Chapter 20

The issue of the off-world protocols was being argued over the breakfast table when Matthew dragged himself from bed. Not only were the regular household adults in the kitchen, but also Major Davis, Col. Reynolds, Gen. Landry, and Col. Bosco.

Matthew got cereal makings together and ate from the counter, since the table was covered in paper. They were arguing over rules for something, the boy decided. He wondered why they were doing it here, instead of at the SGC or Uncle Jack’s office.

“And how are you planning on forcing people to hand over Goa’uld weapons that have been left behind?” Daniel challenged the military. “You can’t bulldoze through a native population. We have no right to go onto a populated planet and demand that they turn over crap!”

Matthew tuned out and went into the living room to watch TV while he ate his breakfast.

“You think they wouldn’t want to get rid of Goa’uld crap?” Jack snapped.

“They probably will,” Daniel snapped back. “We can ASK for it, we cannot DEMAND it! If the planet is deserted, grab what you want, but our protocols need to stay OUT OF OTHER PEOPLE’S BUSINESS!”

“Time out,” Landry called out, raising his hands into a T. The two men crossed arms over chests and sat back in their chairs, huffing at each other. Sam was contemplating sleeping in her lab that night. 

“Look, the protocols we’ve been using at the SGC seem to be working fine,” Landry said. “A few tweaks can be inserted to take into account the 303 explorations. Things can and do happen between ships in space, such as with those drug runners the Prometheus has been running into; I don’t put it past any of our human colonists, when there are some, to begin their own experimentation on local habitats, but for now, I think we can agree to keep those people away from worlds that are under protection.”

“Only,” Daniel spoke up, raising a finger in point, “if they want us to. Just because we have a bias against the drugs, doesn’t mean we can tell others how to live.”

Jack sighed and looked up at the ceiling. “So whenever these drug runners are around, the 303s are supposed to stop, question the planet’s population as to their wishes, and then resume either kicking out these pirates or allowing them through?”

“Jack…”

“No, Daniel.” Jack leaned forward, his eyes darkening. “These pirates will be left alone, providing they leave us alone. We will protect those worlds that have requested protection. Period.”

“Can’t we make a few additions to the treaties we sign with new allies?” Reynolds asked. “Make it known that we will not support any planet that has dealings with these pirates. If the inhabitants want to come up with their own recreations, that’s their business, but no importing. Can’t it be that simple?” 

Both Daniel and Jack opened their mouths to argue, found no argument, and snapped their mouths shut. Davis scribbled on one of the sheets of paper.

“Are we done with this for now?” Gen. Landry asked, making eye contact with each person. “Good. The SGC will get the updated treaties drafted and sent to General Maynard for approval, and the 303 protocols drafted and sent to you, General O’Neill.” Jack looked at him and reluctantly relaxed. A little.

The men in uniforms left, with Sam close behind. There was quiet from the kitchen.

“Uncle Jack, can I ask you something?” Matthew called out. It probably wasn’t a good time, but since the subject had been in the air… He heard nothing. He was pretty sure Uncle Jack and Daniel were still here. He went into the kitchen and immediately averted his eyes. The two were in a serious lip-lock.

“Ugh, guys, kid in the room,” Matthew groaned. Grown-ups kissing was so gross, and these two were way too old to be still wanting to kiss someone.

“Quiet, boy, I like kissing,” Jack said, stepping away from Daniel. “Ask,” Jack said. He sat and poured a bowl of cereal. Deciding it needed more of something, he reached back, opened the fridge, and took out a bowl of berries to pour on top.

“The other day someone at the gym offered me pot,” came the surprising statement. “Are you testing me?”

Jack and Daniel both turned to look at the boy.

“No, I’m not, Matty,” Jack told him, the spoon in his hand hovering over the bowl. “Who was it?”

Matthew considered it; he had gone this far in tattling and one just didn’t lie to Uncle Jack…. “An airman, Hatcher.”

“I’ll take care of it,” Jack said, the spoon sinking into the cereal and milk.

“Uncle Jack, he’ll know I told,” Matthew whined, slumping back in his chair. “None of the guys will talk to me.”

Jack leaned over and took Matthew’s jaw, lifting his chin. “Leadership is standing up and taking responsibility for the actions of not only oneself, but also the actions of those you lead,” he told the boy. “That airman did something wrong. There’s a time for everything, and this is a time to suck it up and stand up.”

He told the boy exactly what to say to someone who attempted to punish him for speaking the truth. Daniel thought Jack was being a little hard on the kid, but also understood that Matthew needed strong direction considering his life until that moment was filled with conflicting signals. He had heard about the 302 expedition and listened to Matthew talk nonstop about it the night before. If he wanted to fly, he needed a few life lessons now, not just before he stepped into the cockpit of his own ship.

Sara showed up a while later to take Matthew for the weekend. Jack had called her and asked if she would mind talking with the boy about her experience with divorce, tell him the emotional hell she went through and give him an idea of what his mother is going through. Jack had already talked with Matthew about his side, was honest and took the blame for the pain he caused his wife. Sara thought about it and agreed.

Matthew packed an overnight bag and had to be reminded to take Sunday clothes. After noticing that none of the adults in the house were going to take him to church when he first got there, he had a talk with his uncle. Jack said the nearest Catholic church was five blocks away and if he wanted to go, that was up to him. 

Daniel sat down with Matthew and explained that none of them were religious. They each had their own spirituality, but there was a difference between religion and spirituality. They didn’t believe in the God of the Bible, but did believe in a higher power; they just weren’t going to put a name on It. Daniel didn’t consider the higher power to be a god; it was just something on a higher order of life. So Matthew considered it and decided that, since his grandfather, great grands, and mom were expecting him to complete Catechism and Confirmation, he would go to church. After that, he’d think about it.

Jack had no issues with that; the boy made an informed decision.

Late Monday afternoon, midway through Matthew’s workout, Jack showed up at the gym. He had two SF with him as he strode into the main workout room. 

“Hatcher!” he barked. The startled airman hopped front and center as the others all came to a sudden stop and stood at attention at the tone in Jack’s voice.

“Sir!”

Jack held out a cup.

“Pee, airman. Now. No, here.” Jack pointed to the floor in front of him when the airman looked toward the locker rooms. With no time to fake a sample, the still warm urine tested positive for drugs. The SF placed him under arrest and took him away.

“As you were!” Jack left with the SF. There was quiet in the room for a moment.

“Carmichael!” Bryce came into the room and looked around.

“Sir?” Matthew came forward from the back of the towering crowd of men and women. He was pale, knowing he was about to be taken down for tattling. Major Bryce backed him up until he bumped into someone’s mile wide, hard as a rock chest. Matthew gulped.

“Only one person could have told the general,” the marine informed him with a quiet, deadly snarl. “Anything to say?”

Matthew considered his options and took a deep breath.

“SIR! THAT AIRMAN IS A FUCKING BASTARD WHO DISGRACED HIS UNIFORM BY OFFERING DRUGS TO A MINOR! SIR!”

Well, that’s what Uncle Jack told him to say….

There was silence for a moment. A loud “Hoo-rah!” rattled the walls and almost broke his ear drums as he was lifted high, shaken, and passed around.

“Good boy,” Bryce said, smiling and ruffling Matthew’s hair. He went back into his office and returned the general’s earlier call.

Matthew went home a week later with a new attitude and a goal to focus on.

Jack was depressed.

“You’re missing Charlie,” Daniel guessed.

“I could have helped him through things like this,” Jack said.

“Did you ever think maybe Charlie had a hand in this?” Daniel asked. “Maybe he helped to bring those kids back into your life?”

Sam was back at the base, so Jack was lying on the couch with Daniel wrapped around him, watching TV. Stacy was lying on her stomach on the floor, legs swinging in the air as she watched TV. She knew what was going on; they didn’t hide things from her. Daddy had a long talk with her about drugs. Dad talks a lot. She also knew who Charlie was and what happened to him.

“Don’t worry, Jack,” Stacy said, not taking her eyes from the TV. “Give me a few more years and you can zat my boyfriends.” Daniel stifled a chuckle. Jack knew Daniel wouldn’t be so amused the moment Stacy noticed her first heart-throb.

Jack’s new offices were pretty much set to use, so he forced himself to get dressed in the morning and go to work. Jack had a suite to himself for his admin and assistant, along with a private conference room. His assistant declared that he also needed an admin, so a second admin was attached to their offices. 

Davis was playing ferocious guard dog and not allowing anyone through him to the general without a damned good reason. 

Jack hated being behind closed doors, and desks, so he could often be found strolling through the center. The new personnel would have to get used to the various aliens their general called his friends and it became part of the new personnel orientation to be told not to worry about people disappearing and reappearing before their eyes. If the general disappeared, and the major was flipping out about it, THEN people could worry.

Several generals showed up during the week to see the new digs for themselves. They were surprised to find a ring platform had been not only installed, it also had a lock which wouldn’t allow it to activate without permissions, just like the Stargate. Ships with beaming capabilities were instructed to use the ring room for beaming in and out. An alien bad guy brig was installed in the basement and set with a self-destruct in case of a major problem. 

The field had its own air tower and flight control center which included monitoring of the solar system; can’t have ships speeding out of the atmosphere only to have them crash into another space ship. 

The infirmary had all up to date equipment that was programmed for off-world problems. Just in case. Although the SGC was still the main site for such needs.

Jack had Nick come in and make a run through the security system. He found bugs in the system and fixed it. Jack was also amused to watch Nick around Paul. The big bad assassin had it bad for the major and even managed small smiles, revealing deep dimples which made his green eyes sparkle even more. Jack had mentioned to Daniel that for a supposedly submissive man, Davis sure bossed Nick around. And Nick took it.

“Gee, I wonder why?” Daniel asked. He had come in to take a walk around. Davis’ admin, Heidi Sands, was flustered to meet Daniel. Davis whispered to Daniel that she was a fan of his royal cuteness. Jack laughed out loud as Daniel flushed. Daniel shoved Paul and handed him something wrapped. Paul tore the paper off and took out a framed print.

“Daniel, thank you,” he said, surprised, and hugged Daniel. Jack looked at it. He vaguely recognized Hebrew letters and a menorah.

“What’s it say?” Jack asked.

“Shalom ayhem,” Daniel said. Jack waited. They blinked at each other.

“Daniel!”

Daniel chuckled. “It means Peace Be With You.”

“You couldn’t have just said that?” Jack whined as Davis looked around for a good place to hang it as he patted at his left bicep. “Major, are you Jewish?”

“Yes, sir,” Davis nodded. He’ll hang it next to the door, a reminder every time someone leaves.

Jack was stumped and Davis smiled at him.

“Just because I sleep with heathens, doesn’t mean I am one. Sir.”

Daniel grinned.

“No star necklace, I haven’t noticed you doing anything…. Jewish,” Jack said with a general wave of his hand. Daniel laughed and shook his head.

“Jack….”

“It’s alright, Daniel,” Paul said good-naturedly. “I’ve added Jack-speak to my language collection. I do my own thing, sir, I’m not orthodox or anything like that. I’m more spiritual than religious.” He turned back to them and perched on the edge of his desk, giving his arm another rub.

"Paul, why are you rubbing your arm? Did you hurt it?” Daniel asked in concern.

“Sort of,” Paul said with a small smile. “I got a tattoo. It’s itches.” He patted his arm again, careful not to scratch.

“Really? Can I see?” Daniel asked, lighting up. Tattoos had such an interesting history, starting with tribal markings. Many people tended to ink something cute and pointless, which they later regretted, but he couldn’t imagine Paul getting something superficial. Davis lifted the short sleeve of his warm weather dress shirt.

“It’s a Tau’ri sigil,” Daniel noted, gently twisting Paul’s arm around to get a good look. Jack peered at it. It was well done, the black lines crisp and clear, and was starting to peel slightly. It needed another coat of A&D ointment.

 Paul glanced at Jack, and felt the need to explain himself. “I realize that I’m in the US Air Force, but I’ve pledged myself to Earth. Tau’ri. A few people have been getting them.”

“No, Daniel,” Jack immediately said.

“I didn’t….”

“I know, but I happen to like your skin the way it is,” Jack said. “Preventive measures.”

“Do you like the sun freckles across his shoulders?” Paul asked him.

Jack nodded. “Yeah, I do,” he said. “Sometimes I make pictures with them. Connecting the dots.”

“And then he claims he has to be the one to scrub the marker off because he’s the one who made the mess,” Daniel told Paul. “At least he uses the washable markers.”

Paul laughed. “I never thought about using a marker, that’s good.” 

“You know, maybe the two of you working together isn’t such a good idea,” Daniel suggested.

“Nonsense,” Jack stated with another royal wave of his royal hand. “I still have a lot to learn about this guy stuff, and Paul will be an excellent source of information. What else is a good assistant for?”

Daniel looked at them, eyes widening in fear. “Uh huh. Paul, we need to have dinner. Soon.” Jack ordered him out.

“Paul, any particular reason you want to beg off the California trip?” he asked a bit later. “We need to check on that new monitoring center. I really need you with me.” He was looking at the email Davis sent him. With both of them running around, it was easier to communicate by email. Jack really didn’t need to do this himself, but he was asked nicely by Gen. Maynard to personally visit the new monitoring stations as a good will gesture to the various cities. 

There were twenty going up all over the world; they couldn’t count on the Heaven’s Bow staying in orbit indefinitely as their fly-swatter. The first station to be completed was in Northern California near the Nevada border. The station gave jobs to about ten locals and six military personnel. How hard was it to sit on one’s ass and watch a monitor 24/7? Jack was told to get civilians involved, make ‘em feel useful, so he was.

“Sir…. Emerson is my home town,” Davis reluctantly told him. “My parents haven’t spoken to me since I came out, and my father and I in the same town is not a good thing.”

“Well, I appreciate that, Major, but we’re not visiting with your parents,” Jack told him.

“Actually, we are, sir,” Davis said. “You’ve been invited to dinner with Mayor Davis and please bring your party with you.”

It took Jack a moment. Davis was such a common surname, it didn’t occur to Jack to question it. “I see. Yes, that could be a problem. Alright, you’re excused, I’ll take someone else.”

Jack took Daniel. And was overly solicitous as they met the mayor. He sometimes held a hand at Daniel’s back, touched his hand a few times, brushed a crumb from Daniel’s shirt, and ‘accidentally’ called him ‘honey’ once as he slid an absent arm around the back of Daniel’s chair. 

Silar, Jack’s choice to check the new West Coast Solar System Monitor, paid them no mind, having years of experience with these two and their shenanigans. Jack had warned him not to mention the major.

The guys noticed that Paul looked like his mother, Rita. Thankfully, he didn’t have her annoying, nasal voice, which she used to bombard the men as she extolled the virtues of their town. They had two synagogues, and although they had only one rabbi to share between them, they had a rabbi. Rabbis were in short supply and had to be shared between multiple temples, unlike Christian houses of worship who couldn’t get on without a man of the cloth in each and every one. 

She said something in Yiddish and Daniel winced, automatically correcting her pronunciation. She wasn’t happy with the correction, but she went on, telling them about the high family values of their town and that their local school board was about to approve the Intelligent Design class for all their schools. They were an open-minded town and felt that it was inappropriate to include the discussion in science class, but it should be part of the Earth History courses. Daniel gave her the title of a series of books that did a good job at breaking down as many creation stories as could be found by the printing of the books, and it was on a junior high to high school level, so….. Mrs. Davis told him they’d be using the Old Testament, but thank you for your suggestion; the children didn’t need to know about other religions halfway around the world, just the ones here. Daniel said the Old Testament came from halfway around the world. Mrs. Davis wasn’t happy with Daniel.

“General O’Neill….,” Mayor Ed Davis started.

“Jack, please,” Jack invited, waving a hand. Daniel was amused by Jack the butch queen.

The mayor cleared his throat. “Jack… may I express a concern?”

“Certainly, Ed.”

“My concern is the new rules for military personnel. We’re a strong nation, and I’m afraid these new protocols will weaken our boys and girls, and through them, our country.”

Jack nodded, frowning in hard thought. “Yes, I understand, Ed, I’ve had a lot of folk come up to me with concerns. All I can say is I’m doing my best to bring us up to, or surpass, the strength of our enemies. I’ll be honest with you, Ed, it’s sheer luck we’ve held our own all this time. With minds like Dr. Jackson’s,” patting Daniel’s hand and giving it a squeeze, we are jumping ahead at astonishing rates. 

“I have to give large credit to my assistant, Major Paul Davis; he’s been invaluable. He negotiates with world leaders and alien allies and we come out on top every time. He held the fort during the Colorado battle, took my place at the SGC while I was on the field. He’s gone on off-world missions with us and saved my ass more than once. Pardon, ma’am. He’s even had a hand in the creation of our space ships. That boy is brilliant. 

“Our allies are very happy with our progress, actually they’re amazed at the speed we’ve become a galactic power. Nine years, and we’re kickin’ alien butt. Ma’am. This isn’t public knowledge, Ed, but one of the gods recently dropped in for a visit, and when I told him I wasn’t giving up what he wanted, BOY was he pissed. Ma’am.” Jack crossed his legs primly and examined his nails.

“….if the major can keep that boyfriend of his in line, relatively, I certainly trust him with MY office…”

“….Oh, Daniel and I have known each other a long time. We’ve only recently gotten together, though; he was dating Major Davis for a few years…”

“….kids these days, I tell ya; I don’t know WHAT my son is doing. I don’t think he knows what he’s doing. Teenagers. Is it Cassie or the major, Cassie or the major, on and on... I grant you Major Davis is cute, but really!...”

“…thank you, Ed, the new offices are perfect, and they went up so fast! Davis orchestrated the entire thing, from building and remodel, to getting all the personnel hired. There isn’t one other person I would rather have as my right hand; in fact, the general I stole him from is pretty upset with me. He kept our Pentagon offices running, too….”

“…I’m not worried about China; the major will whip them into submission. So to speak….”

Their SF escorted them to the waiting car after dinner.

“Do you know how completely evil you are?” Daniel asked him. “I give you an eight on the evil purity scale.”

“Daniel, what a nice thing to say,” Jack cooed and patted Daniel’s butt as he handed Daniel into the car.