JACK
The
wind seems to moan his name. "DANIEL."
Shit,
there it is again. Swear to God. Um - should I be worried about this?
"Anybody
else just hear that?" Daniel asks.
"I
think so." Carter confirms.
Yeah.
Me too. NOT getting weird, here. Good to know.
"Look!"
Kasuf's
voice is awed as he gestures to a few wisps of sand swirling. The wind
gusts, buffeting against me. I gape as the wisps of sand abruptly
solidify, spiralling savagely into the sky, looming sullenly over us.
"Now
THAT'S impressive!" I call out, making sure Kasuf gets the message. An
honest-to-goodness tornado leaves any NUMBER of burning bushes for
DUST. As proportional responses go, this one is quite flattering. I
guess bad news like me spreads fast.
While
close proximity to the aforementioned tornado would suggest to anyone
else a prompt strategic withdrawal is in order, my very own Great and
Powerful Oz grabs onto his boonie and makes a break for the Emerald
City.
"DANlEL!"
Jesus. Can't take my eyes off him for a SECOND. He turns to face me,
looking puzzled.
"Try
to keep in Kansas, huh?" I yell.
Focus,
Toto, focus. That's a big honkin' tornado right there, and here's me
without my ruby slippers. If this thing blows right over us, whaddya
expect me to do about it? Shoot it?
"I
was just - uh," he waves a vague hand.
He
was just gonna follow the yellow brick road? Why am I not surprised?
Becoz, becoz, becoz, becoz, becoz. Becoz of the dumbass things he does.
"I'm
Daniel!" he hollers. "Who's calling?"
Not
Glinda the Good Witch of the North, I'm guessing.
You're
kidding! That WORKED? Daniel is good, but he's not THAT good. Somebody
hit the tornado off-switch or something? It's just -- OH boy!
Literally. Where in God's name did HE come from? Short stuff looks like
an escapee from Kung Fu in those orange pyjamas. Walking steadily
towards Daniel like the rest of us aren't even here.
Kid
looks around eight years old, but he sure doesn't act like it as he
comes to a halt a short distance away from Daniel. Those cool, serious
eyes fixed on Daniel make Teal'c look giddy and light-hearted.
"I
am Shifu. I am Harsesis."
Fuck
me.
I
turn in time to see Daniel stiffen. Jesus. It's just one kick in the
butt after another for him.
I
can distinctly remember the last I time I felt this edgy. This awkward.
The reason is one I've put behind me, though she's sitting at my side.
All that - confusion - over Carter is in the past. In perspective. In
its place. Over. Now I don't know why the hell I'm uncomfortable around
Daniel all of a sudden, or why this reminder of my best friend's dead
wife has the 'omigawd' meter running. I haven't handled this situation
well from the beginning, and I don't know why. I just don't know why.
Sha'uri
is like a wall between us and Daniel, the only wound he won't have
touched. He can't have it touched, not by us. Not by me. There isn't
one of us sitting at the table that wouldn't have done exactly what
Teal'c did if we had to. Carter and I will be glad to our dying day it
wasn't either of us who killed Sha'uri, but there was no question we
would have done it. For Daniel.
The
Air Force doesn't exactly encourage its officers to do the 'what if'
routine, but THAT gave us both cold chills. Not even a question of IF.
Nothing so easy. WHEN. One of those nightmare scenarios that have you
up night after night at three am.
I've
known Sha'uri from the beginning. Knew more of her, thought more of her
than anyone else in the SGC apart from Daniel. I know for a goddamn
fact I wouldn't have given her half the time Teal'c did while Amonet
was frying Danny. Teal'c did the right thing, and he did it for the
right reasons. Selflessly. He had the hope but not the expectation
Daniel would forgive him, and he took the risk anyway. He was prepared
to sacrifice their hard won friendship for Daniel's life.
I
would have done the exact same thing, but for the wrong reasons. I know
it to be true Teal'c factored Sha'uri's life into the equation, gave
her every opportunity to fight Amonet; gave her every chance to live. I
would have thought only of Daniel. I don't how or when or why it
happened, but it got personal. He gave himself so freely to our
friendship that somewhere along the way I guess I started thinking of
Daniel as mine.
I
would have weighed Sha'uri's life against Daniel's and found her
wanting. No doubt in my mind. I held my fire for Skaara 'til the last
possible second but Sha'uri would have gotten the full clip the instant
I walked in that tent. And I would have pulled that trigger in the sure
and certain knowledge of Daniel's forgiveness. Again, not a question of
if. WHEN.
I'm
not proud of myself, not proud of any of the chaotic, caustic emotions
that shot through me when I saw Daniel lying next to his dead wife. I
shut them down, hard, before they could take root. Sorrow. Fear. Guilt.
Relief. Glad -- Part of me was glad it was finally over. For his sake.
Except
it wasn't over, because of her child. Another situation I haven't
handled well from the beginning.
Daniel's
been in that tent with the kid for a long time. Too long a time to
spend alone with living, breathing proof of his wife's unwilling
infidelity. He can empathise with that, he can forgive. He has common
ground. He's been forced against his will and his conscience twice, and
the least said about that fucking bitch Linea the better. She was after
him from the MOMENT she laid eyes on him, I just - I - he - he's the
bane of my life. I just can't seem to STOP these things happening to
him, prevent him from being hurt.
I
still remember the first time I laid eyes on him. I couldn't equate the
intimidating academic achievements of the Dr Jackson in the file with
the reality. I'd never met anyone like Daniel in my life. No one else
on the base had either. Not just a genius. They say beauty is in the
eye of the beholder. First and only goddamn time I ever beheld it in a
man. What with the hair curling at the nape of his neck and all, he was
one of those Pre-Raphaelites made flesh. I've been physically aware of
Daniel, of course, couldn't fail to be in places like Hadante and Netu,
but --
Speak
of the devil: look who decided to join us. At long last. Strange, how
his features are suddenly coming into such sharp focus for me -- So
easy just to - to - especially the way the sun is - sun -- glasses, I
need my sunglasses.
Sunglasses.
Yeah. Getting dazzled here.
"Well,
I think that he is the Harsesis." Daniel says steadily as he plants
himself in front of me, elegant hands on slender hips.
Sunlight
kinda glinting down and turning his hair - and skin - to - to - er -
movement. I've got movement on my periphery. Someone walking up behind
me. I look around hopefully, I gotta say I'd welcome ANY distraction
just now. Oh, come on lady, gimme something to WORK with here! TRY to
look threatening, will ya? Cut a guy some slack when he's - er -
focusing. I'm not even asking for threatening. Suspicious, that'd do it
for me. No? No.
Turning
his…
"How
is that possible?" Carter asks.
How
the hell would I know? Not like I've never seen him in daylight before.
Gets out plenty. Sunkissed. Glowing. Y'know? Hot. HEALTHY. That's the
one. Danny looks - healthy - is all.
"I'm
not sure. He says he grew like the weeds." Daniel looks - Daniel is
unimpressed with the explanation.
"Apophis
sired the child to be his next host." Teal'c says thoughtfully. "It is
possible he used Goa'uld technology to manipulate the boy's body to
mature quickly."
"We
know that's possible." Daniel's wry glance has me holding up my hands
in mock surrender. So I got to have my cake and eat it. Big deal. It's
not like I've made a HABIT of fooling around on you! On us. On the TEAM.
"Does
he speak of the knowledge passed on to him by Amonet and Apophis?"
Teal'c
at least is never cause for weirdness of any kind and he's still the
only one of us who can bring himself to say the name.
"He
says Oma taught him to forget," Daniel shrugs.
I
straighten up a little. "Oma?" That sounds familiar.
"The
alien we encountered on Kheb. Mother Nature."
Ah.
I point an acknowledging finger. If I remember correctly, hell hath no
fury like THIS mother scorned.
"Guess
that explains the tornado." Carter says, not taking her eyes off
Daniel. Guess she's doing the silent sisterly support stuff.
"Shifu
says he came to Abydos to learn more about his mother."
"Shi-fu?"
Like tofu?
"His
name. Means - light."
I
nod and look away. Did he HAVE to bring up the light again? I JUST got
my wayward train of thought back on the tracks here. Crap. Isn't there
anything round these parts worth focusing on? Apart from Daniel? And I
don't mean sand.
"I
think we should have Doctor Fraiser take a look at him. I mean, if he's
been altered to grow quickly, it could still be happening." Carter
suggests.
"Do
you think it's WISE to bring him back?" That is in fact a reprehensibly
STUPID idea with fallout potential of epic and possibly biblical
proportions. What the fuck kinda tactical response am I supposed to
generate for a tornado, for Chrissake? And why am I still looking at
Daniel when it's my 2IC who mooted the point?
"I
don't think he's a danger."
THIS
from the guy who thought the Destroyer of Worlds was a peach? Not that
I'm doubting your judgement here, Daniel, but you have GOT to stop
thinking people are as sweet and nice as you are. You might very well
bring out the best in the people - people like me, who KNOW you -
though not in the biblical - OBVIOUSLY not. Biblical. Desert. Yeah.
It's the desert. The robes. Stuff. Gotta stop thinking about - stuff -
focus - not on HIM - make like the colonel here.
"What
about his step mom? Is she coming along?" Jeez. I SINCERELY hope not.
The SGC can live without the sorta special effects would make Spielberg
sit up and eat his heart out. Especially as hers aren't effects.
"He
says, ultimately, a man travels his chosen path alone."
My
path is unexpectedly taking my mind places I SO do not want it to go. I
don't think I'M in Kansas any more. I can't tear my eyes off Daniel
and, so help me, I can't get the - biblical - connotations off my mind.
"Smart
kid." I turn to Carter. "Get a message to Hammond, let him know who
we're bringing along."
When
I glance back, Daniel looks conflicted. Almost worried. I don't blame
him. He has his promise to Sha'uri to keep on one hand and our need for
information on the other. I can't see any way he can fulfil both
obligations, and when the two inevitably clash, Daniel, as usual, will
be caught right in the cross-fire. I gotta do my duty. but that doesn't
stop me doing a little hand holding. So to speak. In private. Encourage
him to open up to me.
"Jack,
I'm going to spend a little time with Kasuf. Find out what he's told
Shifu about Sha'uri."
"Er,
sure. Sure. We got time. Take all the time you need, Daniel." I hope it
doesn't sound in my voice, this sudden resentment singeing through me.
She's been gone over a year. Why the hell can't the cosmos just let
her, and Daniel - and me - be? Can't we put her behind us, get on with
our lives? Is that SO much to ask?
Even
when Daniel is inside the tent, I can't stop staring after him. We did
not need this. She's haunted our - haunted? Our? Jesus. I can't be
jealous of Sha'uri. Can I? I can't be so petty, so goddamn selfish I
don't want to share any part of him with her. Even with the memory of
her. Can I?
This
is about him. Why do I feel like it's about me?
As
I step through the event horizon I spin and check behind me until I'm
sure Daniel and the kid are right on my six. It's unnatural, unnerving,
never supposed to be this way. I come through last, that's the way it
is. I watch Daniel's rear. It's my right and my duty as team leader to
dispose the team as I see fit and I see fit to always keep Daniel right
where I can watch his butt.
Over.
Watch over his - oh, forget it. What the HELL is wrong with me? This is
DANNY, for Chrissake.
A
little strategic distance between Daniel and I seems advisable just at
this moment, so I hustle down the ramp and take refuge with the general.
Daniel
stands with a protective hand at the kid's back. "Shifu, this is
General Hammond. He's the leader of this facility."
All
things considered, I'd better keep my mind on the kid and off Daniel.
Both of 'em could blow up in my face at this rate. I stare determinedly
at Shifu and try to look interested in him and not my - not in Daniel.
"Welcome
to Earth," the general says warmly, smiling a little.
"A
spark lights a flame, but the candle will only burn as long as the
wick," Shifu responds meaningfully.
Hammond
turns to me. Like I have a clue? We all look at our linguist. Daniel's
body language is insisting he's not touching that one. Touching. NOT
good. I'm not touching the touching.
"If
I may, sir." Crap. Tongue engaging BEFORE brain. "I think what he means
is the wick is the centre of the candle, and ostensibly a great leader
- like yourself - " Cool. Dense AND fawning. Stellar translation
service, O'Neill, " - is essential to the whole ball of wax." I shape a
circle in the air with my hands, like that helps him swallow the crap
I'm spouting. I'm drowning in my own bullshit here and plunge
desperately on, hoping momentum will get me through. "Basically, what
it means is that it's always better to have a big - long - wick. Right?"
WRONG.
WRONG. Couldn't BE more wrong. Jesus. I did NOT say that to Danny. TELL
me I did NOT just say that to Danny. PLEASE.
Daniel
gives me a weird look tells me I said EXACTLY that to him and then
wrenches his gaze away. Yep. I did. I think I made him blush too. Way
to go, O'Neill!
"Don't
look at me," Daniel emphasises, shrugging and avoiding my eyes as he
gently leads Shifu past me.
I'm
TRYING. I've BEEN trying to stop since I started. I can't. Just can't.
Not waving here. Drowning. I did it. I said it. It's out there and I'm
outta options. Damage control. As in, need to do some. Like, NOW.
"That's
right, though? Right?" I insist as Shifu passes me, then I turn and
shrug helplessly at the General when neither Daniel nor Shifu deign to
acknowledge my humble existence.
The
general. I just came on to Daniel in front of my commanding officer.
George might not have picked up on it, but God help me, Daniel did.
I
just came on to Daniel. Right here in the gateroom. What the hell is
wrong with me?
And
please, God, let him think that was a joke.
I'm
slumped back in my chair chewing a finger. Haven't done that since I
was about twelve. Nerves. I'm nervous. Pathetic. Daniel has more on his
mind than his erstwhile team leader and best friend making frigging
wick jokes in the gateroom. Or should I say making gratuitous phallic
references. Or just cut to the goddamn chase -- making - weird -
advances.
"Doctor?"
Hammond gives Doc Fraisier the nod.
"Sir,
I found traces of the same nanite technology that once prematurely aged
Colonel O'Neill."
I
lean in front of her and crane to read the notes in the file. Whadda
they say about me? They name a disease after the person who discovers
it, don't they? O'Neill Syndrome? Can't quite make it out --
"Now,
I've had them analysed by some of the foremost experts in the field,"
Janet says crisply.
I'm
guessing she doesn't mean me and I should get my nose outta her file
before she TAKES it out. I lean back. She still gives me a LOOK. They
should bottle whatever the Doc has and make it freely available at the
Air Force Academy. It would DRAMATICALLY improve the calibre of the
officer candidates, at least when it came to ability to silently
intimidate.
"And
they say they appear to be inactive."
Jeez,
be a lot easier to read if she'd slide the file a little closer.
Foremost experts, huh? Just for little old me. I happen to BE the
foremost expert. Only one with first hand experience. About time I
contributed to the reasoned debate.
"So,
they shut themselves off already?" I ask intelligently.
"Well,
it's possible the boy's already reached the pre-programmed age."
Janet
is just being picky. I'm right and she knows it.
"Or
Oma figured out a way to stop it." Daniel's hands are clasped in front
of him, like he doesn't know what to do with them, thumbs engaged in a
constant nervous dance.
"Either
way, we can assume he's in no immediate physical danger," the general
comments.
"Yes,
sir," the Doc confirms.
"What
about the information this boy apparently knows? What exactly can he
tell us?" Hammond asks Teal'c.
"He
was born with the genetic memory of all the Goa'uld who came before
him." Teal'c's tone is sombre.
"So
the kid should know everything Apophis knew when he -- " my eyes go to
Daniel's shuttered face. I can't say it. I cannot sit here and calmly
talk about a Goa'uld we both hate screwing my best friend's beloved
dead wife. I can't be that cruel, especially not when the burning issue
on my mind is how come I suddenly - apparently - unbelievably - want
to, y'know. Kinda. With him. I make a vague gesture with my fist,
hoping to God I don't have to spell it out, then spread my hands
apologetically.
Daniel
leans a little closer. "Fathered the boy," he says precisely.
I
stand, or rather sit, corrected. "That," I let my finger do my talking
and give him an apologetic look.
"That
must be an awfully big burden for a young child to carry," Hammond
muses.
"That
is why all Goa'uld are born evil," Teal'c states flatly.
"It
also explains why a benevolent being like Oma Desala would help the boy
to bury those memories in his subconscious, so he could lead a normal
life," Daniel informs us pointedly.
We
can always rely on Daniel, our very own vocal moral minority, to keep
us firmly focused on the stuff we absolutely don't want to think about.
It's never enough for him we do what we gotta do, we also gotta do the
right thing for the right reason too. He annoys the crap out of me over
this stuff, letting me get a good head of steam going, then taking me
out at the knees when I fall short of the mark, always from the one
direction I don't see coming. I don't know why I even argue. I always
lose.
"Sir,
we've received word from the Tok'ra."
I
turn as Carter's voice brings the totally unwelcome news. "Oh, did we
REALLY have to call THEM?" I say indignantly.
"We
have a treaty with them, Colonel. Specifically mentioned is the full
exchange of all potential sources of information pertinent to the
Goa'uld." Hammond rebukes me.
Remembering
how many times they've fucked us over makes me roll my eyes
heavenwards. For God's sake, when are people going to clue in this is a
one way street here?
"They
say they can use the memory recall device to extract information
without harming him physically," Carter addresses Daniel specifically.
The
kid ISN'T Daniel's! Don't shift this burden on HIM, Carter. We're ALL
involved.
"What
about mentally?" Janet's not happy either.
"Ah
- what about emotionally?" Daniel looks to me as he asks this, then
around to the others. "Er - think about what we'd be exposing him to,"
he turns to Hammond, "We'd be flooding his mind with the thoughts of a
thousand Hitlers, one of whom happened to put a - " he falters, " - a
snake in his mother - uh."
Daniel
can't finish. He just trails off and stares down at the tabletop.
I
hate that he's having to go through this in front of everyone. It's
never enough for Daniel to be hurt, the vast cosmic injustice of life
absolutely HAS to go the distance for him and make sure there are
plenty of frigging witnesses every single frigging time.
"Look,
I realise we're talking about protecting the Earth and potentially
eliminating the Goa'uld entirely but - ah -- "
What?
Isn't that MY line? Someone switch scripts on me here?
"It
seems to me the boy is fairly wise, well beyond his years in fact.
Isn't it possible he might comprehend the situation if you explained it
to him?" Hammond also addresses Daniel.
This
is where he goes up like a rocket and tears us a new one for even
SUGGESTING --
"Uh
- " Daniel sighs. "Well, I guess so, but I doubt he'd be willing to
remember, and even if he is, how can we ask him to?"
Daniel
can't meet ANYONE'S eyes, and God knows I'M trying to meet his. I can't
believe I'm hearing this. We in the twilight zone? This is Daniel.
DANIEL. The annoyingly loud and insistent voice of my conscience for
four years. Daniel, just rolling over and playing the good little
get-with-the-program soldier? How fucked is that?
"Well,
if he's forgotten before, maybe he could forget again." Carter is
sympathetic, but duty comes first, last, always in her book.
Daniel
sighs again and looks away. He's going to do it. MY Daniel is going to
DO it. What the fuck is going on here? This is the same guy who stood
up in this same briefing room, and fought the good fight for Linea,
nailing both Teal'c and I to the wall to make his point because he
thought it was the right thing to do. The quintessential Dudley goddamn
Do Right. He can do THAT, do that to US for the Destroyer of Worlds but
NOT do THIS for Sha'uri's child?
I
don't get this. This is not the Daniel I know. What the hell happened?
I know we haven't exactly been living in one another's pockets lately,
but we're okay. He's okay. He's always okay. Can't be anything
bothering him; he'd have come to me. He would. No question. He knows
I've always got time, no matter how busy I - he knows. We're fine.
Had
a few shaky missions recently, but we're fine.
I
keep thinking that right until Hammond dismisses us, and Daniel leaves
me high and dry, striding off with Teal'c hovering protectively over
him.
That's
MY job. Teal'c? Daniel comes to ME. That's the way it is. The way it's
always been. SUPPOSED to be that way.
It
bothers the hell out of me that I didn't see this coming. Not the way
he'd react, nor that he wouldn't have filled me in on whatever it is
that's making him feel whatever this is. I don't KNOW. It's the first
time EVER I don't know what's going on with him.
Did
we - when did we stop talking?
DANIEL
"Well,
I guess so, but I doubt he'd be willing to remember, and even if he is,
how can we ask him to?"
And
yet, with everything that's at stake, how can we not?
He
has her eyes.
Can't
stop thinking about them, can't get them out of my head as I try not to
look at another pair of eyes. Watching me. Weighing me. Assessing me.
Both sets of eyes - the ones of the man on the other side of the table,
the ones of the boy examining me in my mind's eye - taking my measure
and finding me --
Wanting?
This
isn't the time. I can't be bothered with self-indulgent mental
ramblings or thinking about anything except what needs to be done.
Focus, Daniel. Stay with the program. Since Apophis killed Heru'ur and
gained control of his forces, the galaxy - and the Earth - has been in
the gravest danger it has ever known from the Goa'uld. We did our good
deed, tried to stop the 'worst' from happening and in the end all we
achieved was to hand our bitterest enemy yet more means to destroy us.
We
all stood there helpless to stop it from happening, knowing we didn't
have a single way of opposing him. Not a hope in hell if he decided the
time was finally right to settle a few scores. Nothing we could do. Not
a goddamned thing. That is, not until a little miracle was dropped into
our laps like so much manna.
Miracles.
That's what children are. What they're supposed to be. They're supposed
to be conceived in love, born as innocents, nurtured and protected in
constancy; a source of joy and pride.
Not
a reminder of an unspeakable act and an embodiment of the hopes for
deliverance of an entire planet. Possibly an entire galaxy.
Millions
- billions of lives. Weighed against one small boy. God.
Jack
has always said I needed to develop a sense of proportion. Needed to be
able to see the big picture. Get a proper sense of perspective.
Oh,
I think I'm finally there. This is about as 'big picture' as it gets.
No room for my petty personal scruples in this scenario. There's too
much at stake. Too many lives depending on --
I
know what we're planning to ask of this boy is wrong, but - I have to
remember to be strong. Sha'uri was strong. Right 'til the end. She
understood what the boy was, how important he is. She fought to reach
me, to tell me what he was, made me promise I'd find him. She knew. She
understood what was at stake.
I
have to remember this, have to be strong. I have to do this. It's what
Sha'uri - it's what she wanted. What she asked me to do.
Sam
is right. I have to trust that Oma will look after him. If she made him
forget once before, she can do it again. Oma wouldn't have let him come
to me - to us - if she didn't trust us. We're not going to hurt him.
He's strong. Brave. Like his mother. I'll be right there with him, help
him understand how important this is, how much GOOD he can do if he
helps us.
That's
it. Think of the good. That's better. That's the way. When it comes
right down to it, none of us really matter. What we want, what happens
to us - it doesn't mean anything in the grand scheme of things. What we
do - what we're willing to do for the greater good. That's all that
matters.
Think
of all the good it will do. Hold that thought.
I've
made my choice. Not that I need to, not that it makes any difference
any more, certainly not lately, but I guess old habits die hard - I
look across at Jack. Looking for --
For
what?
Approval?
Support? Understanding? That's a laugh. Once upon a time when I was his
good little Dannyboy he'd pat me on the head and hand me a lollipop
whenever I did what he wanted but somewhere along the way -- I
committed the unpardonable sin. I grew up. Had the temerity to cut the
apron strings. He'll never forgive me for it. It was bound to happen
some time, I suppose. Truth is, I was NEVER the inept, wide-eyed
innocent he took me for, but he so needed to see me that way, that God
help me, I let him.
So
I guess if anyone's to blame for us falling out it's me. I couldn't
keep up my side of the bargain. Just couldn't be 'Dannyboy' to his
'Poppa Jack,' anymore. Too much has happened. Too much. Have to reap
what I've unwittingly sown.
I
know what I'm going to see as I look at him and yet I look anyway. He
doesn't disappoint me. More disapproval. More bewilderment. God, Jack,
I really can't win with you, can I? I'm finally getting with the
program and am still getting the 'what? are you nuts?' look from you.
I
used to be able to please this colonel all of the time. Then I could
only please him some of the time. Now? Now I've graduated to pleasing
him none of the time. O'Neill's Law of Diminishing Returns.
Well,
screw you, JACK! Who fucking needs you anyway? Go play with your wick
and work it out for yourself. I've got more important things to do. One
of us is going to save this planet. No matter what it takes. There
won't be any more stolen, violated wives and innocent children used as
weapons if I have anything to say about it.
Shifu
will understand. Once I explain to him what's at stake, once I explain
to him this is what his mother wished - he'll understand. He'll help us.
His
eyes are so deep, so wise. So much like his mother's. I look at him,
but Sha'uri is all I see.
"She
spoke to you through the Goa'uld hand device?" Shifu's dark, fathomless
eyes are wide with wonder. She'd look at me the same way, marvelling at
the simplest of things.
"Yes,"
I nod. Spoke to me, held me, kissed me.
Told
me she loved me.
"She
was strong."
So
strong, so brave. Right to the very end. I can't let everything she
fought for come to nothing. I can't. I won't.
My
heart fills, aching with the memories called forth by his eyes. I have
to change my focus. Break the connection. Look away. It doesn't help; I
can still feel him watching me.
I
wonder what he sees?
"In
those moments, as Amonet tried to kill me, I felt like I lived a
lifetime."
The
lifetime we should have had together. The lifetime STOLEN from us.
I
love you too. I said it. I told her. But she didn't hear me. Already
gone.
"Like
a dream." Shifu approves.
"Yes."
A dream. One beautiful, bittersweet, impossible dream.
He
smiles a little. "Dreams teach."
//
You are the only one who can save the boy, Danyiel. //
What?
"Sometimes."
Something - something in his eyes. Reminding me -- I find it so hard to
look into his eyes. HER eyes. And yet I can't seem to stop looking at
him. Seeing her. Something she was trying to tell me, suddenly not sure.
"In
this one, I got the chance to say goodbye and - your mother told me how
important YOU were."
Yes,
that's what she was trying to tell me. What he was. What I had to do.
Why I needed to find him.
//
Promise me you will save the child. //
What?
"Oma
teaches the true nature of a man is determined in the battle between
his conscious mind and the desires of the subconscious." Shifu says
gravely. "Oma teaches the evil in my subconscious is too strong to
resist. The only way to win is to deny it battle."
[
I promised he would be safe. ]
I
did. He will. Oma started the job. Now she's trusting me to take over.
We NEED him. We need the knowledge he has. Sha'uri knew this, that's
why she -- She understood. Oma has to understand this as well. That's
why she sent him here - now. To us.
To
me.
It'll
be all right. I'll help him. He won't be alone. We'll get through this
together. What I couldn't do for Sha'uri, I'll do for him. I'll keep my
promise.
Keep
my promise.
It
all makes sense. I know I'm doing the right thing. I know I'm doing
what needs to be done. What Sha'uri wanted me to do.
Why
then, when I look into his eyes, does it suddenly feel so -- wrong?
I
shift uncomfortably in my seat, eyes on the ground again. Makes it
easier on me not to look at him as I try to make him understand what
has to be. "Yeah." I straighten up to make the attempt to face him, but
still can't meet his eyes. It's just because I have to concentrate,
focus on what's important. Not because I can't look at him while I lie.
"The
thing is, we can't deny the battle against the Goa'uld forever."
They're evil. They've killed and enslaved millions; they deserve to
die. Every last one of them. They're responsible for the death of your
MOTHER! They - did this to you! Made you what you are. Surely you of
all people can see why we HAVE to stop them!
"And
the information buried within your memory could really help us."
You
can stop them, Shifu. Help me - help us stop them. Has to be done. We
can't let this go on. All this pain, suffering, someone has to stop it.
Answer for it. I need - I need to see it end. Whatever it takes I will
- I will see it end.
"You
have chosen a path that leads to me because of this." Shifu declaims
solemnly, his young brow furrowing with a look of concern. For me.
He's
concerned. For me. About me. It's all I can do to stop from jumping up
and running away from him. Stop it. Stop LOOKING at me like that. This
isn't about me.
"Yes."
Yes, I guess I did. The instant Apophis took Sha'uri from me my course
was set. It has brought me right to you. My first real chance to make
all the wrongs - right. To make a difference. Apophis meant to use you
as a host. To use you. That's not what I want. I want to HELP you
understand what you have. What you have the POWER to do. Don't you
understand? You've got the power, the knowledge to HURT them. Stop
them! Use it! I'll help you. I know Oma has told you the knowledge
within you is too evil to resist, but only if you try and face it
alone. I'll help you. We'll make sure it's used properly. I'll make
sure it's used properly. Only to do good. To spare my - to spare others
their suffering.
I
promise.
I'll
protect you. I promised your mother I'd keep you safe. She knew I
could, knew she could trust me. Said I was the only one who could save
you.
It'll
be all right. You can trust me.
"You
must release your burden before you will find your own way again."
(
You do not have the same evil within you. But you have your own burdens
of which to rid yourself. )
"Yeah.
Someone else once said that to me."
Hello
again floor. Why can't I LOOK at him? I know what I have to do, that
I'm doing the right thing. "The thing is, this is my way. I chose this
path to honour Sha'uri's strength."
[
The Goa'uld are responsible for the death of my wife. As well as
millions and millions of other people. How can I NOT hate them. ]
Yes,
I know I said this, but that isn't why I'm -- this has to be done - the
Goa'uld have to be opposed and defeated for the good of everyone. My
particular sorrows don't matter. This isn't about me.
It
isn't.
"Ultimately,
it isn't about me." Or this incredibly fascinating spot on the floor
I've found. "Or you, for that matter."
(
Your hate will lead to the child's death. )
"I
understand," Shifu says serenely, and yet sadly.
What?
"The
Tok'ra have a way to help you remember only certain things. How Goa'uld
technology works, their weaknesses. And then afterwards, maybe Oma can
help you forget again."
I'm
sure she can. I know she can. If she can do it once --
"If
the instrument is broken, the music will be sour."
No,
don't want to hear this can't - can't allow myself to - this ISN'T
going to hurt him. It ISN'T.
"The
music does not play the musician."
That
made him smile. I hope - I hope he understands I'd never hurt him. I -
I wouldn't --
"Normally,
there is truth in that."
Maybe
not.
"Really?
Good. Because I really didn't have any idea what I was talking about."
Sounded good, though, didn't it? I've got this ghost of a smile on my
face, the first semi-positive expression I've been able to muster since
I came in here, and he's smiling back with a whole lot more conviction
than me. Which makes me feel so much worse. "All I know is this is very
important, or I wouldn't ask."
Very
important. Life and death. Life and --
Oh
God - Sha'uri. She asked me to promise to SAVE him!
Shifu
is sombre. He lifts his hand and touches it to my forehead. He's
emanating a white light, like the light Oma -
{
Depending on the degree of mental control you are able to achieve it is
possible to inflict considerable pain upon the victim in steadily
increasing increments before the threshold beyond which the organic
tissues become irreparably damaged is reached. It is not easy to
achieve such subtle control, but the results are worth the effort. }
What?
What was that?
God.
Head. Absolutely splitting. Haven't felt pain like this since -- No
wonder I'm thinking about ribbon devices.
What
- what happened?
"Colonel,
he's awake."
That's
Janet's voice. Where? Maybe if I opened my eyes.
"What
happened?" Okay, so I'm going for practical, not dazzlingly original.
"I
was going to ask you the same thing. You were talking to the boy, then
you suddenly collapsed."
I
hardly hear Janet's answer. My head, swooping, swirling as if a door is
opening up in my mind, something huge, unfathomable rushing up toward
me --
Or
- or dragging me down.
"Hey!
How you feeling?"
Open
my eyes again. Jack. Of course. Face as worried as his voice sounded.
Like I should be surprised. Seems lately whenever I find myself in this
position, his is always the first face I see. There's something -
something comforting in that.
Whatever
it was fuzzing my head up, it's over. Funny. Pain is gone too. Don't
feel all mentally jumbled and confused. Just the opposite. Everything
is clear. Astonishingly clear. Simply astonishing.
"Fine.
I'm - uh - I'm fine." Yeah. That's right. I'm fine. No harm done.
Better than fine, maybe, in fact.
"Er
- listen. What happened with the kid in there?" Jack's still not
convinced. He wouldn't be worried if he could see what I'm seeing now.
Son
of a bitch. Smart kid. Way smarter than me. Never even occurred to me
there was another way.
"I
asked him for something. Anything that would help us fight the Goa'uld."
"Yeah?"
"And
I think he gave it to me."
Nobody
does sceptical quite like Jack, but I have to say, Janet runs him a
close second on this occasion. Would it KILL Jack to take me at my
word, just ONCE? Why do I have to PROVE it - prove MYSELF to him, over
and over again?
"These
are the long range sensors," I explain to Sam as I indicate the diagram
on the board. I'm still having a bit of a hard time taking this all in.
I actually KNOW all of this. Not just - this - what I'm showing Sam
now, but oh, God, all of it. There's just so MUCH - information --
"I
don't even know what to ask first."
That
makes two of us, Sam. I don't know where to start to get all of this
'catalogued.' Sorted, mentally organised, evaluated, prioritised,
sifted. Such a tremendous wealth of information. Such a huge
responsibility. I want to make absolutely sure I get the maximum value
from what I've been given. Get at what we most need. What will be of
the best use to Earth.
Shifu
gave this to me not simply because I asked him to. He gave it to ME.
Not Sam, Not Teal'c, not Jack. ME. He chose me. He's trusting me to
understand what I have and to use it properly. I can't let him down. I
can't let the Earth down.
I
won't.
"Well
the translation might be a little off, everything in my head is
actually in Goa'uld." Working on it. Working on it. It's all coming at
me a little fast, it's a lot to take it in but I'll get it all sorted
out. Just have to get used to having all this -- stuff -- in my head.
I'll
be fine. I can handle it.
"Where
does it get its power from?"
Sam
is speaking to me. Trying to focus on what she's saying. She's so
excited, like a kid in a candy store. This has to be her dearest
fantasy come true. All the things we'll be able to discover, mysteries
she'll be able to explore, questions she'll finally have the answers
for.
That
is, if she asks me nicely.
"Liquid
naquadah fuel cell, here," I frown and tap the diagram on the board in
front of me.
What?
Where, where did THAT come from? Asks me NICELY?
"LIQUID
naquadah?" she peers at me incredulously.
That's
what I said. Surprise. I know something YOU don't know. Hell, a LOT of
stuff you don't know! Now I'm the one with the cold, hard facts. Not -
not intuition. Not FEELINGS that only turn out to be 'facts' after YOU
take over and take all the credit. Bet you won't be cutting me down in
front of the colonel now, huh Sam? Suddenly Daniel is the one who has
all the answers. Your new best friend. Wonder what you'd be willing to
do to stay my 'friend?'
"Well,
actually it's heavy liquid naquadah, but don't ask me what makes it
heavy. At least, not yet."
Come
to think of it, it must really be eating your up you have to ASK me
about any of this. All this wonderful technical stuff. Should be in
YOUR head, not mine, right? After all, I'm only a stupid archaeologist.
I couldn't POSSIBLY have the ability to understand and appreciate this
stuff the way you could.
You
should have been the one Shifu picked, right, Sam? That's what you're
thinking. What you've been thinking all this time while you're standing
there making nice and picking my brains. Only because you've got no
other choice. Only way you'll get any of it is if you kiss up to me and
pretend you don't mind you're strictly second chair this time. And
won't get to be the big cheese no matter what.
You
never liked me. Not really. This must be just KILLING you. Having to
make nice to DAN-iel. When all the time it should have been you.
I'm
just that much better than you one more time, Sam, dear.
"Daniel,
this -- " Sam's voice, full of awe and wonder, cutting through my
thoughts like an accusing knife.
God!
What, what - what am I thinking? Where is all of this coming from? Sam
- Sam's my friend. She wouldn't think - I - I wouldn't - wouldn't --
"Are
you okay?"
She
sounds genuinely concerned. Must have seen me flinch. I feel too
ashamed to admit what just happened, what I was just thinking about
her. Crazy stuff. Must just be the stress of having to deal with all
this technical information. Once I get it all properly organised, it
won't be so overwhelming. So confusing.
It'll
be fine. Nothing to worry about. I can handle it.
"Yeah,"
I grin reassuringly at her, "it's just that strange things keep flying
into my mind." Don't sweat it Sam, I'm fine. It's nothing. Nothing you
need to worry about. I'll deal with it. I rub my eyes, shake my head,
and smile at her again. "I'm - I'm sorry. What were you saying?"
"Just
that this is unbelievable." Her eyes are shining, wide with wonder. All
she can see is the good, the potential, the possibilities. She doesn't
understand there's so much more. She doesn't understand there's a cost.
A responsibility that goes with having this much knowledge.
This
much -- power.
"I
know," I say gravely.
She
doesn't understand, but I'm beginning to. I look away from her, focus
on the blackboard as sudden terror grips me. She can't help me with
this. No one can. I'm all on my own, here. I have to find a way to deal
with this.
I
can. I will. I'll find a way to be the master of this gift, not it's
servant. Or its victim.
I
CAN do this. I can.
Sam
presents my plans for my satellite defence system to Hammond with a
flourish and a 'look what I did, sir' expression. Sure enough, he looks
at HER before he takes a look at the plans, like she actually had
anything to do with coming up with them. Other than taking dictation,
that is.
He
gives the plan a brief once over like he even has a clue what he's
looking at. You can stare at it all day, George, I guarantee you you're
still not going to get it.
"What
is it?" he asks, finally. Asks HER. Typical. I'm actually in the room
but he hasn't even acknowledged me yet. Still thinking of me as the
dopey, no account archaeologist. That'll change. That'll change very,
very soon.
"Well,
I guess you could call it a satellite, sir," Sam launches forward with
the requested explanation. Pretty pleased with herself. "According to
Daniel, it would be capable of detecting Goa'uld ships thousands of
light years away. Its weapons systems could penetrate Goa'uld shield
technology and destroy motherships. Basically, sir, it's the basis of
the perfect anti-Goa'uld defence system."
Which
I came up with, Sam. Not you. Think it's about time to enter the
conversation and remind certain people of that fact. You being at the
top of the list.
"Of
course, we need to build an entire network of them, and launch them
into orbit," I say tersely. Hello, George. Real genius in the room,
here.
"Can
we do that?" Once again, he's asking HER.
"Well,
sir, this is an entirely new kind of technology. We'd need to bring in
outside help. A LOT of it." Okay, I can see where this is going. Sam
figures as long as she has the plans and then gets her alien buddies
involved she can cut Doctor Jackson out of the loop. Pick his brains,
suck him dry and then discard him. Get to the top on his back and then
push him over the side when she doesn't need him anymore.
Not
going to happen. Sam, you've just used me to look good for the very
last time.
"Ultimately,
it means we don't have to involve the Tok'ra." I interject sharply. Ah,
I see that finally got George's attention.
"Why
not?" Talking to ME now.
"At
the moment, the Goa'uld don't care what we're up to. We're no immediate
threat. If it gets out we've suddenly advanced to this level of
technology, we wouldn't be able to build the defence system fast
enough."
I'm
trying to keep the tone of my voice patient, but I can't believe I
actually have to explain this to him. It's so obvious a child would be
able to work it out. He's a two star general, for crying out loud,
you'd think he'd have some basic grasp of strategy and tactics. I can't
believe how STUPID these people are turning out to be. Or how I could
have worked with them for four years and not seen it sooner.
Unbelievable.
Lucky for the Earth its fate isn't resting in THESE hands.
"You
think the Tok'ra would betray us?" Hammond inquires. Of Sam. Again.
Why
the fuck does he keep looking at Sam? I'M the one who's talking. Not
only that, I'm the one who really knows what's going on here. Who can
see things clearly. You know, George, the big picture? Especially the
part of it pertaining to Major Carter and her buddies the Tok'ra.
Who
knows what the hell the Tok'ra have done to Sam. Or how much of her
loyalty is really to them instead of to the Earth because of Jolinar's
influence. Not to mention the fact she turned her own FATHER over to
one of them.
Interesting.
This never occurred to me before, but now that it has, I'm thinking I
should be keeping a very careful, watchful eye on Major Carter. She's
definitely a potential security risk. It might not necessarily be her
fault, but the fact she was at one time blended with a Tok'ra means
she's compromised. The effects of that union were never fully explored
or tested. The memories could affect her mentally. Overwhelm her and
control her at any time. Make her act according to the Tok'ra's agenda
and not Earth's.
I'll
definitely be keeping track of Major Carter.
"They've
had problems with Goa'uld spies before. I don't think it's worth the
risk. Not when we can do this without them." I say emphatically.
WILL
do it without them, George. I've made up my mind. No snakes in on this.
'Friendly' or otherwise.
"I'll
take it under consideration," he replies almost dismissively.
No
you won't George; you'll do what I say. So will everyone else.
"What
about the boy?" he asks, suddenly turning and really looking at me for
the first time.
Of
course. Now we're back in the realm of feelings it's over to good old
DAN-iel.
An
answering response of protectiveness for Shifu wells ups within me.
"Well,
he doesn't have to remember anything now," I tell George firmly, in no
uncertain terms. "He's given me all the knowledge we need."
Which
is why none of you are getting your hands on him. I'm the only game in
town. You'll be dealing with me and no one else. The boy is MINE. As
well as everything he has in his head.
Mine.
"How
he did that is what concerns me," Hammond continues. Well, what do you
know? Still talking to me. Don't worry your bald head about it, 'sir'.
The boy is in good hands. He's staying that way, as well.
"He's
no danger, sir," I tell him, still firmly.
Nor
is he any of your concern. Don't cross me on this, George. Take the
hint. I've got some leverage you don't know about yet, and I'm not
afraid to use it if you push me.
"Still,
as long as he's here, he should be kept under close guard."
I
see. Still not listening to me. Still thinking my opinion and my views
don't matter. Still brushing me off to the side as the no account
civilian.
Still
making the fatal mistake of underestimating me, just like everyone else.
Hammond
turns from me to Sam. "I'll talk to the Pentagon about bringing in some
more personnel to help you out."
I
look at Major Doctor Carter too. Help HER out? I see. So that's the way
you think it is, eh? The way it's going to be? I don't think so.
That's
too bad, George. It really is. I like you. You've seemed to be a little
more far-sighted and flexible than many of your peers, but I'm sorry to
see even you have your limits. You've left me no choice. I'm going to
have to go over your head. If you're not going to work with me, you're
going to have to be cut out of the loop.
Just
like anyone else who might be having any ideas of trying to get in my
way. Nothing personal. I just can't afford to let this get screwed up
by myopic, hide-bound, unimaginative bureaucrats. Or people who let
their ambitions and personal agendas get in the way of the achieving
the goal.
No
room for sentiment or feelings here. No room for petty politics either.
This is far too important. It stuns me sometimes; I seem to be the only
one who can see this. Who can grasp what's really at stake here, why
it's so important we get the job done, no matter the cost. Without
allowing all this pointless protocol, red tape and petty politicking to
obfuscate the issues and slow down achieving the objective.
Committees,
organisations, governments, even - are a complete waste of time. Too
many voices trying to satisfy too many agendas - someone has to put
their foot down finally, and make a decision. DO something, before the
Goa'uld come and catch us with our pants down while we're all still
busy talking at each other without listening and kissing each others
butts in order to score brownie points.
Pathetic.
The whole lot of you are so pathetic.
SOMEONE
has to take charge and get the job done. I don't understand why I'm the
ONLY one who sees this.
Maybe
I shouldn't be so surprised. Shifu knew what he was doing when he
picked me. He knew I'd understood, knew I won't let him down.
I'll
get the job done. No matter what. The Earth is counting on me.
JACK
I'm
not good at this navel contemplation stuff, but half an hour alone in
my office, thinking - trapped rat comes to mind for some reason - has
led me to three pretty shitty conclusions. One. Talk about a bolt from
the blue, but I've got the hots for Daniel. Two. Daniel and I are on
speaking terms but we're apparently not on SPEAKING terms. Or maybe
he's been speaking and I haven't been listening. I just don't know.
Three. I don't resolve two there's no point whatsoever sitting here
fretting myself to death over one.
The
hots. Sounds so - casual. Almost jokey. Not at all like suddenly
wanting to fuck my best friend just turned my already pathetic, empty
life upside down and inside out and back to front and stomped on my
balls for good measure.
I
do so enjoy eating my heart out over people I shouldn't want and can't
ever have. Becoming quite the habit for me. The emotional frigging root
canal from HELL. A constant searing ache just never quits, not until
the root of the pain is forcibly extracted and you go mercifully numb.
I've
got a horrible feeling about Carter. Have a sick feeling in the pit of
my gut she wasn't my first foray into this particular arena. That she
was just a painful object lesson in avoidance. Diversion. Obfuscation.
A feint. A show of strength to deceive the enemy. At this point in time
I don't know who the hell I was trying to kid, who the 'enemy' was.
Him? Me.
It's
so low key. A revelation like this should have been worthy of a burning
bush of it's very own. I didn't get an epiphany. No blinding flash of
inspiration, no coup de foudre. Daniel stood in front of me like he has
a thousand times before and just - came into focus. I've finally seen
an old truth. Part of me, a part of me that's been choked way down
deep, wants him. Has wanted him from the very first moment I laid eyes
on him. If I hadn't been so fucked up back then I would have seen it.
I've
hated everyone who's had him when I couldn't. Easy to hate Hathor,
Shyla and Linea. Shameful to be jealous of Sha'uri. Shameful that she
saw something in me I didn't, way back when. She knew I'd come to take
him away from her, that's what that kiss in the gateroom on Abydos was
about. Staking her claim.
When
she died -- I wasn't glad for him. God forgive me, I was glad for me.
Glad it was finally over, that I wouldn't have to share him any more.
He was finally mine. Now I know why I went off the deep end over the
kid. HER kid. A concrete reminder she was still as much with us as she
was that first night on Abydos.
Until
today I never knew myself. I had no idea I could be so unconscionably
self-centred. I can't change what is, but I can damned well change what
will be. I won't do it. It's killing me, the thought of not being able
to have him when I want him so very, very badly, want him so much I can
TASTE it.
I
will not do it. I will not fuck my best friend. Here endeth point one.
On
to point two. How come I don't know what's up with my best friend these
days? Gotta deal, O'Neill. Teal'c apparently does. Knows what's up with
Daniel, that is. So I gotta swallow my pride and go dig shamelessly for
information. If it's broke, I gotta fix it.
"You
must ask DanielJackson," Teal'c tells me sternly.
"That's
no answer!" I snap.
And
I DON'T need you standing there JUDGING me. Fuck it. "Just what the
hell are you trying to imply here, Teal'c? That I've been neglecting
him or something?"
"You
have had other concerns of late," he ripostes.
I
stop my pacing abruptly. "What?"
"You
have been cementing your relationship with Major Carter most
diligently, O'Neill," he supplies smoothly. "A fact of which
DanielJackson has been as aware as I. He has been most grateful to find
someone sympathetic to HIS interests and concerns."
"What's
that supposed to mean?" I snarl. My voice is getting the same ugly edge
as my anger. Anger as impotent as my jealousy. He IS saying I've been
neglecting Daniel. Damn him all to hell, how dare he judge me? "Daniel
is a grown up, if he wants -- "
"I
will refrain from the obvious response," Teal'c interrupts with such
meaning I can't let it go by.
"You're
skirting the line here with me, Teal'c."
"Your
behaviour invites it."
Sonovabitch!
"How dare you!"
"Do
not pursue this discussion, O'Neill." Teal'c's tone is forbidding. "You
will not like what I have to say on this matter."
I'm
so angry my hands are shaking. I shove them deep in my pockets. "Oh,
no, I INSIST. Pray tell!"
Teal'c
gives me a long measuring glance. "Very well. It is YOU who does not
recognise DanielJackson is an adult."
"WHAT?
That's - that's NUTS!" I explode.
"Nonetheless,
it is true. It has not been my place to interfere, but I have had
occasion to regret DanielJackson's willingness to indulge you."
"INDULGE?"
"Indeed,"
he intones with flat finality. "There have been many occasions recently
when your behaviour towards him has been manifestly intended to
reassert an authority, a control over his actions you clearly felt you
were losing as his own convictions and developing capabilities have led
him to take a stance somewhat at variance to your own."
"You
trying to say I'm some kind of control freak?" I demand furiously.
"That is SUCH crap. I can't believe - "
"It
is the truth," Teal'c interjects swiftly. "You have reacted
irrationally to DanielJackson's demonstrable assimilation of military
protocol, procedure and furtherance of tactical goals. In addition, you
have viewed with the severest disapprobation the increasing demands on
DanielJackson's time from teams such as SG-5 and SG-11, as well as his
highly successful forays into the realm of diplomacy as witnessed most
recently in the signing of the treaty with the Tok'ra."
"Are
you saying I think Daniel has outgrown the team, so I'm trying to hold
him back?" I demand furiously, almost breathless from the bitter anger
gripping me. When the only response I receive from Teal'c is a slightly
pitying look I manage to connect the dots all on my own. Teal'c is
saying I think Daniel has outgrown ME, and I'm trying to hold him back,
control him, keep him how I want him to be for ME.
Daniel
- indulges me? Does Daniel - does he - Do I come off as the 'do as I
say not as I do' anally retentive control freak loser to Daniel?
Teal'c
is telling me outright I DO, and Daniel wearily INDULGES me in my
delusion of adequacy.
I
can't think of a frigging thing to say to Teal'c and just lose myself
negotiating the maze back to my office from his quarters without
another word spoken between us. I think I can still feel his pity
weighing me down, though.
I
won't have sex with Daniel? Just who the hell am I fucking trying to
kid here? This isn't about morality, or even about practicality. Try
self-preservation. Even if Daniel had given any indication EVER he was
so inclined, I guess I'd be the LAST person on this or any other planet
he'd choose to get horizontal with, if this is what he thinks of me.
This
isn't about me. Daniel and I? This is NOT my decision to make. I
thought it was, so I guess I should thank Teal'c for the heads up.
Yeahsureyoubetcha. I've apparently got nothing to offer Daniel and
there's no point asking him for anything. He'll indulge me, but it only
goes so far. 'Don't look at me.' Gotcha. Crystal clear, here.
I
don't feel angry any more. Like a greying, numbing mist is smothering
me, dampening the acuity of my senses, dulling my reflexes, leaching
all the life and ardour out of me. No chance. I haven't even framed a
coherent thought about what the hell it is I want, what I've apparently
wanted from the moment I laid eyes on him, but I already know I can't
have it, because Daniel and Teal'c have told me so in so many damning
words.
Daniel
indulges me.
I'm
so lost in thought the shrilling of the phone makes me jump.
"O'Neill,"
I mutter, not really caring.
"Colonel,
it's Dr Fraisier. Can you come up to the Infirmary?"
"Why?"
You got a test for anal retention I can take?
"It's
Dr Jackson, sir. He was with Shifu for so long, Teal'c went to find
him. He found Dr Jackson unconscious on the floor."
"I'm
on my way," I snap, slamming the phone down and hauling ass down the
corridor to take the elevator up to the Infirmary.
I
enliven my mad dash through the hallways of the SGC scattering the SFs
from my path, and trying to imagine just what the hell could have
happened to Daniel inside a guarded room in the middle of Cheyenne
Mountain. He wasn't sick. The kid. It had to be the damn kid. Why does
no one ever listen to me about these things? What? I gotta add paranoid
to my list of attractive personality traits? That one make Daniel's top
ten of things about me he just has to put up with?
I
slow to a more moderate pace but still manage to pounce through the
door of the Infirmary, making some inoffensive little nurse jump as a
result.
The
Doc and Teal'c are hovering by Daniel's bedside. He's in those blue
hospital pyjamas, not wired up to anything, thank God, his beautiful
face dreadfully pale and still.
Beautiful?
Crap.
GOT to pull myself together. I'm too damn old to have a CRUSH. I'm on
the slippery slope here, headed straight down to notes in his locker
and asking Carter to tell him I like him and wanna meet him outside
after work. God help me.
"Is
he hurt?" I demand, keeping a careful distance. Got itchy fingers all
of a sudden. I got some room for manoeuvre on the hugging thing -
though there's been a bit of a drought recently, one I hadn't picked up
on until today - but stroking his hair would definitely occasion
comments. The kind that lead to an Article 15. I can't feel him up just
because I want to, and he's unconscious. I'm not allowed to look, which
makes it pretty damn tough to touch. I could close my eyes, which would
honour the letter of the prohibition, though it would do considerable
violence to the spirit.
"I
can't find any signs of physical injury," Janet explains patiently.
"His scans are all normal. There's no cause for alarm. He's just -
unconscious."
She's
annoyed she has no explanation. I can tell.
"How
long's he been out, for cryin' out loud? If he isn't hurt, why the hell
isn't he awake yet?" I'M annoyed Janet has no explanation. SHE can
tell. Her eyes snap at me, though she maintains her usual calm
demeanour, unhurriedly checking Daniel's pulse and resps again.
Baseline observations, even I know they do that when they don't know
what else to do. And they just keep on doing them until nature takes
its course.
Why
the HELL is she making me sweat like this? Come ON. GIVE, woman, gimme
something.
"DanielJackson
has been unconscious since I found him twenty minutes ago, O'Neill,"
Teal'c measured tones break the silence.
"Why
didn't you call me sooner?" I snap. That's a HELL of a long time to be
out, and it's over an hour since the briefing. He could have been out
for any or all of that time. "Why didn't the kid ask for help? What was
his reaction?" I know I sound harsh, Janet is shooting me disapproving
looks. I don't give a damn. I want ANSWERS.
Teal'c
considers this thoughtfully. "The boy merely said, 'Whatever an enemy
might do to an enemy, or a foe to a foe, the ill-directed mind can
inflict more harm.' I alerted the medical staff and questioned the boy
as we waited. He would say no more, and would not reveal how
DanielJackson came to be in this condition."
Kids
of today, huh? They speak MTV, not English. This particular kid is only
fluent and comprehensible in gibberish, a language none of us speaks,
not even Daniel.
I
also speak a language Daniel doesn't. It's called interrogation, and
it's one the kid is about to learn.
"I'm
going to talk to the kid. Call ME the moment there's a change in his
condition." I eye Teal'c, trying not to let the resentment show.
"I
will, O'Neill," Teal'c says calmly.
"You?"
"Indeed.
I will remain with DanielJackson for the moment. It is Doctor Fraiser's
opinion that even though Daniel Jackson is unconscious, he is not
beyond the reach of our voices. I will speak to him."
"That's
an excellent idea, Teal'c, thank you," Janet says warmly.
They
couldn't make it more clear I'm in the way just now, and I'm - I'm
shocked by the intensity of the possessive rage scorching through me.
Daniel is MINE - MY best friend and it seems everyone here has
forgotten it.
It
hits me like a punch to the gut. Including ME. I assumed. Took for
granted. No more. This is too damn much. It stops HERE and it stops
NOW. Major reconstruction of fences, bridges, boats required? Jack
O'Neill is your man. Whatever it takes, I'll do.
I
love Teal'c like a brother, but I ain't ready to give up a 'burden'
he's apparently only too ready to relieve me of. Maybe I've got no
chance whatsoever of having Daniel as lover. Maybe I don't deserve a
chance. I don't know. Not sure of anything any more except I do want my
FRIEND back.
Starting
now. I need answers, and the kid can give 'em to me.
DANIEL
Where
is he? I sent for him ten minutes ago. DAMMIT! What could he POSSIBLY
have to do which could be more important than this?
My
head is aching. I take off my glasses, rub my eyes, peer at the board
again. The Goa'uld phrase which is eluding me staring back at me.
Mocking me.
It's
too absurd. I've just pulled the specs for the hyperdrive that powers
the Goa'uld motherships up from the mental archive of information I'm
assembling and I can't seem to remember the meaning of a simple phrase
in Goa'uld. It's driving me crazy.
WHERE
THE HELL IS TEAL'C?
Insolence!
He's lucky this isn't Chulak.
"DanielJackson."
It's
about time.
I
glance up from my notes for just a moment.
"Teal'c."
What? No apology? No explanation for the unacceptable length of time it
took you to answer my summons?
You
kept me waiting, Teal'c. You held the fate of the entire world hostage
while you - while you - WHAT?
"I
was unable to complete my Kel'no'reem. What is of such importance I had
to be summoned here immediately?"
Kel'no'reem,
is it? You want ME to tell YOU what is so important I had to interrupt
your NAP? How DARE you take that tone with me? Since when does a SLAVE
question his master's actions? An insolent, insubordinate slave at
that! You should be on your knees before me, begging me for mercy,
swearing you'll serve me.
On
your KNEES before me! Where you belong!
A
searing pain lances through my head and suddenly, I see him. The slave
before me, as he should be. Properly attired in his serpent garb,
kneeling in obeisance at my feet. In silent, abject obedience. For an
instant the image, the notion horrifies me and yet --
I
try to shake my mind free of it only to have it flash before me again.
Stronger, the sense of 'rightness' about it singing through me.
I'm
seeing clearly for the first time. The man before me is a slave.
Nothing more than a slave from a race of slaves. He's looking at me as
if he imagines himself to be my equal. Wrong, he's so wrong. He's not
my equal. He's not even fit to serve me. He's a - a Shol'va. A slayer
of his betters. The slave who killed Sha'uri. He's not even fit to have
looked at her! He betrayed his masters, his betters because he imagined
himself superior to them.
What's
to stop him from betraying me for exactly the same reason?
Nothing.
Presuming, of course, I'm stupid enough to give him the opportunity.
"Um
- what does this mean?" I tap the diagram on the board before me and
step back to my desk. I have to put some distance between us. I can
barely disguise my contempt. I look away from him and rub my eyes as he
answers me. My head is throbbing, rage building within me.
"I
believe the closest translation would be subatomic energy particles."
Of
COURSE! I had it, just as he told me. Didn't need him after all.
"That's
what I thought. Thank you." Get out of my sight.
Teal'c
bows as I step back to my work, but doesn't leave. I'm finished with
him. Why is he lingering? "You can, er, you can go back to whatever it
is you were doing." Must be careful what I say to him, mustn't arouse
his suspicions. I feel his eyes on me, searching me, as I keep my back
to him, focus on my notes and try to calm the raging fury within me. I
can't believe his arrogance that he would presume to question or
examine me. ME!
Insolent
slave. What does he know?
Finally
he realises I have nothing more to say to him nor do I feel the need to
further acknowledge his presence. Finally, he leaves.
I'm
going to have ensure he never bothers me again.
Well,
here we are. All the players assembled. The Majors Davis and Carter,
our fearless leader the wise and avuncular General Hammond, and various
assorted and sundry military and political bit players. The stage is
well and truly set for the debut of Doctor Jackson.
So
far it has been going well. Everyone has been listening; Sam is
actually letting me do most of the talking. Generous of her, I must say.
They've
all come here with a certain expectation. That they'll be listening to
DAN-iel tell them his little plan, and then they'll tell him what's
going to happen and all HE needs to do is just sit there like a good
little wonder boy, churning out the information while the real work is
done by the grown ups. The wise military and political minds who know
what's good for the world far better than he does.
He
doesn't need to worry his pretty little head about it. Big Daddy
Military's got the whole thing handled.
That's
what they think is going to happen. Let's see how they take it when
Doctor Jackson tells them the way it's actually going to be from now on.
And
let's see how many of them I'm going to let stay on this team by the
end of this briefing.
"Bottom
line is, it's going to require the entire resources of the entire SGC
to focus on the retrieval of raw naquadah for the time being."
Ah,
as expected, opposition from the major. Let me guess, Sam, going to try
and bring up the tired old Tok'ra bone again?
"Well
if we ask the Tok'ra for help -- " Sam begins
How
predictable. And how very disappointing. You know how I feel about
this, Sam. I thought we'd straightened all of this out. Evidently not.
Still trying to challenge my authority, I see.
This
little battle of wills ends now.
I
turn away from her, cutting across her comment, addressing my remark to
the other major I'm wanting to take the measure of.
"Major
Davis, you've prepared a budget and timetable based on the data?" I
pointedly ask him.
Your
opinion and input are no longer required, Major Carter. She flinches at
the way I've cut her off. Doesn't say another word. Good. It appears as
if she finally understands who's REALLY calling the shots here. Now she
has been dealt with I can ignore her and turn my attention to handling
the other inflexible military minds in this room.
"The
Pentagon had budgeted the construction and launch of the satellite
network at eighty billion dollars, estimated time of completion to be
two years after the start date." Davis answers me with correct
precision and deference. While he says the last thing I want to hear.
"That's
unacceptable." Completely. Though, sadly, not unexpected.
Timid,
narrow-minded, short sighted BUREAUCRATS! Two years? Two years? Do they
have any conception of what's at stake here? IDIOTS! No doubt if I'd
given them the plans for the ultimate sports arena they'd have the
funds allocated and the thing built in a month. Who cares if the
Goa'uld come and wipe us out as long as we've got a nice new fancy
place to play football in?
Ah,
Davis is trying to be helpful. Attempting to demonstrate creative
thinking and a problem-solving capacity by offering up a solution for
getting the job done faster. "Well, if we involve the Russians in a
co-operative effort --"
Can't
say I think much of it. Risking compromising the entire project and the
safety of Earth by disclosing our plans to the Russians is an
acceptable option to the Pentagon just so long as it means they can
save a few bucks?
You're
going to have to do better than this, Major, if you're hoping to
impress me.
Unbelievable.
This goes so far beyond the scope of stupidity I can hardly fathom what
I've heard. Aside from the fact if we gave this up to the Russians it
would be all over the globe in no time, need I remind you, the Russians
have a working, unprotected Stargate. What's to stop them from using it
to betray us? Or anyone ELSE using it to launch a covert attack on the
Earth?
Once
again I'm going to have to EXPLAIN things to these people. I'm getting
really tired having to waste my time pointing out the obvious to
military drones who are completely lacking the capacity to formulate an
original thought.
I
suppose I really shouldn't blame them. They've probably had the impulse
'trained' out of them years ago.
"
No" I say sternly to him.
He's
quite startled by the word, and my delivery. Almost shocked in fact.
Ah, Major Davis. You thought you were talking to DAN-iel - didn't you?
Poor old, inoffensive, unimportant DAN-iel.
Surprise,
Major. Say hello to Doctor Jackson. Get used it. You're going to be
seeing a whole lot more of him from now on.
"I'm
sorry?" he blinks, looks at me like I just grew another head. No Major,
just attaining a new perspective on things. I'll be more than happy to
help you achieve the same state of enlightenment.
"I
said no."
He's
still staring at me like he doesn't understand. Do you want me to SPELL
it for you, Major?
"The
Russian government has agreed to stop using their Stargate on the
condition we share all information gathered by the SGC. Now we have to
tell them," Davis tells me with a slightly patient look. As if he
thinks I'm not quite up to grasping the political ramifications
inherent in the situation.
When
are these politicians and bureaucrats going to understand none of this
can be allowed to have any bearing on what's at stake? Nor will any of
it MATTER once I get this system operational.
Why
won't they TRUST me? I know what I'm doing.
This
is so disappointing. But not unexpected. Fortunately I've already
anticipated this problem.
"No
we don't," I inform them bluntly. Inform all of them.
"But
-- "
"It's
okay I have a way of rendering their Gate inactive," I say hastily over
his next remark. This is boring me. The Russians are not an issue. Not
an issue at all. They'll fall in line just like everyone else.
"You
do?" Sam pipes up, quite astonished by that little piece of
information. Ah, yes, Sam. I do. Surprised I never told you? You'd be
amazed by what I haven't told you. Don't worry your pretty little head
about it. Doctor Jackson has everything well in hand. Trust me, and
we'll get along fine. If you need to know, I'll tell you. Just so long
as you accept I'm the one in charge here and do what you're told. You
try and oppose me, you'll regret it.
"That's
really not the point," Davis doggedly tries to drag the conversation
back to the dead horse he's still determined to flog. I'm starting to
find myself becoming disappointed in the major, and not a little
irritated with him.
I
thought Davis was one of those rare military types who could think
outside of the box. Starting to think perhaps I was overgenerous in my
personal assessment of him.
Very
well, I'll EXPLAIN this to you. Do try to keep up, will you?
"The
point is we don't know if the Russians are turning around and trading
those secrets. This project is too important to get screwed up by petty
Earth politics. We're talking about protecting this planet from Goa'uld
occupation."
Hello?
Focus! Come on, Davis, show a little intelligence. Impress me! I know
you can!
"I
imagine that several of the so called petty nations of this planet are
going to be very curious when we start launching satellite weapons into
orbit two years from now," he protests.
Or
not. Damn, another dud. Might as well stop postponing putting him away.
Cut to the chase and get this over with. I wonder what time it is.
Feeling a little hungry, actually.
"One
year from now," I tell him in a tone which does not suggest there is
any room for negotiating the point.
"That's
impossible. It would double the cost," he protests once more, plainly
not understanding what I have just told him.
"Then
it's not impossible, is it?" I fire back at him, barely resisting the
impulse to suddenly roll up a newspaper and hit him on the end of the
nose with it. Bad dog! Stop contradicting your Master, sit down like a
good little major, SHUT up and do as you're told!
He
stares at me, his mouth open as I tell him how it's going to be.
"Obviously most of the workload will have to contracted out to the
private sector so there'll have to be a strategic division of labour in
order to maintain the security of the project," I finish coldly,
throwing several already prepared folders onto the table in front of
him.
Davis
continues to gape at me, bewildered, as the folders hit the table in
time to my words. It's painful to watch him, see his mind tick slowly
over to the inescapable conclusion he's only now just coming to:
'I
have lost control of this situation.'
Not
strictly true, Major. You never had it. It'll take you a little longer
to work THAT one out, though. But that's all right. You'll have plenty
of time to think about this, and lots of other things as well. I
understand there isn't much else to do BUT think where you're going to
end up.
"Major
Davis, if you could also see to this," I hand him the folder barely
looking at him.
He
peers at it, and then looks at me like I owe him some sort of
explanation. "What is this?"
None
of your business, lackey. You're paid to take care of things and ask no
questions. Be silent and do your job.
"Just
a few personal requirements I'm sure the Pentagon will be happy to
provide me with, given the nature of my continued contributions. Please
see that it gets approved as soon as possible."
I've
finished here. In more ways than one. I cast a final look about the
table, taking in the rather shocked and subdued expressions all around
me. Not a one of them can believe what they've just seen. It's all I
can to stop myself from laughing aloud right in their stunned and
uncomprehending little faces.
Stupid,
stupid faces.
Any
lingering doubts I might have had as to the necessity for getting out
of this stifling, unimaginative atmosphere have just been dispelled.
It's obvious this organisation and these people are completely
inadequate for the task ahead of me. I can't waste any more time having
to go through channels and worrying about stepping on toes. Nor do I
have time for people who are unwilling or unable to support me, and who
lack the vision to be of use to me.
Or
who are more interested in trying to further their own selfish needs
for advancement and recognition then they are in giving their heart and
soul to the task of defending the Earth.
I'll
be able to co-ordinate getting the naquadah retrieval project up and
running while working on establishing my own organisation at the same
time. Already have a line on some promising personnel. Am rather
looking forward to some of the interviews, actually.
Should
be an extremely enjoyable selection process.
"Gentlemen,"
I address the room tersely, and begin to walk away. But not before I
hear an incredulous comment from Major Davis.
"PERSONAL
requirements?"
Correction.
Make that EX-Major Davis.
The
ribbon device feels strangely familiar. Almost as if it should be a
part of me. I'm looking down at it, flexing my fingers, feeling how
easy it would be to just flex my thoughts, make it - come - to life.
"Hey!
What's going on? What are you doing?"
Jack!
That's Jack. He sounds annoyed. Still, it's nice to hear his voice. We
haven't seen much of each other lately. I've been - been --
I've
had other things on my mind. I'm aware Jack is standing by my side, but
I can't seem to stop looking at the gleaming metal sheathing my hand.
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