A New Experience Part 7

Jack cooked breakfast, it had already been a very difficult morning and it was only 0700 hours. When it was ready he called, "Danny!"

Danny came through, "I'm not hungry."

"Sit down and eat."

Danny glared at him," You're not that sore," Jack said almost smiling. "Now sit, eat." Danny sat down and winced slightly. Trying to make me feel guilty won't work, Jack thought. "Are you taking your baseball things so we can practice at lunchtime?"

"Can we?" Danny was suddenly interested.

"Yes, but eat breakfast first." Danny ate quickly and then ran for his things.

When they arrived at the base Jack had a meeting with General Hammond, he came along to Danny's office after. "Busy Danny?" he asked.

"Not really."

"I've got some news for you. I'm going on a mission tomorrow. I'm going to phone Grandma and Grandpa to see if they can come watch you."

"How long are you going?"

"4 or 5 days."

"What about baseball practice?"

"Mum or dad will take you. Don't worry."

"But Jack, talk to General Hammond."

"Danny you know I've got to go, it's my job."

"I know but doesn't mean I've got to like it."

"Think I got that message kid." Jack smiled at him. Jack picked up the phone and dialed his father's number. "No, it's alright dad, I understand. I'll speak to you soon."

Danny listened to the whole conversation, " They can't come can they?"

"No Grandmas going into hospital," Danny's face went white," it's okay nothing serious, but she needs to rest for a few days after. I'll have to ask someone else."

"Who?" Danny asked.

"I'll look after Danny," a voice said. Danny turned round. General Hammond stood at the door.

"Are you sure sir?" Danny just stared at Jack. How could he? Danny thought. General Hammond would be worse than Jack. General Hammond nodded. "I'll pack some clothes for him and bring them tomorrow."

When General Hammond left Danny said," Jack don't I get a say?"

"What's wrong?"

"But Jack, General Hammond! He'll make me…."

"Do as you're told. He should be so lucky. Mind you if he can, I might leave you with him more often."

Danny gave him a filthy look. "You are evil, Jack."

"Yes, I know. At least I'll know you're safe."

"Can't I stay with someone else, please?"

"No. My mind's made up. I'll ask General Hammond to make sure you get to baseball if I'm not back in time."

"Fine, " Danny sulked. "It's going to be like being in prison. Hope you're happy."

"Very." Let General Hammond see it's not easy looking after a de-aged archaeologist who has a mind of his own and an attitude to match. "General Hammond does have grandchildren."

"But I'm not a child." Jack smiled.

Danny was not happy. He bet General Hammond would have more rules than Jack if that were possible.

Jack went to see his commanding officer, "Are you sure about looking after Danny, he can be a handful.

"I know that, Jack but how much trouble can a 6 year old get up to." Jack was running over all the things Danny had managed to get up to so far in his mind. Yes, Danny could cause havoc without even trying. Well at least he'd be on another planet.

"If I'm not back by Tuesday can you make sure he gets to baseball practice."

"Of course."

That night Danny tried to change Jack's mind," I'm sure Major Roberts would have me. Please Jack."

"No and that's final."

"You're so mean."

"It's only for a few days, now quit acting up. You're going."

"*******," Danny said under his breath. A hard slap hit his backside. "Ow!"

"Enough, go stand in the corner." Danny thought about arguing but that would only make Jack more angry and looking at his face he wasn't going to take much more attitude as he called it.

He was still sulking when Jack served dinner. He ate a couple of mouthfuls and then pushed the plate away. "If you're just going to sulk go to your bed."

Jack cleared up and then went to Danny's room. He was lying on his side. Jack pulled the cover up and tucked him in. He bent down and kissed his forehead. "Jack," a small voice said. Two small arms came up and wrapped round his neck. "I'll try to be good."

"I know you will." He gave him a cuddle. Danny was more 6 at bedtime than any other time. "Now snuggle down." He tucked the covers round him. "Night Danny."

"Night Daddy."

TBC