A/N: Here is the chapter that illustatrates my military service and my relationship with Jack. The humor will be evident starting here. Originally, I was going to keep this as one chapter, but since this is really a flashback for the first part, I changed my mind. Read and enjoy (and review!)
Chapter 8
I hung up and then dialed Jack's number after bracing myself. O'Neill and I got along great ever since dad died. I even stayed with Jack over the summer before my Academy days because his son Charlie had died. I couldn't and wouldn't have saved his marriage to Sara, believing that they had to work through the heartache themselves. When he left to join the Stargate program and I had left to go to the Academy, the marriage was pretty much over.
Fortunately for Jack, Daniel was there to provide the moral backbone he needed to get over it. Of course, Jack was suicidal, but knowing that I was here to help and having Daniel there to give him the kick that he needed, Jack survived the mission. Ridding the Abydonians of their false god gave Jack hope for the future and the courage to face his past.
Jack and I had spent more and more time together after his first retirement and he looked upon me more as the younger brother/oldest son than his nephew at that time. When the Stargate was reopened a year later and Jack was recalled, I told him that he could get in touch with me anytime. He used that as much as he could while I was still at the Academy.
When I graduated in '97, the first missions through the gate were happening. Jack had rescued Daniel and Daniel's wife had been captured, causing Daniel to join the program. I had my own missions, however. Black Ops (like Jack) for two years, two years working at the Pentagon helping Major Davis on Stargate-related issues, then three years in the Middle East fighting in the Iraqi conflict.
I was injured when my F-16 was shot down while leading my teammates on a mission to target and eliminate Al-Qaeda strongholds fueled by numero uno on the President's terrestrial hit list. At that time, with my Black Ops experience and my time at the Pentagon, along with the 30-plus missions I was on in Iraq and Afghanistan, I was a full-bird Colonel by the time I was 28.
The crash landing of my plane shattered my arm, caused brain damage and paralysis below my waist. The doctors sent me to Rammstein for one week to get fitted for a set of wheels. They felt that I couldn't regain feeling in my legs and they were right, damn them. Since one arm wasn't going to work, the doctors gave me a power chair for added mobility.
After my stay at Rammstein, I requested a transfer to Cheyenne Mountain to work with my uncle. The general in charge of my transfer granted it, but after I took a year off. That meant going home to Oregon, by way of the SGC to get checked by Fraiser. She agreed with the doctor's assessment of my mental state and shock of the crash. Oh, well, at least I could see Jack, or so I thought.
Fraiser knew that Jack was my uncle, but she would not let me see him. I asked for the general and at least she granted that request. Unfortunately for the good doctor, she didn't know that Hammond and I were friends. Once Janet notified him that I was in her infirmary, Hammond ordered her out of there so that he could talk to me.
We talked for a good three hours as I let him in on the state of my affairs and the success of my missions in the Middle East. Hammond reciprocated and told me what Jack was up to. I told him that I was looking forward to coming to work full-time at the SGC, based on my experience at the Pentagon. Hammond said he would talk to the President about it.
Six weeks later, I went to Washington, DC to receive my medals directly from the President (not Hayes). Two months after that, the administration changed. Hayes was supposed to take office as he was elected. His running mate had other plans and placed Hayes into protective custody of the Secret Service, while he ran the country under the constant threat of aliens.
Fortunately, Hammond managed to contact Major Davis, who contacted me. I was still recovering, so I couldn't do anything directly. However, I managed to contact my friends within the Joint Chiefs after finding the incriminating evidence against that rat bastard, Kinsey. Evidence that, ironically, Hammond had. He gave me the evidence, which I turned over to the Joint Chiefs after fully recovering.
So, I'm personally responsible for having Kinsey kicked out of office. Hank gave me a promotion, which I took with the provision of wearing the uniform that I served my country in. He agreed and here we are today.
0000000000
I look at the clock as the phone rings on the other end. Damn, it's 2:30.
"O'Neill," Jack said.
"Hey, uncle. Long time, no see or talk. Whatcha doin'?" I asked.
"Vern! I'm about to go home to get ready for a date with Carter." Jack said.
"Oh. You mind if I come along? I can be at Peterson in two hours." I asked, pleading.
"Yeah, sure. The O'Neill boys dating Carter. Hmm, should be fun." Jack joked.
"Jack, I should pack so you can pick me up. See you at 1630." I said.
"OK. I won't tell Carter then." Jack said.
"Please don't. There are things I need to tell both of you." I said, hanging up. I left Jack wondering about me on purpose. For his part, Jack hung up and drove home.
Thirty minutes later, with my bags packed, I boarded a F-18 headed for Peterson. I was looking forward to seeing Jack again, even though the information I had for him would be unpleasant. Oh, well, Jack would have to grin and bear it.
My flight landed at Peterson ten minutes ahead of schedule and it took me that much time to get off the plane. I had to give the airman helping me a scolding look for not knowing how to get me out of the plane. Before my patience ran out, the airman got me out. I thanked him and waited for Uncle Jack to pick me up.
Jack's truck showed up a minute later, with the ramp all ready for me. Wait a minute, I thought, how does he know about my chair? "Doc..., you're a life saver." I muttered as I realized Fraiser must have told him after I left. Jack got out and pulled the ramp down.
"Uncle Jack!" I yelled.
"Vern!" Jack yelled back, laughing. "How many times do I have to tell you to call me dad.", he said.
"Dad. Charlie's death still bothering you, dad?" I asked, rolling up the ramp.
"No, Vern. It's just..." Jack left that hanging.
"I remind you of him." It was not a question.
"Yeah." Jack said, taking my bags and putting them in the cab. He then secured me to the bed of the truck and then we left for his house.
Twenty minutes later, we were at the house. I unpacked and changed out of my uniform. "What do I wear to dinner?" I asked.
"I'm going formal, Vern." Jack said.
"Dad, you dog!" I joked. I pulled out my tux and my medals out of my suitcase, with the box for my general's stars safely tucked in the secret compartment. "Dad, we need to talk tomorrow at the base." I said as I dressed myself.
"Oh? What about?" Jack asked.
"George is expecting the three of us in his office at 0900 tomorrow, Dad. He'll tell you two then." I said.
"If this is about the letter..." Jack said.
"In a way, it is, Dad. There's something I haven't told you that the general said he wanted to clear up. He also wanted me to meet Major Carter before he met with us in the morning." I said, finishing up.
"Damn. I was planning on having time off with her, Vern." Jack whined.
"You will, Dad. After Hammond gets done with us." I said with a knowing glance at him.