Schatze8210, sam6oosx and djenie – Thank you for take the time and giving me your reviews.
Hope you will enjoy this ramble.
Just a reminder to everyone this is all fiction, and for this chapter a tiny cross over with a certain person from NCIS team. That's right, don't own any of the characters they belong to their respective series and writers etc, … just muse playing for fun.
So … Jack needs a Doctor's clearance to get to Atlantis … that's going to be fun.
Chapter 6
Feeling the deck beneath his feet and the beaming up area on the spaceship form around him, Jack registered the security team were armed and at the ready in case they were intruders rather than expected friends. Knew Teal'c, Lou and Jon were with him, and answered Colonel Reynolds' smart attention salute welcoming him on board, with his own just as smart attention acceptance salute. While hoping his childlike voice wouldn't crack or everything come out in fluent Ancient as he immediately commanded, in his best no nonsense General's tone. "No infirmary, doctors or cameras Colonel!"
Still standing to attention and ending his salute, Reynolds answered immediately and seriously. "Wouldn't think of it Sir." Before shaking his head and breaking into a huge smile as he relaxed to at ease stance. Not only relieved they were back safe and sound, but seeing was definitely believing strange things still happened around SG1 new or old.
That the blonde headed, cute innocent looking 5 year old dressed in air force BDUs who had just snapped off that perfect salute, was their respected ex Black Ops Colonel now General. And if let lose among the rest of his crew, regardless of their own hard-ass reputation, sex or age, would turn them into over protective people with a lot of 'ahh isn't he cute' flying around. Yep he could see it in the hard-ass reception team as they'd lowered their weapons in response to his nod that these were friends not deadly foe. But, counteracting all that cuteness was the depth of knowledge and edge in those dark brown eyes and 'that' tone in the child's words rather than voice … that told him his friend and their General was in there and in full command mode … Probably hating every moment of it so would come out with a cutting remark, and those earlier threats of punishment would be handed out once things were back to normal..
And was proved right by the child's commanding growl "Forcryingoutloud. Get over it. The other three have." ending with the very sharp demand of "Update on things. Now, not tomorrow Colonel! And guards this is private. Dismissed and no chatting to anyone ever!" Jack needed things to move on as he could feel waves of tiredness rolling over him, and that Ancient voice in the back of his mind was going up another gear, so less people around the better.
Bearing that in mind, and not wanting to end up an ungainly heap on the floor or being scooped up by Teal'c if he showed any sign of weakness, Jack started to walk out of the beaming area and over to the reception zone. He also eyed the higher than normal office type chairs there, wondering if he could scramble up on one with some dignity, he hadn't been a tall 5 year old size first time round and wasn't now ... And turned his full concentration back to the Colonel knowing he couldn't miss a word of his report and would have to make sure any comment didn't come out in Ancient.
Confirming Jack's order to the guards with a nod, Reynolds got his mind in gear by visualizing the full sized O'Neill rather than the child, and started his report. "Yes Sir. We will transport you down in ten minutes, the standard waiting time. So I think it's best if you rest here and I will relay any orders to Stargate Command from the Bridge.
General Landry is clearing the area for you, and gate travel has been halted with all teams back on base. He doesn't know about the cargo yet. I thought we should wait till it came on board in case you had more instructions. Three members of the NCIS team have arrived, the rest of the team are on standby at their office dealing with the updates via video, computer or phone links. Special Agent Jethro Gibbs immediately beamed over to the mountain with an officer and zat as you suggested. We decided there would be less hassle doing it from here rather than the armour down there. Meanwhile Forensics Specialist Abby Sciuto ..."
And was gently interrupted by a male voice, that though firm held a hint of playfulness mixed in a warm soft hint of a Scottish accent that came from outside their area. The person it belong to had been kept outside so he would be safe, if they had been interlopers and either shots were fired and or the whole area had immediately been sealed off from the rest of the spaceship. And was now coming in from the corridor that lead to the cargo bay while seamlessly carrying on Reynolds' report for him.
"Is dealing with the helicopter. She's already sifted through the usual bits of paper etc and has found some very interesting fingerprints in some usual and unusual places. I will not mention any names of course, but it does tie him and the helicopter together. There is also a nice modern flight box that records absolutely everything the moment a key is put in the door or engine is started. Guess the boss either doesn't trust them, wanted a record of the whole thing or is plain nosey. The crew up here are helping her send the relevant information down to Tim so he and the other two can follow up the leads that will seal the baddies fate. You can fill the thrill of the chase all around us." and gave a slight shake of his head as he brought his thoughts back on track and carried on.
"They are of course bearing in mind things might move quicker than you and Jethro expected, and plans might have changed especially if the pilot was in mid conversation when plucked from the sky, and those involved looking for a crash site can not find any wreckage. Abby doesn't think that would be likely, though how we explain that bit and the fact those two are now in the brig in a mountain is going to be interesting. Not that anyone is going to believe their stories once they are sentenced. In fact I doubt they will say anything about it, not wanting to be classed as mad by the other inmates or lawyers."
Then gave a softer chuckle as he added. "This is certainly a new one for you Jack my boy, and an interesting take on phrase second childhood." before turning serious again as he greeted the others in the group. "Teal'c, Jon nice to meet you again. You must be Lou, Jack's friend. The first time I met your General was in the mortuary at the Navy yard at witching hour. Put the lights on believing the room was empty to find the General, in uniform and Jethro were a sleep on the tables, most disconcerting … And was most relieved when they both moved instead of just Jethro… I often find him there … it was Halloween and turned out to be an interesting case. I'm Doctor Donald Mallard known as Ducky to my fellow workers and friends." and smiling at Lou's hint of a grin added. "Yes, heard all the jokes you can think of as well."
With that Lou resisted saying anything but gave a nod of greeting, and carried on moving their backpacks out the way, but kept them close enough for the journey to SGC.
Jack had spun round with a wide smile of greeting as soon as he'd heard the man's voice, and let that familiar soft accent and words sink in as the man joined them. And marvelled at the fact Ducky looked totally at home up here in the spaceship.
Returning Jack's smile and concentrating on the boy, Ducky immediately voiced the thoughts that crossed his mind. "You know Abby is always saying Gibbs has second sight, not that it keeps him out of trouble as you well know Jack. It seems to home in on the both of you, and tosses you back with different problems to be solved when it gets bored. But, Jethro does turn up when things get interesting down in the mortuary, so I'm inclined to agree with her. And, he was the one who insisted the team having a hush hush campfire session at his house, so we happened to be in the right place when the call came to be beamed up. Don't think us scrambling for the lift at the yard would have worked so well. And as Jethro always insists we have our 'go bags' with us, no time was lost in our journey up here.
It's a very weird sensation having all your molecules messed around then put back like that, but the view up here is amazing, if a little bit disconcerting at first. Of course, Tony and the others, Jimmy included, were a bit miffed they had to stay behind to take our updates and cover for us, especially as Vance can not know about this trip. So their unique talents are definitely needed down there...
"So you like flying high Ducky? The highest Mallard ever in this galaxy." Jack asked with a smile knowing it was all right to interrupt the flow. It was Ducky's way of dealing with the tensions around his job, though the stories were usually from his past or some interesting point regarding the body on the table ... and sighed. He could feel that gentle tone and words working on him… The man, with greying hair, light blue eyes behind thin wired rimmed glasses might look like a harmless, lovable uncle as he told his stories or looked at you. But Jack knew from experience Ducky was like the proverbial wise owl and crafty beyond words along with a stubborn streak that matched his and Gibbs … So he wasn't going to get out of it, and added as forcefully as he could. "No lights or needles."
Ducky smiled reassuringly still coming to terms with the child in front of him and said. "Technically I'm here to ground Abby, make sure she doesn't go all gooey over all this and the equipment in the hanger area. In fact a nice lady officer is doing that job at the moment. And of course, Jethro needs to know you are really all right and he knows you don't like doctors and will try to pull the wool over everyone's eyes so told me to do it. He even told General Landry that my word would be the final say in any matter. So I will do it, no lights or needles and I'll relay my report through Colonel Reynolds so will not be travelling down with you. Unless, of course I'm needed in my other guise because Gibbs has decided to kill Daniel rather than scold him for interfering with your plans, or has found out about your extra 'little' problem." Smiling at Jon's chuckle and Jack's smile Ducky added softly and with feeling. "I trust this is a short term thing and you will get back to normal."
"To know that we need to go to Atlantis as soon as possible DoctorMallard." Teal'c intoned with a respectful nod of his head, to which Ducky returned a nod rather than asking where that was, knowing that no one rushed Teal'c into explaining anything.
While Teal'c intoned, Jack glanced at Jon and Lou who became serious as the child ordered. "Update Reynolds then pass on the bare facts to Hank, especially regarding Devil's Waterfall's findings. Rest of SG1 and Cassie ready and packed for days stay rather than hours. We will use our ten minutes 'standing time' to put a new battery in the Gate. No one is to come near the gateroom during our beam down and our leaving, especially Gibbs. Inform Hank, as of now Gibbs has control of SG20 and the elite team I put together before I left, along with any transport they may need. Conventional rather than beaming, but Reynolds and Gibbs will make that final decision from upstairs. Lou, you'll stay in the Mountain, then with your team run things back at the cabin or as Reynolds needs you. Remind Hank there is to be no contact between DC, Atlantis or the IOA before we start up the Gate to go or about this mission, you know why. "
Jon nodded, as he knew the last remark was directed at him, and then started to walk along the corridor to the main part of the spaceship knowing Lou and Reynolds would follow him.
Reynolds gave a nod of acknowledgement to Jack then wanting all the news, caught up quickly and asked. "Who's going to look after him if this isn't a short term thing? Your his closest relative..
Was interrupted by Jon's very sharp "No way! He's lethal. Can you imagine him in a class of …." The rest of his comment was lost as they went out of earshot of the group left behind.
oxoxo
Jack sighed, guessing the rest of Jon's comment and knowing he was probably right.
While Teal'c giving him a slight but respectful bow, intoned seriously. "You are welcome to live among my Jaffa family till this is sorted O'Neill. They will welcome a warrior brother of your calibre. And as you know the younger children now play several games you enjoyed showing them."
Jack looked at his friend and voiced his other fear for the very first time. "You might get diaper and bottle duties if the gate reduces me again."
At that Teal'c couldn't stop his hint of a smile, but his voice was sincere as he intoned. "In deed and it will be an honour."
Knowing this was getting too grave, Jack immediately turned to Dr Mallard and concentrating on getting it out perfectly, asked. "So Ducky, what did you think of our planet from the viewing room?"
Though disturbed by the conversation and knowing deflection when he heard it, Ducky played along by answering. "Very beautiful and something I never ever expected to see for myself. I was thinking a photo in my office…
"Well, your patients will never let on." Jack butted in with a smile, and as Teal'c had second guessed his need. He allowed the Jaffa to pick him up so he could sit on the chair without mishap, and added. "Perhaps a mallard flying by, with or without hat and goggles... So everyone would just assume it's a fun print, Abby could have one Goth style and Gibbs ... well one with a wooden base or boat and his name in the corner. We've got a good artist up here who does them for the crew's families, his favourite is cartoon style so no one guesses the truth."
Ducky gave a gentle chuckle liking the idea, then settling the chair next to Jack, added. "I hope you might let the rest of the team have a trip up here...
"Or Tony will drive you nuts with hinted jokes or film references." Jack butted in and then answered seriously. "Once I'm back to size and the case downstairs is over."
"So you do know it's short term." Ducky asked gently nudging things in the right direction, knowing it was not quite the right time to hold the boy's wrist and confirm one of his fears … the boy had a high temperature ... and wondered if he was hiding something else.
Standing next to Jack while watching them both closely, Teal'c explained his earlier comment. "O'Neill needs to go to Atlantis, an Ancient city in the Pegasus Galaxy. It is calling to him as the equipment there will heal him."
Ducky looked at Teal'c and knew the warrior was not telling a story, wondered just how long that would take and returned his attention to Jack, restated gently. "That is a very long way. And I need to take your pulse, so you can go."
"That may not be wise DoctorMallard." Teal'c butted in, giving Jack a long silent look. He knew his friend was having trouble speaking so the Doctor could understand, and didn't want to voice his main fear just yet.
Jack nodded before promptly dodging the issue for the moment by glancing at the doctor and asking. "How's Edward?"
Ducky smiled and answered. "Getting on nicely. Will be home from hospital next week. He's looking forward to being your driver again when he's fully recovered. Has been chatting to your reserve driver so they've probably thought up a few new tricks in case someone tries again."
"I'm glad, I don't want to lose either of them. Have you named the day yet?" Jack asked and saw the flash of indecision in the Doctor's eyes … he knew it wasn't for lack of love for the lady concerned or her for him … they'd been given a second chance after years apart. And knowing Ducky had had a heart attack a few years ago added softly. "You're recent check up makes you worried you might be a burden or leave her a widow again."
Ducky shook his head in wonder, the man had reversed their places and had read so much in such a short time and admitted gently. "There's a small heart defect that will cause trouble rather than might, and can not be rectified by an operation or drugs. I know rest and care will give me more time but I've never been one for sitting around doing nothing and nor is she. I've not told her or the others yet."
Jack nodded thinking of the possibilities ..
Knowing his warrior brother, and having flashbacks of Jack collapsing in his arms after healing Master Bra'tcs grave injuries when he'd had the Ancient knowledge the first time, Teal'c immediately butted in quickly and gravely. "O'Neill it is unwise. You have a body of a child this time round."
Jack looked back at him and said firmly. "He saved my driver's life and deserves to live with the one he loves and without fear or worry. It's not a big heal, or dangerous for me as I know how to control it. We can't go unless he gives the all clear ... and ... I will not leave till this is done."
Teal'c sighed knowing he would not win this fight, and added gravely. "I will carry you straight to Atlantis if you should sleep."
"I know." Jack answered, and then turning to Ducky added. "You may feel a hot tingling ripple through you as you take my pulse. Do not leave go, just let it happen and you will be fine. ... Might have to find a new doctor for another or future check ups though."
As Jack held out his wrist to Ducky, Teal'c added softly. "O'Neill's Ancient gene and knowledge is taking over his body and mind. It will enable him to heal you as you touch him. He needs to hide this fact from everyone especially those on earth, now and when he gets back. But if he sleeps now and it is reported I doubt we will come back from Atlantis."
Ducky nodded, his mind racing with implications and hope, as well as the determination in the boy's voice to do it, and took a breath then let it out silently to calm himself. Then, trusting the General he'd classed as a friend, he gently took hold of the little wrist and found the pulse point. Noted the feverish heat coming from the boy and started to count the beats … realised they were very fast, and felt the flash of something rippling up his arm. Could feel it's warmth encasing him as it flowed up through his heart and the rest of his body, before just as quickly disappearing leaving a strong steady heartbeat behind.
Shaking his head and blinking Ducky realised he was still holding the boy's wrist, and Jack was looking back at him with complete understanding and nodded to him. Taking a second or two to gather his thoughts Ducky knew they needed to move things on quickly, and rechecking his findings before letting go of the boy's wrist said quietly. "That was an amazing feeling, so gentle and healing thank you. Though I'm not sure what tale to spin to my fellow doctor next time I see him." He added with a smile.
"A faulty machine perhaps or the old whisky at night story. If Gibbs asks don't lie to him, it's not worth the hassle." Jack said, then added gently. "And, you'll not be left alone when her time comes."
Before Ducky could say anything, their attention was draw to the others who were walking towards them, and now the group were within visual and hailing distance Lou called out. "They are beaming the batteries down now and I've warned General Landry we've got the toys to move them, so no touching. You ready to go, been passed by the good doctor." he ended, before quickly turning his attention to Ducky, and having found out the man's job with the team added with a smile. "Must be a change to have your patient alive and chatting. Can't say normal though as Jack's not that." And got the distinct feeling he'd just put his foot in it so added heatedly. "What?"
Knowing he had to stop that question in it's tracks Ducky turned his attention to Colonel Reynolds and gently but authority said. "Jack's pulse was racing and he did have a temperature, but both have steadied out to normal now. So, I believe it is imperative that he gets to Atlantis as soon as possible. Warn General Landry the waiting time should be shortened if Teal'c feels it is necessary."
Reynolds sighed, wondering how the General was going to everyone else giving him orders as it seemed to be open day for it, then added. "I'll pass the information on as we beam Jack down. Teal'c you may have to enforce the need for speed. They've not been able to contact the planet again so Daniel hasn't got the information he says he needs, and General Landry wasn't too pleased with Jon's very short explanation of finding the battery store behind a waterfall as well as the we've got no photos of the area. Hopefully one of the scientist down there explaining about forcefield interference will be good enough." He paused as his radio buzzed for his attention.
He acknowledge it, listened then added into it. "I need to speak to the General as they beam down so patch me through on this radio." then added to the group. "The batteries have arrived safely. So if you would like to step into the area with your bags stacked behind you rather than carrying them, we will beam you down into the gate room. Centre spot so you will not squash the others waiting for you or sit on the batteries, they will be near the gate but out of range when it opens. So will need moving up the ramp and through the gate, Lou said the forcefields will take care of that problem so FRED will not be needed.
Doctor Mallard if you would remain seated you can watch them go and be on hand to speak to the General if needs be."
Ducky nodded acceptance, then smiled as Teal'c quickly scooped Jack off the chair so he could carry him rather than put him down so he could walk, and the child's silent look of disgust. While Lou and Jon casually gathered up the bags and walked over to the beaming down area and sorted themselves out.
Trying to hid his own smile Reynolds added. "Teal'c, General Landry expects to see Jack on his feet. He's worried what the President is going to say when he finds out about this whole thing, so seeing you carrying him like that is not going to help matters."
With great reluctance Teal'c put Jack down but kept him close, and as he stood next to Jon said so only he could hear. "O'Neill has healed DoctorMallard's heart murmurer and in doing so has steadied his own condition."
"Ah crap." Jon sighed
"In deed." Teal'c also sighed.
Jack looked up at them both and said loudly in his childlike huff. "I'm fine." then looking across at Reynolds added firmly. "Beam us down and no extra messages other than the ones we agreed on. Quietly monitor downstairs to make sure nothing gets back to IOA or the President till either we get back or Gibbs gives the all clear. As far as everyone is concerned I am full size and pissed off." and hoped Reynolds hadn't heard Teal'c's comment, but knew if he had it would be kept off the record and to himself.
Reynolds nodded then buzzed the command desk and said to both teams. "In place and you have a go." then he was patched through to SGC, and the beaming process began and added. "General Landry, Doctor Mallard has given the all clear for gate travel to Atlantis as soon as possible with Teal'c enforcing that order. General O'Neill's pulse and temperature are normal at the moment but have been known to fluctuate so time is of the essence."
And smiled at the short comment from the General, then added. "I would be grateful if you let us know when they have gone through the gate, Walter… Over and Out." knowing that the General had already left his post, no doubt to check it really was Jack down there ... and wished they could see it.
Turning to Ducky who though smiling was shaking his head at the sight of seeing the group disappear, Reynolds said. "They've arrived safely. Now we wait for news and I'll patch it through to the cargo area. I've no doubt Abby watched the batteries disappear."
Getting up, Ducky could feel his strength had definitely returned and his mind was clearer so in his gentle Scottish accent commented easily. "The only difference between him and Jethro is one has been earth bound till now while the other has a lot more staff and possibly two galaxies to take care of. They both give the same loyalty to friends and staff, and you might want to batten down the hatches or put ear plugs in while I bring Abby up to date, missing out Jack's size factor of course. If she'd been here he would have been hugged to death."
Reynolds laughed, remembering his first impression of a young exuberant student in a red jumpsuit and black pigtails, over excited at being in space and the view of earth. Which was soon cancelled out by her dark intelligent eyes and questions as she took everything in her still excited stride, as well as the obvious respect the other two gave her proved she was not a student at all. And added. "I'll warn the crew. You should also make sure all important information has been transmitted down to the others, because if Jack is unable to use the Gate for any reason. He'll be beamed back up here and we will take him there without waiting to beam you or Abby down. All Jon has to do is to flick his radio switch twice and I'll do it immediately."
With a nod Ducky quickened his pace back to the cargo area saying quietly. "I have no doubt you will." And wondered just how quickly you could get from one galaxy to another in the spaceship … and what story Tony or Gibbs would spin if they actually went …
oxoxo
Thank you for reading this ramble, comments always welcome.
Also not sure when muse and real life will pull into the same harbour during the next couple of months as they are busy ones … so might be a long wait.
Whatever you do take care and enjoy
