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Part 7 - Hammond [by Jmas]
Looking at the pitifully changed form of young Jackson on the bed. I'm more convinced than ever that civilian's have no place on SG field teams. They simply don't have the training and discipline required to deal with the things that are 'out there' on the other side of the Stargate.
Colonel O'Neill is looking at me like I've suddenly become the enemy in this situation, now I just have to convince him that he's wrong. I'm just trying to protect Jackson...just like he is. With a sigh that he doesn't bother trying to conceal, O'Neill steps into the hallway with me and slouches against the wall, making it clear in that insolent gesture that he doesn't intend to go any further from his young charge.
I take a deep breath before speaking; I'm not looking forward to this...
"Colonel O'Neill, as of now, Daniel Jackson is off SG1."
O'Neill straightens up in a hurry at that, an argument forming on his lips even as he completes the move. "Sir...."
I hold up a hand to cut him off. "No arguments, Colonel. That's an order. He can remain with the SGC if..." Even I don't have the heart to finish that statement, but I continue quickly, "But all civilians are hereby removed from active field duty."
O'Neill looks at me in poorly concealed derision, shooting a glance back into Jackson's room. "Sir, this isn't Daniel's fault...."
I find my own anger growing at that, "Then whose fault is it, Colonel? Would any of you have fallen for this? I can understand the first time...it saved his life. After that, he chose...."
"No, sir...he didn't choose. That woman manipulated..."
"A civilian." I say it in my best 'no arguments' voice. "The subject is closed, Colonel. The SG teams will no longer have civilian members." I soften my voice a bit, I know what Jackson has come to mean to SG1. "Colonel, it really is for the best..."
"He's right, Jack..." It's Jackson's voice.
We both spin around to see the disheveled young man clinging to the doorway with trembling hands. He looks at me with eyes dim from pain, hollow with exhaustion and other things I can only guess at. Somewhere in those eyes, that I've never quite been able to read like O'Neill can, I see a mountainous guilt that is just as quickly hidden.
"I don't belong on the team, anymore...." The boy's, and he really is little more than a boy...too damn young, too damn trusting, voice fades on the last word.
We both see it coming, but O'Neill reacts more quickly and reaches Jackson's side just in time to catch him as he falls.