Daniel's Nemesis

by A Nonny Cat

Nemesis from Daniel's perspective (or what happened in the SGC from the time Thor beamed Jack aboard and the moment SG-1 finally got home). Follows on from where 'Doctor's Note' (my take on Daniel's appendicitis) left off. Shamelessly lifted some (lots) of the dialogue from the episode so some parts might sound a bit familiar - hence full of spoilers. No infringement intended!

13. Chapter 13

Twelve hours later:

"Ok" Janet said at length. "Pulse, blood pressure and temperature are normal – you are good to go." Her initial plan had been just to let him get out of bed, not to leave the infirmary. However, Daniel could be very persuasive. She looked at him sternly, arms folded; "But no physical exertion, no lifting, no rushing around and definitely no saving Earth. You've got two hours and then I expect you back. Can you try not to get in trouble in that time?"

Daniel slid gingerly from the bed and gave her a wry smile. "I think I'll manage!" Cautiously he placed his hand over the right side of his stomach; it was still very tender and he had every intention of moving carefully and slowly.

"Feeling ok?" Janet asked, her gaze resting on his hand.

"Yeah" Daniel assured her "just a bit sore." He gave an experimental stretch and tried to conceal a wince.

A look of amusement and sympathy flitted across Janet's face "You will be – recent significant surgery remember!"

Although it was recent (less than three days ago, Daniel suddenly realised) so much had happened since that significantly more time seemed to have past. Working at the SGC he had gotten used to the idea that space and time could be manipulated into doing weird stuff, but it was still disorientating to be reminded of how deceptive so called 'normal' time could be. Empty time could seem eternal but those same bored hours seemed mere minutes in retrospect. By contrast, busy days rushed by in a madness of activity but expanded in the memory. He wondered how time was passing for SG-1. They had no idea of how long it would take to be rescued; did each minute seem an eternity? He gave himself a mental shake. Hammond had said that the gate might be online by this afternoon. Focus on that.

"Daniel?"

Janet was looking at him oddly, clearly having second thoughts about letting him leave.

"Just thinking" Daniel assured her quickly. He placed his hand reassuringly on her wrist and gazed at her earnestly. "I'll be careful Janet. And I'll be back on time."

"Now there's a promise!" she said disbelievingly. Daniel's ability to lose track of time was legendary. "Go on, before I change my mind."

Daniel gave her a last quick smile and headed out.