The Other Side

By RPonda

 

Jack entered the locker room. He knew he had to talk to Daniel, but he also knew Daniel would fight him again. He’d already apologized for telling Daniel to shut up on the planet Euronda, but they had yet to discuss Daniel’s responsibility for the problem. Steeling himself for an argument, Jack said, “Daniel, my place 1900 hours.”

 

Daniel groaned. Should he agree or not was the question. If he didn’t agree, Jack would force the issue and he’d end up at his house anyway. If he did agree, Jack might think he was admitting to doing something wrong, and that certainly wasn’t the case this time. Daniel believed Jack was at fault this time and he would just have to figure out a way to convince him of that fact. “To talk about what happened, right?” he asked.

 

“Right,” Jack agreed, “I’ll have dinner ready.”

 

“Fine,” Daniel said in resignation, great another night at Jack’s house. He didn’t having a problem being at Jack’s when they were just hanging out. However, this wouldn’t be one of those nights.

 

Daniel drove up to the house right on time. During the drive over, his attitude did not improve. He’d accepted Jack’s quick apology. He’d been right from the start. So what right did Jack have to order him to come over tonight. Finally, Daniel exited his car and walked up to the door. He hesitated a moment. Then he knocked and entered. As usual he found Jack in the kitchen, spooning Japanese take out onto some plates. He supposed he’d just have to tell Jack no Oriental food at all. Not that it made any difference, he never ate on nights like this anyway. “Jack,” Daniel began, his tone defiant, ”what did I supposedly do wrong this time, other than be right from the start?”

 

“Daniel,” Jack said irritably. This was not starting out the way he wanted it to.

 

Daniel didn’t give Jack a chance. He continued with a full head of steam. “Jack, you were the one who apologized. You knew you were wrong. So what in Netu did I do to deserve being ordered here tonight?”

 

Jack put his hands in his pockets and leaned against the counter. Knowing he’d never be able to discuss anything with Daniel when he was in this state, he said nothing.

 

This only infuriated Daniel more. “I asked you a question, Jack.” Daniel was digging himself in deeper. “You were the one who told me to come. Why aren’t you discussing this with me?”

               

Jack finally said something. It was not what Daniel expected to hear. “I discuss issues with adults, Daniel, not children.”

 

“What?!” Daniel snapped. “I am an adult, Jack, not a child.”

 

Jack stared at Daniel for a while. “And you’re behaving like an adult?” Jack questioned, raising his brows.

 

“Yes!” Daniel answered immediately. Stopping for a minute, he thought about it. Jack was right and he hated that. He’d arrived and started fighting without even giving Jack a chance. He wasn’t ready to give in yet though. However, he did drop his head and cross his arms on his chest.

 

Jack observed Daniel’s body language. Daniel’s posture clearly indicated he was at the point of adjusting his attitude, at least Jack hoped so. “Daniel,” Jack replied, meaning ‘are you so sure about that’.

 

“Fine!” Daniel conceded Jack’s point, but not quietly. “I am acting like a child. So, what are you going to do about it?” he challenged.

 

Jack gave Daniel a knowing look. Daniel already knew how Jack handled childish behavior.

 

Daniel caught on. His eyes went wide. “No, no, no, no,” he said repeatedly, “I am not standing in the corner.” Jack continued to look at him without saying anything. “Jack?! Come on. I’m ready to discuss this as an adult now. I do not need corner time,” he said, disgust evident in the words ‘corner time’.

 

Jack responded, “And you’ll be even more ready to discuss it in half an hour.” He pointed to the living room. “Go.”

 

Daniel didn’t move. He also wouldn’t look Jack in the eye. It wasn’t that he disagreed with Jack. It was just that corner time made him feel like such a child. He could handle a strapping easier than standing in a corner. He also knew Jack knew that, too. “Jaacck,” he pleaded, sounding more like a child than before.

 

“Daniel,” Jack said firmly. This was not something he’d give in on. Daniel needed to cool down. He knew this would accomplish that. “Do you need an hour?”

 

Daniel’s head popped up. Thirty minutes was bad enough, an hour was an eternity. “Okay,” he agreed grudgingly, “I’m going.” Daniel pushed off the counter and walked into the corner he’d become intimately familiar with. When he heard Jack enter the room, he said sarcastically, “You need to repaint, Jack.” *THWACK* Daniel jumped. He didn’t realize Jack had come so close, or that he already had the hated wooden spoon.

 

“Quiet and no fidgeting, Daniel,” Jack ordered. “Also, if the room really needs repainting, you can do it.”

 

Daniel didn’t apologize for the crack, but he didn’t say anything else either. His back was rigid in defiance, shoulders back, arms at his side, head up.

 

Jack sighed as he sat down. He wasn’t sure a half hour would be long enough. As time passed Jack watched Daniel. First, his head dropped. Next, his arms crossed his chest. Although most people would consider this posture defiant, he knew for Daniel it meant he was being introspective. Finally, Daniel’s shoulders slumped. Jack knew Daniel was ready to talk rationally. He checked his watch, five minutes left.

 

Daniel heard the buzzer go off. Finally, time was up. He waited for Jack to release him though. It didn’t take long.

 

“Okay, Daniel,” Jack said. “Are you ready to discuss the issue now?” he asked.

 

Daniel’s first thought was, ‘I was ready to talk when I arrived. You’re the one that made me wait in the corner.’ Fortunately, self-preservation won out. “Yes, Jack,” he answered quietly.

 

“Have a seat then,” Jack said.

 

Daniel left the corner and sat down. He still wouldn’t meet Jack’s eyes.

 

“Daniel, look at me,” Jack requested. Daniel reluctantly looked up. “I want to discuss why I wanted you to come over tonight, but I need you to stay quiet and let me talk. Okay?”

 

Daniel nodded. He owed Jack that much. Didn’t mean he had to agree with him though.

 

“Good,” Jack replied. “Yes, you were right about there being something wrong on Euronda. I won’t deny that.” Jack held up a finger to stop Daniel from interrupting. “You said you’d listen quietly,” he reminded him. Daniel closed his mouth. Jack continued. “Being right or wrong isn’t the issue though.”

 

Daniel couldn’t stop himself. “How can being right or wrong not be the issue, Jack!” he yelled, waving his arms. “You were wrong. I was right. That’s all there is to it!”

 

“DANIEL!” Jack responded, raising his voice. ‘Argh, Daniel is so bullheaded,’ Jack thought. He wasn’t going to get anywhere at this rate. However, getting angry wouldn’t work either. “Fine,” Jack said, deciding to let Daniel vent, although he knew Daniel would regret it later, “you go first.”

 

Daniel was shocked. He’d expected Jack to fly off the handle, like he had. Now he wasn’t sure what to say when Jack gave him the chance. “It’s just,” he started to say, “I mean... Never mind.” He finished with an apology. “I’m sorry I interrupted, Jack. I’ll let you talk.” He leaned back into the chair in resignation.

 

“You’re sure?” Jack questioned. It wouldn’t do to start talking again, if Daniel weren’t ready to listen.

 

“I said so, didn’t I?” Daniel answered angrily. “What more do you want?”

 

Obviously Daniel wasn’t ready yet. “Corner,” Jack ordered. He needed Daniel calm in order to talk. This attitude was not calm.

 

“Jaacck,” Daniel complained. “I said I was sorry for interrupting. I’m ready to talk.”

 

Jack stared Daniel down, pointing to the corner, not saying a word.

 

Daniel sighed. ‘Damn, when will I learn,’ he thought. Pushing himself angrily out of the chair, he returned to the corner. “How long?” he asked.

 

“Until you’re ready to act like an adult,” Jack answered seriously.

 

“I’m ready now,” Daniel replied, even though his tone implied he wasn’t.

 

“DANIEL!” Jack reprimanded. If things kept going this well, they wouldn’t start discussing the real issue until morning.

 

“Sorry,” Daniel muttered.

 

“You’re in charge of how long you’re in the corner this time, Daniel,” Jack told him. “However, if the next time we talk, you don’t listen to what I have to say, were done.”

 

Daniel was worried now. “Done with what, Jack?” he asked carefully.

 

“I can’t go on another mission with you, until we’ve worked through this one,” Jack replied, “and I won’t spend all night waiting for you to be ready. This is your last chance, or you’re grounded until further notice.” Jack didn’t like giving Daniel an ultimatum. He hadn’t had to use this tactic since the first time, but he didn’t feel he had any other choice. If the team was going to work together, he had to have a certain level of respect that he didn’t feel from Daniel at the moment.

 

Daniel’s voice remained silent. His mind, however, was going full tilt. Why wasn’t he giving Jack a chance? What was it that made him respond so angrily every time he opened his mouth? He had yet to think about Jack’s point of view, whatever that may be. Running the mission through his mind, from beginning to end, he tried to look at it from Jack’s side of things. Bingo, he finally got it. He’d been so angry when he was told to shut up in front of the Eurondans, he hadn’t considered it. It only took him another forty minutes of corner time to get there. “Jack?” Daniel said hesitantly, still facing his corner. He wasn’t even sure Jack was still in the room.

 

“Yes, Daniel,” Jack responded. He’d been sitting on the couch the whole time just watching Daniel think. He’d been so surprised to observe how still Daniel was standing. He could almost see the wheels turning.

 

“I’m sorry,” Daniel said sincerely. “I couldn’t see your side of things before. I wasn’t ready, too angry. I’d like to talk about the mission, if you’re still willing to discuss it.” He spoke into the corner the whole time, not ready to turn around unless Jack was willing to talk.

 

‘I’ve been ready all night,’ Jack wanted to say. However, he stated, “I’m still willing, Daniel. Why don’t you take a break for a minute and stretch, get a drink, use the bathroom, whatever. We’ll talk in ten minutes.” Jack needed a break too. He walked out to the back porch to get some air.

 

“Okay,” Daniel agreed. He could use a break. His whole body was tense from standing still so long, and he’d also become aware of needing the bathroom. Ten minutes later, they were both back in the living room.

 

“May I start?” Daniel asked.

 

“Sure,” Jack answered, wondering if Daniel really had figured it out.

 

“Okay,” Daniel started, staring at his hands, “as much as I was hurt and embarrassed by your telling me to shut up, I also didn’t show you respect in front of the Eurondans earlier.” He glanced up to see if he could tell from Jack’s face, whether or not he’d gotten it right. Apparently, he did.

 

“Go on,” Jack said, starting to feel like they were getting somewhere.

 

“Right,” Daniel continued. “You’re the leader of the team. My disagreeing with you in front of the Eurondans wasn’t appropriate. I should have found another time to talk to you,” he admitted.

 

“Yes, you should have,” Jack agreed. “In that situation we needed to present a united front. You weren’t doing that.”

 

“I know, Jack, but…” Daniel trailed off.

 

“But what, Daniel?” Jack asked. Daniel finally seeing his part of the problem was a start, but they had to be completely honest with each other if they were going to get passed this.

 

Daniel debated how to say what he wanted, without sounding childish again. “But, you weren’t exactly giving me the opportunity to talk to you.”

 

“Think it through again, Daniel,” Jack prompted. “When was the first time you got the feeling something was wrong?”

 

“At the dinner,” Daniel answered immediately. He’d started feeling uncomfortable when he realized they knew nothing about the supposed enemy. He replayed the scene in his mind. “And at that point I’d already disagreed with you, before I’d even tried to talk with you privately,” Daniel said in understanding. He dropped his head. “I’m sorry, Jack. I didn’t think of that.”

 

“You’re right, you didn’t. However, I will take responsibility for my part in it,” Jack admitted. Daniel wasn’t entirely at fault. “I’ve been under a lot of pressure lately to find weapons to fight the Goa’uld threat, or they’ll want to shut down the program again.”

 

“I know that’s always been a focus of the missions, but I didn’t realize it was that bad.” Daniel disliked the fact the mission’s focus had changed so much. However, he didn’t know about the threat to shut down the program again.

 

“It is,” Jack explained. Then he added with regret, “They’re also talking about removing all civilians from field teams.”

 

“What!?” Daniel exclaimed. He definitely didn’t know about that.

 

“Because the higher ups feel civilians don’t have the right mindset to follow the goal of the mission,” Jack continued, ignoring Daniel’s outburst. “When you undermined my authority, the possibility of them removing you from my team, hit home.”

 

“I wasn’t trying to undermine your authority, Jack,” Daniel said in his defense.

 

“Daniel,” Jack said, in exasperation. “I know that wasn’t your intention, but that’s what you were doing. I reacted. I felt like I needed to cut you down or I’d lose authority with the Eurondans, and lose you from the team. They’re looking for any excuse.”

 

“I don’t know what else to say, but sorry, Jack,” Daniel said sincerely.

 

“I know, Daniel,” Jack agreed. “There really isn’t anything else to say. Nothing was said during the debriefing or in anyone’s mission reports, except yours, about the incident.”

 

“Mine?” Daniel stated nervously.

 

“Yes, yours,” Jack replied. “As long as you mention the incident in your report, I have to mention it in mine. Then the Powers That Be can say you’re insubordinate and remove you from field teams.”

 

“Oh,” Daniel said. “I need to change my report, huh?” He’d mentioned Jack refusing to listen to him because he’d been angry at the time he’d written it. He hadn’t thought about the repercussions.

 

“Not if you feel it accurately reflects what occurred on the mission,” Jack told him. Jack couldn’t in good conscience tell Daniel to change his mission report.

 

“It only reflects how I felt when I wrote it, not what really happened.” Daniel stated formally, “I respectfully request permission to revise my mission report before it is officially submitted.”

 

“Granted,” Jack said, just as formally. “So what do we do now?” he asked.

 

“What do you mean, Jack?” Daniel asked with concern.

 

“What’s going to happen on the next mission?” Jack questioned. “They’re not going to drop the civilian issue if you continue to ignore my authority.”

 

“I don’t ignore your authority, Jack,” Daniel insisted. Jack raised his eyebrows in question. “I merely question your decisions, sometimes,” he added sheepishly, looking at Jack from beneath his lashes.

 

Jack groaned. “Daniel,” he said in exasperation.

 

“Sorry,” Daniel said again. He seemed to be saying sorry a lot tonight. He hadn’t planned it that way. “What do you want to do about it, Jack?” Daniel thought he might know, but didn’t want to voice it.

 

“Our deal was only for when you risk your life, not insubordination,” Jack stated. “I’m not sure there is anything else to do.”

 

Daniel didn’t like the implication of insubordination, but if he thought about it, it’s what his behavior was. “But you’d rather make a point with me.”

 

“You seem to remember better when there’s a physical reminder of your actions,” Jack implied. “But it’s your call. This is beyond the original agreement.”

 

“You won’t drop me from the team if I say no?” Daniel asked, looking for assurance.

 

“I will never willingly drop you from the team anymore, Daniel. It’s not even an issue as far as I’m concerned,” Jack replied. “I may ground you from time to time, but not for this.”

 

“Okay then.” Daniel stood up and brushed his hands on his pants.

 

Jack looked up at him. “Okay then, what?” he asked, not sure what Daniel was referring to.

 

“Due to my behavior on this mission…” Daniel took a deep breath, wondering if he was making a stupid decision. “…I am expecting punishment.”

 

Jack rose and moved to stand beside him. “Are you sure, Daniel?” he asked.

 

Daniel ran his hand through his hair. “No, I’m not entirely sure. I also feel like a fool for telling you to strap me,” Daniel admitted. “However, I believe it’s the right thing to do, for both of us.”

 

Now Jack had a decision to make. Daniel agreed to the punishment Jack had suggested. Was Daniel’s agreement enough, or did he really need to follow through? “Okay then,” Jack agreed, “but I won’t use the belt.”

 

Daniel was surprised. The only thing Jack had ever punished him with was a belt. “What are you going to use then?” he asked.

 

Jack went to his den. A short time later, he came back with an eighteen-inch wooden ruler. “I thought this might be a little more appropriate,” Jack said, holding it up.

 

Daniel looked at the ruler. “I’m not sure it’s going to make any difference, Jack, but okay,” he agreed. “Who’s in charge?” he asked to make sure. Normally Jack let him be in charge of when he felt he’d been punished enough.

 

“I know I normally let you be in charge, Daniel,” Jack answered, “but this time, I’d rather decide how much. Okay?”

 

Daniel thought about it. Most of the time, Jack worried that he’d punish himself too hard. Maybe this time Jack thought he’d be too easy on himself. If that were the case, Jack had every right to decide the length of the punishment. “Sure, Jack,” he agreed. “You’re in charge. Over the chair?”

 

“Same as always, Daniel,” Jack replied. He was still trying to decide how many strokes to give Daniel. It wasn’t as clear-cut this time. Daniel hadn’t risked his life exactly, but he had been disrespectful and endangered the mission. Daniel dropped his pants and boxers and bent over the back of the chair. “Why are you being punished, Daniel?” he asked as expected.

 

“For not keeping a united front on a mission, for challenging your authority, and for not showing you the respect you deserved,” Daniel listed. Then he tensed for the first blow.

 

Jack listened to Daniel list his transgressions. Hearing them spelled out so clearly help him decide the level of punishment necessary.

 

Ten to the buttocks. THWACK THWACK THWACK THWACK THWACK THWACK THWACK THWACK THWACK THWACK Daniel winced.

 

Ten to the thighs. THWACK THWACK THWACK THWACK THWACK THWACK THWACK THWACK THWACK THWACK Daniel was hurting, but not unbearably so.

 

Ten to the sit spot. THWACK THWACK THWACK THWACK THWACK THWACK THWACK THWACK THWACK THWACK Daniel’s eyes were watery, but the tears had not fallen.

 

Then Jack threw the ruler on the couch.

 

Daniel was expecting more. His backside stung, but not that badly. He didn’t stand up, waiting for more.

 

Jack realized Daniel seemed to be waiting. “I’m done, Daniel. It’s over. I forgive you.”

 

Daniel stood up and adjusted his clothes. Then he questioned, “Are you sure, Jack?” He didn’t want to leave things hanging.

 

“I’m sure, Daniel,” Jack insisted. Then he explained, “It’s enough for me. I accept your apology, and I accept your taking responsibility for your part of the problem.” Jack looked at Daniel. “The other question though is, is it enough for you?”

 

“Yeah, Jack,” Daniel agreed. “This time, I think it is. I think I’ll go to bed now, though.” Daniel turned to head to his room.

 

“You forgot something, Daniel,” Jack told him.

 

Daniel turned back around. He couldn’t think of what he’d forgotten. “What?” he asked.

 

Jack walked up to him and pulled him into a bear hug. “Your hug, Daniel,” Jack insisted. “We’re never done until the hug.”

 

Daniel had forgotten about that. He’d had a hard time accepting Jack’s hugs at the beginning. Now though, he’d gotten used to them. He hugged Jack back until Jack released him. “Good night, Jack,” he said when they broke apart.

 

“Good night, Daniel,” Jack replied.

 

The next morning Daniel woke up first. He went into the kitchen and started the coffee. Jack came in shortly after. “Morning, Daniel,” he said.

 

“Morning, Jack,” Daniel replied. “I was going to make bacon and eggs. How do you like your eggs?”

 

“Scrambled’s good,” Jack answered. He poured himself some of the freshly brewed coffee and sat at the table. “How are you doing?”

 

“I’m fine,” Daniel answered. “I’ve been thinking about what you said about the civilian issue last night.”

 

“Oh,” Jack replied, as Daniel handed him a plate of food.

 

“Yeah,” Daniel said as he sat down to eat. “I was wondering just how serious the Powers That Be are in removing civilians from field teams.”

 

Jack thought for a moment as he finished the food in his mouth. “Are you wondering if they’ll hurt anyone?”

 

“Kinda,” Daniel answered carefully.

 

“I think they’re going to try going through official channels,” Jack answered. “At least it seems that way. Right now they’re collecting data, as far as I know.”

 

“That doesn’t mean they won’t try something else, if official channels don’t work.” Daniel wasn’t as much afraid for himself as he was for his civilian friends on other teams.

 

“No, it doesn’t,” Jack agreed. “If I hear anything, you know I’ll tell you.”

 

Daniel didn’t know. Jack hadn’t told him this time, and he decided to point that out. “If that’s true, why didn’t you tell me this time?”

 

“Daniel.” Jack sighed, running his hand through his hair. “Hammond just informed me before this mission. I didn’t have the chance to tell you.”

 

“Okay.” Daniel could accept Jack’s explanation.

 

Daniel looked too thoughtful for Jack’s comfort. “Daniel, what else is bothering you?”

 

Daniel instinctively folded his arms across his chest. “On Euronda. If I hadn’t said anything at the dinner, would you have listened to my viewpoint later?”

 

Jack had to think about this. He hated thinking of what might have happened. He lived in a world of what did happen. “I’m not sure I can answer that question, Daniel.” Jack rubbed the back of his neck. “Aside from the civilian issue, all that was on my mind was the program being shut down. The technology they were offering for such a simple thing as heavy water, would have stopped that from happening.”

 

“So what made you finally change your mind?”

 

Jack was a little surprised at the question. “I do what I need to do for my country, Daniel, but even I have my limits,” he answered, hurt evident in his voice.

 

“Sorry, Jack,” Daniel apologized. “I didn’t mean anything by it.”

 

“That’s okay,” Jack replied. “I know you didn’t. I couldn’t see allowing another Hitler to rule that world.”

 

“Or to live on ours?” Daniel questioned, referring to Jack closing the iris on the leader Alar. Thereby effectively killing him.

 

“Or to live on ours,” Jack agreed. “You know why I closed the iris, right?”

 

“I know,” Daniel told him.

 

“I warned him not to follow,” Jack insisted.

 

“I know.”

 

“But it still bothers you,” Jack stated.

 

“Any loss of life bothers me, Jack,” Daniel responded, “but this one, I think I can live with.”

 

“Anything else, Daniel?” Jack asked, finishing up his breakfast.

 

“Nope,” Daniel answered, getting up to clean the breakfast mess up.

 

“Okay then,” Jack said, “but you cooked, so I clean.”

 

Daniel held his hands up in surrender. “Have at it, Jack. I’ll go take a shower.”

 

As Jack cleaned up the kitchen, he thought about the civilians in the SGC. He would do whatever he could to insure their safety.