Warning – Jack's mouth ... body ... oh, those lips ... yum !

ahem, sorry – back to the fic, a little language !

Supporting Rumors - Part 35

A complete wing at the other end of the hospital from Jack's normal room had been sealed off and everywhere was buzzing with security men and equipment. The room next door to where Jack was installed had high tech listening and recording equipment waiting ready for the meeting.

Sam gave the two security guards outside Jack's door a brief nod of acknowledgement. Teal'c had gone to double-check the other security arrangements. Despite not being an official part of the team now guarding Jack, he seemed to be taking a very personal interest in ensuring the general's safety – something Sam was only too happy to see.

As Sam entered, Daniel looked up from the book he was reading and gave her a quick smile.

"How's Jack?" he enquired.

"Testy, I'm getting on his nerves apparently." Sam shrugged and threw herself down on the chair. "And, he wants coffee."

Daniel grinned. "I could do with some myself actually. Teal'c shouldn't be long now." He looked at his watch. "Want me to go sit with Jack for a while, cheer him up?"

"I'd give it a miss. He thinks you're 'as miserable as sin at the moment'," quoted Sam.

"I am?"

Sam shrugged again. "Aren't you?"

"Who the hell isn't right now?" countered Daniel.

"Well, putting it like that … Jack!"

"I … I never thought he would adjust so easily."

"He isn't, Daniel, that's the problem. He's adamant that this is temporary and he won't have it any other way."

"But he realizes … surely …" said Daniel, somewhat hesitantly.

Sam shook her head.

They paused as the door opened, relaxing again when Teal'c entered.

"I believe this wing is now as secure as O'Neill's military history."

Sam and Daniel both managed a smile at that remark.

"Thank you Teal'c. I must admit bringing Minucos here is …"

"Not of the ordinary?" offered Teal'c.

Sam nodded.

"I will not leave O'Neill's side. You may have no fear of him causing further harm."

"I don't think it's just the physical aspect, Teal'c," said Daniel. He had freely admitted his feelings on the matter earlier, and he was totally against this meeting.

Teal'c seemed to stand even straighter and he folded his massive arms behind his back, regarding the archeologist with a serious expression.

"It is better to face him and end this now, than to wonder if his would-be assassin is out there waiting for another opportunity."

"End it?" echoed Daniel, his alarm showing.

"If the man can be provoked into admitting the shooting then we shall have no fear of him attaining freedom."

"Oh." Daniel looked more than a little relieved and Sam had to give a small smile - she knew just what he had been thinking.

Sam was jittery, far more than any mission she had been on had affected her in the past. Teal'c's presence was a huge comfort and it was entirely due to the fact he was going to be in the room with Jack that she hadn't tried to pull the plug on this meeting.

"I shall enquire if O'Neill wishes for anything before Minucos arrives. He can inform me of his strategy."

Sam nodded. The thought that Jack might be planning a particular strategy hadn't really occurred to her. She had been so anxious regarding her feelings on him facing the shooter, and what would come of it, she had forgotten her husband was a fine military strategist and had disregarded more tactics than she would ever learn.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Jack looked up as the door opened and he offered Teal'c a tight smile. Although he was genuinely pleased to see his friend and the feeling that the cavalry had arrived was comforting, he couldn't help the sudden nervousness his appearance wrought.

It was hard to admit, even to himself, that the anxiety went way beyond adrenalin nerves. A mission always made him nervous, good nervous – that kept him alive, gave him an edge – but the gut churning, sickening waves that were rising steadfastly, they were different. He'd never felt so bare, so laid out and helpless … so vulnerable before, not even as a captive of the Goa'uld.

For the first time ever he could remember in his adult life, he was totally reliant on someone for protection. Jack didn't like it. The gradual helplessness he had been feeling since awakening suddenly steamrolled him.

Sweat beaded on his forehead and his back was damp against the pillows. He swallowed harshly, trying to discretely wipe his palms on the sheets. Looking down at his hands, he saw the fine tremble that had troubled him had not lessened. His gaze wandered of its own accord down the limbs that lay stretched out uselessly – his legs – his useless legs that were attached to his worthless hide. He wanted badly to curl up and hide – stuff the Air Force, stuff Homeworld Security – he'd had enough!

"O'Neill?"

The Jaffa's deep voice broke into his thoughts and he started a little, giving his friend a mute apology.

"Shall I remain for the full interview?"

Jack cleared his throat. He was worried it would be only a squeak, but he found his voice didn't sound too bad. "Uh, yeah, please. It's a …"He coughed and cleared his throat again. "It's kinda weird coming face to face with someone …"

"Someone who is not an alien, who has attempted to kill you?"

The glint in Teal'c's eyes and the quirk of his lips left Jack in no doubt of the Jaffa's intended humor.

"Well, he wouldn't be the first to have a go, but it's … well …His voice dried. He looked helplessly at his friend.

"The microphones are not yet active O'Neill," prompted Teal'c.

Jack had to smile at that and it helped him find his voice. "To tell the truth T, it's, erm, kinda freaking me out a little."

"That is a normal expectation, O'Neill. Meeting again with Apophis had a similar affect upon me."

"Apophis freaked you out?" His voice was certainly as disbelieving as his mind.

"Indeed."

"Nah, T, you are not going to have me believe that." Jack looked up at his friend. Teal'c had been a huge support, both physically and mentally. That someone like Teal'c had been watching his six over the years was fine, great even, but the insanity of being totally dependent on him for protection gutted him.

"So lying here a useless cripple, begging a nutter to ask him why he just had to have a go at me – of all the fuckin' uniforms he could have picked on – why the hell was it me!"

The anger was surfacing. Jack felt like screaming, wanting to throw something … anything … his hands drew up into fists, fists balled as tightly as the knots in his stomach. He badly needed to hit something … anything … and he couldn't.

"We are all mortal O'Neill and despite what we are taught regarding certain natural feelings, it does not lessen the man."

Jack's anger abated a little. He looked at Teal'c with renewed interest. "Why the hell does a man like you put up with this crap from me?"

"Despite what you are feeling at this brief moment of your life, you are a fine measure of a man, a great warrior and a true friend. We are friends O'Neill, and I would gladly lay my life down for you."

Jack nodded. The moisture he felt pricking at his eyes and the lump that rose in his throat overwhelmed his nerves, his anger. He took a deep breath.

"Back atya T, backatya," he whispered.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

TBC