Partner for a Reason

Chapter 3

Mac had spent a great week in New York. There were so many scientists, who were willing to share their experiences to boost the development in artificial intelligence. Mac was able to help along some of the other guys with their problems and was rewarded with some ideas, he would try with Sparky. Bozer was happy to share his knowledge about creating realistic masks. The friends enjoyed their time, but missed their Phoenix family on the other side.

Mac had exchanged messages with Jack, but they hadn't spoken to each other since the time when Jack was on his way to Vegas. The blond agent assumed, that his partner had spent the week training with the TAC Teams. He was really looking forward to sitting at the firepit with his friends and enjoying a few beers.

It has been a long flight and they headed straight home, because Bozer was nursing a hangover and it was late, there wouldn't be anybody at Phoenix working. They could catch up with their team tomorrow. Bozer went to bed immediately and Mac took a shower and settled onto the couch and watched TV. He must have fallen asleep, because he woke up when somebody knocked on the door.

Jack stumbled along the hall at Phoenix. He felt like crap, but he was determined to settle a score with his boss. Maybe Matty was back and would support him. To be honest Jack had no idea, which day of the week it was or when Matty was supposed to be back from ... he had forgotten, where she went.

Jack took a moment outside the war room to gather some energy for the confrontation with James. He leaned against the wall and closed his eyes as a wave of dizziness swept over him. Deep breaths he told himself and had to smile. Those were the words he usually said to his partner. Mac! He needed to check on him, see if he was ok. Kid had probably not slept or eaten the whole week, because he was occupied with a problem he tried to solve. He had received a message that Mac would be back home tonight.

With determination Jack entered the war room. James was sitting in one of the leather chairs, looking bored. „Took you long enough to find them Jack." Oversight started the conversation.

„Are you serious? They crashed in the middle of nowhere with no way to contact anybody. The Phoenix nerd you assigned to the task getting us decent satellite images wasn't able to help us one bit and you complain that it took us too long to find them? I just don't get it! What do you want from me James?"

„Right now, there is one short task I need you to ..."

„No!," shouted Jack. „Enough is enough. I won't go on any other mission right now."

„Easy Jack, no need to get worked up. It is really important that you go to ..."

Jack stepped forward and grabbed Oversight by the collar of his shirt. „Listen James and listen good. I won't not, I repeat, I won't not go out on any other mission until a) I have checked on Mac, because he is my partner and I care about him, even if you don't and b) Matty tells me to go and c) I've recovered from this damn concussion, I need to rest or I won't be any use to Phoenix, I haven't slept in my bed for almost a week I think, but honestly I don't remember, I'm throwing up all the time and I have the mother of all headaches, so no more taunting or pressing me into going out into the field. Am I clear?"

„Are you threatening me Dalton?" James asked coldly.

„You can interpret this like you want. I honestly don't care. Which objective do you pursue with your actions? Do you hate me so much, that you want me out of the way. Are you jealous? Is this what it comes down to? You are a sorry excuse of a father James MacGyver. I'm going to check on your son now." Jack didn't give Oversight a chance to answer any of his questions, because he didn't really care anymore. But he heard the words James hissed as he left the room. „You will regret this Dalton!"