Things that go Bump
By: Heidi L. Lane
Stargate SG-1, with a little bit of Scarecrow and Mrs. King in there for fun. I don’t own them. I’m not making any money off of this.
This story takes place soon after the episode, in the second season, where Jack is stabbed through the shoulder by the alien probe and Simmons nearly dies. I’m bad with names of eps, sorry.
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Daniel walked down the hall humming to himself. He’d woken up this morning in a cheerful mood. The sun was bright, the day was warm and everything seemed right with the world. To top it off, Jack was allowed out of Medical today. They were going to have breakfast in the commissary together. If he saw Teal’c or Sam he’d invite them, too.
Still humming, he was looking down re-reading the reports he’d finally finished yesterday (another reason for his good mood), when he ran headlong into the brick wall. Well, it wasn’t really a brick wall. It just felt like one. Looking up from his scattered reports he met the eyes of the wall.
“Oh, h’llo, Shields.” He said, blushing as he bent down to scoop up the reports he’d dropped. “I was a little pre-occupied. I didn’t hurt you, did I?”
“As if you’d care.” The older man said scowling. “And it’s Captain Shields, to you. Where are you off to in such a hurry? I’ve been wanting to say something to you for a long time.”
Staring up at the larger man, Daniel was amazed at the menace that filled such seemingly innocent words. “I was just going to meet Jack...um...Colonel O’Neill, that is. Um...he’ll be waiting. Bye!” As he’d been talking Daniel had started inching away from the large captain. Just before he could slip away, however, Shields grabbed him by his shoulder and shoved him against the wall.
“I said I had something to say to you. So stay put, or else.”
“Um...all right, can you...um...let me go? Please?”
“Not yet.” Still holding Daniel, Shields lifted him, by his shoulder, and shoved him against the wall again. “Now you listen, and listen well. I’m tired of you getting yourself into trouble and having someone else have to pull your butt out of the fire and I’m sick of you messing up and having other people suffer the consequences. You shouldn’t even be on this base. You’re a civilian and you have no discipline at all. If anything ever happens again because of your screw-ups, I‘ll find you. And you don’t want to know what I’ll do to you when I find you. You hear, little man?” Shields emphasized each point he made by giving Daniel another shake, and the younger man was pale and shaking by the time his tirade was done. All he could do was nod. “Good, and if you ever tell anyone what I’ve said, I’ll find you. That and I’ll deny it and it’ll be your word against mine. And who do you think they’ll believe? You, a sorry excuse for a civilian, or me, a captain in the army with an impeccable record.” Giving Daniel a final shake and setting him roughly on his feet he said, “Now get!”
Daniel hit the ground running and didn’t stop until he got to the door of the cafeteria. He was still pale and shaking, he knew that if he went in like this Jack wouldn’t be the only one to notice something was up, and he’d have to explain. He also knew that if he didn’t go in he’d have to explain sooner or later why he’d missed their breakfast date. So gathering up a semblance of the cheerfulness he’d felt earlier, could it really only have been a few minutes ago, he pushed open the door.
Making his way across the room to where Jack sat, he greeted the staff he recognized in a quiet voice. Finally, he made it Jack’s table and found that Sam had joined him also.
Summoning up a false smile he said, ”G’ morning, Jack. I’m glad you’re feeling better. Hi, Sam. So...um...what‘s for breakfast?”
“Good morning, Danny-boy.” Jack said, eyeing him closely. “Something wrong? You look kinda pale.”
Is it that obvious? Daniel thought, but out loud he only said, “Wrong? No, of course nothing’s wrong. What could be wrong? It’s a lovely day, I’m done with my reports, and we won’t go on another mission for at least a couple of days, so I get to look at some of the artifacts that the other teams have brought back. Why would anything be wrong?”
“OK, Daniel, I believe ya.” Jack said, sardonically. “So what’s wrong?”
“I just told you, Jack no-” in trying not to meet Jack’s eyes; Daniel had looked across the room, over his head. He felt himself pale as he caught sight of Shields who was staring at him intently, scowling.
“Earth to Daniel. Come in, Daniel.” Sam said, waving her hand in front of his face. Blinking, Daniel turned and looked at her.
“Sorry. What were you saying?” Daniel said, blushing.
“She wasn’t saying anything, Danny.” Jack said, letting a little concern color his voice. “You were and then you stopped and got really pale. So spill. What‘s wrong? We‘re a team, you ought to be able to talk to us.”
Looking down, Daniel shook his head, “It’s really nothing Jack. You wouldn’t believe me anyway. I’m fine. I don’t think I’m hungry. I’ll just get some coffee and go to my office. Bye.”
Before either of them could react, Daniel was up and leaving the room. Shortly after, Shields also left following him. Sam and Jack were to busy discussing Daniel’s problem to notice that the younger man had picked up a shadow. If Doctor Frasier wondered where the bruises on Daniel’s shoulders and back came from she didn’t say anything. So it went for several days, Daniel being followed by Captain Shields, not telling the others what was troubling him and the others not really noticing that Daniel was being followed from afar.
Finally, SG-1 was sent on a mission. Daniel seemed much his old self, mostly due to the fact that he didn’t feel the prying eyes of a certain captain watching his every move.
At first the team just walked though a woods that was deserted, but for a few wild animals. The second day out from the ‘gate Daniel saw the first sign of a civilization. He was looking off the left side of the trail when instead of the browns and greens of the forest he saw a pure white, like new fallen snow. Stopping abruptly, he peered though the woods. Jack and Teal’c were ahead of him, talking softly. But Sam was directly behind him and noticed his abrupt halt.
Coming up beside him to peer into the woods she said, “Do you see something, Daniel?” He pointed in the right direction but said nothing. Sam looked and saw the white patch, too. “What is it?“ she asked. “It‘s not snow, it‘s too warm out.”
“I don’t know. Let’s have a look. Jack, Teal’c, c’mon,” He called up the trail and without a backward glance, bounded off to see the mysterious white patch in the woods.
When he got there he found it indeed wasn’t snow but seemed to be stone. Kneeling down he ran his hand along the cool stone. “It appears to be marble or alabaster. I don’t know what its purpose is.” Leaning closer he continued, “I can see writing, or carving, but it’s not a language I recognize. Maybe-”
“What about that?” Jack interrupted, pointing at the other side of the strange sculpture.
Looking on that side, Daniel’s eyes widened. “Why, it’s Greek... and Egyptian hieroglyphics... and Norse runes... and Latin... and I believe that’s Gaelic. Wait a minute they all say the same thing. ‘The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want...’ It’s the twenty-third Psalm. What an amazing thing. It might be like the Rosetta Stone! The first language probably also says the same thing. We could use this to translate it! Oh my! Can you believe this!”
“It’s neat, Daniel. But it’s too large for us to move. We certainly can’t carry it back to the gate.”
Shaking his head, Daniel said, “Well, of course not, Jack! I’ll get some videotape of it, take some still shots and make a rubbing. We’ll leave this in place. It might be very important to the natives. Where ever they are.”
Daniel was just getting done with his rubbings when a strangely accented voice from off to his left said, “Ali? Ah tene?” Looking up and turning, Daniel saw a very small man with brown curls and very large blue eyes. He had a long blue-gray tunic and soft, low boots. He held a reed basket filled with flowers. His open, guileless expression convinced Daniel that he meant no harm. Unfortunately, the other team members were less easily convinced. They all had their weapons ready. Recognizing a threatening gesture when he saw one the native dropped his basket causing a thick cloud of pollen to rise up and setting Daniel to sneezing. Between that and the threatening stance of his fellows, Daniel expected the small man to bolt for the cover of the trees. Far from being frightened by this he looked concerned and said pointing at Daniel, “Ver miral?” With his other hand he reached into a pouch he had at his waist and held out a piece of something, saying, “Array.” When Daniel looked confused the small man smiled, pointed at him, held out his token, pointed to his own mouth and repeated, “Array.” Continuing he rubbed his stomach and smiled again saying, “Mmm, tosan.”
“I t’ink he wands me to ead id, Jack.” Daniel said sniffling and taking the small object. “It appears to be some kin’ of rood. Do you t’ink I should?”
“You can try it, carefully though.” Jack responded, easing his weapon down to his side again. Sam noticed this gesture and did the same, looking warily towards the native.
Daniel took a tentative bite and smiled appreciatively. “Say, this isn’t bad. It tastes a bit like cherries.”
The small man smiled and motioned him to finish the root, or whatever it was, saying, “Aye, array tosan.”
When he had finished, Daniel noticed that his allergic reaction had faded remarkably fast. “Jack, that must have been some kind of antihistamine, I feel great now. ‘Array’ must mean ‘eat’ and ‘tosan’ must mean ‘good’. I think.” Turning to the small native, Daniel beamed and said, “Thank you so much.”
“It’s not like he speaks English, Daniel. He can’t understand you.” Jack said.
Just then the man looked at Jack, pointed to him and said, smiling, “Jack?” Turning he pointed at Daniel and said, “Dane-al?” Turning to Teal’c and Sam he furrowed his brow and asked, “Ah tene?” Pointing at them.
“I think he wants to know who you are.” Daniel pointed to each in turn and said their names clearly and concisely. “Teal’c. Sam.” The small man smiled, bowed and bounded off towards the woods. Stopping after a few feet he beckoned to the team. “I think he wants us to follow, Jack.”
The small man confirmed this by bounding back to Daniel, grabbing him by the arm and tugging on his sleeve, saying, “Dane-al, mara.” He pulled on Daniel again, beckoned to the rest of the team and repeated, “Mara. Mara!”
“Yup. I’d say he wants us to follow him,” Jack said, smiling. Following the small man down a trail in the woods, Daniel soon realized that they were moving back in the direction of the Stargate.
Soon, they arrived at a small, cozy-looking village. Many of the inhabitants came out to greet the team. All had curls, and very large eyes. Many were as small as their guide was. As they walked by at a very fast pace toward the largest building in the village, all the inhabitants greeted them with shouts of “Ali!”
Shortly, they arrived and were greeted by an elderly man with large, bright blue eyes. After the older man’s rather lengthy speech, Daniel spread his hands helplessly and said, “I’m sorry. I’m afraid we can’t understand you.”
“They can’t understand us either, Daniel.” Jack reminded him as the older man said, “Oh, Terrans” Suddenly, he motioned to a youngster who appeared to be in his mid-teens and spoke to him briefly and animatedly.
“You know, Jack, I think that this language isn’t just verbal. I think the hand motions are part of it, too.”
“Oh, yeah?”
“Well, yes. Um...they all use them and they seem to be pretty consistent as to their meanings. I think that kid’s back now” indeed the youngster was back and he had four brooches in his hands. He passed them out among the team handing two to Sam and pointing at Teal’c, chattering quickly. Then he darted back behind the older man.
“Don’t hide, Kwanan-lad.”
“I’m not hiding, Master.” The youngster said quietly, “They have a Jaffa with them.”
“Hey, we can understand you now!” Daniel exclaimed. “Is it something to do with these brooches?”
“Indeed, lad, those are translation pins. Why are you traveling with a Jaffa? What is your purpose here?”
“Oh, Teal’c is a friend. He’s trying to stop the Goa’uld. We are too. As to our purpose, we come in peace. We’re explorers and we’re looking for someone to help us against the Goa’uld.” Daniel said, stepping forward.
“Oh, we may be able to help you with that. But I can’t be certain. I’m just the village elder. I should speak to the Lord Elder or King before we commit to anything. You understand? Of course in the meantime you can enjoy the hospitality of our village. Please, feel free to explore. We will have our main meal in a few of your hours. Kwanan, show them to rooms in the guesthouse, please.”
“Yes, Master.” Stepping out from behind the older man the youngster beckoned to them and said, “Come.”
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After they were settled, the team met in Jack’s assigned room. They had been given clothes to change into before dinner, which seemed to be a somewhat formal affair. Sam, of course, was given a dress.
“I don’t see why I always have to wear a dress at these things.”
“Probably because you’re a woman. They seem like nice people, but they’re old-fashioned. We don’t want to offend them.” Daniel said, smirking at Sam.
“Besides, we’d look kinda silly in dresses. Don’tcha think.” Jack said, grinning.
“Ha, ha, Colonel. How long do you think it will take for the Village elder to make up his mind?”
“I asked his apprentice, Kwanan, and he said we’d know by tonight. They seem to have a way of communicating over long distances quickly. It’s odd; they don’t seem very technologically advanced on the surface. And yet, they have things like these pins that are science-fiction stuff to us.”
“That’s right, Daniel,” Jack agreed, turning to Teal’c he asked, “Have you ever heard of these people? They called themselves Cygmans, right?”
“I have heard very little, O’Neill. From what little I did hear I understand that the Goa’uld felt the planet too risky to bother with.”
Shocked, Jack whistled and said, “The Goa’uld are scared of these little guys? That might be good, or maybe not. They seem to like you, Daniel. Why don’t you go see what they know about the Goa’uld. Sam, you go with him.”
A short while later, Daniel was out in the village green talking to a blonde woman who only came up to his shoulder. Smiling down at her he asked, “So have you...um...ever had trouble with the Goa’uld?”
Shaking her head the woman said, “No, not for many generations. Our lore-books speak of them and their Jaffa and warn us of vigilance. But our soldiers are more than a match for them. Tell me, stranger, would you like to see our village? I could give you a tour.”
“Certainly, thanks. C’mon, Sam.”
“I don’t think we should go too far, Daniel.” She replied.
“Who’s going far? We’re not going to leave the village.” Their guide showed them the few sights there were to see in the tiny village and finally ended at a large building with stained glass windows.
“Is that...? It couldn’t be.” Sam said, turning to Daniel.
“It seems to be a church, Sam.” As they entered the church and saw the interior decorations, Daniel continued, “A Catholic Church. Amazing! I didn’t realize the Goa’uld had been on Earth during a time when Roman Catholicism was around.”
“Actually, at one time we had no religion, just a belief in a Supreme Being. But several generations ago, St. John came and taught us of our Heavenly Father. Since then all Cygmans have been followers of Christ.”
“St. John? Not the Biblical saint. That would have been more than several generations.” Daniel said, startled. “He would have come from Earth like us, but how?”
“No this St. John lived many, many years after the one from the Holy Book. He came through a gate, but not the one you came from. This was a... natural one, not made by technology. And a generation, to us, is about one hundred years.” Their guide said with a smile. “But come,” she continued, “It is nearly time for the main meal. We must return.”
When they arrived, Sam and Daniel told the rest of the team all they had discovered. “The verse we found on that white stone makes sense now. What Christian doesn’t know the Shepard Psalm?” Jack said, turning to Teal’c he asked, “Did you ever hear anything about the Cygmans being so long lived. I mean a generation to us is about twenty... thirty years. That would certainly be something else. The Goa’uld live long enough, but if they possessed the body of a being that naturally lived for several hundred years, they’d live even longer.”
“It is worrisome, O’Neill.” Teal’c replied.
“The good thing is that they haven’t even seen the Goa’uld for a very long time. According to Sapphira, our guide, the last time they came here the inhabitants hadn’t even ‘found religion’ yet. I don’t know what happened, but something made the Goa’uld decide this world was more trouble than it was worth. They could be a big help!”
“Good and we’ll find out at dinner whether or not they will help. Okay, kids let’s go get changed; we don’t want to insult anyone with our uncouth style of dress.”
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The food served at dinner was simple fair of roasts, potatoes and carrots. There were servants who brought the food out but as soon as all the tables were set, they took places at an empty table.
“Wow, Jack it seems like the whole village is here! Wait, don’t eat yet.” Daniel exclaimed as Jack picked up his fork and knife to cut his meat.
“Why not?”
“Look around, Jack. They’re waiting for something.” Sure enough not one of the natives had begun eating and all were looking expectantly at one of the doorways. Shortly a very small man came in. He had a long blue tunic, pants and boots that matched. He came and stood next to the village elder, Peral. Suddenly, all the assembled people stood up and clasped hands.
“Lord; bless this food and those about to receive it. Bless our guests and grant them strength as they fight against a great evil. So be it.”
“OK, what was that?” Sam asked as they sat and began eating.
“I think they call it a prayer, Sam. You know, when you talk to God.”
“I know, Daniel. But aren’t they supposed to end ‘Amen’ and why did he go out of his way to include us?”
“I don’t know about going out of his way. The reason it ended that way was probably because we have these pins translating for us. ‘Amen’ means ‘so be it’.”
“Okay, kids. Talk to our hosts, too. I think I’m going to talk to the village elder now.”
“He might not want to discuss business at the table, Jack.” Just then the youngster who’d showed them to their rooms came over to them.
“Colonel Jack? My Master requests you attend him and the Lord Elder. Shall I conduct you to him?”
“May I come also?” Daniel asked. “I would very much like to meet your Lord Elder.”
“Very well, but I must warn you both not to touch him.”
As they were led to the table where Elder Peral and the small man who’d led the prayer sat, Jack gave Daniel a confused look. “Actually, there is a precedent; very often royal or even noble persons were all but sacred. A common person wouldn’t dare to touch them, even to shake their hands.”
“Ah, do you think that’s what it is? These people seem pretty down to Earth, so to speak, to me.”
“Hello,” The small man in blue said cheerfully, “I’m Lord Elder Phillip Allian Long-Blade of Cygma Porton. You may call me Master Phillip, I‘m more comfortable with that. I’ve only been Lord Elder for five years. I served on the High Council for a hundred years as a normal member.”
“How old are you!” Jack exclaimed, shocked.
As Daniel whispered, “Jack!”
Their host smiled and said, “It’s all right, Terrans would be shocked by our great life spans. Master Phillip is only 145 years old. I’m much older, already well into my third century.”
Smirking, Master Phillip muttered, “Bragging or complaining? But enough of that, I still haven’t been formally introduced to you.”
“Well, I’m Colonel Jack O’Neill and this is Doctor Daniel Jackson. Were you told why we were here?”
“Yes, of course. You wish our help against the Great Evil Ones. I’m so glad you asked. We’ve been watching Terra, that’s what we call Earth, for many generations. Your race has always fascinated us. We were most distressed when we learned of the threat from the Goa’uld.”
“But you didn’t help us?” Jack asked, bristling.
“My dear Colonel Jack, you never asked us to. You see, we have a policy of non-interference. If you don’t know about us and can’t ask for help, well... we sneak in and do what we can. But if we do something overt... well, then you’d know about us, and then we’d be interfering. We’d like your race to grow to its full potential on its own. If we help you solve problems that, given time, you’d solve on your own; you won’t grow and mature as a culture. D’you see? It’s like doing a child’s homework for him. He’d never have to worry about failure in those little things, but he’d also have a large failure when he took a test on the subject.”
“I believe I understand. If you’ve been watching us, then you knew about the fleet when it was coming to attack Earth. Yet, you didn’t help us then.” Daniel said, sounding slightly confused.
“Doctor Daniel, yes, we knew about the fleet. But so did you and you handled it very well. You stopped them, destroyed their ships and I doubt they’ll try that tactic again for a long while to come. We didn‘t see any point in interfering in something you were fully capable of handling. If we‘d attacked the Goa‘uld fleet with our own ships, then... you’d never know whether or not you could have handled them on your own. There’d always be that fear. ‘What if help hadn’t come in time, would we still be around?’ D’you see? Besides, you hadn’t met us yet. You might’ve thought that we were there to attack you too.”
“Okay, that makes sense. So will you help us now?” Jack asked.
“Well, of course, now you are asking and you know about us. It’s not interfering, is it?”
“Um... thanks” Jack said, sounding a little dazed. As they returned to their seats, he turned to Daniel and asked, “Did you understand any of that?”
“Um... I think so. I still can’t get the reasoning behind helping us now, though. He said he wanted us to know we could handle our own problems, but now, just because we asked, they’ll help?”
“Well, the General will be pleased. That’s for sure.”
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In the morning they set out for the gate. I can’t believe how close we came to their village, and we didn’t even see it. Daniel thought as he followed the Lord Elder who’d asked if he could come with them. We walked right by it and didn’t even see any sign of it. As Daniel turned his head to look back at where they’d come from. Even knowing exactly where it is, I can’t see signs of it. No smoke or anything.
When they reached the gate, Master Phillip bounded up to the DHD and began to dial. “Wait a minute, you know how to dial Earth?” Jack said staring at him.
Glancing over his shoulder, Master Phillip responded, “Of course, don’t you?” The chevrons responded, the gate activated, Daniel sent the signal and they all bounded through the gate.
“Who’s that?!” General Hammond shouted as he caught sight of Master Phillip.
“I’m Master Phillip Allian Long-Blade, Lord Elder of the High Council of Cygma. And who are you?”
“This is General George Hammond, our base commander.” Daniel replied. “General Hammond, Master Phillip is here to offer help in fighting the Goa’uld.” Quietly he added, “Don’t touch him.”
“That’s fine. I’m sure you’ll understand if we put in quarantine for a while.” He said to the Lord Elder, to Daniel he added, “Why not?”
“Of course, can’t be too careful. And you can’t touch me because I have a sensitivity to the salt on your hands.” Master Phillip responded cheerily. As he was led out of the room, Daniel began to sneeze repeatedly and shiver.
“Daniel? Are you all right?” Jack asked, concerned.
“S-suddenly...v-very...c-cold, Ja’k.” Daniel responded blearily, sinking to the ground.
“Medical!” The other members of the team shouted.
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Within a week, many of the SGC personnel had also come down with the mysterious illness, including Jack and Sam. Doctor Frasier had her hands full and was surprised when Master Phillip summoned her to his quarters.
“I didn’t know you were still here. Can I help you with something?”
“No, but I think I can help you. I’m a healer, you see. I think what the people here are getting is a Cygman illness. We call it the chills.”
“Good name for it.”
“Well, yes. I have experience in dealing with it, though. It seems particularly dangerous to Terran Humans. Would you allow me to help?”
“Well...it’s highly irregular, but...all right. C’mon.”
In short order, Master Phillip was circulating around medical as if he’d always worked there. He was also doing a great deal to help the staff deal with their many patients. Using native herbs, he was able to deal better with the illness than Doctor Frasier’s modern medicine.
After a week more, all the personnel were either recovered or well on their way. General Hammond called Master Phillip to his office. “We’d like to thank you for all your help. You could have left us to deal with this illness, you know.”
“Well, no actually I couldn’t have. I’m a healer. I took an oath to help all who are within my power to help. I also felt somewhat responsible for your people taking ill. I mean the chills is a Cygman illness after all. It would have looked awful for me to sit back and watch when I have could helped.”
“We’d like you to show our medical staff how to use those herbs, if you could. And any other tricks you have up your sleeves.”
“Of course, be glad to. I started already, you know.” With a glance to make sure he was done, Master Phillip bounded out of the room.
“Well, that was an odd interview.” Jack said, speaking for the first time, since Master Phillip had entered the room. “By the way, sir, have you noticed how strange Daniel’s been acting lately. He was acting similarly before we left. Only now, it seems worse, like he’s anticipating something terrible.”
“No, I had noticed, but I’ve had a lot on my mind. Have you confronted him with it?”
“I was just going to, now.” With a nod, Jack strode from the office. As he was walking down the corridor he heard the sound of running feet and almost fell down as Daniel ran into him. “Easy there, killer. What’s got you running down the halls like the devil’s on your tail?”
Looking up, Daniel was relieved to find it was Jack. “Oh, h’llo, Jack.” He squeaked. Looking down, he continued, “I was just in a...um...hurry to...um...get back to my...um...my office.”
“Yeah, sure. What’s got you scared, Daniel. Don’t try to lie, you’re not very good at it.”
Looking up, Daniel sighed, “I can’t tell you. You wouldn’t believe me. I’m just a civilian after all.”
“Like Hell! Try me, see if I believe you or not. I thought you considered me your friend.”
“I do!” Daniel protested, “But... But he said not to tell anyone. He said he’d...that he’d find me and... well.”
“Is someone threatening you?” at Daniel’s nod, he continued, “Who and why?”
Looking around to make sure they were alone, Daniel said softly, “Captain Shields. Please don’t tell anyone, Jack! He said that people were always suffering for my mistakes and if it happened again, he’d come after me! And, well, it’s happened again, so...”
“That wasn’t your fault. How could it be? Plenty of teams have come back with some off-world illness or other. It’s not like you did it on purpose. C’mon, we’re going to tell the General.”
“No!! We can’t! He’ll-well, we just can‘t. It‘s nothing to worry about.”
“The longer this goes on the more likely it is that something’ll happen. Now, c’mon.” He grabbed Daniel by the arm and escorted him back to the office over his protests.
“General, we have a problem. Tell him, Daniel.” He said as he pushed Daniel into a chair.
Staring down at his feet, Daniel began, “I would have told you sooner, but he said that you wouldn’t believe me. I mean, he’s a captain and I’m just an archeologist. He said that it was my word against his. He threatened me if I told anyone about it. Please, don’t tell him I told you!”
“Who has been threatening you, Doctor Jackson?”
Still watching his shoes, Daniel murmured, “Captain Shields. Please don‘t tell him I told you! Just tell him you noticed something or that you heard something... anything.”
“Now just calm down, Doctor Jackson. He’s gonna have to know who’s pressing charges against him.”
“No! He’ll... He’ll hurt me! Please, I don’t want to press charges. I just want him to leave me alone. Just make him stop following me. That’s all, please.” Looking at his hands, Daniel could see they were shaking and he could feel how pale he was. They were going to make him press charges, and probably testify in one court or other. If Shields was found not guilty, which is what would probably happen, he’d come after Daniel. And he’s so much bigger than I am, Daniel thought morosely; he’d make short work of me.
“Daniel? You okay?” Jack’s voice snapped him out of his reverie. When he looked up and nodded, Jack continued, “You have to press charges, Daniel. We can’t make him leave you alone. You’ll probably have to testify against him. What he’s been doing with you, it’s harassment. It’ll only get worse if you let it continue. Has he hurt you at all?” As Daniel nodded, Jack scowled. “When, how and did you report it?”
“It was a few days before we went to Cygma. He just... um... bruised me a little. He shoved me into the wall a few times. I didn’t report it but I did see Doctor Frasier about an ice pack to cut down on the swelling. He hasn’t hurt me, not really; he just sits there, watching.” Suddenly, Daniel’s eyes widened, he paled and began shaking. “He’s going to know I told you! He’s been watching me. He knows everything I do!” Leaning his head in his hands, Daniel began muttering, “Oh no, what’m I going to do?”
“Let’s go see Doc Frasier, Daniel.” Jack said, pulling him to his feet.
“Why? What’s she going to do? Give me something to calm me down probably.”
“Just c’mon, Daniel. Thank you, sir.”
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
About a week and a half later, the trial was set. Captain Shields was charged with harassment and assault. Daniel stayed out of the courtroom as long as he could. The prosecution called Dr. Frasier to testify to his injuries, Jack and General Hammond to testify to what he’d told them and Sam to testify to his odd behavior. Finally, it was his turn. Though he dreaded facing that man again, Daniel knew Jack was right. That the only way to stop it was to bring it out into the open.
As Daniel stepped up onto the witness stand, he looked out, not at Shields but at his friends, the other members of his team. He gave them a tentative smile and sat down. The prosecution’s questions were easy. They were just a repeat of the questions Jack had asked him. The defense however, was a lot more difficult. Why hadn’t he reported it sooner? Did he know Shields personally? No? Then what would Shields have against him to warrant such behavior? Had Shields actually said he’d hurt him? Were there any witnesses to these supposed threats? Any corroborating evidence? On and on the questions went. Suddenly, it was done and he was told he could leave. As he walked by the defense attorney's desk, Shields stood up and glowered at him. Backing away, Daniel made is way out of the courtroom. As soon as the door shut he sat down on the floor and started shaking.
“It’s all right, Daniel.” It was Sam’s voice, “ You made it through. You’ll be fine.” Looking up, he saw Jack and Teal’c were there also.
“D’you think that they’ll find him guilty, Jack? I mean if they don’t...”
“Don’t think about that yet, Daniel. Just try to calm down. Take a few deep breaths. You did fine. It was a military court, ya know. They’re not used to civilians testifying. If anything that might be a plus. If you’d been in the military, they might have been able to lay it back on you. ‘He should have followed standard procedure.’ That sort of thing. You’re a civilian, though; you don’t know the procedure.”
“Thanks, Jack. There is a procedure for this kind of thing?”
“Daniel, the military has procedures for everything. Besides I‘m sure they never saw a man who acted that frightened testify before. They‘re used to the ‘burly soldier types,’ ya know. That alone would be enough to convince them of your truthfulness.”
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Several hours of waiting later, the verdict was finally in. Jack and Teal’c had stayed with Daniel while Sam stayed in the courtroom to get the verdict.
Sam beamed at Daniel as she came in, “Well they found him guilty of all charges. The sentencing is tomorrow at 0900 hours. That’s 9:00 in the morning, Daniel.”
“I know. What d’you think they’ll do? I don’t really care I just want him far away from me.”
“They might give him a dishonorable discharge, which would get him away from you. They might just demote him and relocate him to Timbuktu. Anyway they go; most likely he’ll end up far away from you.”
“Good. I‘m beat. I‘m going home and to bed. Good night, all.”
As Daniel was leaving, he heard Sam say quietly, “You may not believe this but until the sentencing Shields has been released on his own recognizance. I can’t believe it! They’ve got nerve!” Daniel didn’t hear Jack’s response, though he could imagine what it was. Jack and Sam may be angry, but I’m just plain frightened, Daniel thought.
Driving home, Daniel was almost able to forget the past few days. His favorite tape was in and his attention was focused on humming along.
Suddenly, he noticed a car in the passing lane beside his. Looking at the speedometer, Daniel took his foot off the gas; his car slowed. So did the other car. Changing the speed of his car, first speeding up, then slowing down, convinced Daniel that the person in the car was intending him harm. Without a moment’s hesitation, Daniel pressed the speed-dial on his car phone. “Please be there. Please, oh, please be there.”
“Hello?” Came the familiar voice he’d hoped for.
“Jack! It’s me! I think that I’m being followed. There’s a car in the passing lane and every time I slow down, so does he. Every time I speed up, he does too.” Suddenly, the car jerked and Daniel heard a crunching sound. “Oh my gosh, I think he just hit me. What do I do?”
“Okay. First, how far are you from the nearest exit?”
“A few miles? Maybe more?” How can he be so calm? Daniel thought.
“Good, now I want you to get off there. First we have to lose the jerk. Look, in your rear-view mirror. Can you see anyone behind you?”
“Um... no. How are we going to lose him, Jack?” What is he planning? Another jerk, another crunching sound. He’d better hurry whatever it is.
“Good. One last question, how fast are you going? He’s keeping right up with you, right?”
“That’s two questions, Jack.”
“Yeah, I know. Answer them.”
“Um...65...70 miles per hour. And yes, he’s right beside me, and we’re going down a hill.”
“Great. When you get to the exit hit the breaks.”
“What?”
“Slow down, fast! He won’t expect it. Go down to like 45 or 50. Then get off, don’t signal though.”
“Um... Okay” Daniel slammed on the breaks, screeching tires, and he was slowing down. Looking up, he saw the exit. “I’m gonna be quite a ways from home, Jack.”
“That’s fine. I’ll come get you. You won’t be in any condition to drive anyway. See you soon. Bye.”
“Um... alright... bye.” Pulling off into a gas station, Daniel wondered how long it would take for Jack to get there. As he stepped out to check the damages, he noticed another car pulling up behind. Shaking, he turned around, fully expecting it was the same car that had played the dangerous game with him on the highway. He was amazed when a middle-aged woman stepped out of the driver’s seat.
“Oh, my goodness are you alright? I saw what was happening back there on the highway. I’m Amanda Stentson, by the way.”
“Oh! I’m... um... fine.” Or I will be when I stop shaking.
“No, you’re not. Look, you’re shaking. Come on, I’ll get you some coffee. That should calm you down.”
“Oh, alright.” Numbly, Daniel felt himself being drawn into the convenience store that was near the gas station. After two cups of coffee and a chocolate bar, Daniel was beginning to feel his old self.
Just then, a familiar voice called behind him, “Hello, Danny-boy. I see you’ve found a friend.”
“Oh, h’llo, Jack. This is... um... Amanda. She saw what happened.”
“And decided she’d stay with you. Did you call the cops, yet?”
“Cops?”
“Yeah, the cops. You know, hit and run. They don’t take kindly to that kinda thing. Tends to tick ‘em off.”
“Oh.” Shortly after Jack used Daniel’s car phone to call the police they showed up. They took statements from everyone involved; Daniel, Amanda, even Jack, and put an APB out on the car in question. Amanda, it seemed, had the presence of mind to get the license plate number, Daniel had no idea how.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The next day at the sentencing, Jack had a surprise for Daniel. “Well, guess who you’re mysterious chasing car belonged to.”
“I don’t know.” Daniel said, not really in the mood for games. He’d slept badly and driving in for the sentencing had been horrible. He kept expecting to be run off the road.
“Yes, you do. None other than Captain Frank Shields. This won‘t look good to the judge.” Jack’s words proved prescient, the judge settled on the harshest punishment allowable.
Afterwards, the others were celebrating, but Daniel held himself apart. It didn’t take long for the other members of SG-1 to come over to see what was wrong.
After looking around at their worried expressions, Daniel gave them a small smile, “Oh, I’m alright. It’s just, well, in a way Shields was right. I do have a tendency to get myself into trouble, and there have been times that someone else has paid the price.”
“No, Daniel.” Sam said, smiling. “Shields wasn’t even close to right. Not in his thinking and certainly not in his methods. We’ve all gotten ourselves into trouble at one time or another. And there hasn’t been a team that hasn’t ended up bringing one bug or other back with them. It’s just SG-1 is first contact so we seem to get the lion’s share. It’s not your fault.”
“Okay.” With that, Daniel allowed himself to be swept up into the celebration, in the back of his mind though he thought, What about when it is?
Kind of a morbid ending, but I was in that kind of mood. I wanted them to be celebrating. But you shouldn’t take pleasure in someone else’s misfortune, should you?