Part 6

They drove to the base, Jack could see all the airmen staring at Daniel as they walked down the corridors to the lift. One look from Jack and they soon stopped. He left Daniel in his office working on a translation. "I'm going to speak to General Hammond," he said as he left but he doubted Daniel even heard him.

He knocked on General Hammond's door and entered. General Hammond pointed to the seat in front of him and he finished signing some papers.

"Rather you than me sir. I don't think I could cope with all the paper work."

"You'd adjust Jack just like I had to. I haven't always been behind a desk you know?"

"I know sir. About Daniel?"

"Yes."

"He wants to keep working here. I know he won't be able to work the hours he did before but he is still the only person we have who can speak Goa'uld fluently."

"I understand that but does he realise he can't work as long as he would like."

"I'll try and get him to understand but you know Daniel."

"Only too well Jack."

"I have another request as well. I'd like to be able to tell my father about Daniel. I plan to go and see him and I don't want him to get used to having a grandson and then losing him, he's already been through that."

"I understand. I'll speak to the President and see what he says."

"Thank you sir. Did you think about my request for a week's leave?"

"It's granted Jack. I think you and Daniel need some time together to adjust."

"Thanks again sir. I owe you."

"I'll remember that Colonel."

Jack hurried along to Daniel's office but there was no sign of him. I'm going to have to break him of that habit of disappearing Jack thought. He went down to Sam's office and there he was sitting on a chair beside her.

"What ya doin'?" Jack asked. Sam turned to start an explanation. "The easy answer Carter."

"Jack, why do you pretend not to understand us?" Daniel asked.

"What?"

"You always do it. We know you understand more than you let on you do."

"Now you've given my secret away Carter will expect me to listen to all her explanations. You'll pay for that." Daniel giggled. Jack loved the sound. "I like to keep people on their toes, if they think you're dumb they'll often say things in front of you. Confuse the enemy, that's my motto."

"But we're not the enemy sir," Carter said.

"You know what I mean." He went over to Daniel. "And next time you leave your office, leave a note and let me know where you're going." Daniel went a deep shade of red. It was one thing to be told off in private, it was quite another in front of Sam.

"Jack, I only came here. I bet you didn't even have to think to work out where I was."

"Not the point."

"So what is? You just like controlling my life and this has given you the best opportunity."

"I am not trying to control your life. I just need to keep you safe."

"What are you worried about? Little green men coming to take me away? Oh sorry little grey men."

"Very funny squirt." He tweaked Daniel's nose.

The phone in Sam's office rang and she answered it only to hand it to Jack.

He listened and then said," Thank you sir. Daniel and I will be away for a week."

He put the phone down. "A week? Why?"

"We're going to visit my dad. And you're coming too. General Hammond got permission for me to tell him what happened."

"I can't leave Jack. I've got too much to do."

"Well you are so delegate. It's about time you learned how to do that."

"I didn't know you were in contact with your dad, sir," Sam said trying to stop the argument before it started.

"I haven't been but after what happened to you and Daniel I thought I should try again."

"I'm glad sir."

"I don't need to go."

"Yes you do," Jack held up his hand. "We're both going and that's that."

Teal'c came in. "It is good to see you Daniel Jackson. I like your trousers. What does the motif mean?"

"It's just for decoration. Kids like wearing them. I did try to buy a t shirt with a huge skull on it but Jack wouldn't let me."

"I didn't think it was suitable. So sue me."

"I might just do that. After all it is my money. I earn it." Jack raised his eyes.

"I'm going to my office to phone dad." He pointed to Daniel," And you stay here."

"Yes dad," Daniel said sarcastically. Sam snorted and Teal'c raised an eyebrow.

Jack phoned his father.

"Sean O'Neill speaking."

Jack hesitated. It was a long time since they'd spoken, his fault not his dad's. There was no going back now. "Dad."

"Jack. It's good to hear your voice. How have you been? You're not ill?"

"I'm fine. I just wanted to know if I could come visit. I've got someone I want to introduce to you."

"Who?"

"You'll find out when I arrive. Is it alright if we come today?"

"This is your home son."

"We'll be there soon. Bye"

He went back to Sam's and collected Daniel. They drove home to pack.

TBC