Previously in chapter 25 - Captain Guernsey watched on the monitors as the SecDef, SecAF, and Generals Mantley, Hammond and Landry arrived right on schedule and entered the President's quarters. He marked Major Davis off his list too, glad to know they wouldn't have to go looking for the SGC/Pentagon liaison. The senior officer had many years of experience in coordinating information and planning, and having spent considerable time at the mountain complex, knew it very well. It was good that the man would be locked in with the President and the others. Guernsey then counted the number of secret service left outside along with the SFs in the corridor and checked the levels above and below to make sure everyone was where they were supposed to be.

Chapter 26

Before dinner President Hayes and his dinner guests had enjoyed nonalcoholic drinks and a few appetizers prepared by the SGC chef and kitchen staff. Tonic, sparkling water, club soda and bloody Mary mix had been provided for variety, as well as Dr Pepper, 7Up, ginger ale and V8 juice. They had lemon and lime juice, lemon and lime slices, green olives and celery sticks. They could add salt, pepper, Tabasco sauce or grenadine. The SecDef had mentioned a drink called a pinkrush*, but nobody wanted to try one without the white rum, and then they went on to have a discussion about which drinks were for men and which ones were for women. They tried to come up with unisex drinks, and both Hammond and Hayes wished Jack had been there for that because he surely wouldn't have been shy about voicing his opinions on the subject. It would have been priceless entertainment.

The hors d'oeuvres, utilizing crackers and thinly sliced toasted Ciabatta bread, were delicious, considering many had been prepared using sliced Spam and Spam spread. Only the military officers recognized the pink pork product, but they didn't care because they liked the stuff. The mess stored cases of the different Hormel varieties for everyday use and emergency rations, probably just like every other US military base on the planet. The different bite size Spam appetizers, one served cold and two served warm, were excellent and disappeared quickly. Other appetizers were deviled ham with cheese and pimento and chipped beef with cream cheese and red onion. These were easy for the mess staff since deviled ham and chipped beef were also stored in large quantities, though these days chipped beef on toast was only served for breakfast twice a week at the mountain base. It hadn't been that many years since the creamy, tasty SOS* meal had been available everyday, and not just for breakfast either.

The detour to talking about food and mocktails* had been good for all of them. It had been a stressful day, and they still needed to finish discussing the possible threat and the security test. All afternoon they had tried to keep their minds off Jack. It was hard though, especially for those who had witnessed his suffering. It wasn't long before they were all seated at the table, awaiting the meal prepared just for them. Once the food arrived and the servers had departed, the doors were closed, leaving the men to their private discussion.

The men ate their meal without conversation for a few minutes until Major Paul Davis broke the silence. "Is General O'Neill having dinner with his former team, General?" He was looking at Hammond, who was adding freshly ground pepper to his baked potato. The General's strong hands twisted the big pepper mill easily.

Passing the wooden grinder to Mantley, General Hammond somberly responded, "No, he's not." The next few minutes were spent telling the Major about what had happened that morning

Paul Davis was surprised. He'd known about personality clashes and practical jokes at the mountain complex. He knew about skirmishes when personnel were under alien influence, but never a blatant assault without a reason. And never an attack on a senior officer. They hadn't revealed much information about O'Neill's condition and he hoped it wasn't anything too serious. He was fond of the Major General, and had enjoyed working with him in DC. His pondering was interrupted by someone knocking on the door. The President called out for them to enter and the door opened to reveal a secret service agent who told them there was a phone call for General Landry. Hank excused himself and went out the door, the agent closing it behind them.

*~*~*~*~*

The decision to transfer General Jack O'Neill had been made. It was the best call under the circumstances and, according to the doctors, the only decision they could make to safeguard Jack. Hank Landry had listened to his daughter explain Jack's condition and how at the very least he needed to be examined by a neurologist. She even told him him that moving the General made much more sense than bringing in a specialist, because Jack might need to be seen by two specialists. Jack's head trauma sequelae could be treated by Dr. Lam or a neurologist, but if he needed surgery, a neurosurgeon would be required. If wasn't outside the realm of possibility for Jack to need an operation, so being where he could get all the care his condition required was their responsibility. That meant moving him to the Air Force Academy Hospital and it was going to happen very soon. When he finished with his daughter, Landry had called the duty officer just to make sure everything had been arranged. In the back of his mind and in his heart he knew there was nothing for him to do because his personnel would have already taken care of it. He just needed something to delay his return to dinner. The others, especially Hammond, Mantley and the President were very fond of Jack, and telling them that the man was not only not any better, but worse, was something he wasn't looking forward to doing. When he couldn't bring himself to stall any longer, Landry returned and found the President and the others discussing the differences between grilling, frying and broiling.

President Hayes was in the middle of a story about the new White House Chef when he glanced up and saw Landry in the doorway. The look on the General's face explained a lot, and while it didn't appear the call was about anything catastrophic, whatever it was wasn't good. His gut told him the phone call had been about Jack and the decision to move him to the Academy Hospital. He briefly wondered if stopping at the hospital before going to Peterson was feasible, but discounted it. There wouldn't be enough time and then there were the local authorities, Academy security and the secret service, making it a lot to coordinate in a very short amount of time. Plus the advance team would want to be at the Academy and in the hospital for more than a couple of hours. Going there tonight just wasn't practical.

"Hank?" All the men at the table looked at the SGC base commander.

General Landry heard the President say his name and mentally shook himself. Remembering that Jack was not dead and was hanging in there, he nodded at the greeting, noticed everyone looking at him and went to his chair. "That was Carolyn on the phone." He sat down, depositing his napkin onto his lap, and reached for his glass.

Hammond felt as tired as Landry looked. He stated, "Jack's going to the Academy." He knew his conclusion was correct.

Nodding, Landry said, "Yeah, right away." He was still angry it had happened at all, and embarrassed it had happened on his base. He'd considered releasing the civilian to her quarters, but now that his anger had returned full force, he decided to leave her overnight in the holding cell where she'd been since the morning. "The doctors did another scan. They didn't see a skull fracture, but they confirmed that his brain is bruised," he stated grimly. "She explained that traumatic brain injuries can result in contusions. That's the bruising." He swallowed a couple of sips of water before continuing. "The good news is they don't see any evidence of a hematoma." He saw blank looks on a couple of the men so he added, "That's a collection of blood where it doesn't belong." Carolyn had clarified it for him, so he certainly understood why someone else would need the same. Landry waited for the information to sink in. They all knew Jack didn't have a minor bump and that he could possibly have a severe injury with serious consequences. "His condition continues to deteriorate, so they don't believe there's any choice other than moving him." He sighed and saw the expressions on the others. They were concerned too.

The SecAF volunteered information from his own experience. "When my son was injured in a motorcycle accident, the doctors explained about blows to the head. Even head injuries not causing unconsciousness can result in contusions, skull fracture and hematomas." He seemed deep in thought for a moment, perhaps recalling those first hours, days and weeks following his son's accident. "I swear I learned more about head injuries than I ever wanted to know." The 25 year old had been hit by a car that was changing lanes on a frontage road. Thank goodness they'd both been only going about 35mph or it could have been so much worse.

"I don't even want to think about having to find another head of Homeworld," the SecAF admitted. Suddenly realizing what he'd said, he backpedaled. "Sorry, I didn't mean that like it sounded."

Hayes responded immediately with, "We know you didn't." He saw the SecDef shrug and admitted, "I've tried not to think about that." Having Jack O'Neill in Hammond's old job in DC had been just what the program needed. Even with Jack's defiance of the IOA three weeks before, relations with them had never been better. It was as if the civilians needed someone to tick them off, forcing them to actually look at a different point of view. Hammond had dealt with the group for a short time while he was head of Homeworld, but he hadn't ever been in a position like O'Neill found himself. At least the civilians were talking to each other and surprisingly, talking to Jack too. Instead of dictating, they were asking for his opinions. Hayes believed it was a major breakthrough in cooperation between the different groups, and would benefit them all in the long run.

President Hayes noticed everyone's worried expressions. They were all as worried as he was about Jack. Attempting to cheer up everyone, he said, "Rick made a complete recovery and so will Jack." The young man had indeed fully recovered and now a year later showed no sign at all that he'd been in a coma for fourteen days. The President's statement was more wishful thinking than fact, but it did the trick as they all seemed a little more upbeat afterward. Landry remembered something else his daughter had told him. He explained about Dr. Jackson and Vala Mal Doran showing up in the infirmary looking for Jack, or at least information about him.

"Sounds like the gag order is working well," the SecAF exclaimed sarcastically before taking a bite of his dinner.

"It was only a matter of time," Hammond admitted, adding fresh ground pepper to his scalloped potatoes. "You're going to have to tell them, Hank."

Landry nodded, knowing it was inevitable in any case. "I suppose I should have SG-1 report to the briefing room."

"Finish your meal first. It can wait," Hayes reassured him, taking a bite of asparagus. The meal was delicious, and there was no reason for any of it to go to waste. He watched Landry hesitate, perhaps mulling over whether he should stay and eat, or leave. Then the General stabbed at his food, finally taking a bite, and then another. The President was reassured that Landry was staying, postponing the meeting with SG-1 until a little later. For a moment he wondered what Landry would say to the team without violating Jack's privacy. At least three members of SG-1 weren't going to be happy about being kept in the dark. A fork clinked on a plate, bringing Hayes back to his dinner guests. They were all still eating and showed no indications they even noticed he had zoned out for a minute.

His mind returned to the head of Homeworld Security and he solemnly admitted, "I have to go back to Washington tomorrow evening, and I wanted Jack with me." He'd canceled Jack's leave and insisted the man return to Washington with him. He wasn't a coward, but he had left it to Hammond to break the news. Oh sure, they'd reached a compromise. He would take Air Force One to California and stop for Jack on the way back. Hammond had told him that Jack was disappointed, but accepted the new arrangement with the understanding that he'd get his leave in a few weeks, and that his transportation out of and into Washington wouldn't be on a commercial airline.

"Maybe that can still happen, sir. We'll ask the doctors," Mantley offered, trying to sound optimistic, though he and the others knew it was unlikely that Jack would be up to flying. Would the specialists at the Academy Hospital release him? Maybe, after Jack was evaluated. Perhaps it was just time that the Major General needed for his brain to recover, and it wasn't like they didn't have doctors on Air Force One and in the nation's capital.

They continued eating dinner, knowing there was nothing to do but worry. The meal was wonderful, Jack would have approved, and the men finished almost everything. They discussed the security threat and decided to wait on the test until the key cards could be located. Someone would need to ask Jack where he had stashed them. Knowing how the man's mind worked, they could be anywhere.

*~*~*~*~*

Returning to the monitors, Guernsey checked the elevators and corridors again. His personnel had moved wheeled carts and pallets into position and were in place, waiting. He made a quick call and then sat back to watch. Like a choreographed musical, in less than a minute all the SGC personnel on those levels had been dealt with and the wheeled carts and pallets were in place. Using the keyboard, he locked out the elevator service to those levels. He heard conversation from the corridor and turned to see two of his men. The Major's body, still on the floor, was dragged into the doorway and into the hallway. Guernsey knew they'd find a place for the body where it wouldn't be found right away. He hadn't wanted to kill the man. It was the major's fault for coming back too soon. Perhaps he could have just incapacitated him, but he'd had to use lethal force to keep the officer from being able to fight back. Giving him that chance would have jeopardized the whole mission. He shook off the small amount of regret he was feeling and looked at the monitors to confirm that everything was going well. His men were fast and efficient and as soon as most of his personnel received radios and were armed, it would be time to round up the rest of the SGC personnel.

*~*~*~*~*

"Okay, we need orders completed and signed for his transfer," Dr. Bishop told the nurse who was writing up everything. He wrote while he talked, and she wrote while he talked. The nurse was completely professional, used to fast talking doctors.

When he finished, she repeated back to him, "TBI at 1030 hours today." She continued before ending with, " LP confirmed elevated ICP."

"Let's have someone notify the Hospital Commander and the Academy Superintendent. It's not everyday they get a Major General brought in by helicopter." The nurse nodded in understanding and having finished the written orders, she left to inform the Academy Hospital about their soon-to-be arriving patient.

*~*~*~*~*

On sub levels 16, 19 and 20, Captain Guernsey could see his people beginning to load the armaments they had removed from the weapons stores. He started unlocking some doors and securing others. The elevator presets kicked in, making it available only on select floors at certain times. These included the sub levels with armory, stores, MALP room, mechanical and electrical maintenance, infirmary and food service. The security monitors revealed more of his men moving into position. He heard a lot of noise coming from the corridor on his own level and stepped out to see several wheeled carts being moved to the elevator.

"Not yet," he told them. "That doesn't leave this level until all the SGC personnel, military and civilian, are locked up."

The men looked disappointed, obviously wanting to get things moving, but they obeyed their leader and rolled the carts to the side of the hallway. Guernsey gave them a look of approval before telling them where to report.

*~*~*~*

SG-1's empty dishes were stacked on the table. Not one morsel was left. The meal had been consumed with very little conversation and even Daniel cleaned his plate. They hadn't talked about what might be going on with O'Neill because whatever it was, it didn't need to be discussed in public.

"I don't think I have room for dessert," Mitchell informed the others as he leaned back and gently patted his stomach. He didn't count the pie he'd had earlier as dessert. It was, after all, eaten before the meal, so he considered it an appetizer.

Vala didn't want anything either, but wasn't against getting something for later. "I think I'll see if they have anymore of those lovely cookies." Daniel wanted to talk to her without the others, so he followed her away from the table.

When Vala saw Daniel she waited for him to catch up and then whispered, "Are you angry that I told them?"

He shook his head, "No, not really."

"Shall we explore, and search for General O'Neill?" Her question brought a small smile to Daniel's face.

Vala reached for his hand, like she was intending to pull him toward the doorway and the corridor. "This way Daniel. Let's go storm the medical unit."

"No Vala, we should get some cookies, go with the others back to my office, make some coffee and talk about all of this. Something is going on."

Vala laughed in agreement. "We will of course, lock ourselves in and stay secluded."

Reaching for cookies, Daniel laughed and told Vala, "You get some too. There are five of us."

Back at the table Mitchell told the others, "Those two are up to something and it's not cookies."

*~*~*~*~*

"General O'Neill," Dr. Lam called to him softly.

He opened his eyes and he looked right through her. It was immediately obvious that his eyes weren't focusing and she suspected it wasn't just because of the drugs. She gently took his hand, absently checking for infiltration of the IV in his wrist.

"Sir, we're going to move you to the Academy Hospital."

Jack knew it could happen, in fact he had expected it. Blood in the spinal fluid wasn't good. He knew they were worried about brain swelling, stroke, seizures and other complications. The lab reported a very small amount of blood which was the good news. Sub arachnoid hemorrhages can be fatal or cause permanent brain damage. The bruises on his brain were not good, but at least no blood was seen on the CT. It meant the bleeding was very slow or happened at the time of injury and was now stopped. Surely even relatively minor concussions could cause a bruise on the brain.

It was also possible he had a skull fracture though they probably would have seen it on the second CT. Jack didn't want to go to the hospital, but he knew Dr Lam wouldn't be sending him unless she believed it was the best place for him. She was waiting for a response, but Jack was suddenly not feeling well at all. He was having trouble concentrating and vaguely heard a knock on the door when Dr. Bishop joined them.

Jack's eyes wouldn't focus, but he thought it was from the drugs as much as from anything else. He'd had head injuries before, even a fractured skull, but didn't remember feeling quite like he did right then. Knowing he wasn't acting or reacting properly, but helpless to do anything else at the moment, he heard the snap of examination gloves and felt his heavy eyelids being pushed up. Something inside him screamed at the thought of the hated penlight in his eyes, but he never actually made a sound. He wanted to, but he couldn't and then came the bright light. He opened his mouth to speak, but groaned instead. The nausea was fierce and as he vomited, he felt a gloved finger in his mouth, sweeping away the emesis to keep him from choking. He felt hands on his body as they turned him onto his side and he immediately vomited again. It was saliva and bile and he was a mess as his world spiraled and his head exploded in pain. He felt his infirmary clothes being moved and removed and someone wiped his face with a warm, wet soft cloth.

Dr. Lam urgently ordered medications: a steroid, Reglan, and a loading dose of Phenobarbital. Dr. Bishop ordered the administration of a diuretic and an increase in the Mannitol drip rate. Jack heard loud rushing in his ears and the infirmary lights dimmed, first to gray and then to black. The next few minutes were a blur as his mouth and throat were suctioned and drugs administered to stabilize him. Allowing himself to relax in his drugged haze, he let them do whatever they wanted to do without protest. He felt that bad.

TBC

*pink rush - searched the internet for a cocktail, found 1000s and just picked this one. I was going to make up something but I'm not that imaginative

*SOS - "stew on a shingle" or as we used to call it "s**t on a shingle" (creamed chipped beef is usually served open face on toast, or sometimes on biscuits or bagels or English muffins)Information about chipped beef (aka creamed beef, creamed chipped beef, SOS) can be found on the internet. There are many diners around the USA that have SOS on their menus.

*Mocktail - mock cocktail - usually refers to a mixed drink made without alcohol

Thank you to zeilfanaat and bats212 for their beta and writing skills. They have both had lots of RL, yet still managed to help me get this chapter ready. Thanks just isn't enough. :) This chapter is better because of their input, but all errors, missteps, screw ups, typos, grammatical and spelling mistakes, and all other possible and impossible things wrong with this are mine and mine alone. And I own nothing.