked not really wanting to go
into detail over the phone.

"Sure Jack, is everything ok?" Janet asked, worry creeping
into her voice.

"Yeah, well no. It's not something I want to get into over the
phone." Was his simple reply.

"Listen Janet, I need to get off of here and check on Charlie. I
tell you everything when you get here."

"Ok Jack, I'll talk to you later." Janet said then hung up the
phone to make her mid-afternoon rounds.

"Charlie whats going on out here?" Jack yelled as he stepped
out onto the deck. He saw Bob Wreskitt grabbing Daniel and pulling
him away from the house. That was all he needed to see. Jack
bypassed the steps and jumped to the ground yelling "Get your
hands off of him, and get off my property, or I'll call the cops."
At those words Wreskitt dropped Daniels arm and advanced on
Jack. Not wanting to have a fight in front of the boys Jack told
them to get in the house and call the police. As soon as they were
in the house Jack took the other man down and held him there face in
the snow till the police got there.

"Officer, I want to press charges of assult aginst this man."
Jack stated calmly.

"I didn't touch you O'Neill." The man spat.

"No but you've been abusing the boy placed in your home for
Foster Care. That stops here and now." Jack said again in a calm
tone.

"Sir you'll have to come down to the precinct in order to
formally press charges. But if it's the way you say it is we can
hold him for 24 hours so you can come in at a time more convient to
you."

"That would be perfect officer." Jack replied as he walked
toward his home, to comfort his boys, as he had come to think of
them.

"Dad Aunt Janet's here. Cool, she brought Sam with her"
Charlie called from the living room where he and Daniel were
watching tv later that evening.

"Let them in, and tell then to come to the kitchen." Jack said
as he was setting a pot of coffee to heat. Glad he'd be able to get
both of their opinions on the situation.

"Hi Aunt Janet, Sam. This is Daniel he's going to be my
brother." Jack heard Charlie say as the front door was opened then
quickly closed to admit the guests and keep out the cold.

"Jan, Sam I'm in the kitchen, since my son forgot to mention
that." Jack yelled in mock anger for Charlie to hear. He got two
laughing faces in response as the women came into the kitchen.

"Jack what was all that brother talk about?" Janet asked
wondering if thats what he wanted to talk to her about.

"Have a seat. For what I'm about to tell you you'll need it."
As the pair seated them selves Jack started

"That little boy is Daniel Jackson, son of Claire and Mel
Jackson. The couple who's research opened the 'Gate. They died in
a museum accident about two years ago. Shortly after we started
going through. Daniel has been shuffeled from one foster home to
another. Most recently he was placed with a couple down the road
from me. I found out from Charlie they've been abusing and
neglecting him. I'm going to press charges aginst them and file for
adoption of Daniel. Janet I need you to write a formal report on
his injuries, and Sam I'll need you to write a recommendation for
me."

"By all means. We are here for you. I'll need to see either
the actual injuries, or pictures of them." Janet said the first to
gather herself from Jack's story.

"Not a problem. Daniel, can you come here, Charlie get my
digital camera out of my office."

"Ok." and "Yes sir." were the answers he got respectively.

"Why do you need the camera dad?" Charlie asked as the pair
entered the room.

"You remember how Mr. Wreskitt came here earlier," at their
nods Jack continued "Well because he did that Charlie you might
just get your Christmas Wish."

"Really. Holy Hannah" Charlie exclaimed as he hugged first
his dad then Daniel.

Charlie rushed out of the room sing-songing "I'm gonna have a
Brother, I'm gonna have a Brother." Daniel seemed torn, he wasn't
sure if he wanted to go with Charlie and let the adults talk even
though he was sure they'd be talking about him, or stay and get
comfort from Jack. Jack was the first adult he felt safe, and
comfortable with since his parents. Jack made the decision for him by
holding his arms open and saying a quiet "C'mere". Daniel went to
Jack and sat on his knees where he was immediately rewarded with a hug.

"Hey buddy I need you to do me a favor. You're not going to like
it, but it'll help get you away from Mr. Wreskitt. Do you think you
can turn around and show Doc. Janet your back?"

"You really want to adopt me?" Daniel said not believing it.

"Yeah. You've been through a lot but now it'll get better.
You'll have a real steady home. How do you feel about that?" Jack
really wanted to know his opinion.

"I'd really like that." Daniel responded in a small unsure
voice. He got off Jack's lap, turned and pulled his shirt up to show
Janet the abuse he had suffered at Bob Wreskitts hand. Janet quickly
get the camera and took several pictures. She would use these to show
Daniels case worker that he needed to taken out of that house as soon
as possible. Daniel quickly put the shirt back down and sat on Jacks
knees again.

"Janet what do you think my chances are? With working at the
Mountain? Do you really think they'll let me have him?" Jack asked
the question that had been worrying him since this whole thing
started.

"Jack I'll be honest I don't know what your chances are. There
are somethings that are working aginst you. There are also somethings
working in your favor. In the end it depends on how the Social Worker
thinks Daniel will thrive in this environment versus another one. I
need to get going make sure Cassie made it home from the community
center."

"Yeah we saw her at the mall today. Charlie got a kick out of
it." Jack said remembering how long it took to calm him down.

The dreaded day was upon them. Daniel would have to go to
the police station and give his statement. Jack had printed double
copies of the pictures Janet took. One set for the police report
and one for DCS.

"Ok boys, come on we have a lot to do today. Let's get a
move on." Jack said just wanting to get this over with.

"Dad I'm scared, what's going to happen to Daniel after
today? Will he have to go back to the Wreskitt's? I don't want him
to. I want him to stay here with us." Charlie said close to
tears. Jack grabbed him in a hug. Unable to say much for the tears
in his throat.

"I don't know Charlie; anyone with sense would know that
that man should be locked up for a very long time. As for Daniel
staying with us I don't know about that either. I would love for
him to live here. There is so much to think about. I'm going to
fight for him to be able to live here. That's all I can do."
Charlie accepted this information and let Jack go so he could get
ready. While Jack and Daniel were at the police station Charlie
would stay with Cassie. Jack didn't want both boys irreparably
scarred by this incident. As they got settled into the truck Jack
made a suggestion that he hoped would take their minds off the day
ahead.

"How about tonight after dinner we see if Aunt Janet and
Cassie want to come sledding with us?" Jack got nods of assent from
both boys. Daniel wanted to say something else. Jack had gotten
good at reading his body language. A self hug meant he was scared,
if he chewed on his lip he was worried. Sometimes as he was falling
asleep Jack even saw him suck on his thumb, as sign of insecurity.
Jack hoped with enough time spent in a caring home some of these bad
habits would be left behind.

"Jack," Daniel started in his quiet unsure tone, "can we
maybe see if Sam wants to come too. She's nice, and it was really
cool when she helped us with our science project. Her help is the
only reason we got a good grade."

Jack could tell that Daniel liked Sam so he hoped she would
be able to come along. He said to Daniel "We can call and ask her
after we get these two stops out of the way." As they neared
Janet's house Jack could hear Charlie quietly sing-songing Daniel
likes Sam. Daniel and Sam sitting in a tree…' Jack would put a
quick end to this.

"Charlie should I come in with you and tell Cassie that you
thought she was, now what's the word you used, oh yeah Hot, in the
elf costume at the mall last week?" Jack knew his job was done when
Charlie stopped picking on Daniel and started blushing. As Charlie
got out of the truck and started up the driveway Jack rolled down
the window and shouted for him to be good, and to ask about sledding
later.

Now was the tough part of the day. Jack glanced in the rear view
mirror several times as they got closer to the station. Daniel was
hugging himself and chewing on his lip. This was not good. Jack
was so out of his league right now. Give him system lords and
battle strategies over this any day of the week. Jack got down on
aching protesting knees when they got to the station and pulled
Daniel to him. This was all for Daniel Jack just had to keep
reminding himself of that and the joy he would get from seeing Bob
Wreskitt in Jail for the rest of his life. He said to Daniel before
releasing him, "Danny whatever happens from here on out I just want
you to know that I am so proud of you for being strong enough to do
this. I'm going to be right here with you for as long as they'll
let me. Don't ever doubt that." As he gave his statement to the
detective Jack noticed that Daniel sat taller and spoke stronger,
more assuredly then he could ever remember. Statement given Jack
and Daniel were allowed to go.

In the truck Jack noticed Daniel wiping at his eyes almost
convulsively.
"Daniel, we don't have to go to DCS right now. I can have the
police fax a copy of your statement to them, and I'll fax my request
for emergency foster care status. How's that sound?"

Daniel hugged Jack around the neck unable to speak. On the way
back to Janet's house Jack called Sam.

"Carter, I'm taking the kids sledding after dinner, Janet and
Cassie are supposed to be coming too. What do you say? Daniel
would really like you to come with us." Jack said knowing that
would do the trick.

"Well sir, I have several projects running that I really
shouldn't leave. But I would imagine that Daniel has had a rough
day. I can leave the projects with Felger and Lee. What time and
where did you want to meet?"

"Let's set it for 7:30 at Cassie's park." Jack said giving his
goodbye's and hanging up as they got to Janet's house.

"Damn." Jack cursed loudly. Daniel flinched quietly
whispering an I'm sorry'. The boys had just trudged back up the
hill and were readying the sled to go down again. Jack had been off
in his own world realizing that he didn't have enough presents to
give both Charlie and Daniel the kind of Christmas they deserved.
He'd have to run back out to the mall. Before he sent them back
down the hill Jack said "no Daniel I'm sorry I was just thinking, I
didn't mean to scare you. You boys ready to go again." Their shouts
of yes were quickly covered by squeals of excitement as they rushed
faster and faster down the hill. As Janet came back with cups of
steaming coffee and cocoa Jack thanked her and paid for his three.
Hating the possibility of ruining her weekend Jack didn't want to
ask but, if she said no there was always old Mrs. Partina, she'd
watch the boys no problem.

"Janet I hate to ask on such short notice but would you be
able to watch the boys for me tomorrow I need to run to the mall and
finish shopping." With Christmas being only five days away and the
kids being off school starting Tuesday tomorrow would be his only
chance.

"Of course Jack, I'd love to. One of the marks on Daniels
back looked like a cut that may have gotten infected, that'll give
me a chance to check it out and treat it." Janet responded smiling
brightly as Daniel and Charlie came back to the hill top and claimed
their cocoas. Jack knew he'd eventually have to take Daniel back to
the Wreskitt's to get clothes. They'd go tomorrow before he took
them to Janet's. Pushing them back down the hill Jack turned to
Janet and was about to thank her when he saw Lorna Wreskitt coming
toward them carrying an old battered suit case and back pack. Jack
wondered what was going on. Hi questions were answered soon enough.

"Here this is all of Daniel's things. I'm sorry this
happened. Now that Bob's in jail I can leave town, and he won't
ever be able to hit me again." With this she dropped Daniel's
things at Jack's feet and walked away quickly. That settled that
problem. Daniel wouldn't have to go near that house anymore. Both
adults looked quizzically at the retreating woman's back then at
each other neither one sure what to make of what had just happened.
They were interrupted by Sam walking up to them from the hot drink
stand a cup wrapped in her hands.

"Planning on going somewhere?" Sam asked looking at the
luggage at Jacks feet.

"No Daniel's foster mother just dropped this off and said
she was leaving town. It's everything he has." Jack's statement
cut off by the arrival of Daniel and Charlie.

"Sam you came!" Jack had to smile at Daniel's excitement.
This boy, who in the two and a half months Jack had known him had
never been one for physical contact, went straight up to Sam and
grabbed her in the fiercest hug Jack had ever seen. That was
progress. After he untangled himself from the hug Daniel noticed
his bags on the ground and looked questioningly at Jack.

"Mrs. Wreskitt just dropped them off; I think she is going
out of town for a while." Was Jacks explanation.

Daniel, looking solemn as a church mouse said with all the
emphasis of someone three times his age. "Good she deserves another
chance away from him." Everyone was stunned by the disdain in the
words of this normally quiet boy. It seemed Lorna was just as much
a victim as Daniel.

The mood was lightened when Cassie came over to the group
and stuffed a hand full of snow down Jacks back. Teams were chosen
Jack and Charlie, Sam and Daniel, Janet and Cassie and the snowball
fight was on. The snowballs volleyed back and forth, some hard
packed and others breaking softly on contact. 45 minutes later all
six warrior's were so tired, their aim so off, that most of
the missiles' were landing in a pile in the middle of the group.

Daniel said quietly to Sam "thanks for being on my team."
Then gave her an embarrassed kiss on the cheek. Walking back to the
truck Jack didn't think Daniel would ever be able to get the smile
off his face. He had to tease the boy about it.

"What are you all smiles about?" Jack asked making sure the
humor was evident in his tone.

Daniel could lie with the best of them and did so
easily. "I've never had a snowball fight before. It was a lot of
fun. Thanks for bringing me with you tonight." A yawn the likes
of which Jack had never seen before ended the statement. It would
be straight to bed for these two when they got home.

Jack was not looking forward to going to the mall so much so
that he considered just going to the bookstore for Daniel. With the
way that boy read books Jack knew he'd have a hard time keeping up
with him. What would he be interested in? Jack was completely
lost. Knowing the one gift he wanted so badly to give was out of
his reach. A stable home. With it being just days before Christmas
and knowing how slowly the government worked it could be months
before Jack go tan answer. Even then it may not be the answer he
wanted. So here he stood four days before Christmas with out the
slightest clue what to get. Thinking strategically Jack pictured
the bookshelves at the house. Trying to come up with the titles of
some of the books. After several minutes he picked up a
few fantasy' type books, because he thought the pictures on the
front were cool. Apparently the Forgotten Realms' author had heard
of Neetu, as the cover of one of the books looked about as grimy as
that Hell planet. While there Jack went back to the café area and
picked up two packages of their signature brand coffee. Janet and
Sam would love them.

Three hours and a quarter of a tank of gas later Jack felt
like he knew every shopping center in the town of Colorado Springs.
His shopping was done. He had gotten clothes and several Lego's
model sets for Daniel and another train set to add to the
collection. His last stop was to the sporting goods store. Charlie
would need a new glove for baseball and Jack thought it couldn't
hurt to get one for Daniel also. Jack couldn't resist the street
hockey gear he saw and bought it too. This was going to be a great
Christmas. He would take the gifts to work and wrap them there not
wanting to risk Charlie's sneaky side. That boy could sniff out
presents better then a dog could a rabbit.

Sitting in his office Monday going over mission reports Jack
got the call he had been waiting for.

"Hello this is Paulette Rowlinds. I am Daniel Jackson's
case worker. I got your report and request. Sir I'm calling to
inform you that you have been granted temporary emergency foster
status, since we can't get in touch with Daniel's current foster
mother. I will be coming to your home after the holidays to start
the process for full foster status. We can iron out the details
later. Is that ok Colonel O'Neill?" Jack was in shock.

"Thank you ma'am, yes that would be great. Can I ask how
this went through so quickly, not that I'm not grateful?" Jack
wondered how he had stocked up so much good karma.

"Well we had planned to grant your status after the holidays
but we received a call from a General Hammond explaining just how
dire the situation was. That was when we tried to get in touch with
Mrs. Wreskitt. She was unreachable so I made the decision to push
things through so this boy could have a good Christmas." Jack
thanked her and hung up the phone still not quite sure what had just
happened. Hammond had gotten involved. Jack would owe him big
time. After the briefing Jack waited at Hammond's office door.
Called in Jack sat and got to the point.

"Sir, I just wanted to thank you for what you did for
Daniel. It means more then you will ever know to us. You have
truly made our Christmas." Jack said getting a bit chocked up.

"From what Dr. Frasier said I had no choice but to help get
that boy out of that house. How a person could do that to a child
is beyond me. At any rate Colonel have a good holiday, and I don't
expect to see you or your team until after the first of the year.
Dismissed." Jack stood and gave a perfect salute. Then made his
way to the infirmary he thanked Janet and invited her and Cassie
over for Christmas day. On his way out he stopped by Carter's lab
and told her the news also inviting her. Jack would wait till
Christmas day to tell the boys.

Jack snapped awake. Something wasn't right. Listening to
the sounds of the house Jack heard it. Almost inaudible sobbing.
Daniel. Jack ran to the spare room they had set up for him and his
heart broke at the sight. Thumb firmly planted in Daniel's mouth he
must have been dreaming his eyes were closed. Jack went to him, and
aching knees be damned, knelt on the floor gathering Daniel to him.
Rubbing small circles on his back and whispering soothing nonsense
Jack finally managed to break Daniel out of the dream and wake him
up.

"Hey, some dream you were having. You want to talk about
it?" Jack asked in a whisper not wanting to wake Daniel too much.
Shaking his head Daniel relaxed into Jacks arms. Easing off the
floor Jack picked a slightly shaking Daniel up and carried him to
his own room. Back against the headboard Jack rocked Daniel till he
heard the soft stuttering snores that signaled sleep. In a few
hours it would be Christmas morning and Jack didn't want any more
nightmares to keep the boy from enjoying it. Precisely at 8:30 am
Charlie came into Jack's room the same as he had done every year to
jump on the bed and tell the man to get up as it was past time to
open presents. Jack saw him get a running start and held his hand
up showing the sleeping boy in his arms. Charlie stopped short and
gave his dad a questioning look.

"He had a nightmare. I think we can let him sleep a little
longer. Climb on up here." Jack said hoping Charlie wouldn't be
too upset at the situation. Charlie silently climbed onto the bed
and placed his hand softly on Daniels back. Not truly understanding
the pain Daniel must be in. Another half hour passed and Daniel
woke a bit more ready to face the day. Since his parents death
Christmas had been a tough time for Daniel. Maybe this year things
would be different. Climbing out of the bed after the boys Jack
turned and flipped the covers back over the bed. Getting to the
living room before Charlie and Daniel could rip into the multi
colored boxes Jack sat them both on the sofa.

"Boys I have one present I wanted to give you before you
open the others." Jack said letting a second of silence pass.
Seeing the expectant looks on their faces Jack couldn't wait any
longer. He had surprised himself by not telling them on Monday when
he found out.

"Charlie you got your Christmas wish. Mrs. Rowlinds called
me on Monday and told me. We're keeping Daniel." Jack was certain
he was deaf. The shouts that erupted following his announcement
could have woken the dead.

"Are you serious dad? He's really going to be my brother?"
Charlie said trying to contain his happiness.

"Yes Charlie, now if you two don't start opening these
presents I'm going to take them back." Jack said jokingly. Daniel
thought to himself, that he didn't need other presents Jack and
Charlie were the best Christmas gift ever.