The alarm clock beeped loudly. Sam was quick to turn it off because the sound was so annoying, not like hers at home. Sitting there in the darkness of her SGC quarters, she sighed. It was six in the morning. An hour past the usual time she woke up. However, too soon to call Janet. Much too soon. Sam couldn't understand how that woman could always get up past the last possible minute and still manage to get Cassie to school on time as well as herself to work on time.
Regardless of the time, Sam turned the light on and picked up the phone. The concern for her father outweighed any concerns for waking her friend. His breakdown in the Gate Room scared her. Scarier still, to find out he held gun to his head threatening to kill himself if not allowed to leave. It never crossed her mind about how difficult he might take their condition. But standing there, watching her father in a drunken state, vomit all the alcohol he consumed, made Sam realize just how serious their predicament was.
"Janet, its Sam."
"Sam? Do you have any idea what time it is?"
"Yeah, I know what time it is!" Sam snapped.
There was silence. Sam collected herself, she didn't mean to snap at her friend like that.
"Sorry."
"That's quite alright," Jane yawned. "I assume you're calling about your father."
"Yes, I was wondering how he's doing."
"I can't really say. He slept through dinner last night. And…it looks like…yep, he's still sleeping right now. I gave him a good dose of that sedative so he would sleep through the night. Do you want me to wake him?"
"No, that's ok. Let him sleep."
"Sam, General Hammond ordered me to make sure Jacob calls you. And I promise I will make him do it. Even if I have to pin him down and hold the phone to his ear!"
"I hope it doesn't come to that!" Sam laughed knowing Janet would do just that.
"I'll tell him you called."
"Thanks Janet."
"Just don't ask me to give him a hug and kiss for you. I don't think the little General would like that very much."
"He was always grouchy before his first cup of coffee. I remember him growling at mom a few times when she would hug and kiss him in the morning. Then she would tease him by holding the coffee cup out of his reach."
"Somehow I don't think Jacob would appreciate it if I did that to him either."
"No…"
"Sam…please…I can still sleep for another hour!"
"Oh, right…sorry. I'll let you go. I'll be in my lab when he calls."
"I'll tell him."
"Thanks."
"You're welcome. Now, bye!"
"Bye," Sam sighed then hung up the phone.
Her conversation with Janet was somewhat uplifting, only not by much. Sam was still very concerned for her father. And sad, unlike yesterday when she had been enthusiastic about the idea of being a kid again. Her situation was giving her the time to work on other projects in her lab. Projects she had been dying to work on but never had the time because of her off world duties. Even her size was beneficial. Her smaller hands were able to reach into those tight places her adult hands couldn't reach making the work that much easier.
Now, she was wishing the whole thing never happened, just for her father's sake. He was the only one not adapting. Daniel didn't have any problems once he woke up. He found it rather funny just like she first did. The Colonel didn't share their amusement. He merely adjusted because he had no choice and McKenzie's presence wasn't helping matters either. But O'Neill was being his usual self by making things difficult for General Hammond.
Currently there was nothing any of them could do except wait for Dr. Lee and his team, along with Teal'c, to do their job. So Sam decided the best thing to do was to continue her work. Plus check on Selmak from time to time, as her dad requested. He was really worried about his symbiote and a little paranoid about the Tok'ra coming to take it away…take her away.
Sam chuckled at the thought of Selmak's personality being a female. Poor Dad, nothing was ever easy for him. And things were worse because Colonel O'Neill knew. That man was not going to allow something like that to go unchecked. Sam just hoped she wasn't around to see her father kick the shit out of her CO.
Still, Sam was grateful for Selmak. She was one of the best things to happen to her father and the Carter family. Selmak forced her father to reconcile with Mark. That single act brought the family back together. It was a little shaky at first but now the family was strong again. Sam even started visiting Mark in San Diego during the holidays because of it.
Looking in the bathroom mirror while brushing her teeth, Sam started wondering what would happen if her condition was permanent? Would she ever get to see her brother and his family again?
The coffee was excellent. The aroma awakened his senses, just like he remembered. Only Jacob couldn't remember the last time he had a cup this good. He knew he had better enjoy drinking coffee for as long as he could. Selmak hated coffee and never let him drink any. With her out of his head there was nothing to stop him from bingeing until he reached caffeine oblivion.
Jacob did find it difficult from time to time. He found himself reaching his mind out to her only to remember she was gone. She left him. She finally had it with him and left him. She probably knew he was turning into his father. It was bound to happen. Jacob failed his wife and finally his mother just like his own father failed his son.
'No…I'm not my father!' Jacob thought angrily to himself as he stared into the bottom of his cup. 'Quit wallowing in self-pity you idiot! It accomplishes nothing!'
Looking back he realized getting drunk was a stupid thing to do. But Jacob was desperate at the time and it seemed like everyone was against him or making fun of him. Yet, afterwards no one seemed angry with him for getting drunk. However it was embarrassing to puke in front of his daughter. He cursed to himself for allowing her to see him that way.
"Jacob?"
"What?" he growled.
He was so consumed by his thoughts he didn't realize Dr. Fraiser was standing beside him.
"Are you ok?" she asked calmly.
Jacob sighed, "I'm fine. Sorry about that."
"More coffee?" she smiled.
"Yes, thank you," he politely replied, then she was finished pouring him a fresh cup.
"You want to talk about what's troubling you?"
"Not particularly," he snapped angrily.
Janet flinched slightly, instantly making Jacob regret being so harsh to her. He was very grateful for everything she had done. But he was not showing that appreciation by being an asshole. And she was kind enough to simply turn away from him instead of pursuing the matter.
"Janet," he spoke softly, making her turn back around. "I'm sorry. I don't want you to think that I don't appreciate what you're doing for me…I am extremely grateful. And I know this is awkward for you."
"I didn't mean to pry. I'm a doctor. It's my job to try and fix things."
"A job that you do very well from what I've heard," he smiled. "Just like this coffee…it's really good! Thank you."
"You're welcome," she smiled just as Cassie came stomping into the kitchen.
"Mom, we're going to be late!"
"We still have a few minutes, eat something…"
Sitting there and quietly watching Dr. Fraiser interacting with her daughter, Jacob was beginning to see some good things about his situation. For one thing, coffee! He missed coffee and the doc had an excellent brew.
Second, the doc or Janet as she kept insisting upon. He remembered how soothing it felt as she rubbed his back when he was throwing up. How soft her voice sounded when she spoke to him to calm him. She even sounded lovely when angry with him for taking Selmak out of the tank.
'Dammit Selmak! You and your matchmaking! You're not in my head but I swear I can hear that voice of yours telling me there are so many beautiful women to chose from. And now, when I find an attractive single woman whose got the brains and the gall to stand up to a guy like me, I can't do a damn thing about it. Thanks a lot old girl!'
'Christ! What the hell am I doing? Selmak's not even there and I'm talking to her! I can't even stop thinking about Janet! Thank you Selmak! Thank you very much!' he thought to himself sipping on his coffee. 'I can even hear you laughing at me: I told you so Jacob but you never listen to me! I told you Dr. Fraiser was a lovely woman, why don't you ever listen to me? Ok Selmak…I got it now…happy?'
Jacob knew that in this situation Selmak would be continually ranting about how right she was. And through it all, he would be thinking about Janet. The more of his thoughts lingering about Janet the more it seemed he couldn't stop thinking about her. To his surprise, he didn't want to stop thinking about her. She was rather beautiful, just as he told her.
'I can't believe I told her she was beautiful. She probably thinks I'm nuts.'
"Jacob!"
"What…oh, sorry Janet, I didn't hear you," he said looking up from his coffee not realizing he was so consumed by his thoughts.
"I'm taking Cassie to school. I'll be back in fifteen minutes."
"Oh…ok. I'll be fine."
"Why don't you eat something, I made scrambled eggs and toast," she smiled.
"Sure. No problem," he smiled back.
"Be careful when you eat the eggs Jacob, Mom likes to drop a little bit of shell in them!" Cassie commented.
"Cassie!"
"Thanks for the warning Cassie. I'll be sure to eat slowly," he chuckled immediately receiving a glare from the Janet as she was ushering the girl out the door. "And I'll watch out for the crunchy stuff!"
Jacob watched as Janet exited the room with her daughter and smiled.
"Cassie, I'll be there in a minute!" her voice sounded just before she appeared in the doorway. "Are you sure you'll be fine?"
"Doc, I'm fine. I've lived on my own before for more years than I'm going to admit."
"Ok…but call your daughter. She's worried about you."
"Yes doctor," he sighed rolling his eyes. "You had better go. Cassie will be late for school."
"See you in a bit," she smiled.
He was alone. The kitchen was warm despite the cloudy day. The eggs did smell somewhat good and his stomach was gurgling for some food. Getting up, he lifted the lid off the pan to inspect what Janet had cooked.
It smelled like scrambled eggs. It even kind of looked like them. Taking a bite, they even kind of tasted like eggs.
Crunch!
"Damn Janet! Did you drop the entire shell in there? Where's that dog?"
Jacob whistled and the dog suddenly came running into the kitchen.
"Here boy, have some breakfast! I'm going to make my own eggs," Jacob smiled dumping the slop into the dog's bowl.
Buddy, the dog, took one sniff then looked up at Jacob.
"Not to your liking either?"
Buddy barked.
"I don't blame you boy! How about I make us both something edible?"
"Daniel, do you have to drag your feet…let's go!" Jack ordered grabbing Daniel by his arm and pulling him along.
"Jack, General Hammond asked us to stay in our quarters."
"Asked, not ordered," Jack said hurrying down the tunnel. "Besides, why are you such a goody little two shoes now? Hammond said this…Hammond said that! Jack you can't do that, Hammond said no! And suddenly you're on time now too! What's up with that?"
"I don't know," Daniel shrugged.
"Fix your glasses, they're falling down!"
"I'll be getting ones that fit later today."
"You're such a nerd, Daniel."
Daniel did that snorting laugh of his which only confirmed what Jack just said.
"Let's hurry, you move too slow!" Jack insisted.
"What makes you think Sam will be in her lab?"
Jack suddenly came to a stop and stared intently at Daniel for a long moment in silence. Daniel started fidgeting nervously with his glasses.
"I don't know you! How long have you known the Major?" Jack asked.
"About…."
"And all this time, you never noticed she was a workaholic?"
"Of course…"
"Shut up! Let's go before Camp Leader George finds out that a couple of his campers have gone missing."
A few minutes later they finally reached Major Carter's lab. Jack peered around the doorframe.
"See, I told you, the Major never stops working!" he proudly informed Daniel.
They entered Carter's lab just as she was hanging up the phone. From the look on her face Jack guessed that she had been talking with her father. While he didn't actually witness what happened to the senior Carter in the Gate Room, he did witnessed the commotion in the infirmary as Dr. Fraiser purged Jacob's body of the alcohol he consumed. That and Jacob's eruption in the briefing room were signs to Jack and everyone else that the man was not coping well.
As a result, when Jack woke up, Dr. McKenzie was present to ensure the same thing would not happen to the Colonel. How he hated shrinks! No matter what answer you gave them you felt like it was the wrong one. And McKenzie asked Jack a bunch of questions. If Hammond hadn't been there Jack would have told McKenzie to fuck off. He was not a happy camper at that particular moment!
While Jack wasn't happy about his predicament he was beginning to find some things beneficial about it. For instance, his knees were no longer killing him. When he woke up he was able to get out of bed right away and not take his usual twenty minutes to stretch and fully wake up. Mainly due to the fact that his muscles no longer ached, nor did his bones crack. He slept like a baby. For the first time in a long time, Jack slept a normal sleep for eight straight hours. Even his Fruit Loops tasted better, which was a huge plus!
Yet while he and the others were adjusting and doing well, Jack was just as worried about Jacob as Major Carter was. If anyone could help Jacob through this ordeal, it would be Dr. Fraiser. Another Ms. Know It All like Carter. Fraiser seemed to have the answer for everything. And if she didn't, she would figure it out or concoct some remedy to cure you just so she could jab you with a really big needle.
"How is he?" Jack asked as he and Daniel approached Carter slowly.
"He says he's fine."
"But you're the last person on Earth he would admit anything to if something was wrong," Jack added.
"Yeah. With his voice changed, I can't tell what his emotion is. I could always hear when something was upsetting him or if he was angry. Now…I don't even recognize him."
"Trust me Carter, that's how we all feel," Jack sighed.
"What happens if we're stuck like this?" Daniel asked.
They were all silent. Nobody wanted to contemplate that scenario. Jack prayed that Dr. Lee was as brilliant as Major Carter insisted. Jack didn't want to have to go through puberty again. The whole voice changing, raging hormones, and zit-sprouting thing was bad enough to go through just once.
"Carter…where are you going?" he asked when she suddenly hoped off her chair.
"I promised Dad I would check on Selmak," she answered heading out of the lab.
Following her through the tunnel, Jack tried, unsuccessfully, to suppress a giggle. He even noticed Daniel was smiling. The idea of Selmak being a girl symbiote was just too funny!
"Sir…just promise me no jokes around my father when he returns. Please."
"Ok, Carter. No jokes around Dad," he smiled as they filed into the elevator. "But you do have to admit, it is kind of funny. A female snake…in a man like your Dad!"
"I know, it is rather amusing," she smiled, shaking her head. "I keep having these flashback of mom winning every argument with dad!"
"Really, Jake losing? I never imagined him losing any argument," Jack said as the doors opened.
"Goes to show, you don't actually know the man," Daniel commented hurrying to keep up with Jack and the Major.
"Of course I don't actually know him! He's not my Dad! And what are you talking about? You don't know him any better than I do!"
"Guys!" Carter snapped when they reached the infirmary door.
Jack stuffed his hands in his pockets and waited for a lecture or something from the Major. It always happened when she had that tone. Thankfully it didn't happen often.
"Why are you here?" she finally asked.
"We…"
"Colonel O'Neill, Major Carter, Dr. Jackson! What are you three doing here?" Dr. Warner asked, surprised to see them. "Is everything alright?"
"We're fine," Jack smiled. "Just on a mission, to assist the Major while she checks up on Selmak."
"Very well," he smiled. "Just don't go sticking your hands in the tank."
"Why?" Jack asked.
"General Carter's instructions. No one is to put their 'dirty little hands' in the tank. You can see for yourself in his list of instructions. He specifically named you, Colonel. General Carter believes you'll antagonize Selmak," Warner paused looking at the clipboard and flipped a couple of pages. "Ah…here, 'unless O'Neill wants to go on disability for losing a few fingers or a hand, he is to keep his dirty little hands away from Selmak.'"
"Me, I'm an angel," Jack smiled innocently, blinking his eyes lids a couple of times for an added effect.
"Just…keep your distance," Warner ordered, obviously not fooled.
"He will, Dr. Warner," Daniel said pulling Jack to follow Carter.
"I can't believe that…I thought Jake liked me," Jack whispered.
Daniel merely shook his head at Jack.
Chills went down his spine as they approached the tank. Jack always got the chills whenever he saw one of those snakes. It didn't matter if Selmak was a Tok'ra or not, Jack still got the willies. Damn snakes were so ugly!
"Looks like she's sleeping," he said putting his face near the corner where Selmak was curled up.
Sam sighed, "This voltage meter is too powerful. Even on the minimum setting it's still too high."
"Didn't you rig a couple of batteries for Teal'c's symbiote one time?" Daniel asked.
"Yes, but if we're stuck like this for more than a week I don't think the battery trick will work," Sam frowned.
"Use rechargeable batteries," Jack smirked.
"Funny, Sir. I have something better in my lab! I'll be right back."
"Wait…" he started to say but it was too late, she was gone. "So…do we wait for her?"
"I don't see the harm in keeping an eye on Selmak until Sam gets back," Daniel said.
Looking back at the tank, Jack said, "Is she still alive in there?"
"Just don't stick your hand in there to find out."
Jack rolled his eyes and shook his head. Daniel wasn't any fun anymore and it was really getting on Jack's nerves.
"Hey! Selmak! Come on old girl, wake up!" Jack said then started tapping on the glass of the tank. "Hello…wake up you old fart!"
"Jack! What are you doing?" Daniel asked pulling Jack's hand away from the side of the tank.
"What? Dr. Warner said not to stick my hand inside the tank. He didn't say anything about what I could or couldn't do to the outside of the tank," Jack sniggered, looking at Daniel.
"But you're antagonizing Selmak," Daniel insisted.
"Daniel…it's what I do best," he smiled turning his head back so he could look down on Selmak in her tank.
Only, before Jack turned his head back, he wasn't aware that Selmak was wide-awake and pissed. So, when he went to look at her, he was startled when the liquid hit him right in the eyes. It was followed by this loud hissing noise.
"Whoa!" he shouted, immediately closing his eyes causing himself to lose his balance.
Jack was just hoping he wasn't permanently blinded as he felt himself falling backwards. Only when he opened his eyes, he wished he wasn't a witness to what was happening. His hand must have been holding on to the rim of the tank when he was falling. A wave started peaking over the rim and Selmak was going for a ride!
"Shit! Daniel give me a hand!" Jack ordered, desperately attempting to push the tank back into place.
It was already too late. His hands were too wet and the tank had tilted past the point of no return. The force of all the liquid hitting Jack knocked him on his ass. Instantly he could hear Dr. Warner shouting. Only Selmak's clicks and hisses were louder as she reared her ugly head at him.
"Take her!" Jack snapped, scooping her up and flinging her towards Daniel.
"I don't want her!" Daniel shouted sending the symbiote back at Jack like a hot potato.
"Shit…Jacob's going to kill me!" Jack shrieked when Selmak landed on his leg.
"Forget Jacob! Sam's going to do it for him!" Daniel said as he was running away.
"What the hell are you doing?" Major Carter demanded.
Jack looked up to see her and Dr. Warner glaring down at him.
"That's, what the hell are you doing, Sir?" Jack reminded her.
Closing his eyes, Jack quickly picked up an extremely agitated and squiggly symbiote with his hand. Her tail whipped violently and Jack had a flashback from the movie Aliens when the bitch mother alien's tail whipped, damn near knocking Riply's head off. Just to be safe, Jack grabbed Selmak's tail with his other hand and kept her as far away as his arms could extend.
"Selmak and I…we were getting acquainted," he smiled holding Selmak up for them to see. " I think she likes me!"
Suddenly Selmak's head drooped like she fainted or something.
'Oh, shit!' Jack thought to himself. 'Now I've done it! God…I hope I don't have to do mouth to mouth!'
Afraid for his own life if Selmak were to die, Jack took a closer look. Suddenly he was screaming with a symbiote clamped firmly on his nose.
It was a very pleasant dream. It was quite some time since Selmak had one of those. And a dream that she didn't share or have to worry about waking her host up with. Only it was ruined by some dumb ass tapping so hard on the side of her tank, she thought her eardrums would shatter.
'Jack! That insensitive asshole! What the hell is he doing near my tank? Dr. Fraiser mentioned nothing about Jack paying me any visits. Not that I would allow it, and I know Jacob wouldn't have allowed it. He didn't trust Jack. Not at all. Especially near his daughter!'
Selmak quickly swam up to the surface, getting a good mouthful of liquid. The moment his face was near the surface she popped her head out and spat in his face. Hissing at him emphatically to make a point to FUCK OFF!
Suddenly the liquid was spilling over the rim and she was going with the flow. There wasn't anything Selmak could do except ride it out. Fortunately for her she landed right on Jack, unfortunate for Jack. However, before she could strike she was sent flying through the air. An experience she never wanted to feel again…only to experience the same thing again! After being bounced back into the air, she finally came to a landing.
'Jack, you fucking asshole!' she hissed at him.
To bad the fucker couldn't understand her. He would be shitting his pants right now.
"Forget Jacob! Sam's going to do it for him!" Daniel said as he disappeared out of her range of vision.
'FORGET BOTH JACOB AND SAM! I'M GOING TO KILL YOU!' Selmak roared in her language of clicks and hisses.
"What the hell are you doing?" Samantha asked and wow, she could sound as mean as Jacob when she was pissed!
"That's, what the hell are you doing, Sir?" Jack said as Selmak was getting ready to strike.
Only Jack grabbed her before she could attack, squeezing her so tight she couldn't breathe or move!
"Selmak and I…we were getting acquainted. I think she likes me!"
'FUCK YOU!' she hissed, suddenly feeling a little lightheaded.
The room was dimming.
A blur appeared really close.
It was Jack's face.
It was now or never. Selmak latched on to Jack's nose with the grip of death and nothing was going to make her let go. Jack quickly released his hold on her as he howled in pain. Her blood was flowing to her head again and she clamped down harder feeling immensely satisfied. And for Jacob's sake, she clamped down harder still!
"Get her off! Get her off!" Jack screamed much to her delight!
Oh, she couldn't wait to share this experience with Jacob! He would be so proud of her!
"Sir, be still!" Samantha ordered.
Selmak felt a pair of hands gently gripped her causing her tail flicked in agitation. Nothing was going to persuade her to let go.
"Selmak, let go. I know you can understand me," Samantha cooed to her.
Selmak whipped her tail harder. She wasn't letting go! Death first!
"Selmak, he's not worth it!"
Not worth it? Selmak can't remember the last time she felt this good giving somebody something they truly deserved. Other than the time she smacked Jacob on the brainstem for being a smart mouthed idiot and for getting them in trouble with the High Council. Only, this situation was better!
"Selmak, think of my father. He wouldn't want anything to happen to you."
'Jacob?' Selmak sniffed, suddenly beginning to relax. 'I wonder, is he doing well? He tends to get into so much trouble without me there to keep an eye on him.'
"Relax…that's it. Think of Dad. He's fine. I talked to him a little while ago. He was a little cranky but fine."
'Sounds normal to me,' Selmak sniffed, finally releasing her grip.
"She bit me! I can't believe she bit me!" Jack shouted. "Is my nose bleeding?"
"Sir, she doesn't even have teeth!" Samantha snapped.
"You're nose is fine, Colonel…though it will probably be a little black and blue in a short while."
"Black and blue?" Jack asked, making Selmak feel victorious.
"Colonel, you'll live," Dr. Warner said. "I suggest you leave before you cause any more damage!"
"Shouldn't I get tested for rabies or something?" Jack asked.
'Rabies…why you…' Selmak hissed so loudly that Jack jumped backwards, away from her.
"GO!" Samantha and Dr. Warner yelled at him.
'Yeah, get the hell out of here! And don't comeback!' Selmak added. 'What's that song Jacob likes sing…oh, "Hit the Road, Jack! And don't you come back! No More No More!"'
"I'm not squeezing you too hard, am I?" Samantha asked.
Selmak shook her head no.
"Good. Now, let's see if we can get your tank situated again. Dad left a 'recipe' for how to mix the liquid…just in case something like this happened. He even put Tequila as one of the requirements!"
Selmak's mouth fell open. Things were finally going her way! First a good chomp on Jack and now a drink!
'Finally! A drink, I could really use a drink, especially after being dropped on the floor and flung about! Really, I am the oldest and wisest of the Tok'ra and I should be treated with some respect!'
"That's my dad for you," Samantha snorted. "He has a weird sense of humor at times."
Knowing that Samantha couldn't understand her, Selmak still desperately clicked and hissed that Jacob was not joking while she was being set down in the empty tank. Her insistence received a curious look from Samantha as she leaned closer. Selmak used her strong tail to prop herself up.
'Please, I need a drink!' she pleaded.
"Really, Selmak, you can't be serious?" Samantha laughed. "I never heard of a symbiote drinking Tequila!"
'SHIT! WHAT DOES A GAL HAVE TO DO TO GET A DRINK AROUND HERE?' Selmak screamed flinging herself onto her back.
"Selmak?" Samantha cautiously asked when Selmak didn't move.
After seeing the aftermath of the disaster in the infirmary, Hammond decided it was best not to inform Jacob of what transpired. It probably would send him way over the edge, something Hammond didn't want to happen. Besides, what Jacob didn't know wasn't going to hurt him…for now. George knew Jacob would find out sooner or later, George just preferred later…like when he was on vacation!
Hammond watched as Selmak swam briskly back and forth in a fresh tank. While he couldn't speak her language, he could definitely read her body language. Selmak was super pissed. Even an hour later! He was beginning to wonder if she was getting tired of swimming angrily for so long. Hell, he was getting exhausted watching her storm back and forth like a Great White with a toothache while Dr. Warner double-checked all the settings, against Jacob's notes, for the tank.
"There's nothing more I can do now, Sir," Dr. Warner said. "Although, I'm confused…General Carter has referenced Tequila several times on his list."
George noticed Selmak paused in mid stroke.
"I'm sure it's a joke. Jacob was well known for being a prankster in his prime. I'm glad to see he hasn't lost his touch," Hammond smiled then saw Selmak began swimming furiously again.
"Yes, Sir."
"I doubt there's anything any of us could do or say to help calm Selmak," Hammond sighed, turning to leave. "In fact…"
Hammond was interrupted by a loud noise that sounded like steam escaping. Turning around, he saw was Selmak with her head resting on the rim of the tank. He got the distinct impression that she was glaring at him.
"I think we should just leave her be for awhile," he continued slowly while keeping an eye on Selmak. She slowly slipped back into the tank. "Let's give her a chance to calm down on her own. Through all the years I was married, I learned it's best to stay out of firing range!"
George was actually wondering if he was actually out of Selmak's firing rage. He found it funny that she spit in O'Neill's face. But it was a personal experience he didn't want to go through.
"Yes, Sir. I understand. I'll inform the staff."
Finally, with Selmak situated, Hammond headed out to go check on the 'kids'. He found himself referring to O'Neill, Carter, and Jackson as kids more and more because they were beginning to act less like adults. Especially Colonel O'Neill who seemed compelled to disregard every order Hammond gave him. And it hadn't even been twenty-four hours since the guy was changed into a kid!
As a result, Hammond thought it best to keep them confined to one large room during the day. Major Carter could work in her lab if she wanted; otherwise she was to be in the room as well. It was where their meals would be served from now on as well. Hammond didn't want another incident like Jacob's in the commissary. Plus, with them confined to one place it would be easier to keep an eye on them.
The door was open when he arrived. All three were there eating their sandwiches. Colonel O'Neill noticed Hammond immediately and shrank down in his seat.
"Colonel, can I talk with you…now!" Hammond asked as nicely as he possibly could under the circumstances.
"Yes, Sir," Jack replied, already getting out of his seat slowly.
George stepped out into the deserted hallway and waited for the Colonel. He walked slowly with his hands in his pocket making George feel like he was a dad ready to lecture his son, only he had no sons, only daughters. And at the moment, George was so grateful he only had girls.
"First of all, General, Sir, it was an accident. I am very sorry. I tried apologizing to Selmak but Dr. Warner wouldn't let me back into the infirmary."
"Because you're not allowed back! Jack, what the hell has gotten into you? Did changing back into a kid make you stupid?"
"Well, I never was that bright," Jack mumbled.
"Cut the horse shit! You and I both know you're a smart man. Or at least, you're much smarter than the way you acted this morning. For what it's worth, I'm making this an order and I'm asking that you obey it: Stay away from Selmak. You are not to go within ten feet of the door to that infirmary, unless you're dying."
"Unless I'm dying? Isn't that a little harsh, Sir? What if I'm bleeding real bad?"
"Colonel!"
"Unless I'm dying, right Sir!"
"Jack…dismissed," Hammond sighed.
"Sir…I know I'm up shit's creek and you have every right to be pissed with me…but we were wonder if you've received any news from Dr. Lee and his team?"
"I'm expecting a report within the hour."
"Will…will you be telling us…"
"Jack…"
"Right! Returning to my seat, Sir. I'm sure you have better things to do than baby-sit!"
"Where are we going now?" Jacob asked as Janet drove the car into a parking lot. "I think I have enough clothes now. And you bought more than enough for the others. Plus, I need to take a shower. That barber didn't get all the little hairs off my neck, they're making me itch. And I'm hungry!"
Janet smiled as she glanced over at him. She had to refrain from laughing as she watched him wiping his neck and face.
"Well, you wouldn't be so hungry if you didn't have me driving all over town to find a barber."
"I've been going to a barber ever since I was a kid! There's no one better to cut a man's hair than a barber."
"What cutting? You had it buzzed down to a quarter of an inch! I could have done that! I even have the clippers to do it!"
"I'm sorry Janet, but no woman will ever clip, cut, or buzz my hair! I never even let my wife buzz my hair!"
"Restricted personnel only?"
"Ha, ha, doctor! You're a funny lady."
"All I'm saying is we could have saved time by having it done when we were at the mall," she said while parking the car. "Although I must admit…"
"What?" he asked.
"I was surprised you wanted your hair cut. I thought you might want to enjoy all that hair while you had it," she smiled looking over at him.
Jacob glared at her for a moment, then smiled, "I need not remind you that I am still a General."
"And I need not remind you that I am an Airforce doctor and can declare you unfit for duty, General," she countered, making his smile fade.
"That's General, Sir," he grumbled making her laugh. "I realize this is amusing to you and a few others, but please, for the sake of my dignity, try to restrain yourself."
"I'm sorry," she giggled. "I will make more of an effort."
"Good, now do you want to tell me what we're doing a car rental place?"
"I need to return this car, my car is ready to pick up," she said, fighting the urge to laugh.
"I thought this was your car."
"No it's not," she snorted.
"The SUV back in your garage?"
"The Explorer is out of commission until I have time to fix the problem. My other car was being fixed. Some asshole rear ended me!"
"Doc! Such language," Jacob exclaimed, feigning shock.
"Jacob, the day I say a bad word that actually offends your ears will be a day to remember, I promise you that! And for the last time, call me Janet! At least in public."
"Yes, ma'am!" he said, saluting her.
Janet just shook her head as she grabbed her purse.
"It will take me a few minutes inside the rental place."
"I'm not ten, I only look ten," he grumbled unbuckling his seat belt then climbed over onto the back seat.
"Really, you could have fooled me for a moment," she smiled, watching as he buckled himself back up.
"What?"
"Never mind," she smiled.
"Hey, it's cold outside! I was trying to keep as much heat in the car by climbing over the seat instead of opening the door."
"You didn't have to move."
"Janet, my mother raised me to be a gentleman," he said.
"Ok. After we pick up my car we can grab you something to eat before picking up Cassie from school."
"Very well," he sighed.
Habitually, she locked the car then noticed an annoyed look on his face before she went inside the rental office. As promised, minutes later the agent was driving them to the repair shop. There he assisted her and Jacob with getting the shopping bags out of the trunk. She had to refrain from smiling when the man told Jacob he was a good boy helping out his mother like that. And she was surprised when Jacob shut his mouth and smiled, even when the man pat him top of his head. However, she did notice Jacob's smile was some what strained.
"I might have to make an extra pot of coffee for your good behavior today," she joked making him fold his arms across his chest in disgust.
"Hey Doc! Glad to see you again," Terry, the mechanic who worked on her car, smiled coming out from the repair shop. "Leave the bags, I'll get one of my guys to put them in your trunk. Let's go inside and go over the paper work. Tommy! Get over hear!"
Janet watched as a young man, possible nineteen or twenty, came running over.
"Put these bags in the Ford and pull it around for the lady and her boy."
"Sure thing Terry!" Tommy smiled then immediately followed his orders.
"Tommy's a good kid. Not bright enough for College but he's got great instincts and hands for engines. What about this young fellow?"
"Jacob's going to be in the Airforce," she quickly answered, squeezing Jacob's shoulder to remind him to behave.
"Fine looking boy. You must be proud of him."
Janet was cringing on the inside wondering what Jacob was going to do. Only he didn't do anything as they followed Terry into his office.
"So, Jake, you're going to be in the Airforce. Must be a smart boy. You're going to be a pilot?"
"What do you think? I'll be a pilot and I'll make General," Jacob replied arrogantly.
"Cocky little bastard!" Terry exclaimed taking a seat at his desk.
"Excuse me, Sir but I'm ten years old. I shouldn't be hearing such words at my tender age! And I'm sure the lady doesn't appreciate it either."
Janet closed her eyes for a moment and prayed that Jacob didn't go too far. The day had been going so well. Even though Jacob bitched and moaned the whole time at the mall as she dragged him around shopping, he was well behaved by keeping his voice down and not throwing a fit. Even when she made him model a few clothes. The only time he seemed relaxed was at the barber's shop, probably due to the fact that his wildly grown hair was trimmed way down.
"You know, I think you will make General. You already sound like one," Terry said handing Janet the invoice.
Janet quickly gave Jacob a stern from which she received a shoulder shrug and an 'I'm innocent' smile from him. Then she started looking over the invoice.
"Seems kind of high in price for fixing a rear fender," Jacob whispered to her.
"Jacob, quiet," she ordered.
"Did you ask for all of this to be done?" he pressed on. "He's ripping you off!"
"Jacob!"
"It's alright Dr. Fraiser. I understand the boy is only looking out for your best interest."
"Yeah, while you're only looking out for your wallet!" Jacob snapped to the guy while grabbing the invoice from her. "You think just because she's a beautiful woman that you can take advantage of her? Look, according to this you had an oil change and the brakes fixed less than two thousand miles ago…why did he do them again? The inspection shows not problems with the brakes. And a fender bender as nothing to do with getting an oil change. Or a new air filter and oil filter! And the price for the new fender…I'm not even going to go there because your labor charges are ridiculous!"
"Alright, Jacob that's enough," Janet insisted grabbing the invoice back. "Terry, I'm sorry…"
"Don't apologize to him!" Jacob growled. "I guarantee you, he's ripping you off…I bet my two stars on it!"
"Hey, kid maybe you should be quiet and listen to your mother," Terry shot back, looking rather annoyed about getting berated by a ten year old.
"My mother's dead!" Jacob snapped.
Terry quickly remained still, obviously not knowing what to say. Janet decided to take advantage of the opportunity.
"Terry, excuse me for a moment," she smiled.
Grabbing Jacob's arm, she gently took him aside so they could speak privately.
"Jacob, behave…please."
"I'm only looking out for you," he sincerely insisted.
By the expression on his face and the tone of his voice, Janet found herself thrown off balance a little. He looked and sounded so much like a child at that moment. He was extremely sincere.
"Jacob, it's not that I don't appreciate what you're doing. But I am a grown woman and I know how to take care of myself."
"But…"
"No buts. Behave."
"Yes, ma'am," he sighed stuffing his hands into his pant pockets.
Janet felt bad by the how sad he suddenly looked as his shoulders sagged as they walked back into the office.
"Ok, Terry…where were we. Right, Jacob does have a point," Janet seriously said, immediately noticing a small smile on Jacob's face. "You never called me and asked if I wanted all this extra work done. I don't think I should have to pay for it. Or I could always take my car to another mechanic in the future."
Janet quickly gave Jacob another stern look when he opened his mouth. He obediently shut it, although he didn't appear happy about it.
"So, Terry it's up to you," Janet continued.
Five minutes later, Janet was driving her car out of the parking lot, having only paid for the fender work done and guaranteed a free oil change after three thousand miles. Once on the main street, Janet noticed a devilish smile on Jacob's face.
"You better wipe that grin off your face. You were supposed to behave!"
"Oh…that's not why I'm smiling Janet."
"So, why are you then?"
"Come on…you're a little speed demon! A 1994 Mustang V-6 Coupe! Laser Red! Black leather interior! 145 horsepower!"
"Actually, it's an 8 cylinder with 240hp," Janet smirked. "But…how did you guess?"
"Oh…you're only driving a manual Mustang! So, how fast have you driven her?" he asked with…well with the excitement of a child.
Normally, Janet would never discuss her speeding habit with anyone. But the topic of the Mustang brought out the boy in Jacob. His eyes were filled with an excitement that Janet never thought possible of the man. This was the first time she ever got a hint of what the real Jacob Carter was like. He was just like most of the other male officers, an adrenaline junkie! And being in the Airforce, the favorite adrenaline rush was speed. Just like her.
"On a straight away, 110."
"That's nothing! I got my Mustang up to 130!"
"You're Mustang?"
"Oh, you would love her! A 1967 Shelby GT500. I found her in a junk pile. The body had some rot, but took care of her. Rewired the entire car. Rebuilt the entire 428 cubic inch engine. She's a V8 with 355 horsepower. She has 420 foot-pounds of torque at 3200 rpms. I restored her to her original color, Dark Metallic Blue with the dual white stripes from fender to fender. Black leather interior. Manual transmission…"
"Convertible?"
"No, sorry lady. I was a little concerned about losing what hair I had left when I was looking for her. So I made sure she wasn't a convertible," Jacob laughed making her laugh too. "It took me a few years to rebuild her. But it was well worth it. Once Sam left for the Academy, the house was empty. I needed a hobby. The GT was my hobby. She's in storage in DC. I'll take you for a ride in her when this is all over…you'll love it!"
"Is that a promise?" she asked before she realized what she was asking.
Jacob merely looked at her with that smirk of his, "It's a date!"
Janet listened intently as Jacob talked about his Mustang. He was so excited about telling her that he didn't even notice that she had ordered him a Happy Meal when they drove through the drive-thru at McDonalds. She was having fun just listening to him go on and on as she drove to Cassie's school. The guy was really passionate about his car.
She couldn't even believe she had agreed to a date with him. She hadn't realized how much of her guard she had let down until that point. It was just so easy to relax around him because he looked like a ten years old. There was nothing to fear from a child. They were easy to be comfortable around because they accepted you for who you are. They trusted you. At that age, they were often too young to know how to lie. They were innocent. Only Jacob wasn't innocent by the way he was smiling when he looked out the window and Janet had to keep reminding herself that he was a grown man trapped inside the body of a ten years old.
"Cassie will be out in half an hour," Janet said after pulling the car over.
"Ok," he sighed looking at her than returned to looking out the window.
He was watching a group of kids playing during their physical education class. Janet watched him as sadness slowly began to show on his face. It reminded her of the nightmare he had. A nightmare she felt compelled to wake him up from.
"Jacob, how old were you when your mother died?" she asked softly.
"Seven," he frowned looking down at his hands on his lap.
"You never really had a childhood, did you?"
"No. I grew up fast after she died. I had to. My dad…my dad used to drink all the time after she died."
"And he hit you."
He looked up at her in surprise.
"You were having a nightmare last night," she explained making him swallow hard. "You were crying out for your father not to hit you again."
"He would get so mad at me…just for looking like my mother. I didn't understand. I thought he loved her," he said reaching up and touching the scar on his forehead. "I got this scar the day after the funeral. My father immediately disappeared after the funeral, leaving me with a neighbor. He said he needed time alone. When he showed up to get me, he was drunk. I had never seen him drunk before, so I didn't understand. I didn't understand why he was so angry with me. He was my father and I loved him. But I was afraid of him when he was mad. Like most kids when their parents are angry with them. Only he was ten times worse when he was drunk. I don't remember much that night."
"I was never taken to the hospital but my injury was tended to. I woke up the next day with a headache and the mark that would be my scar. I learned fast to avoid him whenever he was drinking. I concentrated on my studies, stayed late at school doing extra credit for my studies or playing football or baseball. But every now and then he would get me. I lost count of how many bruises I had before I was big enough to defend myself."
A bell rang. Teenagers came pouring out of the doors. When Jacob continued he was watching them.
"You know, most kids spend their entire childhood wishing to be a grown up. Then once that goal has been achieved, they wished they could go back and be kids again. To go back to a point when there were no worries. I…I don't even remember what it was like to be a kid because I was forced to grow up."
"Jacob, being a kid isn't all that different from being an adult. Both are about experiences and learning. The only difference is, as an adult we are responsible and acutely aware of the consequences of all of our actions. You have that rare opportunity that all adults secretly wish: you're a kid again. You just need to allow yourself to enjoy this new experience."
He looked up her intently for a long moment.
"I better get in the back before Cassie shows up," he sighed.
"You don't have to."
"She's your daughter. She belongs in this seat not me."
Janet watched as he slowly situated himself. He had been slowly coming to grips with his situation and now this. She cursed to herself for bringing up the issue of his mother. It was obviously a deep emotional scar that he'd carried his entire life. There had to be a way to help him. She sighed, waiting for him to buckle his seatbelt. Maybe…
"Jacob, you're a good man. You're nothing like your father," she smiled.
"My performance yesterday would seem to suggest I'm exactly like my father."
"Jacob, you've raised two children on your own after their mother died. Being a single parent is not an easy task, I know. But you did a wonderful job. Look how Sam turned out. True, she's a bit of a workaholic, but she's an all around good person. She would not have turned out like that if you were like your father."
"Tell me Janet," he smiled. "Do you have an answer for everything?"
"I do my best," she smiled as Cassie opened the passenger door.
"Hi mom," she said as she got in. "Hi Jacob…got your haircut…looks much better!"
"Cassie! That's not very nice!"
"Mom, I was just being honest."
"Janet, it's alright. Here, Cassie…you can have the toy! I don't want it. It somehow ended up with my lunch," he said, winking at Janet.
"Ah…thanks…I guess," Cassie replied taking the toy from Jacob's hand.
Janet just glared at her daughter to take it and keep quiet.
"One month!" George complained out loud to an empty seat on the other side of his desk.
One month! He barely made it through the first full day! And that was with just O'Neill! George did not want to contemplate what would happen when Jacob returned. He knew Jacob very well, the man did not forget a thing! George knew one of the first items on Jacob's agenda would be to go after Jack.
"Maybe I should let him," he chuckled then sighed, "What the fuck am I saying? Jacob's going to kill Jack when he finds out about Selmak. Shit! Jacob's going to kill me for him being stuck as a kid for a month! At least a month! Should I tell him that after I tell him about Selmak or before?"
George opened his desk drawer paused then slammed it shut. He could have really used that drink right now. Just thinking about what was to come during the next month was enough to drive a sane man to drink!