“Sir” Sam’s insistent voice interrupted Jack’s sleep. “Are you awake?” “For crying out loud Carter I am now! God I have only just dropped off. I really hope that there is a stampede of Goulds marching through the camp – I’ve done my watch remember” he rubbed his eyes and looked at Sam as she shone her torch straight into his face “Lower that damn torch Carter or help me god…” “Sorry Sir – but Daniel is sick” Great – Jack thought – how the hell does the guy do it – every time there is an important mission there is always something wrong with him!! If it is not his allergies it’s his migraines or he gets in the way of a staff weapon or a ribbon device – take your pick – Jack was sick and fed up of transporting Daniel home on a stretcher! This was such a critical mission. The alliance treaty with the Manchan’s had to be drawn up and signed tomorrow. General Hammond and the secretary of state had accompanied SG1 and SG2 to the planet to sign the treaty that Daniel had to translate and mediate – the ceremony was going to be a real suit and medal affair and only Daniel understood enough of the language for it to go a head. “What the hell is wrong with him now? He asked looking for Daniel out the opening of the tent. “I don’t know sir – I found him vomiting into the bushes about 10 minutes ago – I asked if he was OK and he said he had just an upset stomach but to be honest with you he looked awful!” “Its probably his nerves Carter – he will be fine – you know how he gets – where is he anyway?” Jack asked realising he couldn’t see Daniel. “He has gone back to bed – do you think you should go and see him – make sure he is alright?” Sam was worried. She knew that Daniel had pushed himself too hard to get the treaty ready. She had discovered him a sleep at his desk two nights ago and he had promised not to work all night again as long as she gave her word not to tell Jack, which she did but even so he had looked really ill. “If he said he was ok leave him. He is a grow man we can’t nurse maid him for ever – he knows the procedure – if you are unwell or injured you inform your co. He is nervous – good night Carter” Jack grumbled and went back to bed. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Daniel lay awake in his tent.
The stomach cramps he had been experiencing over the last few days still had a hold on him, his head was pounding and he felt so hot. He was tossing and turning trying to get comfortable but to no avail. He sat up and took a drink out of his canteen and prayed it did not make a repeat appearance; he flopped back down on his sleeping bag in frustration – he couldn’t be ill now, he had too much to do, too much responsibility and Jack would kill him but god he felt so sick he just wanted to die, he knew he had a fever and that meant he couldn’t sleep. A single tear escaped down his face – he brushed it away in annoyance. He wished he could tell Jack but he knew that he had left it too late – perhaps he would wake up tomorrow feeling fine – Jack would be none the wiser – he wouldn’t need to know and Daniel would avoid the O’Neil lecture on honesty and procedure following. He curled into a tight ball and moaned as another cramp struck – breathing through the pain he rolled from side to side. “Please don’t make me be sick, please don’t make me be sick” he mumbled, trying to ground himself. “Daniel you Ok? He heard Sam whisper outside his tent “I’m fine – Sam go away” he managed to grind out through his misery “Well you don’t sound fine – I’m coming in” with that she quietly entered his tent, she knelt beside him, he was still curled up in the fetal position – she put her hand on his fore head. “Shit Danny you are burning up – hold on” she said as quietly as she could she did not want to alert the Colonel to what was happening.
She rush back with a med kit, Daniel hadn’t moved but was moaning quietly, his eyes were shut and he was pouring with sweat. She took out the thermometer stuck it on his forehead and took his pulse – it was fast and thredy his temperature was 101 – she put a cold compress on his head and ruffled his hair – this was so not nerves! “What’s going on DJ?” she asked in a hushed voice – she knew sounds carried in tents. Daniel slowly uncurled as the cramp started to wear off. He took the cloth off his face and looked at her with heavy eyes – he knew he was beaten – he had to face up. “Don’t know Sam,” he admitted turned on his back and covered his eyes with his arm “ I have a splitting headache, stomach cramps, nausea and I don’t know if I am hot or cold” he licked his lips “Is there any water?” he asked trying to sit up. Sam helped him and lent him against his pack and gave him the canteen. “Drink it slowly or you will be sick” she warned, “Take these Danny – it will help with your temperature – you should be at home in bed not gallivanting through the Stargate” “ Janet needs to have a look at you – I cant do much –Oh DJ you do look poorly” she smiled at him and rubbed his back soothingly , Daniel took the offered tablets and washed them down with some water and handing the canteen back he lay back down, shivering and pulled his sleeping bag over him. “I think Jack should know – he could get a replacement,” Sam said tucking him in. “No no no please don’t tell Jack I don’t want him to know – please promise me. I will be fine. It is probably only a 24- hour bug. I am sure I will be raring to go in the morning – Jack need never know. Anyway no one else understands the language so I have no choice…” his voice trailed off into a yawn – his eyes slowly shut… “I’m tired Sam, I think I will just sleep it off” “Ok sweetheart” Sam whispered lightly kissing his forehead. “Go to sleep – I am only next door – let me know if you need anything or Tealc is going on watch now” “Don’t tell Jack” Daniel murmured as he finally fell a sleep. Sam stood up and looked at her slumbering friend – he looked so young and alone – something was not right between her two best friends. Jack seamed to be so angry with Daniel and Daniel was like a naughty school boy – hiding away – not wanting to be in trouble – for goodness sake it was not Daniels fault that he was ill – but she could understand her CO’s frustration. They could not clone Dr Daniel Jackson and he was the only person alive that understood alien cultures and languages – the pressure on him was unfair and the treatment he was getting from Jack was totally out of order. She couldn’t always fight his battles for him – Daniel needed to tell Jack how he felt and someone needed to tell Jack to back off or her favourite linguist would withdrawn into him self again like he did after Shares death. She would have words in the morning.
…………………………………………………………………………………………
Daniel had had along night. Sam had heard him vomiting on 3 occasions – she had tried to help but he kept telling her he was fine – she had spent all night listening and worrying about him. She put another log on the campfire, willing the pot of water to boil so she could have her morning coffee and prepare breakfast – boy was she looking forward to her eggs and bacon MRE!! “Morning Carter – that water boiled yet” Jack said plonking down next to her “Not yet sir” she said not looking up from the fire “Every one up” he asked looking around “Think so – Tealc is collecting wood, SG2 are out looking over the area and General Hammond and Mr Woolsey have gone back to the Gate to collect Janet and the medical representatives involved in the treaty signing” she paused, she knew he was going to ask about Daniel, she hoped he was still a sleep, she knew that he had not got much sleep last night. “Where is Dannyboy?” there it was, the question, she knew she would have to lie “I think he is up Sir. I am sure I saw him earlier” Sam knew Jack was not buying it “How about I go check,” he offered standing up “No no sir – I’ll go – I need to – um - check out something’s with him” “As you wish Carter – tell him to get his butt out here ASAP. I want to make sure he eats something – he has a long day a head of him – a lot is riding on him” “Will do sir” The sound of Daniel retching made her run to his tent “God sweetheart – easy, easy “she soothed rubbing his back as he continued dry heaving into his wash basin. “Danny you need Janet” she was worried about the heat pouring off him. “Its ok, I think I’ve finished” he said, collapsing back on his bedding “Cant believe I have eaten so much to provide so much vomit” he looked up and grinned at Sam and ran his fingers through his sweaty hair, she could see his hands were shaking. “Daniel – Jack wants you up ASAP – I have tried to cover for you DJ but I think he is suspicious” She handed him a cloth and he ran it over his face, soaking up some of the sweat “I’m up I’m up” he said struggling to his feet, Sam grabbed his arm as he started to sway “You gonna be alright?” she asked concernly – he closed his eyes and took a deep breath “Yep – just a bit dizzy – think I could do with some fluids – don’t fuss Sam – it is just a bug – I am feeling a bit better than last night – look I am dressed and everything – I am sure I have cleared my system out – no problems!!” Sam looked at him – smiled – and ruffled his hair – god he was a crap liar and he knew that he could not pull the wool over Sam’s eyes! “If you say so Dr Jackson – lets go and get you some water”
………………………………………………………………………………………..
It was approaching midday – the treaty signing had been set for 2.30. It was to be held in the open-air amphitheatre on the outskirts of the town. General Hammond was briefing his people on what was to be expected. “I can not stress to everyone how important this treaty is to earth. The medical and technical knowledge that is being offered is vitally important to us. I know that Dr Frasier has been fully briefed but it would be very helpful if you could go through the order of the process with her Dr Jackson”. The general looked at Daniel who was sat with his head in his hands almost being propped up by Sam. “Dr Jackson did you hear me?” he asked again Daniel looked up at him with bleary eyes “What sir – oh yes sir – no problem” he smiled almost convincingly at him “You all right son – you don’t look well too me” Daniel could feel Jacks and Janet’s eyes boring into the back of his head. “Yes sir – fine sir “ he stated sitting up straight “ My allergies are playing up a bit” he lied – he could hear Sam tutting “Oh – Ok. Right is everyone clear about what they are doing? It is going to be a long day but we need to get this right people – we need to support Dr Jackson as much as possible – anyone got any questions? Good – dismiss everyone – we will meet up at the ampli theatre in one hour – smart dress everyone – non military will need suits – Colonel O’Neil a word now”. Every one dispersed – leaving Sam and Daniel sat by themselves Sam put her arm around him as he groaned and curled around his stomach “Oh Danny – you cant do this – you can hardly sit upright let alone stand unaided for 3 hours – please please talk to Janet – cause if you don’t I will “ she gave him her best “death stare” He straightened up and lent into her again “I can’t be ill I just cant – I will let everyone down” he closed is eyes, unaware of the fact that Janet had overheard and was now sat the other side of him. She looked quizzing at Sam who smiled and shrugged her shoulders “Busted DJ” she said as one hand went round his wrist and the other to his fore head” he groaned. “Sorry to say that I know you can’t be ill but unfortunately you are – one of you two going to tell me what is going on” they both looked at her and she melted – they both looked like scolded children. “I wanted to tell you but he wouldn’t let me” Sam said “Daniel?” Daniel sighed, turned around and lent into her cool hand on his hot forehead “I feel so ill,” he admitted “OK DJ – lets get you back into your tent and I will examine you” He nodded and surrendered. Janet and Sam helped him into the tent. “Stay outside Sam –keep an eye open for the Colonel – the mood he is in he is not going to be amused that Daniel is not well” “OK – I got the vibe last night that all was not well between the two of them” Janet put her hand on Sam’s arm. Smiled, nodded and followed a wobbly Daniel into his tent.
………………………………………………………………………………………
“You should be tucked up in bed in my infirmary not on this god forsaken planet!” Janet was furious; she snapped off her latex gloves and threw them into her bag. “How long have you been ill Daniel?” She took the thermometer out of his ear as it beeped “102 – Not good DrJ” she tutted. “I haven t got time to be ill Janet – please just give me something for the cramps and my hammering head ache – I need to get going” he looked at his watch “I have got to be there in 15 mins – I can’t be late” he started to get up but was hit by another wave of dizziness. “Sit down Daniel” Janet ordered – she took a deep breath “Fine I will give you a couple of injections to get your temp down and help with the nausea and pain – but you are so dehydrated and really need to be on a drip – how long have you been vomiting?” She asked as she injected the drugs into his arm. “Sorry Janet I should have come and seen you – you know what I’m like” he tried his nicest smile on her but it failed miserably. “Three days” he finally admitted “THREE DAYS – oh for goodness sake Daniel – when are you going to learn – no wonder Colonel O’Neil is…” “No wonder Colonel O’Neil is what!” demanded Jack as he barged into the tent – Daniel could hear Sam’s quiet apology as she followed “Well?” he stood with his hands on his hips “Anyone gonna tell me what’s going on?” “Daniels ill sir “ Janet admitted “Blinding headache – high temp – nausea and vomiting – for three days now – he is seriously dehydrated and in my opinion should be in bed hooked up to my nice drips and subjected to a barrage of tests!!” she glared at Daniel who slowly lay down, put his arm over his eyes and wished every one away “Ah ha!” Jack spat “I knew it!” he glared at Daniel “ When exactly were you going to tell me?” “Sir with all due respect I tried to tell you last night – you dismissed me out of hand” Sam tried to reason with Jack “Well Danny boy – so when were YOU going to admit it to me hey? – Why, why, why do you do this – every bloody time – there is always something with you – I am sick to death of you – for god sake – you damn well need a mother – to make sure you look after your self!” As soon as the words came out of his mouth he regretted it. He knew that Daniel had never got over losing his parents at such an early age “COLONEL!” both the ladies shouted at the same time. “Just go away Jack” Daniel stated flatly and turned away from them “I' will be ready –don’t worry I wont let you down – just give me a minute please all of you” “Make sure you are” Jack snapped – there was no way he was going to let Daniel off the hook that easily “You need to be changed and ready in 5 minutes – come on you two” he ordered.
…………………………………………………………………………………………
“Colonel please be reasonable” Janet pleaded “He really is not well at all – see if you can delay – just for half an hour so I can get some fluids into him – if you don’t he will collapse – I have no idea how long he has had the fever but if he has been vomiting on and off for 3 days and am seriously worried about his kidneys – if you don’t do it I will make it an order - you are putting the well fare of my patient at risk and I will not tolerate it!” She was so cross, Jack looked at her and smiled calmly. “One step a head of you doc – we have rescheduled for 15.00 – General Hammond knew he was ill two days ago – he heard him vomiting in his office – he was waiting for him to get help. Daniel has got to learn to open up – he is a grown man. I know you and Sam think I am being hard but it really is for his own good he needs to look after him self – he will cope this afternoon – he will feel like crap – you will pick him up – nurse him back to health and he will start again and maybe next him he will ask for help earlier – let him suffer a bit perhaps he will learn. I do care – honestly I do – but sometimes enough is enough – tough love hey!” Janet was not convinced – Jack was not a trained Doctor – but he was right about Daniel though – he was under the impression that he was invincible and he needed to understand to ask for help when he needed it. “With your permission Sir I will go and set a drip up for Daniel and let him rest for a couple of hours” “Yea Doc no problem – we will go ahead and start with out him – could someone stay with him and bring him along later – I would love to let you take him home but unfortunately we do need him for this one then he is all yours then mine probably” he smiled to him self – in a way he was glad Daniel was ill it meant that they would spend some quality time together whilst he recuperate – they needed to talk
………………………………………………………………………………………….
“Daniel are you descent?” Janet tenderly asked before entering his tent. She had been and collected her medical supplies and had offered to stay with Daniel until it was time for his speech to the Manchan senate. The others had left – the linguist from SG2 knew enough of the language to start the procedure off – he could introduce everyone and partly put forward Earths offer but that was about all – Daniel had no choice – he had to be well enough to “close the deal” and that was Janet’s job – she had to put him back on his feet long enough to sign the deal. “I’m nearly ready” Daniel stammered weakly back “Its ok DJ” she said softly as she entered the tent. “Jacks on the case – you won’t be needed for another 2 hours – you have time to rest and I have time to rehydrate you – Ta Da!” she announced holding up two bags of clear fluid. She looked at Daniel – he was trying so hard to tie his tie but his hands were shaking so hard, infact her was shivering all over. “Come on Danny lets get you out of your party clothes and into bed,” she said reaching an undoing his tie. She looked up into his pale blue eyes and saw tears pooling in them “Its all right” she soothed and pulled him in for a hug. “It really is all right to admit that you are ill – no one thinks any worse of you. It is not your fault.” She could feel his hot body tremble in her arms as he began to sob. “Its just that I am not used to people caring” he admitted between sobs “I had to look after myself – there was no one else” Janet helped him to lie down and deftly inserted an IV into his arm and hung fluids, antibiotics and painkillers on the IV pole. “I know” she soothed. “You had it so tough Danny but you don’t have to worry anymore – you have a family now – let us in – let us look after you. We can’t help if you don’t tell us” she carefully brushed the tears from Daniels face. “Right you have something of everything running. I don’t know what we are dealing with until we get you home and do some tests” Daniel nodded and tried to smile but it turned into a sob. “You need to sleep – you are over tired – come on calm down. Bet you can’t remember the last time you slept hey” She gently pushed her fingers through his hair as his eyes started to droop. “Don’t you worry about Jack? He is only angry because he cares –General Hammond knew you were ill 2 days ago and he has been waiting for you to own up but you did your normal thing put your “Jackson” guard up and shut him out”. She smiled as she noticed that he could not keep his eyes open anymore. She lightly kissed his forehead. “Sleep Daniel – I will be right here – just sleep”
………………………………………………………………………………………….
Jack kept looking at his watch – they needed Daniel here “Now”. He broke away and radioed Janet “Hey Doc you there? Over.” He asked urgently. Daniel and Janet were now half an hour over due. Jack was beginning to feel guilty – perhaps Daniel was seriously ill – should he have spoken up earlier, perhaps he had put his friend’s life in danger. “Come on Doc – speak to me. Over” he urged “Colonel it’s Janet. Over” thank god, Jack sighed. “Sorry it is taking so long – Daniel is still very weak – we are struggling on but it is slow progress – any chance of a hand – we are just north of the Amphitheatre” “On my way Janet Over and out” It wasn’t long before he saw them. Daniel was leaning in to Janet and she was struggling to support him “Hey there Danny boy – need a hand?” He greeted “Hey Jack – yea I’m a bit wobbly” “Can see that” Jack sympathised putting his arm around his friend ‘s waist, taking his weight on his shoulders “Come on Bambi – you are up next – do your stuff and you can have a proper rest in chez infirmary with lots and lots of drugs and stuff. Sounds good hey. What do you think Doc” he smiled at Janet. “No problem – it will be my pleasure – I see bed baths in your future young sir” Daniel groaned at the thought but carried on putting one foot in front of the other.
…………………………………………………………………………………
Daniel amazed Jack – he truly did. The Colonel stood on and watched in awe. Only two hours ago Daniel was flat on his back – burning up and vomiting like there was no tomorrow, but now he was stood in front of over two hundred people commanding them as only Dr Daniel Jackson could – he was faultless, word perfect. His arguments were clear, concise and well researched – he delivered them with incredible passion – he was a magnificent sight. Jack kept exchanging looks with Janet and Sam. They were on tenterhooks – ready to step in when he needed them – ready to catch him if he fell. Daniel had been speaking for a whole hour before he broke off for a sip of water – he wobbled a bit. Janet gave a small cough – wanting to know if he was all right, if he needed to stop. He turned and looked at her, she could see the sweat on his brow and the pain in his eyes, but he smiled at her and mouthed that he was ok and carried on. God the man deserved a medal! When it was all over, when the agreement was made, the treaty was signed, the hands shook Jack went up to Daniel. He could see him start to struggle as he legs began to buckle. “It’s ok big guy,” he said – steadying his shoulders. “You are done now – you did good” Daniel looked at him and gave a small smile. “Great” he said simply “So you won’t mind if I pass out” His eyes rolled back and Jack eased his fall, calling for Janet as he gently lowered his friend to the ground.
…………………………………………………………………………………………
“Is he going to be ok?” Jack asked urgently as he sprang up from his chair when Janet entered the briefing room. They had whisked Daniel back to earth as quickly as possible after his collapse. He had remained unconscious the whole of the hour-long journey to the Stargate. Janet had stayed be his side continually – Jack knew she was worried. They had been back at base for five hours now. The remaining members of SG1 had showered, changed and eaten and were half way through the post mission brief when Janet interrupted. She looked tired. All they knew was that Daniel was in the ICU and Janet was running tests. “Take a seat Doctor” General Hammond offered, “How is our boy?” He was as worried as every one else. They had convinced themselves that is was a 24 hour bug but when Daniel had collapsed at the end of the treaty signing they knew that it could indicate something serious. Janet could feel all their eyes staring at her, she cleared her throat and put her Doctors hat on: “Well sir” she began. “I have placed him in the ICU. When he arrived at base he was in Haemolytic – Uremic Syndrome….” “English Doc” Jack said with a sigh “Sorry Colonel – it means that his Kidneys were failing – they could not cope. He is on dialysis at the moment “ There was a stunned silence in the room “Go on,” implored Jack “Well it looks like food poisoning – we are running tests but knowing Daniels eating habits it is not surprising” Daniel was notorious for not eating and when he did it was usually the first thing he could get his hands on. “We are pumping him full of electrolytes and Trimethoprim and Sulfamethoxazole. He is having pain relief to help with the stomach cramps and temperature control. He left it mightily close this time. If he had sought medical help earlier he would not be suffering so much now. He did not mention his symptoms to me at the pre medical brief. Sirs we really need to do something about this. He cannot keep hiding things away. I feel he has so much pressure on him as the only man on this earth who can understand complicated languages and alien cultures. Someone needs to cut him some slack – we are making him ill” They all nodded. The time had come to get him some help. “Duly noted Doctor” General Hammond replied. “As soon as Doctor Jackson is well enough we will take his advice and put a plan into action – he is too valuable” “Can we see him Doc?” Jack asked urgently “He is a sleep Colonel – would you mind leaving a couple of hours – he needs to rest – his body has a bit of a fight on at the moment” “OK” Jack conceded “Right I think we are about finished here” General Hammond stated “ I would like an update on Doctor Jackson condition in the morning – dismissed”
……………………………………………………………………………………….
Jack looked up from his book. He had done as he was told. He had kept away for two hours – he even set his watch – but now he needed to be with Daniel. The unit was eerily quiet. Daniel was the only patient. The silence was only broken by the whirl of the dialysis machine. His friend looked so pale; his body was covered in a fine sheen of sweat. His sleep was restless, his head was moving from side to side and he was quietly moaning. Jack kept thinking he was going to wake up but there was no response when he called his name. “Hi sir” Jack jumped as he felt Janet’s hand on his shoulder. “Hey doc” he replied resting his hand on her arm. “Did you get a good rest” Janet had gone home straight after the briefing. She needed to catch up on some sleep, a shower and food. She smiled at Jack and picked up Daniel‘s chart. “Yes thank you sir,” she said clipping the chart back onto the bed. She placed a thermometer in Daniels ear, picked up his wrist and started to take his pulse. “Has he been awake at all Jack?” She asked as the thermometer bleeped. “103.2” she stated to no one in particular, “need to get that down a bit DJ” Jack lent back and stretched, his muscles were beginning to tighten from sitting in the uncomfortable chair of so long – he looked at his watch – god he had been there for over four hours! “Yea he woke up about an hour ago – vomited and went back to sleep!” Janet looked at him with concerned eyes “Did he vomit much?” she asked looking at his chart again “Don’t know – you know what I’m like – made a quick exit or I would have been heaving along side him” Janet smiled and then turned her attention back to Daniel. “Daniel” she urged him to wake up “Come on sweetie you need to wake up a bit for me” she was tapping his cheeks in an attempt to rouse him. He moaned and his eyelids started to flutter. “Hey you in there DJ?” she soothed and was rewarded by the sight of pale blue eyes “Hi” she said sitting on his bed. “Can you tell me how you feel?” Daniel started looking around. Where was he? The last thing he knew was giving his speech on the planet – he was confused – how had he got home. Jack could see his confusion. “It’s ok Dannyboy – you are back at base – even got your own private room” he smiled and rubbed his arm – alarmed at the heat coming from it. Daniel licked his dry lips “What happened” he croaked “Is there any water?” he asked Jack with pleading eyes “No water Daniel” Janet interrupted. “Don’t think your stomach could stand it at the moment” she spooned some ice chips into his mouth. “You collapsed on the planet. You have food poisoning. We have you on dialysis, as your kidneys were not coping. I am giving you fluids, painkillers and antibiotics. We need to give it time. Now answer my question – truth mind – how do you feel?” “Um…tired…hhhot…. sick…headache” he flung his arm over his eyes in misery. He was so uncomfortable. He did not know what to do. “How long do I have to be on the machine?” He asked without opening his eyes “24 hours Daniel – we need to flush you Kidneys and give them a rest” She knew he was miserable and upset. “You will start to feel better soon – I promise you” she caringly rubbed his arm. He started to sit up “Good, good I’m glad about that” he stuttered “Cause I am going be really sick in about, oh, 10 seconds” he started to heave. Jack literately threw the bowl at Janet “I’m, err, going to get some air,” he stated heading for the door “Feel better soon mate” he called over his shoulder. Janet smiled and helped Daniel as he violently vomited!
……………………………………………………………………………………… “For goodness sake Daniel – stop pushing your food around the plate!” Jack had tried to be calm, tried not to notice but enough was enough!! Daniel had been at home nearly a week now and was showing very few signs of improvement. Jack was questioning Janet’s wisdom of letting out of the infirmary so soon. Daniel had flat on his back for 10 days in Janet’s tender loved care. The vomiting had slowly stopped and he was taken off dialysis after 3 days but it had left him extremely weak, he slept most of the time. The introduction of food had been difficult – Daniel had not been a good eater before his illness and now each mealtime was a battle. Jack looked at his friend as Daniel mouthed an apology. He was still very pale and had lost a lot of weight – the dark circles under his eyes were not disappearing as fast as he liked. Jack had hoped that a meal with friends would perk Daniel up so had invited Sam, Janet, Cassie, Tealc and George around for one of his famous BBQ’s. Daniel had slept most of the afternoon, which seamed to be the pattern of the past week but had got up and joined them for supper. They were all sat round the wooden table in Jacks yard enjoying the early evening sun. Jack had been watching Daniel. He had been very reserved – only answering questions when he was asked one – he seamed very withdrawn just playing with his food. “If you don’t like it Daniel just bloody well leave it!” he told him roughly – god sometimes Dr Jackson was like a child!! Daniel dropped his fork and bowed his head. “Sorry everyone – I’m not much company – I. erm. I’m. Err…not feeling too good – if –no one objects – I – think –I will go and lie down” he stuttered – not wanting to catch anyone’s eye. The stood up and made a quick exit to the bedroom – Janet started to go after him. “Leave him” Jack ordered collecting everyone’s plates “It’s time he grew up” he stated walking into the kitchen. Sam turned to Janet “What’s going on Jan?” She was concerned about her two friends Janet sighed and motioned her into the living room leaving Cassie and George playing chess. “Daniel is showing signs of depression Sam” Janet stated calmly as they both sat on the sofa. “He is not bouncing back from this well and it is irritating Jack – which is not helping. It think that Jack has had to pick up the pieces so many times that he is weary – in away Daniel is like Jacks child and Papa bear is fast running out of patience! Would you do me a favour and have an off the record talk with him – if we don’t sort this out tonight I am going to have to readmit Daniel and recommend Mackenzie sees them both.” Sam looked at Janet with raised eyebrows “That bad?” she questioned “I have been watching them all week. They really need their heads banging together – this is not helping Daniels recovery and that is now becoming an issue – talking of the good Dr I will go and see if he is alright – perhaps you could get the good colonel a beer?” She grinned, patted Sam on the leg and went in search of Daniel.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
“Daniel you there” Janet knocked and entered his bedroom. The curtains were drawn and the room was dim, Daniel was curled up on the bed with his back to the door. Janet slowly sat on the bed with a sigh and started to rub his back “What’s going onDJ?” she asked gently “Nothing” he replied flatly – not moving “Doesn’t sound like nothing to me” her hand moved and she started carding her fingers through his hair. “Do you still feel unwell – nauseous – feverish or anything” Silence “Come on Daniel – I am worried about you, it’s not like you you normally bounce back from these things” Silence “I want to help but I cant if you don’t tell me – you seam really down – you need to talk to someone” “Jack wont listen anymore” he sniffed “Then tell me – come please – turn over – look at me – I promise I will listen and help if I can” Daniel slowly turned round and faced Janet – she could see the tracks of the tears he had been shedding – she leaned over and brushed them away – he lay blinking at her. “He doesn’t want me here” he whispered sadly as another tear fell “Oh Daniel “ her heart was breaking “He does, he is just angry that you are suffering again” “No it’s more than that this time- he is so mad at me, I can’t do anything right – I want to go home” he closed his eyes and curled into him self. “Let me talk to him Daniel or better still you talk to him – let him know how you feel. I don’t want you to be on your own at the moment. You know you are struggling to stay awake for more than half an hour and I want to make sure you are eating properly” Daniel sighed and turned on his back, keeping his eyes closed. “If you’re not happy I will go back to the Infirmary with you” he stated flatly. Now Janet was worried. Daniel usually avoided the Infirmary like the plague but then again maybe that was where he should be, he still didn’t look at all well and his appetite was obviously non existent, perhaps if he had a few more days in and maybe a kick start with some intravenous food he would start to pick up and it would certainly give Jack time to cool off. Then again the two men needed to sort this out and if Daniel “ran away” it would not help. “Why don’t you sleep on it Daniel and if you still feel like this I will take you back to the mountain” Janet suggested – Daniel sighed in agreement. “Right I am going to get your meds and tuck you in for the night” She smiled and patted him on the shoulder “Wont be long”
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… “How is he Doc” Jack asked as he watched her fill a glass with water and pick up his pills. He looked sheepishly at her. He knew he was in the wrong and needed to do something about it. “Well!” she replied. “Physically he will be fine. It takes along time to get over such a violent illness – he needs to rest and recover – mentally though” she stated pushing the glass and pills into Jacks hand – “That’s down to you” “Yep – I know” he sadly smiled “I’m on my way”.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. “I’m sorry” Daniel stated flatly as Jack put the glass and pills on the bedside cabinet. “Hey that’s my line” Jack replied sitting on the bed Daniel turned on his side and faced Jack “No its my fault – I know the rules – I should of told you – it wont happen again I promise” “Yea well” Jack stated straightening the quilt around Daniels shoulders “I was a jerk – I over reacted – sometimes though Daniel you have got to learn not to be so independent – you have a six that needs watching and that s my job – that is why I am paid the big bucks” he gave Daniel a lopsided smile. Daniel snuggled down in the bed, his eyes at half mast and his voice slurring with exhaustion. “Yea you were a jerk but I deserved it and talk about watching sixes what about that time you took a tumble down that mountain and told us you had a few bruises but you had actually fractured your arm in three places?” “Hey don’t you do that – we are talking about you here” Jack countered Daniel stared at him “Ok, ok” Jack surrendered. “No more secrets” “No more secrets” Daniel agreed and smiled. “Come on sit up and take your meds before you get me into anymore trouble with the good ole doc” Jack ordered, helping him sit up and drink the drink and take the tablets – he put the glass back on the table as Daniel yawned. “Scoot up Danny boy”. Jack eased behind Daniel, leaning back on the head board he pulled Daniel in close to his chest – they both relaxed and closed their eyes. “Have a good sleep Danny – you will fell better in the morning – I will watch your six” Daniel sighed.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… “He is taking a long time” Janet stated quietly to Sam as she peered into Daniels bedroom. She sniggered to herself at the sight of the two men softly snoring together. “Come and look at this” she urged Sam “Awww” Sam smiled “Do you think we should wake them?” she asked “Na” Janet replied
”Do you think I should get the camera?” Janet grinned and quietly shut the door.