Of Memories
Caitlyn has flash backs of her past, in her present, and they're affecting her emotional state of mind. "...123...567...910... ready or not here I come" says Jack O'Neill with a smile and goes in search of his daughter Caitlyn. "aa ha... got you..." said Jack and picks up four year old Caitlyn and tickles her making her laugh and giggle. "Daddy how you find me" says Caitlyn giggling because she always hides in the same spot knowing he always comes and finds her there.
Caitlyn giggles out loud. "Ok what's so funny" says Colonel O'Neill. Caitlyn looks up realizing they're all in the briefing room and now all eyes are on her. "Ummm...what...huh...oh...aah...nothing, sorry" says Caitlyn looking rather embarrassed. Caitlyn doesn't get why she was remembering that particular moment in her life and why now in the middle of a meeting, "so weird" thought Caitlyn. All the SG1 were wondering what was going on with Caitlyn, it wasn't the first time she's acted strange like that, even for her with all of her special talents/gifts. Things have gotten more strange with her behaviour, with outbursts coming from no where in particular, and doing things unexpectedly more than usual that is the norm for her. She's only been at SGC for two weeks now.
"Jack, do you know what's bothering Caitlyn lately" Said Daniel Jackson. "No Daniel I don't, but I think I should maybe go find out before it gets worse" says Jack. "...Cat...hey wait up" says Jack as he follows her back to her office. "Cat...hey" Jack said again. Caitlyn walks into her office not hearing Jack calling after her.
"...Caitlyn!... where are you...you're going to be in trouble if you don't show yourself right now" says Mike coming up the stairs. Nine year old Caitlyn shivering under her bed, as he comes for her. "Got you...you little brat...you're going to get it now" says Mike as he grabs her to smack her she screams a piercing scream.
"Cat...what the...what's wrong...what happened" said Jack as he runs to Caitlyn when he heard her piercing scream. Caitlyn wakes from her previous state. Sitting on the couch in her office next to Jack, her tears running down her face, uncertain what just happened, she lets Jack hold her while she cries it all out. "Oh Dad...I'm feeling so strange these days, I don't understand it myself...It's like my emotions are out of whack or something else entirely is taken over my mind and everything else" says Cat.
"I've been having...like memories or something these last few days, but it's not the same as before" says Cat. "It's like flash backs, but I'm reliving the memories, I can feel, smell, taste everything like I was really there. Yet I know it's not real...It can't be real...can it" said Caitlyn. "I don't get half of the things you say or do normally, but as far as I know, you don't have the ability to go back into your past through memories and relive them" says Jack as he consoles his daughter, and adding "But if you say that's what is going on, then I believe you".
Jack hugs his daughter and cracks a joke to make her feel better. "So Cat...what memory was it that made you scream like that" says Jack with a very concerned look. "...It was when I was nine and was at mom's place...I made a mess in the kitchen after school and I hadn't cleaned up before Mike got home...he was home early...and oh God...it hurts as if it had just happened" says Caitlyn. "It was one of those memories you were telling me about in the briefing room the first day you came to SGC, wasn't it" said Jack. Caitlyn replied shaking "Yeah Dad...It was" and she cried in his arms again.
Jack didn't know what was going on with Cat, but he promised to be there for her in any way he could, even if it meant holding her while she broke down crying. Usually Cat wasn't this emotional, usually was very much like Jack, holding it in, cracking jokes, stuff like that. Something is breaking her mental state down, perhaps she should get a CT scan, and see if there's a tumour or something that's causing her to have these emotional, memory break downs.
It's been a few days since the last reoccurring memory break down, but now things are turning different. Caitlyn's gift is like going in reverse or something like that. She still has her gift, and as strong as she has it now, except it's taking her back to the beginning of when she first discovered she had telepathic abilities. She's now having childish thought while her mind should be acting adult like. At the time when she first discovered this talent, she used to play mind games with Jack until he found out what she was doing and made her stop using her gift on him and any other unsuspecting people for her own pleasure. She used to talk to him in his head making him think he was hearing voices, and then made a few suggestions, driving her father crazy.
Jack and Daniel were sitting in the mess hall having lunch with Caitlyn. "There once was a man from Nantucket who..." thought Colonel O'Neill. "Wait a sec...where did that come from" Jack says to himself. "He thought those words but he wouldn't normally thinking that out of no where unless...of course Cat must be playing with my mind making me think such a thing" thinks Jack (but it's not Cat sending him this last thought, that's Jack).
"Caitlyn Jamie Mackenzie O'Neill...I know what you're doing...stop that right now" says Colonel O'Neill as he gets up from his seat. Cat smiles mischievously and says to Jack in his head "Na na na na, and what are you going to do about it". Jack turns around looks Caitlyn in the eye and thinks the words "Ever hear of the old saying...never too old to be bent over my knee" Jack said with an annoying look on his face. He knew she would be reading his mind so he made sure she got the message. Giving her the wagging finger of don't do that again or else you just might find out what I can do.
Caitlyn realizes Jack meant it and she should stop while she still has a head. It was rather childish of her to be playing mind games with him, but part of her couldn't resist the temptation to think to herself "If Dad bent me over his knee in front of Daniel...Daniel might actually like that...not to mention all the other young men around her...might fill some weird fantasy of there's". Jack turns around again just as he was heading out of the mess hall, he heard Cat's thoughts and said "What the hell...I don't want to hear that coming from your mouth let alone from your head into mine" Jack was very annoyed with Caitlyn for that one. (Can we say big oops?) Jack also adds "I told you to not do that again." Cat didn't realize she had projected her own thought into Jacks "Oops" thought Caitlyn. Now she's really made Jack mad at her.
"I'm sorry...I didn't mean for you to hear me think those words, I never meant to...make you angry with me" says Cat. Before she could say anymore her head began to throb, and the most in tense pain came over her. She ran to the infirm tory to see the doctor, just didn't think Jack would be following her. Jack was wondering where she was going.
Caitlyn came into the room and said "Dr Mackenzie I need your help" The Doctor came quickly to see what was wrong with Caitlyn. Before Jack could get a chance to find out what was going on with Cat he got a call to see General Hammond. There was another planet they needed to go checkout. "Maybe when he and the rest of SG1 gets back, he'll find out what's been going on with Caitlyn lately" thought Jack.
A few days later Jack and the gang had come back from there latest adventure, they had just checked in with the doctor and things had checked out ok. After SG1 had finished debriefing, General Hammond had asked them to stay a bit longer and that special agent O'Neill (Caitlyn/cat) would be joining them shortly to discuss something with them all, and No he can't tell them anything more till she comes.
Everyone thought perhaps it was about what has been going on with her this last month being here. Strange moods, really weird behaviour, even for her. When Caitlyn was given the ok from the Doctor to leave she headed up to the briefing room. She knew they all would be curious as to her explanation for her mysterious behaviour.
Caitlyn O'Neill walks in and sees all eyes are now on her, waiting to hear what she has to say. They were curious about this new mission, and "what about this spring" they all thought. What was its purpose, why the seriousness of obtaining it and if it's so important why wasn't it ordered as a regular mission.
"Hey guys, sorry it took so long, you know how it is with Doctors" says Caitlyn smiling. "Yeah, you come for an aspirin, and leave without your tonsils" thought Jack. Caitlyn hears Jacks thought and laughs looking in his direction. Jack laughs too knowing she had heard him. "Ok so what's up Caitlyn" says Daniel Jackson "Yeah" Samantha Carter adds as she too wonders why they had to stay and wait for Caitlyn. "Well...you want the good news or the bad news first" says Caitlyn "Just tell us already" says Jack.
"Ok... the bad news is I'm dying...but the good news is there's a cure" said Cat. "What, from what" says Daniel and Samantha at the same time. Jack just starring at Cat not saying a word, not sure what to say to Caitlyn after she told him she's dying. "Ummm Jack are you ok" says Daniel noticing he hasn't said anything for awhile. "What...huh...oh...yeah" replies Jack. "Caitlyn how long have you known" says Jack "For a few months now" replied Cat back. "How could you not say anything before" says Jack. "I...wanted to but...every time I thought I was going to tell you...I just chickened out" said Caitlyn.
"So all the memory flash backs and mind games have been what a result of your illness" says Daniel. "Yes...It's like my brain was being slowly attacked within the brain core itself." Caitlyn had said. Adding "As the illness progresses so does the strain and final collapse of my brain. "You know when you get a migraine, imagine ten times the throbbing pain, that's my brain" says Cat. "Ouch" said Sam. "Yes indeed that would be very painful" says Teal'c "Yes very" says Daniel.
"So Caitlyn how does this ...aah natural spring work, how does it suppose to be the cure for your illness" said General Hammond. "Well General with all natural resources coming from this spring it should reverse the damage that has all ready occurred" says Caitlyn. "Yes, but why from another planet through the stargate, why not from here on earth" said Sam. "Because on this planet all springs have been compromised" said Caitlyn. "For me to reverse the process, I need a pure spring, you know untouched, and that's somewhere on another planet, which was sent to me in a vision a month before this all started, before my visions came unfinished in bits and pieces.
"Ummm Jack you've been very quiet for awhile, anything on your mind" says Daniel. "Yeah, well I don't have anything to really say right now, just trying to get over the shock I guess" said Jack. Jack gets up from the table and walks out of the briefing room, everyone surprised he just walked out like that without saying anything. Jack went to his private quarters and sits on the edge of his bed and reaches for a picture near by. He picks up the picture and caresses it. Caitlyn sensing Jack was upset follows him.
"Dad...ummm...are you ok, I know it's a lot to soak up, I'm sorry I had to tell you like that" says Caitlyn. Jack says nothing, he just remains holding the picture in his hand, looking like he had already lost his daughter only this time for good. Cat sat down beside her father, and looks at the picture he was holding. It was of her and her Father when she was four. "Dad I love you so much, you have every right to what your feeling inside, but don't you dare break down, not now, I'm going to need you, and you're going to have to be strong for the both of us" said Caitlyn
She kisses him on the cheek and wraps her arms around him, puts her head against his shoulder and whispers "Please Daddy...be the strong man I know and trust you to be." Jack sets the picture down on the other side of him and wraps his arms over Cats and kisses the top of her head and nods in acknowledgment to what she had just said. "I'm sorry, I haven't said much about your illness, of course I'm going to be strong for you sweetheart, I just needed this moment alone for myself, but I'll be ok in a few minute ok" said Jack
Jack held Caitlyn in his arms for awhile not wanting to let go. Long moments of silence surrounded them both, and then she had a sharp pain in her head and screamed, then passed out. Jack carried her to the infirm tory, he waited for Dr. Mackenzie to tell him what he already had known "She's had a black out, she'll be here for awhile, if you're going to find the spring, you'll have to go soon" says Dr. Mackenzie.
"No, I don't want this illness to win, I have to stall it, but I can't stay in bed all the time, I can't stand not being able to do whatever I want, just lying around frustrates me more than people asking stupid questions" says Caitlyn in a conversation she and Jack have when everyone has left them alone. "I know, I hate it too, but do it for me, just hang on, we'll find the spring soon, and you won't be so bored to tears" says Jack. Jack and the others will be leaving the next morning and hopefully they'll find the spring.
Jack held Caitlyn in his arms lying next to her on the medical bed. It reminds Jack of when he used to hold his little girl like that when she used to wake up from nightmares, or when she was sick, and needed comfort. Seemed to Jack if anything he ever did right by his daughter within the ups and downs of their relationship it was comforting her when she was sick and from the nightmares. At this moment he felt so close to his daughter.
Caitlyn finally fell asleep in Jacks arms, he kissed her cheek, and whispers "night sweetheart". Jack went to lye on the medical bed next to Caitlyn's. The Doctor didn't bother to tell him to go sleep in his own private quarters. "It's not worth the headache" says Dr. Mackenzie to himself and lets Colonel sleep next to his daughter.
Jack was restless for most of the night, mostly thinking of the time he had wasted with Caitlyn, and the time of when he was being a typical father who eventually discovered there was so much more to his daughter that he hadn't known. A time he should've spent more time loving her and less time fighting with her.
Time had past, thoughts of memories flooded his mind of good and of bad times, eventually his head couldn't take it and finally gave in to sleep. A few hours later Jack woke, he decided to take a walk up to the surface to clear his head, but first he went to Dr. Jackson's office to see if he was awake. It was his lucky night or was it morning, Daniel was in his office and he was awake. "Hey Dannyboy, what you doing up so early or did you not go to sleep last night" says Jack peeking into his friends office. "Aah...Jack, Hey...are you ok" says Daniel also adding "Yes I did and woke up early, lots on the mind you know".
"Yeah me neither, aah...Daniel since your up can you do me a favour, I need some air, so can you go to the infirm tory and stay with Caitlyn, I'd feel better knowing she had someone watching over her for awhile till I got back" says Jack. "Sure Jack...no problem, are you sure you're ok" says Daniel. "Yeah Daniel I'll be fine, once I get some air, ok thanx" said Jack.
Meanwhile Caitlyn was in dream state remembering once again of her past... "Dad, what happened, where's Charlie. Sarah, what's going on, the Doctors won't tell me anything, what's wrong." said young Caitlyn O'Neill. "Caitlyn Oh God...there was an accident...Charlie shot with your Father's gun...He's gone Caitlyn...Charlie's...he's dead" said Sarah. "Oh God Sarah...I didn't see it coming...If I had only known it would happen...If only I could've stopped it from happening" said Caitlyn. Sarah held Caitlyn (her step- daughter) in her arms and said "not your fault, never, you hear me; even with your gift you're not perfect, you can't play God, you couldn't stop it from happening, not even we could stop it". Caitlyn crying, wipes her tears and goes to sit next to her father.
"Dad" says Caitlyn wanting to comfort him. Jack knows he should acknowledge his daughter's concern, but instead he snubs her, and just gets up and walks away. Caitlyn watches as her father walk out of the hospital in a state of shock. She wanted to scream at him, telling him what a terrible father he was for leaving his gun out and not being careful of possible accidents like what just happened.
Caitlyn just wanted to scream, but she couldn't find her voice, she never had that problem before. No matter how much she knew her father would be angry with her. Even with the possibility of being punished, she always found her voice, no matter how wrong or right she was. Now she didn't say all the things she wanted to say, and the moment had past.
Jack knew he shouldn't have walked out. He shouldn't have walked out on Sarah, and his only daughter. She was the only child he had left, and Jack's heart filled with so much pain, blaming himself for Charlie. The funeral was this early morning and all who knew Charlie and of the family would be there. Jack didn't want to get up from the den, but knew he had to face those people eventually. Eventually he had to face the rest of his family too. Sarah was in the kitchen along with her father, he had been such a good comfort to Sarah since Charlie's death.
Sarah's father wasn't technically Caitlyn's grandfather, but Caitlyn loved him as much, and he adored her as if she was his Granddaughter. He was a very welcomed sight a she walked in the kitchen. Sarah hugged Caitlyn seeing her all dressed and ready to go for Charlie's Funeral, but wondered where's Jack, he should be up and dressed by now. "Morning Sarah, Granddad, ummm where's Dad" says Caitlyn. "Right behind you" says Jack. "Ok so were all here lets go" said Sarah trying not to cry again, but knowing she will.
Jack never said a word the whole ride over to the funeral home, nor when they went to the gravesite. On the way home Jack just casually mentions "I'm going up to the Cabin after everyone leaves" Everyone sat in the car in silence, then the car pulled into a familiar driveway and they all got out. Some people were already waiting there for them. People from Jack's Air force Squadron and of Sarah's friends and of family, but mostly people who were strangers, perhaps neighbours or they knew Charlie through school events, or through his many sports events.
Some of Caitlyn's friends had shown up in support of her and the family, but all Jack wanted was to be alone. Sarah just wished Jack would've talked with her before decided to go up to the Cabin. Caitlyn just wanted the last few days back, before she had lost her brother, before her family started to fall apart, before she had ...said those awful words to her father.
Caitlyn's world was falling apart. Cat couldn't take it anymore, at least not sober. Cat and a couple of her friends went to the garage and they all decided to help themselves to Jack's alcohol in the fridge. Time had past and people were leaving, but where was Caitlyn. Had anyone seen her, maybe she went into her room, or the basement. No sign of her in the house. Jack and Sarah both were worried, and wondered where was she, then Jack heard noises coming from the garage. Jack opens the side door to the Garage to see what was going on and saw Caitlyn and her friends plastered (drunk). Jack soon became outraged and screamed "What the hell do you think you're doing".
Suddenly everything got deafly quiet. Caitlyn realizes she's been caught drinking her dad's alcohol and thinks "Oh shit", then looks at her Dad and she realizes she must have been really drunk because those words weren't said in her head and he heard her. Sarah and her Dad made sure Cats friends got home safely since they were drunk like Caitlyn. Cat pushed by her Dad to head up to the stairs, but instead he grabbed her arm before she could get to her room and he said "We are not finished young lady, you're going to tell me why the hell you thought you could get drunk and by using my stuff to do it" says Jack.
Jack still holding on to his daughter, becoming more angry with her by the minute, still not getting the answer he wanted. "Let go...Dad" says Cat releasing herself from his grip. "Why are you acting like this, we just buried your brother, and already your getting into trouble, we should be a family right now and your behaviour is tearing us apart" said Jack "No Dad...you're the one who is tearing us apart" says Cat. "You're leaving us, so you're the one who should stop doing this to us" added Cat.
"Cat...I..." Jack responded but not finding the words he needed. "Figures as much" said Caitlyn turning mad. "It's one thing to walk out on Sarah, she's only your wife, but I'm your Daughter" said Cat angrily. Cat runs to her room and Jack follows her, it's like he's asking for her brutal honesty to knock him down further. (What's wrong with this guy...snap out of it Jack) Author's note.
"I'm not leaving Sarah, and I'm not leaving you" said Jack. Caitlyn's eyes fill with tears; says "Why are you going to the Cabin then if you're not going to leave your family, you should be with us". "I just need time alone that's all it is, I'll be back" said Jack. "No... you won't...you're not coming back" said Cat "I know you won't, remember I know things and it's not my feelings being projected." she adds. "You blame yourself for what happened to Charlie, and Sarah feels guilty for the things she can't say to you, but I'm not afraid to say it" says Cat also.
"Caitlyn...don't, I mean it, and I will be back and you're wrong, wait...what... Sarah? Sarah has nothing to be guilty for, and I just need time to work things out, and Sarah and I will work things out with time, it had nothing to do with you cat. No matter what happens between myself and Sarah, we'll always be a family, you know that" says Jack. Caitlyn getting angier by the minute runs out of her room stops by the stairs and jack follows.
"Now where are you going, we still have to discuss your drinking young lady...don't you walk away from me" says Jack as he goes down stairs after her. She opens the spare room, goes to the closet and pulls out a suitcase. Jack sees what she is doing. "What are you up to now" says Jack. "If you can leave, so can I" replied Cat. "NO you're not" Said Jack and he grabs the suitcase out of her hand and throws it at the wall next to the closet where she had taken the suitcase out of only a few moments ago.
"The hell I'm not" said Caitlyn being very stubborn and she grabs the suitcase again. Jack grabs it out of her hands again and says "You're not going anywhere except back to your room...you're grounded...you're not leaving". "Ha, ha, ha, you can't ground me, you're not going to be here to make me, remember" said Cat pushing him out of her way heading for the front door.
Jack grabs her dragging her back to the spare room, he shuts the door and says "Ok smarty pants, I won't be here to make you stay grounded, but I can do this now". Jack grabs his daughter bending her over his knees and smacks her butt. Caitlyn lets out a scream and tears run down her face. "Owwwww...No Dad...oooowww" cries Caitlyn. "That's for getting drunk." Says Jack as he lets her up. She runs out of the room crying, just then Sarah and her Dad come in through the front door.
Jack follows her and doesn't realize Sarah and her father are back. While they watch, Jack and Caitlyn fight. "I hate you... you're right it wasn't anyone's fault that Charlie's dead...except yours...It was your fault... and it should've been you not Charlie who died. I hate you...walk out...go ahead...leave us...go get out...while you're at it you can go to hell too." said Caitlyn running up the stairs; slamming her door and locking it behind her.
Jack now realizes they had an audience says nothing and walks into the den. He grabs his suitcase and walks out. He passes Sarah and says "Goodbye, I got to go, go to clear my head, tell Caitlyn Goodbye for me". Jack then walks out of the house; puts his bags in the car and drives away towards the Cabin. Caitlyn watches from her brother's room window as her father leaves the driveway and starts crying. Caitlyn goes back to her room and cries herself to sleep.
Caitlyn wakes half a sleep still, tear stains dried up on her face, she hears others around her but falls back to sleep before she realizes it was just Dr. Mackenzie fiddling with some paper work while he keeps an eye on her condition. Later Cat wakes up again and realizes Daniel has been sitting next to her, and she wonders "How long has he been here" "Caitlyn, hi, good morning" say Daniel with a silly grin on his face. "Ummm Caitlyn there's something I have to tell you... but wanted to say it before anyone else finds out, that is if they don't already know it" says Daniel. "Ok what is it" said Caitlyn not sure what's going on with Daniel. "It's not a bad thing...well not really anyway...It's just a while back in the mess hall, you said some things to Jack in his head and well he wasn't the only one who heard some things from you in their head" Daniel had said.
"Oh God...If this illness doesn't kill me...I'm going to die of embarrassment" Caitlyn said trying to not let Daniel see her blush. "It's not that bad Cat...Caitlyn...ummm...just for the record I don't have those kinds of fantasy's...and if I did I pray to God Jack wouldn't be involved in any way" said Daniel kinda laughing, trying to make Caitlyn feel less embarrassed.
"I'm sorry Daniel...I never meant for any one to hear that...not you or my Dad...especially not him...Oh God...he wanted to kill me when I let that slip into his head" said Caitlyn tears fall, but she couldn't stop them before Daniel had seen them. "It's ok Caitlyn, really, he understands it wasn't you doing it, especially not on purpose, he knows it was your illness" said Daniel.
Thanks for cheering me up Daniel" says Cat. "No problem, there's ummm something else I wanted to say" said Daniel. Daniel thought "Yeah, I want to tell you I've been falling in love with you ever since my birthday". But Daniel didn't get the chance to say it because just then Jack walks in. "Hey Daniel, how about you give me and Caitlyn a moment, I'll meet you at the gate, ok" Says Jack. "Yeah, sure, ok, see ya Caitlyn" says Daniel with a big grin on his face.
"So what's up with you and Daniel Cat" says Jack. "Well I think he's falling in love with me" says Cat and smiles. "Well that's obvious, but I mean, do you feel the same way as he does" said Jack. "I don't know Dad... If I do and I die, then what will happen to him...and if I don't, he'll miss me" says Cat. "Hell, I'll miss you, never mind Daniel" replies Jack. "Dad...you know Daniel better than I do, It's going to hurt him at some point if I die, won't it" says Cat.
"Yes Cat, It will, but he's loved and lost before and God forbid the same thing happens to you, it will hurt, but eventually he'll be ok, he usually does end up ok" said Jack. "And... you...will you get over me, eventually just like..." says Cat. "You mean like when Charlie died" says Jack. "I haven't got over Charlie's death, even though it may appear that way, but I haven't and won't get over yours either if that should happen, and I'm not giving up, I believe you're going to be ok, and it's going to have to be that way, I won't accept anything else" said Jack.
Caitlyn's thinking back to her dream (memory) that she had earlier. "Cat...what's wrong" says Jack sensing she was in deep thought. "I had another memory earlier this morning" said Cat. "And what was it this time" replied Jack. "It was about Charlie's death and the events that happened after the funeral" cat replied as she's about to cry. "Cat...you know I never wanted to leave thing like that, I never wanted to make you hate me, especially not as much as you did that day" said Jack.
"I also didn't want things to get to the point where I'd...you know...I'm so sorry Caitlyn" says Jack. He kissed her forehead and added "I loved you so much, and I wasn't thinking about what Charlie's death was doing to you, I was too involved with my feelings, and my guilt, and ignoring yours and Sarah's." Jack adds "I was so angry with you for drinking that I was blinded by what you were trying to tell me, and I'm sorry I pushed you to drink, and pushed you to the point of hating me".
"Dad I was only drinking because I didn't know what else to do...how was I going to live in that house with a broken family. I...didn't mean to hate you...it just made me angry because no matter what I said or did, you were going to leave us. I thought at some point you might change your mind, and not go, but then I realized your mind was made up and the only thing left to do was to make it easier for both us, was to hate you." says Caitlyn. "I never really hated you...you know Dad...I could never hate you... hell I could never stay mad at you for long, especially when it didn't take long for one of us to crack a joke and then everything would be ok again, but that time was different, and it really hurt" says Cat. She was crying again.
"Cat...I know sweetheart...I know that since your mother and I broke up it's been hard for you to trust that I wouldn't leave you, and I never thought I would or ever could do that to you, but when Charlie died...I wasn't thinking, I pushed you and Sarah out of my life, and I'm sorry...sorry I can't go back...wish I could take it all back, all the pain" said Jack. Jack adds "Will you ever forgive your old man for being a total idiot." Caitlyn smiled and said "Of course you old man you" and giggles at her Dad.
"Ok so you really forgive me for leaving, what about the other thing" says Jack. "You mean when you did that thing you said you would never do" said Caitlyn. "Yes, and I never said I wouldn't do it, I said I didn't want to have to do it" says Jack smirking. "Yes I'll forgive you fro that...if you forgive me for my latest outbursts with that whole mind game thing and my little thought of you know what, liking you know what" Cat said. "Yes, done, over, I forgive you" says Jack. "Then I forgive you too Dad" Caitlyn says.
"Aah Dad...you should talk to Daniel before you leave, I get the feeling he wants to talk with you before you go, but first, I need to tell you...Yes... If I get better, then there could be something between Daniel and myself, and you'll have to accept it" says Caitlyn. "Are you sure Cat" replies Jack. "Yes, so go and talk with Daniel ok" says Caitlyn. "Ok, love you, goodbye, see you soon" says Jack.
When Daniel and Jack had finished there talk, Jack knew it was the right thing to do to let Danny boy stay with Cat, besides it's what Caitlyn was trying to tell him, that Daniel wanted the time with her and she wanted him to stay too. Daniel was so glad Jack had let him stay and he didn't waste any time getting back to her.
"Daniel, hey you're back" said Cat. She was so happy to see him. "Yeah, Jack said he didn't need me to come, so you up for visitors" said Danny. "With you as my visitor, always" said Cat smiling. Danny and Cat had told each other many things of their lives, from Daniel's parents death to his first love. To the Mrs. Jackson, and the women after and before her, to Caitlyn's first crush, first boyfriend, and her fiancé and their daughter. Daniel was surprised that Cat was someone's mother, but he still loved her.
Cat explained about Sean and the accident and him being in a coma, and that his parents will never give up on their son, but she and the Doctors agreed it would be a miracle if he comes out of the coma, and a bigger miracle if he came out of it without being in a veggie state.
Daniel was sorry she had to grow up being a single mom and hoped that he could meet her daughter some day. Cat agreed maybe when she was better, her daughter and he could meet. Jack would also like to meet her too, so maybe could plan a surprise for him by Father's Day she hoped the cure would be found and she would be ok.
Daniel fell hard in love with Caitlyn more and more each day they spent together that whole month while Jack and the other's were gone, but now they were back, and with the hope that Caitlyn will survive her illness and maybe they will have a future together. Jack knew right away that Caitlyn knew she was in love with Daniel. "Lord help me, I just might end up being Danny boy's father in law, ok so that wouldn't be entirely bad, sometimes I think of Danny as like a son any way" thought Jack. He also thought "God, there so cute together, how can I say No to that" and smiles.
Jack had to accept Danny and Cat as a couple; after all he promised he would if that happened. "It feels different in reality than it did in theory" thought Jack Well a few hours later Caitlyn was ok, and back to her almost normal self. Jack was so happy, happy he would get that second, or was it third, no fourth chance with his daughter. Didn't matter, as long as she was here, and happy, then he too would be happy. Jack has been so restless this past month, wondering how Cat was and how things were between her and Daniel. Worrying would they find the spring in time. Jack would hardly rest until they had found the spring. If it hadn't been for Samantha Carter making Jack take cat naps, he would've eventually take that nap to the point where he'd die from exhaustion.
Man Jack was so tired, more than he realized, but now he knew Caitlyn would be ok and he could go to sleep. "Night guys I'm turning in for the night" said Jack. Samantha and Teal'c also left to their private quarters for sleep. Daniel was so happy he couldn't contain himself any longer and gave Cat a very passionate kiss, rendering Helpless, But she thoroughly enjoyed it. Enjoyed it so much she returned that passionate kiss, and actually made him blush since that day of his birthday with the guys.
"Dr Mackenzie id it ok if I take Caitlyn to her private quarters, I think she's been in here too long" says Daniel. "Well Daniel I wanted to keep an eye on her to make sure everything is going ok, but yeah you're right, and I guess it's ok to move her, if anything happens you come and get me or bring her back here, understand" replies Dr Mackenzie.
"Yes we understand" said Cat and Daniel at the same time, with both having big silly love sick smiles on their faces. Daniel picked up Cat and carried her back to her quarters, where they continued on with what they started in the infirm tory only moved on further into their passion for each other.
Authors note "Wow, is all I have to say about that, with a smile...wanting to have a cigarette.
Caitlyn has flash backs of her past, in her present, and they're affecting her emotional state of mind. "...123...567...910... ready or not here I come" says Jack O'Neill with a smile and goes in search of his daughter Caitlyn. "aa ha... got you..." said Jack and picks up four year old Caitlyn and tickles her making her laugh and giggle. "Daddy how you find me" says Caitlyn giggling because she always hides in the same spot knowing he always comes and finds her there.
Caitlyn giggles out loud. "Ok what's so funny" says Colonel O'Neill. Caitlyn looks up realizing they're all in the briefing room and now all eyes are on her. "Ummm...what...huh...oh...aah...nothing, sorry" says Caitlyn looking rather embarrassed. Caitlyn doesn't get why she was remembering that particular moment in her life and why now in the middle of a meeting, "so weird" thought Caitlyn. All the SG1 were wondering what was going on with Caitlyn, it wasn't the first time she's acted strange like that, even for her with all of her special talents/gifts. Things have gotten more strange with her behaviour, with outbursts coming from no where in particular, and doing things unexpectedly more than usual that is the norm for her. She's only been at SGC for two weeks now.
"Jack, do you know what's bothering Caitlyn lately" Said Daniel Jackson. "No Daniel I don't, but I think I should maybe go find out before it gets worse" says Jack. "...Cat...hey wait up" says Jack as he follows her back to her office. "Cat...hey" Jack said again. Caitlyn walks into her office not hearing Jack calling after her.
"...Caitlyn!... where are you...you're going to be in trouble if you don't show yourself right now" says Mike coming up the stairs. Nine year old Caitlyn shivering under her bed, as he comes for her. "Got you...you little brat...you're going to get it now" says Mike as he grabs her to smack her she screams a piercing scream.
"Cat...what the...what's wrong...what happened" said Jack as he runs to Caitlyn when he heard her piercing scream. Caitlyn wakes from her previous state. Sitting on the couch in her office next to Jack, her tears running down her face, uncertain what just happened, she lets Jack hold her while she cries it all out. "Oh Dad...I'm feeling so strange these days, I don't understand it myself...It's like my emotions are out of whack or something else entirely is taken over my mind and everything else" says Cat.
"I've been having...like memories or something these last few days, but it's not the same as before" says Cat. "It's like flash backs, but I'm reliving the memories, I can feel, smell, taste everything like I was really there. Yet I know it's not real...It can't be real...can it" said Caitlyn. "I don't get half of the things you say or do normally, but as far as I know, you don't have the ability to go back into your past through memories and relive them" says Jack as he consoles his daughter, and adding "But if you say that's what is going on, then I believe you".
Jack hugs his daughter and cracks a joke to make her feel better. "So Cat...what memory was it that made you scream like that" says Jack with a very concerned look. "...It was when I was nine and was at mom's place...I made a mess in the kitchen after school and I hadn't cleaned up before Mike got home...he was home early...and oh God...it hurts as if it had just happened" says Caitlyn. "It was one of those memories you were telling me about in the briefing room the first day you came to SGC, wasn't it" said Jack. Caitlyn replied shaking "Yeah Dad...It was" and she cried in his arms again.
Jack didn't know what was going on with Cat, but he promised to be there for her in any way he could, even if it meant holding her while she broke down crying. Usually Cat wasn't this emotional, usually was very much like Jack, holding it in, cracking jokes, stuff like that. Something is breaking her mental state down, perhaps she should get a CT scan, and see if there's a tumour or something that's causing her to have these emotional, memory break downs.
It's been a few days since the last reoccurring memory break down, but now things are turning different. Caitlyn's gift is like going in reverse or something like that. She still has her gift, and as strong as she has it now, except it's taking her back to the beginning of when she first discovered she had telepathic abilities. She's now having childish thought while her mind should be acting adult like. At the time when she first discovered this talent, she used to play mind games with Jack until he found out what she was doing and made her stop using her gift on him and any other unsuspecting people for her own pleasure. She used to talk to him in his head making him think he was hearing voices, and then made a few suggestions, driving her father crazy.
Jack and Daniel were sitting in the mess hall having lunch with Caitlyn. "There once was a man from Nantucket who..." thought Colonel O'Neill. "Wait a sec...where did that come from" Jack says to himself. "He thought those words but he wouldn't normally thinking that out of no where unless...of course Cat must be playing with my mind making me think such a thing" thinks Jack (but it's not Cat sending him this last thought, that's Jack).
"Caitlyn Jamie Mackenzie O'Neill...I know what you're doing...stop that right now" says Colonel O'Neill as he gets up from his seat. Cat smiles mischievously and says to Jack in his head "Na na na na, and what are you going to do about it". Jack turns around looks Caitlyn in the eye and thinks the words "Ever hear of the old saying...never too old to be bent over my knee" Jack said with an annoying look on his face. He knew she would be reading his mind so he made sure she got the message. Giving her the wagging finger of don't do that again or else you just might find out what I can do.
Caitlyn realizes Jack meant it and she should stop while she still has a head. It was rather childish of her to be playing mind games with him, but part of her couldn't resist the temptation to think to herself "If Dad bent me over his knee in front of Daniel...Daniel might actually like that...not to mention all the other young men around her...might fill some weird fantasy of there's". Jack turns around again just as he was heading out of the mess hall, he heard Cat's thoughts and said "What the hell...I don't want to hear that coming from your mouth let alone from your head into mine" Jack was very annoyed with Caitlyn for that one. (Can we say big oops?) Jack also adds "I told you to not do that again." Cat didn't realize she had projected her own thought into Jacks "Oops" thought Caitlyn. Now she's really made Jack mad at her.
"I'm sorry...I didn't mean for you to hear me think those words, I never meant to...make you angry with me" says Cat. Before she could say anymore her head began to throb, and the most in tense pain came over her. She ran to the infirm tory to see the doctor, just didn't think Jack would be following her. Jack was wondering where she was going.
Caitlyn came into the room and said "Dr Mackenzie I need your help" The Doctor came quickly to see what was wrong with Caitlyn. Before Jack could get a chance to find out what was going on with Cat he got a call to see General Hammond. There was another planet they needed to go checkout. "Maybe when he and the rest of SG1 gets back, he'll find out what's been going on with Caitlyn lately" thought Jack.
A few days later Jack and the gang had come back from there latest adventure, they had just checked in with the doctor and things had checked out ok. After SG1 had finished debriefing, General Hammond had asked them to stay a bit longer and that special agent O'Neill (Caitlyn/cat) would be joining them shortly to discuss something with them all, and No he can't tell them anything more till she comes.
Everyone thought perhaps it was about what has been going on with her this last month being here. Strange moods, really weird behaviour, even for her. When Caitlyn was given the ok from the Doctor to leave she headed up to the briefing room. She knew they all would be curious as to her explanation for her mysterious behaviour.
Caitlyn O'Neill walks in and sees all eyes are now on her, waiting to hear what she has to say. They were curious about this new mission, and "what about this spring" they all thought. What was its purpose, why the seriousness of obtaining it and if it's so important why wasn't it ordered as a regular mission.
"Hey guys, sorry it took so long, you know how it is with Doctors" says Caitlyn smiling. "Yeah, you come for an aspirin, and leave without your tonsils" thought Jack. Caitlyn hears Jacks thought and laughs looking in his direction. Jack laughs too knowing she had heard him. "Ok so what's up Caitlyn" says Daniel Jackson "Yeah" Samantha Carter adds as she too wonders why they had to stay and wait for Caitlyn. "Well...you want the good news or the bad news first" says Caitlyn "Just tell us already" says Jack.
"Ok... the bad news is I'm dying...but the good news is there's a cure" said Cat. "What, from what" says Daniel and Samantha at the same time. Jack just starring at Cat not saying a word, not sure what to say to Caitlyn after she told him she's dying. "Ummm Jack are you ok" says Daniel noticing he hasn't said anything for awhile. "What...huh...oh...yeah" replies Jack. "Caitlyn how long have you known" says Jack "For a few months now" replied Cat back. "How could you not say anything before" says Jack. "I...wanted to but...every time I thought I was going to tell you...I just chickened out" said Caitlyn.
"So all the memory flash backs and mind games have been what a result of your illness" says Daniel. "Yes...It's like my brain was being slowly attacked within the brain core itself." Caitlyn had said. Adding "As the illness progresses so does the strain and final collapse of my brain. "You know when you get a migraine, imagine ten times the throbbing pain, that's my brain" says Cat. "Ouch" said Sam. "Yes indeed that would be very painful" says Teal'c "Yes very" says Daniel.
"So Caitlyn how does this ...aah natural spring work, how does it suppose to be the cure for your illness" said General Hammond. "Well General with all natural resources coming from this spring it should reverse the damage that has all ready occurred" says Caitlyn. "Yes, but why from another planet through the stargate, why not from here on earth" said Sam. "Because on this planet all springs have been compromised" said Caitlyn. "For me to reverse the process, I need a pure spring, you know untouched, and that's somewhere on another planet, which was sent to me in a vision a month before this all started, before my visions came unfinished in bits and pieces.
"Ummm Jack you've been very quiet for awhile, anything on your mind" says Daniel. "Yeah, well I don't have anything to really say right now, just trying to get over the shock I guess" said Jack. Jack gets up from the table and walks out of the briefing room, everyone surprised he just walked out like that without saying anything. Jack went to his private quarters and sits on the edge of his bed and reaches for a picture near by. He picks up the picture and caresses it. Caitlyn sensing Jack was upset follows him.
"Dad...ummm...are you ok, I know it's a lot to soak up, I'm sorry I had to tell you like that" says Caitlyn. Jack says nothing, he just remains holding the picture in his hand, looking like he had already lost his daughter only this time for good. Cat sat down beside her father, and looks at the picture he was holding. It was of her and her Father when she was four. "Dad I love you so much, you have every right to what your feeling inside, but don't you dare break down, not now, I'm going to need you, and you're going to have to be strong for the both of us" said Caitlyn
She kisses him on the cheek and wraps her arms around him, puts her head against his shoulder and whispers "Please Daddy...be the strong man I know and trust you to be." Jack sets the picture down on the other side of him and wraps his arms over Cats and kisses the top of her head and nods in acknowledgment to what she had just said. "I'm sorry, I haven't said much about your illness, of course I'm going to be strong for you sweetheart, I just needed this moment alone for myself, but I'll be ok in a few minute ok" said Jack
Jack held Caitlyn in his arms for awhile not wanting to let go. Long moments of silence surrounded them both, and then she had a sharp pain in her head and screamed, then passed out. Jack carried her to the infirm tory, he waited for Dr. Mackenzie to tell him what he already had known "She's had a black out, she'll be here for awhile, if you're going to find the spring, you'll have to go soon" says Dr. Mackenzie.
"No, I don't want this illness to win, I have to stall it, but I can't stay in bed all the time, I can't stand not being able to do whatever I want, just lying around frustrates me more than people asking stupid questions" says Caitlyn in a conversation she and Jack have when everyone has left them alone. "I know, I hate it too, but do it for me, just hang on, we'll find the spring soon, and you won't be so bored to tears" says Jack. Jack and the others will be leaving the next morning and hopefully they'll find the spring.
Jack held Caitlyn in his arms lying next to her on the medical bed. It reminds Jack of when he used to hold his little girl like that when she used to wake up from nightmares, or when she was sick, and needed comfort. Seemed to Jack if anything he ever did right by his daughter within the ups and downs of their relationship it was comforting her when she was sick and from the nightmares. At this moment he felt so close to his daughter.
Caitlyn finally fell asleep in Jacks arms, he kissed her cheek, and whispers "night sweetheart". Jack went to lye on the medical bed next to Caitlyn's. The Doctor didn't bother to tell him to go sleep in his own private quarters. "It's not worth the headache" says Dr. Mackenzie to himself and lets Colonel sleep next to his daughter.
Jack was restless for most of the night, mostly thinking of the time he had wasted with Caitlyn, and the time of when he was being a typical father who eventually discovered there was so much more to his daughter that he hadn't known. A time he should've spent more time loving her and less time fighting with her.
Time had past, thoughts of memories flooded his mind of good and of bad times, eventually his head couldn't take it and finally gave in to sleep. A few hours later Jack woke, he decided to take a walk up to the surface to clear his head, but first he went to Dr. Jackson's office to see if he was awake. It was his lucky night or was it morning, Daniel was in his office and he was awake. "Hey Dannyboy, what you doing up so early or did you not go to sleep last night" says Jack peeking into his friends office. "Aah...Jack, Hey...are you ok" says Daniel also adding "Yes I did and woke up early, lots on the mind you know".
"Yeah me neither, aah...Daniel since your up can you do me a favour, I need some air, so can you go to the infirm tory and stay with Caitlyn, I'd feel better knowing she had someone watching over her for awhile till I got back" says Jack. "Sure Jack...no problem, are you sure you're ok" says Daniel. "Yeah Daniel I'll be fine, once I get some air, ok thanx" said Jack.
Meanwhile Caitlyn was in dream state remembering once again of her past... "Dad, what happened, where's Charlie. Sarah, what's going on, the Doctors won't tell me anything, what's wrong." said young Caitlyn O'Neill. "Caitlyn Oh God...there was an accident...Charlie shot with your Father's gun...He's gone Caitlyn...Charlie's...he's dead" said Sarah. "Oh God Sarah...I didn't see it coming...If I had only known it would happen...If only I could've stopped it from happening" said Caitlyn. Sarah held Caitlyn (her step- daughter) in her arms and said "not your fault, never, you hear me; even with your gift you're not perfect, you can't play God, you couldn't stop it from happening, not even we could stop it". Caitlyn crying, wipes her tears and goes to sit next to her father.
"Dad" says Caitlyn wanting to comfort him. Jack knows he should acknowledge his daughter's concern, but instead he snubs her, and just gets up and walks away. Caitlyn watches as her father walk out of the hospital in a state of shock. She wanted to scream at him, telling him what a terrible father he was for leaving his gun out and not being careful of possible accidents like what just happened.
Caitlyn just wanted to scream, but she couldn't find her voice, she never had that problem before. No matter how much she knew her father would be angry with her. Even with the possibility of being punished, she always found her voice, no matter how wrong or right she was. Now she didn't say all the things she wanted to say, and the moment had past.
Jack knew he shouldn't have walked out. He shouldn't have walked out on Sarah, and his only daughter. She was the only child he had left, and Jack's heart filled with so much pain, blaming himself for Charlie. The funeral was this early morning and all who knew Charlie and of the family would be there. Jack didn't want to get up from the den, but knew he had to face those people eventually. Eventually he had to face the rest of his family too. Sarah was in the kitchen along with her father, he had been such a good comfort to Sarah since Charlie's death.
Sarah's father wasn't technically Caitlyn's grandfather, but Caitlyn loved him as much, and he adored her as if she was his Granddaughter. He was a very welcomed sight a she walked in the kitchen. Sarah hugged Caitlyn seeing her all dressed and ready to go for Charlie's Funeral, but wondered where's Jack, he should be up and dressed by now. "Morning Sarah, Granddad, ummm where's Dad" says Caitlyn. "Right behind you" says Jack. "Ok so were all here lets go" said Sarah trying not to cry again, but knowing she will.
Jack never said a word the whole ride over to the funeral home, nor when they went to the gravesite. On the way home Jack just casually mentions "I'm going up to the Cabin after everyone leaves" Everyone sat in the car in silence, then the car pulled into a familiar driveway and they all got out. Some people were already waiting there for them. People from Jack's Air force Squadron and of Sarah's friends and of family, but mostly people who were strangers, perhaps neighbours or they knew Charlie through school events, or through his many sports events.
Some of Caitlyn's friends had shown up in support of her and the family, but all Jack wanted was to be alone. Sarah just wished Jack would've talked with her before decided to go up to the Cabin. Caitlyn just wanted the last few days back, before she had lost her brother, before her family started to fall apart, before she had ...said those awful words to her father.
Caitlyn's world was falling apart. Cat couldn't take it anymore, at least not sober. Cat and a couple of her friends went to the garage and they all decided to help themselves to Jack's alcohol in the fridge. Time had past and people were leaving, but where was Caitlyn. Had anyone seen her, maybe she went into her room, or the basement. No sign of her in the house. Jack and Sarah both were worried, and wondered where was she, then Jack heard noises coming from the garage. Jack opens the side door to the Garage to see what was going on and saw Caitlyn and her friends plastered (drunk). Jack soon became outraged and screamed "What the hell do you think you're doing".
Suddenly everything got deafly quiet. Caitlyn realizes she's been caught drinking her dad's alcohol and thinks "Oh shit", then looks at her Dad and she realizes she must have been really drunk because those words weren't said in her head and he heard her. Sarah and her Dad made sure Cats friends got home safely since they were drunk like Caitlyn. Cat pushed by her Dad to head up to the stairs, but instead he grabbed her arm before she could get to her room and he said "We are not finished young lady, you're going to tell me why the hell you thought you could get drunk and by using my stuff to do it" says Jack.
Jack still holding on to his daughter, becoming more angry with her by the minute, still not getting the answer he wanted. "Let go...Dad" says Cat releasing herself from his grip. "Why are you acting like this, we just buried your brother, and already your getting into trouble, we should be a family right now and your behaviour is tearing us apart" said Jack "No Dad...you're the one who is tearing us apart" says Cat. "You're leaving us, so you're the one who should stop doing this to us" added Cat.
"Cat...I..." Jack responded but not finding the words he needed. "Figures as much" said Caitlyn turning mad. "It's one thing to walk out on Sarah, she's only your wife, but I'm your Daughter" said Cat angrily. Cat runs to her room and Jack follows her, it's like he's asking for her brutal honesty to knock him down further. (What's wrong with this guy...snap out of it Jack) Author's note.
"I'm not leaving Sarah, and I'm not leaving you" said Jack. Caitlyn's eyes fill with tears; says "Why are you going to the Cabin then if you're not going to leave your family, you should be with us". "I just need time alone that's all it is, I'll be back" said Jack. "No... you won't...you're not coming back" said Cat "I know you won't, remember I know things and it's not my feelings being projected." she adds. "You blame yourself for what happened to Charlie, and Sarah feels guilty for the things she can't say to you, but I'm not afraid to say it" says Cat also.
"Caitlyn...don't, I mean it, and I will be back and you're wrong, wait...what... Sarah? Sarah has nothing to be guilty for, and I just need time to work things out, and Sarah and I will work things out with time, it had nothing to do with you cat. No matter what happens between myself and Sarah, we'll always be a family, you know that" says Jack. Caitlyn getting angier by the minute runs out of her room stops by the stairs and jack follows.
"Now where are you going, we still have to discuss your drinking young lady...don't you walk away from me" says Jack as he goes down stairs after her. She opens the spare room, goes to the closet and pulls out a suitcase. Jack sees what she is doing. "What are you up to now" says Jack. "If you can leave, so can I" replied Cat. "NO you're not" Said Jack and he grabs the suitcase out of her hand and throws it at the wall next to the closet where she had taken the suitcase out of only a few moments ago.
"The hell I'm not" said Caitlyn being very stubborn and she grabs the suitcase again. Jack grabs it out of her hands again and says "You're not going anywhere except back to your room...you're grounded...you're not leaving". "Ha, ha, ha, you can't ground me, you're not going to be here to make me, remember" said Cat pushing him out of her way heading for the front door.
Jack grabs her dragging her back to the spare room, he shuts the door and says "Ok smarty pants, I won't be here to make you stay grounded, but I can do this now". Jack grabs his daughter bending her over his knees and smacks her butt. Caitlyn lets out a scream and tears run down her face. "Owwwww...No Dad...oooowww" cries Caitlyn. "That's for getting drunk." Says Jack as he lets her up. She runs out of the room crying, just then Sarah and her Dad come in through the front door.
Jack follows her and doesn't realize Sarah and her father are back. While they watch, Jack and Caitlyn fight. "I hate you... you're right it wasn't anyone's fault that Charlie's dead...except yours...It was your fault... and it should've been you not Charlie who died. I hate you...walk out...go ahead...leave us...go get out...while you're at it you can go to hell too." said Caitlyn running up the stairs; slamming her door and locking it behind her.
Jack now realizes they had an audience says nothing and walks into the den. He grabs his suitcase and walks out. He passes Sarah and says "Goodbye, I got to go, go to clear my head, tell Caitlyn Goodbye for me". Jack then walks out of the house; puts his bags in the car and drives away towards the Cabin. Caitlyn watches from her brother's room window as her father leaves the driveway and starts crying. Caitlyn goes back to her room and cries herself to sleep.
Caitlyn wakes half a sleep still, tear stains dried up on her face, she hears others around her but falls back to sleep before she realizes it was just Dr. Mackenzie fiddling with some paper work while he keeps an eye on her condition. Later Cat wakes up again and realizes Daniel has been sitting next to her, and she wonders "How long has he been here" "Caitlyn, hi, good morning" say Daniel with a silly grin on his face. "Ummm Caitlyn there's something I have to tell you... but wanted to say it before anyone else finds out, that is if they don't already know it" says Daniel. "Ok what is it" said Caitlyn not sure what's going on with Daniel. "It's not a bad thing...well not really anyway...It's just a while back in the mess hall, you said some things to Jack in his head and well he wasn't the only one who heard some things from you in their head" Daniel had said.
"Oh God...If this illness doesn't kill me...I'm going to die of embarrassment" Caitlyn said trying to not let Daniel see her blush. "It's not that bad Cat...Caitlyn...ummm...just for the record I don't have those kinds of fantasy's...and if I did I pray to God Jack wouldn't be involved in any way" said Daniel kinda laughing, trying to make Caitlyn feel less embarrassed.
"I'm sorry Daniel...I never meant for any one to hear that...not you or my Dad...especially not him...Oh God...he wanted to kill me when I let that slip into his head" said Caitlyn tears fall, but she couldn't stop them before Daniel had seen them. "It's ok Caitlyn, really, he understands it wasn't you doing it, especially not on purpose, he knows it was your illness" said Daniel.
Thanks for cheering me up Daniel" says Cat. "No problem, there's ummm something else I wanted to say" said Daniel. Daniel thought "Yeah, I want to tell you I've been falling in love with you ever since my birthday". But Daniel didn't get the chance to say it because just then Jack walks in. "Hey Daniel, how about you give me and Caitlyn a moment, I'll meet you at the gate, ok" Says Jack. "Yeah, sure, ok, see ya Caitlyn" says Daniel with a big grin on his face.
"So what's up with you and Daniel Cat" says Jack. "Well I think he's falling in love with me" says Cat and smiles. "Well that's obvious, but I mean, do you feel the same way as he does" said Jack. "I don't know Dad... If I do and I die, then what will happen to him...and if I don't, he'll miss me" says Cat. "Hell, I'll miss you, never mind Daniel" replies Jack. "Dad...you know Daniel better than I do, It's going to hurt him at some point if I die, won't it" says Cat.
"Yes Cat, It will, but he's loved and lost before and God forbid the same thing happens to you, it will hurt, but eventually he'll be ok, he usually does end up ok" said Jack. "And... you...will you get over me, eventually just like..." says Cat. "You mean like when Charlie died" says Jack. "I haven't got over Charlie's death, even though it may appear that way, but I haven't and won't get over yours either if that should happen, and I'm not giving up, I believe you're going to be ok, and it's going to have to be that way, I won't accept anything else" said Jack.
Caitlyn's thinking back to her dream (memory) that she had earlier. "Cat...what's wrong" says Jack sensing she was in deep thought. "I had another memory earlier this morning" said Cat. "And what was it this time" replied Jack. "It was about Charlie's death and the events that happened after the funeral" cat replied as she's about to cry. "Cat...you know I never wanted to leave thing like that, I never wanted to make you hate me, especially not as much as you did that day" said Jack.
"I also didn't want things to get to the point where I'd...you know...I'm so sorry Caitlyn" says Jack. He kissed her forehead and added "I loved you so much, and I wasn't thinking about what Charlie's death was doing to you, I was too involved with my feelings, and my guilt, and ignoring yours and Sarah's." Jack adds "I was so angry with you for drinking that I was blinded by what you were trying to tell me, and I'm sorry I pushed you to drink, and pushed you to the point of hating me".
"Dad I was only drinking because I didn't know what else to do...how was I going to live in that house with a broken family. I...didn't mean to hate you...it just made me angry because no matter what I said or did, you were going to leave us. I thought at some point you might change your mind, and not go, but then I realized your mind was made up and the only thing left to do was to make it easier for both us, was to hate you." says Caitlyn. "I never really hated you...you know Dad...I could never hate you... hell I could never stay mad at you for long, especially when it didn't take long for one of us to crack a joke and then everything would be ok again, but that time was different, and it really hurt" says Cat. She was crying again.
"Cat...I know sweetheart...I know that since your mother and I broke up it's been hard for you to trust that I wouldn't leave you, and I never thought I would or ever could do that to you, but when Charlie died...I wasn't thinking, I pushed you and Sarah out of my life, and I'm sorry...sorry I can't go back...wish I could take it all back, all the pain" said Jack. Jack adds "Will you ever forgive your old man for being a total idiot." Caitlyn smiled and said "Of course you old man you" and giggles at her Dad.
"Ok so you really forgive me for leaving, what about the other thing" says Jack. "You mean when you did that thing you said you would never do" said Caitlyn. "Yes, and I never said I wouldn't do it, I said I didn't want to have to do it" says Jack smirking. "Yes I'll forgive you fro that...if you forgive me for my latest outbursts with that whole mind game thing and my little thought of you know what, liking you know what" Cat said. "Yes, done, over, I forgive you" says Jack. "Then I forgive you too Dad" Caitlyn says.
"Aah Dad...you should talk to Daniel before you leave, I get the feeling he wants to talk with you before you go, but first, I need to tell you...Yes... If I get better, then there could be something between Daniel and myself, and you'll have to accept it" says Caitlyn. "Are you sure Cat" replies Jack. "Yes, so go and talk with Daniel ok" says Caitlyn. "Ok, love you, goodbye, see you soon" says Jack.
When Daniel and Jack had finished there talk, Jack knew it was the right thing to do to let Danny boy stay with Cat, besides it's what Caitlyn was trying to tell him, that Daniel wanted the time with her and she wanted him to stay too. Daniel was so glad Jack had let him stay and he didn't waste any time getting back to her.
"Daniel, hey you're back" said Cat. She was so happy to see him. "Yeah, Jack said he didn't need me to come, so you up for visitors" said Danny. "With you as my visitor, always" said Cat smiling. Danny and Cat had told each other many things of their lives, from Daniel's parents death to his first love. To the Mrs. Jackson, and the women after and before her, to Caitlyn's first crush, first boyfriend, and her fiancé and their daughter. Daniel was surprised that Cat was someone's mother, but he still loved her.
Cat explained about Sean and the accident and him being in a coma, and that his parents will never give up on their son, but she and the Doctors agreed it would be a miracle if he comes out of the coma, and a bigger miracle if he came out of it without being in a veggie state.
Daniel was sorry she had to grow up being a single mom and hoped that he could meet her daughter some day. Cat agreed maybe when she was better, her daughter and he could meet. Jack would also like to meet her too, so maybe could plan a surprise for him by Father's Day she hoped the cure would be found and she would be ok.
Daniel fell hard in love with Caitlyn more and more each day they spent together that whole month while Jack and the other's were gone, but now they were back, and with the hope that Caitlyn will survive her illness and maybe they will have a future together. Jack knew right away that Caitlyn knew she was in love with Daniel. "Lord help me, I just might end up being Danny boy's father in law, ok so that wouldn't be entirely bad, sometimes I think of Danny as like a son any way" thought Jack. He also thought "God, there so cute together, how can I say No to that" and smiles.
Jack had to accept Danny and Cat as a couple; after all he promised he would if that happened. "It feels different in reality than it did in theory" thought Jack Well a few hours later Caitlyn was ok, and back to her almost normal self. Jack was so happy, happy he would get that second, or was it third, no fourth chance with his daughter. Didn't matter, as long as she was here, and happy, then he too would be happy. Jack has been so restless this past month, wondering how Cat was and how things were between her and Daniel. Worrying would they find the spring in time. Jack would hardly rest until they had found the spring. If it hadn't been for Samantha Carter making Jack take cat naps, he would've eventually take that nap to the point where he'd die from exhaustion.
Man Jack was so tired, more than he realized, but now he knew Caitlyn would be ok and he could go to sleep. "Night guys I'm turning in for the night" said Jack. Samantha and Teal'c also left to their private quarters for sleep. Daniel was so happy he couldn't contain himself any longer and gave Cat a very passionate kiss, rendering Helpless, But she thoroughly enjoyed it. Enjoyed it so much she returned that passionate kiss, and actually made him blush since that day of his birthday with the guys.
"Dr Mackenzie id it ok if I take Caitlyn to her private quarters, I think she's been in here too long" says Daniel. "Well Daniel I wanted to keep an eye on her to make sure everything is going ok, but yeah you're right, and I guess it's ok to move her, if anything happens you come and get me or bring her back here, understand" replies Dr Mackenzie.
"Yes we understand" said Cat and Daniel at the same time, with both having big silly love sick smiles on their faces. Daniel picked up Cat and carried her back to her quarters, where they continued on with what they started in the infirm tory only moved on further into their passion for each other.
Authors note "Wow, is all I have to say about that, with a smile...wanting to have a cigarette.