Jack waited impatiently, looking back and forth from the door of Janet's office to the clock on the wall at the foot of his bed and pulling at his bed sheets, threatening to rip them in two. He had watched Daniel go through that door almost an hour ago. The young archeologist had looked so sure of himself and very happy. Jack knew full well how stubborn both of his colleagues could be, but he had thought Daniel had a pretty good point. He also knew Janet would do just about anything to get him off her hands by now.
So what's taking so long?
Inside the office, the battle that had been going on for the last half hour was about to pan out. Janet could also see Daniel's determination, but it annoyed her that someone who had been on her side for the past two weeks was now turning on her. Yet the argument was convincing.
No more cantankerous colonel, complaining every time I go near him. No more of my nurses coming to me, positive that I'm the only one who can make him to behave himself. No more having to confiscate his yo-yo's as if he is a naughty grade school kid! …God, he's been a pain! Daniel has been doing well with his medical field training so far, and this nurse downstairs sounds familiar…I wonder if she's the one I keep seeing working with the pickier child patients. If she is, then she's just the person to have around with Jack O'Neill in a wheelchair! She'll put in him in his place if Daniel can't!
Coming out of this line of cheery thoughts, Janet turned her attention back to Daniel.
"Alright Daniel," she replied softly, "but not for two more days. The Colonel will need heavier bandaging to better immobilize his torso. I'll come by regularly to check him out. Also, I have to put my instructions together for you."
Daniel was sure his ears where fooling him, but he knew better than to say so, or Janet would be checking him out next. "Really, Janet? You mean it?"
"As much as I hate to admit it, I've about lost my patience with him. I think you can handle it, so we had better get him out of her before my nurses and I decide to even the playing field against him," Janet said, with a hint of mischief in her voice and eyes.
This convinced Daniel once and for all, so he didn't question Janet further.
"Now," Janet continued, "Go and tell him the good news. Maybe for the first time in two weeks he will actually cooperate with me about more tests and bandages, since he's leaving."
Daniel nodded, knowing how interesting it had been. "Thanks Janet. You're not going to regret this. I might come back two weeks from now asking why you let me do it, but I won't give up!"
"I don't doubt it. But go on now. I have a schedule to keep. Cassandra and I are expecting Sam over for pizza tonight, and I have to get home." Janet hesitated, but then said, "You are welcome to join us. Cassie has been asking how you're doing."
"I'd love to, but I have some more research to do on some pottery that SG-8 brought back, and I'm going to have my hands full making my apartment Jack-proof."
Janet laughed and nodded, then ushered Daniel out. "Maybe next time. You have five minutes to fill him in, and then he's mine, O.K.?
"Got it."
The second Jack saw Daniel's happy face emerge he knew what the verdict was. Daniel just couldn't hide it.
Jack attempted his trademark double-fisted "yes!" but was cut off as his ribs protested at the sudden movement. Saying it would have to suffice.
Daniel came over to Jack's bedside, his eyes twinkling.
"She said yes, but you have to wait two more days. She has to stiffen you up some more, and I need to clean up at home."
"Are you telling me you actually have to clean up in that home museum of yours?! It's spotless!" Jack said jokingly. He knew full well what Daniel meant. Every object of value was going to have to be moved out of his reach. And that meant just about everything.
"Yeah, well, you just be nice to Janet or she'll change her mind."
"Hey, no problem! I'll just turn up the old O'Neill charm." Jack replied, grinning.
"Oh, brother…" moaned Daniel, but he retreated through the infirmary door and out into the hall before Jack could ask what he meant.