Insights

Rating: Young Children

Warnings: Language

Episodes: Takes place during 8th season. Refers to: Meridian, Legacy, Prometheus Unbound, Stargate the Movie, Forever In A Day, Secrets, Maternal Instincts, New Order.

Summary: A mission goes terribly wrong for Daniel leaving his future in doubt

Don't own em', don't make no money from 'em,don't wanna be sued.

I've used Luke as the mess hall man,I couldn't remember if the name was given on the show or in a fic,if it's the latter,no infringement intended.

DAY 1

General Jack O'Neill walked to the elevator nodding to his subordinates. Three teams, including SG-1, were off-world, no one due back for at least a day. He'd planned on snagging a cup of Daniel's coffee, he had the best on the base, then getting back to his multiplying paperwork. He'd just stepped onto the elevator when the klaxons sounded, his hand came between the doors and they opened again, he hustled back to the control booth.

"It's SG-1, code red." Harriman informed him.

"Medical team to the gateroom." Jack called over the P.A. system then went down. His stomach fell seeing Carter and Teal'c help Daniel through.

"What happened?" Dr. Brightman asked arriving.

"Something sprayed him in the face." Carter answered.

"Did you flush his eyes?" Brightman asked taking a look.

"Yes."

Jack saw Daniel's eyes were closed tightly, Teal'c held Daniel's hands to his side.

"Daniel, I need to check your eyes." Brightman said.

The archeologist didn't respond.

"Alright, let's get him to the Infirmary." The medic instructed.

Teal'c helped Daniel onto the strecther, Jack went with them and waited alongside for the diagnosis.

Jack turned as the door opened, he stepped over with Teal'c and Carter right behind.

"I've got him sedated, we flushed his eyes again and bandaged them. I want to give it a day and see how his vision is then...if there are problems I'd like to call in an Ophthalmologist."

"Whatever he needs." Jack nodded.

"Can we see him?" Sam asked.

"I think it would be good for someone to be there when he wakes, he's likely to be disoriented and even panicked with his eyes covered." Brightman agreed and motioned them inside the room.

"O'Neill, are you coming?"

"I'll be along in a minute."

The Jaffa nodded and followed Sam.

"Are you alright General?" Brightman asked.

"How are his eyes? You mentioned an ophthalmologist?"

"They don't appear to be damaged but we're dealing with something foreign here. As I said, if there are problems I want a specialist to take a look."

Jack nodded and folowed her inside.

Daniel appeared to be resting easy, of course he was sedated so no surprise there, but his face was pale.

"How long will Daniel remain asleep?" Teal'c asked

"At least a couple of hours, certainly long enough for you two to shower, have post exams and eat something."

"Someone should stay--" Sam started.

"I will." Jack replied settling into the chair.

She looked at him hesitantly.

"You two go on." He ordered.

Sam touched Daniel's hair and folowed Teal'c out.

She went to the locker room and undressed then walked to the shower cubical, turning on the water she stepped under the spray.

You hear that?

No.

I'm gonna check it out.

I'll stay here.

Sam walked out of the room where Daniel was to investigate the noise when she heard the gut wrenching scream, she ran back inside, shocked to find Daniel writhing on the floor, hands covering his face. She ran over to her fallen teammate as Teal'c arrived.

ColonelCarter?

Get his hands from his face! Daniel!

BURNS!

She grabbed her canteen and forced Daniel's eyes open when Teal'c held his hands from his eyes, she rinsed them and allowed him to reclose them.

Get him to the gate, keep his hands off his eyes!

She grabbed Daniel's gear and turned back around to find Teal'c already had him on his feet heading for the doorway.

We need to get him home fast!

They walked hurriedly to the gate, grateful it wasn't far from the small village they'd come to investigate. She quickly dialed home and sent their code along with the one to indicate it was an emergency.

"God Daniel, I'm sorry." She sobbed into the water.

Teal'c showered in the men's locker room, his mind replayed the events leading to his friend being in the Infirmary.

I will check the remaining rooms.

Okay, Daniel and I will be here.

Teal'c nodded and left his teammates to the ruins, one studying them, the other guarding him. He was in the second room when he heard the scream and ran back to find his friend on the floor, ColonelCarter running to his side.

She ordered him to hold Daniel's hands away from his face and he pulled them down holding them firmly, having to fight the agitated man who wanted nothing more than to cover his face again.

DanielJackson, you must allow us to help you.

He watched the Colonel wash the younger man's eyes with the water she carried.

His concern for his friend grew with his hitched breath, she ordered them home and while she gathered Daniel's things he helped him to his feet and started for the exit.

We need to get him home fast!

Teal'c nodded, he could tell their younger friend wasn't really with them.

They walked quickly and he was relieved when she got the gate open and they rushed through to get him the medical help he needed.

I should have remained with him...perhaps I might have protected him from this.

Sam went back to the Infirmary where Dr. Brightman gave her her post-exam and cleared her. She went to Daniel's room and watched him from the doorway, guilt-ridden.

"Have you eaten ColonelCarter?"

"No."

"Those were Dr. Brightman's orders."

"I'm not hungry."

"I understand, but it has been many hours."

"Go ahead."

"Please join me."

"Teal'c."

He looked at her.

"Fine." She sighed and left with him.

"So I was gonna raid your supply...that's when...when you came home."

Jack studied his friend with worry.

Please God, don't take his sight. He needs his eyes to study his rocks and stuff. But...if he is blind...we'll get him through the changes.

"I promise Danny, whatever happens we'll get you through it." Jack rubbed his arm.

Daniel sighed deeply. He felt sore, his eyes felt funny. Soft. He tried to open them but couldn't. Moving a hand he tried to touch them.

"Hey, it's okay."

"Sam?" He mumbled.

"Yeah, you're in the Infirmary."

"How do you feel Daniel?"

Brightman? Yeah, that's right.

"My...eyes?"

"We covered them, I want you to leave the bandages on overnight."

" 'kay. Tired."

"Go back to sleep." Sam replied brushing his hair lulling him back into unconsciousness.

"I need to update the General." Brightman said.

Sam nodded and watched her go then turned blurry eyes back to Daniel. She quickly wiped the tears away.

Have to think positive...even if...no! He'll be fine. He's always fine. Like when he ended up with a fatal dose of radiation on Kolowna? She squeezed her eyes shut and forced that awful memory away.

"Dr. Brightman says Daniel awoke." Teal'c joined her.

"Just for a minute."

"You blame yourself for his condition."

"I was in charge."

"I should not have left his side."

"You were checking the rest of the building out. I should have called you."

"I do not understand."

"I thought I heard a noise... I left him for a second..."

"You were attempting to determine if there was a threat."

"So were you."

"Then we should put this behind us and help him recover."

Sam nodded after a moment.

They turned back to Daniel and waited for him to wake again.

It was late evening when Daniel surfaced again.

"DanielJackson."

"Teal'c?"

"Yes."

"Time?"

"A few minutes after 2000 hours."

"After eight." Daniel sighed.

"Do you require anything?"

"Some water?"

"I will retrieve it."

"Thanks."

Teal'c poured him a glass and moved it to his hands. He watched Daniel spilll some onto himself as he tried to drink it.

"Damn it." Daniel muttered.

"It is water DanielJackson, I shall ask the nurse to bring you a new top."

"Thanks." Daniel held out the glass to him.

Teal'c took it then notified a nurse who helped Daniel change.

"I'm going back to sleep."

"I will remain by your side."

Daniel slid back down and Teal'c pulled the covers up, it wasn't long before he heard the younger man's breathing even out and knew he was again asleep.

"Sleep well Daniel, I am here."

DAY 2

Jack walked to the door of Daniel's room and stopped upon hearing his voice.

"No."

"Daniel, your friends would want to be here."

"No! Just do it now before they get here."

"General O'Neill--"

"Is not the patient! Now get on with it!"

She noticed Jack and turned to him, he gave her a nod to proceed.

"Alright. I want you to keep your eyes closed until I tell you to open them, okay?"

Daniel nodded.

Jack watched her remove the bandages then the gauze pads from his eyes, she walked to the lights and turned them down then went back to Daniel.

"Alright, open your eyes."

Jack held his breath as the blue eyes made their appearance.

"Daniel?" Brightman asked.

"I can't see anything."

Jack closed his eyes and leaned his head against the door frame.

Brightman checked his eyes and frowned.

"I'm going to rebandage your eyes and call a specialist."

Daniel nodded silently.

She gently touched his shoulder and set to work.

"I'm kind of tired."

"Get some rest." She replied once she'd finished and helped him settle back into bed.

She walked to the hall where Jack was waiting.

"Tell me what you need to get the specialist here."

"I've already spoken to him...in the off-chance...he's ready to come, he'll just need transportation from L.A."

"I'll get on the phone to their base."

"I'll let him know." She nodded and headed down the corridor.

Jack walked back to the door and looked in to see Daniel curled on his side and silently rocking.

We're here Daniel and we're going to do whatever you need to help you.

With that vow he headed for his office to make the call to L.A.

"Thank you General, I will. Bye."

"You wanted to see us sir?"

"Daniel's blind."

"How...?" Sam asked.

"He had Brightman do it before you arrived, I got here early and went to see him and overheard them."

"So what are we going to do?"

"Brightman arranged for a specialist, he'll be here after lunch."

"Daniel must be scared...I would be."

"We should go and see him, offer support." Teal'c replied.

"He could use some cheering up." Jack nodded.

"I brought him some cookies." Sam held up the bag.

"Comfort food is good." Jack agreed and walked them to the door. "Tell him I'll be down later."

"We will sir."

The pair left heading for the elevator.

"If that specialist can't..." Sam sighed.

"If DanielJackson does not regain his sight, we will help him adapt."

Sam nodded and they boarded the elevator in silence.

"Dr. Macall will be here this afternoon, he'll run several tests on you eyes, you'll probably be pretty tired afterwards."

"Fine, the sooner he gets me seeing the better."

"Hey."

"Hi Sam." He smiled.

"DanielJackson."

"Sorry Teal'c."

"We brought cookies."

"Great, the I.V. doesn't have any flavor so cookies sound good. Coffee too?"

"Sorry."

"Guess it's juice."

"It's better for you anyway. I'll be back later Daniel." Brightman replied and left.

"O'Neill said he would come by later."

"I'd have him bring the chess set but I'd be at a disadvantage." He smirked.

"Daniel..."

"Sam?"

"We know about this morning." She said softly.

"Oh. Well, it's just temporary."

"If it's not--"

"It is!"

Teal'c and Sam exchanged a look.

"May I partake of a cookie?" Teal'c asked.

"Only if you give me one."

Sam handed one to each man.

Daniel reached around for the tray for the glass.

"Here let me."

"I've got--"

They both hit the juice glass and it spilled onto the tray and the bed.

"Oh God Daniel! I'm sorry!" Sam said and yanked the covers back.

"It's okay." He said through clenched teeth.

"A little accident? I'll get new bedding." A nurse said seeing the mess.

"Did you get juice on you DanielJackson? Shall we change your top again?"

"No! I'm fine." Daniel smiled tightly.

"What do you mean again?" Sam asked.

"Water spilled last night." Teal'c answered.

"Oh." Sam bit back tears.

"It's no big deal." Daniel replied.

"Here we are, new sheet and cover." The nurse returned, got Daniel out of bed and quickly changed the soiled bedding, she tucked Daniel back in. "Anything else Dr. Jackson?"

"No--"

"More juice." Sam said.

"I'll take care of it." The nurse nodded and left.

Daniel pulled the covers loose so he could move.

"Daniel..."

"What?"

"What happened on the planet?"

"I uh...was looking at a ruin when you left. I took my glasses off to rub my eyes... I got sprayed with something...it burned. I sort of remember you guys getting me home."

"More juice." The nurse smiled placing it in his outstretched hands, making sure he had a firm hold before letting go. "If you need anything else use the call button."

"Yeah, okay." He nodded and heard her walk away. Too bad I don't know where the damn thing is!

"Does your face still hurt?"

"Not so much." Daniel replied and sipped the juice, he put the glass between his legs and picked up his cookie nibbling on it.

There was an awkward silence where Sam and Teal'c exchanged several looks.

"Did someone get my stuff? My notes are on my tape, I need to make my report out."

"How are you going to write up a report when you can't..." Sam silently cursed herself seeing his reaction.

"I can still do my job!"

"Daniel--"

"I don't really feel like company anymore." He replied and started to slide down under the covers.

Teal'c rescued the juice and cookie before the bed would need to be remade again.

"Rest now, we will return later." He said to his friend.

"Whatever."

Teal'c motioned an upset Sam out dropping the barely touched cookie into the trashcan by the door.

"How could I be so stupid?!?" She berated herself when they reached the hall. "He needs to know he's still important here and what do I do?!? I question it, that's what!"

"It was a valid question, one he will need to find an answer to."

Daniel hugged himself tighter as he heard their footsteps fade.

I will see again, damn it! How can I be an archeologist if I can't see?!? What kind of life could I ever hope to have as a blind man?!? I could never work here! Well as Jack would say, that's not an option! I will see again! I will!

He hugged himself tighter willing his eyes to heal.

"O'Neill--damn it! I'll have the usual places checked--hold on." Jack said looking up to see Walter.

"Sir, Dr. Jackson is in his office and is refusing to leave it."

"We found him, I'll get him back to you!" Jack hung up with Brightman and stalked out of his office.

Walter hated to be in Daniel's shoes right now.

Jack stepped off the elevator and plodded down the corridor to Daniel's office.

"Please Dr. Jackson, your hand is bleeding."

"I don't care! I--"

"Do! Dismissed Airman!"

The subordinate nodded and hurried off, not wanting to be included in the glare he was giving the doctor.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?!?"

"Writing my report."

"You're going back to the Infirmary, right now!" Jack said grabbing the pen from his hand.

Daniel felt around the desk and came up with an unsharpened pencil.

"Damn it Daniel!"

"Let me do my job Jack!"

"You can't right now!" Jack snapped then took a breath."Look, the specialist will be here soon, just go back until then...you're bleeding from where you pulled the I.V. out" He added grabbing some kleenex from the desk and applied it to Daniel's hand. "Come on Daniel." He coaxed laying a hand on his shoulder.

Daniel sighed heavily, put the pencil down and let Jack take him back.

"There's my wayward patient."

Jack heard the displeasure in Brightman's voice and started to feel a little sorry for Daniel until he remembered it was the man's own fault and he did deserve the rebuke in her voice.

"Let's get you back into bed, on the I.V. and then I'll get you some lunch." She ordered, they both helped him then she turned to Jack. "General, can I get you some lunch?"

Jack started to say no when he saw her eyes flick to Daniel and wondered if she was concerned for him or worried he would try to escape again.

"Sounds good, thank you."

She nodded and left them.

"So..."

"So?"

"What's up with the escape?"

"I have a job to do."

"Okaaaay."

"Sam said I couldn't write my report since I can't see. I can Jack!"

Jack placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Aside from this little escapade, how are you holding up?"

"I'm fine."

"Daniel--"

"The doctor will help me and I'll get back to work."

"And if he can't?"

"He will."

God Danny, I hope you're right about getting your sight back, but if you're not... we're gonna have some serious talking to do.

"Lunch for two."

"Thank you Lt. Evans."

"You're welcome sir. If you need anything Dr. Jackson, just use the call button right here next to your hand." The nurse said placing it next to his left hand.

"Thanks." Daniel gave her a small smile.

"You're welcome." She replied and left.

"Do you need some help?" Jack asked watching Daniel feel around the tray.

"No."

"Okay, looks delicious." Jack said and mentally kicked himself, he glanced at Daniel who didn't seem to notice his faux pas as he attempted to eat the jell-o on his plate.

"Damn it! What the hell is this?!?" Daniel cursed after a third unsuccessful try to get it with his fork.

"Jell-o."

Daniel dropped the fork.

"There's potato salad on the left--"

"I hate potato salad!"

"And macaroni on the right."

"How the hell am I supposed to eat this?!?"

"I could feed--"

"Don't you dare finish that sentence! Take it away, I'm not hungry anyway!"

"You gotta eat Daniel."

Daniel held up his arm with the I.V.

"Tell you what, I'll call down and have them send a sandwich over."

"Whatever."

"Be right back." Jack gently slapped his leg and walked to the phone on the wall, he made the call and went back to Daniel's bedside.

If Jack didn't know better he'd think Daniel was sleeping but you don't share a tent with someone for six years and not know their breathing patterns, Daniel was full of nervous tension. He laid his hand on Daniel's arm in silent support.

"Don't suppose she gave me coffee."

"Nope."

"Didn't think my nose was gone too."

There was silence between them until another voice broke it ten minutes later.

"General."

"Ah, lunch is served. Thanks Luke." Jack nodded and took the sandwich, he held it against Daniel's hand and was pleased when he took a bite.

"How're you doing Dr. J?"

Daniel swallowed quickly.

"I'm fine."

"That's good, we're all thinkin' 'bout you down in the mess."

"Thanks."

Luke nodded and saluted to Jack who returned it then the man hurried off.

"A lot of people are thinking about you right now."

"I'm fine."

"Well if you find you aren't fine, you can talk to me, you know that right?"

"Yes Jack." Daniel said and took another bite of sandwich.

Jack watched him a long moment then turned to his own lunch.

Sam and Teal'c came upon Jack in the hall outside the Infirmary.

"O'Neill?"

"The specialist is in there with him, he didn't want me there."

"Just like this morning." Sam said.

Jack nodded and leaned against the wall.

Jack checked his watch and silently sighed, thirty minutes already.

They looked over as the doctors came out.

"Well?" Jack asked first.

"I can't find anything wrong." Macall answered.

"Daniel's blind." Sam frowned.

"So he believes. When I checked his eyes this morning there was normal pupil response." Brightman replied.

"DanielJackson would not lie." Teal'c eyed her.

"He's not. It's called Conversion Disorder, more widely know as hysterical neurosis--"

"Like hysterical blindness?!?" Sam asked the specialist astounded.

"Care to fill me in here?" Jack frowned.

"This disorder is an overreaction to an experience or situation." Macall replied.

"From what I understand, and this certainly isn't my field, doesn't this usually happen to someone who is high-strung?" Brightman asked.

"Daniel's not high-strung!" Jack defended.

Teal'c, Sam and Brightman looked at him.

"Okay, fine, maybe he is a little." Jack conceded.

"The point is that the person reacts to severe stress by developing physical symptoms without any organic disease."

"So Daniel isn't blind at all?" Sam asked.

"Not in my estimation. In this disorder the person is trying to escape from a stressful situation. Find out what it is and I think you'll see his eyesight start to return. I recommend psychotherapy. A psychiatrist should be able to get to the root of the problem."

"I'll call Dr. MacKenz--" Brightman started.

"No!"

"General--"

"He misdiagnosed Daniel once, Daniel won't tell him anything." Jack shook his head.

"Getting him seeing again hinges on sympathetic, patient psychotherapy." Macall replied.

"We need to find someone he's comfortable with." Sam said.

"That may be difficult." Teal'c replied.

Jack frowned but nodded.

Daniel felt around for the bed, his breathing labored.

They think I'm faking it?!? That it's all in my head, just like when Ma'chello... how could they believe I'm a headcase?!?

He bumped into the tray of instruments and sent it clattering to the floor.

"You okay?" Jack asked reaching him first.

"I'm fine."

"Daniel we need to talk--"

"Hey, you promised I could go back to work after Dr. Macall checked me out."

"Daniel--"

"You gonna break your promise?"

"No." Jack shared a look with the others and led him toward the door.

Once in Daniel's office Jack sat him down at his desk.

"Daniel, I want you to see a psychiatrist."

"Whhhhy?" Damn you Jack!

"To deal with all this."

You mean my Conversion Disorder? That's a load of bull Jack!

"Daniel?"

"Do I even get a say in this?"

"You get to decide on the therapist."

"Not MacKenzie!"

"Already figured. We'll find you someone you can really talk to, okay?"

"Sure." We'll play your way...for now.

Jack silently sighed with relief, he thought he'd have an uphill battle.

This will help Danny, I promise.

He watched Daniel feel around his desk for the pad of paper he was using earlier.

"Here it is and a pen too." Jack put them into his hands. "You left off...um... 'the ruins look Celtic in nature'."

"Thanks." Daniel put the pen to paper.

"No, here, start here." Jack moved his hand to the proper place to pick up the thought.

Daniel began to write then paused.

"Are you going to stay here all day?"

"Don't like my company?" Jack joked.

"Don't you have a base to run?" Daniel countered.

"Yeah." Jack sighed. "If you need anything..."

"I know how to use the phone."

"Right. See you later then."

Daniel nodded.

Jack walked to the door and looked back, after a moment he stepped into the hall.

Daniel heard Jack's voice, though he couldn't make out the words he could imagine them.

'Keep an eye on Dr. Jackson, make sure he's okay, take a quick peek every so often. If there's something wrong notify me immediately, etc., etc., etc.!'

God Jack, I'm not helpless! But I am a headcase, right?!?

Daniel rubbed at his eyes and rested his head in his hands.

"You okay?" Sam asked.

"I'm fine." He replied lifting his head.

"Are you sure Daniel?" Teal'c inquired.

"I'm trying to get some work done guys."

"Okay...we'll see you later?"

"Sure Sam."

"If you need anything--"

"I know."

"Okay...well...we'll go...leave you to work..."

Daniel started writing, pointedly ignoring them and finally he heard their footsteps retreat to the door, they stopped a long moment then echoed into the hall.

Daniel sighed, wishing they would all just leave him alone and let him do his job.

"I thought you should be apprised sir. Yes, we're looking into therapists right now. Yes, it is a very stressful job...I pray the therapy helps him as well sir. I'll keep you updated sir and pass along your well wishes to him. Thank you sir. Good-bye." Jack sighed and hung up the red phone. He'd spent the last twenty-five minutes explaining Conversion Disorder and that Daniel's blindness was stress related and convince him not to put Daniel on disability retirement because he was still an asset to the program. They just needed to get him to open up for his sight to come back.

That's a big if...if he even suspects we think this is in his head he'll shut down on us and... and he'll never get better.

Jack dropped into his chair tiredly as the phone rang.

"O'Neill. Great, send her over." Jack replied then called the front gate.

Brightman had been in touch with MacKenzie and he'd sent a therapist who was familiar with the SGC program.

Let's hope Daniel likes her and we can get him on the road to regaining his sight, Jack thought as he went to get Daniel and take him to the Infirmary.

Daniel put his pen down and stood, he slid out from behind the desk, using his hands to find his way, he bumped into a work table and flinched, bruise on my leg for sure. His hands hit something and it fell off the table and broke. He knew by the sound of it that it was pottery, he cursed and lowered himself to the floor to clean it up.

"Hey!"

Daniel was startled and lost his balance ending up on his butt.

"Damn it Jack!"

"You're gonna cut yourself, I'll get maintenance to clean it up."

"I can do it myself!"

"You have an appointment."

"What?"

"The therapist is here. Come on." Jack helped him to his feet and led him out.

They arrived and Jack saw a petite, raven-haired woman with Brightman.

"General, this is Dr. Lori Bogart, Lori, General O'Neill and Daniel."

"Nice to--"

"It's Dr. Jackson." Daniel corrected.

"Well, nice to meet you Dr. Jackson, you can call me Lori."

Jack looked at Daniel who's face was set in stone.

"Can you give us a minute?" He requested.

"Let's get everyone some coffee." Brightman led the woman away.

"Daniel--"

"I don't like her."

"You met her two seconds ago! Give her a chance." Jack said exasperated.

"You said I got to pick my therapist!"

"Meet me half-way here! One week. If you still don't like her we'll get someone else."

Daniel frowned.

"Come on. We want you to get better."

"Well unless she's got a healing device in her bag of therapy tricks my sight is not coming back with her."

"She'll help you--" Jack cut himself off before he let slip the reason she was really here. "...to cope with being sightless."

"I'm coping fine Jack and the word is blind. I am blind."

"Daniel!" Jack hissed.

"Jack!" He retorted.

"Do I have to make this an order?!?"

Daniel snorted derisively.

"It's this or disability retirement, your choice."

Daniel clenched his jaw angrily.

Jack knew he was playing dirty but damn it he wanted his best friend well again!

"One week Jack, not a minute more!"

"Good." Jack laid a hand on his shoulder. "Look Daniel, coffee." He grinned as the women returned.

"So tell me what you do here Dr. Jackson."

Well,'Lori', I gate to other planets, sometimes we have to face off against parasitic aliens who'd like nothing better than to take over my body and my planet!

All this flitted through his head but he answered differently.

"I'm an archeologist."

"That must be difficult at the present moment."

No shit, Sherlock!

"Yes, it is." He answered civilly.

"I understand it's very stressful..."

Subtle.

"It can be."

"Just a few weeks ago he was held prisoner on one of our ships by a hijacker."

Damn you Jack!

"I've been through worse." He gave Jack a glare, hoping it was in the right direction.

"I'd like to hear about that time, is there someplace more comfortable we could talk?"

More like I talk, you listen, right doc?!?

"Why not your office Daniel, you'll love it, he's got all these rocks--"

"Artifacts!"

"He's got better coffee too, no offense Dr. Brightman."

"None taken General." She chuckled.

"Sounds perfect." Lori answered.

Yeah, invade my sanctuary! Perfect!

Jack took his arm and escorted them up a few levels, he told her all about Daniel on the way, who was none to happy with his friend by the time they arrived. Jack helped him to a chair.

"Wow you have a lot of things here." She commented.

"I need them for my work."

"I'll leave you kids to chat."

"Thanks Jack."

Jack sighed hearing the distinct lack of gratitude in his voice.

"I'll be back in a..."

Lori held up two fingers.

"...couple of hours." Jack finished and headed for the door. He looked back and sighed again at his friend's closed off face and had a sinking feeling Daniel was gonna be more stubborn than ever. He prayed the shrink could get through to Danny.

"You have a lot of books."

"As I said, I need them for my work."

"I understand you keep journals of your missions?"

He heard her walk over to the bookshelf.

"That's correct."

"Are these it?"

"Well I can't see them, you'll have to tell me."

"You're very angry."

"You're invading my privacy."

"I'm here to help you."

"Cope with my blindness."

You hesitated a second too long doc.

"Yes."

"I feel like I'm coping fine, I'm not in denial, I've lost my eyesight and I accept that--"

"Do you? It's only been a day."

"I adapt very quickly." He retorted.

"You've had to do that a lot since you were eight haven't you?"

"I see someone's done their homework."

"The first mission to Abydos..."

Daniel clenched his fists under his desk hearing the pages of a mission report being turned.

"Wow! This was quite a mission...you were married to the chief's daughter?"

Daniel's face softened and his hands found the photos on the desk.

"She was beautiful...her death must have been difficult for you."

Where are you going doc?

"It was."

"Did you get a chance to say good-bye?"

"Yeeees." He answered slowly.

"You delivered her child didn't you?"

Oh...now I see where you're headed...when I said she told me to find Shifu on Kheb when Amonet was using the ribbon device on me. That was all in my head too, Sha're didn't contact me did she?!? Shifu wasn't on Kheb, was he?!?

"Dr. Jackson? I asked--"

"I delivered her son."

"That couldn't have been easy for you."

"It wasn't."

Daniel grew tired of her attempts to probe his psyche and told her what she wanted to hear, he'd had to go through counseling as a child and learned how to determine what the shrink wanted and give it to them so they'd leave him in peace.

"You kids get all chummy?"

'bout damn time Jack!

"Dr. Jackson and I traded stories."

That what you call it now?

"Great. So you'll be back again...?"

"Tomorrow, same time."

"Okay. Daniel?"

"Can't wait." Daniel gave them a fake smile.

"The airman will show you out."

"Thank you." She nodded and left.

"Things go okay?"

"Yes Jack, I'm all better, see?" Daniel gave him a fake smile.

"Smartass."

"Ask a stupid question." Daniel retorted.

"Come on, it's dinner time."

"Not hungry."

"Carter and Teal'c are waiting in the mess." Jack took his elbow.

"Damn pushy Generals." Daniel snapped but stood.

"Rank has its privileges." Jack retorted and led him away.

"They have arrived."

Sam hurried over to Daniel and guided him to their table while Jack got their dinner.

Okay, skip the jell-o...and the potato salad, no macaroni either...ah!

"How did your therapy go DanielJackson?"

"Fine."

"They'll talk more tomorrow." Jack added sitting. "For your dining pleasure, Dr. Jackson, we have beef cubes and roasted potatoes and the ever popular coffee."

"Thanks." Daniel nodded and Jack set the plate in front of him. He felt around and found the silverware, picked up the fork and found a piece of beef which he speared and managed to get into his mouth.

"You have a little sauce there." Jack reached over and wiped his chin.

None of them notice Daniel grip his fork a bit tighter.

"Hey, how ya doin' Daniel?"

"I'm fine Ferretti."

"If you need anything just give a shout to SG-2 okay?"

"Thanks."

Ferretti patted Daniel's shoulder and rejoined his men.

"Eat up." Jack tapped his hand.

Daniel ate a few more bite and finished his coffee before placing his fork down.

"You're not done." Jack said.

"I told you I wasn't hungry."

The trio shared a look and Jack shrugged.

"Let's get you cleaned up." Sam took a napkin to his lips. "There you go."

"Can someone take me home?"

"Give me an hour and I'll take you back to my pla--"

"My home Jack."

"Daniel--"

"I'll have to go back sometime, the sooner the better."

"If you remained on base I could assist you through the evening." Teal'c offered.

"Now that's a good idea T." Jack smiled in agreement.

"I want to go home."

"Come on Daniel, stick around here for a few days where we can help you." Sam rubbed his arm.

Daniel knew he couldn't win so he nodded.

"Excellent." Jack did his 'Mr. Burns' impression making Sam chuckle and Teal'c raise an eyebrow.

For now Jack, just for now, Daniel thought to himself as he heard them go back to eating.

"Here we are, one VIP room, your civies and an extra uniform are in the closet."

"Thanks."

"There's an airman outside so if you need anything just open the door."

"Alright."

Jack walked to the door and stopped.

"Night Daniel."

"Night."

The General left and closed the door softly.

"Welcome to the rest of my life." Daniel murmured and started to undress.

DAY 3

Teal'c knocked on the door and waited, when there was no answer he opened the door and stepped inside concerned...until he heard the shower. He heard it turn off and the door opened a moment later, Daniel walked out with a towel wrapped around his waist and felt his way into the room.

"DanielJackson."

"Teal'c! You scared me half to death!" Daniel gasped, his breathing labored.

"I am sorry. Do you require help dressing?"

"No."

He watched as Daniel made his way to the dresser. The younger man, much younger by Teal'c's age, had a muscular upper body from working with weights the last several years. Teal'c recalled the embarrassment his friend would have had back then at being seen in only a towel. He had blushed the first time the male trio half of SG-1 showered together after a mission. Time and friendship had done much to ease his modesty.

"Damn it Jack!"

"Is there a problem?"

"No underwear!"

"I believe O'Neill put it in the dresser next to the closet. I shall retrieve a pair for you."

"I'll do it myself." Daniel muttered and felt his way to the dresser. He located the boxers and pulled them out then on tossing the towel away when finished. Teal'c watched him feel out the closet door and open it.

"Your uniform--"

"I'll find it myself!" Daniel snapped.

He felt along the clothing, recalling wearing jeans, tee and jean jacket along with hiking boots when he reported for work.

God, was it only two days ago I went blind?

His hands stilled as that thought washed over him.

"Do you need assistance?"

"No." Daniel pulled himself from the memory and let his fingers roam over them again, he found the overshirt, tee and pants together and pulled them out. He knelt down and swept his hand over the floor.

"Your boots are by the bed."

"Yeah...I put them there last night." Daniel rose with a sigh.

"Socks are in the underwear drawer." Teal'c said.

"Thanks." Daniel nodded and located a pair then took everything to the bed where he dressed under the watchful eye of Teal'c.

"I am hungry, let us eat breakfast."

"Whatever."

Teal'c took his arm and led him to the mess hall

"Hey Dr. J, got fresh waffles here."

"I...I think I'll do cereal today, thanks Luke."

The cook nodded and got him a bowl of cereal.

"Coffee?" Teal'c asked.

"Are you seriously asking?" Daniel frowned.

Teal'c poured a cup and placed it on his tray then placed Daniel's arm on his own and led him to a table.

Daniel felt out the chair and sat down to eat.

"Morning campers, sleep well?"

"Indeed I did, did you DanielJackson?"

"Fine."

"No waffles Daniel?"

"No."

Jack silently sighed seeing Daniel's disposition was the same as the day before.

"Morning sir, Daniel, Teal'c."

Jack and Teal'c nodded their acknowledgement while Daniel continued to eat.

"They have waffles Dan--"

"I didn't feel like waffles okay?!?" He snapped.

"I'm gonna get some breakfast, you coming Carter?"

"Yes sir." She answered quietly.

Daniel heard their footsteps retreat and sighed silently. He really wanted the waffles but how was he supposed to eat them without making a mess? He couldn't tell if syrup was dripping or not and if it did Sam and or Jack insist on cleaning him up as if he were a child! He pushed the bowl away and located the coffee.

Teal'c studied their friend, eyes that were so normally expressive, revealed nothing now. His face was closed to his emotions as well. Teal'c wondered if they would ever see that openness again.

"Fruit Loops, the only way to start the day." Jack said sitting next to Daniel.

"For you sir." Sam grinned sitting down with her waffles.

They talked as they ate, trying to draw Daniel into the conversation but he said little.

Teal'c escorted him to his office and left an airman outside the door.

Daniel sighed, relieved to be alone for a little while. He made his way to the television on the worktable and turned it on, the only work he could do were verbal transcripts and since he had none of those... he sighed again and settled in to listen to T.V.

Sam took a deep breath as she reached Daniel's door, she felt like she had to walk on eggshells around him, no matter what she said he seemed to get angry. She heard voices and peeked inside to see him slouched in front of the television.

"Anything interesting?"

"Some country has declared war on another country. Too bad we can't show them what's out there." He tossed his hand out and hit the cabinet behind him. "OW! Damn it!"

"Let me see."

"It's nothing! What do you want?"

"It's lunchtime."

"Your turn to take me huh?" He rose.

"We like your company."

"I'm sure." He retorted and held out his arm.

Sam bit her lip and took it.

"I think they're having fish."

"Won't Jack be happy."

"I'm sorry." She said softly.

"For what? You didn't do this."

I should have seen how stressed you were, I'm your CO, that's part of my job.

"Sam?"

"Huh?"

"We going to lunch or what?"

"Oh! Yeah, sorry." She led him out

Lunch was the foursome again with Daniel saying little and eating less.

Sam took him back to his office and said she'd see him at dinner then left him.

Daniel mentally prepared himself for 'Lori' and another day of head shrinkage.

"Afternoon Dr. Jackson."

"Doc."

Here we go...

Jack looked up at the knock on his door, surprised to see Dr. Bogart.

"Seen Daniel?"

"Just came from there."

"And?"

"The last two days I've asked him about Vala...he dances around it."

"You think that's the stress?"

"I understand he keeps personal journals besides mission logs?"

"Yeah."

"I'd like to take a look at that one."

"That's private stuff doc." Jack said hesitantly.

"I need to know what he's thinking General and he's not been forthcoming."

"Okay, I'll...I'll think about it."

"I know you feel like you'd be breaking his trust...but in the long run you'll be helping him." She said and left.

Jack hated to pry into Daniel's feelings but he wanted him well again.

"General, General Thompson is on line two."

"Thanks Walter." Jack sighed and picked up the phone.

DAY 4

"Tell me about Vala."

"I told you yesterday and the day before, there's nothing to tell."

"She held you prisoner and tortured you."

"I've been through worse."

Ain't that the truth, Apophis comes to mind several times, Jack thought as he listened in.

"I'm getting the sense you don't want to remember her."

"I'm getting the sense you're obsessed with her!" Daniel retorted. "What does she have to do with my coping with blindness?"

"You tell me."

"Okay, I will! Not a damn thing! You see, Vala wasn't there when I went blind! So can we drop it?!?"

She's right, that has to be the source of his blindness.

Jack had done some reading up and learned that a lack of sight from the stress could be the patient's way of avoiding the problem. In this case Daniel getting held prisoner again. Daniel loses his sight, ergo he can't go off-world and then he's safe.

God Daniel, I'm sorry but I have to do this.

Jack quietly left, changed and went to Daniel's house to find the journal that held his feeling about Vala.

"Excuse me ma'am, General O'Neill asked me to escort you to the briefing room when you were finished with Dr. Jackson."

"Thank you." Lori nodded and followed the airman upstairs.

"The General will be here soon ma'am." He said and left her there.

Lori nodded and walked over to the window looking down on the stargate.

The stress from not knowing what they're walking into has got to be enormous. I'm surprised we haven't seen more cases like Daniel's.

"It wasn't there."

"Excuse me?" She turned to see an out of uniform General O'Neill.

"His last diary wasn't at his place. It's either in his office or still in his pack."

"Can you get it, I really think that mission is the one."

"Yeah." Jack sighed.

"I know you don't like intruding on his privacy but--"

"It'll help him, I know. If he ever finds out he'll never forgive me. No, he will forgive me, that's how he is and then I'll feel even worse."

"You're a good friend to him aren't you?"

"He's a good friend to me." Jack half-smiled.

"Then be a good friend and do what you have to to help him."

"I will."

She nodded.

"Let me walk you out." Jack ushered her to the door.

"So she thinks Vala's the catalyst?"

"Daniel's been close-mouthed about the experience." Jack nodded.

He'd gone back over the report and realized it was extremely cut and dried, very un-Daniel like.

Teal'c exited Daniel's room.

"DanielJackson is asleep."

"Okay, Carter, search his locker and pack, Teal'c and I will go through his office."

"I know this is to help him but..." Sam started.

"It feels an intrusion into his mind." Teal'c finished.

"Look, I feel the same way but this may be the only way to help him." Jack sighed.

"Then we have to do it." Sam nodded and headed down the hall.

Jack led Teal'c toward the elevator.

"I have not found it O'Neill."

"Me either." Jack looked at the shelf and the twenty books they'd already gone through.

"No luck sir." Sam reported joining them.

"It has to be around here somewhere!" Jack hit a fist off the desk.

"O'Neill."

"I'm okay T." He replied rubbing it.

"O'Neill."

Jack and Sam looked at him and he picked up a book from under the papers Jack had dislodged.

"Figures." Jack muttered as Sam took the ledger.

She turned to the last page with writing and quickly read it, she turned to the previous page then several before it.

"Carter?" Jack frowned.

"Nothing." She replied.

"ColonelCarter?"

"There's nothing about Vala or even that mission in here." She looked at them.

"Damn it, what do we do now?!?" Jack scowled.

"We must inform DoctorBogart." Teal'c answered.

"Yeah, the fact he hasn't written about it could tell her something too." Sam agreed and put the journal back on the desk.

"Alright, I'll let her know before session tomorrow." Jack sighed.

DAY 5

He didn't write about that experience? It's more traumatic than he's willing to admit... even to himself.

Lori steeled herself for a battle, today she would get him to talk about Vala.

"Afternoon Daniel."

"Dr. Jack--"

"--son. So you've said but aren't we past that Daniel?"

She saw his jaw muscle tighten.

"So tell me about Vala."

"Here we go again."

"Why are you so afraid to talk about her?"

"I'm not afraid--"

"You're afraid she'll come back and hurt you again?"

"In case you missed the official report Dr. Bogart, I got the upper hand."

"After you were shot and she alternately beat you up and came onto you. That must have been confusing, an enemy that didn't just physically hurt you but tried to use sex to bend you to her will."

"It didn't work."

"This time. But she's still out there...she could come back, hurt you again...have her way with you..."

"And this has to do with my blindness how?"

"Denial isn't going to help you."

"Neither is this! We could talk about Vala til were both old and grey and I'll still be blind!"

"You need to talk--"

"You need to listen! Vala didn't do this! Something got into my eyes and left me blind on P3X-409!"

"Daniel--"

"Get out! We're finished!"

She didn't move.

"Fine! If you're not leaving then I am!" He snapped and felt his way to the door. "Airman!"

"Sir?"

"Get me out of here!"

"Sir?"

"I need some air."

"Yes, sir." The airman nodded and took him up top.

Jack stepped into the sunshine and the guard nodded to the left, Jack walked over and found the airman, he nodded for him to go back.

"It's been a week Jack."

"It's only been three days."

"Well it feels like it's been a week! She acts like Vala showed up and blinded me!"

She didn't have to show up, she's been there with you all along Danny.

"You owe me four more days."

"Four days, four weeks, four months...it won't change that I'm blind."

Yes it will if you just let her help you!

"Come back okay?" Jack asked calmly.

"No. I don't want to deal with her again."

"Daniel--"

"Jack, please! No more today." Daniel sighed.

"Okay, I'll send her home...for today." Jack massaged his shoulders. "You are so tense, I'm gonna have Teal'c give you a massage."

Daniel allowed Jack to lead him back inside and to Teal'c's room.

"O'Neill, DanielJackson, how may I be of help?"

"Daniel needs one of your incredible Jaffa massages."

"Please enter."

Jack handed him off and went to speak to Dr. Bogart.

Teal'c sat Daniel on the bed, had him remove his overshirt then told him to lay face down, he began rubbing the muscles loose and smiled to find a short time later that Daniel had fallen asleep, he placed a light blanket over his friend and settled in to meditate.

Daniel lowered the camera and took off his glasses to rub his eyes, he heard a grinding noise and looked up.

He jerked upright screaming, hands going to his face.

"You are safe Daniel." Teal'c soothed.

"Oh God! My eyes!" Daniel cried.

Teal'c held his hands down.

"Hear me, you are safe, do not fear."

"Teal'c?" Daniel gasped, shaking.

"Yes."

"Oh...God...I remembered..." Daniel dropped his head and shuddered.

"What did you remember?"

"How...this..." Daniel motioned to his face.

"Because of Vala."

"No! What is it with Vala?!? She wasn't there!"

"You have not spoken of your encounter with her."

"I'm still working on it." Daniel answered and stood, he started to move away.

"Where are you going?" Teal'c rose.

"To see Brightman."

Teal'c grabbed his arm and steered him to the door so he wouldn't knock over the lit candles.

"I will assist you."

"Fine, let's go."

"Daniel, Teal'c, is everything okay?" Dr. Brightman asked when they appeared.

"I want a cane."

"A...cane?"

"For what reason DanielJackson?"

"This." Daniel held up his arm where Teal'c had hold. "I need to get around on my own."

"I don't...have one here...I'll need to call the Academy Hospital."

"The sooner the better."

"Okay, I'll look into it."

"Thank you. Food James."

"I am not James."

"Just take me to the mess hall."

"As you wish, please explain this James to me."

"On the way."

Brightman chewed her lip as they left, she had a call to make.

Daniel sat on the bed when Teal'c took him back to his room after dinner. He wasn't tired but there was no work for him to do so why go back to his office? Feeling around he located the radio and turned it on.

I Can See Clearly Now

"Sure, just rub it in!" He muttered and turned it off.

He turned at the knock on the door.

"Come in."

"Hey, you eat?"

"Yeah."

"Daniel?"

"Ask Teal'c!"

"Okay. You need anything before I go to the mess?"

"No."

"Alright, see you in the morning." Jack started to close the door. "Oh! There's a couple new uniforms in the closet."

"Thanks."

"No problem. Night."

"Goodnight."

Jack closed the door and Daniel turned the radio back on and changed for bed.

DAY 6

"Dr. Brightman, my cane?"

"It'll be here tomorrow."

"Good, thanks." He nodded and turned.

"Daniel?" She called.

"Yeah?"

"How are you?"

"I'm fine."

"You can talk to me, you know that right?"

"I'll remember that. Take me to my office please." He requested of the airman.

Dr. Brightman sighed deeply wanting to help him but knowing Daniel had to be the one to open up.

"Whatcha doin'?"

"Watching CNN." Daniel deadpanned. "You know you really learn a lot by listening."

"Something you wanna talk about?" Jack asked lightly.

Come on Daniel, please open up to me.

"Is there any translating work for me? I hate earning a paycheck for watching CNN."

Jack's face fell but he kept the disappoinment out of his voice.

"Sorry, nothing yet."

"Oh." Daniel sighed.

"You want to get some lunch? I have it on good authority they're serving meatballs."

"Sure, why not." Daniel stood and let Jack lead him out.

They ate then Jack returned him to his office where Daniel sat and waited for the shrink to arrive.

He frankly was tired about all the questions about Vala. Okay, so I hadn't completely worked out what I felt about what happened but my blindness is real, not connected to her! Why won't they see that?!? Because the 'experts' think it's all in my head and Vala got into my head and I made myself blind so I wouldn't have to go off-world and face her again. As if she scared me! I've faced Apophis, Hathor...if I was gonna freak out it would have been over that! Anubis, Relicator Carter...was another one,s he did kill me after all! How am I gonna convince them I really am mentally stable? A slow smile came to his lips as an idea took shape.

"Afternoon Daniel."

"Lori."

"How do you feel today?" She was silently delighted he'd called her by name.

"Like talking about Vala."

"You do?" She asked shocked.

"You've been pushing me to and I'm finally ready."

"Well...good...so tell me all about it."

"Okay." Daniel hid his smile and gave her a literal blow-by-blow account of his encounter with Vala.

"You okay?" Jack asked looking up and see the doctor at his door.

"Daniel just told me everything that happened on the Prometheus."

"He did? That's great!" Sam beamed.

"Bad?" Jack asked.

"It wasn't pretty."

"DanielJackson will recover his sight now. Thank you DoctorBogart." Teal'c nodded to her.

"He did it himself, I came in and he said he wanted to talk about it."

"Wow!" Sam uttered.

"Yeah." Jack frowned.

"Sir?"

"I wonder what finally made him do it?"

"He did say he was still working on it himself, perhaps he had done that and was ready to speak of it." Teal'c offered.

"I'm just glad it happened and he'll start to get better."

"As are we all ColonelCarter." Teal'c smiled.

Daniel sat back in his chair and smiled, he could imagine she had run straight to Jack.

Now when my sight doesn't return they'll realize it's not in my head and that I really am blind and it's from something on P3X-409!

He got up and made his way to the coffee maker and poured a cup, lifting it to his lips he took a sip...and gagged.

Stupid! I haven't changed the filter since before the mission! Apparently neither has anyone else! I need coffee!

Daniel made his way to the hall.

"Sir?"

"Mess hall."

"Yes, sir." The airman replied and took his arm.

Just one more day of this, Daniel silently sighed and let himself be led away.

DAY 7

"Hey Daniel, wanna grab some..." Jack sauntered in then trailed off seeing the office empty.

He frowned realizing the airman was gone as well, he walked back into the hall hearing tapping. Walking down the hall toward the sound he rounded the corner and halted, a frown touched his face seeing Daniel using a cane, the airman walked just behind him.

"Sir!"

"Airman. Whatcha doing Daniel?"

"Learning to get around on my own Jack." Daniel replied as he kept tapping.

"Do you really think you need the cane?"

"I can't have someone escort me everywhere."

"We don't mind." Sam joined them.

"I do. Oh, I'm also going home today. My fish are probably dead." He sighed.

"Daniel you should stay--"

"Don't Jack."

"Okay, so what time do you plan on going?"

"After lunch...which must be soon, I'm getting hungry."

"It is indeed lunchtime."

"Hail, hail the gangs all here." Daniel replied hearing Teal'c. "Are we at the corner Paul?"

"Yes sir."

"Good, thanks for your help."

Jack nodded his dismissal and the airman left them.

"Let us take you to lunch." Jack started to reach for his arm.

"Good, let's get moving." Daniel turned and caned his way back down the hall.

"Maybe we should help you." Sam said as they caught up.

"407."

"Four-hundred seven what DanielJackson?"

"The number of steps from that corner to the mess hall."

"Impressive." Jack replied.

"As you can see, I'm not helpless." Daniel said and continued on his way.

"It's--" Jack spoke up as they reached the junction and Daniel stopped.

"Don't." Daniel cut him off, he listened a long moment then turned right and led them away.

"Daniel?" Jack asked.

"At that juncture I know labs are one way and the mess is the other, I just listen to the voices and other sounds to tell me which way is which."

"Wow. How did you learn all this so quickly?" Sam asked.

"For six months I had a foster sister who was blind, she told me how she got around."

Who'd have thought his fostering would have such an impact later on? Jack mused as they reached the mess hall.

"So where'd you get the cane from?" He asked pushing the door open for them.

"Dr. Brightman, Daniel requested it two days ago." Teal'c answered.

Daniel retrieved a tray from the stack and got in line.

"Hey Dr. J, what can I get you?"

"What do you recommend Luke?"

"Turkey, mashed potatoes...russets sir...," he said to Jack who nodded, "and pudding."

"Load me up." Daniel nodded.

"I'll carry that for you."

"No, I need to do it myself Sam." He said gently.

"Okay." She nodded.

They watched him carry his tray to a table then lower it until it was sitting on the table, he tapped his way to the coffe maker, poured a cup and made it back to his seat unaided.

"Wow!" Sam shook her head with a smile.

"He's been practicing all morning ma'am."

"Explain." Teal'c ordered the server.

"He was here when I came in at 0600."

"Let's get some lunch kids." Jack ordered and they filled their trays and joined Daniel.

They talked and ate, Daniel joining in, much to their joyful surprise.

Sam couldn't help but wonder if talking about Vala had done more than bring the promise of returned sight.

"So, can I get a car to take me home?"

"Nope."

"Jack--"

"I'll do it."

"Okay, thanks." Daniel nodded and sipped his coffee waiting for Jack to finish lunch.

"See you tomorrow?" Sam asked at the doorway.

"If I get a lift."

"I'll send a car." Jack replied and Daniel nodded.

"Do you need assistance?"

"No, thanks for the offer Teal'c." Daniel shook his head.

"Then I too shall see you tomorrow." Teal'c bowed to his friends and started away.

Sam squeezed his hand and followed.

Daniel started tapping, leading Jack the other way.

"So you count the steps?"

"Yep."

"Where have you been so far?"

"The Infirmary to my room, room to office, office to mess hall, office to elevator, various combinations of the above."

"You've been busy."

"I wanted my independence back."

You'll get it back in more ways than you realize Daniel, soon, I hope.

"Jack."

"Hmm?"

"We're here."

"Oh, so we are." Jack opened the door.

"I'm gonna change into my civies." Daniel said and made his way to the closet, Jack watched in admiration as Daniel deftly pulled his own clothes from among the uniforms, he went into the bathroom, returning a few minutes later in his jeans, he went back to the closet, found his boots then pulled them on, laced them up and stood. "Okay, I'm ready, I need to get my keys and wallet from my locker."

"Been there yet?"

"No, didn't figure it was high on the places I would need to get to."

Not yet anyway Dannyboy.

"Let's go then."

"Hold out your arm."

"Huh?"

"Jack."

"Okay, one arm out."

"The right one please."

"Uh...okay."

Daniel felt around and found the arm then placed his hand in the crook of Jack's elbow.

"Relax your arm a little. Good. Let's go."

Daniel tapped his cane as they walked feeling out the boundaries.

Jack watched with a frown, wondering if it was a good idea to have the cane.

Will he become so used to the cane it'll hinder his recovery? I'll have to talk to Brightman when I get back.

"Jack?"

"What?" He asked realizing they had stopped.

"Where were you?"

"No where."

"I asked if we were close yet?" Daniel frowned.

"Oh...uh...couple more yards."

Daniel nodded and they walked a bit further.

"We're here." Jack said and opened the door for him.

Daniel started forward.

"I'll get them." Jack said.

"Jack."

"Huh? Oh. You want to do it yourself."

"Got it in one." Daniel smiled and caned his way forward, using his left hand he felt out the lockers til he reached his, opening it he easily located his keys and wallet then closed it and turned. "Okay, I'm ready to go home. Arm please."

Jack obliged and they headed for the elevators.

"Let me try it Jack."

"Okay."

Daniel brushed his fingers over the buttons, pausing at one.

"This one?"

"Yeah."

Daniel pushed it, the doors closed and they ascended.

"I counted." He said.

"I figured."

They were silent the rest of the way to the eleventh floor, they got off and Jack signed out.

"We can wave it for you." He said and placed Daniel's hand back on his arm and started for the elevator again, he realized Daniel wasn't moving. Looking back he saw the frown.

"Give me the pen Jack."

Damn, he's upset with me.

Jack put the pen in his hand and Daniel adjusted it to write with.

"Put it on the line I need to sign out on."

Jack did that as well and Daniel scrawled his name on the sheet then put the pen down.

"Now we can go." He said offering his hand which Jack put back onto his elbow and they boarded the second elevator for the ground level, Daniel again pressed the button and they rose.

"Um...about before..."

"It's okay, just don't do it again."

"I guess things have changed."

"Not so much...just don't treat me like I'm helpless, okay?"

"I'll try."

"That's all I ask."

"So what time do you want to be picked up tomorrow?"

"Seven. Can you call me at six? I'll have to work on the whole clock thing."

"No problem."

They stopped at the ground floor and walked to Jack's truck, he helped Daniel into the cab, after okaying it with the younger man first.

"My truck's still here isn't it?"

"Yeah."

"Guess I should sell it...save myself the payments and insurance."

"Why don't you uh...hold off on that for a little while."

"Last I heard it was illegal for a blind man to drive...though it could be interesting." Daniel half-smiled.

"Don't do that!"

"What?"

"That!"

"If I can't laugh about my situation who can?"

"Just..."

"Don't?"

"Yes! And you're not selling your truck!"

Daniel sighed and rested his fingers on the folded cane.

God Jack, how are you going to deal with my blindness when you realize it's permanent? Guess I'll have to help you.

"Chez Jackson."

"Thanks." Daniel nodded and opened the door, he unfolded the cane and climbed out of the truck.

"I'll walk you."

"If you want." Daniel shrugged and made his way to the door, it took him a few minutes to get the right key into the lock, Jack patiently waited knowing Daniel would be upset if he offered to do it for him. Once inside Daniel took a moment to visualize the layout in his head and made his way to the fishtank. "So tell me, are they floating on top?"

"Um...yeah."

Daniel sighed and started away.

"Where ya going?"

"Get something to put them in."

"Can I help?"

"You can scoop."

"Okay."

Jack watched Daniel make his way to the kitchen, locate a plastic container then cane his way back. He picked up the scooper.

"One fish," Jack dropped it into the bowl Daniel held out,"two fish...red--"

"Jack."

"Number three in the bowl." Jack said dropping it in.

Daniel slowly made his way to the bathroom and Jack stayed behind to give him some time to say good-bye, when he didn't hear a flush after several minutes he walked back there.

"You okay?"

"Yeah...just..." Daniel sighed, closed the lid and flushed the fish away then tossed the bowl into the trash.

"Wanna get some more fish?"

"Maybe in a few days." Daniel shook his head and led Jack back out.

"You wanna order pizza?"

"We just had lunch Jack."

"Yeah...right."

"Go back to the base."

"I could stick around a while."

"I'll be fine alone."

"You sure you wanna stay here? My place isn't that far--"

"Jack."

"You're determined to do this." Jack sighed.

"I'll see you tomorrow."

"Okay." He sighed again and headed for the door where he turned,"Are you sure--"

"Jack!"

"I'll give you a call at six."

"Thanks, bye."

Jack closed the door and Daniel turned.

"Teal'c could stay--"

"JACK!"

"I'm going." Jack mumbled and closed the door, Daniel caned his way over and locked it. Hearing the doorknob rattle a second later he smiled then made his way to the couch and sat down, glad to finally be home.

Dr. Brightman finished treating Siler and was surprised to turn around and find Jack there.

"Do you need some help sir?"

"I need to talk to you."

"Okay, Sergeant, if you feel any headaches or dizziness I want to see you back here."

"Yes ma'am." Siler nodded and left.

"Let's go into my office General."

Jack followed her there.

"Coffee?"

"No, thank you."

"What did you need to see me about?"

"Daniel using a cane."

"I had my concerns as well, that's why I spoke to Dr. Bogart. She doesn't feel it will be detrimental to his recovering his sight, especially now that he's talked about the key stress factor in his condition."

"Okay. So how long before he starts to see again?"

"That we don't know. She does want to give it several weeks."

"Alright." He nodded and turned for the door.

"I know you're anxious but patience is really needed here."

"With Daniel, patience is always needed." He tossed back as he left.

Dr. Brightman smiled and shook her head.

Daniel wrinkled his nose and tossed whatever was making the smell into the nearby garbage can. He had decided to get a little snack and realized it had been over a week since he'd been home and the food most likely wouldn't be consumable, if he valued his health, which he did. Once he was finished emptying the fridge he gathered the rest of the trash and took it to the curb using his cane to find his way along.

"Mr. Jackson?"

"Afternoon Mrs. Meyers."

"You're using a..." The older woman trailed off.

Daniel liked his neighbors, really, but Mrs. Meyers was, to put it politely, a busybody, who knew everything that happened to everyone on the block...and didn't hesitate to tell everyone else.

"I lost my sight in an accident at work."

"Oh...you poor dear."

"There's my phone,I need to get that." He said and turned toward the house, grateful for the distraction from her sympathic noises.

"Oh...al...alright."

Daniel caned his way back into the house just as the machine picked up.

'Daniel? You okay? Answer the phone buddy!'

"I'm fine Jack, don't be so worried." Daniel replied picking up.

"Where were you?!?"

"I took the trash out."

"We could have done that when we get there."

"When you get here?"

"We're bringing dinner, that boudoir place you like."

"It's Boudreaux, a boudoir is a bedroom Jack."

There was a moment of silence then Jack spoke again.

"I was just testing you. We'll be there around six, about three hours."

"Alright, see you guys then. Grab some drinks too, I don't know what I have."

"Will do, see you in a few."

"Okay." Daniel hung-up and sighed.

Jack is going to mother hen me again. Well, maybe it will help him to accept my blindness. Probably should clean up...can't see it anyway, he shrugged and went back to the livingroom where he sat down and turned the television on. He found CNN and listened to the reporters discuss Iraq.

Daniel jerked awake and turned to the door hearing the bell a second time.

Must have dozed off.

He got to his feet and caned his way to the door and opened it.

"Is it six already?"

"No Mr. Jackson, it's only four-thirty."

"Oh, Mrs. Meyers...I thought you were my friends."

"I brought you some dinner. Roast and potatoes. Mr. Meyers always finds it tasty after a stressful day."

"Oh...thank you." He held his hand out.

"It's still warm so you can eat it now."

"Thanks." He nodded planning to put it in the fridge.

She made sure he had a good hold on the container before letting go.

"Oh and you should always ask who it is before answering your door."

"I'll remember that, thank you again." He replied and closed the door locking it.

He took the container to the fridge then pulled a mug from the shelf and went to the coffee maker, he was glad he'd invested in one that attached to the water line so he only had to pour the beans in and the rest would do itself. He poured a cup and put the pot back then took a sip and smiled, an hour and a half til Boudreaux's, I can almost taste that cajun now.

"Come on Jack, this is the one time I wouldn't mind you being early."

"There are no lights on in his house." Teal'c mentioned.

"He knew we were coming." Jack frowned.

"Maybe he went out with friends." Sam suggested and received a look from the pair. "Right, what am I saying." She murmured.

"Grab the food." Jack said sorting through his keys as he climbed out of the truck.

They followed him to the house and he let them inside with the key Daniel had given him when he first moved in. Jack turned on the lights and called out to their friend.

"Let's check the other rooms." He said and headed down the hall.

Sam and Teal'c checked the kitchen and yard, coming up empty they returned inside.

Jack checked the bathroom then looked in the bedroom and found Daniel laying on the bed.

"Wakey, wakey, dinner's here." Jack said turning on the bedside lamp.

"Hmm?" Daniel stirred.

"Up and at 'em Daniel." Jack patted his socked foot.

"What?"

"Jumbalaya awaits."

"Jack?"

"The one and only."

Daniel sat up and yawned.

"Sorry, took a shower and guess it made me sleepy." He said and unfolded his cane then stood and led Jack out into the livingroom.

"There you are!" Sam said relieved.

"Hey guys, fell asleep."

"Then you should be hungry."

"I'm starving Teal'c."

"Have a seat." Jack said and got the plates out.

"We brought beer." Sam said.

"Not that stuff Jack likes." Daniel made a face as he sat.

"Hey, I heard that!"

"I got your kind too." Sam whispered loudly.

"Thanks." Daniel grinned.

"Let's eat kids." Jack returned to them.

Daniel smelled each item and picked out the ones he liked, Sam opened the beer for him and they commenced eating.

"Hey, before you go, I need to ask you something."

"What?" Jack asked.

"Hold on." Daniel said and made his way to the bedroom.

"What do you think is up?" Sam wondered.

Jack shrugged and they waited, Daniel returned a minute later.

"Okay, ready?"

"Yeah." Jack frowned as Daniel turned his back to them, a moment later he faced them again.

"On...or off?"

Sam smiled, Jack rolled his eyes and Teal'c arched an eyebrow.

"Well?"

"Off." They said in unison.

"Really?" Daniel pulled the sunglasses off.

"Goodnight Daniel." Jack replied and led them to the door. "Don't forget to lock up."

"See you guys tomorrow." Daniel smiled.

SEVERAL WEEKS LATER

Daniel caned his way to the briefing room, he was in a good mood having just finished a translation. Hearing Jack's voice he came to a stop.

"It's been almost a month and he still doesn't have his sight back!"

'I've been in contact with Dr. Brightman and I have an idea about that.'

"And? Well?!?"

'I think this is bigger than just one mission...I think Daniel being at the SGC is detrimental, the stress is enormous on him.'

"What do you suggest?" Sam asked.

'Put him on leave and I want to see him on a regular basis.'

What?!? Jack don't listen to her! Please!

"Will this get his sight back?"

NO!

'Yes, I believe so.'

JACK!

"I want what's best for him." Jack sighed deeply.

'I'd like to start seeing him tomorrow.'

"I'll go and tell him." Jack replied and hung up.

"Daniel will not be pleased." Teal'c uttered.

"I know." Jack agreed.

"We have to do whatever it takes to help him." Sam said softly.

"I need to go tell him--"

The klaxons went off.

Daniel made his way to the table and ducked down as they exited the office heading for the control booth. His heart was pounding as he rose once he was sure they were gone. Making his way out and to the elevator, hands shaking he pushed the button as he stepped inside. The lift took him to the eleventh floor where he had to get off, sign out and board another elevator for the ground level.

"Hey Daniel."

"Ferretti."

"Leaving?"

"Not feeling so good."

"Maybe we should see the doc--"

"No! It's just a little stomach ache,I want to go home."

"Okay. You need a ride?"

"Yes...yes."

"I'm not on for another hour so I'll take you."

"Thanks."

Ferretti escorted him to his car and they left the base.

"You look a little pale, you sure about this?"

"If I feel bad later still I'll call."

"Okay."

The major chatted to him all the way home and insisted on walking Daniel to the door.

"Thanks Ferretti." Daniel unlocked his door and went inside.

"See you tomorrow."

Daniel waved half-heartedly and closed the door.

"How are they?"

"The Major took the brunt of the blast, he'll be out of commission for a while, the others suffered relatively minor injuries."

"Glad to hear it." Jack nodded. "Keep me updated on Rogers, I'll be by later to see him."

"Yes,sir."

Jack left the Infirmary and got on the elevator and pushed sixteen. Once there he slowly walked to Daniel's office, his stomach churned at what he had to do but if it was the only way to help him then Jack would do it. He took a deep breath and stepped inside...only to find it empty. Wonder where he is? Guess I'll come back later... Chicken! Okay, so I don't relish the idea of my best friend being totally pissed at me, sue me! I will do what needs to be done for him! Jack took the elevator down to his office and found another load of paperwork on his desk making him sigh.

"I wonder if he talked to Daniel yet?"

"If not perhaps we should be there to offer our support."

"To Daniel or the General?" Sam sighed.

"Both." Teal'c replied.

"Let's go to the General's office."

Teal'c nodded and followed her out.

They had just stepped off the elevator on level 27 when the klaxons sounded.

"Ferretti going out." Sam nodded.

"O'Neill will be there."

They walked to the control booth.

"SG-2 you have a go. God speed."

Ferretti nodded and led his team up the ramp, he stopped and turned back.

"Problem?" Jack called.

'Just wanted to let you know Daniel wasn't feeling well so I ran him home before I came on duty.'

"Thanks." Jack replied and the team disappeared into the wormhole, it shut down a second later, Jack turned and saw his friends. "I'm gonna call him, wanna come?"

The trio went to Jack's office.

"You have not spoken to him about Dr. Bogart then?" Teal'c inquired.

"No and I won't do it over the phone so mums the word." Jack replied to Teal'c and dialed.

'Hello?'

"Heard you weren't feeling well." Jack said and put Daniel on speaker phone.

'Oh...you know...just my...Conversion Disorder!'

"What?" Jack gaped.

'You heard me!'

"Daniel--" Sam tried.

'NO! Poor Daniel is just a headcase so let's get him out of the SGC! The stress has sent him into hysterical blindness! Funny, I told you Sha're spoke to me through the ribbon device and you all thought it was grief, then I get infected by Ma'chello's Goa'uld killers and you thought I was schizophrenic, now I lose my eyesight from a very physical injury but once again you don't believe me! I did fine before I ever met you and I will do fine without you now! Consider this my official resignation GENERAL O'NEILL!'

Jack winced as he heard Daniel slam the phone down.

"Perhaps we should go and speak with him." Teal'c suggested.

"Not right now, he's way too angry to listen. We'll wait a while, let the anger burn itself out."

"I could pick up some cook--"

Sam was cut off by a sparkling light.

"Thor." Jack nodded as the alien appeared.

"Greeting O'Neill, Colonel Carter, Teal'c."

"What's up?" Jack asked.

"We are in need of your assistance, it is the Replicators."

"Carter, T, get geared up."

"We need you as well O'Neill, your Ancient connection may prove useful."

"Let's help the little gray man with the cool ship kids."

Thor gave Jack a communications device then transported back to his ship while they went to pack.

Daniel gripped the phone feeling overwhelming rage.

Conversion Disorder, Macall said.

High strung, Brightman's voice.

Daniel isn't blind at all, Sam chimed in.

Daniel, I want you to see a psychiatrist, Jack added.

Tell me about Vala, Vala, Vala, Bogart echoed.

The last conversation between Bogart and his friends reverberated in his head.

Daniel turned and threw the phone across the room,his breath ragged as tears fell, he pulled the base out of the wall and pitched it as well then hit his cane off the bar, flung it and stumbled into a chair which was the next item to hurl. Daniel made his way to the livingroom and yanked books off the shelf and sending them flying. The pictures were smashed against the wall. The coffee table was upturned, lamps smashed on the floor. Daniel was gasping by the time he was done with his reign of destruction, tears now flowed freely as he fell to his knees and pounded his fists off the floor. When his anger was spent he laid on his side and darkness enveloped him.

3 DAYS LATER

"Lucy, I'm home." Jack said leading them back through the gate.

'Welcome back General and SG-1.'

"Thank you Walter." Jack nodded to him. "How goes it here Colonel Reynolds?" He asked the man who filled in during his absence.

'Everything's fine sir.'

"Good to hear that." Jack nodded and led the others out,"Shower, change, Infirmary." He ordered.

"Everything checks out, we'll see what the blood work says."

"I'll be in my office." Jack nodded.

"A word first."

Jack followed Brightman to her office.

"Dr. Bogart called yesterday, Daniel didn't show up."

"I didn't get a chance to tell him but he knew about the conversion disorder and her plans to pull him." Jack sighed.

"He didn't take it well?"

"As far as understatements go, that's a big one. He was really angry. A few hours of cooling off turned into a few days thanks to the Asgaard." He sighed again.

"I tried calling but the phone seems to be out of order. He didn't answer his cell so I went to his house, he didn't answer the door either."

"Thanks for letting me know...and for caring about Daniel."

"I've read Dr. Frasier's files, he's quite a man."

"Yes, he is." Jack nodded and left, he rounded up Carter and Teal'c to go with him.

It was twilight when they pulled up, going to the door they rang the bell and Jack called out but there was no answer so he let them inside with his key.

"What--?" Sam gaped.

"It appears Daniel was angrier than we believed." Teal'c looked at the smashed items.

"Shit." Jack murmured seeing the devastation Daniel had wrought. "Let's find him."

Jack took bathroom and bedrooms while Sam and Teal'c checked the kitchen and yard, they all came up empty.

"Do you think he left?" Sam asked worriedly.

"Perhaps he went to Catherine and Ernest." Teal'c suggested.

"I'll call." Sam reached for her cell as Jack shook his head walking among the debris in the livingroom, he turned to speak when something caught his eye, he bent down.

"Daniel!" He dropped to one knee and gently shook his pale friend. "Danny?"

Daniel laid tucked into a ball, oblivious to them.

"DanielJackson!" Teal'c boomed but got no response.

"Carter call and ambulance." Jack ordered after giving Daniel a light slap to the cheek that also yielded no response.

As Sam called Jack tossed his keys to Teal'c,once the ambulance arrived Jack went with Daniel and they followed after Sam told them to go to Cheyenne Mountain, she had also called ahead so they would be waiting. When they arrived, Brightman checked him then transfered him to their gurney and rushed him to the Infirmary.

Jack, Sam and Teal'c watched from the observation room as Brightman finished settling Daniel into bed, she joined them a moment later.

"What's wrong with him?" Sam asked.

"Physically, he's dehydrated and slightly malnourished...psychologically...he's extremely depressed."

"How may we help him?" Teal'c inquired.

"We started him on drug treatment, it'll take a couple of weeks to have an effect. He also needs psychotherapy."

"Well we saw how far therapy got him didn't we." Jack frowned not taking his eyes of his friends.

"General--"

"I'll think about it." He said non-commitally.

"May we sit with him?" Teal'c asked.

"Of course."

Brightman led them to his room, checked him again then departed leaving them alone with him.

"Come on Daniel, don't do this. It'll be alright, just trust us." Jack coaxed and squeezed his shoulder.

Teal'c took his customary place at the foot of the bed and Sam rubbed his other hand silently.

TWO WEEKS LATER

From the observation room Jack watched Dr. Bogart with Daniel. Physically he was better but mentally he wasn't any different than when they brought him in.

"You ready to go?" He asked turning at the bootsteps behind him.

"Yes sir." Sam answered looking at Daniel.

"I know you don't want to leave him but I need you out there." Jack apologized.

"We understand O'Neill and know you will look after our friend in our absence."

"I'll walk you."

Jack saw them off, with SG-9 in tow for a look-see at a planet of trees.

When Jack returned to the Infirmary Bogart was gone so he sat next to Daniel.

"Come on Daniel, talk to me." He pleaded gripping Daniel's hand. "We'll work this out... I promise I'll listen, just...damn it Danny!"

Jack sat for over an hour, coaxing, pleading, threatening, anything to get a response until the klaxons sounded forcing him to leave.

"I have to see what's going on, I'll be back--"

'Medical teams to the gateroom.'

"I'll be back soon." He promised and followed Brightman's team out.

"Let's get them to the Infirmary, call Warner." Brightman ordered.

Sam watched them load Teal'c and Lt. Dalton onto stretchers and hurry out.

"What happened?" Jack came over to her.

"We talked to the natives...tried to anyway...the whole language thing. Dalton wanted to shoot some video of the ruins we'd found so I sent Teal'c with him...about half-an-hour later Teal'c comes running back carrying Dalton, then there was a shout and all hell broke loose and we ran for the gate." Sam sighed.

"You okay?"

"Yeah. They were really friendly at first...I don't understand how this happened."

"Maybe there's an answer on there." Jack nodded to the camcorder she held.

"I'll take a look sir."

"Shower and p.m.e. first, briefing at 1300."

She nodded and left the gateroom.

Jack sighed,shook his head and followed to check on Dalton and Teal'c.

1300 HOURS

"Glad to see you up and about T." Jack said entering the briefing room and finding his seated.

"DoctorBrightman does not believe I need remain in the Infirmary."

Sam arrived and set the video up in silence.

"I do not know how we provoked them O'Neill."

"Carter?" Jack asked sitting

"I think the site was sacred to them." She replied quietly.

"So filming got the natives restless?" Jack sighed deeply.

"I believe so sir."

"Dalton just came out of surgery to repair internal injuries, injuries that could have been avoided."

"O'Neill?"

"We need way more intel next time damn it!" Jack shook his head and looked at Carter, who's own eyes were downcast. "Carter it wasn't your fault."

"I know sir, no one could have...no, that's wrong...Daniel would have..."

"Carter?" He asked gently, sensing there was more.

"Dalton got this tape from Daniel's office, Willowby told me."

"And?"

"There's...there's something else on it..."

"Let's see it."

Sam played it.

'...possibly a Mayan deritive...'

"Daniel." Jack whispered.

'There's a lot of grit...'

They saw the camera lowered, Sam braced herself...Daniel screamed.

"Jeez Carter! Turn it off!"

Sam paused it.

"Look at the footage sir." She said quietly.

"Carter--!"

"There appears to be liquid on the lens." Teal'c interrupted.

Jack looked at the paused film and saw it too.

"The lab tested the camera, there are traces of an unknown chemical." Sam said softly.

"It would appear Daniel was hit by the same chemical." Teal'c offered.

Jack rose and stomped to the window.

"Damn stupid son of a bitch!" He hissed.

"Sir?" Sam swallowed.

"That's what I am! I took the psyche crap over Daniel...again! No wonder he was so damn pissed. They told me it was all in his head, just like Ma'chello! "

"We know what happened, now we can--"

"What Carter?!? Daniel is so withdrawn we may never get him back. This is all my fault." Jack dropped his head.

"I too must share the blame O'Neill."

"We all do sir." Sam said as they joined him at the window. "None of us wanted to believe he was really blind...so we all chose to believe it was psychological. That must have hurt him deeply."

"We should apologize." Teal'c decided.

"What good will that do?" Jack groused.

"We will not know if we do not try." The Jaffa looked at him.

"Alright." Jack led them out and to the Infirmary.

"We saw the tape Danny. We know now that you were sprayed with something. We were wrong Daniel. You hear me? We were wrong and..."

"We're sorry." Sam finished when he trailed off. "Please forgive us and come back to us."

"DanielJackson, I have aggrieved you twice and you have found it in yourself to forgive me, can you not forgive me, us, now?"

The man in the bed remained silent.

"Damn it Daniel! We should have trusted in you. I should have believed you, I know that now!" Jack gripped his hand.

The trio stayed and continued to ask for his forgiveness.

Brightman looked back over his tests and then performed new ones but she could see nothing of the liquid that blinded him so she had no way of medically helping him.

As the days passed slowly, with no change in Daniel, Jack decided to take matters into his own hands.

"Up and at 'em Dannyboy!"

"General?" Brightman asked coming over.

"Sir?" Carter echoed arriving.

"Daniel's going on a little trip."

"I have brought the clothing you requested O'Neill."

"If you ladies don't mind we have a man to dress for a road trip." Jack said and pulled the curtain around the bed.

"Do you know what they're planning Colonel?"

"No." Sam frowned.

Guess this is why I had orders not to change when I arrived this morning.

"Get his shoes on T." Jack said and stepped out, he quietly told them his plan.

"General, I'm not sure this is a good idea, Daniel needs medical care."

"Take a good look at him Doc! I am not going to let him disappear inside himself on us, time for plan B!"

"I want him to remain on the I.V., wait here." She ordered and left them.

"I hope this helps, I want him back."

"We all do Carter, that's why I'm doing this."

Brightman returned with a wheelchair containing a pole, Jack and Teal'c helped the listless man into it and Brightman attached the I.V.

"Good luck." She bade hoping it would be what finally broke through Daniel's cocoon.

"We're taking a van?"Sam asked.

"For the wheelchair." Jack replied and rolled Daniel over to it.

Teal'c opened the door and pulled the ramp down then Jack rolled Daniel up into it, he belted the chair in and then belted Daniel into the chair and locked the brakes.

"Bet you're dying to know where we're going, huh Danny? Well you wanna know you gotta ask." Jack said and climbed up front to drive, Sam got in the passenger seat while Teal'c settled in beside Daniel.

They left the mountain and headed for the highway.

"Hey, there's a Starbucks at the next exit, bet you'd love a coffee eh Daniel? Just tell me if you wanna stop."

Teal'c watched their younger friend for a reaction but saw none.

Jack was silent for another fifteen minutes.

"Hey, I could go for a donut, how 'bout you Daniel?"

Sam looked back then shook her head at Jack who sighed softly.

Thirty minutes later, after several more unsuccessful attempts to coax him to talk they arrived at their destination.

"We're here kids." Jack announced then he and Teal'c got Daniel out and Sam held the door to the building open to roll him inside.

"General O'Neill?" A tall, blond haired man approached.

"Yes."

"I'm Troy Becker, we spoke on the phone."

Jack shook his hand and introduced Sam and 'Murray'.

"And this is Daniel."

"Hello Daniel, welcome to the center." Troy greeted warmly.

"Say hello to the man Daniel." Jack tried.

"It's okay, he'll speak when he has something to say to me, right Daniel?" Troy replied and got no response. "Let's take him inside."

Teal'c rolled Daniel into a large room where they saw several people and dogs, Troy motioned them to follow.

"This is where we train the dogs to act as guides."

They watched for several moments then he led them to another room.

"Here is where the students train with the dogs."

They saw several people, from small children to an elderly woman working in tandem with the dogs.

"Would you like a guide dog Daniel? You have to tell me buddy." Jack said softly in his ear.

Troy took them to a third room where a few dogs were romping around in a pen, there were a dozen or so workers as well.

"This is Mary, she helps train the dogs. Mary, this is Daniel." He introduced them then motioned for the others to follow him away.

"You think Daniel will respond?" Jack asked watching his silent friend from the outer window.

"Depression isn't uncommon after a sudden loss." Troy counseled.

"It's more than that, he was doing fine with it but we were told it was psychological then we recently discovered it was physical...just like he tried to tell us." Sam sighed.

"So he has to cope with blindness and his loss of trust in you." Troy frowned. "It's going to be harder, that trust needs to be regained."

"How do we do that?" Teal'c asked.

"You can't."

The trio turned to the man.

"He has to learn to trust you again, you can't help him with that." Troy apologized.

Mary glanced at the newcomer, if anyone could break through his wall it was a dog.

"Mary, could you give me a hand?"

She nodded and walked the few feet to the young man who'd called her.

A dog walked over to Daniel and nudged at his hand wanting to be petted. It licked Daniel's fingers... and was rewarded with a scratch to the ear. The dog, being a dog, understood the reward system: lick fingers, get scratched, so it licked more and was correctly rewarded with more scratching and petting.

Mary turned and smiled seeing the response, she came back to Daniel.

"Her name is Hebeny-Ta-Sherit."

Daniel's hand stilled.

"She doesn't like that you stopped." Mary chuckled as the dog nuzzled and licked his hands more. "I'm Mary White-Eagle."

Daniel started petting the pooch again.

"Looks like she made her choice. I'm Alice, we just finished our training session." Another woman carrying the leash for the dog joined them.

"This is Daniel." Mary said, the women smiled as Hebeny-Ta-Sherit laid her head on Daniel's leg and he smiled as he pet her.

"Hey Daniel, made a new friend huh?"

The women saw his smile disappear, but he continued to pet the dog, it wasn't lost on Jack either.

"I know you're mad at me Danny. I made a mistake. I can't change it but I hope we can go on. I know you don't trust me right now...I hope in time you will again." Jack placed a hand on his shoulder.

Sam knelt down and held his left hand to her face.

"We love you Daniel." She said.

"You have shown me forgiveness before...I only hope you may again this time." Teal'c put a hand on his arm.

The workers withdrew hoping they also worked it out.

Hebeny-Ta-Sherit put her paws on his upper legs and he rubbed his face in her fur.

"It's okay if you don't want to talk to us right now...would you like to try the guide dog program?" Jack asked.

Daniel nodded silently.

"Okay." Jack squeezed his shoulder and went to speak to Troy.

"Hebeny-Ta-Sherit got through to him." Mary nodded.

"Heb what?" Jack blinked.

"The man who brought him in said it was Egyptian." Troy answered.

"Bet Daniel knows what it means." Jack murmured then looked at them. "He wants to try it."

"We'll set him up to train in a couple of weeks." Troy nodded.

"Weeks?"

"She needs to finish her training." Alice nodded.

"Okay, I'll tell him." Jack replied and walked back over.

"She's a beautiful black lab." Sam told Daniel.

"She is a most handsome dog." Teal'c concurred.

"Everything's set up, you'll train with her in two weeks." Jack told him.

Daniel gripped the dog.

"They need to finish with her Daniel." Jack explained.

"When you come back she'll be ready to teach you." Troy smiled.

Daniel whispered in her ear then let her go, she licked his hand and bounded away.

"Let's go kids." Jack grinned.

Daniel remained silent the whole way home and back to the Infirmary. He got back into bed himself then laid on his side away from them.

"So is it okay if we bring him lunch later?" Jack asked.

"I'll make a list of what he can have." Brightman nodded, she motioned for him to follow. "So I see there's been a change?"

"Thanks to his new guide dog. He's still ticked at us but at least he's responding now. Can you take him off the meds?"

"We'll have to wean him so there's no withdrawal, but yes, we'll start that today. "

"Good." He said relieved, she wrote on a pad and handed him the paper. "This is it?" He frowned at the half dozen items.

"He hasn't had solid food in well over three weeks General. His body slowly needs to readjust to eating."

"Okay, but when he's completely well I am bringing him the biggest steak he can handle!" Jack said and left.

Jack finished up his paperwork and stood just as the klaxons went off, he walked down to the control booth.

"It's SG-7, they're coming in hot sir." Walter reported and opened the iris.

"Look sharp airmen!" Jack ordered the soldiers in the gateroom.

Seconds later the team ran through...followed by a native. The alien tried to turn around and run back through but the gate shut down. He started chanting and dancing around.

"Hey, you,knock it off!" Jack said over the p.a.

The mans eyes grew wide and he dropped to the ground.

"Crap! Get a medical team down here!" He ordered and headed to the gateroom.

The medical team arrived a few minutes later and took the man away on a stretcher, Jack followed and saw them use the special wrist pads to keep him strapped to the bed should he have an adverse reaction upon waking.

Dr. Brightman shook her head as she checked his vitals.

"How is he?"

"Well...if his vitals are anything like ours he seems okay...I think he just fainted."

"Will he be coming 'round soon?"

"Probably."

"I want someone in here with him."

"Yes sir."

Jack left and got lunch for he and Daniel.

"Not exactly steak but this will have to do for a while. Oatmeal, jell-o and juice."

Daniel sighed and sat up.

Jack pulled the tray closer and Daniel found the utensils then began to eat.

"So we had an interesting event in the gateroom, SG-7 came home and a native followed them through, the guy started chanting then I told him to cool it and he fainted. He's in the main ward.

Daniel remained silent as he ate.

"I need to check your vitals Daniel." Brightman came over and got nothing from him either. She exchanged a look with Jack who smiled wryly, she was on Daniel's shit list too. "Everything looks good. We're going to start reducing your meds so we can take that I.V. out by the end of the week."

"Real food Daniel." Jack patted his leg.

Daniel remained silent.

"I'll be back later." She bade and left them.

"So what does Heb-Tall-Sherry mean anyway? Funny it would be Egyptian huh?"

'General O'Neill to the gateroom.'

"A General's work is never done." He sighed and rose. "I'll come back later." He added and headed for the door.

"Jack."

"Yeah?" Jack turned surprised.

"I want to hear the gateroom tape, maybe I can translate what the native said."

"I'll have it brought to you."

Daniel nodded.

"Dan--"

Daniel held up a hand and shook his head, Jack knew he hadn't been forgive yet.

"I'll get it to you soon."

"Thanks."

"Welcome."

At least it's a start, Jack thought as he left.

Daniel ate a little more then laid back, he was grateful Jack didn't push, I'm not quite ready to forgive this yet. Now, about this native, he was probably scared when he ended up here, most likely had never been through the gate, very few of the people we've met have been. Might have even thought we were the Goa'uld, if they were the only ones to ever use it that would make sense. I wonder if SG-7 was attacked? It would be unusual for the populace to take on the Goa'uld...of course if they hadn't been to the planet in several hundred years the natives might just be a bit braver...

Teal'c stood in the doorway and watched Daniel's face, pleased to see his friend in thought. Jack had told him Daniel spoke to him and was relieved he seemed to be getting back to himself.

"O'Neill has instructed me to take you to your office."

"Why?" Daniel frowned.

"The tape you wish to see is there."

"Fine."

Teal'c rolled the wheelchair over and helped Daniel sit then transfered his I.V. to the pole.

"O'Neill says you have been allowed solid food." Teal'c said conversationally as they left.

"If you call oatmeal food."

"O'Neill does."

"Well that's Jack for you."

"O'Neill--"

"Tell me about the native that followed SG-7 home."

"I was not there, perhaps O'Neill--"

"I'll listen to the tape."

Teal'c arched an eyebrow but remained silent as he rolled him into the elevator.

The floors passed quickly and soon they were headed to Daniel's office.

"We are here."

"I know."

"How can you tell?"

"Smells and sounds."

"Such as?"

"All my artifacts are old, they have..." Daniel shrugged.

"An old smell?"

"Yeah."

"And the sounds?"

"What time is it?"

"Five minutes until one p.m."

"Listen to that register." Daniel motioned to the far wall.

"It is making a chugging sound."

"From 12:30 to 1:00 everyday." Daniel smiled.

"Perhaps Sergeant Siler could look into it."

"I asked years ago, he can't tell what's causing it. Down a couple doors Bill is sitting at his desk, his chair squeaks when he moves, which he does a lot I might add." Daniel chuckled.

"You are most observant."

"Part of the job, now let's check this tape."

Teal'c set the tape up and waited patiently as Daniel listened to it several times.

"Heard you were checking our visitor out." Sam joined them.

"Yeah...but there's so much external noise it's hard to make out some of the words." Daniel frowned.

"That's not a problem, I have equipment that can separate sounds if you want."

"I want." He nodded.

Sam took the tape and the men to her office.

Jack looked in Daniel's office and frowned.

"Looking for Dr. Jackson sir?"

"Yes Major."

"He went with Teal'c and Colonel Carter to her lab about thirty minutes ago."

"Thanks."

Jack walked there and found the trio.

"Hey kids--"

"Shh!" Daniel hissed at him.

"Shh?" Jack raised an eyebrow.

"DanielJackson has nearly translated all of the words of the native."

"And?"

"And I could finish if you would be quiet! Back it up Sam."

Jack watched Daniel's face set in concentration then it relaxed a few moments later.

"This is where he fainted." Sam said shutting the tape off.

"He was scared, asking his god to deliver him from this terror. When Jack spoke to him he thought it was his god."

"And he fainted in fear?" Jack asked.

"Probably in shock, I doubt he's ever heard his god. I'd like to talk to him."

Jack walked to the phone on the wall and made the arrangements and checked that the man was awake then led them to his room.

"He hasn't said a word since he woke." The nurse informed them.

"Take me to him."

A nod from Jack and Teal'c rolled him forward to the natives bedside and Daniel began to speak in another language.

Both men were silent for a long moment.

Daniel felt around until he found the man's hand and touched it.

"Jack, we need to talk."

"Alright."

Jack rolled him into the hall with Teal'c and Sam following.

"So what did he say?"

Daniel related their conversation.

"He just wants to go home."

"I'll have SG-2 take him back."

"Teal'c can you take me to my office? I want to see him off as well okay?"

"I'll make sure you're there." Jack agreed.

"Thanks."

Teal'c rolled him away.

"They really seemed to connect." Sam murmured.

"They both lost people they love to the Goa'uld." Jack watched them board the elevator.

"Do you want me to notify SG-2?"

"Yeah, thanks." He turned to her.

She nodded and headed off.

Jack took a look back at the native and was glad Daniel had recovered.

The alien nodded.

"Let's go Teal'c."

The threesome and an airman left the Infirmary, Daniel using his cane and Teal'c's arm.

"Yeah, we are," Daniel chuckled.

A prophet, Daniel thought.

"We are here DanielJackson."

"Thanks Teal'c."

"We'll take good care of him Daniel."

"I know you will Ferretti." Daniel nodded.

Daniel held out his hand.

'Chevron seven...locked.'

The wormhole opened and Ferretti stepped over to them.

"Ready?" He asked.

"He's ready Ferretti."

SG-2 took Mura home and returned a few moments later.

"I will take you back to the Infirmary."

Daniel nodded and let Teal'c lead him away.

"Come in."

"O'Neill."

"Hey T, Daniel back in bed?"

"He is eating dinner."

"Good. He's still a little ticked at us."

"He is still angry at you O'Neill."

"Say what T?" Jack was startled.

"I believe he has forgiven myself and ColonelCarter."

"And you know that how?"

"When we spoke of the native's arrival this morning I suggested he speak with you...he changed the subject."

"Oh. I should go talk to him." Jack sighed and rose.

Teal'c walked him to the Infirmary.

"Good luck O'Neill."

"I'll probably need it."

Teal'c left him to speak to their friend in private.

Jack ran his hands through his hair and stepped inside.

"Looks good."

"Then you can finish it." Daniel muttered and pushed the tray away.

"You did good with that guy." Jack pulled the chair over and straddled it.

"I just talked to him. By the way, I requested permission for us to visit, he had to talk to the leader of his people, I told him we'd come back in a month, if the artifact I gave him was on the DHD then we'd be welcomed, if it wasn't..."

"Get the hell out of Dodge?"

Daniel nodded.

He is ticked with me if he didn't even consider consulting me on making them allies.

"So..."

Daniel remained silent.

"I'm...glad you're better."

He got a heavy sigh in reply.

"What do you want from me? I made a mistake Daniel. I can't change what happened."

"How about a simple 'I'm sorry Daniel', can you manage that?!?"

"Dan--"

"You really can't say it can you?!? Sorry just isn't part of the Jack O'Neill vocabulary!"

"I hear it too often in yours!"

"You thought I was crazy! Again!"

"No, I didn't." Jack answered quietly.

Daniel snorted and turned his back on Jack.

"I thought you weren't dealing with some stuff."

"Vala." Daniel frowned.

"You're report was so cut and dried. I saw the tape, she played with your head but you won't talk about it...not even with me."

"There's nothing to talk about. She confused the hell out of me at first, yeah,and she did kick my ass in the fight but I got the upper hand in the end and locked her up, remember!"

"So your feeling about her are...?"

"Just fine Jack! Vala was a pirate who tried to steal the Prometheus, nothing more. Try having a little faith in me."

"I do."

"Not about this." Daniel motioned to his eyes. "Why didn't you believe me?"

Jack remained silent.

"It's because you couldn't accept I was blind, isn't it?"

There was a long silence between them.

"Your eyes are important to what you do and I didn't want you to lose that." Jack admitted.

"Will I? Am I going to be let go?"

Jack saw the worry lines come to Daniel's forehead and laid a hand on his arm.

"I'll fight anyone who tries."

"Thanks." Daniel said softly.

"Are we okay?"

"Beginning to be."

"I'll come by later." Jack rose.

Daniel nodded, he was