Title: Triptych
Author: Joolz
Feedback: If you like J [email protected]
Category: Gen, Vignette, Humor, H/C
Raiting: PG
Pairing:
None
Status: Complete
Season: 5
Spoilers: None
Summary: Three scenes from the life of SG1
Notes: For the benefit of those who don’t spend
their free time hanging out in art galleries, a Triptych is a style of
painting, where there are three separate panels joined or shown together. They will often be scenes related to the same
subject, but different aspects. For example,
Three Scenes from the Life of John the Baptist.
Disclaimer: Not my lovely characters, just playing with
them.
Warnings: mild sexual innuendo
TRIPTYCH
Three Scenes from the Life of SG1
Major Ferretti was looking forward to this. He didn’t know exactly what response O’Neill was going to have to
his little news item, but he was sure it wouldn’t be, ‘Oh, thanks. See you later.’ Should be good for a chuckle anyway.
Louis and his team stepped out of the wormhole and onto the ramp of the
Gate Room, and there was SG1 all kitted up and ready to take their place on
Oonam. The culture there was friendly,
but complex. They offended easily, but
at the same time were overly fond of jokes.
It was like walking a tightrope.
Advancement on the treaty was continually being delayed while one side
or the other recovered from accidental and intended misunderstandings. It was thought that SG1 might be a more
appropriate contact team in this instance.
Well, not SG1, exactly. Dr.
Jackson, specifically, and the Colonel wasn’t loaning his Anthropologist out
anymore. Ferretti was confidant that
Jackson would get a handle on things to the point where he could keep O’Neill
from permanently blowing the negotiations.
And Teal’c was a plus, too. He
had a sobering effect on all but the most incorrigible joker.
The Major saluted Colonel O’Neill as he stepped down onto the floor and
the support crew came forward to relieve them of weapons and packs. “Colonel.
I hope you have better luck making progress with this bunch than we
did.”
“I’m sure you did your best, Major.
Not everyone’s got Daniel’s touch.
He’ll have them eating out of his hand in no time. Any last minute advice?”
“No sir. You’ve seen our
reports, and most of it’s in there. One
thing though. You remember how gender
is a non-issue on Oonam as far as forming couples goes?”
Dr. Jackson spoke up, “Yes.
Since no preferential treatment is shown for same or opposite sex
couples, they have fallen naturally into three fairly even groupings. That’s very unusual, of course, as societal
pressures in all but the most advanced cultures tend to favor pairings which
will result in more offspring and thus the reproduction of the productive workforce. I’m looking forward to finding out what
factors are in play among the Oonams to relieve that pressure.”
Dr. J sure did know how to babble.
“Uh, yeah.” Ferretti turned back
to the Colonel. “It’s that we just
found out that Pilgar, the lead negotiator, recently broke up with his partner
and is very much on the look out for a new one. Seems he’s also in a phase where he’s batting for the other team,
if you know what I mean.”
O’Neill did. He threw his
shoulders back and exploded, “Okay, that’s it.
Daniel’s on a short leash as of now.”
Jackson managed to utter a surprised “What?”
This was perfect. Ferretti
couldn’t have scripted it better. There
were incessant rumors around the base that O’Neill and Jackson were together,
almost as many as said O’Neill and Carter were together, and Louis liked to rib
his superior officer about it whenever possible.
He proceeded, having practically been fed the line, “What’s that,
sir? You think Daniel will be
attractive to him?”
The older man placed his hands on his hips and glared. “Ferretti, I’ve done the risk assessment
here. I accept that I have to have a
civilian scientist on my team and all that goes with that, but could I have a
short, pudgy one that blends into the background? Neeew.” His glare shifted
to his team mate. “I have to get one
that looks like a goddamn Botticelli angel.
Stirs up hormones in the wrong people all over the galaxy.”
Jackson’s mouth was hanging open and his eyebrows were up near his
hairline hearing himself described that way.
This was good! And the Colonel
kept the show going.
“And as if THIS…” with an air of helplessness he waved a hand up and
down in front of the beet-red archaeologist, “…wasn’t bad enough, I have THIS
to contend with too.” His hand swung
over to indicate his 2IC.
Carter had been trying to suppress a smirk at the treatment her
colleague was getting, but her face transformed instantly into
indignation. “Sir, I can take care of
myself!”
“Of course you can, Carter. So
can Daniel for that matter. I’m just
sayin’. I would be remiss in my duties
as team leader if I didn’t consider all the risk factors when we went into a
new situation. That includes having two
of the best looking examples of the human race to watch out for.”
Now both the younger members of SG1 were speechless.
General Hammond’s voice called down to them. “Colonel O’Neill, is there a problem? Is SG1 ready to go?”
“We’re ready, sir. Dial her up.”
Ferretti said innocently, “Good luck, sir. Pilgar will be waiting for you on the other side.”
As the wormhole engaged, Carter and Jackson brought their heads together
into whispering distance and locked arms as they headed up the ramp.
O’Neill moved up beside the Jaffa and said quietly, “Don’t leave his
side. That’s an order.”
The large man nodded, and the two of them disappeared through the Gate.
After the ring shut down, Ferretti stood for a moment gazing at it in
satisfaction. Oh, yes, that was a
highly successful maneuver. Especially
considering that it was Colonel O’Neill’s charms that he had talked up most enthusiastically
to Pilgar before leaving, while stressing that Dr. Jackson was only interested
in women. The Oonam weren’t the only
ones who liked a good joke.
When Jack stealthily entered the office, Daniel was slumped with his
body facing the computer terminal and his head bent over an enlarged photograph
at its side. He was able to move in
close without the scientist even noticing he was there.
“Whatcha doin’?”
Daniel jumped and twisted his head around farther at the noise, but
before he could speak his face contracted into a grimace of pain. His hand flew to his shoulder and he sucked
in a sharp gasp of air.
“Hey, Daniel, are you alright?”
The younger man turned his whole body toward his friend, grimacing. “Yeah.
I was just sitting in that one position for too long. Got a crick in my neck.”
Jack turned the swivel chair back toward the desk and stepped in behind
Daniel. “Let Colonel O’Neill’s Magic
Fingers do something about that.” After
palpating the offending shoulder he brought his thumbs together and pressed.
Daniel jumped again, this time barely stifling a scream of pain. “That hurts! Ow!”
“Just relax. This isn’t a crick,
it’s a full-blown knot. How long have
you been at this, anyway?”
“What time is it?” He looked at
the clock and flinched. “Oh. I guess it’s been about ten hours.”
“That’s just like you. Your head
gets busy and you forget you even have a body.
I’m going to get this loosened up, and then no more translating for
today.”
“But this is important. And
fun.” As Jack continued to work at his
neck and shoulders Daniel tried to reach up to stroke the photograph of an
intricate set of symbols. He thought
better of it and let his hand fall into his lap. “Seriously, Jack, you have no idea how exciting this is. It’s a hybrid of at least three different
Earth languages which have additionally been transformed by the alien
environment. It’s very challenging. It would be challenging to anyone. And I’m figuring it out. Do you know what that means? It’s an entirely new language construct
which opens the door to understanding an entirely new culture, and I’m the
first person on Earth to ever read it.
Once I have it translated, I’ll be able to share it and we’ll learn so
much! It’s such an honor to…” He was silenced by one thumb digging into
his shoulder, not moving, just pressing down.
*********
Sam was passing by in the hall when she heard a low moan sound from
behind Daniel’s partially closed office door.
She stopped. It sounded like
someone was in pain. Then she heard
Daniel’s slightly slurred voice.
“God, Jack, that’s so good. Your
hands… didn’t know you were….”
“Is it too much, Daniel? Just
say the word and I’ll stop.”
“Don’t you dare. Oh, God. Oh.
Ohhhhhhh.”
“You like that, do you?”
“It’s so… Jesus, I’m going limp.”
“No you’re not. You’re still
hard as a rock. Poor Danny. Just wait till I’m done with you.”
Samantha’s face flushed as her imagination filled in the picture.
Just then General Hammond and Teal’c walked up behind her. The Texan drawled, “Major, you just gonna
stand there all day? We’re on our way
in.”
“Um, sir, I’m not sure that’s such a good idea right now.”
Another low moan resonated within the room. “Oh, Jack. That’s so
good.”
General Hammond’s eyebrows shot up as he looked the woman in the
face.
“Major, has someone’s mind taken a little detour into the gutter?”
With that he pushed past her, shoved the door open and walked in. Teal’c followed close behind with a puzzled
look for his teammate.
She took a deep breath and entered the room herself, to find Daniel
sprawled bonelessly in his chair with the Colonel’s hands on his shoulders.
General Hammond announced lightly,
“Doctor Jackson, Colonel. Major
Carter thought we might be interrupting something.”
Daniel replied, “You’ll only be interrupting if Jack stops what he’s
doing.”
O’Neill grinned and said, “Oh, don’t worry. We’re not done here yet.
What can we do for you, sir?”
“I just came by to see if Dr. Jackson is finished with that
translation.”
Fascinated, Sam watched the Colonel’s hands strategically deployed
beneath Daniel’s T-shirt where he had stretched it out at the neck. The slightest pressure caused Daniel to
twitch and gasp. He let his head role
to one side to give Jack better access.
Jack pleaded with the General, “Oh come on, sir, give the kid a
break. He’s just about worked himself
into the ground on this. Will it matter
so much if it isn’t done until tomorrow?”
Daniel stiffened. “Jack…”
“Down boy.”
The General smiled at them fondly.
“SG6 is waiting for the translation before they gate back to the planet,
but I guess one more day won’t be the end of the world. Of either world.”
“Thanks, General.” Jack
addressed his patient again. “Lean
forward onto the desk. That’s it, rest
your head on your arms.” He ran his
fingers over the muscles of the broad back before him, then zeroed in on one
shoulder blade.
Sam hadn’t thought Daniel could get more relaxed, but he just about
melted under Jack’s not so soft touch.
Feeling like a voyeur, she blushed again, and thought that she’d better
get out of there before she embarrassed herself.
Jack looked over at them. “And
Teal’c, what can we do for you?”
“I believe that it has been some time since DanielJackson has partaken
of nourishment. I intended to coerce
him into joining me for a meal in the commissary.”
“Good plan, Teal’c. Wait till I
finish up here, and we can go together.
And Carter?”
His strong hands were splayed out across Daniel’s back, rubbing gently
and eliciting purring moans in response.
“Uh. I uh. I was just passing by.” Was her voice squeaking? Sounded like it to her.
“Well you can come too, then.”
She swallowed. “Yes, sir, I’m
sure I will.” They looked at her. “I mean, sure.” She started to back out the door.
General Hammond followed her out, and before continuing down the hall
leaned over and said quietly, “Major, you need to get out more.”
O’Neill’s voice called, “Carter?”
“Just going to the bathroom.
I’ll meet you there.”
There was one immediately burning question: did she have time for a
shower?
Because of Teal’c’s usual stoic nature, many people were under the
impression that he didn’t feel pain.
This was not true. It was simply
that he had learned quickly that as a Jaffa, to permit others to see his
suffering was a weakness he could not indulge in and yet hope to live. His body was the same as any other though,
and the grievous injury he was currently experiencing howled through him with a
deafening storm of agony. He simply
gave no outward sign.
That would not fool DanielJackson, however. This human knew him too well, and would see his struggle. He would also worry and feel guilty because
he could not do more to help him. Teal’c
knew his friend well, too.
Teal’c opened his eyes and saw that DanielJackson was still in the same
position as the last time he had made that effort. He was sitting against a wall of rock, with SamanthaCarter
leaning against his chest, her head lolling to one side. While the archaeologist held a P-90 ready in
one hand, the other was inside the woman’s torn shirt, pressing a blood soaked
pad into the deep wound on her upper chest.
His blue eyes were on Teal’c, who lay on the ground beside him.
As they looked at each other, Teal’c was surprised at the depth of his
trust in the other man. For a Jaffa,
for him, to be incapacitated and depending on the protection of others was
nearly intolerable. But he knew that
DanielJackson would let no further harm
come to him. He would even sacrifice
his own supremely valuable life if necessary to save Teal’c’s own spent
one. This too was intolerable. He was, however, in no position to do
anything about it.
They had been divided into teams.
MajorCarter and Teal’c had been collecting mineral samples while their
team mates investigated a ruined building.
Without warning a pack of fierce animals had attacked them, obviously
intent on rending them limb from limb.
Before they were driven away, MajorCarter had been torn into with teeth
and claws, and Teal’c had received wounds to his shoulder, leg, and across his
abdominal pouch. The primta was not
injured, but it was in shock and thus unable to begin healing its host.
Drawn by the noise, DanielJackson and O’Neill had run into the clearing
to find their friends lying in pools of blood.
It was immediately evident that they could not transport the injured
ones back to the Stargate, so O’Neill had handed Daniel the woman’s fallen
weapon, and said he would be back as soon as he could. Teal’c had observed through his weakened
haze how O’Neill had stared for a moment into the younger man’s soul, as though
he could transmit his own force of will to the other. His gaze said clearly to be careful, and to be alive when he got
back. That they should all be alive
when he got back.
He needn’t have worried about DanielJackson’s will. He had returned O’Neill’s look with equal
vehemence, reminding his friend to be careful as well, and to remember that he
would be traveling alone with a pack of killer animals roaming nearby. They spoke no more words. O’Neill nodded, took one last look at each
of his companions, and then was gone.
That was almost two hours ago.
Then the dead bodies of two of the creatures had been polluting the
clearing. Now there were six. A short time after O’Neill’s departure the
animals had attacked again, no doubt incited by the smell of blood. DanielJackson had acquitted himself as
admirably as any warrior could have done, and the beasts had withdrawn. It was comforting to think that if the pack
had remained in this area, perhaps O’Neill would reach the Gate without mishap.
He should be in the SGC by now, perhaps even on the return journey with
help.
Daniel Jackson’s voice sounded like it was coming from very far
away.
“Teal’c? How do you feel?” The intense face was pinched with worry.
Teal’s heard his own voice, resonating in his head like a mere
whisper. “Do not concern yourself.”
“I’m sorry I can’t change the bindings on your wounds, Teal’c, but Sam
hasn’t stopped bleeding yet. It’s
slowed down, but I’m worried that that might be a bad thing. I…I could give you some morphine if it would
help?”
He felt his head, seemingly of its own volition, shake briefly in
negation. “Morphine bad for
Junior.” The effort of speaking had
drained him critically, and his surroundings were starting to fade to
black. He closed his eyes.
“I’m so sorry, Teal’c. I want to
do more for you, but…. Just remember
you’re not alone here, okay? Both my
hands are crucially occupied right now, but just imagine that I’ve laid one on
your forehead, okay? I’m here. I won’t leave you. I promise.
Okay?”
For Teal’c, that had never been in question. For him DanielJackson was the ultimate example of loyalty, of self-sacrifice,
of commitment, and for the right reasons, not the ones he himself had learned
as a boy. Perhaps his young friend did
not realize that. Perhaps he believed
that Teal’c could doubt him. He could
not.
When they were back at the SGC and the four of them were well and whole
again, he would have a talk with the scholar/warrior. But for now they would wait.
End
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