Lifetime Part 14

Daniel had loved his time at Catherine's. He'd never had that kind of fun before or a friend like Davey before. Pity he couldn't see him again but that was out of the question. By tomorrow he'd be 9 years old and wouldn't be able to go back to Catherine's.

Mind you that didn't mean he couldn't have some fun at home. Jack was tired when they got back to the house and had fallen asleep in front of the TV. Now was the time to have some more fun. He slipped his shoes on and went out. Freya was asleep in her basket.

He went down to the end of the street, he couldn't see any other children so he made his way to the park. There were lots of them playing soccer. He'd played before when he was an adult and had been at Cambridge University. One of the players had said he was good. He went over to watch.

"You want to play?" one of the boys asked.

"Yes." He ran on to the pitch. He was having a great time. He managed to score two goals before the boy who owned the ball had to go home for his tea.

Tea," Daniel thought. He'd better get home quickly before Jack woke up. He ran all the way home and let himself into the house. He had no idea how long he had been away.

"And just where have you been?" a voice said.

Oh oh! Daniel thought. Caught. "I went for a walk."

"Where?"

"To the park." he looked up at Jack , he was still angry. "I had such a great time today I just wanted to have more fun." Flattery and contrition would work he was sure of it. "I met some boys and we had a game of soccer. I didn't know the time, I'm sorry." He looked up at Jack. "I didn't mean to worry you. It's just I never got to do anything like this before. It's great Jack. I can play games and they really liked me. Thanks Jack." He threw himself into Jack's arms. "I'm having a great time thanks to you." Jack's face softened. He loved the fact Daniel was having such a good time. "And I promise I won't go out again without telling you. I just didn't think. I didn't mean to worry you. Honest."

" Alright. But make sure you don't do this again. I was worried sick. I'd better phone the base."

"Why?"

"I thought you'd been kidnapped. I phoned General Hammond and he put out an alert." He picked up the phone. "Yes sir," he said. "He's back. He went for a walk. Yes I'll tell him."

"Was he angry?" Daniel asked.

"A bit. He wants to see you tomorrow."

"Tomorrow? But I thought we were going to the zoo tomorrow."

"We are but he wants to see you before we go."

"Please Jack. You'll stay with me, won't you."

"Of course. His bark's worse than his bite you know? He's very fond of you."

He's also got a very hard hand, Daniel thought and he doesn't believe any of my excuses. He spent the rest of the night helping Jack make the tea and there were no arguments about going to bed. He needed Jack on his side when he went to Cheyenne Mountain tomorrow.

The ride to the mountain seemed to pass very quickly. Daniel was very nervous about seeing General Hammond. "Let's get something to eat," Jack said.

They made their way to the commissary. Mary, who served behind the counter made him a big batch of pancakes. None of the women could resist Daniel as an adult but as a child he was even more cute.

Sam joined them," Hear you've been having an adventure," she said to Daniel.

"I went to play in the park. It was great Sam. I played soccer. Have you ever played? Maybe when I'm grown up again we could have a game here."

"That would be great Danny. I've never played."

"I learnt when I studied in Cambridge. They play a lot of soccer in Great Britain." He turned to Jack. "Can I go to my office for a little while? I have some things I want to take home."

"No work, buddy."

"No just a couple of books I'd like to read."

"Okay I'll meet you there in 10."

He ran off.

"Sir. Daniel's different."

"What? Different? What do you mean he's different? He is 9 now. He does grow a year every day."

" No it's not that. He just seems more confident and sure of himself."

"That's a good thing though," Jack said. "Being in all those families when he was little wasn't good for his self esteem."

"It just seems unusual he should have changed after just a couple of days. Maybe we should talk to Dr. Fraiser."

"You go ahead I'll get Danny and head down after I've talked with General Hammond."

He went to Daniel's office. He was sitting on the floor reading a book. "Time to go."

Daniel looked a bit apprehensive. "You'll stay?"

"I said I would. Now come on. It'll not put him in a good mood if we're late." Daniel jumped up and followed Jack.

General Hammond was sitting at his desk when they arrived.

"Morning Jack, Danny. I see you're okay after your adventure," he said.

"I'm fiiine," he stuttered."

"Good. I've had a message from the Tok'ra. They want to come and discuss a text they've found with Dr. Jackson. They think it might be written in Ancient." Daniel brightened up at hearing this.

"Wow. I can't wait to see it."

"Jacob is going to be coming in a couple of days. It was found on a planet without a Stargate."

"That's odd," Daniel said.

"That's what the Tok'ra thought. They want you to have a look at it."

"I can't wait."

TBC