Supporting Rumors - Part 30
"What do you do with your crippled old horses, T?"
Teal'c solemnly regarded the man who lay before him.
"We do not have horses, crippled or otherwise, O'Neill."
"Ack!"
Teal'c concealed a small smile at the General's annoyed exclamation and continued. "Before our freedom came those whom the symbiote could not cure, we killed."
"And now?"
"Now we listen to them and give them the respect they deserve."
Jack shook his head faintly.
"Do you doubt what I say? You hold great wealth in your head and in your heart, O'Neill."
Jack snorted in disbelief. "There's many who would dispute that."
"No doubt, but I am not one of them."
"I can't even get my wife to listen to me."
"Colonel Carter has been taught well in the art of command and her determination is of credit to you."
Jack's response lifted the Jaffa's spirits. His bark of laughter was cut off in a fit of coughing and he cradled an arm across his chest protectively. Teal'c waited patiently, but watched carefully. O'Neill regained his breath and Teal'c calmly passed him the cup and straw.
"Perhaps you should discuss this with Colonel Carter. She thinks it is best that you have a goal and a career."
"I've had my career."
"Then you must ensure that you have not had your life. You have the chance of a new one, O'Neill. At times it will be strange and you will suffer much frustration, but be assured you have been given a second chance."
Jack swallowed harshly and stared. Teal'c wasn't sure what O'Neill would take from his words, but he hoped his friend and brother would take at least some brief comfort from them.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Jack slept for quite a while and George Hammond took the time to study the enigma of a man that lay there.
The bruising on his face and shoulders had certainly lessened, and George was thankful to see less and less tubing and wires. Though if it gave Jack his legs back, he would no doubt welcome them ... He could willingly choke the very life out of the shooter if they caught him. When, he corrected himself. He'd been so happy for Jack when he'd married Sam. He knew that Jack wasn't exactly ecstatic with his post in Washington and the job, George knew better than anyone, carried a huge responsibility, but the man was certainly worthy of it – and so much more.
"And what words of wisdom can you offer me, George?"
George Hammond chuckled and leaned closer to the now obviously awake man. "They've given you the cheer wagon then?"
Jack tried to stifle a yawn while he nodded.
"Then I won't bother, son. I'm here for you and for Sam. I won't offer you any bull, Jack, things are going to be tough. Just how tough is up to you."
"You mean be a good little cripple and don't make waves."
"Self pity isn't something I associate you with."
Jack had the grace to look shame-faced. "Sorry. I know, I know. Look, you've got to talk to Sam, she's intent on resigning her commission."
"That's up to her, son."
"She thinks she's gotta take care of me like ..."
"Like a wife?" finished George.
Jack closed his eyes and swallowed hard. "Yeah."
"And given if things were the other way round, what would you do?"
Jack opened his mouth then closed it firmly.
George gripped Jack on his shoulder, giving him a firm, but gentle squeeze. "Get some rest. Things will work out, you'll see. Rome wasn't built in a day."
"It would have been if they'd have had more Ancient technology," said Jack.
George chuckled, shaking his head as he made his way out of the room, closing the door softly behind him.
'Jack may be down at the moment, but don't count him out.'
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Jack watched as the door closed behind George Hammond, feeling suddenly tired.
There was so much to think about, so much information to process, and he really didn't feel up to the task just yet.
Despite his words to Daniel, he had to admit to himself that deep down he hadn't given up. He wasn't ready to be put out to pasture just yet. As Teal'c had pointed out, there were still a lot of things he could teach the young kids just starting out.
He thought for a second – young kids – Sam had wanted to talk about kids, but he hadn't listened. Maybe it wasn't impossible, maybe she was right and they could start a family now. Teal'c's comment about the chance of a second life could be more apt than he knew. This was a chance to do just that, start a family and actually be there to see it growing up.
He'd get it right this time.
Come to that, why the hell was he just accepting he'd never walk again? The doc had said there was a slim chance – he had forgotten that when wallowing in self-pity.
Hell – he was damn-well not going to give up on life just when he had a second chance at it.
No way!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
TBC
Author's helper note – I'm putting this here for two reasons. Jackie is going on holiday, so the updates will be a bit delayed. That's why I've given you two so close together.
AND – for heaven's sake, people – use some imagination! Are healing devices & Asgards the only way to have a happy ending? Did we say we objected to happy ending? No. Just because we put that comment at the bottom of chapter 28, it doesn't mean that's the end for Jack. Have some faith, and maybe go back and re-read the chapters that have already been posted – some of you are beginning to act a bit too much like Sam! The plot is planned and already worked out, and if you have already read Jackie's other fics, you should know her better than this! Once again she doesn't know I'm putting this, but I feel like hitting my head on my desk right now, because you need to have a bit of patience and trust. If we spelt out the plot for you and waved big flags in chapter one saying – Happy Ending, Sad Ending, Jack Dies, Sam Kisses Jack, They Both Get Court-martialed (my personal favourite) – what would be the point in reading the story? - there, end of Flatkatsi's rant. Blame the giant blister from a burn right across the top of my right thumb and just leave me to vent – okay?
And another AND – Jackie's fic 'The Coldest of Hearts' came 2nd in Best Friendship in the Jackfic Awards, and 'What Fate Decrees' came 2nd in Best Jack Ship. The Awards are on the Jackfic archive site. (Don't look at the winner of Best Ship – it's all a big misunderstanding I tell you! ROFL.)
