What Fate Decrees - Part Twenty-three
Jack woke early, in fact as soon as the first rays of light hit his window, quietly dressed and went downstairs. He completed his warm-up exercises on his deck, watching the early mist still clinging to the garden.
Warm up complete, he headed out, savouring the feeling of being alone for the first time in weeks. He began a slow jog through the woods, keeping to the most even trails, but the further he ventured, the quicker his pace seemed to go and soon he was striding out at a leisurely run.
He made it to the ridge before he had to stop. "Slob," he berated himself, between gasps for breath, holding his ribs to support them as they twanged unmercifully. A grin flashed across his features as he remembered his first run as an enlisted man - a four mile jog that left him feeling like he was dying and determined never again to be bawled out for being so unfit. He'd only quit smoking after Charlie's death, but he'd always kept himself as fit as he could, which helped him to survive in special forces; maintaining a level of fitness that belied his age - until now that was.
Starting to feel old and sorry for himself, he stumbled to sit down, memories of earlier years going through his mind. His marriage to Sara, which despite the many problems that his job enforced, was good - good that was, until the death of their son. Charlie's death seemed to begin the downward spiral in his life and it ended his marriage as well.
It had seemed to be the end of his life too, until a call from General West of the SGC altered everything. From his first meeting with the geeky Doctor Jackson, to the adventure on Abydos, life seemed to become more upbeat, more bearable. Although his high hopes of saving his marriage were dashed after he returned to Earth, a recall under Hammond's command gave him yet another chance at life, so he was pulled out of retirement again. Dragged from a flat morose existence he'd hardly looked back since.
His mind went to the first meeting with Carter. Another scientist fostered on him, but he could feel the spark, the attraction that was there even then. Love had crept up on him slowly, growing from sexual attraction to something special and deep. Over time he'd learned to respect her for her mind and the fine officer she was, but he still yearned for her as a woman.
Standing stiffly, trying to stretch his aching body carefully, Jack watched the sun climbing higher and as its rays warmed him, he felt a little better inside - not quite as old, but still weary and still yearning for something he couldn't have. He turned sadly and made his way back home, steadily but at a much slower pace than before.
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When Daniel eventually emerged from bed, yawning and stumbling downstairs, he found a wide-awake Colonel preparing breakfast.
"I'm supposed to be looking after you," he mumbled apologetically.
"You can clear up if it makes you feel any better," grinned Jack.
"Uh thanks," groaned Daniel and sat down to fresh coffee, sipping at it gratefully while Jack cooked.
After a good breakfast and two more coffees, Daniel felt ready to face the day. He noticed Jack had managed to eat almost everything on his plate as well.
"Will you run me into the SGC? I want to have a talk with Hammond," asked Jack. He'd groused about still not being allowed to drive, but Janet had insisted.
"Yeah no sweat," agreed Daniel, watching as Jack got up to go make himself presentable, still moving a little stiffly.
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Once inside the SGC the two men split up. Daniel went to his lab and Jack to Hammond's office. He stood outside and straightened himself mentally as well as physically before tapping on the door.
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"Enter," called Hammond, looking up from the paperwork on his desk. He smiled, feeling genuine pleasure at the sight of his 2IC, getting up to greet him.
"Jack," he greeted him warmly with a shake of the hand "Sit down. I'm glad you've dropped in."
"Thanks." Jack sat, his stiffness not un-noticed by the General.
"You're certainly looking a lot better," said Hammond, ignoring the lines and dark circles and how thin the man looked.
"Hard not to from what I was," joked Jack. "Even corpses look better away from the infirmary."
The General laughed. "The Doctor has kept me well up-to-date. I take it you've heard the good news?"
"That's why I'm here." Jack looked down at his hands, looking a little uncomfortable, and the General waited patiently until, after a few seconds he continued. "I'd like to say thank you, sir."
Hammond winced. He sensed a 'but' was coming.
"I know it couldn't have been easy to do what you did. Are you sure it's worth the cost?" Jack had looked back up to face the General as he spoke.
"Son, I know you know the score, so I'm not going to play around. It wasn't easy but, you are worth it."
Jack held still, his eyes centred on the General's face.
"I'm glad you think so, sir. I know I've given you a rough ride at times," he said awkwardly, smiling a little.
Hammond laughed. "However, there is a condition."
The smile vanished from Jack's face immediately, and George knew he was wondering what was coming. "You don't want the gate cleaned with a toothbrush, do you?" he asked quickly, making the George smile again.
He shook his head. "No, not yet, son. The condition is that you'd better damn well pass."
Jack laughed. "I can assure you, I have every intention of passing. I just hope they haven't changed the test too drastically."
"I've been assured that it won't deviate from standard, but you will be assessed for the fitness level of a younger man." George felt the need to apologise, even though it hadn't been his decision. "I'm sorry, Colonel."
"Just so long as they don't expect me to perform like I'm in my twenties, no problem," Jack's tone was light.
Hammond nodded in acknowledgement. It was hardly an unexpected move on the part of the Air Force. Field officers were usually put behind a desk earlier much earlier than the Colonel had gotten away with.
"I'm not expecting any problems," stated Hammond firmly.
The two men passed what remained of the morning sociably. George tried keeping firmly away from involving Jack in work, but it helped to bounce ideas off his 2IC. Another view point was certainly handy at times, and Jack's ideas although frequently unorthodox, usually worked out okay.
It was getting on for lunchtime when Jack glanced at his watch and pulled a face. "Sorry, General, I had no idea time could fly so quick. I've held you up for long enough. I'll pop in to see the Doc before I leave." He got up stiffly, George noticing his discomfort but wisely keeping quiet. "Thanks, sir, and I mean that." Jack held his hand out, and George shook it willingly.
"Anytime Jack. Now, don't go overdoing it. I expect you to keep me apprised of your progress, not just leave it to Doctor Fraiser to keep me updated. And remember - we need you back, but in one piece."
Jack opened the door and turned "You're a good man General," he said quietly as he shut the door.
"As are you Jack," replied the General to the closed door. He stood silently for a moment in thought before sitting down to return to his paperwork.
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Janet greeted Jack with an enthusiastic smile. "It's good to see you, sir, although I didn't expect to see you today.
"Yeah, I just came in to talk to General Hammond."
"Is everything okay?" Jack nodded in reply, but winced at her next words. "Well, now you're here I'm going to take advantage of you" The Doc glared at his smirk "You're going to get a good going over." She smiled as the smirk left his face.
"Be gentle," he begged, resigning himself to her thorough care.
The morning had passed on to afternoon before Janet finished her examinations. As she re-bandaged Colonel O'Neill's ribs she commented on his weight.
"You'll need to step up your eating; Colonel. You need more carbohydrates - a lot more if you're going to regain your weight. You're under target by ten pounds and as you increase exercise you'll burn more off."
"I'm trying you know," complained Jack "Hell, I was even thinking of eating lunch till you kidnapped me to torture me."
The Doc glanced at her watch. "Wow, I'm sorry. I didn't realise how late it was."
"No worries. What say we collect Daniel and Carter and head down to the cafeteria?"
"Good idea, I bet they've not eaten yet. I'm just going to finish up on your x-rays and I'll meet you there."
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Jack finished dressing and made his way to Carter'slab. Standing in the open doorway he paused. She had her back to him, bending over something on the bench, and totally immersed in whatever it was. He stood hesitating, wondering whether to disturb her or not, but some sixth sense must have prickled her because she half turned to him, surprise evident in her face when she saw who it was.
"Hey, good to see you," he began lamely.
"You too sir," she said softly, rubbing her neck.
"Have you eaten yet?" he asked and saw her hesitate "The Doc's going to meet us in the cafeteria. I'm just going to get Daniel."
Sam looked at her watch. "Sure, I'd no idea it was that late, thanks."
They made their way to Daniel's office, finding him immersed in a book.
"Feeding time." called Jack.
"About time, I'm starving." Daniel glanced down at his watch "Where have you been?"
"Doc got me," explained Jack.
"How did it go with the General?"
"Fine, hunky-dory, no problemo," Jack replied offhandedly, making it clear he wasn't going to expand on his answer Daniel shrugged and carefully marked where he was in the book, put it on the desk and stood. They didn't speak, walking in companionable silence to the elevator..
The cafeteria was crowded with personnel already eating their lunch. Jack and the others joined the small queue at the counter where he heaped a plate high with pasta and sauce, a glass of milk and a slice of pecan pie.
Carter looked askance at his tray "Hungry?" she asked, smiling slightly while glancing at her own salad and jello.
Jack shook his head. "No really, but I'm following doctor's orders. I'm not saying I'll eat it all, but I've got to get at least ten pounds on by the medical," he replied as they made their way to a table.
"Lucky you. I wish I could get to eat like that, just looking at your tray's put an inch on my hips," sighed Sam.
Before he could stop himself Jack's eyes had lowered to study Sam's shapely hips.
She twisted her head around, catching where his gaze had fallen. "Hey." she protested.
"Sorry." He overtook her quickly and set his tray down on the table. "An inch or two wouldn't hurt," he whispered to her. Daniel sat down besides Jack, leaving Sam to take the seat opposite him. She hesitated for a second as if she was about to say something in answer, before picking up her coffee. Jack carefully concealed a smile.
Janet joined them a few minutes later with a coffee and a sandwich. "Glad to see you following orders for a change, Colonel," she commented as she sat down next to Sam.
"For a change?" echoed Jack, trying to look insulted. "I'm hurt, Doc."
Janet laughed and turned her attention to her meal.
The others had no trouble finishing their food, but Jack was beginning to flag half way through the pasta.
Janet took a sip of coffee, looking up at him under the rim of her cup, and Jack could see the speculative gleam in her eyes. "Your x-rays are fine by the way. Your ribs are knitting nicely - just don't overdo it, and keep the pressure off them."
"What can I put them through that your bandaging doesn't?" joked Jack.
He gave up on the pasta, pushing his plate away and ignoring Janet's stare. Even the pie had lost its appeal and he sipped at the milk instead.
"Can I bring Cassie over at the weekend? She's dying to see you."
"Sure, that'd be great. I've missed her."
"What about a BBQ?" asked Daniel.
"Good idea, you volunteering?"
"Err, no, I think your place is better. My balcony is a little on the small side," grinned Daniel. "But I can help," he added hopefully.
Sam smiled. "Great, we can all pitch in."
Jack knew when to give up. "Okay, I surrender. BBQ Saturday it is then."
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