Again - thanks for all the reviews. I'm afraid if you want less of the angry Jack you're going to be disappointed. Not everything is sweetness and light in the SG universe.

I've had this week off, but I'm back at work tomorrow, so the updates will be a little slower..- Flatkatsi (Jackie's fic poster)

Content warning: Strong language

Soldiers of Misfortune – part 23

Janet gently manipulated the Claire's wrist. "We'll get it x-rayed to make sure, but I don't think anything's broken."

The nurse shook her head. "I don't think anything is either. It hurts like hell but …" she sniffed a little. "God, Doctor Fraiser, I'm sorry for making a scene like that but …"

"Hey, it's okay. Let's get that x-rayed then I'll need you to tell me everything that happened."

"What about the Colonel? Is he all right?"

Janet nodded. Claire was a good nurse and she knew the girl wasn't prone to hysterics or over-reacting. She was gnashing at the bit to hear the full story, but medical attention was the priority here.

Janet waited impatiently for the x-rays. They showed no broken bones and she strapped the wrist up, finally allowing Claire to be given a hot drink before leading her into her office to sit down.

"Okay, now tell me exactly what happened."

Claire looked at Janet a little shame-faced. "It's nothing … honestly, I …"

"Claire," said Janet firmly. "Just tell me what happened, please."

"I … Oh God, Doctor, this is so stupid!"

"It's not stupid - carry on."

"Well, I know … you know about not … well, anyway … I went to just stop him getting out of bed … He pushed me and I grabbed the trolley for support … Well, he grabbed my wrist …"

Janet sighed. She would have to report the incident. The Colonel had just attacked a member of her staff. Thankfully the girl wasn't hurt badly but she couldn't take any chances. The probability of severe PTSD was becoming a reality and this could certainly finish the Colonel's career.

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Janet made out her report, getting it ready for the General's attention in the morning. Claire had said that she still couldn't believe the Colonel had intended to hurt her. Janet sent the nurse home to rest, making sure that a driver was available for her. She told Claire not to worry, but reminded her that the General would want to speak with her.

She gave strict instructions to her staff to only attend the Colonel in pairs and not without at least one of the SF's in the room. Two SF's would be stationed outside the door at all times.

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At first glance Janet thought the Colonel was sleeping, but he opened his eyes to regard her warily as she approached.

"Colonel," she said softly, by way of a greeting.

He looked overly warm, but he protested as she went to check his temperature. "Can't you just leave me alone?" he asked quietly.

"I'm sorry, sir. I just need to check you're okay." His quiet demeanor threw her for the moment, but then again he had not long since had a hefty shot of the alien drug. She quickly examined him, very aware of the close presence of the two SF's, but nothing in the Colonel's manner was threatening at the moment and she finished up without another word and left.

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It was a tired doctor that faced Hammond the next morning. He listened incredulously to the report.

"Does the nurse want to press charges?" he asked quietly, part of him hoping she wouldn't, yet knowing he couldn't excuse this behavior from anyone, not even Jack O'Neill.

Janet shrugged. "I'm not sure, General. Last night she said no, but you know how things change. She's a good nurse Sir, not prone to hysterics or anything like that. I feel I should be pushing her to press, but somehow I can't - this is so unlike the Colonel. He's still recovering from a severe head injury and this can sometimes lead to abnormal behavioral patterns, violence even. There still could be an element of brain damage."

The General regarded Janet solemnly for a moment, his eyes showing just how much he hoped to God this wasn't going to be the end for his 2IC. The thought of retiring the Colonel under a mental health order made his guts recoil with horror.

Steeling himself, he gave Janet what he hoped was a calm steady gaze. "Doctor, do what you can. Anything or anyone you need, give me the word."

"The tests I've done so far don't show me anything that could account for the Colonel's behavior, but then again I'm no neurosurgeon. I will be contacting some specialists in the field, Sir."

"Do whatever you need to. How is he now?"

"Quiet. He's mostly awake, which is surprising considering the amount of the drug I gave him last night."

Hammond nodded. "Let me know if there is anything I can do."

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Janet left the General's office in a sort of daze. She knew she needed to talk to the rest of SG1 as well. They'd obviously noticed the change in Jack, especially Sam and Daniel – and Teal'c had almost run her over in his haste to leave not that long ago … Maybe they could help pinpoint the changes in him, give her something more to pass on to the experts.

It was a quiet and somber team that faced her. Sam's listless eyes regarded her with a faintly curious look. Teal'c's face revealed nothing, but Daniel's was haggard, his distress clear and not just a little angry.

"He made it quite clear just what he thinks of us," spat Daniel.

"Look I know you're upset, but you know the Colonel isn't himself. I've got a line to a couple of specialists, but they need more information, so anything you can tell us might help, anything," beseeched Janet.

Sam's face flushed guiltily. She hadn't actually been on the receiving end of Jack's verbal lashings, just the hard cold stares, and she'd gotten away quickly … leaving the others to bear the brunt of it.

"Do you want me to talk to him?" she asked quietly. She needed to know for herself if she was the cause of his behavior. It couldn't be brain damage … it just couldn't.

Janet shook her head. She'd seen just what the Colonel was capable of and it frightened her. She did not want Sam exposed to that. Who knew what the Colonel would do if Sam confronted him?

"I will talk with him," announced Teal'c.

Daniel and Sam both gazed at Teal'c in surprise. The Jaffa had been very tight lipped about whatever Jack had thrown at him that had caused him to stay away, but they knew he hadn't taken it lightly.

"I don't think that's a good idea either," replied Janet quietly.

"Look, it seems like everything was okay until I … until … Well, maybe the Colonel is blaming me and taking it out on everyone else. I mean he's not likely to come out with it is he, given the erm, circumstances?" Sam looked at Janet steadily as she spoke, pleading with her eyes for Janet to let her give it a try.

"He's … To be homest there's no way I can leave you alone with him," said Janet, "and you don't want the SF's in on that conversation, believe me."

"I will accompany Major Carter," said Teal'c.

"Let me try and talk to him, please," pleaded Sam again.

"Okay, maybe, just maybe it could help," she agreed, against her professional judgment.

"I think this is a mistake Sam, you know …"

"I've got to try something Daniel, it's worth the shot," said Sam. "Let's go now."

Daniel remained in the corridor with the SF's and Janet while Teal'c entered Jack's room with Sam.

Teal'c took up a position near the door, turned slightly to allow them some privacy.

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Jack looked up as the room door opened. The sight of Sam made his heart pound, the warmth enveloping him for an instant, before he remembered just why she might be here. Teal'c's face gave absolutely no flicker of emotion as the massive Jaffa took position at the door. He watched as Sam stepped closer to the bed, her face showing the calm that she obviously did not feel. Her eyes barely made it to his, before diverting quickly, but in that instance he saw her fear.

His heart clenched painfully at the realization of it. He wondered hazily at her demeanor with him – trying to figure out just what had gone wrong.

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Sam stood hesitantly at the foot of the bed. She was aware of Jack watching her, but the instant her eyes made contact with his, her nerve gave way and she cast her gaze down to the bed, trying desperately to put all her emotions into perspective. Her heart ached for him, but her head was screaming for her to keep her distance.

"Sir … I …" she faltered, taking just another step or two forward as she spoke, bringing her to his bedside.

Something drew her closer still and her eyes were drawn to his, the darkness and despair she saw in them almost taking her breath away.

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Jack felt his guts coiling in horror, seeing her like this with him. Memories of the Doc's speech about the charges began to chant in his mind.

"Why?" he asked her hoarsely.

The sudden widening of her eyes betrayed surprise.

"Why what?" she asked, seemingly genuinely surprised at his question.

Jack narrowed his eyes at her suspiciously. He knew Sam wasn't a good actress; she had difficulty lying, especially to him.

"Why are you like this, Sam? After what happened – are you regretting it?"

Sam's mouthed pursed into an 'o'. Her eyes shone brightly with unshed tears as she cocked her head questioningly at him.

"Sir … I …"

"You wish it had never happened? Is that it? A sympathy fuck?" he growled. He couldn't help the way his guts were twisting. His head was pounding hard and his thoughts were growing more confused, the words tripping from his tongue to hurt her – and he so badly wanted her to deny it, but the gnawing and expanding pressure in his mind and body wouldn't allow coherent thoughts to develop – only hurt and the bile of needing to hurt came to the surface.

"Cat got your tongue, Carter? Oh yeah, now I remember, cat went with Narim didn't it? Another one of your sympathy fucks, huh? Poor cat – wonder what he did to deserve being stuck with that."

"Colonel!" protested Sam.

"Oh Colonel!" he scorned, pushing himself up and throwing his legs over the bed, pleased that she took a step back.

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Sam took a breath. The wild look in his eyes frightened her. His words were hateful and shocking, but the why of it all terrified her.

"Please Jack," she beseeched, wanting to calm him down. She was aware of Teal'c taking a step or two closer.

"Oh, it's Jack now, is it?" he asked bitterly. "What are you putting on the charge papers, Carter? What lies are you going to dream up with Jackson, eh?"

"Papers?" she asked, "What papers? Look, we're all worried about you, Daniel too. We only want to help find out why you're being like this …"

"Being what? Myself? Seeing you for what you really are – you and that bastard Jackson."

Sam held her ground as Jack pushed himself up off the bed, determined to try and get to the crux of matter.

Teal'c took a step closer still and Jack glared at the Jaffa.

"Couldn't come without your body guard, huh? Or maybe he's your latest conquest – Carter screwin' you too Teal'c? Sleeping with the enemy Carter – now that's low!"

Sam couldn't help but let fly. The slap echoed across the room, having connected smartly with Jack's face.

"Bitch!" he growled and let fly with a slap in return.

Sam couldn't help the cry of pain and surprise. It wasn't a gentle slap, the full force hit her and the momentum knocked her backwards. She saw his fist rise again, but before it could connect a blur of movement saw Teal'c's massive form trying to restrain Jack. Jack began to hammer at the Jaffa, his fists and feet flying. Sam moved out of the way quickly as the door opened and the two SF guards came rushing in. They stood looking for an opening to get the Colonel away from Teal'c.

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Teal'c's only conscious thought was to restrain O'Neill. He had stood waiting as calmly as he could, trying to ignore the man's ravings and spiteful words. He knew that something was greatly amiss with his Tau'ri friend, but was at a loss to be of help. When he saw O'Neill retaliate he knew the man would not stop with just a slap, something he would have tolerated under other circumstances, in another time in his past, but not here, not like this and not with Major Carter.

The man he found himself trying to restrain became like a wild animal, the strength surprising him. A sudden blow from O'Neill's head straight into his face allowed the injured man the advantage and Teal'c found himself on the floor. O'Neill landed several blows to his pouch and Teal'c found himself in pain. He delivered a couple of hard blows to the frenzied man, but they seemingly had no effect.

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Sam watched in horror as Jack brought his head back and butted Teal'c in the face, then following the advantage, literally pinning Teal'c down. He began to rain blow after blow on the Jaffa. She felt a pair of arms drawing her back and the SF's dived onto the two men, trying to stop the Colonel. Sam heard a gasp of surprise and turned for a moment to see Janet and Daniel at the open door. She spun back, her hand to her mouth as she watched.

Neither of the SF's were small men, but they struggled to get a hold and drag the Colonel off Teal'c.

Finally they held him pinned between them, Teal'c holding down the Colonel's legs to prevent him from kicking out whilst Janet injected the Colonel from behind, directly into his neck.

The drug began to take hold, Jack's body beginning to lose the will to stay upright and, as his legs buckled and his head dropped, Janet directed the SF's to get him back on the bed.

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Daniel stood helplessly holding onto Sam. The shock of seeing his best friend acting like a wild animal, pounding relentlessly into Teal'c, making him shiver with fear. He'd seen the 'wild' look before – been on the receiving end even, but that time it was the virus from the Land of Light. That had been frightening in itself, but this time there was no virus … nothing … except maybe his best friend had lost his mind …

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Janet quickly checked the Colonel over and re-attached the lines he'd torn free. She was taking no further chances and ordered the restraints be used.

Teal'c was ordered into the infirmary and waited to be checked over, a deadly pale Sam and Daniel accompanying him.

His injuries were mainly bruising, but the blows to his pouch had stunned the symbiote somewhat, and although seemingly okay, it was slow in its usual assistance with healing. Once the doctor has ascertained the Jaffa was indeed relatively unharmed he was allowed to go.

None of them felt like speaking. Seeing their CO and friend totally lose control had stunned them, certainly frightening Sam and Daniel. Teal'c however was more reserved in his judgment and although he knew that, at the moment, O'Neill was not in his right mind, he refused to believe this was something they could do nothing about.

"Which of us shall go to him?" he asked suddenly, startling his companions out of their reverie.

"Huh?" asked Daniel.

"One of us should sit with him."

"Teal'c, I don't think …" began Daniel.

"O'Neill is injured and in need," stated Teal'c calmly.

"You saw his reaction to me … I don't think I ..." began Sam.

"Just because O'Neill's thoughts are not where they should be it does not mean he does not need us," stated Teal'c firmly.

Daniel gazed at Teal'c for a moment, before the light dawned in his eyes.

"Ah … Out of his mind?" he asked with a frown.

Teal'c inclined his head. "As you wish, but I do not believe we should reject him just because of his behavior, which at the moment he cannot help."

Daniel realized with a guilty start just what Teal'c was saying. He knew in his heart of hearts that Jack had not meant the words he'd said, hurtful words…

"Sticks and stones," he whispered.

"Indeed. Although I have been subjected to the full stick and stone it shall not prevent me from aiding him should he require it."

"I'll go," said Daniel.

Sam gave Daniel a pale imitation of a smile. "Thank you. Maybe later I can …" She trailed off and then shrugged helplessly at her friends.

"I will ensure Major Carter rests, Daniel Jackson, whilst you ascertain O'Neill's condition and resume watch over him."

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Daniel left his friends, shaking his head. He'd just been manipulated by the Jaffa nicely … but then again for Jack he would try almost anything …

He found Janet sitting beside the sleeping Colonel, watching him intently as if all the problems could be solved by sudden inspiration.

He clasped a hand to the Doctor's shoulder to prevent her from rising, and stood gazing down at his friend in silence for a moment or two.

It was a bare imitation of Jack's usual vibrant self that lay in the bed, his body so still, except for the constant rise and fall of his chest. The machines beeped steadily with Jack's rhythm, giving lie to a peace that Daniel just did not feel. The sight of the restraints once more clenched painfully at him, knowing the fight that would ensue when Jack awoke.

Janet sighed heavily and Daniel crouched slightly to take in her tired face.

"I just don't know how to help him." The Doctor's quiet words, said in almost desperation, made Daniel's stomach turn. He took a deep breath, calling on all the strength he had to pull a hope out.

"Jack doesn't give up, Janet – nor will we." Somehow he had to believe there was a way to help his friend, something or someone that could bring Jack's sanity back to him, heal him. He knew he couldn't watch him go through the crazy farm as Jack called it. He knew that Jack himself wouldn't live like that … under any circumstance.

"Where there's life there's hope," said Janet with a small tight smile, though her eyes showed her disbelief.

"Hey – lately, around here, even in death there's hope," joked Daniel with a lightness he didn't really feel.

Janet nodded as she stiffly rose. "He'll be out a while longer and I'm going to get some rest."

"I'm staying," said Daniel firmly as he took his place on the recently vacated chair.

Janet gave him a smile. "That's fine with me, but do not under any circumstances free any of the restraints or put yourself in contact with him. I'm not going to continue with the drugs to keep him sedated. We really need him awake and clear headed for more tests. I've got two specialists coming in, but they won't be here for at least forty-eight hours. The guards are outside the door so just yell if you need them. Anything else you can buzz. The nurses will come in in pairs, okay?"

Daniel nodded. For once he wasn't going to argue with anything the Doctor had said; he certainly didn't want a repeat of recent events.

Daniel sat lost in thought. The nurses entered quietly, checked their patient and left. He wasn't conscious of how much time had passed when he became aware of Jack's slight movement on the bed.

He pulled his chair closer and watched as his friend's dark eyes blinked open slowly, his gaze unfocussed at first, showing no signs of recognition.

"Jack?" whispered Daniel. His heart was pounding fiercely as he steeled himself for bitter retribution.

Jack continued to blink and gaze at him. The slight pull he gave on his restraints made his face and eyes crease in pain before he stilled and re-focused on Daniel.

"Dan … Daniel," he croaked, trying again.

"Take it easy Jack," whispered Daniel, watching as his friend's eyes roved to the restraints on his wrists and gave a slight movement of his feet to confirm their restraint.

"What's … why am I tied up?" was the hoarse response.

Daniel regarded Jack's puzzled expression. He knew Jack was a good actor - he'd seen the man's poker face often enough and not just on missions, but something in his friend's eyes made him want to believe that Jack couldn't remember.

"It's for your own safety. Let me get Janet."

"What happening?"

"You don't remember?"

"Remember what?"

"Uh …"

Jack closed his eyes for a moment, obviously trying to concentrate.

"Oh Christ … I thought that was a dream … a nightmare."

"It's okay, take it easy."

"Teal'c … is he okay? I …" Jack's pale face suddenly bleached of any color. "Daniel … I … Sam?" his eyes begged Daniel to tell him it hadn't happened, that it was all a bad dream.

Daniel could only gaze helplessly at Jack. He saw the stricken expression and he knew at that moment that Jack was himself – if only just for now. The drug was beginning to tug at Jack's system, pulling him back into sleep and he watched his friend's face dissolving into a helpless nightmare of dark existence.

Daniel longed to touch Jack, longed to reassure him that he was not alone, just as Jack had done for him many times. Despite his, at times, annoying and overbearing presence, Daniel knew that Jack O'Neill had been his sanity and savior from the day he had opened the gate. He had helped to calm the hurt and loneliness from Daniel's life, not just with humor but with caring and a strength Daniel had drawn on constantly.

Now he sat quietly, hoping and praying that maybe, just maybe, he could find something to give back to his friend …

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