Mother Of All Dilemmas 3

Conduct Unbecoming

by Dreuganlady

URL: http://www.area52hkh.net/asd/dreuganlady/mother03.php
Summary: Surviving a stormy birth, Daniel's baby must now face the consequences of its paternity

Jack sat in the private infirmary room at Daniel’s bedside as he had been doing off and on for the last two days. Sam and Teal’c also took turns sitting with Daniel, giving Jack time to eat and sleep. Daniel had not been lucid at all. Sometimes he slept quietly, but mostly it was a fitful, half-awake state. Abruptly sitting up in bed, he would call out for the baby. He had already pulled out the IV twice. Janet had been forced to use wrist restraints to prevent that from happening a third time.

Daniel began to stir and cry out. Jack reached over and rubbed the side of Daniel’s face. He calmed a little, then slipped back into a quieter sleep.

Janet walked into the room and over to Jack. She looked at Daniel, checking him briefly. “He is doing better, Colonel.”

“I know, but I’ll be glad when he recognizes us. How’s the baby?”

“Still in the Neonatal ICU, but his infection is under control. His breathing is becoming less labored. Dr. Thomas feels he might be able to release him to the regular neonatal unit in a couple of more days. Dr. Thomas told me that at least three times they thought they were going to lose him, but he pulled through. It was touch and go the first few hours.”

Jack leaned back in his chair. “Tough little guy. Just like his father.”

“Yes, he is. I was thinking that after he is released to the regular neonatal unit I would talk with Dr. Thomas about moving him here. If Daniel is going to keep him, they need to start bonding as soon as possible. But if he isn’t, then I really don’t want to put Daniel through having to hold him and then give him up. I’m not sure what to do.”

Jack was surprised she was even suggesting bringing the baby to the Stargate facility. “Surely, you don’t think Daniel would keep the boy. He made it clear before he was kidnapped that he wanted to give him up for adoption.”

“I know that, Colonel, but he has spent the last two days calling out and, for that matter, reaching out for the baby. I’m not so sure we can assume that Daniel has not changed his mind. I have to go check on some other patients. SG-9 was negotiating a treaty with the local government on another planet and got what amounts to severe food poisoning at their banquet.” Janet left the room.

Thinking of SG-9, Jack winced. 'Been there, done that. Not fun!'

Just as Jack sat back in his chair and stretched out his legs, the klaxons sounded. They were muted in the infirmary, but still quite audible. Walter’s voice came over the loud speaker:
“Unauthorized gate activation.”

With one last look at Daniel to make sure he was still asleep, Jack took off. Alerting the nurse with a wave, he rushed down to the control room.

* * * *

As Jack entered the control room, he found that General Hammond was already there waiting for Walter to identify who was dialing in.

Walter touched his right earpiece, pushing it closer to his head. “Sir, it’s an audio message from the Tellusurians.”

Jack felt his blood pressure rise. “What the hell do those bastards want?”

“I’m not sure, Colonel, maybe we should see. Walter, put in on the speakers.” Hammond leaned into the mike. “This is General Hammond of the SGC. To whom am I speaking?”

“This is Frela of Tellusuris.”

“You scum-sucking bastard--"

“Colonel!” General Hammond snapped.

Jack shut his mouth and stepped back a couple of steps, trying to calm himself down.

Hammond again spoke into the mike. “Frela, I am surprised to hear from you after what you did to my people. What do you want?”

“According to our estimates, Dr. Jackson is due to deliver the baby in a couple of weeks. We demand the return of our citizen.”

“Dr. Jackson is a citizen of Earth. And you, sir, are in no position to make demands.”

“Not Dr. Jackson, the baby. It is, after all, half-Tellusurian."

Jack stepped forward, his face tightened with anger. “He is also half-Tauri, so no go.”

“He? Am I to understand the baby has already been born?”

“Yes, and as Colonel O’Neill stated, the child is also half-Tauri and therefore will remain on Earth with his father.”

“General Hammond, I would not be so rash if I were you. Please inform your leaders that we are very willing to negotiate for the return of our citizen with the trade of technology.”

Hammond answered. “I don’t think so. We are not in the habit of selling people at any price.”

The disembodied voice came back over the speakers. “Sell is such an ugly way of thinking of this. No, we are willing to trade for the return of one of our people. I’m sure that if one of your people were being held on another planet you would be willing to trade for him or her.”

Jack answered before Hammond could reply. “As we said before, he is a citizen of our planet, so no deal.”

“General, I will contact you in three days' time. Please convey my offer to your leaders.”

With that the gate shut down.

Jack looked at the general. “You aren’t going to do that, are you, sir?"

“Colonel, I have no choice but to take this up the chain of command. But my recommendation will be that we do not trade with these people. Not now or ever.” Hammond headed for his office to place the call.

Walter and the other two techs on duty turned towards Jack, their eyes questioning. Walter spoke first, “You don’t really think they would take the offer seriously, do you, sir?”

Jack let out a long sigh. “I would hope not.”

He left to find the rest of SG-1.

* * * *

Jack sat on Carter’s desk in her lab. He had explained the situation to both Carter and Teal’c. Sam was so mad she couldn’t sit down and kept pacing back and forth, her strides getting longer and harder as her anger built. “Those fucking bastards!”

Jack’s head jerked towards her. “Carter! What ever happened to 'Holy Hannah?'”

She stopped pacing. “Sir, 'Holy Hannah' doesn’t even come close to expressing how I feel.”

“Nor does it adequately express my feelings on the matter, O’Neill.”

Jack said, “Well, at least we are all in agreement on that one. I really don’t care what the higher-ups say. There is no way we are going to allow them to have the baby.”

Teal’c asked, “If the higher-ups, as you call them, decide to trade for the baby, what can we do?”

“We fight. I don’t believe for one moment that anyone at the SGC would allow them to take the baby.” Jack rose from the desk. “We need to talk with Janet now.” He led the way out of the lab and down the hall towards the infirmary. SGC personnel scattered in front of him. They all knew that look--the one the colonel wore when he was ready to do battle--and none of them wanted to be the one who kept him from getting to his target.

Entering the infirmary, he glanced over at the members of SG-9. Normally, he would have stopped to rib them, but today he had eyes only for Dr. Fraiser. He tracked down his quarry in her office where she was doing paperwork. “Dr. Fraiser.”

She looked up from the chart she had in her hands. “Colonel?” Also scanning the faces of Sam and Teal’c' who stood behind the colonel, she became worried. “What has happened?”

“The Tellusurians called. They are demanding the baby be returned to Tellusuris.”

She shook her head. “I don’t think so.”

Sam explained, “They want to trade technology for him. They apparently aren’t interested in Daniel at the moment.”

“Look, Doc," Jack said. "The general is calling Washington right now. I don’t think even they would sell a kid into sexual slavery. What I am worried about is that the NID might feel that this would be an excellent time to make a move for the baby. I know General Hammond has set up around-the-clock guards, but I would feel better if he were here in the mountain so we could keep an eye on him.”

“I agree with you, Colonel. I was hoping to move him here anyway in a few days. Let me call Dr. Thomas and see if it is safe to move him.”

* * * *

It was a long two days after Hammond had gotten off the phone with the joint chiefs. Daniel had regained consciousness, but remained very weak. He slept a lot, but during the times he was awake he had made it known that he definitely wanted to keep the child.

Jack came into the room and sat down next to Daniel’s bed. At the noise Daniel turned towards him, his eyes opening up.

“Hi, Jack,” he said weakly.

“Hey Daniel, how are you feeling?”

“Fine, I’m much better. The baby will be arriving today and I’ll get to see him for the first time.”

Jack looked down at his shoes, then wiped his face with his hand before looking back up at Daniel. “Umm, yeah. I wanted to talk with you about that. Look, it’s not my business, but are you sure you want to keep him?”

Daniel looked back at Jack and considered his answer. “Yes. I had a lot of time to think about this while the NID had me. I came to realize that I love this child. It does not matter who the other parent is, he is my child and I want him.”

“Okay, just want to be sure.” Deep down, Jack worried that Daniel would regret his decision as the child grew and began to look more like his other parent.

Daniel shifted in the bed to relieve the pain in his pelvis from the incision. “I hoped you and the others would understand.”

Sam and Teal’c heard his implied question as they entered the room. Sam answered, “Of course, we understand. And we will always be there to help and support you in your decision.”

“Yes, Daniel Jackson, I understand your desire to keep your child. We will honor your wishes and welcome this child with widespread hands.”

Jack corrected him, “'Open arms,' Teal’c.”

Teal’c nodded his head at the correction and asked, “So does the child have a name?”

“Yes. Shawn Ballard Jackson.”

Jack’s mouth twitched to one side. “I can see the Ballard, but why Shawn?”

“Named after a dear friend of mine.” Daniel smiled at Jack who remained oblivious to the reference.

Sam piped up. “So what are you going to call him, Shawn or Ballard?”

Daniel answered, “Shawn. I think Ballard would be a little rough on him when he starts school.”
.
Just then Janet entered the room, a bundle wrapped in blankets in her arms. Daniel saw her and tried to sit up. Teal’c reached over and helped him sit upright as Jack cranked the bed up into a sitting position. Teal’c gently laid Daniel back on the bed.

“Well, Daniel, I have a young man who would very much like to see you.”

She laid the sleeping bundle in his arms. He hesitated for a moment and then pulled the blanket back to show a sleeping face, eyes scrunched closed. Daniel took his finger and softly stroked the small pink face. His voice filled with awe, Daniel said, “He is so small.”

Janet said. “He was a little early, but he is doing better now. Don’t worry. He will pack on the weight soon enough. Enjoy him now before he becomes an armful to carry."

Daniel gazed down at the little face. This was his son. He felt his emotions rise. He had never in his life loved anyone like he loved this little person in his arms.

* * * *

Later that day Lieutenant General Robert MacMillan from the Pentagon swept into Cheyenne Mountain.

Major General Hammond was not a happy camper. Not only had he not been informed of the general’s arrival, but the general had arrived not only with his own staff in tow, but also with his own squad of SFs. With a ranking officer at the mountain the situation with the Tellusurians was out of Hammond’s control.

“So, Bob, to what do I owe the honor of this visit?”

The joint chiefs have sent me to negotiate with the Tellusurians on the matter of the baby.”

“His name is Shawn Jackson. And with all due respect I feel I am capable of negotiating with the Tellusurians in this matter. After all, Dr. Jackson is a member of my command.”

“The joint chiefs feel your judgment in this issue may be a little clouded due to your relationship with Dr. Jackson.”

Hammond’s ire rose. “Issue! You mean they don’t think I would be willing to sell a baby to get technology.”

“Don’t push our friendship, George. I am not here to sell children. But I am here to listen to their side of the argument. After all, he is half-Tellusurian.”

“Only because they kidnapped Dr. Jackson," Hammond said, his voice rising, "performed medical experiments on his body and then had him raped repeatedly in order to produce this child for their own viewing pleasure.”

“Yes, I understand all of that, but we need to look at this form the perspective of their culture.”

“Their culture, my ass! This was rape and it was repeated and brutal. I cannot condone sending a child back to live with his father’s rapist.”

“You may not have a choice in the matter. Let it go, George. It will do no good to get yourself in trouble when you have no say in the matter. My orders are very explicit and they come from very high up. Don’t go there--you won’t like the results.”

* * * *

General MacMillan placed 24-hour-a-day guards from his own staff around the baby. Only the doctors, nurses and Daniel were allowed near the baby, and even they required “escorts.” MacMillan said it was for the safety of the child and would not listen to any arguments that Jack or General Hammond gave him.

The Tellusurian delegation arrived the next day. Thankfully, Frela was not among their number. The ever-present cameras came with them. MacMillan had authorized their use despite Hammond’s argument that they could pose a security problem. The Tellusurians could use them to gain information about the complex or could bring unknown weapons with them disguised as cameras. MacMillan had been willing to take the risk.

General MacMillian greeted the delegation. There were three delegates, none of whom Jack had met while on the planet. Introductions were made. The chief negotiator was Consular Arcturus, a tall thin man with deep brown hair and intelligent brown eyes. He was dressed in a dark burnt-orange suit. With him were two women. The first was Assistant Consular Phillida. She was older and had gray streaks just starting to edge her hair. Her rounded frame accentuated her short stature. The other woman, Assistant Consular Egidia, was younger and had deep brown hair. Her thin face and hawkish features contrasted sharply with those of her companion.

General MacMillan, with General Hammond at his side, led the group to the conference room. Jack trailed behind both generals and the delegation. He was angry that the government was even talking with these people. He was determined to protect Daniel’s interests in this matter. He’d be damned if they would sell this child.

They all took their seats and after an offer of refreshments got down to the business at hand.

General MacMillan started the discussion, “We are pleased that you have come here today to discuss the disposition of the child.”

Jack spoke up, “His name is Shawn Jackson.”

“Of course, Colonel. Now, Consular Arcturus, if you could tell me why you feel that Shawn should go live with his people on Tellusuris?”

Jack said, “He also has people here on Earth, one of whom is his biological father, Dr. Jackson."

The consular turned to address Jack directly. “Colonel, we are not disputing that. What we are discussing here is which planet is in the child’s best interest to live on.”

“No problem answering that one. On Earth he wouldn’t be used as a sex-slave or bred to create other sex slaves.”

Assistant Consular Phillida spoke up, her soft voice hiding the force of her words, “Colonel, we do not consider those who serve in this manner to be slaves or inferior to the rest of the members of our culture. Indeed, they hold a valued and highly placed position in our society. Do you not have those who serve others' needs whom you also value?”

“That’s not what the men I fought with in your little war felt their position in your society was.”

She replied, “Of course not. They were prisoners who had been given a chance to regain their status and freedom. Do you not give your people who have made mistakes a second chance?”

General MacMillan said, “Assistant Consular, of course we do and I am sorry if Colonel O’Neill has made you feel as if you are being condemned for your beliefs. So, as I understand it, you are contesting Dr. Jackson’s fitness as a parent?”

This time Assistant Consular Egidia answered, “While Dr. Jackson was in our care he displayed a tendency to mood swings and bouts of anger. We--”

Jack jumped to his feet, his hands hitting the table as he yelled, “You hypocritical bastards! You messed with his body. You fucking raped him! And you think his having mood swings and bouts of anger are due to his being unstable and not due to your barbaric treatment of him?”

General MacMillan sharp voice brought Jack up short in his tirade: “Colonel! You are dismissed from this meeting.”

Jack started to argue with the general, but Hammond came up beside him and placed his hand on Jack’s arm. “Not another word, Colonel. I’ll stay here to try and advocate for Dr. Jackson and Shawn. You need to follow orders of a superior officer. Your ending up in the brig will not help the members of your team. Now go on, son. Let me handle this.”

Jack looked Hammond in the eyes. He could tell the older man was being honest with him and would do all that he could. Without another word Jack left the meeting.

* * * *

Daniel sat in the infirmary room set aside for him and the baby. He had just finished feeding Shawn and was rocking him back to sleep. He could see Jack outside the window, pacing up and down while waiting to see him. He placed the baby back in the bassinet and slowly walked out of the room and past one of General MacMillan's guards to join Jack. Daniel was still very weak but was improving everyday.

Jack stopped pacing and looked up at Daniel as he came closer. “Daniel. Got a few minutes so we can talk?”

“Sure, Janet’s not allowing me to engage in much work, so I’ve got time. Can we go somewhere where I can sit down?”

Jack noticed how tired and unsteady Daniel appeared. “Of course.” Looking around, he spotted Janet’s office. “I don’t think Janet would mind if we borrowed her office.”

They walked over and entered the empty office. Closing the door behind him, Jack offered Janet’s more comfortable seat to Daniel.

Daniel let out a small sigh of relief as he sat down, then asked. “So how is it?"

Jack leaned back in his chair, front legs coming off the floor as he rocked back against the wall. “Not good. They already kicked me out of the meeting.”

Daniel chuckled. “Well, that may be a new record even for you. How long did it take?”

“Oh, about five minutes.”

Daniel’s voice turned serious. “Not looking good, is it?”

Jack answered, “No. I think MacMillan was sent here to find a way to make this trade happen while making it look like it was in Shawn’s best interest. I’m worried that even Hammond can’t call in enough favors or support to block the joint chiefs who, I am sure, are listening to the NID on this one.”

“Jack, I can’t lose him. I really don’t think I could go through losing someone I loved again.” Tears ran down Daniel's cheeks.

Jack got up and walked over to his friend. Squatting down he pulled Daniel into an embrace and rocked him back and forth. “We won’t let them take him, Danny. I'm not sure how, but we will find a way.”

Two hours later Daniel was sent for in order to address those at the meeting and answer their questions. Janet insisted he go in a wheelchair. Daniel put up a fight at first and then relented when she told him he needed all of his strength to fight for his son and not his pride.

Daniel was wheeled into the room. His chair was pushed up to the table across from the Tellusurian delegates and next to General Hammond. General MacMillan sat at the head of the table in Hammond’s accustomed place.

Hammond leaned in close to Daniel and asked, “How are you doing?”

Daniel answered, “Fine, sir. I’m feeling better each day.”

“Good. Now try to relax. I’ll help you as much as I can.”

“I know that. Thank you for your support.”

MacMillian addressed Daniel. “Dr. Jackson, I am General MacMillan and I am honored to meet you. I’ve read all of your mission reports and I must say they are very impressive.”

“Thank you, General."

MacMillian went on to introduce the three members of the Tellusurian delegation. Then he said, “Shall we get started?”

Everyone nodded their agreement, so MacMillan went on, “Consular Arcturus, I believe you have some questions you wished to ask Dr. Jackson.”

The consular cocked his head a little, then looked at Daniel. “Yes, just a few. Dr. Jackson, from my talks here with your own people I was given to understand that you had planned on giving the boy up for adoption.”

Daniel did not flinch at the implied accusation that he did not want Shawn. He needed to stay calm and focused if he hoped to keep his son. “I did at the very beginning, but as time went on and my due date came closer, I began to want my child.”

“The child of--how did your own mission report call the other parent of your child?--'my rapist.' How can we be sure you will not take your hatred for the father of the child out on the child?”

“Because he is my child also and I love him. How can I be sure you will not use my child in your breeding program and subject him to countless rapes to provide you with the genetic pool you told me you wanted? How did your head of programming put it? Oh yes, I recall now, he said, 'We hope to, over several generations, breed fair-skinned, blue-eyed children. The people found you so exotic that we feel they would be quite in demand!' You are not concerned for Shawn’s welfare. All you see him as is a new gene pool for you programs.”

Assistant Consular Egidia spoke, “Dr. Jackson, you are hardly one to call our morals into question. You slept with that very same Head of Programming after an intimate dinner for two.”

She hit a switch on a handheld, rectangular box she had pulled out of her pocket. A projection of Daniel and Frela on Frela’s balcony played. No sound was present, only the visuals. It showed them sitting in the social area of Frela’s room, sipping their drinks. It all looked so civilized and friendly. Then the image shifted to the bed. It showed Frela taking Daniel’s left arm, raising it over his head and tying his wrist to the bedpost with a silk scarf, then repeating the action with the other wrist. Daniel appeared to be talking to Frela as he unbuttoned Daniel’s shirt and pushed the sides open to reveal his smooth chest. Stroking his fingers over the strong muscles, Frela stopped to rub the nipples that stood hard under the assault. Slowly, Frela unbuttoned Daniel's pants and pulled the zipper down. Daniel turned his head to one side as Frela leaned in for a kiss. Then Frela rose and removed his own clothing, standing naked over Daniel’s prone and bound form.

Daniel watch wide-eyed as his rape played out in front of him. He began to shake. No matter how hard he tried, he could not get himself under control. Tears and sobs broke free of his body.

General Hammond ordered, “Turn that damn thing off.”

He then tried to soothe Daniel. Daniel's hands came up to his face. He began to rock as the panic attack consumed him. His breathing became labored and he shook even harder. He clutched at his chest. Sweat broke out on his face.

General MacMillian ordered a nearby SF to get a medical team down there on the double.

Hammond continued to talk in low, soothing tones as he waited for the medical team to arrive.

Janet rushed to Daniel’s side. She pulled out her stethoscope and listened to his breathing. “Daniel can you hear me?” she asked. He ignored her, concentrating on his attempts to catch his breath.

She asked General Hammond, “What happened?”

“They showed a video of his being raped by the Head of Programming, Frela.”

Janet shot the Tellusurian delegation a look of pure hatred. They merely looked back as if innocent of any wrongdoing. She turned her attention back to Daniel who was starting to lose consciousness due to his hyperventilation.

She directed one of her nurses, “Give him lorazepam, two milligrams, i.m., STAT!” A gurney was moved over to him and he was lifted onto it. Two of the orderlies held him down as Janet continued to talk with Daniel, trying to calm him. One of the nurses started an IV as another checked his pulse and blood pressure. Finally he started to relax and his breathing slowed. Janet had her nurses clip on leads so they could follow Daniel's heart rhythms.

“Daniel, talk to me. What happened?”

He continued to struggle for his breath, not answering her.

“Let’s move him to the infirmary, people.”

The medical team left the room with Daniel as they continued to monitor his progress.

General MacMillan said, “I guess he isn’t as stable as you thought, George.”

* * * *

Jack walked into Janet’s office. "How is he Doc?"

“Not good, Colonel. He refuses to talk with anyone, much less make eye contact. How are the negotiations, or should I say 'slave sale,' going?”

“Hammond just called me in to tell me the finial deal. The Tellusurians have several conditions... If we do DNA testing on Shawn and match his DNA with one of the three convicts who raped Daniel, do it on their televised program, televise it to all of this base and give them Shawn, they will give us big honking space guns.”

Janet looked out the window in the direction of Daniel’s bed. “Poor Daniel, this will destroy him.”

“What I don’t understand is how the brass can delude themselves into thinking this is in Shawn’s best interest.”

Janet’s said, “Colonel, I have found that when it is in someone’s best interest, you would be surprised how they can justify what they do.”

Jack started to leave, then turned back. “I don’t know how to break this to Daniel. It may well kill him.”

* * * *

Janet walked into the control room, carrying three files. Each had a name on it. She approached General Hammond and Colonel O'Neill. “I’ve got the paternity DNA test results back from the lab.” She looked down into the gate room where the Tellusurian delegation stood and where their cameras floated around the room, recording the proceedings. She grimaced in distaste.

General Hammond motioned for her to go first down the stairs. "After you, Doctor. Shall we get this show over with?"

They walked down the stairs and around the corner, entering the gate room.

“Ah, Colonel O’Neill," Frela said. "So good to see you again. I assume you are General Hammond?” He inclined his head, greeting Hammond, and sticking out his hand in the Earth greeting he had learned from when SG-1 first arrived on his planet.

Hammond stopped in front of Frela, not taking his hand in return.

Frela dropped his hand, but not his smug smile.

Approaching footsteps alerted them to General MacMillan's arrival. He came into the room.

“And you must be General MacMillan.”

MacMillan approached Frela, extended his hand to the man and then said, “A pleasure to meet you, sir." He looked over at Hammond. "I trust we are ready to proceed with the treaty?”

“Yes sir," Hammond said. "Doctor Frasier has the results of the DNA tests.”

“Good, good. Let's get on with it, shall we?”

Hammond said, “Yes, sir. Dr. Fraiser, please proceed,” the dislike of what he was ordered to do evident in his voice.

Frela inquired, “All is as we agreed?”

“Yes, this is Dr. Fraiser, our chief medical officer. She has the results.”

“Doctor, it is a pleasure to meet you. Please proceed with the results, one file at a time."

Janet nodded. She opened the first file and read, “According to the test results, Janus Arees is not the father.”

She shuffled that file under the other two and opened the next one. "According to these test results, Titus Romao is not the baby’s father, either.”

Frela nodded at the news and then motioned for her to proceed with the last file.

Opening the file she announced, “And according to these results, neither is Gino Giavannie.” Closing the last file, Janet looked at Frela, disdain clear on her face. “None of the men whose samples you gave me matched the baby’s. And before you ask, I am sure that the tests were done correctly. Are you sure you gave me the correct samples?” Janet braced herself for an argument with the man, but he only seemed to get more excited by the news.

“Oh, Doctor, I don’t doubt your result for one moment!"

Jack took a step towards Frela. “You fucking bastard. You’re the father, aren’t you? I saw the way you looked at Daniel when we first arrived on your planet.”

General MacMillan barked his order at Jack, “Stand down, Colonel, or I promise you, you will face charges!”

Hammond put out a restraining hand. “Easy, Colonel." He looked at Frela. "Are you the father of Dr. Jackson’s son?"

“General, I am not the father of the baby.” Frela looked over at Jack, then walked up to Janet, leaned in and whispered a name in her ear.

Janet looked stunned for a moment and then left the room.

“Perhaps we should wait for the doctor to return with some more results.”

* * * *

Jack paced up and down the ramp while they waited for Janet to return. Frela had to be the father, he thought. Daniel had divulged to him that Frela had raped him while they were on the planet. However, a little voice in the back of his head brought up the possibility that there was another candidate to consider as Shawn’s father. 'No way!' It had only been that one time when he tried to protect Daniel. True, it was unprotected sex, but the others had had sex with Daniel more than one time, so it seemed hardly possible that he could be Shawn’s father.

Jack glanced over at the Tellusurians. Frela seemed supremely confident and content while awaiting the results.

Janet came back into the room. She stopped beside the General. Jack hurried down the ramp and joined them

Frela asked, “Well, Doctor. Who's the father?"

Janet shifted uneasily from foot to foot.

Hammond looked at her, worry etched on his face. “You do have a positive result, don’t you, Doctor?”

“Yes sir, but I think it would be best to take this to the privacy of the conference room.”

She turned to leave the room.

Frela’s voice stopped her. “No, Doctor. We will proceed as scripted. Please inform our viewers and your people who the father is.”

General MacMillan’s commanding voice cut across the room, brooking no argument. “Doctor, proceed as agreed upon.”

Janet looked over at General Hammond who nodded his consent that she should do as Frela and MacMillian asked. She spoke very softly, saying, “The baby’s father is Colonel O’Neill.”

Frela swept his hand towards one of the cameras. “Doctor, if you don’t mind, a little louder so our audience can hear you.”

Jane blurted, “Colonel O’Neill is the baby’s other parent.”

Jack stood breathless. In a way he knew this was coming, but it still shocked him. He was the father. He had a son. No, he told himself, his own son had died. Daniel had a son.

Hammond looked at Jack, the shock and surprise plain on his face. “Colonel O’Neill?”

Janet answered, “Yes, sir, it’s 99.9 percent certain that he is the other parent. I used DNA data I have on file to match against the baby’s sample.”

Frela laughed, then chastised Jack, “Why, Colonel, did you and Daniel neglect to tell your commander and colleagues about your little rendezvous?”

The veins in his temples stood out Jack as Jack hissed, “It wasn’t a rendezvous, you ass-hole, it was rape. A rape you forced me to commit to save Daniel from future rapes. And afterwards you didn’t keep your word. You continued to let those animals rape him.”

The SFs were staring openly now. Jack tried to ignore them. He could only guess what they were thinking and he was sure it wasn’t good. His and Daniel’s lives would not be easy at the SGC from now on.

General MacMillan studied Jack. Jack shifted slightly under the scrutiny, but decided not to allow the man the pleasure of seeing him sweat. He raised his head and met the General’s stare.

“We needed to add a new variable to the betting pools," Frela said, "and adding you as a possible candidate sent the betting pools even higher. You must understand that the deal made with you was necessary to ensure that, and that allowing further sexual intercourse allowed the speculation about who the father was to continue.”

General Hammond regained his composure. “I must say, Frela, you don’t look too upset that Colonel O’Neill is the other parent. Surely you must realize that the child will not be going with you now.”

Of course, General. You can’t always win everything. But, all in all, the show was a great success. Perhaps in the future we can do business again?”

“I highly doubt that. Dial up P91-607. I want these people out of my base now.”

“Don’t be so rash, George.” MacMillan turned to Frela. “We are open to future negotiations.

Frela handed the general an information disc. “Here is the agreed upon information.”

The gate finished engaging and the Tellusurian delegation left through it.

General Hammond turned towards MacMillan. “Bob, I hope you can live with yourself. You were very willing to sell a child into slavery to get what you wanted.”

“Now, George, I was just following orders. My duty is not to question our orders, but to carry them out to the best of my ability.”

“Bob, there is a difference between duty and morality. Too bad it was forgotten in this case.”

“My morality is not the one in question, George. How do you think the joint chiefs will take a sexual relationship between a military officer and a civilian consultant under his command?”

Hammond’s angry voice said, “It was forced sexual contact committed by the Tellusurians against both of my men. Don’t even go there.”

“It isn’t me you need to worry about. You and those two men of yours have made some powerful enemies and they will look for any opportunity to clip your wings and gain control of this project.”

The two men left the room still deep in their debate.

Jack signaled to Teal’c, Sam and Janet to follow him. They needed to tell Daniel the news. He was sure Daniel would be relieved to find out Shawn was out of danger, but how would he take the news as to who the other parent was? He also knew MacMillan was right. Jack would face court-martial and enforced retirement--if he was lucky. The military was not very forgiving in matters of this kind. He glanced one more time at the SFs standing around, looking a bit shell-shocked in their own way.

As they left the room, he overheard one of the SGC SFs commenting to one of MacMillan’s men, “See? Like we’ve been telling you guys. Only the best get to serve here. Why, even our sperm kicks alien ass!”

* * *. *

Jack, Teal'c, Sam and Janet walked into the infirmary. The guards halted them at the door. Janet went into the room and checked on Shawn. Daniel wasn't there.

Jack asked one of the SFs on duty, “Where is Doctor Jackson?”

The man answered, “I’m not sure, sir. He left here about 15 minutes ago, heading towards the elevators.”

Jack’s heart skipped a beat. Where could Daniel have gone? He still didn’t have much strength, and too much walking tired him out. Jack grabbed the phone off the desk and called the guard station at the mountain's entrance, asking if Daniel had left the mountain. He had not. He then called the security office to see if the security force had any idea where Daniel had gone. The security guard told him that Daniel had gone to the top of the mountain.

Leaving the infirmary, Jack, Teal'c and Sam headed for the elevator. Jack punched the elevator button and waited. He had a bad feeling about this.

As they exited the top of the elevator and out the doors that went to the mountain top, Jack felt a cold chill run up his back. Why would Daniel go up here now, of all times?

They followed the solitary pathway until they came to the area that overlooked other mountains in the distance as well as the valley below. There stood Daniel at the edge. The cold spring wind whipped at his hair and hospital scrubs. His stance was reminiscent of Shyla’s when she stood on the edge of a cliff ready to commit suicide. Jack walked slowly towards Daniel. He asked softly, so as not to startle him, “Hey, Daniel, whatcha doing?"

Daniel did not answer. So Jack stepped a little closer. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were going to try and fly off this mountain. Hate to be the one to tell you, but you can’t fly.”

Daniel’s head tilted back. His eyes closed, he sobbed out, “Jack, I told you I can’t go on living if I lose one more person from my life. I’m not stupid. I know they are going to take Shawn away from me and send him to Tellusuris. I can’t stand there and watch him go, and I know I can’t stop them. This is the best way.”

“No, Daniel, it isn’t. Leaving Shawn is not the best. Think of how it affected your life to lose your parents when you were eight. What about Shawn’s life?”

“I won’t even be on the same planet. How can I help him?” A sob broke free as Daniel swayed back and forth over the edge. “I’d just as soon not be here and see him taken.”

Teal’c inched closer to Daniel as Jack continued to engage him in conversation.

”Daniel, you don’t have to die. They are not taking him.”

“I don’t believe you, Jack.”

O’Neill steeled himself for his next admission. “Daniel, the DNA test came back. Shawn is not Tellusurian. He is my son. They have no claim on him.”

Daniel stilled for a moment, then said, “Good try, Jack. I’m not buying it.”

He started to lean forward. Teal’c moved incredibly fast for a man of his size. His arms wrapped around Daniel’s waist and chest, pulling him back securely against his body. Daniel fought Teal’c to gain his freedom.

“It is true, Daniel Jackson. The test confirms that O’Neill is the father of your child.”

Daniel stopped struggling and asked, “Are you telling me the truth, Teal’c?”

”Indeed I am.”

“Jack... Jack is the father?”

Sam approached the two. Her arms went around Daniel. “Yes, Janet confirmed it. Colonel O’Neill is the other parent.”

Daniel lost all strength in his body as he sagged against Teal’c.

Teal'c pulled him away from the ledge. Daniel was sobbing as he took in the meaning of their words. Shawn was safe.

* * * *

Jack was the last one to arrive at the briefing concerning Daniel’s health after they had pulled him back from the cliff. He sat down at the conference table across from Dr. Fraiser. “How’s Daniel doing?”

“Physically he is doing better, but his stitches pulled out when Teal’c had to pull him back from the edge. They are not too bad and should heal now that I’ve fixed them. Mentally he is not doing so well. He is showing signs of post-partum depression and the panic attacks continue to worsen. Dr. Rust came over and spent some time with him. She feels that emotionlly he is very fragile right now. It wouldn’t take much more stress to send him into a full mental breakdown.”

Sam was upset. “What can we do for him?”

Janet answered, “First, I placed him on suicide watch. Next, we need to minimize any stress in his life. We'll keep his workload down to a manageable level. I don’t think, given his obsession with his work, that totally stopping all work would be good for him. The intellectual simulation will help with the depression and so will the antidepressant medication I started him on. But that could take two weeks to start working. Dr. Rust doesn’t want to start additional medication for the panic attacks right now due to both the chemical changes in his body caused by the pregnancy and the antidepressant we started. I agree with her that we need to keep him safe and let his own body chemistry get back to normal and allow the antidepressant time to start working. Then we can assess what is going on and how to best proceed from there.”

Sam asked, “Is there anything else we should be aware of?”

“Yes, given his reaction to the film shown by the Tellusurians, Dr. Rust wants to shield him from as many reminders of his time both with them and the NID.”

Hammond spoke up. “I understand, Doctor. Are you sure we can keep him safe here on the base, or should we move him to the Academy Hospital’s mental health ward?”

“No, I think that could cause a major setback for him. I think we can keep him safe, and being around his friends right now will help him recover faster.”

Hammond turned towards Jack and asked, “Colonel O’Neill, how are you doing?”

“I’m doing okay, sir. I’ve got a lot to think about and a lot to come to terms with.”

“O’Neill, I will be here for you, should you need assistance.”

“Thanks, Teal’c. I just need some time to process the news and come to terms with what I should do.”

Sam leaned over and touched his arm. “Colonel, I’m here also if you need help.”

“Thanks, Carter, I’ll remember that if I need help." He turned back toward Hammond. "Sir, could I have a few days off to think?”

“Of course, Colonel. SG-1, you have three days downtime. Dismissed.”

* * * *

One week later Daniel and Shawn moved into one of the VIP suites together. Daniel was getting his strength back as time went on. He felt nervous about talking to Jack concerning custody of Shawn. Not that he wasn’t glad that the threat the Tellusurians posed to the baby was gone, but now that it was known that Jack was the other parent, he had to face the fact that Jack had a right to be involved in the child’s life. The dream he had conjured up in his own mind of Shar’e and him raising the boy as their own was no longer viable. He had put off talking with Jack for the past week, but knew he needed to broach the subject soon.

Daniel finished dressing Shawn. Fed and clean, the child was content to lie there and look at the world, taking it all in. Sitting back down in a rocker, he wrapped the blanket around his son and began to rock him to sleep, singing a lullaby he remembered his own mother singing.

The door behind him opened so quietly that he was unaware of it. Jack stood in the doorway, listening. He entered the room and asked softly, so as not to startle Daniel, "What language is that?”

Daniel stopped singing and answered, not turning around to greet Jack. “Dutch, my mother’s father was Dutch. She sang this to me when I was very small.”

“It sounds sweet. Can I come in?”

“Sure.” Daniel gestured towards the couch that faced the rocker. Jack sat down and watched as Daniel continued to rock the sleepy child.

Jack stammered a bit, then finally got out, “We need to talk about the boy.”

Daniel tried to hide his fear by averted Jack's gaze and looking down towards his son. Here it comes, he thought.

“Daniel, I hope you will understand this, but I can’t be this child’s other father.”

Daniel’s head jerked up. This was the last thing he had thought Jack would say. He knew how much Jack missed his son Charlie. “What? I don’t understand.”

“I’ve given it a lot of thought this week. I can’t go through loving another child. I can’t lose another son. He is not Sara’s child. He was not conceived in love like Charlie was.”

Daniel winced at the reference to Shawn’s conception and the hurtfulness of Jack's words. No, his son was not conceived in love, but nonetheless he was just as precious to Daniel as if he had been conceived with Shar’e.

Jack looked down at his shoes and then pushed on, not waiting for a reply from Daniel.

“Look, think of me as just the sperm donor. When we find Shar’e, she can be his other parent.

Even though it had been his dream to raise the child as his and Shar’e’s, Jack's sentiments about their son unexpectedly hurt Daniel. He wasn’t sure why. He had feared Jack’s wanting the child, but now that Jack was making it known that he had no desire to be in Shawn’s life, Daniel felt as if he had lost something. “Would you be more comfortable if I moved to another team or stayed here on base doing translation and cataloging work?”

Jack’s head jerked up. “No, I don’t want that. Look, I’m not saying I don’t want to be around you and the kid. It’s just that I really don’t want to be a father again.”

Daniel mulled this statement over. He knew he needed to see Jack’s side of this, but it still hurt. He felt as if he--and this time his son--had been rejected again. But he had no wish to hurt Jack so he said, “Okay, I’ll try to keep my private life separate from work.”

“Look, Daniel, I have no problem playing Uncle Jack in Shawn’s life. I just don’t want to play Daddy. Okay?”

“Are you sure?” Daniel waited to hear Jack’s answer.

“Very. Now let me hold my nephew for a while.”

Daniel felt relieved that Jack had not pushed them both away. He handed the now-sleeping child over to Jack and sat back watching Jack hold his son as they talked about Daniel’s plans for the future.

* * * *

Jack reported to General Hammond’s office later that day. The general had sent for him. Jack was curious as to what he wanted. Knocking on his door, he waited until he heard, “Enter.”

Jack stepped through the door and saluted the general. “Reporting as ordered, sir.”

“Sit down, Colonel.”

Jack took one of the seats across from the general. Hammond looked upset. Jack felt the pit of his stomach turn over. This was not good news, he could tell.

The general leaned over his desk. Taking a steadying breath, he informed Jack, “Colonel, I just got off the phone with General MacMillan.”

“So how is the old--” Jack caught himself. "--man, sir?”

“Oh, he is just fine. However, I am not. I have the distasteful duty of informing you that as of now you are under arrest for conduct unbecoming an officer. I don’t think the brig is warranted as long as I have your word that you will stay confined to base.”

Jack stood up, clenching his hands in anger. “Of course, you have my word, sir. But you have got to be kidding me!”

“I wish I was, Jack. It seems the Air Force is not happy about your fathering Dr. Jackson’s child.”

“Well, isn’t that just too bad.”

Hammond sighed, feeling the need for a strong drink about now. “Unfortunately for you, Colonel, it is.”

“What the hell did they want me to do? Let those men continue to brutalize Daniel?"

“I don’t think they really care. Sit down, Jack, we need to talk this out. A member of JAG is being sent here to act as you counsel.”

“With all due respect, sir, I don’t need a lawyer.”

“I said sit, Colonel!”

Jack sat back down with an audible thump.

“Yes you do, Jack. I’ve called in counsel for you from the Judge Advocate General’s office of the Air force. He should be arriving tomorrow. Please don’t fight the JAG officer on this one. You could well end up spending your final days in prison.”

“Why are they doing this, sir?”

“Like MacMillan said, we have made a few powerful enemies along the way. This is their chance to get rid of you and perhaps Dr. Jackson, too.”

“Daniel? What can they do to him? He is a civilian and therefore does not come under the 'don’t ask, don’t tell' rule.”

“Yes, I know, but that isn’t what I mean. Think of how Dr. Jackson would feel if you were convicted because you had sex with him to save him further rapes. Dr. Rust says he is very fragile and that the stress of a trial could cause him to have a complete breakdown.”

Jack considered Hammond’s words and thought about his earlier conversation with Dr. Fraiser. He couldn’t risk Daniel’s mental health and with it Shawn’s security. Jack made up his mind. “Sir, I don’t want to contest the court-martial. Given what Dr. Rust said about his mental state, I can’t put Daniel through that.”

Hammond understood what Jack was doing. He admired him for it, but couldn’t let him take that route, as it was disastrous for both Jack's and Dr. Jackson’s futures.

“Colonel, think before you do this. How would Dr. Jackson feel if he thought he were responsible for your court-martial and possible imprisonment? How would he be treated by the military personnel if that happened?”

Jack understood that Hammond was right. He also worried that with the military's mind-set some people on the base could make Daniel’s life miserable if they blamed him for Jack’s court-martial. “You’re right, sir. What do we do?

“We fight, Jack. And we start doing so now.”

* * * *

Daniel heard a knock at the door of the VIP suite he and Shawn were now using. He got up out of bed. He really didn’t want to see people right now, but felt he needed to answer the door anyway. After opening the door he was surprised to find himself standing face-to-face with General Hammond.

“Um, General, please come in.” Daniel opened the door wider and allowed the general in. Hammond looked around the room.

Daniel felt embarrassed at the mess. “Sorry," he said as he removed some dirty clothing from the couch. “Please have a seat.”
As Hammond walked over to the couch his back was to Daniel. Looking around, Daniel stuffed the clothes under the bed and out of sight. Then Daniel picked Shawn up off of the bed and carried him over to the rocker. Sitting down, he said, “Not that I don’t appreciate the visit, but usually you have something in mind when you do.”

“Dr. Jackson...” The general’s voice took on a troubled tone. “We need to talk. I received word yesterday that the Air Force is going to charge Colonel O’Neill with conduct unbecoming an officer.”

Daniel couldn’t believe what he had just heard. “Why? Because he was forced to have relations with me?”

Hammond nodded in reply.

Daniel started to jump up from the rocker in order to pace when he remembered the baby and sat back in his chair. “It's not right. They can't possibly do this. Jack was protecting me. We weren’t having an affair.”

“I know that and you know that, but there are some people who see this as an opportunity to get rid of Jack and possibly yourself.”

“Me? How? I’m a civilian. They can’t legislate morality to me.”

Hammond saw Daniel’s hand starting to shake and his breathing becoming labored. He rocked forward to look Daniel in the eye. Getting his attention, he said, “No, but they can hope that the stress of the trial will send you over the edge. Dr. Jackson, I hate to be the one to tell you this, but you needed to know. If you are not able to control your emotions during this, then you could hurt Colonel O’Neill’s future. He has already made the offer to plead guilty to spare you the trauma of a trial.”

Daniel’s panic ratcheted up a notch. “He isn’t going to just let them convict him with out a fight, is he?”

“As I said, he did make that offer, but I was able to convince him that it would only hurt you both.”

“I hope he understood that he needs to fight this. I couldn’t live with myself if Jack were hurt by this.”

“He plans on fighting this for now, but if you should start to have problems during the trial, then I am afraid he will plead guilty to put a stop to it.”

Daniel sat utterly still for a while, then he met the general’s eyes. “Yes sir, I understand. I will hold it together and be there for Jack.”

“Good. If I can be of any help, let me know. If you need someone to talk to, please call me.”

“I will. Thank you, sir.” Daniel looked dazed. He hadn’t even considered this. He still felt very shaky and a panic attack was still threatening. “I think I’ll go talk with Dr. Fraiser. Uh, sir, if I could ask, would you mind watching Shawn for a few minutes?”

“I’d love to. Do you mind if I take him to my office for a little while?"

“No, not at all. Let me get a bag of his things ready for you." Daniel got up. Laying Shawn on the bed, he packed the necessary items in an overnight bag he had in the room. Daniel picked up Shawn. Wrapping him more securely in his blanket, he handed him to the waiting general.

Hammond smiled down at the bundle in his arms. “Dr Jackson, I’ve been thinking. As you know, I never had a son or grandson. You don’t suppose the little guy might need one, do you?”

Daniel relaxed a little. With a man like Hammond on their side it would all work out. “I think he would be very lucky to call you Grandpa. And perhaps you could call me Daniel.”

“Of course. When we are off base, I’d love to.”

Daniel handed the bag to the general. “All of his stuff is in here.” Daniel left the room to go to the infirmary to find Janet.

The general walked back to his office and sat down in his own chair. Shawn began to squirm and make grunting noises. His fingers slid into his mouth and he began to suck voraciously at them.

Hammond smiled, then said. “I know what that means.” He hit a button on his desk and said, “Walter, I need a bottle warmed up. Come get one.” He sat back in his chair and enjoyed rocking the baby. Being a general had its perqs, he thought as the sergeant came into the room to retrieve the bottle.

* * * *

“I know, Janet, but I can’t afford to lose it now. Jack doesn’t need or deserve that.”

Daniel had informed Janet about what was going on with Jack and had asked her to prescribe something to keep him calm and prevent the panic attacks. She was not thrilled with starting him on an anxiolytic.

“I understand that, Daniel, but starting any additional medication is something you should thoroughly consider before doing. Both Dr. Rust and I feel you are making great progress, but if I start you on an anti-anxiety drug along with the medication we already started you on for depression, it may not be good for you. Medication is not a substitute for therapy.”

“I understand that, Janet. I’m not asking you to keep me on it long-term, only until Jack gets through this.”

“And what happens if the Colonel is convicted? Then what?” she asked.

“Then I deal with it. But right now I don’t have the time or luxury to deal with it on my own, not when it could affect Jack’s whole life.”

Janet considered his request, then said, “I’ll call Dr. Rust and if she is okay with it, then it’s a go. If not, I can’t prescribe it for you.”

Daniel nodded his head in agreement.

* * * *

Daniel tried to get out of bed. With the medications he was on and the depression it was hard to get up and attend to Shawn. He had to talk himself into it. He knew he was feeling the effects of the new medications and he wanted to stop using them rather than feel so tired out. But he also knew it was important that he stay calm for Jack's benefit, so he figured he would just have to get used to the side-effects and carry on.

A knock sounded at his door. He walked over from the bed and opened it. Teal’c and Sam stood outside of his door.

Sam said, “Hey, Daniel, we are here to take you and Shawn out for lunch.”

“Thanks, Sam, that's nice of you, but I’m really not hungry.”

“Daniel Jackson, you need to eat. You will do yourself and your child no good if you become ill.”

“Come on, Daniel. Get cleaned up and dressed. We will get Shawn ready.”

Daniel tried again to beg off. He really wasn’t up for socializing. All he wanted to do was sleep. Besides, he really wasn’t hungry. Food just didn’t seem very appealing. But finally he relented and went to take a shower, leaving Shawn in Teal’c's and Sam’s capable hands.

After both he and the baby were ready they headed out to the commissary. Daniel held Shawn in his arms. The boy was growing. Soon he’d have to buy more clothes for him. But just the thought of shopping seemed to be too much for Daniel to handle.

They arrived at the commissary and went in. Daniel looked around. Boy, was it crowded. 'It looks as if most of the SGC all decided to eat at once.'

He looked over at the coffee, and then headed for it. Maybe that would help wake him up. But Sam grabbed his arm and steered him to a table in the middle of the room. “We’ll bring you your coffee. Take a seat.”

Daniel gratefully sat down and adjusted his hold on the sleeping baby. When he looked back up, he saw General Hammond standing across the table from him.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, I am very pleased to welcome you all to the baby shower for Dr. Jackson and Shawn.”

Applause went up from the crowd, startling the baby. Daniel rubbed him and spoke soothing words to him. Shawn settled down.

The general continued to talk, “Dr. Jackson, if you would look over this way.” The general swept his hand to his right to where a group of secretaries stood smiling and giggling. They parted to reveal two large tables overflowing with gifts.

Then the general motioned to his left where a large group of SFs stood, smiles on their faces. They moved aside, bringing into view a table covered with food and with a large cake in its center. A banner over the table read, “Welcome home, Shawn Jackson.”

Daniel was so overwhelmed he couldn’t think of what to say. Just then, Jack leaned over his shoulder and sat down a cup of coffee in front of him. He whispered in Daniel's ear, “Say 'thank you.'”

Daniel looked around at all of his friends and colleagues. A tear ran down his cheek. He mustered strength to say loudly, “Thank you! Thank you all for making Shawn and me feel like family here at the SGC.”

Jack straightened up and announced, “Enough speeches.” Everyone laughed. “Time for food and presents.”

By the end of the party Daniel had just about every thing Shawn could need for the next few months except, of course, furniture. It had been great but also a little overwhelming. Never in his life had he felt so accepted or wanted.

* * * *

The JAG officer arrived and introduced himself to Jack. His name was Colonel Jared Peters. An older man, his black hair had gray at the temples. His green eyes were clear and piercing. Jack felt an immediate liking for the man. He was straightforward and didn’t mince words, but went straight to the point. Jack felt he could work with this man. For the next two weeks they planned his defense for the impending hearing.

* * * *

Sam stood at the doorway to Daniel’s office. Janet had finally allowed him to go back to work. After two weeks the medications seemed to be helping Daniel’s depression and anxiety. It was good to see some of the old Daniel coming back.

They had moved the baby’s bassinet into Daniel’s office. Daniel was fast at work, holding Shawn in one arm and typing at his computer with the other.

Sam stopped to admire the sight. Daniel had taken to being a father with the same zeal he did everything else.

He turned to look at her. “Hi, Sam. Come on in.”

She walked up behind him and peered at the screen. “What are you up to?”

“Shopping!”

“For what?”

“All the things a baby needs. I never realized there was so much. I ordered a bed, dresser and changing table as well a rocker. Sheets, blankets, bumper pads, the list goes on. Look at this.” He pointed at the screen. “A toy aquarium to put on the baby’s crib. It even plays music and has a night light. Isn’t that neat?”

Sam laughed. “I never would have guessed after the shower that you could still need so much. I guess people aren’t kidding when they say how expensive having a child is. How could someone so small need so much?”

“I know. It’s amazing, isn’t it? I need to get these things so Shawn and I can go home. Oh!” Daniel got excited again. “I’ve been doing some research. The way I figure it, my one bedroom apartment is too small for me, Shawn and--once we find her--Shar’e, so I’ve decided to look for a new home. I want a house with a yard so Shawn has a place to play.”

Daniel clicked the computer mouse a few times and then announced, “Look at this one, Sam. What do you think?”

Sam leaned in to look at the screen. There was an older Victorian-style home. It was painted in cream with deep red and green trim. Flower gardens and spreading trees graced the large front yard. Daniel clicked the mouse again. The view shifted to the inside. A living room with an ornate fireplace and lovely wood trim dominated the view.

“Upstairs, it has four bedrooms and a study. Downstairs, there is a living room, a den, a large dining room and a kitchen with a large pantry. There are two porches, one on the back that is screened in and lets out to a fenced-in backyard. It is in one of the best school systems in Colorado Springs. And it is only 20 minutes from the base. I figure I can have one of the rooms, another for the nursery and two for future children. I think Shar’e would like it. What do you think?”

“It is lovely. Can you afford it?" she asked, noting the price listed on the screen.

“Yes, funny, but a few years ago I couldn’t afford a shabby hotel room. I get paid very well for my work. And with my being on base most of the time, I hardly have time to spend it, so I’ve been investing it.” Daniel swiveled his chair to face Sam. “If Janet agrees and lets me out of the mountain, could you come look at it with me?”

“Sure. I’d love to.”

* * * *

The day of the trial had finally arrived. Jack was nervous. He hoped that the men hearing the arguments would be neutral and not already biased in their decision. In the discovery phase preceding the trial, both he and Daniel had been grilled by both his attorney and the prosecutor for the Air Force. Jack was relieved to see that Daniel was holding up and not breaking under the stress. He heard from Sam that there had been some very rough questions, but that Daniel had answered them without seeming too upset.

Three ranking officers--two full-bird colonels, Colonel Fairchild and Colonel Ritter, as well as one four-star general, General Banks--would be hearing the case.

The court was called to order and the prosecution began its case. The day dragged on as different members of the SGC were called in to set the scene, as it were, of the events leading up to the “sexual contact” between Jack and Daniel. Major Ferretti had testified, as had Sam, Teal’c and even General Hammond. They all sat in the courtroom while Jack gave his testimony. Dr. Fraiser had had a fit when Daniel also insisted on attending the proceedings, but had finally relented and agreed to it.

After Jack took the stand, his own attorney, Colonel Peters, asked him all of the appropriate questions. Jack gave his answers. He felt comfortable with his responses until the prosecutor, Colonel Robert Dodson, began to cross-examine him. The man twisted what he and everyone else who had been on the stand had said. By the time the day was over he had made it look like he and Daniel had been having an affair long before going to Tellusuris. He had asked questions such as: “After you left him on Abydos, you covered for him. Do you usually disobey orders for just anyone, Colonel?"

“No," Jack had said, "but I knew if I told them Daniel and the Abydonians were still alive, they’d just send in another nuke.”

“Were you attracted to Dr. Jackson even then?”

“No! I respected him. He saved my life.”

“So he was willing to die for you. A man you hardly knew?”

“Yes. If you knew Doctor Jackson like I know him, you’d understand why he did it.”

“I don’t think I want to know Doctor Jackson in the same way you knew him.” After pausing for effect, the prosecutor continued, “After Doctor Jackson came back from Abydos it was you who took him in, wasn’t it?”

“He had no place to go. I couldn’t just leave him standing there, now could I?”

“He had the VIP suites here on the base.”

“He had just lost his wife for heaven’s sake.”

“Convenient for you, wouldn’t you say, Colonel?" After another dramatic pause: “It is well known that Doctor Jackson stays over at your house a lot, isn’t it, Colonel.”

“You know it is. You already asked everyone who was on the stand that question.”

“Tell me, why is that?”

“Sometimes it is late and Daniel will stay over rather than drive back to his apartment.”

“Does Captain Carter or Teal’c stay also.”

“No, they don’t.”

“Why is that, Colonel? Why always just Doctor Jackson?”

Jack looked across the room at Daniel who had his arms wrapped around himself, rocking slightly in that self-hug of his. Daniel's eyes came up and made contact with Jack’s. Jack could see Daniel's determination to get through this and be there for Jack. This gave him the strength to keep himself under control during the questioning.

“Because Doctor Jackson can’t hold his liquor and it is easier for him to stay in my guest's room than for me to drive him home."

“Dr. Jackson can’t hold his liquor? I wonder, is that just a convenient excuse so no one asks why he stays with you so often?”

And so the rest of the day went. By the end of it Jack was sure he needed to set his affairs in order before getting shipped off to Leavenworth.

* * * *

Colonel Peters sat in his room at the SGC, working on his case. It didn’t look good. He’d gone up against Dodson before. The man was very good at what he did. Peters wasn’t sure he could win this one. He went back to reading his notes when he heard a knock at his door. Getting up and opening the door, he was surprised to find Dr. Jackson standing there. Dr. Jackson held the Air Force's proof of his relationship with Colonel O’Neill in one arm and a box in the other.

“Can I come in, Colonel?” Daniel asked.

“Of course, Doctor. Please have a seat over there. How are you and your son doing?”

“I wish I could say well, but unfortunately I can’t. I am very worried about Jack.”

“Please have a seat.”

Daniel sat down in an armchair as Peters pulled up a chair from his desk to sit across from him.

“What can I do for you, Doctor?”

“It’s what I can do for you, Colonel. I have some ideas for Jack’s defense. I was in that courtroom today and I know it isn’t looking good for Jack.”

Peters tried to reassure Daniel. “It is still early in the game. We still have our defense to present tomorrow.”

“Look, Colonel. I am not stupid. I can read the writing on the wall.”

Peters chuckled as he said, “From what I’m told you can read the writing on a lot of walls.”

Daniel blushed a little, then continued, “I have some information that may help Jack."

That definitely got Peters's interest. “Do share, Doctor. I’m all ears, as they say.”

Daniel began to explain to Peters what he had in mind. This, Peters thought, he could work with. Even if he didn’t really want to go there, he understood what the doctor was asking and why.

* * * *
The next day at the hearing Peters had had a television and VCR set up. He stood to address the panel of judges. “Rather than call witnesses, I’d like to show this court a film which will show exactly why Colonel O’Neill made the decision he did."
The three men talked among themselves, then Banks said, “As you wish. It is your turn to present what you think is relevant to this court.”

Peters started the video. The screen showed Jack walking into a room. There on a bed lay a naked Daniel. Blood stained the covers. Daniel seemed to be unaware of his entrance into the room.

Daniel’s sharp intake of breath echoed in the courtroom. Everyone looked his way. He willed himself into locking his gaze on the screen. He was determined to support Jack even if it meant watching this.

Jack turned toward Peters. Peters met Jack's gaze as he paused the machine.
Jack ground out his words from the defense table, anger evident in his voice, “You bastard! How did you get a copy of this? I never would have okayed your showing this with Daniel in the room."

Daniel spoke up, "It’s all right, Jack, if it will help the judges have a better understanding of what happened and why we needed to do it."

Peters restarted the VCR.

Jack's voice could be heard on screen. “Daniel!”

The Daniel on screen did not move or react to Jack at all.

“What have you bastards done to him?” Jack demanded as he moved swiftly over to the bed where Daniel lay.

“He has been getting to know a few of our citizens very intimately,” Frela answered.

Frela and two guards entered the picture. Jack started towards Frela, his fists raised. Two guards stepped between him and Frela, weapons raised.

“Now, now, Colonel. Violence is such a crude method to resort to. Surely we can come to an agreement to spare the good doctor any more pain?”

Jack turned and went over to the bed. Sitting down beside Daniel, he called his name out softly, "Daniel, it’s me, Jack.”

Daniel ignored him.

“Daniel, please! It’s me, Jack. Talk to me.”

Daniel’s eyes turned towards Jack’s. “Jack, it’s you?”

“Yes, Danny, I’m here. You're safe now.”

“Are we going home?” Daniel’s voice cracked a little.

“Yes, soon.”

“Please, Jack, soon. I don’t think I can go through this again.”

Jack gathered a visibly shaking, bruised, bloody Daniel into his arms.

Daniel’s muffled voice could be heard saying, “Please Jack, don’t let then do it again.”

Jack rocked him gently as he stroked his hair from his sweaty face. “Shhh!” Jack cooed. “I won’t let them hurt you again, no matter what I have to do to stop them.”

“Well said, O’Neill. All you have to do is rape him yourself and he will be safe from the others. Refuse, and I’ll let them have a go at him again.”

“You're sick. How do you expect me to rape my best friend?”

The camera followed Jack's look to show three men standing in the corner of the room.

The smallest of the three spoke up, “He’s a sweet piece of ass, that one is. You’d enjoy yourself. But if you don’t want to, I’ll not say no to another taste.”

The camera turned back to Frela as he said, “One way or the other he will be raped. The audience demands it. And we can’t disappoint them now, can we? Choose! It’s up to you. One or three, it makes no difference to me, but it might to Daniel there.”

At Frela’s words Daniel began to shake even harder. A soft, frightened sob broke free of his lips.

“Okay, okay. But get those three out of my sight.”

The guards herded the three convicts from the room. Jack continued to rock Daniel, trying to comfort him. “I’m not sure I can physically do this, if you get my meaning. Raping your best friend isn’t exactly all that stimulating.”

Don’t worry. We have a drug to help with that little problem.”

Frela motioned to a woman standing to the side. She came up to Jack and pressed a vial to his arm. He hissed at its sting. Then she too left the room.

“Wait a few minutes and I think you will start to feel the effects."

Jack helped Daniel up and over to the bed. He looked at the cameras. “Are they going to be running the whole time?”

“Of course. This is all part of the show. What would be the reason to do this without the cameras recording it?"

Jack lay down beside Daniel’s nude body, pulling Daniel tight against him. As he gently stroked his back he whispered soothing words to him.

Daniel’s distraught voice broke through, getting the attention of all of those present in the courtroom. “That’s enough! I think they get the picture.”

Daniel’s face was blanched of all color. He was shaking and fighting to stop the tears that threatened to fall.

“Yes, I quite agree,” said General Banks. “I think we have indeed seen enough. Do you have any other evidence to present, Colonel Peters?”

“No, sir. I think that just about sums it all up, don’t you?”

Banks asked the prosecutor the same question.

Dodson knew he couldn’t argue with what they had just seen on the film. “No, sir. I have no further evidence to present to this court.”

“Very well. This court is in recess while we deliberate. Dismissed.”

Hammond signed to Janet that it was all right for her to approach Daniel now. Janet went up to him as the judges left the room.

“Come on, Daniel, let's get you back to your room." She motioned for Teal’c to help her with him. “You take him to his room I’ll meet you there after I stop by the infirmary for some supplies."

Teal’c took hold of Daniel's arm and slipped his other arm around Daniel’s back. He helped support Daniel as they left the room.

Jack turned towards Peters in a rage. “How could you do that? And where did you get a copy of that?"

Hammond approached the two, just in case the lawyer needed rescuing.

Peters didn’t back down from Jack one iota. He explained, “Why I did that was to save your hide. And where--was from Dr. Jackson himself.”

Hammond shook his head. Now he knew why Dr. Rust had requested the tape. Daniel had obviously asked her to get it. He wondered if she knew what he had had in mind at the time.

Peters continued his explanation, “He knew there was a copy that the Tellusurians had left with General Hammond. Dr. Rust had used bits of it during their therapy sessions. It was a copy of the complete program that was shown to the Tellusurian audience. The general had locked it away and was not going to let anyone other than Dr. Rust know of its existence. Dr. Jackson came to me with it. I’m not sure how he got hold of it--maybe he asked the doctor for it. But he suggested I use it to save you when it became apparent that the judges were not taking your word for what happened on the planet.

Jack didn’t have a comeback to that so he left to go see how Daniel was doing while they waited for the judges to come up with a verdict.

* * * *

Jack waited in the hall for Janet to come out of Daniel’s room. When she emerged, he asked, “How is he, Doc?”

Janet sighed as she wiped her face in frustration. “He is very upset and on the verge of breaking down. I’ve given him a sedative which should be kicking in soon. I am placing him on suicide watch again and now I’m on my way to call Dr. Rust.”

“Can I go in?”

“Yes. Teal’c and Sam are with him, and the baby is in there, too. Sam says she can stay and watch Shawn for a bit longer, if needed. I’m going to arrange for an around-the-clock nurse for both of them.

Jack reached in and gave her a hug. “Thanks. I don’t know how we would make it with out you here."

Janet hugged him back, then left for the infirmary and her office.

Jack entered the room. Daniel was lying on the bed. He walked over to him and sat down on the bed's edge. “Daniel, thank you, but you shouldn’t have done that. We would have figured out another way to try and win this thing.”

Daniel opened sleepy eyes and then took Jack’s hand. “You put your life and career on the line for me back on Tellusuris when you had sex with me to prevent my having to endure more rapes.”

“Fat lot of good it did.” Jack didn’t pull his hand back from Daniel’s, but continued to hold onto his friend.

“The outcome doesn’t matter, Jack. It was the intent that counts. You did it to save me. How could I do less?”

“Well, let’s hope it wasn’t in vain.”

Shawn let out a small cry. Daniel looked over where Sam stood, holding his son.

“Besides, you gave me Shawn. And for that I owe you everything I have.”

Jack shifted uncomfortably at the thought that Shawn was indeed his child. He banished the emotions that came with that thought. Jack looked down at Daniel and saw that his eyes had closed and he was slipping away into a calm sleep due to the medication. Jack got up and approached Sam and Teal’c who now stood next to her. “I’m going to go check on some things. Will you stay with them?”

Sam nodded as she picked up a bottle and headed towards the rocker. “I can stay a little longer and take care of Shawn, at least until the nurse arrives.”

“As always, O’Neill, I will stay and guard Daniel Jackson until he is better.”

Jack slapped Teal’c shoulder and said, “Thanks. I can always count on the two of you.”

He left the room to go find the general.

* * * *

Jack sat in General Hammond’s office when the word came down that after just 90 minutes of deliberation the verdict was in. Jack felt his stomach roll over with apprehension as they made their way back to the courtroom.

Peters was already there Jack took a seat beside him while General Hammond sat behind Jack. Sam and Teal’c entered the room along with Janet and Ferretti. They must have been called also.

The three officers entered the room and took their seats behind the table.

As senior officer, General Banks spoke, “After reviewing the evidence in this case this court finds that Colonel John O’Neill did act without thought to his own needs and wants and engaged in activities that were meant to protect a civilian under his command, no matter what the consequences to himself might be. We find the colonel not guilty of conduct unbecoming. This case is dismissed.”

Jack sat there stunned as Carter whooped with joy and Teal’c slapped him on the back in congratulations. He had been so sure he would be found guilty and that the verdict was already decided before the trial had even begun. Slowly, he got to his feet and turned to Peters. Shaking the man’s hand Jack simply said. “Thank You.”

“It was my pleasure, Colonel. It was all in a day's work.”

“Maybe to you, but to me it was my life’s work. And I thank you for returning it to me.”

Peters finished placing his papers in his briefcase as Ferretti’s arm came around Jack and picked the surprised colonel up off his feet for a moment. “Way to go, Jack,” Ferretti yelled.

* * * *

Now that the trial was over and the stress of it gone, Daniel made good progress in his sessions with Dr. Rust. He was allowed to return to light duty and could even leave the base if he were accompanied by military personnel. However, Hammond did not want to risk having the baby off base until safety precautions were set in place for him.

Daniel and Sam returned from their house-hunting trip. After looking at five homes, Daniel decided on the Victorian he had shown Sam on-line. He had made an offer on the house and was waiting for the realtor to call back with the owner’s answer.

General Hammond spotted them walking down the hall. He hadn’t seen Daniel looking this happy in months. “Doctor Jackson, can I have a word with you in my office?”

“Of course, sir. Let me go collect Shawn from Dr. Fraiser and I’ll be right there.” He turned towards Sam and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. “Thanks for coming. It helped a lot to get your opinions on the houses.”

She gave him a quick kiss back. “Bye. I’ll see you later for dinner.”

Sam headed towards her lab. Daniel picked Shawn up and went to join the general in his office. Entering the room, he took a seat in front of the general’s desk. Hammond entered just behind him and shut the door, then took his own seat behind the desk. “Dr. Jackson, I noticed you and Captain Carter have been off base today. You look very pleased. May I ask what you have been up to?”

“Of course, sir. We went house-shopping.”

Hammond grunted with surprise. “You already have an apartment. Why house-hunting?”

Daniel shifted in his seat, rearranging Shawn. For someone so small he got heavy after being carried for a while. The baby let out a few squeaks, then settled back to sleep. “I got to thinking that my apartment was too small for a child, so I’m buying a house.”

“Congratulations. That brings up one of the things I wanted to talk with you about. Security for you and the baby. I want Colonel Carter and some of our best techs to work on a security system for whatever home you decide on. Also, have you thought about who will watch the baby while you are at work or off-world, should you decide to go?”

Daniel frowned. He hadn’t really considered this. He wasn’t sure he could leave Shawn with a stranger and go off-world on a mission. After Shar’e returned then she could take care of him. But who knew when that would be? “No, sir. I haven't thought of that.”

“Well, the second thing I wanted to talk to you about was a recommendation for a possible person to do just that. You remember Major Willis? She has worked with me off and on for the past twenty-five years. She is retiring and has no plans as of yet.”

Daniel knew Liz very well from working with her as a member of SG-6. She had been in special ops for years and had worked with Jack early on in their careers. She was a real sweetheart as long as you were on her good side, but cross her and you had better run. She was good at what she did. Jack said she could give him a run for his money any day. He also knew why she was retiring. Most people didn’t know this, with the climate against gays being what it was, but she had just lost her life-partner Jill to breast cancer a few months earlier. She was finding it hard to stay in the military and keep working after the loss of Jill. She had told Daniel she needed a new start in life.

“I think Liz would be excellent with Shawn," Hammond said, "and you couldn’t ask for better protection for him.”

“I think you’re right, sir. I wonder how she would feel about this.”

“I’m not sure, but you could always ask her.”

“Thank you. I think I will, but right now I’m not quite ready to leave him.”

“Of course not. For now, while he is so small, you can continue to bring him to work. But eventually he is going to start crawling and then walking and you would spend more time chasing him than getting any work done.”

Daniel looked down at the small boy he held close to him. He was only six weeks old. It was hard to imagine his being mobile, but he guessed it would come sooner than he was ready for.

* * * *

It was still early when Jack arrived at Daniel’s new house. No one else had arrived this morning, so he gave himself a tour of the place. The security system Sam and the techs had designed was in the process of being installed, he noted as he walked around the downstairs. The contractors had finished the remodeling of the kitchen, baths and Daniel’s room. They were still working on what would become Daniel’s study and the downstairs playroom.

Jack approached the lovely old staircase that started from the large foyer at the front door. The detail work on the old oak was beautifully done. He made his way upstairs to the large master bedroom. Daniel had done the room in soft purples and whites. He had explained that Shar'e had never seen purple, as it was not a common color on a desert planet, until she had seen it in one of the pictures of a book he had. She had fallen in love with that color and would talk of going to Earth one day to get cloth the color of it for a dress.

The room and its bath took up the whole front of the house with its large bowed windows. The house was coming along nicely. It might be ready for Daniel and Shawn to move into in about another week.

He continued down the hall to a small room that was located on the east side of the house and closest to Daniel’s room. This would be the nursery. Majors Ferretti and Coburn, Lieutenant Sands and Sergeant Bell of SG-2 had decided to make the nursery their gift to Daniel and Shawn. Daniel had picked out and bought everything, and as their gift to Daniel and Shawn they would do the work. The colors were pastel yellows and greens. The work was almost done and the new area rug would be put down tomorrow. And then all of the furniture Daniel had ordered would be set up.

Jack looked around the room a little wistfully. He remembered helping Sara fix up Charlie’s nursery. Of course, they had been living in base housing at the time, so there was only so much they could do. But it had be just as exciting, all the same.
Jack came to a dead stop as he noticed something on the floor of the nursery. It was a baby blanket. More to the point, it looked like one that Daniel used with Shawn. How in the world did that get here? Daniel had not taken Shawn off base yet. Jack stooped down and picked up the white fuzzy blanket with embroidered pictures of Peter Rabbit on it. A card fell out of the blanket and hit the floor. Jack froze as he looked down at it. On the card was a picture of a bloody knife. He knew that symbol and who it belonged to. He also knew what it meant.

As he picked up the card and considered what to do next, his cell phone rang. “O’Neill,” Jack said, still lost in thought over the card.

“Captain, I figure you’ve found my calling card by now,”a voice with a slight lilt to it came back over the phone to him.

“It’s Colonel now,” Jack snapped.

“Yes, I know, but you will always be the Captain to me. So how’s life treating you?”

“Until you called, just fine. So what are you up to, O’Brien? Same old thing, I’d guess. Still selling yourself for money.”

“Now, now, Captain. I'm just doing what you taught me to do.”

Jack clenched his teeth. “What I taught you to do was serve your country, not your wallet.”

“Captain, I figure that I can do both. The job gets done and I get paid. Everyone is happy.”

“I didn’t train you in special ops so you could become a hired killer for anyone with the money to pay for it.”

“No, but thanks all the same. I’ve had a very successful career, thanks to you. Now let’s get down to business. My latest employer wants me to make you a deal. You resign from the Air Force. They don’t really care what excuse you give, just so long as you go."

Jack walked over to the side of the window and looked out, trying to spot where the man was. He saw nothing out of the ordinary. “And just why would I do something like that?”

"I assume that you are still holding the blanket?"

Jack brought the blanket up to his face. He could smell the distinct scent of baby powder on it. “Yes, and so therefore?”

O’Brien’s voice came back over the phone: “I am sure you realized that I had to have access to the baby to get his blanket and could have just as easily killed him as taken the blanket?”

Jack felt his fear rise at the image of this monster leaning over Shawn as he slept.

Jack asked, “So if I resign, the baby will be left alone?”

“Not only the baby, but Dr. Jackson. He is listed on this hit also. You stay and both he and the baby will be terminated. You go, they live. It is as simple as that. Decide, Captain. You have one week to do so. I would think you wouldn’t want to lose a second son to a bullet in the head?”

Jack cursed into the phone. “You mother-fucking bastard.”

O’Brien’s unperturbed voice answered, “By the way, alert anyone to this, and all deals are off. Both of them will be dead. You trained me. You know I can make it happen.”

* * * *

Later that night Jack walked down the corridors of the SGC headed for Daniel’s VIP suite. He entered the room quietly, walked over to the bed and looked down at a sleeping Daniel and Shawn. Daniel was curled up on his side facing the baby. Shawn was tucked up almost under Daniel’s chin, lying on his back. Jack stood there watching as the two slept on, ignorant of the drama playing out around them. Shawn’s little lips moved as if nursing. Jack had seen Charlie do the same thing as a small infant.

Jack marveled at how much Shawn looked like Daniel, especially around the mouth. He also saw some of Charlie in the boy. His heart ached for the child he had lost. He had had his own son and this child could not replace him. No, this was Daniel’s son and one day possibly Shar’e’s. He was, as he had told Daniel, just the sperm donor. But that did not mean that he would not protect both him and Daniel.

Leaving the two sleeping forms he first went to his own office. There he typed up his resignation and then went to the general’s office. Hammond was not in, so he left it on the desk. Heading for the locker room, he changed into civilian clothes. Then he took the elevator to the guard station. Once there, he checked out, taking a few minutes to speak with the guards.

Knowing he was probably being watched, he got into his truck. He drove to his house to pack a few things and then he was off to Denver. He allowed the car that was tailing him to do so. He wanted them to follow him and keep tabs on him. He was more than prepared to give them a show.

Next: Jack Be Nimble