Supporting Rumors - Part 57

Jack had, surprisingly, a good night's sleep. He knew that the doc had slipped him a larger than usual dose of something, but for once he didn't protest. He put up with the usual morning routine, gritting his teeth when his patience was almost out. The nursing staff had been great and they'd put up with a lot from him over the weeks. Every last one of them deserved a medal!

Finally at last he was alone. He was still sitting in bed, as it was much too early to transfer to the wheelchair – as much as he hated to admit it, it was exhausting sitting in the damn thing. There were another three or four hours before they were due to depart for the airport and he found the time to be dragging more than a little.

Sam had called to say she wasn't going to be much longer. They'd decided to close up the house in Washington, seeing as it was rented and Sam had been busy packing and organizing the transportation of their stuff that had accumulated there. Fortunately she still owned her house in the Springs, so that would save them doing any house hunting, at least for the immediate future. It wasn't a bad size and could easily be adapted for Jack's present needs.

The sharp tap at the door brought Jack out of his reverie. Jack immediately recognized the man who entered as one of the officers assigned to the case against Minucos.

"Officer Jolen, sir," he introduced himself. "I'm sorry to disturb you General, however I thought you should be brought up-to-date before you leave, rather than catch the news as it breaks."

Jack indicated a chair and invited him to sit. Teal'c had filled Jack in on the events whilst he was out of it and had brought this particular officer's actions to his attention. He studied the man whilst watching him take a seat, waiting for him to speak.

"As you were aware sir, Minucos signed a statement admitting to the shooting and we have his taped confession to support it. However, it is felt that if this goes to trial there will be allegations levied against Homeworld Security. Minucos could still do a great deal of damage."

Jack watched the officer carefully. Just because the man was saying it, didn't mean that he liked it and he knew Jolen was uncomfortable. "So … what then?"

"The defense is pushing for a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity and I think the prosecution will accept it. It would mean Minucos would be committed to an institution without standing trial."

Jack flinched. He knew that Minucos wasn't stable, but he also knew that most of what Minucos believed was actually true ... apart from Jack being an alien of course ... then again ... what about the Ancient gene?

"This would mean of course that there would be no need for you to give evidence."

The mere thought of giving evidence had given him more than a few headaches and for a moment relief coursed through him ... until images of a sane man being locked up as a madman came to him and guilt pounded a very large nail into the relief.

"Sir?" Jolen queried, his expression showing puzzlement.

"What?" Jack barked back and then sighed. "Sorry ... didn't mean …"

"It's okay, sir. I think I understand a little of what you're feeling."

Jack scrutinized the man's face, seeing admiration and understanding. It wasn't often these days that Jack felt he got anything but looks of pity from many of his visitors, however, the man who was sitting here now showed no sign of that.

"I can't deny that not giving evidence would be a relief," admitted Jack, "but do I want that at the expense of a man's sanity? I don't think we're talking a couple of years downtime here."

Jolen shook his head. "No sir, we're not. They will throw away the key – no parole where he'll be going. I wanted you to be prepared when the news breaks. It won't be pleasant."

Jack released the breath he'd been holding. He wondered just how bad things could get ... the memories from the last press crucifixion still had the capacity to upset him, if he dwelt on them that was ... What he did know more than anything now, was that there was no going back. What was done was done. He knew that any protests from him would fall on deaf ears if there was the slightest danger of fall out, not only to Homeworld Security, but to the Oval office ... and the SGC.

"I've dealt with Minucos at length sir, and although I am not an expert in this field, I want you to know that I genuinely feel that this man is not of a sound mind and no matter how long he could be imprisoned for, he would be a continual threat to not only yourself, but to our country."

Jack looked the officer straight in the eyes as he spoke, wanting to gauge the honesty behind the words. He may have lost the use of his legs – temporarily that was – but he hadn't lost his judgment. He spared the officer a very brief smile, accepting the man's words as they were intended. "Thank you."

Jolen nodded. "If there is anything I can do, General, please don't hesitate to contact me." He stood as he spoke and moved a little closer, holding out his hand. "It's been an honor to meet you sir."

Jack gripped the proffered hand firmly and shook it somberly, almost expecting the man to salute . . .

He settled back as the officer left the room, mulling over the news, but somehow Jolen had helped to settle his inner turmoil and it was with a feeling of looking forward and not back that Jack waited to face the rest of the day…

xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Sam was doing a final check of the drawers and cupboards in the room and opened the top drawer for what Jack knew to be for the fifth time.

"And it's still empty?" he queried, a smile on his face.

"Oh …" She gave him a grin as she realized what she was doing. "Yes still empty ... is there anything else we forgot?"

"Nope, everything I need is coming with me," he drawled and gave her arm a tug until she moved closer to the wheelchair.

Sam gave him a smug smile and stooped to give him a hug, only to be brought up short…

"I got this." Jack gave her a smirk and held up his other hand to reveal the little yellow yoyo.

Frowning in mock annoyance, Sam gave him a gentle smack on his shoulder. "Oh you." She broke into laughter as he let the yoyo travel the length of its string and brought it back up, catching it neatly.

There was a quick tap at the door and Doctor Hill entered. "I just want to check how you're doing, General. Last quick check then you're off. Security are waiting just down the hall."

"Are the press still hanging around? There didn't seem to be many earlier," asked Sam, referring to when she came back to the hospital.

"Unfortunately, yes, but General O'Neill's release isn't official yet ... when they find out they will be …" She stopped, seeing the look on the others' faces, then continued, "Well yes, that's enough about that. How are you feeling General?"

"Okay, I guess," responded Jack. He was a little less guarded now with what he said to the doc after having his ass chewed quite viciously once he had recovered from the pneumonia.

Doctor Hill used the hands-on approach and checked his pulse, temperature and blood pressure. "Not too bad, considering," she murmured as she straightened up. "Your medication is all packed and everything is in the ambulance that's taking you to the plane." She perched on the bed, brushing at a few stray hairs that had escaped onto her face, briskly tucking them behind her ear, before leaning forwards, her voice lowering to a conspiratorial hush. "Is it true you're flying in the President's plane?"

Jack gave her a grin and nodded. "Yep, Air Force One is at our disposal until we hit Petersen."

"Oh my …"

"You could come with, you know?" offered Jack.

"But the Air Force has assured me there will be …"

"Yeah, the CMO from Andrews has assigned a joy rider for us," Jack shrugged, "but there's always room for one more."

"Oh, I am seriously tempted ... but I can't." The response was more than wistful.

Jack gave the doctor an even wider grin. "Okay, but if you change your mind …" He sobered a little and looked down at his hands for a moment, before looking up again at her. "You know doc, I really want to say thank you, an' somehow it doesn't feel enough."

"No thanks are necessary, General."

"Jack."

"Okay, Jack. I know you'll repay me by doing everything you should …" Hill laughed and rose to shake her patient's hand.

Jack took the hand, but didn't shake it. He clasped it firmly. "Really, doc, thank you. I never used to have much faith in the medical profession, until one particular doctor changed my mind – you'd have liked her."

"Liked?" asked Hill, picking up on the past tense.

Jack nodded, giving his wife a brief smile, before turning his attention back to Hill. "We lost a good doctor and a great friend and we still miss her, but I am glad to know that there are more like her. Thank you."

Doctor Hill straightened her shoulders, seemingly lost for words ... for a moment that was. "You keep fighting, Jack and maybe next time we meet ...?" She gave him a gentle smile and made her way to the door. "I'll let security know you're ready." She was half way out the door when she stopped and gave her parting shot. "Oh, and by the way, I've already let their rehab manager know exactly what to expect with you, Jack."

xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

TBC