SG1 came to the meetings with heavy hearts, for a week they had tried to bring Daniel back with no success. Sam had brought him Chocolate Walnut cookies along with interesting scientific curiosities the food remained untouched and interest un-sparked. Teal'c had tried meditation, but Daniel after the first session was found in his room praying he had not slept the entire night. Jack had tried humor, badgering him when he worked, Daniel just ignored him. Dr. Fraiser brought him letters from Cassie those worked he even smiled a little when he read them. Then the bombshell of this confession made them realize how far gone their friend was. Not one shred of progress just a secret compiling of all his supposed crimes desperate to give justification so he could die.
SG1, Dr. Fraiser, and Dr. Ford came into the meeting with General Hammond on Thursday afternoon with heavy hearts. Sam despite her overt anxiety for Daniel seemed slightly hopeful. General Hammond opened the meeting asking for opinions on the incidents on the list.
Sam "I don't think Daniel wants to die. I think this list is his way of asking for help."
Jack "Sam he gave Hammond a list of reasons to kill him. That doesn't sound like a man asking for help.
Sam "Daniel and I have spend hours debating philosophy and morality. He knew that these incidents were the right course of action. Even if he did go against orders, or betray people, in the long run he knew he had made the right decision.
Teal'c "The deaths on the list were in defense of his or another's life. While not a warrior when I first met him he has become one and has accepted that the taking of lives is sometimes needed."
Hammond "So the two of you are saying that Dr. Jackson knows his crimes were justified and that his guilt is based on what his captors told him was wrong.
Dr. Ford "If these crimes are based on a strict moral code and not on Dr. Jackson's own feelings of guilt I think I known how we can help him."
General Hammond "What do you mean?"
"His feelings of guilt are based on a moral code his captors imposed on him. Given time I think his own values and morals will surface and he can fight off this imposed brainwashing.
Sam "How do we give him that time. It's been a week and a half and he's still completely suicidal."
"We can buy ourselves time. General Hammond can tell Dr. Jackson that he needs to investigate each crime on the list. Make sure everything is done legally. While General Hammond is investigating Dr. Jackson should leave the base at least for a few days.
Jack "and go where?"
"You're house, you are his closest friend being in that familiar environment should help."
Dr. Fraiser "His wounds are healing; it will be safe enough at Jack's. If Daniel tries anything they would slow him down."
Teal'c "This plan sounds dangerous, if DanielJackson makes an attempt on his life his odds of success will increase when he's off the base."
Dr. Ford "I know it's risky, but this is the best plan we have. He has been back a week with no signs of throwing off his depression. Forcing him outside his self imposed comfort zone should help.
General Hammond "Alright we'll try it. In any case it is a good idea to give us some breathing space. I'll tell Dr. Jackson I need time to investigate his crimes and make things legal. Jack you take Dr. Jackson home with you this weekend. Talk to the doctors here about making your home safe."
The meeting adjourned. General Hammond called Daniel to his office and said he needed time to go over his list. Daniel was not happy.
"Lord….General Hammond I told you my crimes why do you need time to go over it, my guilt is clear."
"The law needs more than your word; I need to make sure things are done properly. I promise you I will investigate thoroughly and give you a verdict. In the meantime I need your word that you will make no attempt to speed justice along."
Daniel looked at him blankly and did not speak
"As your Commander and Lord I need your word, let justice run properly, do not commit another sin through impatience."
Daniel sighed "Very well you have my word."
"You are going to stay with Colonel O' Neill this weekend." Seeing Dr. Jackson was about to argue: "This is an order, you are not allowed to object. As well you are to obey O'Neill as you would me."
Daniel left the office accompanied by his guard. Jack made sure his home was safe and well supplied with food and some personal things of Daniel from his apartment. Jack practically had to drag him out of the base on Friday, so resistance was Daniel to leave. Daniel remained silent on the drive over and the second they got to the house he went into the room Jack usually let him use when he slept over. The next morning Jack insisted he come out and eat breakfast. Daniel did so reluctantly. Instead of the sandwiches Daniel had been eating the past week Jack had provided eggs, bacon, French toast, orange juice and coffee. Daniel found his plate filled and was told he was not allowed to leave the table until he finished. He did so slowly at first then with increasing relish. Once done he left the table practically running outside and threw himself on the grass. It had been night when Jack and Daniel had left the base and this was the first time Daniel had had the opportunity to really be outside since he got back. Jack left the dishes on the table and hurried after him. Daniel turned to him with an actual smile on his face
"It seems so long since I was able to enjoy the outdoors."
Jack said nothing and just sat with Daniel in the grass. After an hour Jack moved to stretch when Daniel caught his arm.
"Don't please; I don't want to go inside just yet. For days, many days I never saw the sun. I would go from my room, to the chapel without seeing a single ray of sunlight. Even when they allowed me to go to the training room it was lit only by torches."
Daniel released his arm and looked at him hopefully. Jack nodded at him and settled himself back in the grass. They stayed that way until Sam and Teal'c came.
A/N Please review let me know if people are still interested. I love all reviews and welcome all comments positive or critical. I am always improving my writing and your reviews greatly help.