Catajack

by Riantiata

URL: http://www.area52hkh.net/asr/riantiata/catajack.php
Summary: None

Part 1

'This is all Cassie's fault' thought Jack, as he painfully straddled a neigbor's fence; while being balefully glared at by two pairs of golden eyes.

****

One evening the previous week, his thirteen-year-old foster niece had arrived, ringing his doorbell.

"I've come to ask a favour, Uncle Jack," she announced, as she reached into his refrigerator for a soda.

"I'm off sick" he replied automatically, although the effects of the off-world virus, he had picked up, were diminishing.

"This doesn't involve much activity" Cassie replied – nonchalantly tipping her bottle up - emulating Jack with his beer.

"Ok. So what is it?" he was still suspicious. Cassie had involved him in a number of embarrassing incidents over the years.

She shot him an anxious glance – would he freak?

"Well. You know Mom and Aunt Sam are taking me to Orlando next week?"

Jack nodded. He was out of action for another few weeks and Daniel would be on a three day, off-world mission. Janet and Sam had decided to take Cassie to DisneyWorld while she was 'young enough to enjoy it' as Sam put it – ignoring the fact that she and Janet couldn't wait to get there themselves.

"Well." Cassie snuggled down on the couch next to Jack and implored him with her big eyes.

"Mr. Marshall, next door, has broken his leg and can't look after the cats. Will you take them, please?"

There was a shocked silence as Jack choked on his beer and assailed his niece with a stare calculated to undermine the toughest marine. It had no effect on Cassie, whose own eyes pleaded urgently.

"You see" she wheedled "you are off duty. Uncle Daniel will be away so there's no-one else to ask. They are very good, honest. You won't know they're here."

"Here?" Jack's voice rose desperately "you want me to have them here? What's wrong with looking after them in their own place? Animals like to stay in familiar surroundings."

Cassie's face was sad

"But if you did that you wouldn't be with them all the time. They would miss the company. Of course" thoughtfully "you could always stay over."

"No way" his voice grated – shuddering at the thought of staying in the - pink and white, totally feminine, - single storey house that Janet and Cassie shared.

"So" Cassie moved in for the kill while Jack was still floundering "I'll bring them round on Friday evening. We are leaving early Saturday morning. Thanks – Uncle Jack. I knew I could rely on you."

She gave him a big kiss, upsetting his beer on his tee - and ran to open the door as the bell rang.

Janet entered

"Colonel" she said.

"Major" he replied, weakly – brushing away the drops of beer.

"Oh. Mother" moaned Cassie "You're off duty."

Janet shook herself

"Ah. Yes. Jack – have you capitulated yet?" She flashed her attractive smile as Jack's slumped shoulders gave her an affirmative answer. "Good! Thank you. Come on young lady – you've still got two more days of school."

"Can't I stay? I need to tell him about feeding and things."

"You can give him a list when you bring them on Friday. Better still I'll make the list – your handwriting is still unreadable."

Cassie pouted

"I'm an alien."

"That's no excuse – and it's not admissible in this neck of the woods. Home!"

She led her foster daughter out, closing the door gently on the bewildered Colonel.

"Why me?" he whispered to an uncaring world He ambled out to the kitchen, grabbed another beer and took it back to his chair. The weakness he'd been suffering from, since the alien virus had taken hold, surfaced again. Why the hell had he touched that body they'd found, checking for signs of life? The alien was dead but the virus migrated to him – none of his team were infected, just him. 'And I always tell Daniel not to touch'.

Reminded of Daniel, he reached for his cell phone.

"Daniel."

"Yes, Jack?"

"Can you come round?"

"No. I've got work to do."

"I need to talk to you."

There was silence as Daniel processed this astounding news.

"Talk?" he asked cautiously

"Yes. To you." Jack was getting restive.

"You mean as in ...talk?"

"Yes."

There was a muttering in Abydonian, then

"Must it be now?"

"Daniel, I need you."

On the other end of the phone Daniel thought quickly – if Jack said he needed him that meant Jack was in trouble, which in turn meant that Daniel had to get him out of it.

"Ok" he conceded "Just for half an hour. I've got these translations..."

"Half an hour is not enough."

"It'll have to do." Daniel switched off his phone not wanting to argue.

Jack speed-dialled the Chinese restaurant and ordered take out of Daniel's favorite meal. That would make him stay. No way could he do this alone, he'd rather face a herd of Jaffa – he'd know what to do with them.

Daniel arrived at the same time as the delivery boy. His lips twitched as he realised Jack was 'making nice' to him. His jacket was taken and hung up, white wine was offered and he was ushered into the living room while Jack set out the meal.

From his seat on the couch Daniel could see Jack's harassed frown – what on earth was going on?

Over dinner Jack explained his dilemma. Daniel laughed long and loud at his friend's predicament; at the big, macho Colonel petrified at two young cats. Jack was hurt at the laughter at first but soon saw the funny side of the situation.

"It's not that I don't want to help. It's not that I'm even afraid of the cats. It's just that I'm a dog man, you know that Daniel. I know how to respond to dogs. I've never had any time for cats. They are too independent. You can't control them."

Daniel chuckled as he ate the last of his Chinese and held his glass out for more wine

"And of course you have to be in control, don't you?"

"I blame you" retorted his friend, pouring the wine "I said Cassie should have a dog. All kids need a dog. You were the one who said cats were easier" his voice was disgruntled – it was still a sore point that Cassie had agreed with Daniel.

"Oh, come on." Daniel resurrected the old argument "Janet's at the mountain most of the time. Cassie is at school, then she has homework; not to mention her after school activities. She would have no time or even the energy to walk a dog. The cats are company, easy to maintain – feed and fuss is all they need. Cassie plays with them, they have all sorts of toys – it's good for her to relax with them."

Jack glared

"I'm not playing with toys."

"You don't have to. They're for the cats."

Daniel sipped his wine smiling around the glass

"They were so little - when we went to the rescue center. Cassie fell in love with them immediately. Funny thing – the staff said that no-one wants black kittens. They think they're bad luck, or something. I wondered if it might be a cultural thing – you know – the remembrance of witches."

"Only you, Daniel." Jack smiled – and answered Daniel's querying look with "Only you could go anthropological in an animal rescue center."

Daniel shrugged

"It's what I do. Anywhere and everywhere. Anyway when we got them home Cassie insisted that they needed company and took them to bed. They've been sleeping with her ever since. Janet would never have allowed that with a dog."

Jack looked haunted

"They're not sleeping with me." he insisted.

Daniel smiled, knowing the marshmallow heart under the bravado 'If I were a betting man' he thought.

They finished their meal and Jack poured more wine. Daniel resigned himself to staying the night - 'spare room here I come' he thought knowing that Jack was purposely giving him more wine than his system could tolerate; to ensure his company? Was he really freaked at the thought of the cats? Oh, well. As long as he got his translations done by the weekend. But it seemed Jack had got other plans.

"I'd like you to come over on Friday and stay for the weekend." He stated baldly "Cassie is bringing the cats Friday evening...oh!" he looked wildly at Daniel "Oh.God. Your allergies."

"What about them?"

"You can't handle cats."

Daniel looked puzzled

"Who says?"

"Well you're allergic to 'em"

"No I'm not."

"You must be."

"I would be the first to know, Flyboy. What is all this?"

"Well known fact. Cat hairs!"

Daniel sighed

"Jack. I've been playing with Cassie's cats for the last six months. Before that I played with Schrodinger whenever I went to Sam's. I'm only allergic to dust and pollen. Put me next to your flower bed and, lovely as it is, you'll hear me sneeze, but I can play with cats without so much as a snuffle."

Jack winced at the word 'play'. Play - with a dog, meant throwing things – a ball, stick or Frisbee. How did one play with a cat?

"Well. It seems you can come over after all." his panic had decreased when he realised he wouldn't be alone with the cats for the first few days.

"If I can get the translations done. If not, I will have to bring them with me – and if I do that I shall need your TV, video recorder and computer."

"Ok.Ok. Anything – just be here." Jack eagerly agreed "Perhaps Teal'c would come too. I'll ask him".

They sat in companionable silence finishing the wine.

Then Daniel asked softly

"What is really worrying you about the cats?"

Jack gave him an unreadable expression

"Do you remember when I looked after your fish. You were offworld with SG7, and when you came back one had died."

Daniel's face changed as memory took hold

"Yes" he said quietly.

"You were distraught at the loss of that fish. It wasn't my fault, I had done everything you asked. Yet it died, and you were so upset."

"I was an emotional cripple just then, Jack. You know that. I was still mourning the loss of Sha're. It seemed that everything I touched died on me, even the fish. But that was a long time ago."

Jack was quiet for a moment then, when he spoke, his voice was low

"Well, what I am afraid of is that something will happen to the cats while they are with me. Cassie would be heartbroken. I don't know anything about cats, Daniel. I'm worried something will go wrong."

Daniel smiled

"You're worrying for nothing Jack. They are tough little bastards. They are easy – you don't have to take them out for a walk. In fact if you just keep them in the house for the week, they will have a ball. Remember they are not used to having stairs – they will be up and down those all day. They play with each other but they do like company – so if you feel like throwing a ball or rustling a scrap of paper they will love it."

He yawned, looked at his watch and got up from the couch

"I hear your spare room calling. I'd better go to bed, I need an early start."

Jack grinned, feeling relieved, and more like his old self, since talking to Daniel

"You? Getting up early? That'll be the day."

"T'is true. Oh riser at dawn. If you would grace me with coffee at some ungodly hour, I will do my best to go and get some work done."

****

True to his word Daniel staggered out of bed, drank the coffee Jack handed him, and left – promising to return the next evening - as he yawned his way out to his car.

Jack felt restless all day. During his regular morning run, that had been reduced to a walk by the fierce Janet in deference to his virus fatigue, he was in a thoughtful state of mind. He knew he was going to have to keep the cats indoors, so he thought he'd better stock up on supplies. That would save him having to leave the house; he didn'twant to chance opening doors or windows in case they slipped out.

Then he realised he would have to give up his early morning walk. That annoyed him – the walk was an enjoyment and a method of keeping his knees supple. They always stiffened up if he sat or lay too long.

"Damned cats." He muttered "Upsetting my routine."

But it all came down to the fact that he could not say 'no' to Cassie. He was not alone in this. The little alien girl, orphaned and alone on a distant planet when they found her, had wound her way into all their hearts - and now had a family of six - including Janet and General Hammond – who indulged her to a ridiculous degree.

So, after a shower and some breakfast, Jack hit the stores and did his shopping. On his return he remembered he had intended to ask Teal'c to join them. He rang him and explained the situation to the big man, asking him to come for the weekend.

"I am sorry, O'Neill." Teal'c said in his careful way "I am otherwise engaged tomorrow. I will arrive on Saturday morning, if that is acceptable."

"Ok. That'll have to do." Jack replied ungraciously "Daniel will take you back on Monday."

"We are required on base Sunday evening, O'Neill. We have a very early start on Monday."

Jack had forgotten Daniel had informed him, and had said that Teal'c was going too – as part of the protective presence that all science teams had to have.

"It's the planet's rotation, Jack" Daniel had explained "Our 8.00am is midday there. So we have to get an early start." he had sighed "More like the middle of the night."

Jack was disgruntled when Teal'c reminded him that teams had to stay on base before a mission.Everything seemed to be conspiring against him - and what did Teal'c mean? How could he be 'otherwise engaged' when Jack needed him?– he was dreading the week ahead.

****

Friday came and Jack went for his last walk – enjoying the sensation of loosening muscles and knees as he walked swiftly wishing he dared defy Janet and have a run. Then, at the furthest point from the house, it started to rain – steadily - soaking his lightly clad body. He cursed as he sloshed his way home. He dived under the shower to get rid of the chill, relaxing under the warm spray and hoping Daniel would arrive before the cat bringers.

Thankfully he did, bearing a pile of books and papers which he took into the den; then returned to his car to bring in a large pizza for their dinner.

"Teal'c told me he wasn't coming tonight, but I got a big one anyway" he chuckled, plucking a slice from the box "Thought you might need comfort food."

Jack grunted, and loaded his plate.

"It's no big deal, Jack." Daniel went on, as he ate "The cats are great. If you'd spent as much time getting to know them as I have you'd be fine. Teal'c's been there a lot too. They don't have cats on Chulak. He's quite fascinated by them."

Jack took his attention off his pizza, to give Daniel a glare. "They don't have dogs either, he could have been fascinated by them if you hadn't..." he shrugged and asked "So what's this with Teal'c? Not that I mind since I can have his portion of pizza. But 'otherwise engaged'?"

Daniel laughed

"He's watching an historical series on TV."

"Hey! What's wrong with watching it on my TV? I needed him here, he could still watch."

Daniel shook his head

"No way. With two cats - and you freaking out? What chance would he have of absorbing anything?"

Their alien friend had expressed a desire to learn more of Tauri culture. Daniel had recommended watching the Discovery channel and National Geographic. Jack had introduced him to ESPN, Hockey and The Simpsons.

Jack opened his mouth, to deny the imputation of 'freaking', but was forestalled by the doorbell.

Part 2

Daniel opened the door and gained an armful of Cassie who kissed him and acquired a sample of pizza sauce on her face.

"Want some!" she demanded. Daniel nodded over at his plate; she left him, helped herself to a slice then climbed into the Jack-occupied lounger.

Janet and Sam came through the door with the carriers that contained a pair of extremely vocal felines; leaving the carriers on the floor they walked back outside. Jack looked uncertainly at the cats; then met Daniel's laughing eyes and turned away as nonchalantly as he could with eighty-four pounds of teenager in his lap.

Daniel sat on the carpet, talking quietly to the cats through the bars of their carriers.

"It's all right, Uncle Jack." Cassie reassured him "They always make that noise when they are being transported. Mom says it's because they are half siamese."

The others returned with bowls, litter boxes and a variety of foods and litter bags. Jack's eyes glazed at the amount of supplies piling up on his carpet, especially the sleeping basket big enough for a dog.

Finally, after another trip, Janet closed the door with a flourish

"Cassie," she ordered, "Organise everything."

Cassie slipped down from Jack's lap, to his relief, and took the food into the kitchen. He heard the refrigerator door open.

"I'll have a beer, please Cassie." he called.

"Ok – so will I," she called back, then came sauntering in with a beer, and a soda - which she waved at her irritated mother.

"Teenagers!" muttered Janet, looking at Sam "Do we really want to take her? She'll be a pain."

Sam grinned

"Oh. Yeah – we can only go if we take her. It's supposed to be for children, but I want to go on the flume."

"What's that?"

"It's a water ride. They have this Brer Rabbit themed area, so I've been told, and there is a flume that is five storeys high that you get to go over. Sounds cool."

Daniel looked up, raising amused eyebrows

"Live dangerously, why don't you? Like your life is so boring?"

Cassie picked up a litter box and bag of litter

"I'll put a litter box in the bathroom."

"No," Daniel answered "Put it in the spare room, Cassie. I'll have the door open."

'I won't,' thought Jack, grimacing at the thought of the cats on his bed.

Cassie nodded and disappeared upstairs.

Jack was distracted by Sam who came over with a sheet of paper

"Sir..."

"Jack," he replied, automatically.

"Um...Jack," Sam was still uncomfortable at using his name even though they were off duty. "Janet made this maintenance list"

She handed it to him - then proceeded to tell him what was on it

"The feeding is easy. Half a can of food between them, morning and evening,– they have separate bowls. About seven o'clock. The dry food – that can be down all day in case they want snacks. Every couple of days they have a meal of fish or chicken. We brought some frozen fish. Add it to a pan of boiling water, that takes the smell away, for about fifteen minutes."

She checked the paper to see if she'd got it right. Jack smiled, Sam was no cook.

"They don't mind it warm but not hot." She went on "Always have plenty of water down. As you are keeping them in, the litter boxes will have to be kept sieved. There are pooper scoopers for that. They are very clean cats, Jack. Not nearly as messy as dogs." She laughed at his outraged expression "Trust me – I know."

She left him with the paper and went over to Janet and Daniel who were unlocking the carriers.

Jack watched as two sinuous, black bodies stepped slowly out and surveyed the room.

They wore fluorescent collars, one red, one green.

Janet saw him watching and said.

"The green collar is Mischief. The red one is Impudence." She smiled at his startled expression.

"Who named them? You?"

"No Cassie did. She was taking English Lit. at the time and felt like being grandiloquent. To be fair, it didn't last. They've become Chiffy and Impy – which is much easier to be calling up the garden at night."

'I won't be doing that' he thought – but just said

"I'll never remember."

"It doesn't matter. They know their names. They will both come whoever you call."

"So all I do is cook them a bit of fish occasionally, otherwise they have cans?"

Janet smiled

"We do give them chicken or steak at times but I thought it best just to bring fish. I know you like a good steak, Jack, and I wouldn't want you to..."

"Hey! Like I would?" Jack turned away from her mischievous smile to see where the cats had got to. They had their heads tucked under the long drapes at the patio doors. He knew they could see his lawn and flower bed and wondered if they would try to escape. He vowed to keep the patio doors locked until they were gone.

Daniel was watching Jack's expression as the cats prowled

"You know "he whispered to Sam "It's a well-known fact that cats know who is uncomfortable with them. They will often sit on them."

"Oh God." She stifled a laugh "That could be traumatic – for the cats as well. "

Cassie came downstairs

"Where shall I put the other litter box?"

Daniel looked at Jack, who hadn't heard the question

"Put it by the front door, beside the cabinet. It will be out of the way there" he answered.

Jack took his eyes off the cats and watched as Cassie poured kitty litter into the box patted it flat then took it into the hall. She came back and picked up each cat in turn, and took it out to show it the litter box.

'What about the litter box upstairs' he thought 'how will they know there's one up there? Oh, they'll probably follow Daniel. God – it's all so confusing – why couldn't she have had a dog, none of this litter box business, just take it for a walk'.

He went back to watching the cats as they continued circuiting the room – sniffing everything, sometimes touching with a tentative paw – getting nearer to his chair.

Sam and Janet were sorting out the bags on the floor, handing things to Cassie to put away. When they had finished they took the big basket up to the spare room. Jack heard Sam say

"It's about time they used this thing."

"Just because you bought it, doesn't mean they like it." Janet replied."I told you at the time it was too big for kittens."

"Well, they grow" protested Sam "Look at the size of Schrodinger. If I'd bought a smaller one they wouldn't have been able to share."

"Well, I doubt they will ever use it. You know they would rather have a bed and a warm body."

'Oh, yeah. Like that will ever happen.' Jack said to himself 'They're not having my warm body.'

Cassie picked up the last item, a box of toys and put it in a corner of the room

Jack looked at the box and curled his lip

'Needn't think I'm playing with them. Toys yet!' he grumbled to himself.

Finally everything was unpacked and put away and departure was imminent.

"We have to go, Jack. We still have last minute packing to do." said Sam, smiling at his anxious glance as the cats approached his chair. He hadn't left its safety since their arrival and Sam hoped that Daniel's presence would help Jack to feel more comfortable.

"They'll soon get used to a strange house. Daniel is here." she went on "The cats are used to him and he knows how to handle them."

'So will you by the end of the week' she thought, but didn't say. She could see the cats eyeing Jack, knowing he was unfamiliar to them and she knew they would investigate him soon. She just wished she could stay and enjoy the fun – it was not often that she could catch her CO looking uncertain of his ability to control a situation.

Jack finally eased from his chair and accompanied his visitors to the door. Daniel stayed behind in case the felines found the open door inviting.

Cassie kissed Jack again and whispered her thanks. Janet touched his arm with a grateful smile. Sam grinned as she murmured

"Have fun, Colonel."

Jack closed the door carefully, checking there were no lurking cats; however when he strolled back to the living room he heard Daniel say

"That is not the way to get in his good books."

"What books are those...?" Jack began – then saw that Daniel was talking to the cats – BOTH of them on his chair.

Daniel was sitting on the couch his eyes crinkled with laughter but, seeing Jack about to explode, he warned

"Don't lose your temper, Jack. No shouting. No sudden movements. They are nervy and wary, this is all strange to them. They are actually complimenting you on your taste in chairs."

Indeed, Mischief had settled down on the seat with his paws tucked under his chest; his brother was perched on the back obviously liking the higher ground.

Jack's bad mood lifted as he recognised the threat assessing Impudence was doing, studying Jack and the surroundings with clear golden eyes that missed nothing. Jack nodded and Daniel saw the stiffness go out of his friend and realised Jack was doing some threat assessing of his own.

"They are hunters, Jack" he said, quietly "Teal'c calls them little warriors and reckons they are superbly equipped for their lifestyle. You could learn a thing or two from them – they have their own special ops techniques."

Keeping his voice low and unthreatening Jack said

"Mischief – um – Chiffy " the cat looked up at his name "seems to leave the guard duty to his brother."

"Yes. Impy is the leader, Chiffy watches his six, because Impy is the instigator of all their scrapes."

"Scrapes? No-one mentioned scrapes. I was assured by my foster niece that they are good and I won't know they're here. Was she bending the truth?"

"Jack, they're like children. Their curiosity is boundless. They have to investigate everything – so, of course, they get into scrapes."

"Such as?"

Daniel smiled at a memory

"Such as when they both joined Janet in her bathroom. Impy sat on the toilet seat while Chiffy was examining the bubbles in Janet's bath. He slipped off the ledge and fell in with her. She threw him out quickly before he went under, but she and Cassie spent hours looking for them because they had fled in fright. It was winter and Janet thought they'd gone out through the cat flap. They were worried because it was freezing cold and Chiffy was soaking wet. It was the middle of the night before they found them – behind the boiler - warm and dry."

"I'll keep the bathroom door locked." said Jack, drily.

"You don't always know when they are in a room. They can really do invisible."

"How do I get my chair back? Don't they need feeding or something?"

"Janet said they've already been fed. Cassie has put bowls of dry food down if they need it. Why don't you try talking to them."

"That's always your answer, isn't it, Daniel? "

"It could work."

Daniel leaned back in the couch to watch the action. He knew he shouldn't be amused, but the sight of his brash, we – do – it – my – way, friend tip-toeing around the putative enemy, made him smile. Jack looked vulnerable and uncertain, something Daniel knew was there but it was rarely seen.

Jack stood in front of his chair and tried for reasonable.

"Hey fellas. How about giving me back my chair? I've got these knees, you see, and I could do with sitting down after the day I've had."

Impy ignored him – but Chiffy stretched his neck to sniff in Jack's direction. Jack gave him his hand to sniff as he would to a dog. The hand was thoroughly investigated; after that Chiffy lowered his head to sniff the seat he was sitting on, then the golden eyes looked up at Jack's face, and blinked. For a moment Jack was reminded of Thor.

"Well, you've got something going for you" commented Daniel "Chiffy is the easiest to befriend but that was quick."

Jack groaned

"Come on Daniel. I'm a dog man. I don't do cats."

"Well no-one's told Chiffy. You're accepted. Impy will probably take longer – but I reckon you're in with a chance."

"Do I want to be/?"

"Oh, yes. They could make your life hell if they didn't like you. Trust me on this."

He rose and went up the stairs to the bathroom. A moment later both cats jumped down and followed him as far as the stairs. There they stopped and, to Jack, it was apparent they had not encountered stairs before. They sniffed the carpet and i nvestigated each step – going up, then down and poking paws through the banisters.

When Daniel came out of the bathroom he could see Jack still standing by his chair, watching the cats and processing their actions.

Daniel called their names and they ran up the stairs to greet him. He took them down the hall to the spare room at the end and showed them their litter box. Ignoring it, and the basket in the far corner, they wandered around the small room peering into the wardrobe and under the bed. As they reconnoitred he whispered to them

"Be good, you two. Don't give him a hard time, he's a good man."

He could hear Jacks footsteps coming down the hall. His friend appeared just as Impy decided to make use of the facilities. Jack watched in surprise as the cat dug himself a hole and squatted for a moment; then pulled back, leaving a small damp spot which he diligently covered over - pulling the litter with his paw.

Jack looked at Daniel

"Wow." He said "That's neat."

Daniel smiled

"Cats are clean, Jack. They don't deposit - like dogs."

Part 3

The men walked back downstairs, and after a moment the cats eft their investigating and followed. Jack grabbed a couple of beers from the refrigerator, handed one to Daniel and they both sat.

"Cassie said something, when the cats were howling, about them being Siamese. What's that about?"

"Black cats are often crossbred Siamese, especially if they are long bodied with long legs, like those two. Add the vocal element, Siamese are great 'talkers,' and it's a fairly sure thing." Daniel explained.

"I see. So, - when do I cook this fish?" Jack asked

"There's enough for a meal on Sunday and another on Wednesday. It's only an occasional treat." Daniel replied, as he took a drink.

"Why do I have to use a pan. Can't I micro?"

"Not if you don't want to live with the smell for hours afterwards." Daniel grimaced "I know it's quicker, but it smells to high heaven."

"How do you know all these things?" Jack waved his hand "You've never had a cat."

"Well, I did some research."

"That figures."

"I helped out when they were small. While Cassie was at school. When I had the time, I would go round and feed them, play with them generally keep them company."

"So that's where you went. I used to think you had a hot date when you kept disappearing." Jack grinned round his beer

Daniel chuckled

"Chance would be a fine thing. I'm with SG1, remember? We don't do hot dates – or any other kind. Janet calls us the 'Get/a/life/quartet'. You told Sam to do that once, and it stuck."

"Oh. Well. Think of the compensation. The exciting life we do lead, chased by Jaffa, tortured by Apophis, thrown into the dungeons of Hell – and all the other delights of Stargate travel..."

Jack broke off as Chiffy sprang up to the couch, between them, and walked onto Jack's lap

"Daniel?"

Daniel smiled

"Let him do what he wants. "

What he wanted was to sit on Jack's lap, so he turned himself round two or three times to find the right position; then - settled - he lifted his face up to Jack's as if in approval.

"Right. Now you're smokin'..."

Jack glanced at his friend who rarely spoke in slang terms

Daniel grinned and continued

"Put two fingers between his ears and stroke backwards.

Jack did as he was told and a rumbling purr told him he was doing it right. It felt strange to him, unlike the harsh hair of a dog this was soft and smooth. Chiffy blinked at him in his Thor-like way then squeezed his eyes shut.

"How long do I keep this up?"

"Oh, you can stop anytime. Cats are very tactile, they like to be stroked but they won't demand more when you stop... at least not usually" Daniel suppressed a laugh at the sight before him.

As Jack stopped stroking, Chiffy opened his eyes and thrust his head under Jack's hand making it obvious that stopping wasn't an option.

Jack actually found this quite restful, the cat warm on his lap purring peacefully. He was beginning to feel that the concerns he'd felt were out of all proportion now that the cats had accepted him. As he thought that Impy jumped up and Jack wondered if he was going to have a lapful but the other cat went straight to Daniel.

"Just as I was thinking of bed." murmured Daniel. "We'll give them half an hour, as they are in a strange place."

So they sat and talked while the cats snoozed on their laps, Daniel had persuaded Jack to use his two finger stroke on Impy who accepted it as his due.

"This is not as bad as I thought it would be" Jack had his eyes closed, his head relaxed on the back of the couch.

"It won't always be like this." warned Daniel "They are sleepy now because they've been inspecting new terrain. Don't think they will be sitting on your lap for days on end. You won't be able to find them most of the time. Ninjas have got nothing over these fellows. They will, however, expect you to play with them. Teal'c will show you how."

"The talents of my team never cease to amaze me."

"Better believe it, flyboy. I will be working on that translation tomorrow so you and Teal'c are on your own until I've finished. I shall want your TV and video recorder; and your computer."

Jack started to say

"But it's the play offs tomorrow..." when the look on Daniel's face stopped him

"Hockey will have to wait. This is work – I did warn you - and it's needed for Monday."

Jack nodded, he had agree,d though he didn't have to like it.

"By the way, Jack, before I forget. You might get a parcel some time during the week. I ordered some books that I need – I gave them your address as I won't be home."

"What am I your personal mail drop?"

"No" retorted Daniel "You're doing a friend a favor. You're going to be here all week, so what's the big deal?"

"All right, all right." affecting weakness "Taking advantage of an invalid."

"No Oscars for that performance. It wasn't convincing."

"You dissing my acting ability?"

"What acting ability?"

They bantered in their usual way as they moved finally - each making his way to the bathroom and bed. Jack made sure his door was closed – they might have done a bit of bonding but he wasn't going to have the cats in his room.

In the early hours of the morning he awoke needing the bathroom. As he came out he saw the light was still on in the spare room. Determined to give Daniel hell for reading so late - he pushed at the half-open door. Daniel wasn't reading. Flat on his back, he was fast asleep with a cat cradled in each arm. Two black heads rose and two pairs of golden eyes surveyed Jack, but didn't move.

"Right" he said, abashed "I'll just...um... go." He switched out the light and got the hell out of Dodge.

****

Early Saturday morning Daniel shut himself in the den in translation mode. At intervals he would reappear with videos - sitting in Jack's chair, watching avidly and scribbling on the pad balanced on his knee.

Jack, unable to watch hockey, watched the cats instead. Daniel had fed them early, though he had insisted Jack watch to see what he was doing. The cats were pouncing on one another, up and down the stairs, but they paused in their play as the doorbell rang.

It was Teal'c. Jack let him in carefully – eyeing the cats – who, rather than trying to escape, ran to Teal'c voicing little cries – presumably in greeting.

Teal'c put down his bag and lifted them both in his arms – with a wide grin; startling Jack who said

"Don't do that, T. It's scary. You don't look at me like that."

"Jealousy will get you nowhere, O'Neill. These are my little brothers and I am pleased to see them."

"Aw! Forcryin'outloud, what is it with these two?"

Teal'c put the cats down so they started to explore his bag, pulling out clothes, a hat or two,toiletries – until they had found a packet.

"Cat Treats?" drawled Jack.

"They are in a strange place, O'Neill. This is compensation."

"There you go – you and Daniel, even Carter – strange place. Just because it's unfamiliar to them doesn't mean it's strange."

Teal'c gave him the Look!

"Indeed, O'Neill. This is a strange place."

His mouth curled up in an almost-smile.

"Hey, come on. Define strange?"

"You have tapes of the Simpsons." Teal'c replied, darkly.

"Okay, that's enough. When you start dissing my video collection... What about your taste? Oprah? Jerry Springer?"

"Your Simpsons are cartoon aliens with yellow skins. Jerry Springer's guests are human." Teal'c's voice was heavy with meaning.

"Ya think?" Jack snorted "Some of those 'guests' are more like aliens than aliens – the way they behave."

"It is a true reflection of your culture."

"No way, T. He doesn't have normal people on his shows. The ratings would drop if he did. His audience know they will see something bizarre, weird – not normal. We're not all like that. Think of the regular guys at the SGC."

"The SGC is not normal. Most normal people would be – as you say - 'freaked'."

"Yeah. But not half as freaked as those on Springer's shows. Now that's what I call scary – to think there are some people out there..."

Daniel wandered in from the den looking for coffee.

"Hi, Teal'c " he waved an absent-minded hand in Teal'c's direction and made his way to the kitchen – book in hand. Teal'c inclined his head and said

"It is good to see you, Danieljackson."

"There's a fresh pot made" called Jack, watching the cats mooch after Daniel "Can I have my TV back yet?"

He looked at his TV and video recorder standing mute in front of his armchair.

"No. I haven't finished." The tone was impatient, then changed to indulgent "Hi, you guys... Let's see if there's anything to tempt you in the fridge."

He came back with his coffee,and chewing a piece of cheese, dropping bits of it down to the attentive cats.

"Hey. I thought we had cats, not mice." Jack said jocularly, trying to break Daniel's preoccupation with the cats; feeling an irrational jealousy at the attention they were getting.

"Mm. Couldn't you move the TV into the den? Make it much easier for me." Daniel mumbled round his cheese "and save keep disturbing you."

"Daniel" sighed Jack "I've got nothing to do that you will disturb."

'And no way will you have the TV in there.' He thought 'I want it as soon as you've finished.'

He had thought of getting a portable TV and video recorder for the den, as Daniel often brought work with him when he stayed over. Now he wished he'd done more than think about it.

Daniel went back into the den and shut the door firmly. The cats looked at the door then turned and went back to Teal'c, who had sat on the couch with the packet in his hand. They arrayed themselves in front of him, and he passed the treats out until they were gone. He, then, strolled into the kitchen and snagged a carton of orange juice from the fridge.

'Make yourself at home, why don't you?' Jack thought, pleased that his big team mate had finally accepted that he was welcome in Jack's house. 'Anyone's welcome' he thought - anything that would keep the loneliness at bay. Still, not just anyone – only his team. Daniel understood, and spent much downtime with him giving them both the company they craved.

Eventually Daniel had finished his work and came to join his friends. Jack happily switched on the play-offs, while Daniel and Teal'c spoke in low voices to each other and the cats. A soft ball hit Jack in the ear and he came to, from his hockey-induced abstraction, to find little toys all over the carpet and his two team-mates pelting each other, which pleased the cats.

He experienced a pang of loss at the sight of the soft toys

'Ah. Charlie!' he murmured to himself.

He busied himself in the kitchen in the afternoon. His usual can't-be-bothered attitude to food, which customarily had him dialling for take-out, had changed to a desire to cook for his friends. He was an imaginative cook and decided to surprise them with a home cooked meal; plus there was pleasure in it for him – cooking for one held no satisfaction.

At one point he left the kitchen and spied his friends, Daniel in his armchair, Teal'c on the couch – both sprawling with sleeping cats on their laps.

"Here am I" he chuckled "slaving over a hot stove..."

"From choice." murmured Daniel.

"...to feed my buddies in the manner to which they would like to become accustomed; and I find them cavorting with that fellow Morpheus. Anyone want to wash up?"

"If you need assistance I will gladly come and help. But I fear your new friend will be aggrieved ." said Teal'c glancing at his lap full of Mischief.

"Oh, I wouldn't want to discommode anyone."

"Continue slaving ." yawned Daniel.

"Ah. What it is to be loved." Jack sighed "By the way, Daniel. Teal'c will need your bed tonight, so you will have to sleep with me."

Daniel's sleepy eyes opened

"No way! I spend enough time listening to your snores when we're offworld, in a tent. If you think I would voluntarily... I'll sleep on the couch." He closed his eyes again, decisively.

Teal'c's lips twitched

"Ignore him, Danieljackson. If I have need, I will rest on the couch. He knows I Kel-no-reem on the carpet."

"Teal'c, the cats will love that - you'll have company."

"No, O'Neill. They do not like the candles."

"So. Jack. Back to the kitchen."

"Slave-drivers!" he retorted, affectionately, and returned to his task.

Later that evening, they sat with bellies full of poached salmon, rosti and lambs lettuce/dandelion salad. They watched, through eyes made sleepy from a surfeit of food, an old movie. Jack had a copy of 'The Mummy'. This was one that Daniel loved to shout at, when he knew the producers had got all the Egyptian references wrong; they had all seen it many times so they joined in with Daniel's shouts – and threw the toys at the screen, much to the delight of the cats.

When the movie was over, and Daniel had finished scoffing at the credits, he said

"Technical expert – my ass. Jack - pity we ate all the salmon. I'm sure our visitors would have loved it."

Jack grinned, went into the kitchen and came to the door flourishing a plate

"Ta- dah." he carolled.

"Oh. Nice one, Jack." Daniel got up and, followed by Teal'c, strolled out to the kitchen.

Jack halved the fish, put it in their bowls which he set on the kitchen floor. There was no hesitation, two heads went down into the dishes and, a little later, paws were being earnestly washed and applied to fishy faces. Much purring ensued.

"That went well." commented Jack.

"I do not believe, O'Neill, that such an offering would ever be rejected." was Teal'c's answer.

The cats looked up at Jack, enquiringly.

"I did feed them earlier, honest." Jack protested to Daniel.

"Oh, I realised that. They would have let me know long before this. It won't hurt them to have a little treat. After all they are in..."

"A strange place" Jack finished with him "What is it with you guys?"

Daniel laughed

"I think we're all tired. It's been that sort of day." He picked up the empty dishes and washed them, in readiness for the morning.

"Go to bed then – take your entourage with you. Teal'c, the place is yours."

Teal'c bowed his thanks.

****

Daniel was still in bed, when Jack left his room next morning, but the cats weren't. They waited outside the bathroom while he showered, marched into his room while he was dressing and followed him down to the kitchen. They sat at his feet and gazed up at him as he started the coffee machine.

"I believe they are getting used to you, O'Neill." Teal'c appeared at the door.

"Morning Teal'c. " Jack glanced at the cats "Cupboard love, I reckon. Had a dog that used to look at me like that. Big eyes! Come to think of it Danny does the same thing when he wants a little more time at some old ruin. The same pleading look. Do I give in?" he gave a disgusted snort when Teal'c said

"Yes."

"Well, sorry fellas. No more salmon." He shook his head and, as if they knew, the cats left the kitchen vocalising their dissatisfaction.He called them back, opened a can and filled their dishes

"Have you attended to their litter boxes?" asked Teal'c.

"No. Thanks for reminding me. I must get used to doing this."

Jack went out to the hall, and used the scoop to lift the little clumps into the newspaper Cassie had left. Back in the kitchen he put it in the trash bag, washed his hands and made coffee.

Leaving Teal'c to help himself to orange juice he took a mug upstairs. The cats followed him into Daniel's room and jumped on the bed. Daniel opened one eye, grunted his thanks for the coffee and sleepily stroked the cats.

Jack checked the litter box in the spare room, but it hadn't been used, so he left, saying "Breakfast in half an hour." and received another grunt in return.

The day passed quietly. Teal'c and Daniel played with the cats until Daniel needed to sort his translations into some kind of order. He came out once with a piece of paper in his hand, and a smile

"I don't think my group will be needing any of these instructions. They are not getting fish in any form, they will have MRE's like everybody else."

He held the paper out to Jack who took it, recognising the list of reminders for cat care.

"There's the vet's number on there too." Daniel winced at Jack's panicked face "Don't worry, it's just a precaution. Mandy, that's the vet, is a lovely person – she knows you are looking after them; she will answer any questions you have. It's only if you need it."

Jack tucked the list safely into the cabinet drawer while Daniel went back to the den.

Jack again organised a meal for his colleagues, conscious of them needing sustenance before their mission, especially as they were going through the wormhole at four o'clock in the morning.

Soon after eating the two men left. Daniel assured Jack he would be back on Wednesday as soon as his mission briefing was over.

Part 4

The cats sat on the bottom step of the stairs watching Daniel and Teal'c depart. Jack closed the doors behind them, thankful that the cats hadn't tried to follow.

"Well, fellas. he said "It's just you and me now."

He led them to the kitchen to give them a treat. He had set aside some of the steak he had cooked for his friends. He cut it up and put it in their bowls

"You realise I am pandering to you, don't you? Coaxing you to behave while you're here. I usta think dogs were smart because you can train them to follow orders. Maybe there's something to be said for obeying only when it suits you. Daniel gets away with it. He interprets my orders pretty freely – mind you I do the same with mine....What the hell am I doing, talking to you?"

They both yawned and looked, meaningfully at the fridge.

"No, you've had your meal – and a treat. There's plenty of dry food around."

They gave him – what he was sure was – a disgusted look, and took themselves off. Sighing, it was going to be a long three days, he loaded the dishwasher, and turned it on.

Jack watched TV until he felt himself falling asleep, so he got up and checked the dry food bowls and litter boxes. He refilled the water bowls and started getting ready for bed.

Switching on the light, he peered into the guestroom expecting the cats to be on Daniel's bed. There was no sign of them. His bedroom and the bathroom doors were both closed so he went back downstairs to the hall. They were nowhere to be seen. Back he went to the living room in case they had curled up in his chair – no cats. He tried the den – still no luck and he remembered Daniel's words

'They can really do invisible.'

And started worrying. He knew they couldn't have gone through the front door – supposing he had left a window open? It was dark outside, he would never find black cats out there. He started round the house again – checking windows. In the laundry room, off the kitchen, he checked they hadn't got into the washer or dryer. He tried the bathroom in case they had snuck in while he was having a pee. He opened cupboards that he knew had been closed, all the time his anxiety grew. How could this have happened? Daniel and Teal'c had only been gone a few hours and already he had lost the cats.

Visions of Cassie's distraught face assailed him. He could imagine the cutting remarks of Teal'c and Carter, and an angry Daniel saying sarcastically;

'And we trust our lives to this man?'

He checked his bedroom – under the bed, in the closet; the windowsill behind the drawn curtains. Finally he returned to the guestroom and looked under Daniel's bed, peered into the closet behind the few clothes Daniel had left there. Nothing, nada, zilch.

He sat on the bed in panic – where else could he look?

A movement at the bottom of the bed alerted him. He pulled back the covers and there they were – blinking at him.

"Payback time, huh?" his breath whooshed out in relief. "You must love Danny's smelly feet."

Probably the smell of someone familiar was comforting to them having been left in a 'strange' house, with a 'strange' man. He covered them over and took himself to bed, feeling reasonably certain they could not get out. Thank God he had no chimneys.

He settled in his bed thinking 'only three more days'.

He awoke to the sound of scratching.

"What the..."

It stopped at the sound of his voice, then started again.

"Hey!" he yelled, and it stopped again.

Then a sudden howl made him sit up. Another howl joined the first on a different note and the two voices wailed in unison.

"Oh, God. What now..."

He tumbled out of bed and opened the door – the cats walked in, grumbling.

"No, you don't" he cried, picking up first one then the other and depositing them out in the hall "Not in my bedroom. Go sleep on Daniel's bed."

He closed the door. There was silence in the hall so he made his way back to bed. Just as he settled down the wailing started again and the scratching. He pulled the pillow over his ears but the sound penetrated. He dragged the comforter over the top but that didn't help either. The cries were piercing. In the end he got up, cursing loudly, and opened the door.

He went back to bed as they marched in. He expected them to do their usual sniffing and exploring but they made straight for the bed. Curling up by his feet, they gazed at him. Their sleepy, satisfied eyes shone in the light from his nightstand lamp.

"You think you've won, don't you?"

They purred at him – it sounded suspiciously like a 'yes', to Jack.

Resigned, he drifted off to sleep.

****

A curious chattering sound awoke Jack. He opened his eyes, closing them again instantly as a shaft of sunshine, lancing through a gap in the curtains, assailed him. He turned his head away, and opened them cautiously, seeing the black spots of the sun's afterimage. He remembered how he'd gone to sleep, and wondered where the cats were. They weren't on his feet.

The chattering came again, followed by little cries. He turned back shifting his head from the sun's rays and glanced at the windowsill. Beneath the curtains two black tails were swishing. He climbed out of bed and pulled the curtains back. The cats were watching the birds on his lawn. Their twitching whiskers and agitated body language signified the 'interest' they had in the birds.

Jack chuckled and they looked up at him hopefully

"You're not getting bird for breakfast. Come downstairs and I'll see what I can find."

Visiting the bathroom on his way, he decided to leave the doors open when he left. He foresaw much repainting in his future if he didn't. He figured if they wanted to get in any door that was closed, they would scratch it as they had last night.

In the kitchen, he opened a can, filled their bowls and watched them polish it off with delight. He looked at the can – Chicken and Turkey - Hm, he had some chicken – he decided to make Chicken Chasseur for dinner tonight and the cats could have a chicken treat.

Meanwhile he needed to shower, and have breakfast, but settled for getting the laundry done first. He went upstairs and stripped Daniel's bed, and added a few things his friend had left in the laundry basket. He checked the litter box while he was there, it hadn't been used. He noticed the cats had followed him and, as he went down again, they were behind him.

In the laundry room they watched his movements as he filled the compartments with liquid detergent and conditioner and started the washer.

He headed for the stairs, then paused

'Litter box' he thought, and went to check the litter box by the door. He spent some time scooping out the clumps and sieving the rest; adding a little litter to freshen the whole. The cats watched him; he hoped they approved of the effort he was making.

When he went upstairs again they were in front of him

"You sure are getting your exercise," he said as he entered the bathroom, then thought of his own need. He hadn't been able to walk since the cats arrived. Perhaps he should get his exercise bike out which would be better than nothing.

In his bedroom he pulled the bike from its hiding place at the back of his closet and set it up. He thought he would give himself half an hour on it, then get on with his day. The cats watched him as he pedalled - sitting together as always. He thought they were probably wondering why he wasn't going anywhere when he was pedalling so hard. Come to think of it, any of SG1's alien friends would probably be bewildered too.

At last, puffed - but feeling that his knees were looser, he stopped. The cats had long given up and gone away. He had his shower, got dressed and went down to take the chicken pieces out of the freezer and set them aside to thaw. Finally he made himself some breakfast.

The laundry had finished by the time he had eaten, so he went in and transferred it to the dryer; then he set to and tidied the living room. Pulling the vacuum cleaner from its place, in the cupboard under the stairs, he vacuumed the carpet, looking for traces of candle wax. He knew he wouldn't find any. Teal'c never left candle wax around. The cats wandered in, obviously not bothered by the sound of the vacuuming, probably used to Janet doing the same thing. They played with the cord for a few minutes then went away.

Jack was surprised that they seemed to like to stay together. He knew dogs would pack, but had always understood that cats were loners. He didn't know if it was normal behaviour or because they were used to one another. It didn't matter; it just made finding them easier.

When he'd finished he took the cleaner upstairs and did both his room and the guestroom. Sometimes, when he was away so often, the rooms didn't get done for days; so his enforced stay indoors would enable him to do some urgently needed chores. He vacuumed down the stairs carefully examining each step, as he brushed, for cat's hairs but saw none. That was a relief as he knew, from having had dogs, how animal hairs can sew themselves into a carpet.

He went to return the cleaner, when he saw the cats exiting the cupboard. They had obviously been investigating, and Jack smiled to see Chiffy appear with spider silk hanging rakishly from one ear.

'Caught out!' thought Jack 'shows how long that's been left.'

He thoroughly cleaned and dusted the cupboard before putting the cleaner back.

He went back to the laundry room and there were the cats. Impy was sitting on the dryer, apparently unperturbed by the motion - his body swaying to and fro. Chiffy was looking a little cross-eyed as he sat in front of the dryer watching the clothes spin round.

The dryer gave a little moan, and shuddered to a standstill. Jack smiled as Chiffy took a leap backwards, then vigorously washed his shoulder feigning indifference.

Jack unloaded the machine and folded the laundry into a basket to await ironing. He suddenly realised he was hungry as it was long past lunchtime; his round of chores had taken a longer time than anticipated.

He opened a can of tuna and made himself a sandwich. Putting the rest in a storage box he placed it in the refrigerator, poured a glass of milk and took his meal into the living room. Seated in his favorite chair, he surfed the TV channels as he ate, but found nothing worth watching. He wondered where the cats were – they had followed him around all morning, presumably curious about his activities; now he was sitting down they had disappeared. He finished his milk and took his plate and glass into the kitchen.

There were the cats. They had found something to watch. The refrigerator!

It dawned on Jack, as he washed up, that they must have seen him put away the remains of the tuna.

"Hey fellas" he said "how many treats are you allowed? You've got chicken coming tonight and I still haven't cooked your fish." He could almost hear Daniel's voice saying

'They are in a strange place, Jack. Give them lots of treats as compensation.'

Looking at the svelte forms he decided it wouldn't hurt them. Whiskers twitched and both were looking at him as if reading his mind. That's all he needed, telepathic cats!

He took out the tuna, thankful that it hadn't had time to get too cold. Placing the dishes under their noses he watched the tuna disappear in no time.

He smiled, thinking it was almost like having a child again. Someone depending on you. He remembered how hungry Charlie would get. Every few hours his son would complain of hunger. He and Sara would tell themselves Charlie was a growing boy and needed to eat - little and often. So, treats and snacks between meals became commonplace.

The cats were obviously the same, they were young - with a lot of growing to do. That's probably why they had the dry food around, to help themselves when they needed it. But they would rather have tuna than dry food, in the same way that Charlie would prefer a cookie to a sandwich.

He rinsed their dishes, grabbed a beer and went back to the living room. Fed up with nothing to watch, he decided to have a little music and slid a CD into his player. He sat and nursed his beer listening to the mellow jazz he'd chosen. He tipped the recliner section of his Lazyboy back so that his feet were supported, and found himself drifting.

He took a few pulls at his beer to keep awake hearing Janet's voice in his head saying

'You must still rest when you feel the need. You're not over the virus yet.'

"Little Napoleonic bully," he muttered affectionately.

He was tired, he had done more today than he had in the last week. Being an active man, inaction frustrated him - and he would normally stretch himself to his limits, but this virus had drained his energy and left him weaker than he would admit. He slid into sleep unaware that the cats were looking at him speculatively.

Part 5

He awoke with a start glancing at the clock on the TV which told him he had been sleeping for two hours. He pulled himself up, and staggered sleepily towards the kitchen to start the Chasseur as it took a while to cook. He had left the chicken, loosely wrapped, on the counter to thaw.

When he entered the kitchen he saw the cats up on the counter, sitting on either side of the plate. Cursing himself for not thinking, for not being used to having cats, he stumbled forward to see the damage. He could not believe the chicken was still there, undisturbed apart from a few claw marks in the covering film.

"Well" he chuckled as he lifted them down to the floor "If you'd been dogs there would have been an empty plate. So... a reward for you later."

He placed a chicken thigh in a pan and put it on the hob to poach.

"That's for you when it's cool," he told them, and prepared his own meal.

Once he had the dish in the oven he grabbed another beer and headed for his chair. He wondered if it was ok to have another beer with the medications that were still in him but decided he deserved some reward.

"No Daniel for company, no team-mates to hang out with. No work. Nothing on TV," he sighed as he sipped his beer, not wanting to go to sleep again.

He sang 'Everyone's gone to the moon' to himself as he contemplated putting on some more music but as he moved to get up he stopped. He had spotted Chiffy staring intently at something.

Assuming the cat had seen a spider Jack stayed still to see what he would do. It wasn't a spider – it was his own tail. Chiffy watched it twitch invitingly - then he pounced; it eluded him so he whirled round and round in a circle trying to catch it. Giving a little moan the cat ran into the hall. Jack was highly amused at the antics but Chiffy hadn't finished. Running back at full pelt he again chased his tail until he finally caught it. Lying down on it he vigorously washed the end.

"You deserve to be paid for the entertainment" laughed Jack.

The timer went off, so he went back in the kitchen to take their chicken off, and to reset the timer for his own meal.

In the evening, after he had eaten and the cats had received their treat he decided to wash up. He had never seen the necessity to wash up after each meal, preferring to leave it all till the end of the day and filling the dishwasher; but he was making work for himself to fill in his time.

He returned to the living room, flicking the lights on and crossing to draw the drapes. He noticed that the cats, far from washing their faces as he expected, had pulled out all the toys from the box and laid them on the carpet presumably for his inspection.

Two alert faces looked up at him.

"Guess it's my turn to make the entertainment," he muttered, picking up a felt mouse and throwing it across the room.

They scooted after it and, after much tugging between them, Impy commandeered it. Jack threw another toy in the opposite direction and both cats sped after it. Next time he threw two and Impy picked up one and brought it back to Jack. On the next throw they both brought their toys back.

It had never occurred to him that cats could behave in this way – actually retrieving. Presumably domestic cats copied their big cousins. Jack knew the lynx and bobcats, up in his home state of Minnesota, took their prey back to their lairs, but for these to bring their catches back for him to throw again, was astounding.

This is what he expected of dogs. He had missed this feeling of bonding with an animal, missed his dogs. As he enjoyed watching the leaps and pinpoint landings of the cats he had to admit... only to himself – he wasn't telling Daniel – that there was a charm about them that filled him with pleasure.

Jack played with the cats for an hour, alternating his throws – sometimes high so that the cats had to leap to catch as it fell – sometimes skimming across the carpet which had them rushing after the toy leaping over each other and, gracefully, not getting in each other's way. Then, suddenly, they'd had enough. They lay on the carpet breathing heavily so Jack said.

"Guess you're tuckered out. Hey, I could do with bed myself" He picked up the toys and put them back in the box "Ought to train you to put 'em back" he chuckled.

He did his usual night-time house check and took himself to bed. The cats joined him.

****

A cold pressure against his cheek, and a purring in his ear, awoke Jack just before his own internal clock. He opened his eyes and they crossed momentarily as Chiffy's nose was up close and personal. The whiskers brushed his face, so he sat up forcing the cat to move.

"Good morning to you, too." he mumbled, yawning and looked around for Impy.

His gaze travelled slowly round the room examining the windowsill no tail there, the chest of drawers, the chair, the bureau, finally to the nightstand beside him. Impy sat there staring at Jack as if willing him to get up.

"Ok. Ok." Jack muttered "Ordered around in my own house...who's in charge here?" he looked at Impy who looked calmly back – so, chagrined, he got out of bed and headed for the bathroom. He closed the door firmly against any intrusion and treated himself to a long, hot shower; they could wait for their breakfast until he was ready.

When he opened the door they were nowhere to be seen, he guessed they'd probably gone down to the kitchen so he dressed and went down to feed them. They weren't in the kitchen. He looked into the living room but could only see Chiffy who was gazing up at the book-case. Even before he looked up he knew what he would see. Impy was perched on the top shelf, among the fragile items he had put up there for safety. How the hell had he got up there?

He seemed to hear Daniel's voice reminding him

"They could make your life hell..."

In his best cat-summoning voice he called

"Come down Impy. I'm getting breakfast."

The cat ignored him, just continued his pacing through the precious ornaments Jack's grandmother had bequeathed him. Jack tried to copy the cat's pacing hoping to catch anything that fell, nothing did and after a while Impy just sat there looking down at Jack. Not knowing what to do, Jack thought he'd better dish up their breakfast, maybe the cat would come down for it. He opened a can of their chicken and turkey and put it in their bowls. When they didn't appear he took the bowls into the living room and waved one in the air, saying

"Here you are, Impy. Breakfast."

No movement.

He called, cajoled, promised much petting and playing – all to no avail. He placed Chiffy's dish in front of him, thinking to get one fed. Chiffy sniffed at it, gave Jack a long look - then walked away and sat in Jack's chair. No wonder Cassie had brought a lot of different cans of food. Presumably cats did not eat the same thing two days running. Fussy brutes!

"Awfercryinoutloud." Jack intoned his favorite protest, showing his exasperation at the impasse. "What do I have to do? Beg? I don't do beg!"

He turned away, picked up the neglected dish and strode out to the kitchen. He tossed the unwanted meals in the trash bag and rinsed the bowls. He had no treat to give them, then he wondered about the fish. Hurriedly he put the fish on to poach, then went back to check out the situation. No change.

"You can smell what you're getting" he said, looking up at Impy who was now lying with paws tucked under his chest. "But you're not having it up there. You want it, you come down for it. Otherwise you live on dry food."

There was a faint smell of fish in the kitchen, he decided Sam knew what she was talking about – he wouldn't want it stronger than this. The timer went off and he decanted the fish, leaving it on one side to cool. He organized himself some breakfast which made him feel a little bit calmer. He was still pissed, though, at the cat's attitude. Just as he thought he had been getting through to them, letting them share his bed and playing with them – they threw him this dirty curve.

After his second cup of coffee he decided that the fish was cool enough and placed it in the dishes – as he did so Chiffy appeared, looking at him expectantly. He placed one on the floor and it was greeted with purrs. He took the other into the living room and held it up in the air

"Here it is. Come and get it."

Instantly Impy got up, leaped gracefully on to the back of the couch, jumped down to the floor and approached Jack.

"Yowl". he said, purring round Jack's legs.

"Yeah. About time" Jack was weak with relief "get out here though."

He led the way into the kitchen and placed the bowl under Impy's nose. Chiffy left his empty bowl and moved over to inspect Impy's, but was firmly chastised with a well placed paw. Chiffy sat to one side obviously hoping for some scraps. No chance! Impy's dish was as clean as his brother's.

"Hardly need to wash up after you two. Maybe you're not having enough to eat." Jack looked at the two slender forms wondering if they were supposed to be that thin. "Howabout I give you a mid-day meal as well? I can't have Cassie coming home and finding you wasting away. It will be all my fault, and she'll look at me with those big eyes."

After rinsing the breakfast dishes Jack went into the laundry room, set up the board and iron and started ironing the clean laundry. He pressed Daniel's garments first, took them up to the spare room and hung them in the closet. While he was here he checked the litter box and found it had been used during the night. He cleaned it out then went downstairs. Looking in the living room he saw both cats asleep on the couch.

"You guys sure get a lot of sleep" he murmured. Impy opened his eyes and gave him a 'What's it to ya' glance. Abashed, he went back to his ironing.

Lunchtime found Jack gazing at the contents of his freezer to find a treat for the cats, Finding the steak he intended to have for dinner he decided they could all share it, so he offered them some of their own canned food. Not used to getting an extra meal they accepted it with alacrity. He had his usual lunchtime sandwich amd milk in his his chair.

The cats had returned to the couch where they were busy washing. Jack watched them for a while. Cats were very clean – these two were spotless – and you didn't have to bathe them. He slipped a CD into the player and leaned back in his Lazyboy feeling sleepy. He was drowsily aware that Chiffy had jumped up and was settling himself down for a sleep. It felt very pleasant with the warmth of the cat against his stomach and he soon drifted off.

A hollow booming sound startled him into wakefulness. He looked around muzzily trying to place the noise. Chiffy jumped down and disappeared up the stairs.

Following the echoing that seemed to fill the house Jack climbed the stairs and entered the bathroom where the sound seemed loudest. Chiffy was sitting on the toilet seat watching his brother who was playing 'wall of death' around the inside of the bathtub. Round and round went Impy uttering little cries – Jack wondered if it was the feline equivalent of'Geronimo!' He was astonished – what else did cats get up to?

Maybe that was what all the sleeping was for – so that they could go mad when they woke up.Impy had finally had enough and he leaped out onto the bath mat and sat panting.

"I'm not in the least surprised." said Jack seeing the small pink tongue lolling. Impy gave him a disdainful look and turned his face away. "Ah!' thought Jack 'You've never lived until you've been ignored by a cat."

It rather amused him that cats could be just as self-centred as human beings. Dogs, much as he loved them, just wanted to please you – which, let's face it, was a big ego booster. But cats had that same pissy attitude as humans –

'Suck it up, buster. You don't like my attitude? – tough!'

Jack returned to the laundry room and collected the freshly washed bedclothes. He went back up to make Daniel's bed, as his friend would be back the next day. Thank heavens, he thought. He was less apprehensive than he had been, but he still felt he needed his friend's support. He had been very tired during these past few days – whether the after effects of the virus or the anxiety of the cats...maybe a little of both – he wasn't sure.

In the spare room he found both cats sitting in the middle of the bed.

"Off" he ordered "I need to make this."

And he shooed them off, flapping a pillow case at them. They retreated to the floor to watch him. The moment he threw the bottom sheet over they leaped back onto the bed. He pushed them off but twice they returned. When he was able to tuck the ends in, without interference, he sat on the bed to replace the pillowcases. He opened the end of one and immediately had a pillowcase full of Chiffy. Jack had to laugh at the playfulness. It was apparent that bed-making was the ultimate feline fun. He wondered how Janet coped; she probably let Cassie do it – wise woman. The top sheet got similar treatment but the comforter was the 'piece de resistance'. They rolled themselves up in it, dug their claws in – reluctant to let go.

In the end Jack just smoothed it as much as possible promising himself he would reorganize it later. He didn't dare try to put any clean clothes on his own bed. Being bigger it would take hours with the 'help' he would receive. He went back downstairs sighing with relief, he needed a beer to help him recover.

He lazed in his chair watching a couple of hockey matches and drinking his beer. The cats, having worn themselves out – for now – were back sleeping on the couch. When the matches were finished Jack wanted another beer but, as the time had gone six – where had the day gone? – he decided to prepare the dinner.

He fancied sautéed potatoes with his steak but he needed to make sure there would be enough left for tomorrow. He intended to make a casserole as Daniel would be back, possibly Teal'c too – and it certainly would not do to short-change a hungry Jaffa. There were plenty of potatoes so he got on with his preparation.

Jack liked his steak rare but he wasn't sure how the cats should have theirs. Janet had only mentioned steak in passing – commenting that he might eat theirs. He smiled, the irony being that they would be eating his instead. He was trimming the steak when a piece fell on the floor – Impy immediately pounced and made short work of it. Jack dropped a piece down in front of Chiffy and had to restrain himself from interfering when Impy reached for it. However, Chiffy could be just as quick as his brother when the stakes (pun - sorry!) were high. With a growl, he grabbed it and retreated across the kitchen chewing as he went.

"Ok" said Jack "You get it rare, same as me. Makes it easier that way."

Part 6

His thoughts, as he continued his cooking, amused him as he realized he was learning something new about the cats each day. It occurred to him that cats eat their prey raw, a fact he had known but not thought about until faced with the feeding of these two.Jack wondered if this intriguing feeling of learning something new was how Daniel felt when he had new aliens to study.

After all his feline companions were just as alien as those they found 'out there'. Not that Jack would have chosen Felis Domesticus as a field of study. It had been a long time since he had studied anything not directly relevant to his job.

He decided he would keep his thoughts to himself, not tell Daniel - he might laugh. He knew that was untrue – his friend was much less prone to teasing than he was himself. He was mixing his salad when the timer pinged. Taking the steak out of the grill he cut off enough for the cats, and returned his own portion to keep warm. He cut the piece up, put it in their bowls and set it aside to cool.

He loaded his plate with steak and salad, and was just about to transfer the potatoes when he heard a thump. Both cats had jumped onto the counter and were sniffing their bowls. Hurriedly putting his sautéing pan back he grabbed the cats and sent them back to the floor.

"No" he yelled "You'll burn yourselves." He put the dishes into a cupboard muttering "It's as bad as having kids. Can't keep your noses out...wait till it's ready."

They looked at him in disgust then turned tail and ran into the living room - batting each other in frustration. The fight heated up and they yowled at one another, suddenly leaping at each other, ears flat, and tail lashing. The noise was incredible and Jack looked in to see if he could part them; he decided to make a colonel-type decision to leave them to it. They parted, raced round the room with Chiffy in the lead then – as he approached the window – he leaped upwards, clung to the heavy, drapes for a moment then climbed to the top where he sat on the rail.

"Hey, fellas" Jack said quietly, they both looked at him "what was that all about? Dinner won't be long you know. No need to work up an appetite."

He was a little concerned at their fighting. They hadn't done that before and had seemed very fond of one another. He hoped it was, playful like dogs except that it looked more like all out war.He went back into the kitchen and fetched their bowls. The meat was now cool, so he stood at the door with the bowls in his hands and said

"Want it?"

Chiffy jumped clear down to the floor, Jack winced but Chiffy was not concerned and came trotting over his tail held high. Impy moved over until they were both sitting at Jack's feet looking up at their bowls. He smiled, led them into the kitchen and presented them with their steak.

By the time he'd picked up his tray their bowls were clean. He sat in his chair and watched them while he ate. They had come back to the couch and sat washing: first the paw, then round the ear, down the face then starting again on the other side. Occasionally they would wash each other, a swipe to an ear or shoulder. After that it was the rest of the body right down to the tip of the tail. Jack chuckled at the sight of two cats in the cello position, leg high in the air, washing their butts. Then Impy put a paw on his brother's back, pushed him down and gave his face a good wash.

Dinner finished, washing up done, Jack wandered back to the living room. He thanked heavens that the virus he'd collected had kept him fairly lethargic. In his normal state of mind he knew he would have been climbing the wall with the enforced rest - and being house bound would have added to his ire. As it was he was content to sit in his chair and surf the channels.

He settled for an old war movie that he'd seen before, but after a while he grew bored. His attention wandered and he spotted Impy – his front feet up on the edge of the toy box – removing a soft ball. He dropped it and began batting it around the floor. Chiffy joined in and they chased it around the couch and under Jack's chair until it settled in the middle of the carpet. Then they sat, tails twitching, and watched it – waiting for it to move of its own volition.

Impy gave Jack a look which he interpreted as 'Come and play'. Jack switched off the boring film and left his chair. By the end of the evening there were no toys left in the box...they were scattered to the far corners of the room where Jack's enthusiastic throws had cast them.

"I think it's time for bed, fellas" he said as he dropped the last of the toys back in their box "Daniel will be home tomorrow so you'll have someone else to play with."

Truth to tell he had enjoyed his encounter with the cats. He'd learned a great deal from watching them. He remembered Bratac saying 'Observe and learn' on Apophis' ship, and he had done quite a bit of observing over the last few days

They weren't dogs, he'd got past the resentment he had initially felt. He realised he only wanted Cassie to have a dog so that he could take it out – enjoy it without the maintenance which would be impossible given their unpredictable lifestyle. The cats had given him an insight into a species he had previously dismissed . Thinking of Bratac reminded him of Teal'c and he wondered how he was getting on. He'd be glad to get back, as nursemaiding an assembly of archaeologists (Jack smiled at his alliteration – Daniel would be proud of him) was not a job the big Jaffa enjoyed. Nor did Jack – they were two of a kind, men of action.

Once he was settled in bed with the cats in their customary place on his feet he realised that he hadn't missed the company of his team-mates. He'd had the company of the cats who had filled his days with their comings and goings.

****

Morning came. The warm pressure moved from Jack's feet and he awoke hearing the soft thuds as the cats left the bed. Yawning his way to the window, Jack pulled aside the drapes letting the sunlight flood the room; another fine day in Colorado Springs. Another day to ride his bike instead of being out in that fine fresh air. Still, with luck, tomorrow he could leave Daniel in charge and get back to his routine. He had been good, he thought, walking as ordered instead of running – surely he was fit enough now?

He went to the bathroom, emptied his bladder, washed his face properly awake and went down to feed the cats. They were waiting, as usual, on the counter

"I can't believe Janet lets you do that" he said, as he opened a can "you're only getting away with it because you think you own me." He sighed "I guess you do at that. Oh,well. Anything for a quiet life."

Impy gave a...'get on with it'... growl and Jack set the bowls on the floor.

Upstairs again, Jack rode his exercise bike for half an hour; then showered and dressed. As he made his breakfast he looked out at the yard where the flowers nodded in the light breeze.

"If it wasn't for you pesky felines I could have the windows open. Here I am, for once, off duty with some nice weather and I can't enjoy it. Ah, hurry up Danny – then I can get out."

The cats responded to his tone of voice and left the kitchen, the next minute they were chasing each other up and down the stairs.

Jack spent the morning vacuuming and tidying,although there was not that much to do. One man and two cats did not make that much mess, so after his tidying he went into the kitchen to start preparing the casserole. He chopped vegetables and trimmed the beef, dropping bits down to the ever–present cats; making gravy and adding herbs and spices until he could put it in the oven to slowly cook for the rest of the day.

At midday he made himself a cheese salad, added a glass of milk and took it to his chair to catch up on some news. As he switched on the TV the doorbell rang and, glancing at the cats who had paused on the stairs, he went to see who it was.

"Hi, Colonel." Brett,the delivery man, gave Jack a grin "Package for Dr. Jackson. Will you take it, sir? Needs signin' for." He took the pen from behind his ear and flipped over his delivery sheet.

Jack took the package and set it on the cabinet, then took the proffered pen and clipboard. He tried to sign his name but the pen left a faint line and nothing else.

"Sorry, Colonel." Brett was dismayed "I thought it was going a bit faint, hoped it would last out. Got two more deliveries too." he shrugged.

"No matter. Happens to everyone, Brett." said Jack, thinking of his hated paperwork "I've got one here."

He left the door and reached into the drawer in the cabinet. The pen was an old one but it might do. He signed the sheet, handed it back and offered the pen to Brett with a smile.

"Thanks a lot, Colonel. That saves me going back to the depot. By the way – are they yours? Only they snuck out just now." he pointed the pen at Impy and Chiffy who were sidling along the lawn path and disappearing around the corner of the house.

"Oh,God!" groaned Jack "I've got to get 'em. I'm supposed to be looking after them. Damn Daniel and his books."

As he went on his way, Brett chuckled at the sight of the six-foot-two Airforce colonel trying to sneak up on a pair of very wary cats. Jack was thankful they had gone away from the road to the back of the house, where it was quieter. The cats headed for his flower bed and pushed their way through the abundant vegetation. Chiffy gave a chirp of delight at finding real earth and excavated a hole. Squatting in it, he did what was needful and neatly covered it; then leaped away as Jack's hand came down through the foliage to grab him. Jack muttered to himself, alternately cajoling the cats and cursing Daniel and his books.

He envisaged retribution in the form of Daniel repairing his flower bed while sneezing profoundly.

At any other time he would have been pleased and proud of the luxuriant growth and color in the mass of shrubs and plants; as it was the cats could play WW2 in there and hide forever.

On his knees he pushed his way past a giant dogwood that had taken over one corner of the bed and found his hair being tugged by spiky twigs. His right knee found a jagged stone just as he put his weight on it, and a trailing rose left a row of bloodspots on his bare arm. He had mulched this bed well, with compost, and his jeans looked ready for planting. A snail crunched under his hand and he shuddered in disgust at the slimy feel. Where in the world were those damned cats? He hadn't seen them once since he'd come in here. He had tried not to do too much damage to his plants as he crawled, but he could see a trail of devastation behind him. His face pushed into a spider's web with its current catch of flies. With a roar he scrubbed at his face with his muddy hands, and abruptly stood up hitting his head on a low branch.

"To hell with it" he cried "I'll flush 'em out."

He strode through the rest of the bed ignoring the tearing of shrubs and the crushing of plants beneath his feet. He reached the edge of the bed and spotted the cats over near his neighbor's fence. There were some tall lupins there and Impy was sniffing them, the peppery smell making him sneeze.

"Somebody's going to be sneezing by the time I've finished"

Jack muttered, as he walked over to them, preparing to pick them up bodily. As he reached them, his neighbor's lawn mower started up. The startled cats jumped, ran past Jack - straight back to the flower bed.

Part 7

"Awfercryinoutloud!"

Jack raced back to the bed but the cats had disappeared inside. No way was he crawling through that again. He tried calling them again but to no avail. Not a peep. He wished his neighbor with his lawn mower would shut the hell up. His patience was wearing thin and he was becoming worried. He didn't know why they wouldn't come to him, he'd been treating them well hadn't he? This was one of the worries he had hinted at to Daniel,that the cats would get out and something would happen to them. Worst case scenarios were already taking over now that his imagination was in over-drive.

He paced along the three sides of the bed. He just hoped the cats didn't notice the twelve foot wall at the back. The low fences between the gardens he could manage, but the wall would be impossible. On the other hand it was just the sort of place they would plant themselves – sneering at him. His anxiety was increasing he longer he was out here. He wished Daniel was here to help. But he knew Daniel and Teal'c would not be coming until the evening.

Eventually he decided the best thing to do was to sit on the lawn and let them root about. He hoped they would come to him eventually. It was a fine, warm afternoon – any other time he would be pleased to spend his downtime in the sun. He sat, watching the bed avidly. Now and then a waving tail would appear, and once a head peered out and looked at him. It was Impy. He made chirping noises but the expression on the cat's face said 'You're no bird' and the head withdrew from sight.He could hear scratching sounds and assumed one of them was digging a hole. As Chiffy had already made use of the facilities he reckoned it was Impy's turn.

'At least they cover it up' he thought. He had no intention of crawling through there again, but just in case he had to, he didn't want to dirty his already disgraceful jeans even more. He sighed, it would have to happen now after three days of peaceful relations. He couldn't really blame the cats – he was in just as much need of fresh air. If only Danny and Teal'c were here they could all have a fine time playing on the lawn.

The afternoon wore on. The cats were occasionally venturing out onto the grass, then shooting back to the safety of the shrubs. It seemed to Jack that they were playing a game with him – he just wished they'd get over it. His butt was sore from sitting and his knees were stiffening up. Finally they strode out of the bed and headed for him. He sat still not believing his luck. Their tails were high and waving and they chirruped at him, as if content with their escapade.

He reached out to make a fuss, thankful for their return, but at the sudden sound of a slamming car door they froze. As one, they turned and raced across the lawn, over the fence and up into the tree in his other neighbor's garden.

"Oh, God!" He groaned "What now?"

He approached the fence talking softly so as not to unnerve the already spooked cats. He explained that dinner was nearly due, and asked if they weren't hungry after their escapade. There was also the matter of the insult to his three flowering crab trees that they should take refuge in his neighbor's aspen. Two pairs of eyes looked accusingly at him.

He hitched a leg over the fence in preparation for entering his neighbor's domain. He was reluctant to do this without invitation although he often mowed his elderly neighbor's lawn and did small jobs around her house, when he was available. She was a widow whose children were far away. A pleasant woman, unlike his noisy neighbour on the other side, she often cooked him brownies in return for his labors.

'I take back what I said about Cassie,' he thought.'This is all Daniel's fault!'

He sat astride the fence for a moment assessing the situation, but the outcome was taken out of his hands. Mrs. Santini opened her door and looked out at the dishevelled Colonel. She took in the two cats up her tree, disappeared into her kitchen and came out with two saucers of milk.

She glanced at his muddy face and smiled at the clothes that told their own story.

"These are never yours, Colonel?"

"No. They belong to my niece." Jack eased his other leg over the fence and approached Mrs. Santini "She's gone to DisneyWorld, and I'm supposed to be their keeper. Guess who's in charge?"

She laughed "They always are, Colonel. You'll never get the better of them. I've had them for years, until now – too old to look after them, but that's life."

She chirruped at the cats and they began climbing down to her lawn. Once down, they availed themselves of the milk.

"I wasn't told about milk." said Jack, watching the fast lapping tongues.

"It's probably only given as a treat..."

Jack thought of all the treats they'd had

"...because they shouldn't have too much." she finished, then picked up the empty saucers. "How long have they been out?"

"All afternoon" Jack answered "I managed to keep them in - until they escaped."

"In that case they will be ready to go back." She gestured to the waiting cats.

Jack smiled his thanks and picked up the very willing Chiffy. However when he reached for Impy the cat just trotted off and leaped over the fence. Jack followed, trying to catch up to Impy who was walking very fast just ahead of him. They went across Jack's lawn, and around the corner of the house.

Impy paused at Jack's front door, which was still open, looked at Jack with an 'I know where I'm going" expression and went into the house. Jack entered, shut the door and placed Chiffy on the floor. Both cats looked at him. He would swear they were smiling.

Jack leaned against the door and slowly slid down. As his butt hit the floor both cats came to him. His relief was so great he didn't know whether to shout at them for panicking him or cuddle them for finally returning.

It reminded him of Charlie similarly worrying him when he hid – only to be found later, a big smile on his face for putting one over on his dad.The cats pushed lovingly around his filthy jeans, purring loudly almost – he thought whimsically – as if thanking him for their outing.

'I must be losing it' he thought, feeling a flood of affection for them as he stroked their silky coats 'there goes the macho image – what the heck!' but he didn't care, he was just thankful they were safe.

He glanced at the cabinet - there sat Daniel's damned parcel that had caused all the trouble. He felt like picking it up and throwing it across the room – but remembered in time his friend's devotion to his books – they made him the man he was. Scholar, colleague, friend... and occasional pain in the ass.

He got to his feet and headed for the kitchen. The casserole had been cooking for hours; he thought it might have dried out. Fortunately it was fine – succulent and spicy. He removed it from the oven. His friends would enjoy it.

He noticed the little red light on his answer machine was flashing so he flipped the switch.

" O'Neill, it is I." Teal'c's voice rang through the quiet house "DanielJackson is in the infirmary and will not be returning tonight. As you and Major Carter are not available I will take your place beside him. He was most anxious that I should call you."

His anxiety flared...what now? He hurried to his phone "Dammit, Teal'c. Give me all the details, why don't you?" Jack muttered as he called the mountain and was put through to the infirmary. Dr. Warner answered.

"What's Daniel done now?" Jack asked, trying to appear calm as he swallowed the fear that threatened to invade him.

"And good evening to you too, Colonel."

"Ah, sorry Doc. How is he?"

"Considering the ruined temple he was investigating turned out to be more ruined than he thought – and it fell on him – he is as well as can be expected. He has mild concussion, stitches in his head and a badly twisted ankle. He also considers himself indispensable to your wellbeing and is pestering me to let him go home. He keeps saying something like – 'he'll kill me!' He wouldn't be referring to you, by any chance, Colonel?"

"No, Doc. I don't need to do that to him." Jack laughed "He's perfectly capable of doing that to himself. Do me a favor, tell him the situation is well under control."

Jack looked at the cats as he said that and was rewarded with looks of adoration that only hungry cats can give.

"I will. I hope it will relieve him enough to let him sleep. He should be able to go home tomorrow. But I want him off that foot until it's healed."

"Send him to me, I'll look after him" promised Jack "As long as he entertains my guests, I will wait on him hand and foot."

"You want me to tell him that?" the doctor's voice was disbelieving "and aren't you recovering too?"

"Yes, Doc. But I'm fine. Tell him I've cooked his favorite casserole."

"Can he bring a friend?" Dr. Warner sound wistful "Anything to get away from commissary cooking! Right, Colonel, I'll see that he gets your message."

He cleared the call with a relieved sigh, Daniel was all right – just a little bent. Jack smiled down at the cats waiting hopefully at his feet.

"You're hungry, right? Not surprised with all that activity. I'm hungry too – tell you what..." he walked into the kitchen and reached into thge freezer. "I've still got some fish here. I'll have a shower and change while it's cooking and we'll all eat together. 'kay?"

He started the fish poaching and sped upstairs to make himself presentable. A quick shower and change of clothes made the residue of weariness and worry fade, and he came downstairs feeling more comfortable.

He was concerned for Daniel, of course, though it sounded like the usual Danny-whunping scenario that happened so often to his friend. It worried him when Daniel was hurt, and he always tried to be there at his bedside to lend support, at least that's what he called it. Dammit he shouldn't be allowed to go off with other teams – he was Jack's archaeologist! Shaking his head ruefully, he turned the fish out onto a plate and left it to cool. He heard a hawking sound behind him and when he turned Impy was vomiting up a wet, black felt-like mess.

He peered at it wondering what Impy could have eaten. He could see blades of grass – so; had there been something that he'd found in the garden? He didn't seem bothered about it and was glancing up at the counter, sniffing the air. Jack said

"I don't know what that's all about – you just showing me how hungry you are?"

He cleared up the mess, perhaps Daniel would know about cats being sick. He would ask him. He wondered if Teal'c would return with Daniel. The big man knew he had a standing invitation anytime he wished to get out of the mountain. He looked at the casserole. He had made a big one to last a few days, and wondered if it was big enough for him to have a portion now. If Teal'c was coming he would have to make sure he had a Jaffa sized portion as well as Daniel's more modest one.

Impy's impatient chirp pulled Jack out of his musing and he checked the fish. It was cool enough for them so he loaded their dishes, helped himself to some casserole and took the tray into the living room. Normally the cats ate in the kitchen but he was feeling benevolent towards them, and they were extremely clean eaters – they wouldn't leave crumbs on his carpet. He reached his chair and found his lunchtime salad and milk still on the coffee table, untouched. No wonder he was hungry.

Sitting back as he enjoyed his spicy meal he reflected on the change in his life. He hadn't missed the presence of his team; the cats had been company enough. A week ago he would have believed that only a dog could give him this kind of quiet companionship.

The cats were washing their faces methodically, missing nothing. Jack leaned forward to deposit his empty dish on the table; as he settled back both cats jumped onto his chair and walked into his lap. He tipped the recliner back to make more room and two warm bodies pummelled his lap into submission.

"Well, this is a surprise" he murmured. Though Impy had slept on his feet each night he had never sat on his lap, unlike Chiffy.

'Guess the fish has brought him to heel' he thought, 'oh – wrong species

Part 8

He dozed for an hour then came to, as he felt movement. Chiffy was pushing his brother off Jack's lap - stretching his legs and bumping the other cat to the edge of the chair. Impy got up and leaped onto the chair back. Jack was sorry about that but a moment later Impy's whiskers tickled the back of his neck as his hair was investigated and a purr sent a wave of fish-laden breath into his ear and nose.

Meanwhile Chiffy enlightened Jack as to the reason for his takeover; he sprawled on his back waving ridiculously helpless-looking paws in the air. Jack just had to touch the soft, inviting belly fur which elicited a loud purr. Another thing he didn't know about cats, they liked their tummy rubbed just like every dog he'd ever owned. How could they be so aloof and self-contained one minute and all cuddly the next? Impy settled down with one paw stretched out, just resting on Jack's shoulder.

Jack found himself dozing again 'Hardly surprising' he thought. The afternoon in the fresh air after days indoors, the panic that had assailed him and the intense relief afterwards all combined to induce a feeling of overwhelming lassitude.

He briefly woke when a light thunderstorm spooked the cats. Impy tumbled back down to his lap and the two curled up with their noses pressed against his sweatpants. He looped an arm around each cat and gazed at the lightning flaring in the evening sky. His thoughts, of drawing the drapes and switching on lights, dissipated as he was too comfortable to care. As the storm rumbled away he drifted off to sleep again.

The ringing of his cell phone pulled him from his slumber. The room was very dark, just the glow of distant street lamps lighting the windows. The only inside light came from his phone pulsing a green light as it rang and he picked it up, switching on the table lamp at the same time. Two pairs of eyes blinked at the disturbance.

"Hi, Jack.How are you?" Daniel's voice sounded weary.

"Hi, backatcha. Whacha doin'?"

"Well, I think I'm phoning you." Now the voice sounded pissy.

"Daniel. I mean - does Dr. Warner know you're phoning?"

"No. And before you ask I didn't get out of bed. Teal'c lent me his phone."

"I bet you batted those pleading big eyes at him. What with you and Thor and the cats - I'm surrounded by eyes. If the Doc catches you, he'll keep you in for disobeying."

"He didn't say I couldn't phone. Just that I was to be quiet."

"Like that will ever happen.Where's Teal'c?"

"Commissary."

"Pity – gotta nice casserole here."

"Don't! I'm starving . Teal'c's trying to find me something that won't make me sick. My head is making my stomach rebel."

"That's the trouble with temples. They fall down eventually. Usually when archaeologists are disturbing them."

"It looked safe enough."

"Danny, they always do – until you touch something."

"You always blame me. The times I haven't touched and it's still gone wrong. Oh, well. I'll be home tomorrow. I just wanted to make sure you're all ok."

"Why shouldn't we be?"

"Jack!"

"Okay. We are fine. No problems here. I am full of casserole, the cats are full of fish." He stroked the sleek bodies.

"You cooked it?"

"Why the surprise, Danny?"

"I thought you'd just open cans."

"Would you like to live on cans? Forget that – you live on coffee."

"Not allowed any, Jack." The voice was sad.

"Oh,God!. That means a pissy Daniel."

"Thanks!" Jack could almost see his scowl.

"Sorry – but true."

"I'd better go. Just wanted to make sure you hadn't..."

"Hadn't what, Daniel...lost 'em?"

The phone was silent

"It's all right. You were the one who told me not to worry. As it happens you were right - as if you're ever wrong. We got along fine..." both cats raised their heads "...yes we did." he said quietly to them, unfortunately Daniel heard him.

"Jack, where are you?"

"In my chair."

"Where are the cats?"

"...In my chair."

There was a soft chuckle "Can I ask...?"

"No, you can't. Get some sleep. Goodnight Daniel."

Jack clicked off the phone before his friend could make any more comments.

"Now look what you've done. I'll never hear the last of it. Damn it, meant to ask him about you being sick. Well, you look ok now, I"ll ask him tomorrow. Come on, fellas, time for bed."

He gently pushed them off and took the empty dishes out to the kitchen. As he had used more cooking utensils and dishes than usual he packed the dishwasher and set it to clean during the night. Then, followed by his furry friends, he went upstairs.

****

The next morning Jack needed the toilet rather badly. Perhaps he shouldn't have eaten such a generous amount of casserole, he thought as he crossed swiftly into the bathroom. Coming out, relieved, a smell assailed his nose. Looking back into the bathroom he verified it wasn't coming from there. He followed his nose into the guestroom and noticed the litter box had large clumps of a pale substance that was smelling rather nasty. He did a complete clean-up of the litter box. Opened the window, closed the door and took the offending debris down to the trash.

Only then did he realise the cats had not come down with him. He went quickly back up to find both still on the bed. Impy was sitting up looking at his brother who was lying still. Jack thought if a black cat could look green about the gills Chiffy was doing it. He stroked his head and felt his nose. It was hot and dry. He knew that was wrong, as he had been on the receiving end of Chiffy's nose and it was always cool and damp.

He felt panic rise. He swallowed it quickly wondering if he could get hold of Daniel. He might know something. He called the mountain but Daniel was having an x-ray before coming home. Perhaps he'd better phone a vet. Didn't Daniel say something about the vet's number – where did he put that paper? He tried to place the drawer he'd put it in – then he remembered reaching into the cabinet drawer for a pen to sign for the parcel. He drew the drapes from the window and saw Mrs Santini coming back from depositing her trash at the kerb. She knew about cats. He ran downstairs and found his list of neighborhood numbers. He gave her time to get back in the house and then called her.

"Jack O'Neill. Mrs Santini. I have another problem you may be able to help me with."

He explained at length what he had found, and how the cat appeared.

"My goodness, Colonel. That may have been my fault. If they don't usually have milk maybe this one is allergic."

'Not another one' thought Jack 'Daniel's bad enough.'

"It sounds like diarrhea. I'll mix you a little arrowroot, unless you have some in your kitchen."

Jack cudgelled his brains but didn't seem to remember anything in the arrowroot line in his kitchen.

"No I haven't. Perhaps you would be kind enough to bring it."

"Of course, give me five minutes."

Jack fled upstairs and quickly dressed then came down to the door and let her in.

"I'm trying to be careful with doors after yesterday, but Chiffy hasn't left the bedroom and his brother has stayed with him."

"Yes, they do that if they are close." Mrs Santini climbed carefully up the stairs with her little pot.

They walked into the bedroom where Impy surveyed the woman who had given him milk. She was no threat. Jack watched as his neighbour stroked the sick cat gently. Then from her pocket she took a little syringe, filled it with the arrowroot mixture, and inserted it into the side of Chiffy's mouth. He seemed to be unafraid of her, allowing her to administer to him.

"I don't think you need to worry, Colonel. His eyes are bright and he's not showing any signs of discomfort."

Remembering last night's episode Jack asked

"There is one thing. Impy brought up some black fibrous vomit. Would that be the same thing?"

She smiled "You really don't know much about cats, do you? That was a furball. They do groom themselves a lot and the fur that goes down can lead to problems if they don't bring it up regularly. That's all it is, fur mixed with saliva and perhaps food particles. Not the same as the other cat. Will you be able to give some more arrowroot later if I leave this with you?"

"Thank you for your help and reassurance., and yes, it shouldn't be a problem. My friend Dr. Jackson will be staying for a while; the cats know him well so he will help, or rather I will help him."

She nodded "Oh, yes. A very interesting young man. Knows a lot about illuminated manuscripts – my late husband was a collector. Daniel said he would find an honest buyer for me." She laughed "Seems there are plenty of dishonest ones."

"There always are, when you've got something worth selling. Trust Daniel, Mrs Santini, he'll find the right one. You must come in and see him while he is here. He won't be moving far for a while as he's got a bad ankle."

Jack ushered her out thinking 'How do you do it, Daniel? Even got the seventy year olds falling for you now.'

"Now, Colonel. If the poor boy is ill I'll make him some brownies, you too. I'll see you later. Let me know how the little cat gets on. I have plenty more arrowroot if needed."

As he closed the door Jack thought to glance at the litter box by the cabinet. It had been used but with a familiar deposit. He quickly cleaned it and went upstairs to the cats. They were sitting quietly, Impy not showing any desire to go down and eat. His house phone started ringing. He picked up the extension expecting it to be Daniel, although his friend usually called his cell phone. It was Mrs. Santini.

"I just remembered a meal we would give our cats when they were stomach sick. If you have some chicken that you can poach and mix with a little boiled rice, it will help to bind the stomach fluids. Give him two or three small portions a day. I did wonder if he might have eaten something nasty from the garden, but I think he is most likely allergic to milk."

"Thank you again" Jack was grateful for the expert help "I have some chicken, and a packet of rice. I'll do it straight away."

Jack hurried down to the kitchen, set some chicken to thaw in the microwave and sorted out the rice. He wanted to get this done before Daniel arrived. He thought he might as well make plenty; then Impy could have it too - he didn't want to concentrate on one cat to the detriment of the other. Although there were bowls of dry food around he thought Impy would much rather have chicken.

The timer pinged and Jack put the chicken on to gently poach. A sudden pang made him realize that the cats were not the only ones who had not had breakfast. He quickly boiled an egg, made toast and coffee, and ate at the counter while readying the rice. Chicken and rice finished cooking together so he set them aside to cool. Finally he had time to shower. No exercise bike today, the morning was heading towards noon and it would not be long before Daniel arrived bringing more problems.

'And I'm supposed to be sick?' he thought. Truth to tell he was quite looking forward to the challenge. He went up to shower and as the water pounded his shoulders he thought of his reaction to the current situation. During his years as a husband and father his responsibilities were clear. He was the protector of his family, he provided for them and felt he had a role to play that defined him, and was important to him. When he lost that, the SGC took over his life and his team became his family – he was reprising the same role; but only on base or off- world. At home he was lost. With only himself to cater for he would speed-dial the nearest convenient establishment for food. Only when his team and other SGC members– there were no friends outside of his work – came to visit, did he cook. Joyous days that came too rarely. His off days would be spent working his garden or watching sports; keeping a house that was hardly a home.

Now he had a pair of cats to fend for, one of them sick; and an injured Daniel coming to be looked after. He felt quite bucked – Company! Maybe Teal'c would come as well, the Orlando gang would be back on Saturday – so, perhaps a barbecue?

Towelling and shaving took a few more minutes then he went back to his bedroom to dress. The cats were sitting up on the bed. He was sure Chiffy looked better.

Part 9

There was a banging downstairs and the cats jumped off the bed and raced off. Hurriedly zipping his pants he ran after them in his bare feet. The front door was open and a frustrated Daniel was awkwardly manouvering a wheelchair in the hall.

"God! Not again." Jack shouted "Shut the damned door." He pushed past the irate archaeologist and slammed the door shut, only then noticing that the cats, far from heading for the door, had headed for the wheelchair and their friend.

Their friend was not Jack's at the moment. Angrily he shouted

"Help me, damn you Jack. Where the hell were you?"

Jack eyed his incensed friend, wisely refrained from answering and pushed the wheelchair into the living room. He parked it by the couch whereupon Daniel heaved himself out, tumbling cats to the floor, and flopped onto the couch. He half -lay on the leather seat panting, his face red and dripping with perspiration. He had a neat line of stitches in his forehead and his eyes reflected the headache he was obviously suffering from. He opened his mouth to speak but Jack put his hand over it.

"Lose the temper, Danny." He said quietly "Let me get you something for the head."

Daniel sighed "There're things in the hall. They fell out when I was trying to get in. I called and rang the bell. I thought you'd gone out but the truck was there. I had to use my key and with that damned thing..." he flipped his hand at the wheelchair "...it was hell trying to get it over the step. The driver couldn't help – he was carrying everything"

Jack went back to the hall and picked up a couple of medikit packages with Air Force symbols stamped on them. He got a glass of water knowing it would be needed. Sure enough, Daniel stopped pacifying the cats and took some tablets. He straightened himself out and Jack swivelled his legs so that the feet were on the seat. His right leg was strapped up rigidly. Jack pushed cushions behind his back saying

"I'll get you pillows later."

Jack sat in his chair and looked at him.

"Whose idea was the wheelchair?"

"Warner's. Though Janet would probably have done the same."

"No, Daniel. Janet would have kept you in." Jack grinned, Janet's propensity for keeping Daniel in the infirmary was the bane of his friend's life. "You always wind up in there – you really should find another pastime. Like I told Carter – get a life."

"The one I've got takes all my time and more effort than I can afford to expend," retorted Daniel "I don't think I'd survive a second one... No. don't walk on that Impy." The cat was nosing around his bandaged foot so Daniel gave him a little push. Impy obediently jumped down and sat beside his brother looking up at Jack. Breakfast had never been this late.

"Anyway the chair is a good idea. I did wonder how I was going to get you to have some fresh air." He knew he was talking to fill up the silences, any minute Daniel was going to ask questions.

"So, Jack. Where were you in my hour of need?"

"Having a shower."

"At mid-day? What happened to dawn – didn't she show up?"

"Had a bit of trouble with the cats"

"Trouble? What sort of trouble?" Daniel's eyes anxiously surveyed the cats but could see nothing wrong.

"Well – Oh! Hell! The haven't been fed..." Jack fled to the kitchen leaving Daniel open-mouthed.

Jack came back with dishes of chicken and rice, presented them to the cats who were heads down in seconds.

"Jack" Daniel's voice took on a particularly menacing tone "Why haven't they been fed? What trouble did they have?"

"Daniel" sighed Jack "Don't bully me." Daniel's eyebrows rose. "There have been some ...um...incidents Chiffy was sick this morning and Mrs. Santini treated him with arrowroot. She recommended this meal" pointing at the empty dishes "Which I made.That's why it's late."

"So Chiffy vomited..."

"No. That was Impy..."

"You said Chiffy was sick..."

"Not that sort of sick – ill type sick. Diarrhea."

"And Impy was vomit sick?"

"Yes, but that was yesterday."

Daniel stared at his friend.

"Are you deliberately trying to confuse me? Because if you are – it's working.

Jack rubbed his hand across his face feeling the bristles where his quick shave had missed.

"Look, let me make some coffee...sorry wrong thing." He took in his friend's tragic face – lack of coffee was a deprivation for Daniel. He was going to find being denied his universal panacea hard to live with - so was Jack.

"You have some, Jack." he smiled bravely. "I'll have water."

"Cranberry?"

"I'll have cranberry." he amended, swiftly.

Jack went back to the kitchen with the cat's dishes, and brought back two fruit juices. He didn't want his friend to suffer the smell of his favorite beverage.

"Are you going to tell me what has been going on? Last night you said you were all sitting in your chair, which sound quite friendly." Danel asked, sipping his cranberry juice.

"It was friendly. It was nice." Jack didn't see Daniel's eyebrows go up again, or his little smile "But that was afterwards."

"So there was a before?"

"Oh, yes. Boy! was there a before. But before that there were other...um..."

"Incidents?"

Jack nodded.

Daniel drew a deep breath

"I can hardly wait."

"Look, before we go into all the things that have happened, can you tell me if Teal'c is coming? I've saved casserole, don't know why. I'm pissed at him. He gives you no information, that man, he's worse than a Tok'ra. He baldly stated that you were in the infirmary and that he was staying with you. That was supposed to fill me with joy? Not knowing what was wrong? I keep tellin' ya I get no respect. I am supposed to be the leader... and yadda yadda." He smiled back at the smile on his friend's face.

"How are you, Danny? I don't think 'fine' is going to cut it?"

"You know that nail in the head kinda thing?" Jack nodded "Well, it was there but it's easing with the meds. The stitches are pulling already so I hope they don't take too long to get them out..."

"Janet will look at them on Saturday." Jack confirmed.

"...but the worst thing is the foot. Warner said I would have done less damage if I'd broken the ankle instead of trying to bend it backwards. It hurts like hell. He's been very serious with me, Jack. He said if I want to use it to its fullest capacity, I'd better do as he says."

Jack said softly "We can't afford to lose our best runner. Danny, you are sometimes the only thing between us and capture. We will do as the Doc ordered. No defaulting."

Daniel's eyes were glazing, emphasising the effectiveness of the medicine. Jack glanced down at the cats; they were curled up close to the couch, not attempting to climb on. He wondered if they knew their friend was hurt. He knew dogs often understood about illness – maybe cats did too. He left Daniel half-asleep and went upstairs to collect pillows and a throw. While he was there he opened the guestroom door, it smelled fine, no lingering odors so he closed the window and left the door open. He wasn't sure how they were going to manage Daniel tonight. He still didn't know whether Teal'c was coming, he could do with the big man's help.

He came down with the pillows and tucked them under Daniel's head, he smiled gratefully and opened his hazy eyes

"You mother hennin' me?" he asked sleepily.

"Yup. Promised Doc Warner. Look, Danny, do you know what Teal'c is up to?"

"Yeah. Had to see Hammond. Said he'd come later."

Jack stood there looking down at his friend. He laid his hand on Daniel's neck and stroked the soft skin. It was the only gesture he would allow himself to make, but Daniel knew what it meant – had always known.

Daniel slid into sleep as Jack pulled the throw over him.

Relief washed through Jack. He'd hoped Teal'c would be available. There was no way he could get his 6 foot 180 pound archaeologist up the stairs and into the spare room on his own. Not only because of his knees and back, which weren't in the first flush of youth, but the virus lethargy had been more debilitating than he'd imagined.

The wheelchair, he was glad to see, was a lightweight, folding model which would transfer upstairs easily. Daniel would be able to get to the bathroom from his room along the passage; and when he was ready he could be brought downstairs and use the chair to move around.

He looked at the cats and quietly said their names. They looked up and, as he turned away, they followed him into the kitchen. He rinsed their dishes and added a little more chicken mix to them. The cats jumped up to the counter and he looked at Chiffy.

'Would he let me give him his med?' he wondered, not wanting to disturb Daniel.

Chiffy was looking at him; neither cat making a move towards their dishes. Jack picked up the syringe and filled it from the pot. Lifting Chiffy's head, he gently slid the syringe tip into the side of the mouth, as Mrs. Santini had done, and expelled the medicine. It was reminiscent of injections he had given to his team-mates off-world. Chiffy swallowed, and Jack slid their dishes towards them.

As they ate, Jack leaned on the counter having an epiphany. Emotional tears pricked his eyes at the enormity of the trust Chiffy had shown. Jack, who had never touched a cat before, had been allowed to administer - what must be a foreign substance – to an animal that did not know him well; the level of trust floored Jack.

He moved away, shaking his head, and went into the hall. Various bags, parcels of books, the clothes from Daniel's locker and a suspiciously heavy box containing – artifacts? – were on the floor where the driver had dumped them. Daniel obviously intended to do some work while he was here.

'Not with that head, he won't.' Jack smiled at the thought of his workaholic friend.

He cleared stuff away into the den; then took the clothes up to the guestroom. When he had finished he noticed it had gone four o'clock – he'd missed lunch and was hungry. Daniel was due more pills and he was probably hungry too. He went down to the living room where Daniel was just stirring.

"Want scrambled eggs and toast?" he asked the unfocused eyes. Daniel nodded and shifted onto his side. That left a space beside him so the cats jumped up and settled against his stomach.

"Has Teal'c arrived?"

Jack shook his head. Daniel tried to lay his head back but the pillows were in the wrong position. Jack adjusted them, said

"Scrambled eggs coming up." and went back into the kitchen.

"Thanks" Daniel breathed softly after him, and drifted back to sleep.

Ten minutes later Jack was back with a plate of food. He could see the little frowns and flinches that told him Daniel's painkillers were wearing off. He woke him gently, gave him the food and offered him medication for afterwards.

The cats just had to investigate Daniel's plate. Jack lifted them up and dropped them on the floor, enabling his friend to sit up. Daniel's position wasn't an easy one for him to eat in , so Jack brought a stool to the couchside and moved his friend's feet on to it. At that moment the doorbell rang.

'Teal'c, at last' Jack hoped.

He hurried to the door but was beaten by the cats. This time he wasn't worried about them and opened the door to his team-mate. The cats danced around the big man as he made his way into the living room and stood before Daniel, who waved a piece of toast at him.

"I am glad to see you eating, DanielJackson. It is good that you are helping yourself to heal."

"Want to eat, T?" asked Jack.

The Jaffa considered "The doctor said you had casserole."

"Yeah. Made it especially for you two. Want some?"

"DanielJackson is eating. He will not want casserole yet. I will wait."

"Ok. But fetch yourself a drink when you want one."

"Thank you, O'Neill." Teal'c gave his customary bow, then sat on the couch. The cats climbed into his lap.

"Right, now... is someone going to tell me what happened on that planet?" Jack sat back in his chair and waited.

Daniel sighed around his toast – he hated it when he was forced to explain his actions. However important they seemed to be at the time, they always appeared unnecessary in retrospect. Especially to Jack.

"Well. There was a ruined temple there..."

"Isn't there always?"

"Jack, do you want to hear or not? If so - lose the commentary."

Jack lifted hands in acknowledgement.

"It was full of writings, everywhere you looked. On the floor, the walls, on the pillars...even on the ceiling. There was so much and we all got so excited, not knowing what to do first. Talk about embarrassment of riches."

Jack forbore to comment, he had seen the Jackson overkill before.

"The natives were kind and hospitable, although they did want to talk a lot..."

Jack raised an eyebrow but held his peace – though if Daniel was going to feed him lines like that, it would be difficult not to riposte.

"...and kept distracting us from translating the texts. As the head honcho..."

Jack raised the other eyebrow - more slang; his bad habits must be rubbing off on his friend.

"...it was my job to, as usual, 'make nice' with them - so the bulk of the work fell to the other two scientists. Which was frustrating for me. I like to do the job I was trained for, when I can." He flashed a resentful glance at Jack.

Jack sighed. It was a never-ending bone of contention between them that Daniel's expertise was rarely allowed full rein.

"Anyway" Daniel went on "after two days of diplomacy and generally sucking up to the dignitaries I'd had enough. So the last morning...yesterday? I sent one of the other scientists to carry on the good work and went in to explore. The others had done most of the translating, using the keys I'd provided them with, so I just double- checked their findings and went into the far room, at the back. Then the roof came down and I was out for the count. I came to, back at camp – with one hell of a headache."

"You're gonna have to take a hard hat in future. That's what you get if I'm not watching your six. You get in too much trouble without me."

"I can get into just as much trouble with you – what about Oannes, when you thought I was dead?"

"Daniel, you were always dying. These cats have less lives than you. You must be up to nine by now."

"Then there was P3X-797..."

"Come on - you know I don't remember those..."

"The Land of Light, O'Neill." Teal'c reminded.

"Where I became a primitive man..."

Jack chuckled "Yeah, and you had an equally primitive girl cuddling up to you."

"What about Machello's planet. You were right there beside me – and I turned into an old man."

"Hey! I did the old thing too – on Argos."

"Well, what I'm saying is – your presence doesn't necessarily keep me out of trouble."

Jack dismissed the subject with a wave of his hand

"Teal'c, anything to add? How long did it take to get him out.?"

"It took six hours, O'Neill." Teal'c said solemnly "He was the last thing we found before we reached the back wall."

Six hours! Daniel looked startled. He and Jack looked at each other, both, obviously, hearing this for the first time. Jack thought 'If I'd been there it wouldn't have taken six hours.' He shuddered at the thought of Daniel buried alive under the rubble. His heart gave a lurch, he should have been there.

"I didn't realize..." Daniel trailed off. Six hours!

"You were unconscious when we found you, DanielJackson. You regained consciousness just before we brought you back home."

"No wonder it felt like a building fell on me." Daniel gave a small smile.

"Just like the Wicked Witch, Danny." Jack said lightly, pleased at the Oz reference.

Daniel rolled his eyes; then winced, wishing he hadn't.

Part 10

Teal'c got up

"I shall fetch a drink. Can I bring you something?" he looked at Daniel and Jack.

"Yes please, Teal'c. Cranberry," said Daniel.

"I'll have a beer, if you're fetchin'" Jack waved a hand.

Teal'c strode out to the kitchen so Impy hopped up and settled next to Daniel, while Chiffy looked up at Jack. Patting his lap as an inducement, Jack was delighted that Chiffy accepted the offer and leaped into his lap.

Teal'c came back, passed the drinks around and announced,

"I have news to impart..."

Jack and Daniel looked at each other in surprise , it was rare for the big Jaffa to offer spontaneous information. As Jack often said 'Teal'c is as chatty as a Tok'ra."

"...I have seen General Hammond and he has granted me permission to visit Chulak for two weeks."

"That's great T." enthused Jack "You'll be able to check on how the gathering of Bratac's forces is doing. And, of course, you will see your son."

"Yes, O'Neill. Rya'c grows tall and strong. Soon he will be a man."

"I'm glad you can get away, Teal'c." Daniel smiled at his team-mate "It was good of the General to give you leave."

"Indeed. Dr. Warner informed him that you, O'Neill, would be responsible for DanielJackson. As you are recovering yourself, he felt the unexpected hiatus would be" Teal'c paused to get the term right "'too good to miss'."

"What about Sam?" asked Daniel.

"Major Carter is to return to work after her vacation."

"So she should," laughed Jack "can't have her doing nothing just because three of her team are out of action. She can work on those experiments that are so dear to her heart, or..." he grinned wickedly "... perhaps her motorbike."

"You're not supposed to know about that, Jack" Daniel protested.

"I'm an Air Force Colonel. Of course I know." Jack then asked Teal'c "When do you 'gate'?"

"Sunday."

"Good. You'll be here for the barbeque."

The Jaffa was impassive as Daniel looked at him questioningly.

"What barbeque?" Daniel's voice was suspicious, his head was currently saying "No!' to a barbeque.

"I thought a barbeque would be a nice welcome home for the Disney trio. They're due back...what, midday Saturday? They could go home and unpack. Have a rest – come to the barbeque in the evening, and take the cats home when they leave."

Daniel grinned mischievously "You mean you don't want to get rid of them as soon as possible?"

Jack had the look of someone caught out, "It's only a few more hours," he mumbled.

'Yeah – and you don't want to give them up now you've sampled them." Daniel thought, lifting an eyebrow at Teal'c who eyebrowed back. They'd had a bet on this. How soon the dog obsessed Colonel would succumb to the cats.

The objects of all their thoughts were extremely comfortable. Chiffy was being caressed by Jack. Impy was lying between Daniel and Teal'c favoring them both with his purrs.

Daniel looked up from watching his fingers, which were walking between Impy's ears.

"I've given you a resume of my experience. You were going to tell me about the incidents that involved the cats - so how about it?""

Teal'c looked suddenly interested.

"Ah well. As to that..." Jack placed Chiffy gently on the floor, where he leaped up to get his share of the attention his brother was getting.

"...I think perhaps we'd better have that casserole now'" Jack went on, hastily getting up from his chair. He hurried out to the kitchen, removing the casserole and putting it in to reheat.

He could hear the others talking softly, probably going over their disastrous mission. He found himself to be extremely reluctant to explain all the 'incidents' that had gone on while his friends were away. As he peeled potatoes and put them on to boil he thought of all the things that had happened, some humorous others downright panic making.

He had considered confiding in Daniel earlier, even telling him of the ambivalent feelings he was getting regarding the cats.

But now that Teal'c was here he would feel awkward revealing his softer side.He respected the Jaffa. They had this warrior-brother thing going between them and he felt he would lose face in Teal'c's eyes if he admitted to affection for the cats.

When the potatoes were nicely soft, he drained them. Then mixed in the butter, milk, cream and pepper; and whisked them into a fluffy mound. Impy purred around his legs

"This is not cat food. You don't want potatoes." Jack murmured.

"Yowl" said Impy – in other words 'try me'.

Jack ran his finger around the bowl, picking up some of the mix - and offered it to the cat. A small sniff, a delicate tongue and the offering disappeared.

"You're determined to dispel all my ideas about cats, aren't you?"

Chiffy arrived, wanting some of whatever was going.

"What is it with you two – cat radar? I knew you were telepathic."

Jack offered Chiffy just a tiny taste, in case his bowels were still loose – he was as enthusiastic as his brother.

He ladled the potatoes into a dish, trying to make a pyramid to tease Daniel but settled for arranging them into a mound, sprinkling chives on top. Then he set out the rest of the meal making sure a large portion went to Teal'c.

There was a banging at the kitchen door as Daniel awkwardly navigated the wheelchair into the kitchen.

"Sorry," he said "I'm not adept at moving this monster yet. I need to pee."

Jack opened the laundry room door and wheeled Daniel to the toilet cubicle, he lifted him to a standing position at the toilet bowl then said,

"Shall I stay?"

Daniel spluttered, amused "I think I can manage a one-legged pee, thanks all the same."

Jack left him, and stood outside the door waiting to help him back.

"Hey" called Daniel "there's no towel here."

"Oops – sorry" Jack snagged a towel from the laundry basket. He opened the door and passed the towel to Daniel who was washing his hands at the basin "It got forgotten after I'd done the laundry. Blame the cats."

Daniel tried to turn on one foot, Jack grasped his arm and pushed the wheelchair under his butt.

"Oh?" Daniel queried.

"Don't ask."

"But I am asking." Daniel persisted.

"Dinner's getting cold" Jack wheeled him back to the living room.

"Jack!" a warning tone.

"Later. I promise. Let me get the meal served."

Daniel nodded, knowing Jack would keep his promise, however reluctantly.

Jack went back into the kitchen for the food. He and Teal'c would eat at the table, Daniel could have his own on the couch. He held the mashed potato dish while Daniel helped himself. His friend looked up with a smile

"Save some for the cats."

"They're not supposed to like potatoes."

"Who says? They have individual tastes same as us. Anyway, what's not to like. I know how you make potatoes. Milk, cream , butter – what cat wouldn't want it. And I still want to know..."

"Yeah, yeah" Jack said hurriedly "Eat your meal."

He took the dish over to the table where Teal'c was already consuming his casserole without waiting for the accompaniment. Jack knew how persistent Daniel could be once his curiosity was aroused. It was one thing to admire his powerful concentration in the field, but it was quite another to have it all focussed on him. Sooner or later Daniel would drag out of him what he wanted to know.

The cats had followed Jack and were now seated on either side of Daniel. Jack pretended not to notice as Daniel gave the felines little blobs of potato.

As soon as the meal was finished Jack asked brightly

"Ice cream, anyone?"

"You're asking me...what?" "Of course, O'Neill." Daniel and Teal'c answered together. Jack grinned and went away with the empty dishes.

Still smiling, Jack took four flavours of ice cream from the freezer. He loaded them on the tray and added bowls and spoons. He took them into his friends, determined to keep them so busy enjoying their dessert that they forgot to ask questions. The cats were still sitting beside Daniel and it was obvious from their interest in his bowl that ice cream was another feline delicacy.

"Time for your antibiotics, Daniel." said Jack, handing his friend the bottle of pills.

"Is that all? Don't I get the painkillers too?" Daniel swallowed the pills with his ice-cream.

"How's the head?"

"Not a nail, but still there."

"And the ankle?"

"Don't ask!"

"Ok. Hold off for another hour then you're due your painkillers. I wanted to get you to bed before you had them." Jack glanced at Teal'c and flicked his eyes up the stairs. Teal'c understood and inclined his head in agreement.

"Bed. Hold it flyboy – I'm not going upstairs, not with this foot. I can sleep on the couch." Daniel was indignant that Jack should expect him to climb the stairs, when he knew Dr. Warner had forbidden walking.

"We're not asking you to climb. Teal'c and I can take you between us..." Daniel opened his mouth to protest "...only to the top of the stairs, you can use the wheelchair then. I'll take it up first."

"Got it all figured out, haven't you?" Daniel muttered., annoyed at being out-manouvered.

"It's what I do."

"Why can't I stay down here?" loudly protesting

"In case you've forgotten this becomes Teal'c's bedroom at night."

"I would have no objection to DanielJackson's presence." Teal'c intoned, as he finished his second bowl of ice-cream.

Daniel waved a hand, "What he said."

"No" Jack said patiently "Upstairs you've got a proper bed to get the rest you need. The bathroom is reachable by wheelchair; and I assume you will want your usual wake-up shower. You won't get that down here."

Jack could see Daniel processing this information.

"I can't get in the shower."

"Why not. It's a walk-in one. I can park your chair right beside it and you can get out. I'm sure you can do a five minute one-legged shower in the same way you did a one-legged pee." Jack smirked, feeling he'd won the battle.

"Didn't mean that. The strapping is not supposed to get wet."

"Ever heard of plastic bag and elastic band?"

"Aren't you the practical one." Daniel's tone was snide.

"It's what I do." Jack repeated.

"So you and Teal'c are going to cart me up the stairs between you, I can just see how easy that will be," the drawl was sarcastic.

"No."

They both looked at Teal'c surprised that he had spoken. He rarely joined a conversation unless directly addressed.

"What?" Jack asked.

"I will take DanielJackson up the stairs. Two of us would be awkward and we might endanger the ankle. I will use..." he indicated with his hands over his shoulder.

"Fireman's lift?" Jack interpreted.

Teal'c inclined his head "...Fireman's lift. It will be safer."

"He's heavy," warned Jack.

"I am strong," quiet pride.

"That you are, buddy."

"So – you've arranged this have you? Never mind what I might want. Don't bother to ask me if I'm happy to be hauled up the stairs like a sack of potatoes." Daniel was mutinous, he hated being dependent on anyone – even his friends.

"Danny."

"What?"

"Stop being pissy."

"I'm entitled to be pissy. My life is being organized for me in an extremely high-handed manner, without my consent. Why can't I go home to my apartment?" his exasperation showed as his voice got louder.

'And do what, Daniel? Lie in bed and starve – oh, yes don't forget – pee the bed. You're off that foot for the duration. So suck it up."

"I could manage." Daniel wouldn't give in, although he knew Jack was right.

"No you couldn't. You can't manage the wheelchair in your apartment, you've got too many levels. Here you can go right out to the garden. You can be comfortable. You've got company. I'll help you to the bathroom, I'll cook for you..."

"Ok.Ok!" Daniel yelled, finally losing his temper "So what do you want from me – gratitude?"

"NO!" The volume of Jack's shout reached parade ground level and stunned Daniel, as did the glare Jack gave him. Teal'c straightened as if ready to intervene. The cats raced across the room and hid in Jack's chair.

"No, Daniel." Jack fought for calm, and lowered his voice "No. I do not want gratitude. What I do, I do for a friend. One who needs my help just now. Who will never ask for it, or expect it, but who needs to know that it's alright to accept it."

Daniel lowered his eyes, blinking at the sudden moisture.

"I'm sorry" he said simply "I didn't mean to insult you. I'm just..."

"Tired and hurting." Jack finished for him.

Daniel nodded.

"I know, Danny. I've been there. We'll get you to bed soon."

"Not before you've made your peace, O'Neill." Teal'c's voice was stern.

Jack looked up surprised. Teal'c nodded in the direction of Jack's chair where the cats were huddled together looking at Jack with enormous eyes.

Jack went over to the chair, knelt down beside it and gathered the cats into his arms.

"Sorry, fellas. I wasn't angry with you. Things just got a little out of hand..." He petted them and murmured to them until he looked up. He saw the smile on Daniel's face, and a softening, of the usually bleak expression, on Teal'c's.

"Oh-oh. Busted."

The cats stood up and purred around his head, their whiskers tickling his face.

"I think these might need a bit more chicken mix, just in case the treats, they've been having, cause problems."

"I didn't let them have ice-cream, Jack. I know Cassie gives it to them but I didn't know if it would go safely with mashed potato." though tired and drained after the tantrum, Daniel's eyes were laughing.

Jack took the cats into the kitchen, and once again Chiffy let him administer the arrowroot mixture. He gave them some more chicken mix and went to organize Daniel's needs for the night. It seemed he wanted most of the books Jack had put in the den.

"You're supposed to be sleeping not reading." Jack told him as he fetched the books.

"Jack, if I can't sleep – and I certainly didn't last night – I will go stir crazy with nothing to do. It would most likely make me get out of bed. At least if I can lose myself in my books I can forget about the pain. Maybe!" he added, unconvinced.

"Ok. But don't try to read too much if the head gets bad."

Jack took the books and medicines upstairs. He made sure Daniel had a glass and water on the nightstand, and laid out a fresh tee and boxers for the night.

He checked the cat's litter box and was pleased that it was empty. They had some dry food and water if they needed it, he hoped they would sleep with Daniel. Though he liked them being on his bed, he felt that Daniel would appreciate the company especially if he couldn't sleep.

He went downstairs and got ready to help Teal'c with 'Operation Moving Daniel'.

Part 11

Daniel was sitting in the wheel chair trying not to look nervous at going up the stairs on Teal'c's shoulder. He'd been carried enough times by the big man, when injured off-world; but was usually unconscious at the time. Jack could see the furious blinking of the eyes that always betrayed Daniel's anxiety. He wheeled the chair to the stairs, then helped Daniel to stand leaning him into Teal'c with his bad foot raised.

Quickly Jack collapsed the wheelchair, took it to the top of the stairs, and unfolded it to its rigid state; ensuring both brakes were set. Hurrying downstairs he braced Daniel while Teal'c bent to take Daniel's weight on his left shoulder. Straightening, Teal'c lifted a foot and placed it on the first step. Gripping the banister with his right hand Teal'c pulled his other foot up beside the first. With the dead weight of Daniel, Teal'c could only go one step at a time, with Jack hovering, yet knowing he could do nothing to support Daniel if Teal'c should falter. It all depended on the Jaffa's great strength. The problem would come when they reached the turn in the stairs, the little landing that bent at right angles. Jack thought that Teal'c would stop and perhaps put Daniel down while he turned. He didn't; he turned with Daniel still on his shoulder and went up the final five steps to the top. Jack dashed forward, and guided Daniel down into the chair as Teal'c gave a great "Whoof" of relief.

"God, Teal'c. That was incredible." Daniel was amazed "I felt so safe."

"Thank you, DanielJackson. You are welcome." The Jaffa's breath was evening out and he straightened up.

"Yeah. T – man, great show." Jack chuckled, finally letting go of the breath he had been holding "We could make money, you and I – get you on Showtime... with me as the entrepreneur and you as Ming the Mighty!"

"I am not this Ming," explained Teal'c, as to a child "I am Teal'c."

Daniel could see the gleam of humor in Teal'c's eyes.

"No, no. Teal'c" Jack hastened to add. Who knew his friend would take things so literally? "It's just pretend..." Jack saw Daniel's laughter and realized Teal'c had put one over on him.

Impy and Chiffy arrived to see what was going on. They had watched, with great interest, the preparations for the ascent of their friend – now they wanted to know what came next.

"If you have no more need of me, O'Neill. I will retire to watch the Discovery Channel."

"No, that's okay. You go ahead. You did good, you deserve a rest." Jack started wheeling Daniel down the passage followed by the cats.

"It is not my body that needs to rest, O'Neill. It is my mind I wish to exercise." Teal'c's last words followed them into the guestroom.

"Now, Dannyboy. What do you want to do next?'" The cats jumped on the bed and sat on Daniel's clean clothes.

Daniel's heavy-lidded eyes showed how much they needed to close.

"I should clean my teeth even if I can't have a shower."

"You can have a shower if you like. The water's there for you. I've got a plastic bag and elastic for your ankle. Depends how you feel."

"Too tired to shower, Jack. In the morning maybe. Just teeth and pee. Oh - and did you say meds?"

"Yup. Got 'em right here. Take 'em when you get to bed."

Jack wheeled Daniel into the bathroom and left him propped up beside the toilet. Outside he was joined by the cats who looked at the closed door.

"He doesn't need you in there," Jack said tiredly "He's got enough trouble staying upright."

When he heard the toilet flush Jack went back in, Daniel was sitting in his chair, having wheeled himself to the basin, cleaning his teeth. When he'd finished he wiped a washcloth over his face and sleepily indicated he was ready.

Jack wheeled him back to the bedroom, sat him on the bed and helped him into his night clothes. Daniel's eyes were closed by the time he took his medicine. Jack watched him as he settled in to sleep, the muscles relaxing. Smiling he took the glasses off his friend,s face, wondering how they had stayed on when Daniel had been upside down. Carter would probably have explained it in an entirely scientific way that he wouldn't have understood. The cats jumped on the bed, curling themselves up on either side of their sleeping friend. Jack stroked both heads; then switched off the main light, leaving the nightstand lamp to fill the room with a soft glow.

Back downstairs the lights were out and Teal'c's candles flickered with Jack's passing. He entered the kitchen, packed the dishwasher and set the timer to start its cycle in the morning; not wanting to disturb Teal'c's Kel-no-reem.

As he went towards the stairs he called "Good night, Teal'c" softly, in case his friend was already deep in his trance.

"Good night, O'Neill". Teal'c's voice came strongly out of the candle- lit room.

'Does the man never tire?' Jack asked himself as he climbed wearily up the stairs.

****

Jack awoke to a curious noise. A bumping noise, and a quiet cursing. He got out of bed and padded bare foot to the passage. Sure enough, there was Daniel in his chair, weaving from side to side, his eyes mere slits as he tried to negotiate the wheelchair into the bathroom.

"Let me" Jack seized the handles, pushed the chair through to the toilet, and pulled Daniel to his one foot.

"Thanks."

Jack hovered a moment, wondering if Daniel was awake enough to know what he was doing. If he fell he could do more damage to the ankle.

"Stay, Jack. I'm too tired to care about modesty or privacy. I only want to pee and go back to sleep. Preferably right here."

He attended to his bladder and practically fell back into the chair. Jack wheeled him to the basin to rinse his hands saying

"Sleeping here is not an option, Danny. Teal'c and I would have to pee round you."

Taking him back to the guestroom Jack noticed the cats had followed - ever curious. He got Daniel back into bed and Impy jumped up to settle again, but as Jack left Chiffy followed him. At the top of the stairs, backlit by the candlelight from below, stood Teal'c.

"Is all well, O'Neill?"

"All well, T. Danny needed the toilet and got in a muddle with his chair."

The Jaffa inclined his head and went silently back downstairs.

'Glad he's on our side' thought Jack as he climbed into bed 'meeting him in the dark could be plain scary.' A chirp heralded the arrival of Chiffy, who burrowed contentedly into the comforter. Jack got purred to sleep.

Waking as usual, to his internal clock, Jack found Impy and Chiffy sitting on his bed – looking at him. Food time – what else?

He slid out of bed and hurried down the passage to see if Daniel was awake. He was relieved to find him still asleep – although it was time for his meds, he also needed his rest. Daniel was sleeping peacefully, with no twitches to indicate pain, so Jack decided to leave him for a while. He checked the litter which had been used but it was normal so Jack left it, not wishing to wake Daniel.

Aware that the cats were hungry, Jack had a quick shower, noticing that the shower had been used. Teal'c was up then. His big friend was an earlier riser than himself and was equally adept at moving quietly. Jack had not heard him come up to shower. Jack dressed in jeans and loose shirt and hurried downstairs.

"Good morning, O'Neill."

Jack acknowledged the greeting, nodding at Teal'c who was watching TV, drinking orange juice. The cats were weaving around Jack's feet as he opened a can and distributed their breakfast.

He started the coffee machine and called through to Teal'c

"I'm making bacon sandwiches, T. You want some?"

"I would like that, thank you," came the reply.

The cats had finished their meal so Jack rinsed their dishes. Remembering the dishwasher, he took out all the clean utensils and packed them tidily away. While the bacon was cooking he watched the cats as they washed. It fascinated him to see how every meal was followed by a thorough wash. The grooming went down to the end of the tail, and a lot of purring accompanied it.

He made the sandwiches, poured himself a mug of coffee and joined Teal'c in the living room. Handing his team-mate his sandwiches Jack asked

"What did you watch last night after you got Danny upstairs?"

"An intelligent documentary on Mayan civilization." Teal'c answered.

"Interesting?"

"Indeed. They were a very cultured people. They had a sophisticated art in all forms of statuary, paintings and carvings. Their architecture was impressive, especially the stair- stepped pyramid, which surprised me. Their mathematical ability was almost modern, and they could make accurate astronomical observations without telescopes. They also had a complex writing system."

"You found much to admire."

"They were also a people who believed in blood rituals. Despite their culture they were a very warlike people constantly battling with the other city-states. An interesting mix."

"Ah. The other side of the coin. Y'know Teal'c – you sound exactly like Daniel. I'm not too sure this education is doing you any good. I do know I don't need another genius on my team, just a regular guy – for my sake."

"I am not a genius, O'Neill."

"No. You are uniquely.. .you... and I am glad to have you."

Teal'c inclined his head in his customary manner as Jack went back to the kitchen.

Taking a mug of coffee up to the guestroom Jack found Daniel awake. 'Well' he amended to himself 'half-awake.'

"The smell of bacon woke me," said Daniel yawning in contrast to his statement. "Are you..."

"Yes. I'll bring you some."

Daniel eyed the mug

"Is that..."

"Just a small one. It's all I dare give you after Warner's stringent orders. It's not as strong as you like." He handed Daniel his antibiotics.

"Thank you for taking pity on me." Daniel sipped the hot liquid with a sigh.

Jack went back downstairs to find the cats nosing the air beside Teal'c's plate.

"Don't tell me they like bacon too."

"You should not be surprised, O'Neill. They like most things that we like."

"Well, bacon is not gonna be another treat on their food list. We haven't got that much. Which reminds me – I've got to shop today. We need supplies and I have to get food in for the barbecue. You will look after Danny?"

"It will be a pleasure."

Jack looked at him suspiciously

"You say that as though you mean it."

"I do. DanielJackson is a splendid conversationalist."

"Um – yes. I suppose you could call him that."

Shaking his head in perplexity, Jack returned to the kitchen and cooked Daniel a couple of bacon sandwiches.

As he went upstairs with the fragrant breakfast the cats came bouncing alongside him,

"You are not getting Danny's sandwich." he scolded, then noticing Daniel's expression "What?"

Daniel grinned "You! Talking to them as if they were a couple of kids."

"They are," Jack retorted "four-legged ones. They led me a merry dance."

"Do tell." Daniel's eyes were sparkling as he bit into his sandwich.

Jack gave him a smile "I will" he promised "but not now. Let me get you showered and dressed. I need to shop today. Boy – am I looking forward to going out."

"You must have been going stir-crazy."

"I thought I would be. But it turned out that the virus - whatever it was – knocked me out. The first week I was so limp that I slept all the time. Later, it was frustrating but there was no sense trying to fight it. It was a good thing I had company."

"Unwelcome company?" The cats were washing Daniel's bacon greased fingers with delicate tongues.

"No, Daniel, not unwelcome. It was me that was - uncertain – uncertain how to react. They were good company. Do you know I hardly watched TV".

Daniel raised his eyebrows.

"It's true. Too busy watching them. Much better entertainment and no repeats."

Then he groaned

"Every day something new."

"I can't wait to hear." Daniel grinned "This business of getting me showered, Jack. I'm not sure how that will work out. I know I can't stand on one leg for long."

"Got it sorted, Daniel. I remembered I have a plastic stool in the garage. It will fit right in the shower tray and you can sit and wash."

"That sounds great."

"So – I'll go and get it.. You need your painkillers?"

Daniel shook his head "No pain at the moment"

"Right. Stay in bed till I get back."

"Er, Jack. No can do – I gotta pee."

"Ok, Dannyboy. Let's move."

Daniel struggled out of bed and onto his chair, pushing the cats aside. They had just snuggled down again and gave him resentful looks. Jack wheeled Daniel along to the bathroom, soon followed by the cats who didn't want to miss the next episode

"You can leave me, Jack. I can get back in the chair and wait till you bring me the stool."

Part 12

"Ok. Daniel. You do know to always have both brakes on, don't you? Otherwise the chair can swivel – or even move away."

"Sounds as if you've had some experience."

"Yeah. Tell ya sometime."

Jack left and went down to his garage.

When he returned he was laughing.

"Look what I found, T," he called ,"I'd forgotten I still had them."

Teal'c saw the wooden elbow crutches and nodded,

"They will be useful for DanielJackson."

"Yeah. That's what I thought. They'll have to be cut down to his size 'cos they were measured for me. Don't know why I kept them except my Grandmother always said 'never throw anything away.'"

"That could be a problem."

"She didn't mean trash, Teal'c. She meant anything that was potentially useful. Why do you take things so literally?"

"Is not conversation a means of passing information?"

"Well, yes." Jack wondered where Teal'c was going with this.

"You have just told me that your elderly and, presumably, wise progenitor gave you this advice. If you took it to it's logical conclusion..."

"Yes?"

"Your house would be uninhabitable!' Teal'c pronounced it in a satisfied manner. That showed the Tauri his command of logic.

Jack sighed "We're talking about things like these," he patted the crutches, "Never know when you might break a leg."

"DanielJackson has not..."

"I know" Jack interrupted "Figure of speech."

Teal'c's small smile told Jack he knew that. Someday Jack would figure out Teal'c's sense of humor. Maybe!

Jack went up to the bathroom where Daniel was still waiting.

"Hey, look what I got for you." He waved the crutches.

"Whoa, they're a familiar sight." Daniel reached out and touched them.

"You've used them before?"

"Yes, long ago. I broke my leg on a dig." Daniel looked indignant as Jack started to laugh.

"Not laughing at your broken leg, Danny. Just a joke I had with Teal'c."

Daniel looked alarmed

"Jack, you can't have a joke with Teal'c. They all fall apart on his logic."

"Tell me about it. He's just damned my grandmother."

Daniel restrained himself from asking, it would only confuse him.

Jack put the stool into the shower and flourished a hand, the stool was high enough for Daniel to reach the controls easily. He helped Daniel out of his night clothes and ensured he was sitting squarely on the stool.

"Thanks, Jack. That's just right."

"We aim to please," said Jack as he pulled a plastic bag over Daniel's injured foot and fastened it with an elastic band.

" Call me if you need me. I'll be straightenin' your bed. Not sure what you've got against comforters..."

"I was hot; and the cats didn't help." Daniel protested.

"They don't." Jack looked at the cats who had followed him. "You're not helping Daniel to have a shower. Go!" He took towels out of the cupboard and flapped them at the cats.

He laid the towels on the wheelchair in Daniel's reach; then went out closing the door behind him.

In the guestroom he straightened the bottom sheet, turned the pillows and shook the top sheet into some semblance of order. The comforter he set aside on a shelf. It was obviously not a Daniel requirement.

He checked the garments in the closet, finding clean boxers and tee; he selected a pair of jeans then - thought better of it. Considering the difficulty of getting pants over the strapped foot he chose loose sweatpants instead. He glanced at the litter box and seeing it used, he started to wrap the offerings in newspaper.

He heard a sudden cry and, fearful for his friend's safety, he raced back to the bathroom. Daniel was sitting on the stool naked, wet, and laughing, having pulled the shower curtain aside.

Impy stood among a pile of clothes beside the upturned laundry basket. He was also very wet.

"What the...?" Jack started "...you ok?"

"Yes." Daniel was still struggling with mirth as Jack wrapped him in a large towel. "Impy was still here when you went, but I didn't know. I saw a movement and opened the curtain. Impy was playing with the drops coming through the gap I left. Sorry about that, it made a bit of a mess." He transferred himself to his chair and giggled as he dried himself.

Jack shrugged "Easily mopped up. I didn't know if you had fallen."

Daniel sent him a grateful glance "Thanks. Anyway I must have moved and the water hit my shoulder; it bounced right out onto Impy. He jumped and landed in the basket, which..." he waved a hand "...didn't take kindly to flying cats. But, Jack...what is that?"

A long finger pointed, with an artistic flourish, at a pair of dirty, slime-streaked, crumpled – possibly – jeans, slumped on the floor.

"Ah, yes." Jack looked at Impy who was now sitting, dripping on one of Jack's shirts. "You know all about that, don't you?"

The cat gazed angrily – not at Daniel, the perpetrator of his discomfort – but at Jack. After all it was his house, his bathroom and his water.

Jack grabbed the cat and gave him a rough rub with a towel. Impy squirmed free and stalked out to join his inquisitive brother in the hall.

Behind them loomed Teal'c.

"Do you require assistance, O'Neill?"

"No, Teal'c. Though Impy might."

Teal'c looked at the bedraggled cat, gave a small quirk that might have been a smile and went back downstairs.

"Teeth, Daniel?"

"Done!" Daniel was still smiling at the incident. and gnashed his teeth at his friend.

Jack wheeled him back to the guestroom and unwrapped the towel, transferring it to Daniel's head and giving it a good rub.

"Is that enough?..." Jack asked, pointing to the clothes, "...or do you want a shirt?"

Daniel shook his head "No need. I've been warm enough."

"There's a surprise," commented Jack, considering the temperature had been in the 80's.

He left Daniel to dress and went along to his own room to make the bed. He folded the comforter onto the bottom of the bed, agreeing with Daniel about the heat. He drew the drapes and saw Teal'c on the back lawn with the cats. For a moment he froze, then realized the cats were busy playing with the big man.

Jack went to see if Daniel was ready, only to find him sitting disconsolately on the bed in his boxers and tee.

"It's no use, Jack. I can't put anything on my legs. The pants need me to stand up."

Jack took the pants and placed Daniel's good foot into the leg, pulled the material until the foot cam out the other end, and did the same with the bad leg. He helped Daniel to stand on his good leg while he pulled the pants up, then sat him on the bed again and grinned.

"You're good at this." Daniel murmured in an apologetic tone.

Jack said briefly "Charlie!" then went on "You'd be surprised how uncordinated a small boy can be when he's only half awake."

He smiled at the memory.

Daniel looked embarrassed "I should have thought of that. I could have done it myself and not bothered you."

"No bother, Danny. I should have remembered you would need support"

"Oh, yes. You've experienced this problem, haven't you?"

"Yeah. But how did you manage when you broke your leg?"

Daniel shook his head "It's not the same. We were in the desert, we all wore shorts."

Jack reached for the crutches "Let me measure you for these. You're two inches shorter so you can't use them, yet."

He pulled Daniel up onto his good leg again and marked off the difference in height, then lowered Daniel into the wheelchair. Giving Daniel the crutches to hold Jack wheeled the chair to the top of the stairs, and locked the brake. He took the crutches downstairs and called for Teal'c who came immediately.

They went upstairs and reversed the previous night's procedure, getting Daniel downstairs and in his chair.

"Can I go out." Daniel pleaded as Teal'c went back through the open patio doors. Jack nodded, slipped on a pair of sneakers and pushed his friend out to the patio.

The cats danced around Daniel and Jack could see how pleased he was to be in the fresh air. The morning was getting warm, heading towards high temperatures again.

"O'Neill, shall I get the garden chairs out."

Jack nodded his thanks and Teal'c strode to the garage, returning with two chairs. Placing them close to Daniel's he sank into one, Jack occupied the other - just before Impy made it his.

"Jack, you never answered my question. " Daniel's eyes challenged him "What was that ...thing ...in the bathroom?..."

Teal'c raised an enquiring eyebrow.

"...And why would Impy know about it?"

Jack sighed "You can really be tenacious, can't you?"

Daniel's eyes gleamed with mischief as he stroked Impy, who had leaped into his lap at the sound of his name.

"Has it anything to do with the 'incidents', that you haven't told us about yet?"

Jack capitulated

"Have you looked at the flowerbed recently?"

Both men took in the broken stalks and flattened plants – a far cry from the usually immaculate bed. They turned their gazes back to Jack in query.

"Okay. The ruined jeans are the result of crawling through the bed. And I shall never view it in the same light again."

Jack saw the giant Jackson brain take over.

"The cats got out!"

"Mea culpa."

"Oh, Jack." Daniel's voice might have been censorious, but his eyes were smiling; he anticpated an amusing tale.

"Got 'em back, didn't I?" Jack protested. "Anyway it wasn't mea culpa, what's the Latin for - your fault? Those damned books you ordered."

Daniel sniggered, and Jack wondered why.

"They came did they? Good. So are you going to tell us all about it?"

As they waited Daniel and Teal'c glanced at each other. They knew Jack was reluctant to talk and they guessed it was something that he felt would put him in a bad light. They couldn't wait.

Daniel had a thought, and held up a finger.

"Jack we want to hear it from the beginning. Start after we left on Sunday."

Jack groaned, drew a deep breath and began

Not quite remembering the sequence of things, he had to keep going back and repeating. To say that his audience was amused by the litany was an understatement. Teal'c was smiling, a rare thing for the Jaffa; but Daniel was shedding tears, his laughter bubbling as he wiped his wet face.

Jack did not know whether to be miffed at the laughter, or to join in. The gleam in Teal'c's eyes told him he need have no fear of losing his friend's respect. He expected Jack to do what he had to do; and to show care and concern for Cassie's beloved cats.

He finally had to admit that the situations had been funny, though only in retrospect.

Daniel was completely abandoned in his mirth "Oh, Jack. My head aches," he gasped, "You should be on Showtime. Will you tell the others?"

"I expect they'll ask," he answered morosely.

"Indeed" Teal'c intoned "Major Carter was most adamant that she should be told how you won the war... if you did."

Jack groaned again.

"They expected you to have trouble, Jack. If you tell them everything was ok, they won't believe you. I didn't when you told Warner."

"What I told Warner wasn't far from the truth. Things were okay until the books arrived." He glared at his friend, he was still annoyed at him.

"If it's any consolation , I told them that you would cope admirably." Daniel said, and smiled at Jack's confusion.

"You did? Why did you do that. Even I wasn't certain." Jack confessed.

"I know you, Jack. I've known you longer than anyone, and your sense of responsibility is beyond reproach." Daniel's voice was very soft and Teal'c's head bowed in agreement.

After all the laughter, Jack felt warmed by the praise, and touched that Daniel should have so much faith in him.

"I'll still have to tell them," he said sadly.

"That you will. However – where are these books that caused so much trouble?"

"On the cabinet, where I left them. I felt more like throwing them at the wall. I didn't though. I know how you feel about your books – but I was sorely tempted."

Daniel sniggered again, but said nothing.

"Well. Now that I have entertained you I will leave to do some necessary shopping. Have fun you two," Jack got up, dislodging Chiffy who had fallen asleep on his lap. He gently put the cat on his chair; where he promptly went back to sleep.

"Jack where were you sitting when you were waiting for the cats to come out of the bed," asked Daniel.

Jack pointed to the grass in front of the patio.

"And you didn't think to go in and open the patio doors. They would have been so curious that they would have just walked in." Daniel gently chided.

"Daniel, I didn't dare leave them. They could have gone anywhere and got lost."

Daniel shook his head.

"No they wouldn't have gone from familiar surroundings. Tbey would have been very cautious."

"Well, I had to act on the intel I had. I followed procedure – keep target in sight all the time." Jack protested, and was gratified to see Teal'c's nod of agreement.

"Never mind, you will know next time." Daniel's eyes laughed up at him as Jack thought 'Next time. Dare I...' would it be possible to arrange for Cassie to go on another trip, so that he...

"Stop reading my mind," he said sharply, and turned away.

Daniel's laughter followed him all the way to his truck.

Part 13

Jack thought he would take a trip to Walmart on Franceville Coalmine. The road was only a 20 minute drive – traffic permitting – and he could get everything he wanted there. It was a pleasure driving along, open windows and balmy air after being incarcerated.

Now that Daniel was here - and once Cassie had taken the cats home – they could laze in the garden, getting fresh air and sunshine. Daniel would want to read his new books, of course; but he could lay back with a cold one – just chilling out.

As he parked the truck he was reminded that there was a garden store beyond the food section. He might see if they'd got anything already flowering to replace his broken plants. Mentally listing the things he needed he grabbed a basket and started down the aisles.

He picked up his home supplies first – meat, dairy, vegetables and salads. Knowing Daniel's taste in food and drink made it easy. More fruit juice for Daniel – raspberry and peach. Beer for himself; wine for Janet and Sam; root beer for Cassie. Then onto the barbecue food, Steaks, chicken, sausages, spare ribs – buns, sauces – being Jack he collected some of everything.

He couldn't remember how much charcoal he still had; so he made a side trip to the barbecue accessories. As he picked up a couple of sacks he spotted something that made him smile...just the thing for Teal'c.

Satisfied he had got all he needed he wandered into the plant store and was pleased at the selection already in bloom. He filled his basket. The checkout girl was intrigued when he wheeled his basket through the food aisle.

"Your lunch?" she asked brightly.

"No. The priorities are underneath." He gave her a big smile, she smiled back then chuckled at Teal'c's present.

"Hey, that's cool. You'll look good in that."

He shook his head

"It's not for me. Our cook is an alien kind of guy."

She checked the barbecue supplies and said

"There you go. Have a nice...party."

Appreciating her substituting 'party' for the ubiquitous 'day', he bowed his head Teal'c fashion, and winked as he walked away.

On his way back he diverted a little and passed Memorial Park,. He often ran there in the early mornings when he was tired of just pounding pavements. "I must get back to it' he thought ' Daniel would be content to read his books while I had a run – subject to Janet of course.'

As he drove his truck into his driveway he saw Mrs Santini at her door.

"I saw you coming," she said "I just wondered how the little cat was getting on."

"Seems to have got over it. Nothing nasty in the litter boxes."

"I am glad. Diarrhea can be a sign of something serious. But if he's over it already it was probably the milk." She looked in the truck. "What lovely flowers you have there."

"Yes. I was lucky they had some good ones to fill up the holes I made searching for the cats. It's funny – now that my friends are here the cats are out on the lawn, quite happy, not trying to get away."

She smiled

"They wouldn't have run anyway, Colonel. They know who to trust. You had been feeding them, that's of paramount importance to them."

"So why wouldn't they come when I called?"

"Oh, they were playing with you. Seeing how far they could go – just like children."

"I'll remember that next time. By the way, my friends and I are having a barbecue tomorrow evening. My niece will be full of all the things she's done at DisneyWorld. I'd like you to join us. Daniel is staying with me now, he's immobile at present with his ankle. You could discuss your husband's collection with him.. We have lots of food and drink, and you would be welcome."

"That's kind of you, Colonel. I'd like that."

"There's just one thing. If you come you must call me Jack. No formalities here."

"Very well, Jack – and I'm Philly." She gave him a little embarrassed look.

"Philly?"

"Philomena – and don't you dare..."

"Philly, I wouldn't dream of it," he chuckled "I'll see you tomorrow. I'll give you a call when we are organized."

He made his way into the kitchen with the first consignment of food. Teal'c appeared at the door

"Can I assist you, O'Neill - with two ells?"

Jack looked at him closely, as near as he could tell Teal'c was not joking.

"What...?"

"DanielJackson and I were just discussing your catchphrases – you seem to have many, do they serve a purpose? DanielJackson..."

"Forcryinoutloud, Teal'c. Can't you call him Daniel?"

"Not until he gives me leave." Teal'c's tone was very serious.

"But he has, I heard him. More than once. He's not a DanielJackson type. He's Danny or Dannyboy. Plantboy. Spacemonkey."

"It is difficult to change, O'Neill..."

"There you go again," Jack interrupted him "I'm just Jack. I'm a friend."

"Indeed you are. I will try."

"Ok. Do that. Now what were you sayin'"

"DanielJackson feels you use these catchphrases to lower the potential emotive content of a situation."

Jack sighed

"It's no good Danny getting philosophical on me – I don't know what all that means."

"He also thinks it is a way of making people thin k you are dumber than you are."

"Busted! Again!"

"Hey - what's going on?" Daniel called from the patio. "Anyone want to bring me a drink? Dehydrating here!"

Teal'c went back out to transport the plants. Jack raided the fridge for beer, cranberry and orange juice and took them out to the patio. He gave Daniel his drink with his antibiotics. Both cats greeted him as he sat in his chair, which gave him a pang of pleasure. He was going to miss them. Teal'c returned and sat in his chair sipping orange juice.

"What did you get?" asked Daniel, eyeing the bag Jack had brought with him.

"Everything," Jack groaned. "Hot work in this weather."

"I saw the flowers go by." Daniel remarked, with a smile, "I thought you were having a barbecue – sure it isn't a wedding? Something you want to tell us, Jack?"

Jack threw him a mock glare

"If your books hadn't disrupted the peace and harmony..."

Daniel and Teal'c both raised eyebrows – Jack ignored them

"...that existed, and forced me to ruin my horticultural triumph; I wouldn't have had to buy fill-ins. As it is – to make it look reasonable for tomorrow I will have plant after sundown tonight."

Daniel chuckled

"Teal'c will hold a flashlight for you and I will shout encouragement from my chair."

"And who will cook dinner?"

"I will, O'Neill."

"Not while you're lighting my garden path, you won't. Bilocational multi-tasking is beyond even you, T."

Jack sat back and enjoyed the stunned looks on Daniel''s, and even Teal'c's face. He grinned evilly and said

"What? I know words!"

"We know!" retorted Daniel "You just don't usually admit it."

Chiffy jumped on Jack's lap and settled down. Jack stroked him gently as he said

"Daniel. You're in charge of dinner. You can get around the kitchen in your chair."

"What am I cooking?" His friend asked, suspiciously.

"How about spaghetti bolognaise? The sauce is ready made – just cook the mince and spaghetti – and mix it all together. Just don't burn yourself with the boiling water. Janet will have my cojones."

"No she won't" smirked Daniel "It will be honkin' big needles and a rectal examination."

Jack winced, and his eyes watered at the thought. Thankfully Teal'c interrupted this painful train of thought.

"Would it not be more appropriate, O'Neill, for DanielJackson to wield the flashlight and for myself to perform the culinary tasks?"

"Yeah, Jack. That might be safer." Daniel was relieved.

"Okay, suits me. It won't be that dark anyway. No need for the flashlight, you can just watch the master at work."

"I'll try to hide my awe." Daniel retorted, drily.

"The cats appear to have taken a great liking to you. O'Neill," observed Teal'c.

"Yeah. I'm gonna miss these guys." Jack admitted, looking fondly down at Impy who was snuggled up to his ankle, chin resting on Jack's shoe.

Daniel restrained the urge to punch the air and shout 'Yes!' but merely exchanged a triumphant glance with Teal'c. They had known it would only be a matter of time before the Colonel succumbed to the cats' blandishments.

"So, Jack. What's in the bag?" Daniel had been taking furtive looks at the bag at Jack's side.

"Ah, yes." Jack roused enthusiastically "Teal'c you will be doing the cooking honors tomorrow, will you not? You know – the smell of the charcoal – the roar of the hungry crowd?"

Teal'c cocked his head on one side, his attitude of incomprehension. It was one, Daniel had noticed, that was often Teal'c's reaction to Jack's inanities.

"He's paraphrasing an old theatrical saying. Teal'c. Best ignore him." Daniel suggested.

"No. Do not ignore your commander. He comes bearing gifts." Jack pulled the gift from the bag and shook it out.

Teal'c looked perplexed. Daniel gave a shout of laughter, then lost it and had to hold on to his head.

The gift was an apron, appropriate for barbecuing with many pockets. But the sight that had caught Jack's eye was that on the dark blue background stood a Roswell-type alien, looking much like Thor, with one eyebrow raised. The caption underneath read 'You come from ... where?"

"I am to wear this? Is it not fancy dress?"

"No, Teal'c. It's suitable for a barbecue. The cook always wears an apron with a humorous motif on it. This is so appropriate. The girls will love it. Don't you agree, Danny?"

"Yes, yes. Sam will die." A red-faced Daniel was having a hard job restraining the mirth that was doing his aching head no good.

"It would not be wise to let Major Carter die. We will be in need of her services before long."

This time Jack could see the gleam in Teal'c's eyes.

"Well, what about food now, guys? I'm hungry – you must be too. It's nearly 2.00."

"We have had cookies>"

"And milk." Daniel added.

"DanielJackson had cookies and milk," amended Teal'c.

"You didn't have milk?"

"I do not ingest bovine lactose."

Jack hid a smile and said "I knew that!"

He looked at Daniel "You're not supposed to snack between meals."

"You're always telling me I don't eat enough." Daniel looked mutinous.

"Not enough of the right things, Danny. Power bars and cookies are not a good diet."

"And take-out tacos are?"

Jack dismissed the argument with a wave of his hand.

"How about omelette and salad?"

"If it's the one you do with mushrooms and herbs."

"I can do that. Is that okay with you. Teal'c?"

"Is this the dish that contains eggs and cream?"

"Right on, buddy. Among other things."

"I would be happy to partake."

Jack moved Chiffy, preparatory to getting up.

"Sorry little fella. I keep disturbing you, but it's time for your feed as well."

He stood up and headed for the kitchen, Chiffy and Impy followed as a matter of course. Jack reminded himself to glance at the litter box as he crossed the hall. It was clean. He went on into the kitchen, reached for a can of tuna and fed the cats.

"I'll cook you some chicken for tonight," he told them. He took a chicken leg from the freezer and put it aside to thaw. Gathering his ingredients on the counter he whisked the eggs and cream into three separate bowls. The mushrooms he thinly sliced, then chopped the parsley, chives and basil.

Half an hour later he had three aromatic plates of omelette and salad ready. He set them on the table and stepped out onto the patio.

"Do you want your meal out here or will you come inside?"

Daniel answered "I'd like to come in. It's too hot out here."

Jack showed his surprise "But it's never too hot for you," he protested.

"It's a different sort of heat in the desert; and sitting in a wheelchair doesn't help. They are not very comfortable, I think they are only designed for transport."

Jack wheeled him into the house and pushed his chair to the table. Teal'c followed. As they ate their meal Jack could see Daniel was flagging.

"Perhaps you should sleep for a while."

Daniel nodded "I think I need to," he confessed.

Seeing the furrowed brow and dull eyes Jack realised the headache was back, probably due to the sun. He helped Daniel transfer to the couch and gave him his painkillers and a glass of water. Daniel thanked him silently, took his medication and snuggled down under the light sheet Jack laid over him. Both cats leaped on the couch and curled up beside their friend.

Jack took the tableware into the kitchen and started loading the dishwasher, knowing there would be more utensils when he'd finished his preparations.

He went back to the living room. Daniel was already asleep so he said quietly,

"Teal'c. I'm going to be busy in the kitchen in a while. What do you want to do?

"There is a series I have been following. It finishes today. I would like to watch the last part before I go to Chulak."

"What time does it show?"

"Thirty minutes past five."

"Ok. You've got two hours. Want to help me with the crutches?"

Teal'c nodded, and they went out to Jack's workshop at the back of his garage. Jack took the ferrules off the ends and Teal'c held the crutches while Jack cut them down to Daniel's size. Replacing the ferrules, Jack said "That should do him," and they returned to the house.

"Is there anything else I can help you with?" asked Teal'c, softly.

"Mm. You could water the new plants. They will need a soaking before I put them in."

Teal'c nodded and went back out. Jack sat in his chair and thought about having a rest but he had much to do before tomorrow. He waited until Teal'c returned then offered him his seat. There were other chairs in the room but none as comfortable as his LazyBoy.

Teal'c switched on the TV, then muted it so as not to wake the sleeping Daniel. Jack shook his head "No need'" he said quietly. He searched through a drawer until he found what he was looking for. Producing extended cord headphones he pushed the plug into the TV and gave the other end to Teal'c, who placed it on his ears with a smile.

Jack left him to his program and bent over Daniel, removing the glasses perched skewed on his head. The face was peaceful, the little lines beside the eyes smoothed out in sleep. Jack brushed the soft hair back from the wounded forehead. He wanted to kiss the pain away from the stitches; where the red of the puckered flesh stood out against the pale face. He sighed and turned away. Placing the glasses on the nearby wheelchair, he strode into the kitchen to do battle with the laundry. He sorted the clothes, putting the disgraceful jeans to be done on their own, and started the first cycle. He closed the laundry room door to cut down the noise, and went to tackle his next chore. He put the cat's chicken on to poach, then dived into the refrigerator for the burger makings he had bought. He preferred to make his own burgers, especially when entertaining.

A sudden thought struck him. Here he was going to all this trouble when the other half of the party was unaware there was even going to be a barbecue. Fumbling for his cell phone he punched Carter's number. A surprized voice said,

"Hallo, sir. Anything wrong."

"No, Carter nothing wrong. Having a good time?"

"Er, yes thank you sir."

"Carter , you're on leave – lose the sir. This is not a recall - no problems at all. Just wanted to you to know that I'm throwing a barbecue tomorrow night. Just my nearest and dearest – SG1, Janet, Cassie – oh and my neighbour. A confirmed cat lover. So, wanna come by about seven. Give you time to unpack and rest."

"Oh – that sounds great, sir – I mean, Jack – I'll tell..." there were two or three voices on the line but he couldn't hear what words were being said. There was loud music drowning everything out; then Carter came back "...Janet says Ok, we'll be there. Gotta go, sir. We're in the middle of a parade." The phone clicked off.

"A parade – forcryinoutloud!"

Part 14

He shook his head and started mixing his burger ingredients. He was just adding a little spice when his cell phone rang. Assuming it was Carter coming back to him he switched into receive and said

"Hi, Carter."

"Colonel?" it was General Hammond. Jack immediately thought of the worst case scenarios – understanding why Carter had answered the way she had – calls from superiors usually meant trouble and a recall to the mountain.

"Yes sir?"

"Have you got Teal'c with you?"

"Yes, sir."

"He's not answering his cell."

"He's plugged into the TV."

"Why is that?"

"Daniel is asleep."

There was a pause, then again "Why is that?"

"He was tired, sir."

"Don't play games with me, Colonel. Why is Teal'c plugged in where he can obviously not hear his cell phone?"

"Sorry, sir. That's what I meant. Daniel is asleep and Teal'c didn't want to wake him with the TV, so I gave him my remote headphones."

"I see. Well, when he surfaces will you tell him to report to the gateroom at midday tomorrow. SG7 are going offworld so, while we are activating, Teal'c can go before them."

"Right, sir. I'll see that he gets there. Any problems?"

As 2IC Jack liked to keep in touch with the day to day working even when he was off sick.

"Not at the moment."

The general's voice became a little more friendly so Jack said

"George?'

"Yes, Jack?"

"You doing anything tomorrow night?"

"My daughter is away for the weekend. I'm babysitting."

Jack chuckled "Don't let them hear you say that. Look, I'm having a barbecue. Carter, Janet and Cassie will be back from their Disney romp. Teal'c and Daniel are here – why don't you come too – bring the girls, Cassie would like that. In fact we all would."

"That's mighty nice of you, Jack. I might just do that – just for a couple of hours. I have to get them bathed and bedded."

'And I bet you love every minute,' thought Jack, indulgently. He used to love bathing Charlie and putting him to bed.

"That's fine, George. See you sevenish."

Back at his counter Jack thought 'Three more for burgers'; then went to check the orange juice. He had bought plenty for Teal'c and it looked like it would stretch to the girls as well. He didn't think George would let his little ones loose on root beer or sodas.

The timer alerted him that the chicken was cooked. He set it aside to cool, just as the washing machine announced its finish. The first batch of washing was finished so he layered it into the dryer, and loaded the washer with the second lot.

He went back to his burgers, frying them gently then placing them on a rack to cool. He had to do four or five sessions as his largest pan only took five burgers at a time. At last he had them racked and cooling and thought 'Burgers, chicken, laundry and phone...a lot of multi-tasking going on here – and what are my companions doing? Sleeping, and watching TV. What's wrong with this scenario?'

He smiled at his thoughts aware that, busy as he was, he was happy. He enjoyed doing things for his friends and the thought of a party with good companions filled him with anticipation. He was beginning to tire though, the lingering effects of his virus combining with the active day was taking its toll. He knew he would have to plant the replacements soon so, though there was still too much sun to do that, he could lift the broken ones.

He went out to his garage for garden tools and a box for the rejects. He hoped the roots would still be ok and that they would eventually recover the harsh treatment he had given them. Filling the box with compost he spent an hour trimming away the broken ends, gently prising the roots up and packing them away in the damp compost. He went back to the house to find Teal'c's program had finished and he was watching cartoons. Daniel was awake and reading a book – 'What's new?' he thought.

Returning to the kitchen he washed his hands then proceeded to pack the cold burgers in freezer wrap. Placing them in the freezer he looked with quiet pride at the abundance of food he had amassed. No-one would starve at an O'Neill barbeque.

He went in to the laundry room where the first batch was dried; he folded it into a basket. The second batch was washed and went into the dryer. Finally his repulsive jeans got to be washed on their own, at the highest temperature.

He went back into the living room and asked

"Anyone want a drink. Teal'c? OJ?... Teal'c nodded "...Daniel? Raspberry, peach or cranberry?"

"Raspberry, please."

"Painkillers?"

"No, I'm fine."

Daniel certainly looked better, the sleep had been beneficial. He'd just give him his antibiotics with his drink.

He passed the general's message to Teal'c and received a nod of thanks.

Jack got their drinks, brought a couple of beers for himself and sat down. Now he was resting he realized just how tired he was. In another half hour the sun would be off the garden, then he could do the last job of the day – except for getting Daniel upstairs, but that would be later. Right now he could relax.

An hour later he awoke to find two pairs of human eyes smiling at him, and two pairs of feline eyes wondering when their next meal was coming.

"Oh. God!" he groaned, and rubbed his face.

His beers were still at his feet, only one was broached and had no more than a few sips taken out. He staggered to his feet and took the beers into the kitchen and returned one to the fridge, and hastily swallowed the other. The cats had followed him so he cut the chicken up and put their dishes down on the floor where the food disappeared in a trice.

Jack went back to the patio door; the garden was now in shade.

"Teal'c do you want to start the dinner? I'll get these plants in."

Jack saw Teal'c start for the kitchen and Daniel go back to his book.

'Guess I'm not getting any company then."

He was wrong. Moments later two furry creatures joined him at the bed. They nuzzled where he was digging, patting the leaves of the plants as he tried to bury them in the soft soil. Chiffy dug a hole and sat in it. Impy purred round Jack's sneakers.

Daniel looked up from his book as Teal'c came back from the kitchen on hearing strange sounds.

Mutterings and cursings rose in the evening air.

Daniel and Teal'c looked at one another and each raised an eyebrow.

"Forcryinoutloud!"

"'There goes that song again,' " murmured Daniel .

Teal'c raised his other eyebrow.

"Old Sinatra song. Courtesy of Jack's collection of golden oldies. Are you cooking?"

"Yes. The meat is simmering."

"Help me into the chair, will you. I said I would keep him company."

"It sounds as if he has more company than he needs."

Teal'c lifted Daniel bodily from the couch and seated him in his chair.

"Thanks, Teal'c. You go back and watch the meat."

"Why should I watch the meat?"

"To make sure it doesn't burn."

"My nose would tell me that. I need to smell not watch."

"No, Teal'c. You do not want to wait that long. Burnt offerings are not what the O'Neill constitution needs right now. He's tired and grumpy, but he won't give in till he's finished. You saw the way he fell asleep. Without even finishing his beer, that's a first. Give him a nice meal."

"I will go and watch the meat, Danieljackson."

Daniel spied the crutches and wheeled himself up to them. He braked the chair then, using it as support, stood up on his good leg and reached for the crutches. His arms remembered how to use them and he swung himself between them.

A little later Jack felt another presence at his back and found Daniel standing easily between his crutches.

"Hey. You found them," he said "How do they feel?"

Daniel laughed "Fine. Just like I've never been away. I used them for three whole months last time. I trust this won't be so long. The bed's looking good."

"Yeah. Only two more to go. You can't get the help you know."

"Thought I heard you having help."

Jack gazed at his friend in disgust

"That wasn't help." He said tersely "That was mayhem."

"Where are they now?

"Don't ask." His eyes shifted sideways, and Daniel could see a twitching black tail under the large-lobed leaves of Jack's seven foot Aralia.

Jack made short work of the last planting then gave them all a good soaking. The cats shot out and raced back to the house for safety. 'Just as well' thought Jack 'It's nearly dark.'

Jack put his gardening tools away and he and Daniel went back to the living room. Jack closed the patio doors after making sure the cats were in for the night.

Teal'c had laid the table and, while Jack washed his hands, he brought out steaming bowls of spaghetti bolognaise. It was a quiet meal. Jack was exhausted and wondered if he would get through the meal without falling asleep. Daniel was aching after his first venture on the crutches. Teal'c was his usual taciturn self, as he picked up the empty bowls and took them to the kitchen.

"Daniel," said Jack tiredly, "will you be able to get up the stairs on those crutches?"

"I think so. I used to navigate pretty well. I just need to get used to them again." Daniel stood up and reached for the crutches. His good leg was hurting since using it with the crutches, but he went off to the stairs determined to try. Teal'c went with him.

The cats had been watching these new walking things that their friend was using. They'd sniffed them and tasted them, now they moved to follow Daniel in case he was taking them up to bed. Jack caught hold of the cats and held them back, watching anxiously; trusting Teal'c to be there to support Daniel if he wavered.

Daniel transferred the left crutch to his other hand outside the right crutch. Teal'c said,

"I will assist you, DanielJackson," placing a strong hand on his back.

"No, Teal'c. You won't be here to help."

"But O'Neill will be. Let us try anyway."

Daniel put his left hand on the banister and his good foot on the first step, pushed down on the right crutch as Teal'c pushed at his back. When he recovered his balance, he was holding his strapped ankle up behind him.

"That was good, Teal'c. That little push was just what I needed. Let's do it again. I don't want to go right to the top in case I can't get down again."

Jack watched as, taking a deep breath, Daniel put his good foot on the next step and, with a little push from Teal'c, rose and got his balance.

"Yeah. I think that's gonna work, Dannyboy. Good for you. I'll be able to do that." Jack approved.

"Yes, what a relief. Hey – how do I get down again? Wait, wait – I think I remember." He turned on the step, transferred the crutches and gripped the other banister. Then put his crutch on the step below and lowered his foot down to it. He did the next one easily and walked himself back to the couch, tired but flushed with triumph.

"I wouldn't like to come down on my own, though. Leaning forward like that is a bit scary."

"I'll be here for you, Daniel." Jack promised, letting the cats go free.

Daniel flashed him a grateful smile, as Chiffy and Impy joined him on the couch, "I'll hold you to that."

"No. Reckon it'll be me doin' the holdin'." Jack stifled a yawn.

Typical, thought Daniel, even in his tired state Jack couldn't resist having the last word. Looking at his friend in affectionate exasperation Daniel noticed his eyes were closing already.

"Hey, Jack. I think it's bedtime for you."

Jack's eyes opened. "No. Not yet. Things to do. Check trays and food bowls. Oh, yeah and see if I've still got a pair of jeans – suitable only for gardening, of course. Load the dishwasher..."

"The dishwasher is loaded." Teal'c assured him.

Jack chuckled "You sound just like Armstrong saying 'The eagle has landed'."

Teal'c looked at Daniel for enlightenment.

"One of our more spectacular feats. Apollo eleven. First man on the moon. Twelve day after I was born – d'you think Fate was hinting at me?" Daniel smiled at the fancy, as he stroked the cats sleepily, wondering if he had the strength to get up the stairs and go to bed himself.

Jack heaved himself out of his chair and made the rounds checking doors and windows. He knew Daniel felt he was a little paranoid abut security but this was his home and he protected it, and his privacy, fiercely. He also checked the cats bowls of water, food and the downstairs litterbox. Finally he went back into the laundry room and inspected his washed jeans. They had come clean remarkably well.

He went back to the living room where Daniel had his eyes closed.

"Come on spacemonkey – let's get you upstairs. I'll bring your chair, it will be easier than crutches if you need to get out in the night." Daniel moved, swinging his legs as he grabbed the crutches; disturbing the cats who got down to see what was going to happen next.

Daniel made his slow, determined way up the stairs pausing at the landing before being able to go on. At the top he let Jack take the crutches, dropped thankfully into the chair and took the crutches across his lap.

"Thank you again, Teal'c," he murmured.

"It is a pleasure," Teal'c gracefully inclined his head.

"I won't be down again. I'm ready to hit the hay," Jack told him "The house is yours. Goodnight."

As Teal'c nodded, Jack pushed Daniel into the bathroom, where the cats joined him.

"I'll take the crutches into your room," he said, taking them "You ok? Anything you want?"

Daniel shook his head, yawning.

"Ok. Call me if you need help undressing – or anything else. I'll put your meds on the nightstand. Don't forget your last dose of antiobios." He looked down at the cats "Come on you two. Come to Danny's room."

He took the crutches along the passage and placed them by Daniel's bed. The cats had jumped on the bed and were settling down. He checked the litterbox which was clean. He wasn't surprised as they had spent most of the day outside.

He walked to his room and got into night clothes, then went back to the bathroom. Daniel had left, so he cleaned his teeth, washed his tired face and peed. As he left the bathroom he decided to check in on Daniel. His friend was fast asleep with an arm around Impy. He'd managed to get his shirt and pants off and had fallen asleep in his boxers and tee. Jack stood for a moment gazing at his friend. The look of peace on the young face brought a lump to his throat. He restrained himself from stroking the tousled hair and wished he dared... He shook his head, his thoughts sliding away into the regret of things left unsaid. The nightstand lamp was on so Jack switched out the main light, and left before his feelings took hold of his actions.

When he reached his own room once again Chiffy was on his bed waiting for him. Climbing into bed with a sigh of relief, he heard Teal'c come up and enter the bathroom, before he sank into slumber.

Part 15

Jack awoke to a vicious crack of thunder. It was morning but the sky was black, with vivid lightning flashes that lit up the windows.

There was a scampering and Impy arrived on the bed and, with his brother, tried to burrow under the bedclothes. Jack lifted the comforter and they wriggled down and pressed their trembling bodies against his. He stroked them trying to allay their fears.

"You're safe, fellas," he said, soothingly "It's outside and can't come in to hurt you. It won't last long." Jack knew this type of storm was of the short, sharp variety - not the day-long type they got later in the year. He lay there holding the cats feeling much as he used to with Charlie, who had also been frightened of storms. As their agitation lessened they started to purr, and Jack wondered why they had chosen to run to him and not Daniel. He warmed at the thought that they had, as Teal'c had put it, a 'great liking' for him.

The storm rolled away, the sky began to lighten and the birds started singing in his trees. The cats seemed to sense that all was well and pushed their way back into the light. Jack got up, visited the bathroom for a quick shower; then dressed and made his way downstairs with the cats bounding down before him.

Teal'c was standing at the patio doors looking out at the sunlight glistening on the rain-soaked grass.

"Your guests will have wet feet, O'Neill."

"Nah," Jack shook his head. "The sun will be really hot, the grass will dry by this evening. I'm glad of the rain though, good for those new plants."

"You watered them last night."

"Yep. But you can't beat nature's own."

Jack moved to the kitchen and fed the cats; then set up the coffee maker. Teal'c appeared at the doorway and said

"The cats were with me until the storm broke. Did they come to you?"

"Yes. Don't know why. They know you and Daniel better than they do me."

Teal'c gave his rare smile as he responded

"They know a protector when they see one."

Faintly embarrassed, Jack busied himself pouring coffee for himself and Daniel.

Daniel was awake, when Jack entered, and smiled at the coffee. The cats had come up and were sitting on the bed as if daring Daniel to disturb them. He sat up and reached for the wheelchair

"Can't drink that till I've made room," he commented, and swung himself off the bed into the chair.

"I'm doing egg, bacon, sausage, tomatoes and toast, this morning. Want some?"

"English breakfast? Sure thing. I'll come down for it."

"You'll have to. If you have it in bed the cats will steal it. Call me..." Jack gestured at Daniel's cell phone "...if you need help...and when you're ready to come down."

Daniel nodded and rolled the chair to the bathroom. Jack lingered, to lay out some clean clothes for his friend, then went back downstairs.

"Open up the doors, Teal'c. Let's have some fresh air."

He was surprised at how relaxed he was, allowing the cats the freedom to come and go – unlike his paranoia a few days ago. He realized he should have trusted them, but excused himself as not knowing how cats operated – he was learning.

He started the breakfast and by the time it was ready Daniel called to say he was ready to come down. Teal'c did the honors while Jack set the table and the meal was ready when Daniel made his way to the table.

Jack hurried upstairs to fetch the wheelchair thinking that Daniel might as well have the benefit of both chair and crutches. Inspecting the tray while he was there he noticed it had been used, so he cleared it up and added fresh litter. The water bowl needed refreshing too so he attended to that. When he finally reached the table it was to see that his friends had nearly finished their breakfasts and both were looking longingly at his.

"No way," he said, removing his plate from the creep of Daniel's fingers towards his bacon. "If you want more, ask. I'll cook some more when I've had mine."

"Just a bit in a sandwich, will do." Daniel's voice was plaintive, but Jack could see the gleam in his eyes. "I'm hungry."

"Good. First time I've ever heard you say that. Give me a minute to eat this." He ate his cooling breakfast quickly, aware that the cats were at his feet looking hopeful. "Teal'c – do you want more?"

"Perhaps some cereal?" Teal'c's eyebrow rose, interrogatively.

"Help yourself, big man."

They left the table carrying the empty plates and strolled out to the kitchen. Jack cooked some more bacon, made a sandwich for Daniel and shared a piece between the two cats.

"That's your treat for now," he told them "I've got a busy day."

He took the sandwich in to Daniel and asked him if he'd taken his antibiotics.

"No. Come on Jack, I've taken them for days. I can't have any infection. They taste horrible."

Jack went upstairs again, fetched Daniel's medicine and gave him the antibiotics with some milk. In the face of Jack's determination Daniel took them silently.

Jack went back upstairs yet again! 'surely this is the last time' he thought hopefully. He wanted to wipe down the shower area before it dried, he knew Daniel was unable to do it as he usually did.

That done he descended and took out the hoover and vacuumed the stairs and living room carpet. Just as he finished Teal'c came in

"Can I do anything to help, O'Neill?"

"After lunch you can mow the lawn. By then it will be dry." The sun was blazing down already "Then I want to put up the party tent – and string a few lights. If you'd like to get those things out of the garage and put them on the patio, till the grass has dried, I'd be grateful."

Teal'c nodded, and went off in the direction of the garage.

"Where are you siting the tent, Jack?" asked Daniel. "Last year it was a bit awkward, when you had it at the side."

"I know. I think there will just be room between the trees and the bed. If we use the anchors for the feet we can do away with the guy ropes."

"That will be a relief for Sam. She tripped over one and nearly nose- dived into the salsa sauce." Daniel's eyes crinkled with the memory.

Jack left Daniel to his reading and went back to the kitchen, taking out the food that had to thaw before the evening.

****

For lunch Jack made them a quick tagliatele Alfredo. Daniel sat and looked at his dish and said

"If you are going to keep giving me cream I shall put on weight." He picked up the pills, Jack had put there, and took them reluctantly.

"That'll be the day. You could do with some." Jack retorted, as he spooned up his mushroom, cheese and onion mix.

"You want to make up your mind. You told Teal'c I was heavy."

"That's different."

Daniel opened his mouth to protest but was forestalled.

"I will have your portion, if you don't require it DanielJackson," offered Teal'c finishing his serving and reaching for more.

Daniel ate his meal.

They sat in the garden chairs after eating, the lunch having made them dozy. Daniel asked Jack

"Have the cats had a midday snack?"

"They had the rest of the Alfredo. They liked it."

"Of course they did. Cream and cheese – they're cats, Jack, you can't go wrong with cream. Damn it I had my eye on the leftovers for supper."

"Don't even think of it, rock boy. There is so much food to be cooked tonight we'll be eating it for days."

"I regret I will not be here to assist you in this matter," said Teal'c "But I would be willing to take any surplus with me to Chulak – if , of course - it can be spared." Teal'c said this with a sly glance at Daniel.

After a while Daniel went back indoors, not wanting a possible headache to mar the party. He went into the den and spent some time on the computer. Jack took him in a drink and asked what he was doing.

"Something for you. I'll tell you later." He answered with a grin.

Later he stretched out on the couch where Jack found him, fast asleep with the cats for company.

Jack's cell phone chirped, he hurried into the hall to avoid waking Daniel.

"Hi. Colonel. We are home." Sam was bubbling with delight. "We had a great time, did all the things we wanted to – and more - we'll tell you all about it."

"I'm sure you will, Carter. The children will like to hear. The general is bringing the girls. Now, can I have a word with Janet?"

Sam sounded surprised "Sure, but...?"

"Please Carter, it is important." He heard the phone being passed over.

"Yes, Colonel?" Janet questioned.

"We've a little problem. Daniel was injured during his mission. Warner took care of him and I have him here. He's got stitches in his head which he says are bothering him. So, if you will bring your little black bag with you..."

"Will do, Colonel. What happened?" Janet's voice was crisp.

Jack gave her the information he had been given, and left her to tell Carter and Cassie. He went in to the kitchen and started the long job of marinading the meats ready for the evening.

Teal'c mowed the lawn to a fine striped effect; then he and Jack wrestled with the party tent that argued with them every inch of the way until it was set up. It was a fifteen foot tent and the gap was fourteen, so Jack had to tie back a couple of branches to make it fit.

They moved tables inside the tent to take the food, then chairs in case anyone wanted to sit inside. The rest of the chairs were placed around the lawn and patio. Teal'c wanted two tables by the barbecue area at the side.

By the time the lights were strung around the garden, and in the tent, it was nearly six o'clock. Jack went up for a quick shower and shave. Dressed in a loose Hawaiian shirt, blue chinos and soft moccasins he went back down to Daniel who was blinking sleepily from the couch.

"Hey, you had a good sleep. Feel like freshening up? Party's starting soon." He wasn't sure if Daniel wanted to negotiate the stairs, but his friend got up and wavered to the bottom step. Giving him a push up each stair as Teal'c had done, they soon had him up and in the shower.

Teal'c arrived just as Daniel had finished.

"The barbeque is lit. I will shower quickly and get back to it. I will wear your gift, O'Neill."

Jack accompanied Daniel to his room and picked him out some clothes; a sapphire blue, silk shirt and he chose navy jeans this time and helped his friend put them on. He offered him a sneaker but Daniel smiled

"I prefer to have two bare feet rather than one on and one off."

Jack helped him downstairs and left him to go where he wanted. Jack went into the kitchen to look at the meats he had marinaded. They looked ready to cook. He started loading them on trays as Daniel wandered in

"They look good. I'm beginning to feel hungry again."

"Your falling temple has done your appetite some good. Here," he gave him some strips of cooked beef and a bowl of dip "Don't tell the boys, it's their supper."

As if on cue the cats appeared – expectant. Jack got their dishes and tore up several strips of beef for them.

"That was good." Daniel, and cats, looked at Jack.

"Go away, all of you. I've got to get this lot out to Teal'c." with that he carried the first tray out to the barbeque. Teal'c was resplendent in black, overtopped by the alien apron. He had a red bandana tied rakishly around his head, hiding his gold emblem of servitude. The effect was spoiled by the tastelessly gaudy oven gloves.

"I like the piratical look." Jack grinned.

"I thought it best, as Mrs Santini is coming." Teal'c reminded him.

"Oh,God, yes. Thanks,T. I nearly forgot. I'll go fetch her in a minute. I'll just bring the rest of these out." Three trips later it was done. He was just about to fetch his neighbor when the doorbell rang

Sam, Janet and Cassie stood on the doorstep resplendent in colorful summer dresses. As they came into the hall Impy and Chiffy made an appearance. They sat on the bottom stair and gazed at the newcomers. Cassie called

"Impy, Chiffy . My lovelies. I'm back."

The cats looked at Jack, turned their backs and went up the stairs.

"Oh!" Cassie's eyes filled with tears. Janet soothed her

"It's ok, honey. They're just getting their own back for you leaving them. They'll come around."

Daniel came into the hall; Cassie ran to him, and put her arms awkwardly round him.

"Oh, Uncle Daniel. The cats won't talk to me. They walked away. Are you ok? They said you'd been hurt."

Daniel couldn't hug her, so kissed her instead.

"They won't be miffed for long. Yes, I'm ok. Just a bit knocked about."

"What happened, were you in a fight?"

"No, a temple fell down, I just happened to be in it at the time." He laughed, and because he did she did too.

Janet said "Sit down Daniel, let me look at you. Jack said your stitches are pulling."

"Yes, they were ok at first but by the end of the second day they were pulling. Now they're worse."

"Hmm." Janet gently probed "The wound does appear to be healing fast. You always seem to. I've wondered if it's a residual side effect of the sarcophagus or ribbon device that causes it."

"Well. I don't care how good the side effect is." Daniel spoke with anger at the thought. That the horrors he had gone through were being beneficial "I don't want any more of them."

"Give it another two days and I'll come and take the stitches out for you. Save you coming into the mountain. Let me see your ankle."

She examined him, asking a few pertinent questions, then said

"This will take some time, Daniel. Dr. Warner was right, a break would have been easier. Just keep off it. And I mean totally."

Daniel nodded and looked at Jack, who lifted his shoulders and smiled wryly.

Janet turned to him

"And you, Colonel. Have you been good?"

"If you mean have I done any running, then no. But I was tempted."

She listened to his lungs, gave him a few prods and pushes, then said

"You're getting there. Much better - but no cigar. I'll check you again next week. Meanwhile where's this barbeque?"

Jack ushered them all out into the garden where Teal'c waved a three-pronged utensil at them. With his face lit by the embers and head topped by the bandana he looked quite menacing but Cassie went over and gave him a big kiss. She looked hungrily at the food.

"In a while, little one," he said.

Sam took in the alien apron and giggled "I love it. It's just right."

Ignoring Janet's hoots of laughter, Teal'c said gravely "It was a gift from O'Neill."

"Of course it was. Who else? You ought to buy Thor one, sir...er Jack."

Jack said "Help yourself to drinks, ladies." he grinned. "Don't get pissed before the food."

"Colonel...Jack, we've been pissed all week. Don't ever let them tell you DisneyWorld is for children. It's a hotbed of..." she saw Cassie listening and faltered.

"I see, I will need to hear more. I'm off to invite my neighbour. She has been a good friend to me – and to the cats."

Part 16

Leaving them intrigued, he went out and round to his neighbor's house. As he went to ring the bell Philly opened the door, wearing a beautiful turquoise muumuu.

"Well! Aloha, Philly. Come and join my palm trees." He indicated his bright shirt. She took his arm and they strolled round to his garden where enticing smells were beginning to waft.

Jack introduced Teal'c to Philly - as Teal'c. He took his oven glove off and took her small hand in his oversized one.

"I have seen you come and go," said Philly, brightly. "But I haven't had the pleasure of meeting you, Mr. Teal'c."

"The pleasure is mine, Mrs Santini, and Teal'c is my given name." Teal'c flicked a look at Jack; he was always called Murray when in the company of civilians, and wondered why Jack had changed his cover name. Jack gave a small shake of the head.

"And mine is Philly." She smiled up into the dark face.

"You have been warned, Teal'c" Jack chuckled "No formalities here."

Jack walked her over to Janet's group. They were admiring the flower bed, adding their own color to it. At that moment he heard a hail and General Hammond came around the corner of the house with his grandchildren.

"Janet" he said quickly "Would you take care of Mrs. Santini. Philly, this is Janet – I have to go and greet my boss."

He left Janet introducing the rest of the group and hurried over to George.

"Glad you could come, sir..." he began, then grinned at George's dismissive hand "...George. Hope you're hungry. We've got a ton of food." He turned to the children who were clinging to his legs

"Well. Kayla, Tessa – behaving yourselves?"

"No!" they shouted in unison, just as they always did.

"I'm hungry," announced Tessa.

"You always are." Jack smiled at the small face peering up at him.

"There's Teal'c" Tessa grabbed her little sister's hand "He's got the food. Come on."

"Wait," Kayla tugged at her hand."There's Auntie Sam, and Auntie Janet – and look – there's Cassie! - Cassie. - Cassie." She called - wrenching her hand away from Tessa's and running across the lawn to Cassie.

Tessa gave Jack a resigned look, and stomped after her sister, but smiled happily when she reached Cassie - who hugged them both.

"Come. and sit down, George. Daniel's on the patio, I've made him put his leg up. He hates the fuss and it's frustrating him – he could do with someone to talk to. You could be all paternal with him."

As they walked, Hammond chuckled "And you couldn't?"

Jack blanched "Good God, no. He doesn't listen to a word I say."

Hammond looked serious "I've told you before. If you are having problems with command..."

"No, George. He's okay. He does follow orders off-world. He's not a liability, anything but; we need him out there. We can't do our job till he's done his. And he does it his way. Don't ever tell him, but I'd rather have him on my team than any 'yes sir' 'no sir', by-the-book soldier, however smart. And they don't come smarter. No - I'd hate to break in a new archaeologist. It's just that he's so ...civilian."

"I know what you mean, Jack. He still persists in using the twelve hour clock. When he digs his heels in ... How is he doing?"

"Bad headaches. Sleeps a lot. Mostly he's just bored with nothing to do."

"Well I may have an answer to that."

The object of their discussion was lying back in a cedar chaise lounger, a pile of food at his side. Daniel tried to sit up as the General bent over him but Hammond laid a hand on his shoulder.

"At ease, son." he said, kindly "I'm just visiting friends." He sat down in one of the two wicker basket chairs, Jack had placed there, for his older visitors. "I've come with a little proposition for when your headaches subside. I thought you'd like to do some translating while you're indisposed. One of your team will bring some over when you're ready..."

Jack took the opportunity to slip into the house and switch on the music. It was soft and sweet adding to the relaxed atmosphere in the garden. The volume was low enabling people to talk without raising their voices. He busied himself ferrying trays of food from Teal'c's tables to his guests. Requests for more of everything showed how Teal'c's expertise was appreciated. Jack was at his happiest - with good friends, food and drink around him. He loved to play the genial host, he found the company kept the loneliness at bay... for a little while.

In the tent the children were listening to Cassie's tales of her adventures at DisneyWorld. The ladies had joined the children in the tent. Jack knew why – knew the sweet tooth both Carter and Janet possessed. They were surrounded by a tempting display of desserts. Dishes of jello, Carter's favorite – pies, pastries with juicy filling oozing out – strawberries and cream - the list was endless.

Jack crossed the lawn and requested Philly's presence on the patio. As they went out Carter whispered to him

"I heard there were some interesting incidents with the cats. I shall want the whole tale."

Jack grimaced, obviously Philly had told them of the unfortunate incident. He introduced her to George who stood and took her hand in old-world courtesy, and insisted she take his seat beside Daniel. He took the other chair.

Jack wandered away again as Daniel explained Philly's husband's collection to the interested general.

He noticed the cats had come out and they followed him to Teal'c's cook stand.

Teal'c was sitting, enjoying the fruits of his labours. Jack sat beside him and helped himself to a hamburger, pushing extra onions into the bun.

"O'Neill. You called me Teal'c." the incident had bothered him.

"Yeah. I reckoned it was ok to expect Cassie to remember you were Murray, but not the little ones. It's likely they would call you Teal'c at some time, in Philly's hearing, so I thought it best to forestall."

Teal'c nodded his head in agreement and the two sat in comradely silence while they ate. The cats, in the way of all cats begged for any scraps and were not disappointed.

Gradually the light faded and the guests, replete with food and drink, dragged their chairs onto the patio sitting in a circle around the injured man. It looked, to Jack as if Daniel was the center of attention, even more so when the cats joined him on his lounger. Jack was pleased with the effect but just then Daniel spoke

"Jack, I have something for you." He pulled a piece of computer print out from his pocket. "This is to entertain your guests."

Jack glanced at it – it was a catalogue of the cat disasters.

Daniel had arranged them in chronological sequence. Jack looked at him

"You're on, Jack. You are the entertainment." He grinned, mischievously.

Jack looked at the expectant faces, drew a deep breath and began

"You all know I was suckered into looking after these two" he pointed at the listening cats "by my evil niece," Cassie pulled a face, then smirked. "who told me that it would not, beyond feeding them, require any activity. This was despite being told that I had been declared medically unfit for any activity. When she arrived it was with two tons of equipment that filled every room. She also bent the truth by telling me I wouldn't know they were here. This" he flourished the paper dramatically "is why I know they were."

Jack then proceeded to tell, in a flamboyant manner, the story of his week with the cats. While his audience was still weak with laughter he ended

"Being a civilized and self-disciplined person, as I look back over the last few days two pieces of folk wisdom come to mind – Never give a sucker an even break – and No good deed goes unpunished."

There was a smattering of applause and Teal'c got up to replenish everyone's drinks. As he did, Janet stood up and said

"I too, have something to say, and in the light of what I've heard I am thankful to say it. Cassie..." she gestured to her daughter, who disappeared into the house "Because Jack is a dear friend, and is as besotted with my daughter as most of us are, he agreed to this terrible chore. This despite what he has always told us – that he's a dog man!"

Cassie reappeared with the parcel that had been reclining on the cabinet. She passed it to Jack with a knife saying

"This is for you Uncle Jack, with our love and thanks."

He took the parcel, cast a bemused glance at Daniel, who was grinning broadly, and slit the paper. As it peeled back it revealed the three volumes of the USAF history from its conception to the present. It was a work he had always coveted.

Hammond gripped his arm "Very well done, Jack"

Jack was a little stunned, "How did...?

"Daniel organized it," Janet explained "We didn't know what to get. I didn't want to bring you cheap and trashy from Disney. Daniel knew exactly what you would like, and arranged for it to come here."

"So - Jack. It was just as well you didn't throw it at the wall." Daniel lay back smirking.

"Thank you." Jack found he could speak, and hastened to "There was no need, Janet. But thank you, As you rightly figured no-one can resist Cassie, and it was... an experience."

George got up "Jack, I must go. The girls would stay all night, but I promised their mother that I would have them in bed at a reasonable time. Thank you for this evening," Jack nodded, saw Janet using her cell phone to call a cab and realized the party was breaking up.

Hammond made the rounds saying goodnight to the rest of his premiere team and their doctor. He rescued Cassie from his chasing granddaughters and gathered them to him as he said goodnight to Philly.

Seeing him to his car Jack said "I'm glad you came, George. It's always good to see these two - and yourself, off duty, of course."

"Anytime, Jack. Next one's at my place. You take care of that young man, get him well again; that includes you too."

"I will."

Jack walked back to find Philly accepting goodnights from Janet's group as their cab was due. He thanked them for coming, getting a big kiss from Cassie, and thanking them again for his present. The cats were in their carriers - telling everyone they were being kidnapped. Jack gave them a last longing look as they were carried out. The cab arrived and, amid much waving and calling, they drove away.

Philly patted Daniel's arm, looked at Jack and said

''It's been lovely, Jack. Your people are charming. Thank you for having me. I loved the story of the cats. I didn't know you'd had all that trouble, I would have helped."

"Oh. I expect it did me the world of good, eh Danny?"

He looked down at his friend who said

"I'm sure it did."

Jack gave Philly his arm and walked her to her door.

Philly said "You know, Jack. When one lives alone cats are the ideal companions. They make a house more of a home. They are easy to tend, and they reward you with their affection. I know you are away a lot, but I would be more than happy to feed them if you decided to adopt. You would then have someone to greet you when you came home."

Jack could see the earnestness on Philly's face – and something else – perhaps his neighbour felt the loneliness too and her suggestion was just as much for herself as for him.

"I'll think about it."

He walked back home in a thoughtful mood. He was going to miss the cats. Should he get some. Not just one - that wouldn't be fair when he was away so much. Two would be nice, but would he be able to get two like Chiffy and Impy?

He went back to the patio where Daniel lay in the half light, Teal'c was packing up the barbeque.

"Well" Daniel murmured "That was nice."

"Yes, it was. By the way thank you, for organizing the delivery."

Daniel laughed "I enjoyed it."

"And thank you for the resume. It went down well."

"Because you have a flair for the dramatic."

Jack leaned over and kissed him. Daniel couldn't believe it.

"You've never got that far before."

"I've never felt comfortable enough before."

"You feel comfortable with me?" Daniel's voice was very soft.

"Yes, finally." Jack smiled ruefully, acknowledging his tardiness.

"Like an old shoe?" there was laughter in Daniel's eyes.

"Daniel. I've just kissed you. This is no time for humorous quips."

"Can I have another?" Daniel's arms reached out.

"It wasn't my best shot. Why would you want another?"

"You didn't give me a chance to kiss you back."

"Teal'c will be here in a minute."

"So hurry up, already."

Jack took him in his arms; the kiss lingered, then he saw the wince.

"You hurting?" His fingers brushed Daniel's temples.

"A bit. It will go. Don't stop."

"We'll save this till you're better. Then I can ravish you with impunity!"

"Promises, promises."

"Oh, just a minute." Jack laid another gentle kiss on Daniel's lips.

"What was that for?"

"No good deed shall go unpunished, remember? You did good choosing these." Jack touched the new books. "You know me well."

"That's my punishment?" the brows went up in surpriize "For doing good?"

"Yes, Daniel."

"I'm gonna be so bad...sorry...gonna be so good - like sometime soon."

Jack sat down and laid his hand on Daniel's neck, caressing the nape.

"Teal'c will be gone tomorrow. It will just be the two of us."

"And?"

"We can do whatever we like or take it easy and read our books. No rushing around after cats."

"Boring."

"You dissing books? That's a first."

"No, but cats are fun."

"I know. I'm thinking of getting a couple. Will you help?"

"I thought you might. Yes, of course I will."

"I think it's what I need."

"Jack, you don't have cats because you need them. You have them because you like them."

"I do like them, but I think I need them too."

"Why?"

"Company. They are nice to stroke, and they like to cuddle. They talk to you. That's what you need for company."

"I can be that kind of company."

"You're not a cat."

"Purr?"

Jack nodded his understanding, and ruffled Daniel's hair affectionately.

"You're too big to sit on my lap."

Daniel's smile said 'Try me!'

" Perhaps you're right. Maybe I should get some too." He teased.

"You can't do that." Jack protested.

"Yes I can. I've got a good neighbor too."

"She only feeds your fish, cats need a little more than that."

"I do know, Jack. I've looked after Cassie's often enough. They need affection and play. I can do that. I'll get a pair of cats like hers."

"No you don't. You share mine. You can't have cats in your place with all your artifacts – not to mention those fish. You can help me..." Jack sat back, he'd won the argument. Daniel couldn't find fault with his logic.

Daniel grinned to himself. He knew all this; he just wanted to let Jack think he'd won the argument.

"Ok, then. As soon as this leg's better we'll go kitten shopping."

Teal'c, coming back from the garden, heard them discussing the merits of kittens versus young cats,

'These Tauri' he thought. 'Always making life difficult.' Perhaps he should suggest something more suitable. He fancied an equine!