Chapter Eight

Carrying a small box Sam made her way through the drab halls of the SGC. She came to the door she was looking for and found it ajar. She knocked lightly, but received no response. She slowly opened the door and peeked inside.

Sam smiled brightly at the cozy scene in the VIP room. Back in his human form Daniel was fast asleep with Jackson curled up on the bed beside him. It gave her some hope to see them like this, Daniel had barely even acknowledged the dog since their return, despite the fact that Jackson had acted as his shadow.

Sam furrowed her brow as Daniel's leg started kicking as though he was chasing something. She knew he had nightmares, but he looked so peaceful that it was hard to believe that he was having one now. Usually he struggled for breath when dreaming.

Hoping to wake him gently Sam knocked quietly on the door again. Daniel's blue eyes snapped open, but there was no doubt in Sam's mind that it was Jackson who was looking out of them at her. She chuckled as Jackson pulled the still sleeping wolf hybrid closer and wiggled with excitement to see her.

Daniel woke suddenly. Looking up he started at Sam with his amber eyes widened in horror. Jackson quickly closed his blue eyes and when they opened again Daniel had clearly retaken his usual post. Just as pleased to be in either body Jackson continued to wag happily.

"I...uh...I was..." Daniel stuttered as he sat up.

"Taking a cat nap?" Sam chuckled.

"Yeah...I...uh...sleep better...please don't tell Jack."

"Your secret's safe with me."

Daniel forced a smile and then motioned for Jackson to get off the bed. Jackson happily complied. He rubbed his muzzle affectionately against his Partner's leg, Daniel pushed the animal away. Jackson seemed confused by the sudden change in treatment. Sam wasn't sure why Daniel was so hesitant to show that he enjoyed Jackson's company.

"Did you want something?" Daniel asked.

"Yeah, I brought you something."

Sam held out the box for Daniel to take. He took the box warily and opened it. Reaching inside he lifted up a green leather collar. It had a silver name plate on it that had 'Jackson' engraved into it. There was a medallion hanging from the collar. Daniel turned it over in his hand and noticed that it held the SG1 logo on one side and Earth's symbol on the other. He looked up at Sam questioningly.

"We've been looking for a fourth member for the team." Sam explained.

"What?"

"I've already talked to Colonel O'Neill about it and he said if you and Jackson went through the Air Force Service Dog program that he would have no problems with Jackson serving as a Working Dog rather than just being a Base pet."

"Sam...I don't know..."

"He's already saved your life once." Sam pointed out. "Think about it."

Sam reached down and stroked the soft fur at Jackson's neck. He wagged his tail ecstatically. She flashed Daniel one last smile and left him to think about her offer. Daniel looked down at the collar in his hand and sighed. Jackson seemed to sense something was wrong and hesitantly licked at Daniel's hand.

"I had a dog once, you know." Daniel said sadly to Jackson. "After losing my parents my social worker thought a dog could somehow replace them. As much as I hate to admit it, she did help...until she died a year later."

Jackson watched Daniel intently, as though desperately trying to understand what he was saying. He nuzzled Daniel once more, and then sat down and lifted up his paw before laying down. Jackson was trying all the tricks he knew in an attempt to garner some form of approval.

Daniel looked at the collar again and smiled. He knelt down and secured it around Jackson's neck. The animal looked almost proud to be wearing it. He looked up and dared to lick the underside of Daniel's jaw.

"Welcome to the team..."