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Part 20: Jack [by PHO]
Feretti did his job, delivered his message. Teal'c arrived a few minutes ago. The next mission location's about to be selected, and the gang's all here , except Don't go there, O'Neill. What *is* Carter saying?
"Probe's data indicates that P3H826 is a viable next mission for SG-1, sir."
Soft, almost hesitant footsteps on the stairs attract my attention. What
"I have another suggestion."
How the hell! Feretti! I told him to stay with Daniel, not walk him around the complex. So help me, I'm gonna throttle God, Daniel looks so, so timid, so scared. Scared of what? Don't be stupid, O'Neill. You. Only you. He knows Hammond has backed down on his 'no civilian' shit, and that Carter and Teal'c are just waiting for him to get well. They don't doubt for one minute his right to return to my team, and it is my team. My decision. So I'm the only obstacle left. What is Daniel saying?
"I think we should go back to P3R636. Before you say anything, just hear me out. There are thousands of innocent human beings there who we can free from slavery."
"Shyla cannot free her people, without putting her world at great risk."
That's right Teal'c, point out the obvious, make us all feel sooo much better. That wasn't nice, O'Neill.
"Then we have to offer her alternatives. New ways to mine the naquadah. I mean, we don't even know if the Goa'uld will notice if the shipments stop."
Carter's saying something now, but I don't really hear her. Probably a mistake that, but he looks so, so lost. Hmmm, did the General say something? Listen, O'Neill, Daniel's talking again. He needs a haircut.
" I'm offering you a shot at a diplomatic solution. Please, Jack, I need to take the chance."
For the first time since Shyla took him, he can meet my eyes without flinching. There's still pain there, but not the physical kind. There's fear, too. Fear of being abandoned, again. In a brief instant, those expressive eyes speak volumes. I can see the unconditional apology in them; the absolute need - God, I hate that word - to know for sure. To be completely certain he can face the temptation of the sarcophagus without failing himself, and us. But I'm betting he's only thinking of failing us. For a moment I hold his eyes captive with my own, hoping against hope he'll read the forgiveness, and unqualified support, in mine. See, Jack, the decision's not that hard. "We can back him up, sir. I'd like Daniel back on the team." Just like that. I can only pray he'll be strong enough.