Jack had arrived early, hoping to get some more information about the Carters from General Hammond but he wasn't around yet. Considering it was 0730, Jack thought it was strange that Hammond wasn't in yet.
With half an hour to until the briefing, Jack headed to the locker room and quickly changed into his fatigues. He had enough time to shovel down a bowl of Fruit Loops before heading up to the briefing room. He even arrived five minutes early to see Hammond finally in his office talking with a blond hair girl. There was no sign of Daniel or Teal'c. Jack found it odd that there was a young boy walking carefully with a cup of coffee towards the conference table.
'I guess I've seen stranger things,' he thought then headed for the boy's cup of coffee.
"Sorry, kid, but you shouldn't drink this stuff!" Jack said taking the cup for himself. "It'll stunt your growth!"
"Hey, that was mine!" the boy protested reaching for the cup.
The boy's scowl looked oddly familiar. Even the intensity of his eyes as they glared up at Jack. He was sure he knew the boy's father, only at the moment Jack couldn't figure out who the father might be.
"Give me that back! That's an order!" the boy snarled.
Jack snorted thinking that this kid had a lot of guts taking on an adult like that. Definitely a military kid and not some spoiled wining brat. Jack often found that kids whose parents were in the military were very independent and strong willed and often troublemakers.
"Why don't I get you some hot chocolate," Jack smiled, ruffling the boy's thick hair.
The boy angrily shoved Jack's hand away, surprising Jack by his strength for a skinny kid. Jack was equally astonished when the kid stood toe to toe with him.
"You're talking to a General! Protocol requires you to address me as Sir! Colonel!"
"Right, you're a General and I'm Mary Poppins!" Jack joked, then added with a salute. "Oh…Mary Poppins, Sir!"
"Take one drink and I'll bust you down to an Airman!"
"Try it kid. Why don't you get Jumper on the horn. I'm sure he would love bust my ass down to Airman and send me to Antarctica," Jack smiled then took a long deliberate drink of coffee. "Ahh…good stuff!"
"Fucking shit!" the boy growled heading over to the table where the coffeepot was.
"Hey…do you kiss your mother with that mouth?"
The boy shot Jack a glare that sent a shiver down his spine. He knew that glare. He had seen it before. But still he couldn't figure out who the kid's father was.
"Jack, you're here early," Daniel smiled after he entered the room with Teal'c and Dr. Fraiser.
"Look whose talking, Daniel!" Jack asked taking his usual seat, noticing Dr. Fraiser helping the boy with another cup of coffee.
Daniel merely shrugged his shoulders, smiling and taking his seat beside Jack with Teal'c sitting Daniel's other side.
"So, who's the kid? He looks…familiar," Jack said watching the boy yank the cup from the doc's hand. She just rolled her eyes and left him.
"You don't know?" Daniel asked.
"No," Jack answered.
Jack was a little annoyed by the grin on Daniel's face but managed a courtesy nod towards Dr. Fraiser as she sat directly across from him.
"Care to take a guess?" Daniel asked, still smiling.
Jack got the distinct impression that Daniel was daring him. It was obvious Daniel knew who the kid was and was enjoying holding that power over Jack.
"He doesn't know?" Dr. Fraiser questioned, unable to hide her amusement.
"No, I don't know but Daniel was about to tell me. Right, Daniel?" Jack insisted staring down Daniel.
Daniel leaned over and whispered, "That's Jacob."
"Jake, Jr.! I knew I recognized the kid! Wow, looks like his old man!"
"Colonel, I don't think you understand," Dr. Friaser quietly said.
"When the hell did Sam's Dad have time to have a kid? More importantly, why wasn't there a baby shower or anything? Maybe more importantly, why didn't we know he got married again…unless the kid was an accident. Hell lets face it more than half of us are the results of a moment of insanity. How did Major Carter take the news? I wish I was there for that conversation!"
"Jack…" Daniel tried to say.
"Wait…this isn't one of those weird things where Carter's going to rattle of technobabble jargon about Jake, Jr. being from an alternate reality. That's getting so old, and besides, didn't we already do that? You know, alternate reality, save the universe, as we know it…"
"That is Sam's Dad," Daniel interrupted.
"Oh! I got it. It's a time loop thing…right?"
"Jack! That is Sam's Dad!"
"What?" Jack asked beginning to feel confused.
"The boy is General Carter," Teal'c insisted.
Jack blinked a couple of times. He looked at Daniel then Teal'c. Both looked serious but Jack had the feeling that they were pulling his leg. Teal'c was getting better with his jokes, but this one was way out of his league. Jack turned from Teal'c and watched as 'Jacob' carefully walked with a fresh cup of coffee.
"So what you're telling me is that the kid is…" Jack asked turning back to Daniel.
"Jacob," Daniel said as the boy took his seat beside Dr. Fraiser.
Jack took a long look at 'Jacob' before he turned back to Daniel.
"What?" Jack asked feeling very confused.
"Would you like a spoon full of sugar for your coffee, Jack?" Jacob asked then slowly took a sip of his coffee.
"Is this a joke?" Jack asked.
"No, Sir, it's not," the blond haired girl said as she walked into the room.
She instantly reminded him of Major Carter by the way that she replied to his question and the way she walk by to take her seat beside Jacob.
"Major?"
"Yes, Sir. It's me."
Jack looked around the room. This was a joke of some kind and he was the butt of it. And who ever was pulling this prank was doing a good job to get Hammond, Dr. Fraiser and Teal'c in on it. Daniel! It must be Daniel; he would be the only one who could convince the others. Just one problem, no one was laughing.
Shit, they weren't even smirking!
"So…will somebody tell me what's really going on?" Jack asked.
While Jack was being brought up to date with what happened, he observed the Major and her father. Judging from the small smile Major Carter had on her face, she seemed rather amused by her situation. Or she was looking forward to spending time in her lab with those projects of hers. The woman loved to work. Maybe love was too soft of a word, driven or obsessed seemed to suit her better when it came to her job.
Unlike the Major, Jacob was not amused by his current situation. Not amused at all. Each time Jack would make eye contact, Jacob glared making Jack feel like a cadet at basic training. Jack could swear he saw steam coming from Jacob's ears. He looked that angry. Could have been the coffee though, it was rather hot, especially for a little guy like Jake.
"Who knew?" Jack asked looking directly at Jacob, unable to contain his own amusement about the General's situation.
"What?" Daniel asked.
"That Jacob actually had hair! There goes my theory of him being born without it."
"George…I'm not here to be ridiculed!" Jacob snapped.
"Kind of scrawny too!" Jack continued.
"O'Neill!" snapped one bald-headed Hammond, who for his size had stealthily taken his seat without Jack realizing it.
"Jacob, what are you…70 pounds, 75 max?"
"George!" Jacob growled.
"Colonel!" Hammond warned.
"So, what happened?" Jack asked.
"Isn't it rather obvious," Jacob fumed.
"No, I mean where did your hair go?"
"George, either shut him up or…"
"Or you'll what? Really, Jacob, you're in no position to make threats. I'm taller than you! Much taller!"
Jacob turned a deep shade of red and even his neck veins bulged.
"I'm sorry…this is just too funny," Jack chuckled.
"Really, Jacob it could be worse," Major Carter smiled.
"That's Dad to you, young lady!" Jacob snapped getting to his feet. "I'm still your father!"
"Jacob, please try to calm down," Hammond insisted.
"George, quit blowing sunshine up my ass! Are you going to do something about this jackass?"
"That's wise ass!" Jack corrected. "You little runt!"
Jacob barked some obscenity in Goa'uld at Jack then stormed out of the room. Jack looked to Daniel and Teal'c for a translation.
"There is no English translation for such a word," Teal'c said.
"Maybe I shouldn't have taken his coffee," O'Neill smiled taking a sip. "I know how cranky some people get without their coffee."
"Shouldn't someone go after him, Sir?" Major Carter asked of General Hammond.
"Let the snake take care of him. Isn't that what symbiotes do, take care of their host. What does the snake think of the new, younger and crankier Jake? Hell, Selmak probably loves it…gets to stay in Jacob's head that much longer now."
"Jack, I forgot to mention…Jacob no longer as Selmak inside his head," Daniel replied.
"What? Oh, this keeps getting better! So, what did happen to the little snake? Get a little cramped in Jacob's head?"
"Selmak was transformed into a younger state as well," Teal'c answered.
"Only, we don't know why Selmak left Jacob," Dr. Fraiser added.
'Jake's probably better off anyway,' Jack thought to himself.
"Sir, what about my father?" Sam urgently asked Hammond while Jack took a drink of coffee.
"I already have Dr. McKenzie on the look out for Jacob," Hammond answered.
"Sir, I don't think that's a good idea," Dr. Fraiser interjected. "A psychiatrist is the last thing he needs right now."
"She's right, Sir. Dad never reacted well to them before."
"Does anybody?" Jack asked.
"Yes, I'm well aware of Jacob's tendencies towards psychiatrists," Hammond sighed, ignoring Jack's question. "But I don't think we have a choice. He's overreacting to everything. That's not like Jacob at all."
"Sir, General Carter is a man who prides himself on being in control," Dr. Fraiser explained. "He no longer has that control."
Jack watched silently as General Hammond contemplated their words just as Dr. Lee and his team showed up for their portion of the briefing.
"We don't really need him or Sam for the briefing, Sir," Daniel added. "Neither of them remembers anything anyway."
"I do have some work I could be doing, Sir," Major Carter smiled.
"Carter, did you ever play when you were a kid?" Jack had to ask.
"Play…I don't know what you mean, Sir," she smiled playfully.
"General…" Dr. Fraiser started.
"I'll have Dr. McKenzie observe Jacob at a distance," Hammond sighed, obviously not happy with that decision.
Jack had to agree with Dr. Fraiser though. He knew the kind of man Jacob was. In fact, over the couple of years Jack noticed a few similarities between himself and Jacob. Both had strong personalities, sarcastic sense of humors, and both somewhat set in their ways. Jack would be defensive to if their situations were reversed and he knew Jacob wouldn't resist teasing Jack about it too.
Selmak had appeared to be resting comfortably at the bottom of her tank when Jacob arrived. Her head instantly popped up when his face was a few inches from the tank. At least she looked livelier than yesterday as she began to swim around. She actually seemed excited by his presence.
"I wish I could share in your excitement," he sighed resting his chin on his arms on the table.
She did a quick lap as if to agree.
"You're lucky. You don't have to be humiliated, ridiculed, or made fun of."
Selmak came to a stop nearest him and lifted her head towards him, as if she were listening. Jacob pressed his hand against the glass and sighed. Of course she was listening. She always did, even when she said she was ignoring him for being a total jackass by insulting her. Oh, how he missed her sassy comments at the moment.
"I'm sure you would have come up with some witty remark to put O'Neill in his place. I was so angry I couldn't even think of anything to say."
She reacted by opening her mouth in a big O of surprise.
"Yeah, I know…I was surprised too. You know me best. You know I always have something to say. And if I don't come up with something suitable, I knew I could always count on you!"
Selmak nodded her head as if she was agreeing with him.
"I know, I know! I do tend to shoot my mouth off at the High Council. But someone has to! Besides, I also know of one little symbiote who always takes good care of her host, no matter what he does."
"Jacob," Dr. Fraiser called, making Jacob roll his eyes.
"What does she want now?" he whispered to Selmak.
Selmak gave a wiggle, which Jacob translated to be a laugh. Knowing Selmak the way he does that's exactly what she would be doing…laughing hysterically at him.
"Jacob?"
He ignored her. Couldn't she understand that he just wanted to be left alone? Why else would he have left the briefing?
"Jacob, I'm not your enemy. I'm your doctor. I care for you."
His back stiffened at the feeling of her hand on his shoulder. While she wasn't entirely responsible for his situation, she was not helping by constantly trying to be motherly towards him. He might be a runt but he could still do things on his own.
"Have you come to humiliate me some more Doctor?" he snarled.
"No, Jacob. I'm here to help you. If you'll let me," she replied calmly.
"Good, change me back!" he ordered looking directly into her eyes.
"You know I can't do that," she smiled.
"No, you can't," he sighed, defeated. "Doc…what's wrong with me? I can't control some of these emotions."
"Jacob, right now you have the physical limitations of a child…"
"You had to bring that up didn't you! Doc…this is humiliating enough as it is. The last thing I need is someone pointing out my limitations at the moment!"
"I know…and I'm sorry," she smiled, putting her arm around his shoulders. "I have an idea that might help make you feel better."
Jacob never noticed before, but Dr. Fraiser had a lovely smile.
'What the hell am I thinking?' he thought to himself.
He may have those physical limitations the doctor mentioned but his mind was not the mind of a child.
'Dammit Selmak! Damn you for planting those little seeds of romance in my head!' he thought remember how Selmak was always trying to match him up with some woman.
In fact, the last visit to Earth, during a little gathering of friends at Christmas time, Selmak was going on and on about how lovely Dr. Fraiser was. Jacob didn't think anything of it at the time because he felt Selmak had been enjoying the eggnog a little too much.
But now he would have agreed with Selmak that the doctor was a lovely woman. She had a warm smile and a lovely pair of legs. He never noticed her legs before. That was rare for him, he always noticed a woman's legs. Especially if she was wearing a skirt! And at his current height, he had an excellent view!
"Jacob?"
Her voice snapped him out of his reverie and he quickly cleared his throat.
"Did…umm, did Colonel O'Neill and the team already leave?" he asked stuffing his hands into his pant pockets.
"Yes, but don't worry. General Hammond will inform you of any developments."
"Where are we going?" he questioned as she started leading him out of the infirmary.
"The commissary. Today you can make your own Ice Cream Sunday."
"How is ice cream going to make me feel better?"
"Jacob, trust me. It will," she smiled down at him.
Seeing the way she smiled, made Jacob wonder if the doctor realized just how much she let her guard down around him. Jacob Carter, the opportunist, decided to take advantage of the situation, if only to learn more about Dr. Fraiser.
"So…will you be having some ice cream too?" he asked with his best innocent looking smile.
"Sure," she smiled.
"Do you think Selmak might want some Ice Cream?" he joked making Dr. Fraiser laugh. "Do they have chocolate…she loves chocolate!"
Jacob smirked, watching her laugh hysterically at his joke. He still had the skill to make a woman laugh.
Daniel cleaned his glasses while waiting for the others to emerge from the event horizon. It was a little misty on the planet, just like last time. He watched as Jack issued his orders for Dr. Lee and his team to carry only what they needed for the moment. Then Daniel joined Jack as they headed out towards the ruins.
"Don't you think you were kind of mean to Jacob?" Daniel asked as he and Colonel O'Neill walked ahead of the others.
"I was just being myself. Believe me, he would have done the same thing if our positions were reversed."
"Sam was adorable as a kid."
"Daniel, don't go there. Believe me, you don't want Sam's dad coming after you. Even if he is pint size right now. I don't think I would be able to protect you!"
"I was just making an observation," Daniel smirked.
"Daniel…she's…"
"An attractive woman…or she will be again!"
"She's also my second in command…you don't see the problem?"
"No," Daniel smiled.
"No, you wouldn't Daniel because you don't pay attention to all the rules and regulations!"
"Rules are meant to be broken," Daniel continued, enjoying baiting Jack for once instead of the other way around.
"Daniel, I can't and I won't. One, because I have far too much respect for Major Carter. Two, her father would kill me. Three, George would be there cheering Jacob on. And four…she deserves better."
Daniel shook his head as Jack stomped ahead of him mumbling about the damn Zaytarc Detector incident.
"That's the last time I tell you anything!" Jack barked back at Daniel.
Daniel hurried to catch up.
"Jack, I'm sorry. This whole situation is just so funny. I couldn't help myself."
"I know what you mean," Jack smiled as they slowed down near the ruins. "Where to?"
"This way," Daniel answered leading Jack through the crumbled blocks of stone.
As before, Daniel found no writings to explain who these people were. Selmak had some vague recollection of them as being advance humans who died from disease or some planetary disaster centuries ago.
"Over here!" Daniel called to Dr. Lee and his team. "This is the room were Teal'c and I found them."
"It's the only section that seems intact," Dr. Lee observed holding up a hand held device to one of the walls.
"Don't go inside!" Jack ordered, grabbing Dr. Lee before he crossed the door's threshold.
"There's an energy source coming from inside," Lee explained.
"Teal'c and I went in. We had to," Daniel added.
"Daniel Jackson is correct. We entered the room and nothing happened," Teal'c said.
"What did you see when you were in there?" Jack asked.
"Nothing. The walls were blank. Sam and Jacob were lying on the ground in the middle of the room. I thought I saw markings on the floor but we didn't have time to take a closer look."
Daniel watched as Jack took his hat off and scratched his head for a moment. Jack was a good man. A lot smarter than he led people to believe. So, Daniel waited patiently for Jack to make his decision, already knowing Jack knew exactly what he wanted to do.
"Ok, Daniel, you and I will go in. We'll stay away from the middle of the room. Dr. Lee, have one of your guys keep the camera on us at all times…just in case. And doc, you do whatever it is you do."
"O'Neill, should I not accompany you?"
"Not this time, Teal'c. We wouldn't want junior to end up a preemie!" Jack smiled putting his hat back on. "Daniel, let's go."
"Preemie?" Teal'c asked with an eyebrow raised.
"I'll explain later," Daniel said to Teal'c.
As the two men entered the square room, Daniel notice Jack had his hands resting comfortable on his gun. A common characteristic of the commander, who was always ready for a fight no matter how relaxed he looked.
"There are markings," Daniel said following them. "They form a ring or circle."
"Can you read them?"
"I'm not sure. I don't recognize them," he answered kneeling down and brushing some of the dust away.
"Do you feel that?" Jack suddenly asked.
Daniel felt it the hairs on his arms standing on end. There was a soft hum that was getting louder as bright light filled the room.
"Shit…Jacob's going to kick my…" was the last thing Daniel heard before blacking out.
Hammond knew, before he even saw Dr. Lee's team, that the news wasn't good. He merely just ordered them to take Dr. Jackson and Colonel O'Neill to the infirmary the moment he saw them. And of course Jacob had to be there. He must have hurried there after the alarms sound because he arrived just as the Colonel and Dr. Jackson were set down on infirmary beds.
"George, how the hell did this guy ever make Colonel?" Jacob asked angrily.
"Jacob, relax!" Hammond snapped at him.
"Why the hell should I? What have we learned so far…nothing!"
"We did learn how the device is activated," Dr. Lee timidly said.
"Oh great," Jacob came back sarcastically. "We can all relax now! Really George, by the time these guys figure it out I'll be graduating from High School…WITH MY GRANDDAUGHTER!"
Realizing that the situation was dangerously close to getting out of control, George leaned closer to Jacob and spoke so only he could hear him.
"Jacob, you're a very good friend of mine, but I've really about had enough of your tantrums! Now, I am asking you nicely to calm down."
"Fuck you George!" Jacob growled quietly but forcefully while standing toe to toe with Hammond and right in Hammond's face. "Don't talk to me like I'm some kind of child."
"Then quit acting like one!" Hammond countered, still managing to keep his voice lowered despite the rising anger he felt.
"Yeah, we'll you go to the planet then, get changed into a ten years old! See if you like it when you walk through the tunnels and everyone's talking behind your back and giggling!"
Hammond turned away from Jacob. It was the only thing he could do for the moment. Jacob really knew how to get ones blood boiling. Beside George need to ask the Doctor a question.
Only Jacob wasn't through yet. Hammond felt like his arm was about to be yanked from its socket by Jacob.
"AND MAKING COMMENTS ABOUT YOUR HAIRLINE!" Jacob roared loudly.
"Jacob, I have about run out of patience with you…" George said calmly but with great restraint, noticing that everyone in the infirmary was now watching.
"I'M NOT DONE!"
"OH, YES YOU ARE!" Hammond thundered down at Jacob. "IF YOU CAN'T TALK TO ME IN A CIVILIZED MANNER, THIS DISCUSSION IS OVER! NOW GO TO YOUR QUARTERS AND CALM DOWN!"
Jacob's face and ears turned red. His scowled deepened and his hands balled into tight fists at his sides. Hammond could even see the jaw muscles clenching so hard that Jacob could probable crush a rock between his teeth at that moment. Jacob's nostrils flared and his lips pressed tightly together but he didn't say anything. He simple turned a stomped out of the room.
"That probably wasn't the most appropriate thing to say," Dr. Fraiser said.
"I know," Hammond sighed. "I'll deal with Jacob later."
She gave him a crooked smile and a raised eyebrow.
"Don't worry doctor. I can handle Jacob, I've seen worse from him before," Hammond smiled. "Now, what about Dr. Jackson and Colonel O'Neill?"
"I can run all the same tests as before but the results will probably be the same," she answered.
"Dr. Lee what did you find out?"
"Only how the device was activated and its possible location. There appears to be a pressure plate or sensor mechanism in the floor. Once stepped on a device is activated, the room fills with a blinding light. When it's gone, the adults are children. The problem is this sensor is a rather large circle in the room. According to my readings the device appears to be beneath it. There's nothing else in the room to indicate any kind of activation mechanism."
"So what do we need to do?"
"Blasting our way down to the device is definitely not an option. First thing, we need to have the UAV fly over from some remote sensing. The energy readings I got were being disrupted by something, possible a barrier of some kind in the walls or floor, so I'm pretty sure they aren't exactly accurate. I also want to try using ground penetrating radar to get as much information as possible before we start the excavation process."
"Is all that really necessary?"
"Sir, you don't want us to accidentally damage device while digging for it do you?"
Thinking back to his argument with Jacob, Hammond replied, "No. We can't have that happen."
Hammond didn't like the sound of what needed to be done. It was not going to be a quick fix. That was obvious.
"How were you able to retrieve the Colonel and Doctor without activating the device yourselves?"
"Possibly the design of the device? The inhabitants of the planet would have to enter the room themselves. Maybe it resets once the bodies have been removed. We just don't know."
Hammond noticed Dr. McKenzie coming into the infirmary as he continued questioning Dr. Lee about a possible time frame.
"General Hammond…we don't know. Allow my team to take the necessary readings then I will be able to devise a time table for the excavation process."
"Very well," Hammond frowned. "Assemble what personnel you need. And Doctor, no one is to enter that room."
"Understood, Sir," Dr. Lee said then quickly left taking his team with him.
"Dr. McKenzie…" Hammond called waving him to come over. "I assume you're here about Jacob."
"Yes, Sir," he frowned.
Hammond wasn't going to like what McKenzie had to say. He could tell right away.
"You can use my office, Sir," Fraiser politely suggested.
"Thank you," Hammond nodded.
"Sir, I would suggest Dr. Fraiser join us."
"Why?" he asked.
"After I explain everything, you'll understand. But I would rather only have to explain it all once. And General Carter is her patient."
McKenzie was well aware of the close friendship between General Hammond and General Carter. And having worked with both men during the course of his career, the doctor knew what he had to say was not going to be easy. But it was necessary.
He graciously allowed both Dr. Fraiser and General Hammond to get situated before he began. He believed it best if someone was comfortable when receiving bad news. And he didn't believe in dancing around the subject either.
"Sir, General Carter is heading for a mental break down," he said right out.
"Jacob's a stubborn man and can over react but…"
"No, his stubbornness has nothing to do with his current condition," McKenzie interrupted Hammond. "And even I know Jacob Carter rarely overreacts. The fact that he lashes out at everyone is the first sign that his mental resolve is collapsing."
"I hate to agree with you, but Jacob is usually more restrained. He may erupt but he usually keeps it under control. But I didn't think getting changed into a child would make Jacob snap."
"That's just the catalyst. The stress of being on the base is too much for him. He's been taken completely out of his element. He no longer as the advantage when dealing with military personnel."
"No one is afraid or intimidated by a child," Dr. Fraiser added.
"Correct. Then there's the separation from his symbiote to consider."
Hammond appeared surprised but Dr. Fraiser didn't.
"He has been overly concerned for Selmak," she said. "You saw how he overreacted yesterday when he first check on Selmak. And you weren't there when he first woke up. He was almost frightened. I saw it in his face."
"And while I am not entirely sure how the separation from the symbiote is impacting on him, I firmly believe it is one of the contributing factors. And Dr. Fraiser is correct when she says he is frightened."
McKenzie paused and leaned forward resting his elbows on his knees.
"I've known General Carter for a long time. I've worked closely with him and the men under his command when he was first promoted to General. Being in control is almost an obsession with him. Which is why he mainly uses fear and intimidation as his tactic against young men who disobey his orders."
"Oh and you've never done that before!" Dr. Fraiser smiled.
"Excuse me?" McKenzie questioned, not quite sure what the doctor said.
"Nothing!" she quickly smirked.
"Jacob does not react well when he's backed into a corner," he continued. "He immediately becomes defensive and lashes out to regain control. I suspect it has something to do with having an alcoholic for a father. It's a common occurrence with some of the male officers I've evaluated. Single parent, alcoholism, and often abuse, be it mental or physical."
"He did mention that he wasn't going to allow me to 'push' him around like his father did," Hammond sadly said.
"And now the worst possible thing has happened to him," Dr. Fraiser commented. "He's been changed into a child and put into the position that most frightens him."
"As a result, he reacts with anger, using it to hide his fears," McKenzie added.
"So, what do you suggest I do with him?" Hammond asked.
"First of all, Jacob needs time to adjust to his condition. Once he's used to it, I believe he'll be able to control himself. He's an intelligent man who, when given the chance, can adjust to any condition no matter how adverse. And from what I've heard, it may be a while before this condition is reversed."
"Done, what do I need to do?" Hammond asked.
McKenzie smiled at the General's enthusiasm. The loyalty of friendship was always nice to see.
"Unfortunately, you are the last person to help him right now. He's already made reference to you and his father in the same sentence. The moment you both speak he's already on the defensive. And sending him to his 'room' was the final nail. He needs to be taken away from the base. From anything that reminds him of his limitations at the moment. And I'm sorry General but in my opinion, I think Dr. Fraiser should be the one to take him away here."
"What?" she asked in disbelief.
"You are the only one with whom he's developed a civilized dialogue with. You are the only one he seems to listen to. I saw how you calmed him down in the commissary after he exploded when the cook suggested he have a hot chocolate instead of coffee. For whatever reason, he's relaxed around you. With all other military personnel he reacts like he did with General Hammond."
"Very well, Dr. Fraiser, have Dr. Warner report for duty. He'll be in charge until you return," Hammond ordered.
"And what the hell am I supposed to do with a ten year old General?"
"Take him home. Do normal things, like making dinner take him shopping…just don't bring up the military issue at all. Take him to where he's around people who don't know him. Try not to have too many kids around him. When he's ready to come back, he'll tell you."
"What about my daughter? She'll be able to sense the naquadah in him."
"Under no circumstances are you to reveal who he really is. That would probably send him over the edge. Dr. Fraiser, I know this situation is a little unorthodox but I believe it is the only way to help General Carter."
"Very well," she frowned.
"Oh, and only call him by his first name. No references to the military. Insist that he call you by your first name. Keep everything as informal as possible," he quickly added.
"Whoa! Wait! What about Selmak? He's being taken away from her, won't that upset him even more?" Dr. Fraiser asked.
"I'll have Jacob make a list of requirements, anything he thinks will make Selmak more comfortable," Hammond said.
"That should help. It gives him some of that control he needs," McKenzie concluded, although he thought it strange that everyone was referring to the symbiote as female when it came from a male host.
'I thought I've heard everything! Oh, well, maybe I've been working here too long!' he thought to himself.
Jacob was fuming as he marched down the tunnel towards the elevator. He couldn't believe George told him to go to his 'room'. They were close friends and George just flushed that friendship down the toilet by the way he treated Jacob.
Blinded by his rage, Jacob didn't see the Airman coming out of the elevator as he was going in.
"Sorry, kid" the man smiled as he quickly picked Jacob up off the ground.
"LET GO OF ME!" Jacob screamed swinging his arms wildly until the guy let go.
"Whoa, calm down, no harm done," the man reacted calmly putting both his hands up in the air and took a step back.
Jacob glared up and him then pushed him as hard as he could before getting in the elevator. Jacob couldn't take it any more. He had to get the hell out of this place. Only he knew they weren't going to let him just walk out the front door. He practically punched the floor he needed.
To pull off what he wanted to do he would need a weapon and there was only one place where he would be able to get one. He knew Hammond wouldn't be back to his office anytime soon. Getting out of the elevator, Jacob made sure no one was watching him as he quickly made his way there. Once inside it was easy to open the locked bottom draw of Hammond's desk.
After, he opened the drawer Jacob pulled at the .45, pulling out the clip to see it was empty. But he was quick to spot the box of ammo at the back of the drawer.
"What was the point of having an unloaded gun in your drawer? How could you defend yourself if the danger was imminent?" Jacob asked out loud. "Hello, what have we here?"
After taking a quickly look around to make sure he was still alone, Jacob pulled the tall bottle of Texas Whiskey out from the back of the drawer. The bottle was three quarters full. Jacob sighed, remembering it was a gift he gave to George last Christmas. The two shared a couple of shots that night. It was the last night Jacob was on Earth, nearly ten months ago.
Jacob suddenly was over come by his guilt. He hadn't been to Earth in TEN months. True he and Selmak had been busy fighting the Goa'uld. But to not even visit your family, just once during that ten months, how pathetic was that? What kind of father did that make him?
Crap, his family! He hadn't really thought about the consequences if his current condition became permanent. He would never get to see Mark or the grandchildren again. He couldn't even call them because they wouldn't recognize his voice. Sam would always be there. But to not see his own son left Jacob with dull ache in his heart.
Jacob took the bottle, the gun and the box of ammo and hid underneath the desk. One good thing about being ten was you were small and could fit anywhere. He felt a tear roll down his cheek and cursed at himself for being weak.
The bottle top came off quickly and Jacob took a long drink. The alcohol burned his throat, making him cough and his eyes water. But that didn't stop him from taking another drink.
"Oh God…I've turned into my father," he wept then choked down another drink.
He slowly opened the box of ammo and took out one bullet.
"One, for a stubborn son of a bitch," he said putting the bullet in the clip.
Another bullet removed and placed in the clip.
"Two, for being a pain in the ass."
"Three, for being a royal screw up."
"Four," he said as he took a long drink. "For finally pissing Selmak off so much she left me."
"Five, for flushing my friendship with George down the shitter."
"Six, for not being there to pick up my wife."
"Seven, for not being there for my son."
"Eight, for not being there for my daughter."
"Nine, for failing as a father and a husband and a friend...and host."
It was getting more difficult to see the bullets as he tried to get the load the final one into the clip. He quickly wiped his tears away and took another drink.
"And ten, for finally becoming my father and failing my mother."
With the clip fully loaded, he slapped it into place then loaded the chamber. He could feel the whiskey warming his belly as he sat there. Looking at the bottle, he saw he only drank less than a quarter but he was feeling its effects.
"Sorry you're not here Sel, you little lush," he sniffled wiping his nose. "I guess I'll have to take a drink for you too."
With another long drink choked down, Jacob crawled out from under the desk. He swayed a little bit as he got to his feet. Once steady, he loaded the gun's chamber and flicked the safety off. Grabbing the bottle from the desk, he headed for his intended destination, determined to get away from all the pressures around him. He wasn't even aware that he bumped into the doorframe on his way out. He simply just kept staggering as he took another drink.
Yesterday and today had both been very interesting days for Sergeant Walter Davis. He watched as four valued members of the SGC left as adults and returned as children. He even saw General Carter's tantrum in the commissary when the cook behind the counter gave him hot chocolate instead of coffee. It took Dr. Fraiser twenty minutes to calm him down enough to where he could eat some ice cream and drink his coffee.
Walter felt bad for the guy, to be thrown into a situation like that. He knew it must be hard for the General. It was well known throughout the Airforce that General Carter was never to be trifled with. Walter had been so shocked to learn that Major Carter was the General's daughter. She was such a nice person. But knowing that she was his daughter forced Walter see the General Carter from a different perspective.
As a result, he saw how the man loved his daughter. That was apparent every time he visited. And he was loyal to his friends. General Hammond mentioned once how General Carter saved his life and that the two had been friends for a very long time. To be Hammond's friend, one had to be a worthy human being. So, Walter concluded that General Carter must not be all that bad. However, that didn't mean Walter would go out of his way to shake the man's hand. He didn't want to risk accidentally pissing the General off.
"Shit!" sounded a voice from the stairs behind him.
Turning from his station, he saw a boy, with a gun in his right hand and a bottle of liquor in his left. Walter almost shit his pants; he immediately recognized the boy was General Carter. Carter staggered down the last few steps then fell to his knees when he tripped on the bottom step. Walter held his breath when Carter used the tip of the gun to help get back up on his feet.
"Can I help you, General?" he asked, still holding his breath and praying he didn't piss off a man…boy…a General who was drunk with a load gun, with the safety off.
Carter paused and regarded Walter for a moment.
"You know Sergeant….Sergeant…what the hell is your name? My eyes are all fucked up, I can't read your name tag."
"My friends call me Walter," he grimaced.
"Wal-ter…well Walt, you are the only one to address me as General since this whole fiasco began," he slurred then took drink.
Most of the alcohol missed his mouth and spilled onto his shirt. The boy was a good ten feet away, but Walter could smell the booze.
"Do you want me to call General Hammond, Sir?" he asked.
"Hell no!" the General snapped staggering towards Walter. "I want to leave."
"Back to the Tok'ra? Sir."
"Fuck them…I just need to get the hell out of here," Carter said waving the gun around.
"Where would you like to go, Sir?" Walter asked, deciding it best to humor the General until he could call for General Hammond.
"I don't give a shit…pick a nice planet…I'll be waiting in the Gate Room."
"Yes, Sir. I know just the place," Walter smiled then watched as the General staggered down the steps that led to the Gate Room.
Once the General was out of sight, Walter finally took a breath. Then he quickly grabbed the phone praying General Hammond was still in the infirmary.
After Janet quickly got of the phone with the Gate technician, she hurried after General Hammond down the tunnel. He was still talking with Dr. McKenzie at the elevator when she caught up with them.
"Sir, its Jacob. He's drunk, with a gun and asking for the Stargate to be activated."
"What?" Hammond asked in disbelief.
"He wants to leave the base," Janet answered.
"Where did he get the gun and alcohol?" Dr. McKenzie asked.
"From the locked drawer of my desk," Hammond frowned as they stepped into the elevator. "I always keep an empty gun and box of ammo in my desk. The Whiskey was a gift from Jacob. I forgot I even had it in my desk drawer."
"The fact that he picked the lock proves how desperate he is," McKenzie said. "But I honestly didn't think he would drink."
"He was probably just after the gun," Hammond sighed. "And you're right, normally Jacob wouldn't drink but he's obviously more desperate than any of us realized."
"Will he harm himself?" Janet asked, very concerned for Jacob's safety and well being.
"Before, no. Now…I believe he might," McKenzie replied as they exited the elevator.
Once in the Control Room, Dr. Fraiser and the others saw Jacob swaying on his feet near the base of the ramp. He had his back to them.
"Come on Walt! Dial the Gate!" Jacob snapped turning around.
The bottle quickly fell from his hand. He was startled to see all of them. But his demeanor quickly changed and he raised the gun up to his right temple.
"George…let me go! I'm checking out of here one way or another. I suggest, if you don't want my brains splattered all over your precious Gate Room, you'll activate the Gate…NOW!"
"Sir, let me to him. If Dr. McKenzie's right, I may be the only one who could reach him."
"Do it!" Hammond quickly ordered.
Janet hurried into the Gate Room praying the gun's safety was on.
"Doc…you shouldn't be here. I don't want to accidentally hurt you…or anyone else," he said slurring his words.
"Jacob, I want you to give me the gun," she insisted in a gentle tone moving towards him.
"Can't do that. I have to leave."
"I know. I'm here to take you out of this place. Isn't that what you want?"
"But George won't let me leave…so I have to force him."
"No, he's given me orders to take you away. Just…give me the gun…please," she said holding her hand out.
Janet noticed the safety was off. It took every bit of her strength to remain calm, composed, and to keep her hand from shaking.
His eyes were filled with uncertainty as he looked up at her. He was even crying and had looked like he had been crying for a while.
"I'll take you to my home. There you can have all the coffee you want," she smiled.
Jacob let out a long sigh. Then he lowered the gun. Thankfully he put the safety on before handing her the gun.
"I'm sorry," he frowned as she quickly pulled out the clip and emptied the chamber before putting the weapon in her lab coat pocket. "Is George mad at me fore drinking his Whiskey?"
"He'll get over it. Besides, you can always buy him another bottle."
"I might have to give you the money Doc. I don't think they would sell it to me," he weakly smiled but the comment seemed to upset him because his smile turned into a long frown.
"Shh, everything will be ok," she smiled rubbing his back.
"Doc…I don't feel so good," he said grabbing his stomach.
"Dad!" Sam shouted as she ran into the Gate room.
Janet knew, seeing his daughter was the last thing Jacob need at the moment. And Jacob reacted exactly the way she believed he would. He tried to run away. Only he was too drunk to walk, let alone run, and stumbled, falling to the ground.
"Sam, go…please!" Janet insisted, quickly kneeling beside Jacob.
"But…"
"Major, out of there now!" Hammond's voice sounded over the loud speakers.
Only it was too late. Lying on his side, Jacob's stomach just emptied itself.
"This is so embarrassing," he coughed. "My kids never saw me drunk…until today. Still say everything's going to be ok, Doc?"
"Yes, I do."
"God, you're just like my wife used to be…always the optimist! Beautiful too," he said then passed out.
Janet wasn't exactly sure if that was meant as a compliment or not. She was just so surprised to hear him say something like that.
In the darkness there was a loud thud. It distinctly sounded like the muffled bomb hitting the ground above the Tok'ra tunnels. No doubt dropped by a Goa'uld midrange bomber. And Selmak felt everything around her quake.
Instinctively she reached out to her host to remind him she was the oldest and wisest and that it would be a shame if she were lost and buried in the rubble. Only Jacob wasn't there. There was only silence where he was supposed to be!
He was gone.
Then she quickly shook off her disorientation and came to her senses.
'Must have been a flashback,' she thought to herself feeling her body getting sloshed around in her tank.
Suddenly she felt a hand grab hold of her, nearly squeezing her guts out the back end as it pulled her up and out of the tank. Selmak quickly closed her eyes when the bright light hit them. But she could sense her attacker's face was near so began hissing and spitting aggressively. If this was the end, she was not going down without a fight!
"Jacob! Put the symbiote down!"
'Jacob?' Selmak asked herself.
The woman's voice was Dr. Fraiser's, Selmak was certain of that. But Jacob? She didn't recognize the scent of the person holding her as Jacob. Taking in a painfully deep breath, Selmak realized that the person smelled a bit like Jacob. But what the hell was that other smell?
"I just wanted to check on her. She wasn't moving."
That was definitely Jacob's youthful voice. And judging by how his words slurred together, Selmak could tell he was drunk. It wouldn't have been the first time she heard him while he was drunk. There was that time he drank too much Goa'uld rum. Of course, she was drunk too but her memory of the incident was better than Jacob's. She remembered that even their shared thoughts were slurred while drunk.
'What the hell were you drinking? You stink! More importantly, why didn't you share!'
"Jacob, please put Selmak down. I don't think she appreciates being held upside down," Dr. Fraiser said.
"I just wanted to tell her I was going away for a few days."
'Away? Where the hell are you going? And why am I not invited?'
Oh, Selmak wished she could give him a piece of her mind at the moment. One, for squeezing her so hard. And second for deserting her.
"Put her back first. Then say your goodbye. But keep still. I don't want to find the IV falling out again. You need some fluids in your body before we leave."
"Yes ma'am."
Selmak was gently set back in the tank. Opening her eyes, the light was dimmed again and she could see the blurry figure of her host close by. Quickly moving to the surface, she popped her head out to get a better look at him.
For a scrawny runt Jacob still had a presence about him. It was the eyes. They were intense as he stared at her. They were not the eyes of a ten years old. No innocence in those eyes. But to say he was a runt really wasn't fair, his height was average for a ten years old. The hair made him seem a little taller as did his skinny frame.
And his hair, it was wild. She really had to stop making fun of his hairline now. To have that much hair and lose it all in his early thirties was a shame.
Then he turned away from her as he spoke and Selmak immediately knew something was wrong. She had never heard him sound so sad.
"I asked if Sam would check on you. She's the only one I trust to keep you safe…just in case the Tok'ra come. I'll only be gone a few days."
'But where Jacob?' she asked even knowing he couldn't hear her thoughts. 'You had better no be going on vacation without me. You promised we would go to Disney Land with the grandkids! We were going on Thunder Mountain and you promised we would get our picture taken with Mickey!!'
"I kind of made a mess of myself…" he sniffled.
'Why are you crying?'
"You're probably wondering why I'm crying…truth is I don't even know why. I don't even know why I've been overreacting to everything!"
'Jacob,' she sighed shaking her head. 'You've gotten so used to me keeping your emotions in check. Plus this situation is stress inducing to a cranky ass like you. And the fact that you and I both are way over due for a vacation only adds to that stress.'
"I used to be in control! I'm a fucking General! Have I let you keep my anger in check once too often that I've lost my control?"
Wow, she'd never seen him so upset. And when he needed her the most, she couldn't be there for him. At least not in the usual way. Slipping over the rim, she rested on his forearm and wrapped herself around it, hugging him the only way she could.
"Thanks girl," he sighed. "Where was that itchy spot you said you could never reach? Here…no right here, on the back of your neck."
Ah, that felt good. That spot had been itching for centuries!
"You know, better than anyone, about my past. About how I didn't really have a childhood. What am I saying? I didn't have a childhood after my mom died. Maybe that has something to do with the fact that I can't handle this situation. My father, the drunk, beat me until the day I was strong enough to hurt him when I hit back. No matter how many times I told him I was sorry or that I loved him he would just keep coming. He kept coming and coming and nothing I said could stop him. My teachers couldn't even control him when he would show up at school."
"And now…I feel like it's happening all over again. First you leave me…just like my mother left me. And George, my best friend, turns on me, sending me to my room when I'm bad. He even had that white hot anger in his blue eyes, just like my father's."
"Jacob! What the hell are you doing?"
'Oh, crap! Busted!' Selmak exclaimed quickly jumping back into the tank.
"I didn't take her out!" Jacob wept. "She was just trying to comfort me!"
"Why are you crying?"
"I don't know! I'm tired…I'm cranky…I'm drunk. I just made an ass out of myself in front of my own daughter and my best friend. Pick a reason!"
"Jacob, I'm going to give you a mild sedative. I want to make sure you get plenty of rest tonight."
"Can I have coffee in the morning?"
'Coffee! Yuck, why do you like that crap?' Selmak thought as she watched the doctor inject the sedative into Jacob's IV port. 'Well, you had better get your fill because once I'm back inside and in control again, you're going cold turkey! NO C-O-F-F-E-E! None, as in zilch, zip, NADA! Not even one foot inside a Starbucks to inhale! Hear me, flyboy?'
"Yes, you can have coffee in the morning," Fraiser smiled pushing his hair back.
"Doc…about what I said earlier, about you being beautiful…"
'WHAT?' Selmak asked quickly popping her head out of the water. 'Jacob, you finally caved!'
"Yes, Jacob?"
"Well…Selmak always said that you were beautiful."
'JACOB! YOU DORK! What do I have to do to get through to this guy? If only you could hear my thoughts now!'
"Oh! I'll be sure to thank her," Fraiser smiled.
'Jacob, you are an idiot. You had her too!'
"I have to say…I agree with her."
Selmak's mouth fell open. He agreed…with her! More importantly, he was back in with the doctor! The doc was thrown for a loop and a little flustered too. Selmak could swear she saw the woman blushing, even as she slowly coerced Jacob toward the infirmary bed. She even helped him climb up because the sedative was beginning to take hold.
"Selmak…I forgot to tell her good bye…" he cried out.
"Shh, I'll tell her for you," Janet cooed.
Selmak watched as Dr. Fraiser was talking to one of the nurses. The nurse started putting Jacob's shoes and socks on. Dr. Fraiser handed her a jacket before heading back to Selmak. She was surprised the doctor returned.
"You really care about him too," she smiled to Selmak.
Selmak nodded.
Dr. Fraiser seemed surprised.
"Can you understand me?"
An affirmative nod.
"Shit…I never knew symbiotes could understand people outside their host. Hell, Junior probably thought we were so beneath his station that he didn't bother to acknowledging us."
"Just so you know, I'm taking Jacob to my house for a few days. He's not adjusting to his condition. Dr. McKenzie suggested I take Jacob away from anything that reminds him of his current limitations…like the military base and its personnel, even his daughter. Of course, I have no idea why Jacob's so relaxed around me."
'Duh…you're an attractive woman! He just said it! I've been telling him that ever since we first saw you! Now he finally gets it! Way to go Jacob…your timing is impeccable, as always!'
"Still, I have to make him as comfortable as possible," she continued. "He doesn't respond well when I try to be a mom to him."
'Because he's attracted to you! What is it with these humans, do I have to spell it out for them!'
"Don't worry, I'll take good care of him for you. He seems to care a lot about you. He wrote a list."
Janet paused then giggled, "Well, he wrote a ten page list of instructions for Dr. Warner to follow to make sure you're comfortable, with emphasis the details for the liquid's temperature and PH levels. He also listed your choice of beverages like Dr. Pepper, Tequila, and Rum."
Sniff. Now Selmack was crying. All those times she was mean to him were not deserved.
'Jacob you're so sweet. Always looking out for me. If I only had real tear ducts…I would need a Kleenex,' Selmak wept in her thoughts 'Of course that would mean I would need hands too. But it's the thought that counts.'
"But I think Jacob was joking. I mean, symbiotes drinking tequila or rum. He even listed the brand name."
'HEY! THAT'S NO JOKE LADY! YOU JUST LOST BROWNIE POINTS WITH ME DOCTOR!'
"And I think Sam will be checking in on you too."
Sniff. No liquor! Sniff. Sniff. No Jacob either. Sniff.
"Good night Selmak. I'm saying that for Jacob because he would have wanted to."
Selmak slipped back beneath the liquid's surface and dropped down to the bottom of the tank. She was alone, again. And there was no drink to drown her sorrows in.
'SHIT!'
When Jack first woke up, he was annoyed at himself. Then when he saw Dr. McKenzie he was annoyed with everyone else. Apparently they were all concerned he was going to go postal like Jacob. Jack was pretty damn close and warned that if one more person said how cute he looked he was going to have them striped of their rank and commission.
Then Dr. Fraiser got a phone call and took off like a bat out of hell. Fifteen minutes later she returned with the horde: Jacob on a gurney followed by Hammond, McKenzie, and one teary eyed Major Carter. The situation was bad when Dr. Fraiser mentioned that they might have to pump Jacob's stomach if they couldn't induce vomiting to get the rest of the alcohol out.
Jack gently pulled Major Carter away from all the commotion. She sat quietly between him and Daniel on the gurney as they watched Dr. Fraiser and her staff worked on Jacob. Glancing over, he saw she was crying again. Problem was Jack was afraid to put an arm around her shoulders for comfort, fearing Jacob might see and take it the wrong way.
Only Daniel didn't seem to have a problem and Jack glared at him when the Major rested her head on Daniel's shoulder. He even had the gall to give Jack that dorky smile of his which only pissed Jack off more. However, Jack kept his cool not wanting to upset the Major any more. And remained quiet until, Jacob was finally in the clear and being hooked up to an IV for fluids.
"Your father is fine," General Hammond smiled to Major Carter, who was now sitting up again. "Dr. Fraiser is giving him fluids mainly as a precaution."
"Can I see him?"
"Sorry, not right now," Hammond said sadly then gently took her hand. "Jacob's not handling this situation very well."
"Yeah, you're telling me!" Jack scoffed immediately receiving a harsh glare from Hammond. "Sorry."
"Jacob will be leaving for a few days. Dr. McKenzie suggested we send Jacob somewhere to adjust to his condition."
"What, like the nut house?" Jack asked.
"No, he'll be with Dr. Fraiser. Don't worry, she has instructions to make Jacob call you when he wakes up tomorrow morning," Hammond smiled to Major Carter.
"Thank you, Sir," Carter smiled.
"Good, it's been a long day for everyone. I suggest as soon as you're released from the infirmary to head to you assigned quarters and rest," Hammond ordered.
"Yes, dad," Jack sighed rolling his eyes. "Why can't we go home with you? Jacob gets to leave. Or do we have to blow a gasket to get special treatment around here? Or is that right only reserved for cranky Generals?"
"Jack, I'm only going to say this once," Hammond said almost getting in Jack's face. "Behave."
With that said, Hammond turned and walked away.
"I was joking, of course!" Jack shouted then looked into the disbelieving faces of his two friends. "What?"
"Colonel, be quiet!" Dr. Fraiser snapped as she came over and yanked the curtain to block their view of Jacob, or to block Jacob's view of them when he woke up. "I've given Dr. Warner specific instructions to give you a shot right in the ass if you do not behave when in my infirmary! He seemed very eager to comply insisting that you've been a pain is his backside on more than one occasion."
"Who me? I'm an angel, doc! You know that," Jack smiled.
"In your dreams, Colonel!" she said then left.
Jack stuck his tongue out her even though she wasn't looking.
"And don't you stick your tongue out at me!"
"How did she know?" he asked, receiving nothing but grins from Daniel and Carter.
"Jack, what are you doing?" Daniel asked when Jack hopped onto the ground.
"Just taking a peek," he answered then peered around the curtain. "Shh…Jacob's awake."
Sam and Daniel both quickly joined him.
"What's he doing?" Jack asked quietly. "Torturing Selmak?"
"I think he's just checking on Selmak," Daniel replied.
"Snake looks pissed! Oops, busted," Jack chuckled. "Can't get away with anything around the doc! She's no fun!"
Looking around the room, Jack began to devise a plan to sneak closer. He wanted to know what Jacob was saying to his pet snake.
"Jack! What are you doing now?" Daniel asked holding tightly to Jack's arm and pulling him back behind the curtain.
"I just wanted to get closer," Jack smirked.
"Hammond said to behave!"
"That's funny coming from you, a man who has no regard for the rules and regulations. You've picked a hell of a time to start following them!" Jack snapped.
"Sir, your voice!" Carter shushed at him.
"Sorry," Jack whispered then looked around the curtain to see if anyone noticed.
All was still good. Jacob was still taking to his snake, or actually the snake was sitting on Jacob's arm. Jack shook his head.
"I've seen stranger things," he reminded himself then giggled when Dr. Fraiser came marching over to Jacob. "Busted, no playing with your pet snake today, Jake! What is it with you doc? You don't let anyone have any fun."
"What's she doing?" Daniel asked.
"Giving him a sedative…I assume. No wonder she's still single. Guys are afraid she'll stab them in the ass with a needle," Jack joked. "Hey! Why does he get treated so special?"
"What?" Carter asked as she and Daniel peered around the curtain again.
"She didn't stick him in the ass with the needle! Lucky bastard!"
"Sir!"
"Sorry, Carter."
"Janet only sticks you in the ass if you deserve it," Daniel commented as Jacob was getting situated on the infirmary bed.
"Selmak…I forgot to tell her good bye…" Jacob cried out.
Daniel quickly covered Jack's mouth and dragged him back behind the curtain. Good thing too because Jack was about to laugh his ass off.
"Holy shit! Cranky Jake has a female snake in his head! This is good! This is really good!" Jack smirked and noticed both Daniel and Carter were smiling too.
"Poor Dad!" Carter said shaking her head.
"Wait a minute! I thought symbiotes don't have a gender," Daniel said.
"They don't," Carter said, then smiled, "But according to a conversation I had with Martouf once, a symbiote does have tendencies, either male or female. In fact, I remember him briefly commenting how my father was Selmak's first male host. I never thought anything of it at the time because I was just so worried I was going to lose him."
"What are you three doing?" Fraiser asked startling them.
"Ah! Don't do that!" Jack said clutching his chest. "Scared the shit out of me!"
"At least she doesn't have a needle!" Daniel added with a big grin on his face.
Jack turned, keeping his back away from the doctor, instinctively rubbing his behind where she would always jab him. Just thinking about it hurt.
"So how's Selmak?" Jack asked with a huge grin on his face.
"Fine," she replied eyeing the three of them.
Jack quickly put on his best angel face, as did the other two.
"Alright, don't tell me," Fraiser smiled. "Sam, your father is sleeping but you can see him for a few minutes before I have him taken up to my car."
"Thanks Janet."
"Can w…"
"No! You and Daniel can leave. Those SFs by the door will escort you both to your quarters. General Hammond gave them specific instructions on how to handle you, Colonel."
"Doc, we're worried about Jacob too!" Jack insisted.
"Then you can convey your concern to him when he returns," Fraiser smirked.
"Actually, I'll probably be running away from him when he returns. Especially after the way I treated him earlier today."
"That's what Jacob meant!" Fraiser exlaimed.
"What?" Jack asked, swallowing slowly.
"Something about kicking someone's ass," she smiled then walked away.
"I'd like to see him try it!" Jack shouted.
"Sir!"
"Carter, now I know he's your Dad and I have a great respect for the man. But if he starts something, I'm going to defend myself."
Even while Jack was boasting on how he could take Jacob on, inwardly he was praying he wouldn't have to. Jack was well aware of Jacob's fighting abilities and knew he didn't have a chance. If only Hammond hadn't told Jack the story about how Jacob took on three Marines single handedly in a bar fight, Jack would not be shaking in his pants at the moment. He was just grateful the others didn't notice.
It was about that time when the car horn sounded. Cassie quickly put her coat on and said her good bye to the sitter before rushing outside to her mom's car. Once inside she immediately sensed a presence. Startled by it she quickly turned to see a boy, a few years younger than herself, sleeping on the backseat.
"Who the hell is that?"
"Cassie, language!" her mother replied.
"Jack says it!"
"Jack says a lot of things. That doesn't mean you have to go repeat them!"
"So, who is he then? I can sense the naquadah."
"It's alright," her mother smiled. "He's no threat. Now buckle up."
"Were his parents killed by a Goa'uld like mine?" Cassie asked buckling her seat belt.
"No honey. His name is Jacob. I'm just helping him out for a little while."
"Did the Goa'uld do something to him?"
Cassie waited for her mother to reply as the car came to a stop at a signal light. She had only known the woman she came to call mother for a few years now. But Cassie knew her well enough to know her mother was debating on whether to share a secret or not.
"Mom, is Jacob in some kind of trouble?" she asked hoping to get more information as her mom began driving again.
"No, he's not in trouble. He…he's just having a difficult time adjusting. He no longer has his symbiote."
"Are you going to be his mom now too?"
"No," her mom snorted. "I'm…I'm his guardian just for a few days until he's adjusted. Then he'll go home, back where he belongs. Understand?"
"Yes, mom."
"Good. Now, there are a few…rules regarding Jacob I want you to follow."
"Mom, I'm thirteen! I don't need rules!" Cassie complained.
"All the more reason why you need rules, young lady. Now, under any circumstance you are not to ask him questions about his past or where he's from."
"That's a strange rule."
"Cassie!" her mother warned.
"Ok! Ok! No questions, I got it."
"Good. Jacob is very intelligent so don't talk down to him just because you're older. Oh…and if he does anything a normal child would not be doing, don't say anything. Just ignore it or go along with it."
"Why wouldn't he be doing things a normal child would be doing?"
"Well with you, if you recall, we had to say you were from Toronto to cover up any of the alien habits you accidentally displayed. And Jacob has some strange habits he developed. For some strange reason, he loves coffee."
"Yuck!" Cassie giggled. "That stuff tastes like shit!"
"Cassie! No phone tonight!"
"Mom!"
"I mean it! Keep it up and no phone for a week!"
"Yes, mother!" Cassie sighed folding her arms across her chest.
The coffin was covered with white roses. They were her favorite. Jacob made sure to bring her one everyday while she was in the hospital. And everyday she smiled at him for it. And everyday she wept when she saw him. And each time he would say the same thing.
"Don't cry mommy. I love you."
Cancer. Jacob never even heard that word before. He didn't even know what the word meant. All he knew was his mother had it and it killed her. She was fine a month ago during his seventh birthday. And after only a week in the hospital, she was dead.
The tears flowed freely down his cheeks. He was there when she passed. She cried, telling him that she would always love him and as long as he remembered that, she would always be with him in his heart. Then she squeezed him so hard he couldn't breathe, but he didn't care. He clung on to her just as tightly, telling her he loved her and that he would never forget her. Then suddenly he felt her arms loosen as her strength disappeared with her life.
His father couldn't take it and had left the room, leaving Jacob alone with his now dead mother. It had taken a nurse and a doctor pry Jacob from his mother's body as he screamed and cried how much he loved her and begged her not to die. Jacob knew his father wasn't emotionally strong enough to handle the situation so he didn't blame him for leaving the room. Jacob found it odd though because he father was a big man with broad shoulders, a thick neck, with thick arms and legs. Physically, he was impressively stronger than any man in town was
Looking up, he saw his father was crying again. He wasn't doing very well just like at the hospital.
"Daddy?" Jacob called quietly, putting his hand inside his father's.
His father didn't look at him. He merely led Jacob to their neighbor, Mrs. Benson, an elderly woman who was like a grandmother. In fact, Jacob didn't have any grandparents and Mrs. Benson didn't have any grandchildren. So the two of them were good friends thanks to his mother's influence.
"Take him home, please…I can't even look at him right now!"
Like that, Jacob was suddenly alone. Confused. Crying. Wondering if God was punishing for some bad thing he didn't remember doing. Wondering if his mother was really looking after him.
"Jacob, wait here for just a moment," Mrs. Benson smiled wiping his tears with her handkerchief.
"Yes, ma'am," he sniffled.
He watched her go after his father. They were too far away but he could tell they were arguing. And he knew they must have been arguing about him. His tears just kept pouring down his cheeks as he listened to the people whispering around him.
"I feel sorry for the Jacob, he's so young," some one said.
"Mike's taking this badly…"
"True, he's not strong like Melanie was. But I'm worried for Jacob. He saw his mother die. It's hard enough to witness such a thing as an adult. I can't even imagine what he must be going through."
"He's a good kid, he'll survive. Thank God he takes after his mother. He's got his mother's stubbornness. Smart kid too. Already a year ahead of the other students."
"Maybe he's too smart…he's never going to forget. In all likelihood, he'll never be just a kid anymore. Something like this makes you grow up."
"Poor kid. At least he'll remember how much Melanie loved him."
'And I loved her too,' Jacob thought as the people walked away.
They were friends of his mom. He recognized them. Most of them probably will be his teachers in the future since he was going to the same school where his mother taught.
"Jacob, let's go honey," Mrs. Benson said returning and taking his hand.
"What about my daddy?"
"He'll pick you up later."
Jacob tossed and turned on the bed as his dream turned into a nightmare.
"Daddy…I don't understand why are you mad at me?" Jacob cried as he was being dragged into his room. "What did I do?"
"Shut up!" his father snapped.
This wasn't the first time that Jacob was afraid of his own father. He had seen his father's ice blue eyes glare like daggers at him before. Even his blonde hair was out of control making him look dangerous. And his breath smelled like beer. Jacob recognized the smell.
Last week, the day after his mother's funeral, his father finally came to collect him. Jacob could smell the beer then too. For some reason, one Jacob still didn't understand, his father was angry with him and had shoved him hard. So hard, Jacob couldn't stop his momentum as it carried him head first through the slide glass door.
Jacob barely remembered hearing his father arguing with Mrs. Benson about taking him to the hospital. All Jacob knew was his head hurt, badly. And in the end his father won. But Mrs. Benson managed to convince Mike to allow her to tend to Jacob's head injury.
"Daddy…."
"Shut up! Why do you have to look like her? Why?" Mike yelled holding Jacob off the ground and shaking him. "Why?"
"I don't know," Jacob wept. "I'm sorry!"
"No…daddy….don't hit me! No daddy no!" Jacob cried out in his sleep.
"Jacob wake up!"
His cheek still stung from the backhand he had just received. He tried to run from his father but he wasn't fast enough.
"JACOB WAKE UP!" a strange yet familiar voice called from somewhere in his room.
"MOMMY?"
His father's hand hit his back and he couldn't breathe.
Jacob sat up gasping for air. A pair of arms quickly grabbed onto him. Instinctively he clung onto to the person holding him.
"It's ok Jacob…you were having a bad dream."
"Mom?"
"No, Jacob. It's me Janet. Are you ok?"
"I'm fine, Janet," he whispered. "I'm sorry I woke you."
"Don't worry," she smiled as he laid back down.
"I hope I didn't wake your daughter," he yawned.
"Cassie sleeps like the dead! Are you sure you're fine?"
"Yes, Janet," he sighed already feeling the darkness close in on him as he fell back into a restful sleep.
This time when he dreamed, he dreamed about his mother and she was telling him that everything was going to be ok.