Chapter Twenty-One
Jack sighed as Dr Lam came back inside after seeing off all the lab coats. "Next time you want to consult with someone about Daniel I'm asking for a full background check and a preview interview."
"I had no way of knowing he'd be such an asshole," Lam defended herself.
"Jeff's always been a bit of hot-head," said Mayfield, "it's easy to do when everyone in your life is telling you you're god's gift to genetic science."
"I know the type," said Jack, "and I don't want any of them in the mountain let alone, leave Daniel in their care."
"I see you approve of one of my choices. Dr Mayfield," Lam nodded to her.
"Well, Daniel likes her, so I'm giving her a shot," said Jack with a shrug.
"What do you mean; Daniel likes her?" asked Lam confused.
"You'll see," Jack grinned and walked out of the observation room. The two women baffled, followed him out.
Outside, Jack approached the blast doors and drew out his security card.
"Your airmen have been trying for over an hour to pry that door open," said Mayfield.
"They weren't invited," said Jack and slid the card, the lock pinged and the door opened.
"It's about time!" cried Daniel, "I thought you'd stay up there forever!"
"Then your telepathy needs a little work then doesn't it?" said Jack grinning.
"Excuse me?" said Lam while at the same time, Mayfield said, "Telepathy?"
"It's seems that Daniel has a whole bunch of tricks that we hadn't even considered," said Jack.
"It's not really telepathy, it's like I just know things that are going on in your head, sometimes it's just a vague impression, but if you're thinking about something a lot or really concentrating on it, I can see it."
"See it?" asked Lam.
"Thoughts aren't really words, they're images and sounds and perceptions, I can't explain it that well. I just know," he said with a shrug.
"And the thing in the briefing room?" asked Jack.
"That Richards guy was thinking really hard about tying me down and drilling a hole in my head, I mean really hard," said Daniel with a shudder, "I panicked and I called out for help."
"I don't understand, you haven't left the room or spoken since my colleagues and I got here," said Mayfield.
"My body never left the room, but I seem to have the ability to leave that behind, I appeared to Jack in the briefing room, and again in the observation room."
"What do you mean appeared?"
"He means he screamed at me to help him, and then proceeded to further scare the crap out of me by being in two places at once," said Jack.
"You handled it very well," said Daniel commented wryly.
"Ten years of dealing with all the weird shit that's come through that gate; nothing fazes me anymore, not even you."
"Astral projection," said Mayfield quietly.
"What?" Lam said.
"The ability to project ones consciousness outside of the body," said Daniel and Mayfield together.
"Sorry," said Daniel sheepishly.
"I have a feeling that, that is going to get somewhat irritating," said Jack.
"Tell me about it," Daniel groaned.
Jack just looked at him.
"Hey, I don't want to step on anyone's toes, anymore than you do," said Daniel and smacked Jack on the arm, "That was not nice!" he said.
"Ow!" cried Jack, "What was that for?"
"You know," Daniel glared at him.
"Oh, so now I have to be responsible for every stray thought that goes through my head?" cried Jack, "I can barely control what comes out of my mouth most days!"
"Think happy thoughts Jack," said Daniel meanly, "I have to."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"It means my telekinesis is controlled by strong sub-conscious impulses. I have a dark side Jack, and I don't want anyone have any accidents around me."
"I'm not sure I understand," said Lam
"Well, if Jack had this ability I'd probably have been shoved through a wall by now."
Jack winced, "I'm never going to live that down am I?"
"Actually, I didn't remember, myself, until not long ago."
"That's what you get for letting so many aliens futz with you cranium."
Daniel eyebrows shot up, "Jack, pot and kettle?"
"Okay," Jack conceded, "but you've still died more than I have."
"Yeah, well I had a head start."
"Gentlemen," said Dr Lam, she and Dr Mayfield were clearly confused by the banter.
Daniel just smiled and said, "The true worth of a man is measured in the battle between his conscious mind and his sub-conscious desires," which did nothing to clear things up for the two women, "We're about to find out just how good of a person I am."
"We're in luck then," said Jack, "because you're the best person I know."
Daniel blinked in surprise at the unexpected complement; he was spared having to respond, when the phone rang. Lam answered it, said a few words and hung up.
"SG-1 is on their way," she said.
That's all for now folks! Don't forget to tip you waitress, and send your complements to the chef if you enjoyed your meal.
Cynic