No excuses - just RL. I'm so sorry for leaving you all hanging and thank you for the lovely comments and nudges from a few of you. I promise to finish all my stories - I just find it hard to make time with everything in my life right now. I'll be updating my other stories in the next couple of days. Thanks for your patience.
"She said your leg is healed Jack. You can probably take the brace off now." Daniel was looking down at his friend, trying to hide his concern but, being Daniel, wasn't doing a great job at it.
Jack nodded but continued to stare at the ceiling. He'd counted on the healing device working although he should have known better. Murphy's law reigned supreme again. The good news was he felt better physically. The bad? Well, his brain felt weird, if fact it felt weirder than before the healing device. It was almost as if the damn thing had activated something – or maybe caused whatever was in his head to kick into high gear. At this moment his brain felt like it didn't quite fit in his skull; an unpleasant feeling to say the least. He frowned – what if it was swelling? What if it exploded? It would be like something out of a horror movie, with brains all over his living room. No, he laughed suddenly. He had to stop his imagination from getting away from him. And he had to figure out what the hell was going on. For that he needed Jackson and Thor and – Carter! Hell, he'd always needed Carter and now more than ever. He sat for a few seconds thinking about – his Second. He laughed again.
"Jack?"
He started and turned to face his friend, finally brought out of his thoughts by the sound of the other man's voice. He glanced at Daniel and sighed - and then pushed himself up. He did a quick knee bend – at least as much of a one as he could with the brace still on. Well, at least his leg was better – and the rest of him felt good too – stronger than since his accident. With another deep breath he leaned over and began to release the Velcro straps that secured the brace. Once it was off he tossed it over to the side of his room and then looked up at Daniel, a wry grin across his face.
"Eamus", he held out his hand, indicating that it was time to leave his bedroom.
Daniel grimaced but nodded and wished to hell he knew what to do.
He threw the bottle across the room and watched as it smashed against the wall, dripping beer and foam down the surface and onto his floor. Well, wasn't that a mature thing to do, he asked himself? Yup, he was going insane and if he wasn't careful they'd soon take him away in a strait-jacket and place him in a padded room like the one in which they'd kept Daniel.
Sighing, he went and collected a broom and dustpan as well as some rags and spent the next twenty minutes cleaning up the mess. He had to get out of the house and do something. He'd been back over a week and was bored out of his mind. Of course, along with boredom was the fear that he would be stuck like this for the rest of his life. That he tried to ignore, but the thoughts kept creeping up on him, especially when he was alone
No matter what he tried, he couldn't seem to speak English. And he had lost the ability to tell whether he was thinking in English or whether everything was now in Ancient. Surprisingly, he could usually understand what people were saying although there was still the odd time when he couldn't – and that was just plain weird. Even Daniel didn't have a theory for that.
Of course, all this made it extremely difficult for him to go anywhere. He could pretend that he was a foreigner who didn't speak English, although he quickly grew frustrated at not being able to interact with people and had to have Daniel or Sam accompany him. It had been too humiliating and he'd instead stayed home.
He had tried to spend some time outside rather than stay stuck in his house but that ended up being even worse. His neighbor had come over to speak with him and he'd had to pretend to have laryngitis. He figured Barry had believed it, but that would only work for a few days. After that episode he'd stayed inside.
Nope – he couldn't do this anymore. With a frustrated groan he threw down the cleaning cloth and strode to the front door. Grabbing his keys he quickly made his escape.
"Colonel." Captain Jamison nodded as he passed the man in the hallway. He grunted in return, not knowing, and right now not particularly caring, if everyone knew of his – difficulty – or not.
"Colonel O'Neill?" The general looked up from his paper work, startled to see his senior officer standing in his doorway. "I didn't know you were here today. Come in, come in."
Jack nodded and strode through the doorway until he was in front of his superior's desk. He suddenly seemed to realize that this was rather a stupid move on his part. It's not like he could actually speak with Hammond.
He made a small sound of irritation, causing the general to give a sympathetic smile.
"Sit down Jack", Hammond indicated the chair. "Still not speaking?"
Jack shook his head, looking even more frustrated. He held up his hand and rolled his eyes, trying to demonstrate how he was feeling. He figured he didn't really have to do that however – he was pretty sure George had at least an inkling of how - angry and frustrated he was.
"We still haven't heard from Thor", Hammond told him, assuming correctly that he'd want to know. "We are continuing to send messages and I'm sure we'll hear something soon."
Jack nodded and gave a small smile, even though he didn't feel in the least bit happy. Okay. Now what? He looked at the general rather helplessly, not knowing what else to do.
"How are you doing Jack?" Hammond frowned, looking and sounding concerned.
Jack shrugged. How should he be doing?
The general sighed and pushed his chair back. "Look son – I know this is difficult, but I'm afraid there's nothing we can do until Thor gets here. I know that Major Carter and Dr. Frasier are looking into everything possible. Just try and be patient."
He scowled but nodded. There was really nothing else he could do. With a sigh he stood up. There was no point in staying any longer since he couldn't say anything the general would understand. Hammond was right. He just had to be patient.
"Don't worry Colonel – we'll find a solution to this."
"Gratias general", Jack said, a slight twist to his lips. He then stood straight and saluted – unnecessary he knew, but it was a way to say thanks and show his respect to this man, who he knew was doing everything he could.
He next wandered down to Daniel's lab to bug the space monkey and try and get his mind off everything, He was rather surprised, when he got there, to see both Carter and Teal'c in with his intended tormentee. He simply raised his eyebrows, the question obvious.
"Oh, hi Jack", Daniel glanced up, sounding distracted. "We were just going over some things here. I was checking on some of my Ancient writings to determine if there was anything that might help."
When Jack looked over, curiously, to Carter and Teal'c, it was the Major who answered. "We're helping him Sir", she explained. "He's got us going through a number of the translations to see if anything sticks out."
He nodded, knowing there was nothing he could say. He hated this. With a sigh he wandered over to Daniel's table and sat down on a high stool. He listlessly reached out and grabbed one of the texts, figuring that maybe he could help. He missed the look that passed between his teammates – the look of worry and fear.
God, the Ancients were arrogant! Jack flipped another page in the book he was reading and had to restrain himself from throwing the dam thing against the wall, like he'd done with his beer. Of course, this wouldn't be nearly as satisfying – that and he'd have to contend with an irate Daniel. You just didn't screw around with books with Jackson in the vicinity.
He began to twirl around on the bench – still bored and no closer to a solution than when he'd sat down. The others glanced up at him, clearly wanting to tell him to stop but either too careful not to object to the actions of a superior officer (in Sam's case), too distracted (in Daniel's), or too long-suffering (Teal'c) to actually say anything. He was just about to jump up and head to the commissary for something to eat – preferably something filled with sinful but delicious calories, when the claxons sounded, indicating that something was happening.
He immediately jumped down and headed towards the door, completely forgetting that he was on leave. He was followed closely by the rest of his team, all wanting to know what was going on.
He asked one of the SF's who ran past, but the man looked at him strangely and continued on. It took him a moment to realize that the man wasn't being insubordinate – he simply hadn't understood. He'd asked the question in Ancient. Jack growled in frustration and reached out and grabbed Daniel's arm.
"Quod facto est?"
"Uh – I don't know any more than you do Jack", Daniel answered.
"Ipsicoris!"
"Okay, okay."
"What's he saying Daniel?" Sam was walking quickly beside the men, all of them heading towards the Gate room.
"He wants me to find out what's going on." Just then they spotted one of the medics rushing ahead of them. "Hey – Stevens – what's happening?"
"Sg-5 and 6 came in hot", he called in reply. "There are injuries."
"Damnato!" Jack exclaimed, beginning to run faster. They soon arrived at the Gate room, to see all in chaos. A medical team was there but was already on its way to the Infirmary when they arrived. From the frantic voices and the speed with which they moved, it didn't look good for whoever had been injured.
A second team was looking at another soldier, collapsed on the ramp. They too moved quickly and soon the fallen person – a woman – was being gently lifted onto a gurney and was whisked off. Everyone else had obviously already gone or been taken to the Infirmary.
The whole thing had taken a few seconds and now the only things that remained were the Gate room SF's and lots of blood and equipment – dropped by the returning teams. Jack moved slowly to look at General Hammond, who was standing out of the way, looking shocked. He could see the older man take a deep breath and instantly he was back in full control.
"Clear everything out here people and find out what the hell happened!" He began to turn away when he noticed the members of Sg-1 standing off to one side. He sighed. "I'm afraid there's nothing you can do folks. It's up to the medical staff now."
"What happened Sir?" Sam stepped forward. Normally she would have waited for the Colonel to speak but now –.
"We don't know yet Major. A radio message came through just as the gate opened – Captain Shaw said they were under attack and were coming in hot. A moment later they ran through the gate – all of them injured, a couple of them seriously. I'll wait until Dr. Frasier gives the go ahead and then I'll try and find out. In the meantime – there's nothing you can do. I suggest everyone clear out. Dr. Frasier will have things under control."
"Thank you Sir." Carter nodded and looked back at her team. They were all standing quietly, concerned about their fellow officers but knowing there was really nothing they could do to help. The situation they had just witnessed was one they all dreaded – but knew could happen to any of them. They just prayed that no one would die or had been injured too badly.
"Anybody for a cup of coffee?" Daniel asked.
"I believe that would be good Daniel Jackson", Teal'c agreed. Sam nodded and the three of them turned. It was Daniel who looked back at Jack.
"You coming?"
"Hmm?" he blinked and seemed to notice the others for the first time since entering the Gate room. He nodded and stepped in behind them.
They'd made it half-way to the Commissary when Jack suddenly stopped. Something was bothering him – but he couldn't figure out what it was. Without warning he turned and moved in the opposite direction – knowing he had no choice but to follow whatever force was moving him.
"Jack! Where are you going?"
He glanced back at Daniel and shrugged but then kept walking.
"What's he doing?" the archaeologist asked his companions. Sam shrugged in imitation of her commanding officer and Teal'c lifted an eyebrow. With a sigh Daniel turned and followed the Colonel. A second later so too did the other members of their team. Where Jack went – they followed.
"I'm sorry Sir", the nurse glanced up. "I'm afraid we have an emergency. The doctor can't see you right now."
Jack ignored her and kept walking back towards the area from which all the sounds were emanating.
"Sir!" she called after him.
"It's okay Lieutenant", Major Carter spoke to her kindly. "He's – uh – don't worry. We'll tell Dr. Frasier you tried to stop him."
"Oh – okay Major – but – wait", she called as Carter moved on too. "You can't go in there."
Carter ignored the poor woman, as did Daniel. It was Teal'c who stopped and spoke with her.
"Do not worry Lieutenant Bigelow. Colonel O'Neill is here to help. I will ensure he does not get in the way."
Bigelow sighed, and put her hand through her hair. She'd always been told that Sg-1 was a force unto itself – and so who was she to try and stop it. Dr. Frasier could deal with them. "Okay – but I'm not taking responsibility if anything happens."
"Of course you will not." With that Teal'c turned and followed his friends, leaving the nurse who wasn't quite sure whether she'd been shown sympathy or had been insulted.
"Colonel!" Janet looked up from the battered body of the soldier in front of her. "What are you doing here? You have to leave. I've got severely injured men and women here – I don't have time to deal with you now."
Janet was nothing if not blunt when she needed to be, thought Jack, although he soon forget about her and everything else in the room. He had eyes for no one else but Morrison – the soldier on the table.
It didn't take an expert to know that there was no way the young woman could survive. She'd taken a staff blast, or something similar, directly to her chest. The wound was horrible – he could see blood and tissue and bone. He wondered for a second if she was still alive but then realized that Janet wouldn't still be standing there if she was dead. He stepped closer.
Janet had turned back to her patient and was issuing sharp orders to her staff. Her voice clearly indicated she knew it was hopeless – but also that she wouldn't give up until she had no other choice.
Jack stepped even closer, his eyes steady on the body of the young soldier. He remembered her. She had been in one of his training groups and he'd seen her potential. She was young and green – and idealistic – but smart. In many ways she had reminded him of a young Sam Carter. And there was no way in hell he was going to let her die.
"Colonel!" Janet had noticed that he hadn't left. "What the hell – you have to leave now!"
He continued to ignore her but walked up to the table until he was right next to Morrison. He could tell – he didn't know how – that she had but seconds left to live.
"Colonel!" Janet sounded frantic and reached out to grab him. It was then that Daniel stepped forward.
"No Janet – let him."
"But Daniel -"
"Look", he nodded his head towards Jack, who had put out his hands and gently laid them down directly on the young woman's wound.
"He can't – Daniel, what's going on?"
"He's trying to heal her. I think – he's gone Ancient."
Janet looked on, stunned, and swallowed. She knew there was nothing she could do for Morrison – her wounds were too grave. She hadn't given up, because she never would, but they had all known the young soldier was going to die. It was for that reason that she stilled now. She didn't think this was going to work, but if there was even a small chance that Daniel was right, she'd have to let the Colonel try.
They all stood and watched as O'Neill stood there, a look of intense concentration on his face. Nothing seemed to be happening – at least not at first. It must have been almost five minutes later before anything changed. Morrison – who had been still as death – suddenly took a deep breath, a small groan leaving her throat.
"What the -" Janet stepped forward, not knowing what to do but feeling like she had to do something. An arm reached out and again held her back. This time it was Sam's. Her head lifted and her eyes connected with those of her friend. "Sam?"
"I don't know Janet", she said softly. "But this way she might have a chance." Sam had known, just as had Jack, that Susan Morrison was dying. If he couldn't help her then there was no chance for her.
"Look", Daniel whispered, pointing to Susan's chest. "It's working."
And it was. The wound – although still terrible looking – was starting to heal. Jack continued to stand there, his hands touching her. His eyes were glazed and he appeared to be in a trance, his whole being focused on the young woman in front of him.
It was another ten minutes before they knew for sure that Lieutenant Morrison was going to live. By that time the wound was healed – the skin still pink and tender looking, but now closed. She was breathing deeply and color was returning to her bleach white skin. Janet was checking her vital signs and was shaking her head – not with despair, but with disbelief.
"Her pulse is 60, her blood pressure 110 over 65. Her temperature is almost normal. What the hell just happened?"
"Jack", Daniel whispered. "Jack happened."
It was at that moment that the Colonel withdrew his hands. His eyes lifted and he stared directly at Carter, a look of shock on his face. His mouth opened as if to speak but before anything came out his eyes rolled back into his head and he collapsed. He would have fallen to the floor if it wasn't for Teal'c, who caught him.
The last thing that ran through Jack's mind, right before he lost consciousness, was 'holy crap – I'm a damned Ancient!"