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CHAPTER FIVE
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Jack's eyes widened with surprise. "Caal? As in Caal of the Nir'auc?"
"That is the only 'Caal' of whom I am aware, O'Neill," stated Teal'c.
"I thought the Nir'auc were a bunch of---um---low-life thieves."
Jack looked down at the young man he held tucked under his arm. "Turns out they're actually very nice folks---polite---peaceful, or so I thought."
Daniel's brows arched. "So another of Janar's lies, I take it."
"That woman wouldn't know honesty if it bit her in the ass, Daniel," retorted Jack then he softened as he appraised his friend. "You all right?"
"Well, I can feel my arms and legs now---."
"Not what I meant."
Daniel smiled self-effacingly and looked away. "I'm fine, Jack."
"Yeah---sure you are. Let's get you out of here, shall we?"
Teal'c turned from his protective stance over them and knelt to pick Daniel up.
"No, no---I think I can walk, Teal'c."
"Daniel Jackson."
"No---really," replied Daniel. He tried valiantly to push himself to his feet, his young face grimacing with the effort.
"Dr. Jackson, you really should---," began Fraiser.
Daniel shook his head. "I can do this, Janet. Just---just give me a minute.
"Daniel," prompted Jack patiently then he leaned in close. "Let the big guy help---it does his heart good."
"No, Jack, I can---."
"Daniel."
The young man collapsed back down in defeat, his ashen face shining with sweat, his eyes clearly conveying his frustration.
Fraiser reached out and squeezed the archeologist's mud-covered arm. "It'll just take time, Daniel---be patient."
Jack's brows puckered as he watched his friend struggle to retain his fragile grasp on his emotions. Daniel was exhausted in every way possible yet he still was fighting to remain stoic even after the horrendous experience he'd suffered.
The colonel glanced up at Barnes, Griff and the other soldiers who'd appeared at the door and he only saw concern and sympathy for their comrade in their eyes. Jack looked back at Daniel; if only he could see it. He briefly wondered if Daniel would 'ever' see it, if he'd ever realize he didn't have to change to fit in. He didn't want his young friend to lose his wide-eyed innocence, his child-like wonder. He never wanted Daniel to look in the mirror and see a hardened man staring back at him. Jack knew he'd do anything to keep Daniel---Daniel, but somewhere in his heart, he wondered if that was even possible.
"Okay, Teal'c," said the object of Jack's errant thoughts.
"I will merely assist you, Daniel Jackson."
Jack backed away as his warrior friend took Daniel under one arm and gently hoisted him to his feet. Teal'c tucked the archeologist against his side then with the Jaffa coaxing his young friend along, the two team mates moved toward the door. Jack exchanged a relieved smile with Fraiser then they followed, the soldiers parting to allow them passage.
"I'm glad you're okay, Dr. Jackson," said Barnes quietly as Daniel passed.
"Thanks for coming to get me."
"General Hammond didn't even have to order us, Doc," announced Griff with a wide grin.
Jack shook his head in wonderment as he saw Daniel's surprised expression in profile; his friend really was clueless. Griff reached out and slapped the archeologist's back fondly.
As they exited the building, Jack saw Caal in full battle gear standing with a taller Nir'auc male and a young Domorakai woman. The kid turned and smiled then crossed the short distance to stand before the colonel.
"I'm so glad you're safe, sir."
"Hey, Caal---uh---what are you doing here? Not that I'm not grateful for your impeccable timing or anything, but---."
"After you departed, Caal and Dala explained to me what happened," said the other Nir'rauc man then he bowed his head. "I am Thorgen."
Jack's eyes widened. "Thorgen---as in High Chancellor Thorgen?"
"That is correct," replied the regal yet unassuming man. "When Mora came through the Gateway, I knew I had no choice."
Jack's eyes moved to the Domorakai woman then back to Thorgen. "No choice?" he prompted.
"Just because evil no longer came through our Gateway, it did not mean it did not exist on the other side."
"Janar," interjected Daniel.
Thorgen's green gaze moved to the archeologist who stood leaning heavily against Teal'c. "Yes. You are the young man of whom Mora spoke, one of the friends to these two. I am happy to see you survived."
"Um---thank you."
Mora stepped forward and proffered a military issued weapon to Jack. "Tell Sam I'm sorry I lied about finding the other gun," she said sheepishly.
Jack took the weapon then looked from it to the body of Janar lying in a pool of blood a few feet away.
"'You' shot her?" asked Fraiser incredulously.
Mora shrugged shyly. "Lucky shot."
"Oh, I don't think so," replied the doctor and Jack flinched at the gore that still stood out against Fraiser's fair skin.
"My uncle was a sentry before he died in battle," explained the Domorakai. "He taught me how to shoot."
"You learned well," intoned Teal'c.
Mora's cheeks flushed. "I suppose I did."
"Um---I have a question."
Jack turned to see Daniel who'd managed to raise one hand, his index finger pointing skyward. The gesture was one the colonel had come to find both endearing and annoying, his reaction solely dependent on the context in which his young friend used it. At the current moment, he found it the former and he couldn't help the small smile that curved his lips.
"How did you know where to go for help?" continued the archeologist.
Mora's face reddened further, but more from shame than embarrassment. "Before my uncle left, he asked me to forgive him for what he was about to do. I didn't understand what he meant at the time. I'd never seen him so scared before. I followed him into the township one night and watched as he joined Janar and her troops at the Stargate." She looked down at her feet. "I memorized the symbols Janar pushed on the pedestal. That was the last time I ever saw my uncle."
"He died in the battle with the Nir'rauc."
The young woman looked up at Teal'c and nodded. "I know that now, but then Janar just told me and my family that Uncle had died with honor in a fight with our enemy."
"So you went there knowing they were your---enemy?" clarified Daniel.
"I didn't know what else to do. Though there are many amongst the Domorakai who hate---hated Janar, we couldn't stand against her and her sentries and if we did, we knew we'd have to face Cronus. After seeing what she did to Karis, I knew I had to find help."
"And who better to help than Janar's enemy," concluded the archeologist.
"Mora's courage forced me to take action," said Thorgen. "And my people were most anxious to help both her and you."
"We were at that," interjected Caal.
"And what of Cronus?" asked Teal'c. "He will no doubt return to Domorakai."
Mora nodded, her delicate brows puckered. "I know that the tok he was given is special, how I'm not certain, but my hope is that our scientists can block out his access to our shield." She smiled. "My hope is also that you and your friends be given a special tok of your own so that you can come back to visit."
Jack saw the shy but brief glance she cast in Daniel's direction. He looked down at his feet and wiped at his mouth to cover his grin, no doubt in his mind his young friend had missed the little flirtation. He looked at the archeologist and his grin quickly faded; beneath the smudges of mud, his pallor was definitely worrisome.
"Colonel," prompted Fraiser, her brown eyes full of concern. "We should really get Dr. Jackson here home, sir."
"I was just thinking the same thing, Doc," replied Jack as he tucked the hand gun he still held into his waistband. He turned his attention to Thorgen. "Well as much as I'd like to stick around, I've got to get my people home, High Chancellor."
"I understand, sir. We will remain here for a time to assist in anyway we can, but my intention is to return to our world as soon as possible as well. I do hope to see you and your people again. I'd very much like us to be allies."
Jack reached out his hand. "I'd like that, too."
The high chancellor took the proffered hand and clasped it tightly. "Until then," he said warmly. "Caal, why don't you accompany our new friends to the Gateway?"
Caal bowed his head reverently. "Thank you, High Chancellor."
"Jack, can't we stay for a while? I'd really like to talk---."
"Daniel?"
"Jack?"
"No."
"Jack, just for---."
The colonel frowned and looked at Teal'c. "Did I just say 'no' or was that my imagination?"
"I heard it clearly, O'Neill."
"Doc?"
"I heard it, too, sir."
"Daniel?"
The archeologist clenched his teeth and scowled, but Jack could see no real anger in his blue eyes.
"Okay, folks, let's go home," announced Jack with a clap of his hands. "Barnes, take point, Griff, on our six." He heard the chorus of obedient 'yes, sirs' and smiled in satisfaction then he looked at his youngest friend. "You ready, Daniel?"
"No."
"Good," replied the colonel then he moved to Daniel's side as Teal'c helped the archeologist to walk. "So Caal, where'd you leave that pretty wife of yours?"
"Dala would have come, too, sir, but she's with child."
Jack looked at the young Nir'rauc who walked beside him. "Way to go, Caal," he congratulated.
Caal's face reddened and he simply shrugged helplessly.
"Is this your first?" asked Daniel and Jack just smiledas the easy conversation continued between the two young men, the colonel's presence all but forgotten.
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George stood quietly in the doorway to the infirmary, his shoulder braced against the frame, his arms crossed over his chest. He watched with amusement as Fraiser busied herself making the major comfortable---much to the other woman's chagrin.
"Janet," complained Carter as she shifted against the pillows behind her back.
"Sam," replied Fraiser testily.
"I thought you said it wasn't serious," intoned Jack from where he stood at the foot of Carter's bed.
"It isn't, sir."
The colonel waved his hand around. "Then why all the fuss, Doc?"
Fraiser let out an exasperated sigh. "Don't you have a briefing our something, sir?" she asked.
George had to chortle. "Colonel, I think you've been dismissed," he said as he stepped to the younger man's side.
"I think you're right, sir."
"Do I have to remind you two that Major Carter is sick? She needs rest and---." The petite doctor looked pointedly at Jack. "Quiet, Colonel."
Jack looked offended. "Hey, I can do quiet. Just ask Daniel. I'm always quiet when he's stuck in here."
"Where is Daniel?" asked Carter.
"I've released him to his quarters here on base, Sam. He should be fast asleep right about now."
George frowned. "Is that wise, Doctor? Releasing him so soon?"
"I've run every test I know, sir, and they all come back clean. There's some residual numbness in his fingers and toes, a lot of scrapes and bruises, but otherwise---Daniel's fine. And Teal'c insisted on staying with him so he's not alone."
The general felt the tension in his shoulders ease. His top team had survived another close call. He could still hear Jack's carefully controlled voice as he'd explained to his CO what had happened to Dr. Jackson. The general had looked in shock at the palearcheologist as he'd been helped by Teal'c down the ramp, unsteady but on his feet. Their boy had died, plain and simple, but had miraculously been returned to them.
George shook his head; close call didn't quite seem sufficient enough to cover what had happened to the youngest member of SG-1.
"Why does Daniel get to go to his quarters while I have to stay here?"
Fraiser gave her friend a decidedly chastising look.
Carter looked down. "I'm doing it again, aren't I?"
"Oh, I'd say so," replied the doctor with a smile. "Daniel isn't running a fever, Sam---or at least he isn't yet. It seems the mud he was so liberally coated in had some sort of properties that kept all his abrasions from infection. You---you weren't so lucky, I'm afraid. And besides, this is the only way I can keep you off that ankle."
Jack shoved his hands into his pockets and rocked back and forth on his feet. "She's got you there, Carter."
The major glowered at the colonel then looked at George. "Is there any word from P6R-552, General?"
"No and I don't expect there to be."
"You're not sending a team back, sir?"
"Not right away. We'll give the Domorakai time to reorganize then we'll check back in with them at a later date."
"I have a feeling we'll find a certain wing of the government building in rubble---if Mora has anything to say about it anyway," guessed the colonel.
"I hope she's okay."
"I wouldn't worry about her, Carter. My guess is aftershowing all her Domorakai friends Janar's---uh---." The colonel grimaced. "Her trophy room, she garnered a lot of support."
Fraiser shook her head. "I just can't believe a person would 'hunt' another person then preserve the body and put it on display."
"And she did that to her own child," added Carter.
"Well all I can say is ding dong, the bitch is dead," replied Jack then he looked at George sheepishly. "Uh---sorry, sir."
"No need to apologize, Colonel. I feel the same way about the woman. What she did to you and Dr. Jackson, Major, is reprehensible. I'm sorry you had to go through such a horrific experience."
"Yes, sir, thank you, sir," replied Carter quietly. "I just can't help but think about the other victims' families---I mean, do they have any idea what happened to their loved ones and if they don't, would they even want to know---or 'need' to know, for that matter?"
Fraiser put a comforting hand on her friend's shoulder. "We'll probably never find out, Sam," she placated. "Now, I hate to say this, but you need to rest."
Carter nodded then slid down under the covers, grimacing as she jarred her injured foot.
"Sirs, if you'll excuse us please?" prompted the doctor with a shooing gesture toward the door.
"Major."
"Good night, General."
Jack patted Carter's knee. "I'll drop by in the morning, Carter. Get some sleep."
"I'm still waiting to hear the details of what happened to you and Teal'c after you left Domorakai, sir."
"Oh, nothing much---some surf and sand, fancy drinks with umbrellas---you know how it goes."
Carter snorted. "Right, sir, I'll see you in the morning."
George left the infirmary with his second-in-command at his side.
"You okay, Jack?"
"I've got a headache, General."
"Is that all?"
Jack sighed and rubbed tiredly at one eyebrow. "Two members of my team were hunted like animals, one was injured, and the other died. I'm not really sure what I'm feeling right now, to be honest, sir."
"You did a good job out there, Colonel. You brought your people home. And we've got some new allies in the Nir'auc and possibly the Domorakai because of you."
"That's stretching it a tad, don't you think sir?"
"Maybe," smiled George. He placed a hand on the younger man's back. "Go home, Jack---get some sleep. Your report can wait. I have a feeling it'll take you a while to write anyway."
"That it will, sir, and thank you, I'll head right home," replied Jack then he raised an index finger and canted his head. "But---I think I'll just check in on Daniel first. Knowing that boy, he's probably convinced Teal'c to get some of his books from his office."
"I have no doubt you're right about that, Colonel."
"Good night, sir."
George stopped at the elevator and watched his second continue on down the corridor. He could see Jack's exhaustion in his stride, but knew when morning dawned he'd find the colonel slumped in a chair at Dr. Jackson's bed side. The man cared about his team---probably more than he should have allowed, but George couldn't fault him for that. He'd decided long ago that the special bond Jack shared with his 'kids' was what made SG-1 the best.
The general watched the younger man until he turned a corner then he entered the elevator car and headed down to his office.
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Daniel came to awareness with the odd feeling that he was being watched. He pried open his eyes to see Jack's face hovering over his.
"Hey."
"Jack, what the hell are you doing here?"
The colonel smiled. "You didn't answer your door, so I let myself in," he said, completely blowing by Daniel's question.
"But the door was locked."
Jack shrugged. "Yeah, I know."
"And you don't have a key."
"You got anything to drink around here?"
Daniel sat up on his couch. "Why are you here?" he asked around a yawn. He swung around and put his feet on the floor.
"Oh, nice look there, Daniel."
The archeologist glared at his friend then scrubbed his fingers back through his disheveled hair.
"Yeah, that's 'much' better," teased the older man.
Daniel sighed in exasperation. "Jack, I repeat---what are you doing here?"
In response, Jack just hitched his thumb over his shoulder, already back pedaling toward the kitchen, and looked at Daniel expectantly.
"In the fridge," the archeologist replied in defeat. He fell back into the cushions and yawned again. "So how's Sam?"
"Fraiser released her today."
"You're kidding."
"Nope---hey, you don't have any beer."
"That's because it's my refrigerator, Jack, not yours."
"Daniel, everyone has beer in their fridge."
"No," drawled out the archeologist. "Not everyone does."
"Sure they do."
"No, Jack, actually they don't."
"Daniel."
"Jack---there's juice----."
The colonel stuck his head out the entrance to the kitchen. "Juice, Daniel? Do I 'look' like a juice drinker to you?"
Daniel skewered his friend through narrowed eyes.
"Doesn't matter, Teal'c and Carter are bringing some with the pizza."
"What? Teal'c and Sam are coming here?"
Jack appeared with a bottle of water in his hand. "Yep," he replied glancing at his watch. "Should be here in about five, I'd say. Ten if Carter let's Teal'c drive." He came down the steps into the living room and sat down on the couch next to Daniel with a plop, immediately placing his feet on the coffee table. "Carter probably won't last too long since she's still feeling the effects of the doc's wonderful drugs, but she wanted to see you. And so did Teal'c."
"They do know that Janet banished me, right?"
"'After' she found you in your office working and 'after' she told you to rest, which I see you're still not doing."
Daniel took in the strewn books and the laptop sitting open on the coffee table before him. He felt his cheeks warm with embarrassment.
"I swear Daniel, you linguists must have your own dictionary because your definition of 'rest' does not even come close to Fraiser's---or mine, for that matter."
Daniel dropped his head back and covered his face with both hands. "God, Jack, why are you here?"
"Want a little cheese with that whine, buddy?"
The archeologist managed a pained groan.
"Hey, no need to be rude."
"Rude?" repeated Daniel incredulously. He dropped his hands and stared at Jack. "Rude is breaking into my apartment, Jack. Rude is waking me up from a dead sleep."
The colonel had the courtesy to look appropriately chastised as he took a swig of water from the bottle. "Well what did you expect, Daniel? You didn't answer the door." He stood abruptly and wandered over to Daniel's piano. "I didn't know you played."
"I don't. It belonged to my mother."
"Was she any good?"
Daniel shrugged. "I thought so."
"You should learn how---to play, I mean. You've got the fingers for it."
"What?"
Jack turned and cast a sheepish smile at the archeologist. "You notice the weirdest things when you're looking at your friend's dead body."
Daniel swallowed, all his irritation with the older man suddenly gone in one-felled swoop. "Is that why you broke in, Jack? I didn't answer so you thought something had happened to me?" He leaned forward, bracing his forearms against his thighs and clasped his hands together between his parted knees.
"There was no sarcophagus this time, Daniel, and it wasn't an implanted memory, you were really dead---as in gone, dearly departed, deceased---so forgive me if it takes me awhile to get past it."
"Well actually, Janet said she didn't think I was ever---um---'really' dead. She thinks my heart just slowed so much she couldn't---."
"It doesn't matter, Daniel---don't you get it? You 'looked' dead and I don't ever want to see that again. Every time I close my eyes---." The colonel's voice faltered and he took another swig of water.
"Jack, I'm sorry."
The colonel waved a dismissive hand. "Not your fault."
"You feel like talking?"
Jack snorted. "We don't talk, Daniel. We argue, fight, bicker and banter, but we don't 'talk'."
Daniel nodded and looked down, the familiar ache from his childhood suddenly settling in his chest again; the acheof never quite fitting in. He wondered why he even bothered to try anymore.
Jack cleared his throat. "That's what we do, Daniel---you and me," he continued, his voice gentler. "But, uh---well, we do it so damned well and---uh---life would just be plain boring without you---it---I mean 'it'---the arguing."
The archeologist looked up in startled surprise to see his friend staring intently out his balcony window and for the second time, he felt his cheeks flush. "You really mean that?"
Jack looked down at him. "Yeah, I really mean that. When have I ever said anything I didn't mean? Well---recently anyway."
Daniel smiled and glanced down at his clasped hands. "Thanks, Jack. That means a lot."
"Yeah, well just don't go telling anyone I said it. I have a reputation to uphold, you know."
Daniel snorted softly. "I won't tell a soul."
"So----Carter tells me it was your idea to go to thegovernment buildingand not back to the 'gate."
"Um---well, yes I guess it was---actually."
"You two would be dead if you hadn't, you know."
"Wow---I hadn't really thought about it, but I guess you're right."
"Of course I'm right. Since when have I---."
"Ever been wrong?" interrupted Daniel. "Oh, let me see, Jack---."
The older man smirked. "You are such a pain in the ass," he grumbled good-naturedly.
Daniel raised his index finger pointedly. "That's 'royal' pain in the ass to you, Jack."
"Ah yes and thank you so much for reminding me."
A knock at the door brought the archeologist to his feet and he jerked his chin toward the door. "That'll be Sam and Teal'c," he announced as he snatched his glasses off the coffee table and put them on.
"With the beer and pizza," added the colonel jauntily.
Daniel leaped up onto the landing bypassing the steps and hurried down the short hallway to the door, flinching slightly from the residual pain from his bandaged feet. He opened it to find his other two team mates, Teal'c holding two big boxes of pizza and Sam holding a sack with what Daniel hoped was a couple six-packs of beer. He took the sack from Sam then ushered them in with a smile.
"How's the ankle, Carter?" asked Jack who'd followed Daniel into the hallway. He took one of the pizza boxes from Teal'c then followed Sam and the big man into the dining room, leaving Daniel to close the door.
"Better, sir. And I've been fever-free for twelve hours now. Janet has me on light duty for a week---at least."
"Yeah, well count yourself lucky you're out of that little power monger's clutches."
"Colonel," admonished Sam.
"What? She can be a little---overbearing, that's all. Hey, Daniel, where is that beer?"
"I'm assuming it's in the----," the archeologist began then Jack quickly snatched the bag away. "Sack," he finished.
Jack disappeared with his treasure into the kitchen and Daniel moved to follow but was waylaid by a hug from Sam.
He returned his friend's embrace with great care. "Hey, Sam."
"How are you?"
"I'm good. How are you?"
Sam nodded against Daniel's shoulder. "I'm getting there," she replied then she leaned out of their embrace and frowned up at him. "This is a new look for you, isn't it?"
"It's called 'bed head', Carter. Daniel was out like the proverbial light when I got here," explained Jack as he stepped back into the dining room, beer in hand.
"It appears to be similar to your preferred style, O'Neill," intoned Teal'c.
Daniel and Sam both snorted in amusement.
"Good one, big guy."
Teal'c looked from Sam to Daniel, his expression one of bemusement and Daniel knew his gentle friend wasn't really joking.
"Plates, Daniel. Got any plates? Oh, and napkins?"
"I'll get them. Anyone want a fork?"
"Now that's just downright sacrilegious. Who in their right mind eats pizza with a fork?"
"I do."
"Well, of course you do, Daniel."
The archeologist brushed past his friend as he headed into the kitchen. "They're called manners, Jack. You should try them sometime."
"Ah, this from the man who doesn't keep beer in his fridge for guests."
Daniel snorted as he pulled four plates from his cupboard. "I don't keep beer in the fridge for you, Jack. There's a difference."
"Are you saying I'm not a guest in your home?"
"Do you think I said that?"
"Yeah, I'm thinking you did."
The archeologist grabbed the basket of napkins and put it on the top of the plates he carried then he opened the silverware drawer and reached for a fork. He stopped then shut the drawer with a smile; who needed manners when one was amongst friends.
"Oh, Daniel?"
"Yes, Jack."
"Would you grab me another beer?"
"Come and get it yourself. My hands are full."
"For the love of----."
Daniel met the colonel at the refrigerator. "Would you grab me a bottle of water?" he asked. "You know, while you're in there anyway?"
"One for me, too, sir."
"I would like a bottled water as well, O'Neill."
"Geez, does the word 'colonel' mean anything to you guys?" muttered Jack. He opened the door and pulled out three bottles then placed them on top of the basket Daniel held.
"Jack."
"What? I'm grabbing two beers," explained the older man with a shrug. "Two beers, two hands." He stood and nudged the door shut with his shoulder then he looked at Daniel and gave him a lop-sided grin. "You know, that look really isn't half bad."
"Jack."
"What? I'm just saying---."
Daniel scowled and Jack shook his head with amused affection then went back into the dining room to join their other team mates. The archeologist paused; maybe he fit in better than he thought he did.
"Oh, Daniel, pizza's getting cold---you bringing those plates or what?"
Daniel sighed in fond exasperation. "Coming, Jack."
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THE END
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