The Colonel Mitchell in this story is NOT the Mitchell that is on the show now. I wrote this a while ago. Before that character came on to the show. I'm sorry for the confusion.
It was worse than the time that he fell down the pyramid. More like the time that he got sick from the bug bite. Maybe both those times combined together. He hurt, he was nauseous, and dizzy. But he was lying down, wasn't he? He wished his mom would tell him what was wrong.
That's when it hit him, his parents were dead. Crushed by stone. That actually sounded like it would hurt less. He wished he was with them. Dead, crushed. It sounded like heaven. Anything would be better than what he had. It was like hell, except with out being dead.
He couldn't help the whimper of pain that came from him. He knew he wasn't supposed to cry. Men don't cry. Only babies and girls cry. He wasn't any of those. Men were different. And Colonel Mitchell was going to turn him into a man.
He needed to move. That was an even worse idea. He cried out again, he couldn't even try and muffle it.
Soon it was all too much. What Mr. Mitchell and his friends did. His parents, friends. It was all too much for an eleven year old who was in pain and sick.
Jack heard the quiet sobs and looked over at the bed. Daniel's eyes were open, staring at the ceiling. Tears were running down his cheek. He quickly got out of his chair and put himself in Daniel's line of sight.
"You in pain?" He asked. There was no reason for him to be hurt. If he was more medication was available.
Daniel shook his head. Men didn't admit when they were in pain. The movement made him more nauseous, and before he could stop himself he started to vomit.
He was going to be beat. That was for sure. He didn't think he could take anymore.
Jack saw him shake his head and then the green tint to his face. Before he could grab the bowl near the bed Daniel started to vomit. Jack helped him sit up, and rubbed his back as the tears fell down his cheeks. "It's okay." Jack soothed as he grabbed the call button and started to press it in earnest.
"Calm down Daniel. It's okay. Shh."
A nurse came in and saw what was going on, she ran to get Dr. Frasier.
Janet came in with a needle in hand and injected it directly into the IV. Her heart broke as she looked at Daniel, crying from the pain, sick, trying to be brave and in Jack's arms.
"That should help with the nausea and pain." She said softly as she took a damp washcloth from the nurse and started to wipe Daniel's face.
Jack took one too and laid it across his neck as he started to undo the ties at the back of Daniel's gown. He felt Daniel tense as he moved the gown away from his back. The movement made Jack sick, knowing what was going through his friend's mind. "Daniel, we're just getting rid of the dirty clothing and bedding. I'm not going to hurt you. I'm not going to touch any place but your back and face. It's only to clean you off and hopefully make you feel a little better. Nurse Diane and Dr. Frasier are going to remove the top and blankets and put a new one on. They are going to also wash your chest for you." Jack spoke slowly. He didn't want to scare Daniel anymore than he already was.
Dr. Lew and he talked about how to handle Daniel during this time. The both agreed that what Daniel needed the most right now, was a place that he felt safe and comfortable. Bottom line was that he needed a family. People who would be with him every time he woke up and needed something. People who wouldn't hurt him. People who would be understanding.
Luckily there were a few who were more than happy to help. Jack had explained the situation to Teal'c and Carter separately. Trying to answer all their questions. Both were more than willing. Dr. Lew spoke to Janet and General Hammond.
Janet was going to be spending her time in the infirmary, as a secondary, while they brought in someone else to help Dr. Warner. General Hammond gave SG-1 time to take care of Daniel. He also told them that he would sit with Daniel if they needed it.
Jack was grateful to all of them. Dr. Lew had said that with the support system that Daniel had he would get better.
Daniel looked over at the man sitting by his bedside. He didn't think he'd be upset if Daniel asked a question. He'd been good, doing everything he was told. Well, except talk about why he was back in a hospital. He didn't want to talk about that. But he was good and there were always people sitting at his bed when he woke. It was a nice change. Although he didn't know any of them they all seemed nice. "Uhm, who are you?" He asked as the man turned the page of the report he was reading.
Jack tried not to fall asleep. The report was boring. He really didn't care, but after the first two days he knew that to engage Daniel in any sort of conversation was pointless. He spent his time lying in bed, staring at the ceiling. He only spoke when a direct question was asked of him and answered as simply as possible. Dr. Lew explained that it was normal. Daniel was once again in a strange place and was unsure of how he was expected to act. So they basically just sat with him, trying to make him comfortable. Jack was surprised and jumped a bit when Daniel spoke to him.
"I'm Jack O'Neill." He answered.
"Are you my new father?"
"Not really."
"Are you the new family I'm staying with?"
"Sort of. It's kind of complicated."
"Oh." Daniel paused as if thinking if he could get away with asking more question.
"Daniel, if you have any questions, you can ask them. I'll answer them the best I can and you won't get hurt."
Daniel was shocked. How could this man know? "Where am I?" He decided to test the waters. He might as well get as much information as he could.
"The infirmary at a Colorado military base." Daniel flinched when he heard that.
No not another one. He couldn't. Why? "I'm sorry sir. I won't interrupt again." He moved to stare back at the ceiling. If he didn't say anything maybe he would be forgotten. Forgotten people don't get hurt.
Shit, Jack thought. Not what he wanted. "Daniel. No one here is going to hurt you. I promise. No one is going to raise a hand to hit you, or punch you, or push you, or kick you. You are safe here. I won't let anything happen to you. Colonel Bryan Mitchell isn't here." He paused for a moment. "Besides, this is an air force base. The Air Force always kicks the Navy's ass."
"Okay, sir. Thank you sir." Daniel answered softly and closed his eyes.
Jack couldn't tell if he was faking or really asleep. Daniel still fell asleep at a drop of the hat. Dr. Frasier explained that his body was still healing and that it required him to rest a lot, hence the sleeping. Jack decided to leave him a lone. If he was asleep that was good, if not, he probably just needed time to think.