DISCLAIMER: The characters mentioned in this story are the property of Showtime and Gekko Film Corp. The Stargate, SG-1, the goa'uld and all other characters who have appeared in the series STARGATE SG-1 together with the names, titles and backstory are the sole copyright property of the people who made them up. This fanfic is not intended as an infringement upon those rights and solely meant for entertainment. All other characters, the story idea and the story itself are the sole property of the author.

A Snake In The Hand Is Worth Two In The Bush

Part two

Jack entered the infirmary and headed towards Clare.

'How are you feeling?' Jack asked as he stood beside her with his hands in his pockets. 'Doc Fraiser says you're doing ok for the moment and I've persuaded her that a little trip away from this place,' he waved his hand vaguely, 'to get some real food, not the rubbish they serve here, would be the best thing to help you recover.'

Clare smiled uncertainly at him.

Dr Fraiser appeared at Jack's elbow, smiling at her. 'Clare, it's fine if you'd like to go with him. You're looking much better and a change would be good for you, help you to acclimatise a bit. Providing,' she looked pointedly at Jack, 'You get her back here in two hours.'

Jack pulled a face but sighed his assent.

'So,' Jack continued, 'I've got a few things to sort out, I'll be back in fifteen to collect you.' He smiled reassuringly, patted her on the shoulder and then he'd gone.

He returned as promised to find Clare dressed and waiting for him.

'Ok, we're so outta here,' he said as he put his hand on Clare's back to lead her out of the infirmary.

Clare's head was spinning at the maze of corridors and elevators she encountered. She'd been too stunned by all that had happened earlier to really take in her trip to the briefing room. Now she realised how big this place must be and not a window in sight.

They joined the rest of SG1 at a table in the mess hall and Clare ate her meal as she listened to the others chatter amongst themselves until she started to relax in the easy going atmosphere. Daniel, observing this, directed a question at her, drawing her into the conversation.

'You probably feel pretty strange,' he smiled at her as she nodded agreement. 'Well, just to break the ice a bit and as we'll all be spending some time together, I'll introduce us properly. None of that military rubbish the air force are usually so insistent on.' Daniel glanced sideways at Jack who grimaced at him.

'Aren't you in the air force then?' Clare asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.

'Definitely not. I'm a civilian. The others I'm afraid to say are, but forget official titles. I'm Daniel, this is Jack, Sam and Teal'c.' Clare looked warily at Teal'c, then shook herself as she turned to listen to Daniel.

'I'm actually an archaeologist, anthropologist and linguist.' Daniel paused, inviting Clare to join in.

'My name is Clare and I want world peace,' Clare informed them before looking sheepish. 'Sorry about that, I just always feel like saying something stupid whenever I'm in an 'introduce yourself to the group' situation. Actually, I write children's books.' For the first time they saw her smile, as if she'd made a big joke.

'What have you written?' Sam asked.

'Oh, just a few adventure stories and the Robyn Marsh series,' she said lightly, glancing shyly around the table.

'You're kidding! I've read them all,' Sam spoke enthusiastically, suddenly feeling foolish as Jack looked at her in surprise, eyebrows almost reaching his hairline. 'Well, sir, uh, Cassie's got a couple, and once I read one, I was hooked and bought them all.' Sam coughed and asked Clare another question. 'So, working on anything at the moment?'

Sam could see Clare tense up and, realising something was wrong, changed the subject. 'Anyone for dessert?' She asked instead, getting up and taking orders.

'Well, I guess we better get you back to the infirmary,' Jack said at last as empty dishes littered the table.

'That's ok sir, I'll escort her back,' volunteered Sam, standing up. 'See you guys later.'

As they walked, Clare glanced at Sam. 'Major Carter?'

'Sam, call me Sam,' Sam reminded her.

'Oh, yes. Well, you know what it's like don't you? To have another voice in your head? How do you learn to live with something like that?'

Sam looked at Clare appraisingly, considering this question but then decided to answer as best she could.

'Well, it can be hard and sometimes you're not sure whose emotions you're feeling, but over time I can feel that more of me is there and it gets easier, you kind of get used to it I suppose. Here we are, and back within the two hours as ordered,' Sam said, grinning at Janet and Clare. 'Well, it's been nice chatting, I'll see you tomorrow. Sleep well.'

**************

Jack found himself in Daniel's office at a bit of a loose end. He had just left the infirmary after a meeting with Dr Fraiser where he had been told that all plans to try to retrieve any goa'uld memories from Clare would have to be put on hold for the next couple of days. Jack had called in on his team with the news that they could continue as normal for the rest of the day, his last port of call being Daniel. Jack was really trying to avoid the mountain of paperwork in his office and he figured that bugging Daniel was a good way to achieve that, plus he could do with some of the strong coffee Daniel always seemed to have on hand.

Once supplied with a mug, Jack informed Daniel of the situation.

'Uh-huh.' Daniel sounded as though he already knew something.

'What do you mean uh-huh? You know something else don't you - c'mon, spill.'

'Jack, I don't think…' Daniel didn't have time to finish as Jack gave him one of his glares which could usually make the archaeologist co-operate.

'Ok, ok. I was working late last night.' Nothing unusual there, thought Jack. 'I needed a refill of coffee and was on my way to fetch some when I bumped into Clare wandering the corridors.'

Jack stared at Daniel - Clare should not have been out of the infirmary, and certainly not without an escort.

Daniel read Jack's thoughts. 'I don't think you've anything to worry about,' he said. 'She was sleepwalking and didn't even see me. She woke up a little while after I found her and I got her back to the infirmary - it was chaos in there with SG3 all needing attention.'

Daniel kept a few details to himself. How Clare had woken when a patrol had challenged her, startling her awake. How she had been confused, not knowing where she was and cowering against the wall until her eyes had refocused and she recognised Daniel. How he had escorted her back to the infirmary, ready to give Dr Fraiser a piece of his mind, only to back down when he saw the situation in there and how worried Dr Fraiser was when she realised Clare had disappeared. How Clare had told him of the car accident which had claimed the lives of her husband and parents a few months ago and how she had been getting her life back together until this had happened.

Daniel had been able to understand what Clare had been through, telling her a little about Sha're and how she had died recently too, and a friendship from shared experiences had been initiated until Daniel had been chased away when Dr Fraiser returned with a sedative.

Jack looked at him suspiciously, but grudgingly accepted his explanation.

'Soooo..' Jack continued, 'How about breakfast?'

Daniel's attention had already wandered back to the books in front of him, one hand curled round his newly recharged cup of coffee. 'Uh, no, I'm fine thanks,' as he indicated a bag of cookies on his desk. Jack sighed, knowing it was worse than useless to try to get him away from his work.

'Ok. Don't forget, mission briefing at 1400.' Jack heard what might have passed for assent, but mentally resolved not to take any chances - he would send Teal'c to collect Daniel and make sure he got there on time rather than his usual appearance ten minutes after everyone else had arrived.

*************

Teal'c had just stepped out of the elevator on his way to collect Daniel for the briefing. He had taken two steps towards Daniel's office when he was startled by an enormous crash coming from the direction he was headed. Jogging towards the noise, he burst into the room to find Daniel getting shakily to his feet, books scattered all around him from the shelf which had just collapsed.

'Do you require assistance Daniel Jackson?'

'Uh - I'm - I don't feel . . .' Daniel's hesitating words indicated all was not well, and as Daniel half turned to face Teal'c the thin ribbon of blood working its way from Daniel's forehead and the paleness of his face told him everything he needed to know.

'You require medical attention. I will summon Dr Fraiser.'

'No, no,' Daniel protested,' I'll be fine, just need to...to…' The sentence was left unfinished as Daniel swayed, then was caught and lowered to the floor by Teal'c as he passed out.

************

Jack hurried into the briefing room with General Hammond, casting annoyed glances at Teal'c who was talking to Sam with no sign of Daniel.

'Teal'c,' he said, the quietness of his voice hiding his annoyance. 'Did you forget to bring something?'

'I did not.' Teal'c informed Jack. 'Daniel Jackson is unwell and is unable to attend the briefing.'

'What do you mean unwell? Daniel's sick? He was fine this morning, what happened?' Jack demanded.

'He has concussion. A shelf fell from the wall in his office and injured him.' Teal'c replied.

Jack stood up and was ready to head out the door to see Daniel before anyone had chance to say anything. Teal'c stood in his path.

'Excuse me,' Jack muttered.

'I am sorry O'Neill. I have a message from Dr Fraiser. You are not to go to the infirmary until after the briefing. Your presence is not required and you will be in the way. Daniel Jackson will be fine and needs to rest, he will, however, be unable to go on tomorrows mission to PX3-J1Y.' Teal'c having delivered his message took his seat and waited patiently for the briefing to begin.

'General?' Jack appealed to Hammond.

Hammond jumped in before Jack could continue. 'No, Colonel. Dr Fraiser has given her orders and I suggest we respect them.' Hammond's voice was firm, indicating that there would be no further discussion on the subject.

With a distinct lack of grace, Jack threw himself into his chair and waited.

'Well, the first thing we have to decide is - do we proceed tomorrow as planned or postpone until Dr Jackson has recovered?'

'Sir, I really don't want to leave Daniel out of this one,' Sam said. 'But the information we had was that we were not the only ones to be after this information. We may have found the address first, but the goa'uld will not be long in getting there. We've already lost valuable time in chasing down Qu'ilar after he escaped. I don't think we've got any time to lose.'

'What about Clare?' Jack queried. 'If she's got Qu'ilar's memories couldn't she have additional information for us?'

'Perhaps, sir,' Sam responded, 'However I believe Qu'ilar gave us everything he had. Clare may have a few more details but getting them out of her could take more time than we can spare. She won't be fit to talk for another couple of days and then we have to go about it the right way in order to help her remember. It could take weeks. Sir,' she turned to Hammond, 'I recommend we proceed tomorrow as planned.'

'Agreed, however we do need a replacement for Dr Jackson.' Hammond said. 'Dr Rothman is available I know, he was due to go out with SG3 but as they are now out of action for the time being he can accompany you.' Hammond ignored Jack's expression of disgust. Robert Rothman was not one of Jack's favourite people.

Hammond nodded at the airman on duty at the door to request Dr Rothman's presence in the briefing room.

*************

Daniel had closed his eyes as soon as he'd heard footsteps coming towards him. They had an awfully familiar ring to them and he really didn't feel up to the hard time they were going to give him over this one.

'Strange,' Janet was saying, 'I just checked him and he was awake then. He had a nasty cut on his head and a mild concussion which will put him out of action for a few days but then he'll be able to resume normal duties.'

Daniel heard her move to the bed next door to check up on Clare. He could hear Jack talking to Janet, asking when they'd be able to speak to her again. Daniel was surprised when Jack did not protest when told that it would not be possible until the following day at the earliest, and possibly another couple of days.

After a few minutes of quiet discussion amongst the other members of his team, his friends, he could hear them leaving. Or so he thought. As he opened his eyes he saw Jack returning with one of the really uncomfortable chairs reserved for visitors, and Jack, seeing Daniel with his eyes open, grinned mockingly at him.

Daniel groaned, was he really up to this? His head hurt like hell and he really couldn't face up to Jack in one of these moods.

'So, Danny,' Jack began, 'Just as I suspected. You weren't asleep at all were you? How you doing?'

'Sore head, uncomfortable bed, wonderful care from Janet's nurses. What more could I want?' Daniel replied sourly. 'Have you come to get me out of here?'

'Not a chance. I got Janet's message from Teal'c earlier. No way am I going up against that. She's bound to think up some unpleasant new tests for our post mission checks…' Jack's voice trailed off as he realised Daniel wasn't aware of the outcome of the briefing.

Daniel felt momentarily winded. That was why Jack wasn't bothered that they wouldn't be able to talk to Clare tomorrow - they were still going. 'Jack, I'll be fine, just let me get out of this bed and…' as Daniel sat up to put his words into action, the pain in his head increased, forcing a groan from him until he lay back down.

'Look, buddy,' Jack said more gently. 'We'd have waited for you if we could but we can't afford to waste any time. This temple place is highly sought after. We've already lost a lot of time and if we leave it too much longer the goa'uld will get there before us and we can't let that happen. I'm sorry.'

Daniel swallowed his disappointment - being left behind felt all wrong - but he'd worked with the military for long enough to know that this happened and that there really was no time to lose. The battle with the goa'uld was continuing and they needed to try anything that would give them an edge.

'So, who've you got to replace me?'

Jack looked exceedingly morose at this point, and suspicion starting to work its way into Daniel's head, to be confirmed as Jack said just one word. 'Rothman.'

'Ah.' Daniel said. 'He's really very good you know. He's improved a lot since working with the SGC. I'm sure it'll be fine.' At least this latest news distracted Jack from tormenting him over his stupid accident.

Jack's attention was diverted just then, Daniel followed his gaze and saw Clare had woken and was trying to sit up.

'Hey,' Jack said, 'How you feeling?'

'Oh, uh, General O'Neill isn't it?' She said, her confused mind muddling his name and rank. Daniel gave a small smile as he watched as Jack helped her to sit up, passing her the glass of water she'd been reaching for.

'Well, almost. It's Colonel O'Neill, and I thought I you were going to call me Jack?'

'Oh, I'm sorry, I forgot.' Clare sounded apologetic, not knowing Jack well enough yet to appreciate his sense of humour. 'I'm feeling better, I'm sure I'll be up and about in a few days. I can't wait to get out of here.' She stopped suddenly, afraid she'd said something wrong. 'I mean, Dr Fraiser and everyone is really good and all that…' her voice trailed off.

'That's a perfectly natural response if SG1are anything to go by.' A new voice joined in. 'They seem to spend half their time doing something to get themselves in here and the other half trying to get out again.' Dr Fraiser had come up while they were talking. 'And I'm glad to know someone appreciates my efforts,' she concluded as she looked pointedly at Daniel and Jack.

'I'm afraid you'll have to leave now Colonel, my patients need their rest.' Janet said firmly.

Jack stood up to go, letting Clare know he'd be back to see her in two days. As a parting comment he added 'You've got Daniel for company anyway - just make sure he keeps away from any shelves with violent tendencies.' He grinned at Daniel, having got that one in anyway. Daniel grimaced as he said goodbye but, feeling too ill to respond, just rolled over and went to sleep. Sighing deeply Jack left to prepare for the mission.

To be continued…