Rating: Daniel/Teal´c friendship. Gen, angst, drama

Spoilers/Warnings: "Solitudes".

Summary: The events of ‘Solitudes´ as seen from a different perspective

Notes | Disclaimer

Nothing in the preliminary MALP telemetry had prepared them for the welcome that awaited them on their arrival to P4A-771. The flickering images transmitted by the MALP to the computer screen in the control room of the SGC had presented them with an innocuous and unremarkable world. The Stargate resided on a slightly rocky plain, bordered in the distance by a forest, perhaps a click away. The most distinctive characteristic, however, were the strange stone monoliths that dotted the landscape, their forms uniform enough in height and shape to suggest that they were man-made, rather than natural outcroppings Apart from the monoliths, there were no other obvious signs of habitation; no pathways leading to the Stargate, no structures of any kind, no people or animals. It appeared to be just another uninhabited world, but only on site exploration could confirm that assessment. SG-1, which was next up in the off-world rotation, was given the mission. Simple recon. Nice and easy. They geared up, walked up the ramp and exited through the other side of the wormhole. . .

And immediately came under fire.

“Down!" Jack barked. The command was unnecessary. At the first blast, all four team members instinctively scattered and sought out whatever cover they could find. It wasn´t much.

A blast scorched the air and then another.

“Teal´c! Can you see who´s firing on us?" Jack yelled from where he was hunched behind a rock.

“I cannot." Teal´c rose up to return fire. He got off a single shot before several blasts headed his way and he was forced to duck for cover once more.

Daniel looked up from behind his own rock and squinted against the faint haze of ozone and powdered rock scattered by the explosions. He coughed as he got a mouthful of dust. He couldn´t see anything except the brilliant flare of energy blasts exploding around them. He heard Sam utter a thoroughly unladylike expletive as one of the blasts hit close to her own position, throwing up another small shower of rocks.

“It´s no good, sir. We´re pinned down!" Sam´s words, like Jack´s earlier command, were superfluous; they´d all reached that same conclusion by now.

“Fall back." Jack yelled above the din. “Daniel! Dial us out!"

Daniel had already gauged the distance to the DHD, had estimated it to be about thirty feet away. He could reach it in a matter of seconds, but he knew those seconds could stretch and seem like a lifetime when he was out in the open and under fire. He coiled his body, ready to move.

“Teal´c! Carter! Cover him!"

Teal´c nodded.

“Daniel! Now!"

Daniel sprang up from his hiding place and ran like hell, only dimly aware of Teal´c´s staff weapon spitting covering fire nearby. He felt the searing heat as one of the enemy blasts came close enough to singe his jacket and he all but dove the last few feet. Another blast whizzed overhead as he huddled behind the base of the DHD. He counted to three and then he popped up and hit the first glyph before ducking once more. This time he counted to four before he jumped up and hit the second glyph. He ducked once again, just ahead of another blast of weapons´ fire. He repeated his Jack-in-the box routine--three, four, five, six, seven—and all the while he desperately tried to block out the sound of laser blasts and the tang of ozone that burned his sinuses and his throat.

And then he was slapping his palm on the control crystal. The wormhole erupted in a splash of light and energy particles. Daniel had always thought the formation of a wormhole was an amazing sight, but at the moment he couldn´t imagine anything more beautiful or more welcoming. He tried to ignore the bead of sweat that crawled down the back of his neck as he punched in the IDC with fingers made clumsy by fear and urgency.

“Code sent!" he called out from behind the DHD.

“Daniel! Go!"

Daniel didn´t wait for further instruction from Jack. He was up in an instant and running, his legs pumping with everything he had as he made his way from the DHD, past his teammates´ positions, towards the gate. He heard Jack order Teal´c to go through, then Sam. Daniel could hear their footfalls sounding heavily behind him, or was that just the pounding of his heart? There was a loud shrill sound, a terrible screeching noise like metal twisting and then Daniel was there. He threw himself into the wormhole as if it were the embrace of a long lost lover long. He felt the strange disembodied sensation that he knew well from months of traveling through the gate as his atoms were torn apart and scattered on cosmic winds as he raced ever faster towards his destination. Toward safety and home. He was almost there. Almost. . .

And then there was nothingness

[] [] []

Teal´c continued to hold vigil at the bedside of his teammate. Four hours had passed since their return from P4A-771 and Daniel Jackson had yet to awaken from his unconscious state. It was strange to see the young Tau´ri lying quiescent upon the infirmary bed, so accustomed was Teal´c to Daniel Jackson´s usually energetic manner. This unnatural stillness was most disconcerting.

He shifted in the uncomfortable plastic chair and felt a twinge in his shoulder. Like his teammate, Teal´c had been hurled from the gate to land with bruising force. His right shoulder had collided sharply with the metal grating of the ramp with sufficient force to dislodge his shoulder from its joint. Doctor Warner had skillfully realigned his shoulder and had placed the arm in a sling to facilitate healing. There was still some. . .discomfort, but it was of no moment. He was Jaffa; pain was to be endured or ignored. To dwell upon it would be to give it power. The body must always be subordinate to the mind and the will.

Teal´c heard the sound of footfalls behind him that presaged the arrival of a member of the facility´s medical personnel. He knew that they engaged in what they referred to as “rounds" to check on the condition of the patients under their care. Teal´c was familiar with the practice and was grateful for it on such occasions when one of his teammates was injured. He found such concern deeply reassuring. He caught sight of Doctor Warner in his periphery and waited.

“Hello, Teal´c," the other man said. Teal´c nodded in greeting. Teal´c watched as Doctor Warner took Daniel Jackson´s wrist and checked his pulse, then shined a light in first one eye and then the other to observe the reaction. Doctor Warner picked up the medical chart at the end of the bed and scribbled something on it.

“How is he, Doctor Warner?"

Doctor Warner looked up from his chart and gave Teal´c what he assumed was intended as a comforting smile. “We´ll know more when he wakes up. He´s concussed, as you know, but his photo reactivity seems normal. I´m sure he´ll be fine," he reassured.

Teal´c frowned, sensing evasion. Adept at reading others, he knew immediately that Doctor Warner was worried, in spite of his reassurances to the contrary. It cried out to him in the way Doctor Warner´s hands tightened ever so slightly on the medical chart he was holding and in the rapid blinking of his eyes. Still, Teal´c did not challenge the doctor´s words. Teal´c understood that such remarks, while untruthful, were intended to provide an illusion of comfort. He, however, did not require such false assurances. Teal´c nodded his head but said nothing.

Doctor Warner studied him. “Teal´c, why don´t you get some rest?"

“I am fine, Doctor Warner. My body does not require as much sleep as that of humans."

“Still, you should try to get some sleep," Doctor Warner suggested.

“I wish to be here when Daniel Jackson awakens."

“Doctor Jackson could be unconscious for some time to come."

“Nevertheless, he is my teammate and he will certainly require my presence upon waking." Teal´c replied, his voice firm.

Doctor Warner frowned, but finally acquiesced. “All right, Teal´c. You can stay here. There aren´t any other patients here at the moment, so if you change your mind, you can sleep on the bed behind you."

“Thank you, Doctor Warner. If Daniel Jackson should awaken, I will contact you immediately."

The other man nodded and left. He and his teammate were alone again.

Although he had been strictly truthful regarding his sleeping requirements, Teal´c knew that he needed to undertake kel´no´reem soon in order to facilitate the healing of his injury. He was, however, loathe to do so. He did not wish to abandon his teammate in such a manner. Teal´c knew that upon waking Daniel Jackson would wish to be apprised of the status of his comrades and he doubted that the medical personnel of this facility, skilled though they might be in the art of healing, would be willing to share such unpleasant news with his friend.

Teal´c had observed that the Tau´ri often hid unpalatable truths in the erroneous belief that, by delay, they might lessen the blow. It was Teal´c´s experience that such obfuscation was more for the benefit of the individual imparting the unpleasant news than for the recipient himself and ultimately did nothing to ease his suffering. Daniel Jackson would be aggrieved by the news of his missing comrades regardless of when it was imparted. Teal´c knew the other man well enough by now to understand that he, like Teal´c, preferred a painful truth to a comforting lie.

Teal´c shifted in his chair and continued his vigil.

As the hours stretched, Teal´c found himself longing for the balm of kel´no´reem, not for the healing of his body, which was of no consequence, but rather for the soothing of the soul that it provided. Teal´c´s mind was in disarray. He was deeply worried about the inexplicable absence of O´Neill and Captain Carter. Teal´c knew that they had been right behind him when they fled the planet known as P4A-771. He had heard their voices over the noise of the battle, had heard the echo of their boots pounding the hard packed earth behind him. O´Neill and Captain Carter had been, as he told General Hammond, just meters behind Daniel Jackson and himself. Still, Teal´c could not argue against the obvious fact that they had not arrived back on Earth.

Teal´c took a deep, calming breath. For the moment there was little that he could do for his missing teammates. The Stargate had been severely damaged and was even now undergoing the necessary repairs. Until it was once again operational, Teal´c could do nothing but wait and offer whatever succor he could to Daniel Jackson upon his awakening.

Teal´c rose from his chair and settled upon the bed behind it, folding his legs across one another. He closed his eyes and breathed deeply. He knew that he could not achieve true kel´no´reem under the current conditions, surrounded as he was by the soft beeping of medical equipment and the stinging glare of fluorescent lights, but he could at least meditate after a fashion. He would clear his mind as best be could, and refresh his weary body. O´Neill and Captain Carter would soon require his assistance, as would Daniel Jackson. Teal´c would be ready when he was needed.

With a faint exhalation of breath, Teal´c slid into the tranquility of a meditative state.

[] [] []

Daniel´s return to the land of consciousness was a slow and thoroughly painful process. The first thing he became aware of was the fierce pounding in his head. He shifted slightly only to discover that his entire body ached as if he´d been pummeled. He lay still and waited for the pain to subside to bearable levels before he finally ventured to open his eyes.

When he did, it was to the blurry, double image of Teal´c. Daniel squinted against the harsh lights overhead and realized belatedly that he must be in the infirmary, a suspicion that was confirmed when his vision settled slightly and the odor of antiseptics and starch began to permeate his senses. Teal´c moved closer and Daniel could see the frown of worry etched in his normally stoic face.

“Teal´c?" he said, his voice barely more than a croaking sound.

“The Stargate has malfunctioned. We came through the 'gate at too great a velocity," Teal´c pronounced gravely.

Still muzzy, Daniel struggled to process Teal´c´s words. Some part of his mind knew that something was missing. Something, or someone.

“Jack? Sam?"

Teal´c´s expression became even more somber. “They did not follow."

Daniel frowned at Teal´c´s words. “Yes they did. I know they did." He tried to sound confident, but his voice was scratchy and faint in his own ears and in spite of himself, his mind began to drift. “They were right behind us. That doesn't make any sense."

“I concur. In a few hours a probe will be sent back in an attempt to determine their fate."

Teal´c´s words faded into the distance as Daniel slid into the welcoming darkness once more.

[] [] []

It had been with considerable reluctance that Teal´c had abandoned his self-imposed vigil at his teammate´s side. It was only after Major Ferretti had offered to take his place that Teal´c had agreed to leave and join General Hammond in the embarkation room.

He had found the General standing at the base of the ramp, a frown etched deeply into his normally affable features, as he watched the technicians carrying out their repairs.

“General Hammond."

“Teal´c," the General greeted solemnly. “Is Doctor Jackson awake?"

“He was awake for a brief time, but he is asleep at the present time."

General Hammond nodded and turned back to watch the technicians at their work. Teal´c joined him.

Teal´c had much admiration for the inventive, inquisitive Tau´ri. Teal´c himself knew little of the workings of the Chappa´ai, that which they called the Stargate. Such knowledge had been actively discouraged among Jaffa. The Chappa´ai, they were told, was a tool of the gods and therefore only the gods themselves could understand its magic. Another falsehood, just one of many that he had been told during his years of slavery to the false gods. The humans of the Tau´ri were no gods, and yet they had unlocked the mystery of the gateway. They had mastered it and turned it to serve their own will. Most impressive of all was the fact that they had done so not through base thievery as had the Goa´uld, but rather through their own determination and native intelligence, and in the process they made a mockery of the false gods and all their touted superiority over a purported slave race. It was a great triumph over the false gods and one that Teal´c savored alongside them.

Teal´c watched as sparks from welding torches danced and sparkled across the surface of the Stargate like embers from a campfire, or the pyrotechnical display in honor of the Tau´ri nation´s day of independence that O´Neill had shown him but a few months earlier.

Teal´c shook off the melancholy reminder; he needed to focus on the here and now, not fragmented memories, no matter how pleasurable they might be. He watched, outwardly impassive, as Sergeant Siler strode down the ramp towards them wearing an expression that bespoke unpleasant news. Teal´c straightened his shoulders and braced himself to receive it.

“We've almost replaced all the super conductive interface elements, Sir. The old ones all melted. It's going to take some time to load test them though."

“Just tell me the minute we can send a probe through," Hammond said.

“That'll be twenty-four hours General, minimum."

Teal´c´s reserve fractured at that prognosis. “Captain Carter and Colonel O'Neill do not have that long."

“I'll give you half that."

Sergeant Siler shook his head. “No Sir, it doesn't work that way. Twenty-four hours is the best I can do."

The silence that greeted his announcement was rife with tension. Finally General Hammond spoke. “Then you'd better get back to it," he said, his voice sharp with disappointment.

“Yes Sir!" Sergeant Siler replied. He turned and gesture towards several of the technicians. “Come on, let's go."

Teal´c stood at General Hammond´s side and watched the technicians continue their work. A vise drew tight around his heart. Twenty-four hours. Twenty-four hours during which O´Neill and Captain Carter were alone, possibly wounded, possibly dying. Or they could already be dead. Teal´c wanted to shy away from that terrible possibility, but he would not tolerate such a craven response even within the privacy of his own mind. Wallowing in phantom fears served no constructive purpose. It would not hasten the repairs to the gate, nor would it safeguard his comrades from any danger that might befall them. Once more Teal´c found himself faced with the difficult necessity of standing by and waiting. At least he did not need wait alone.

“General Hammond, I wish to return to the infirmary."

General Hammond nodded. “Of course. I´ll let you know as soon as we´ve got the gate ready to go."

“Thank you, General Hammond," he replied. He nodded graciously to his commander, then removed himself from the embarkation room to return to his teammate´s side.

[] [] []

When Daniel awakened for the second time, his mind was a good deal clearer, though the ache in his skull was no less pronounced. Teal´c was still seated at his bedside. His face was inscrutable and his body displayed the preternatural stillness that initially had unnerved Daniel but which over time had become an odd source of comfort.

“Daniel Jackson, it is good to see you awake once more." Teal´c´s low rumble seemed to fill the confines of the infirmary.

“Thanks, Teal´c. It´s good to actually be awake," Daniel replied, though he immediately reconsidered that assessment as he tried to move into a sitting position. Every muscle in his body protested the movement and he had to grit his teeth against the sudden influx of pain.

“I shall inform Doctor Warner that you are awake and in some discomfort."

He tried to stop Teal´c, to assure him that really, he was fine, but Teal´c was already out the door. Besides he suspected it would have made much of a difference. Daniel couldn´t bullshit Teal´c on a good day, and right now, with his head throbbing and his body aching, Daniel was a world away from anything resembling a ‘good day.´

For a moment he tried to remember how he had come to be in the infirmary in the first place, but his memory remained vague and disjointed. He seemed to recall that he had awakened once before. A stray memory of Teal´c, his expression somber and his eyes reflecting an unaccustomed sadness, rose to the forefront of his mind and with it came a flood of other memories: the mission, the firestorm, the desperate escape.

The absence of Sam and Jack.

The shock of that last fragment of memory raced through Daniel and he sat up sharply once more. He bit back a gasp that was only partially due to his physical discomfort before he collapsed against the bed once more.

Teal´c returned with Doctor Warner in tow a few moments later.

“I´m glad to see you´re awake, Doctor Jackson," Warner said as he walked over to Daniel´s bed. He smiled at Daniel, an expression intended to reassure, though it did nothing to assuage Daniel´s worry for his teammates.

“How long?" Daniel asked.

Warner looked over at Teal´c who had taken up a position on the other side of Daniel´s bed. “You have been unconscious for nearly sixteen hours, Daniel Jackson."

“Oh."

“You have a concussion, Doctor Jackson.“ Warner explained. “You hit your head on the ramp in the gate room with considerable force. The MRI indicated that there was no damage to the skull or bleeding to the brain, but we were starting to get a little concerned."

Daniel didn´t have anything to say to that and he simply held still while Warner fished his penlight from his pocket and aimed it at first Daniel´s left, then his right, eye. Daniel flinched at the sudden light and then it was over.

“Reaction appears to be normal," Warner said before he tucked his light back in hi pocket and gave Daniel another encouraging smile. “You´re a very lucky man, Doctor Jackson. I need to keep you under observation for at least another twenty-four hours, just to be on the safe side."

Daniel opened his mouth to protest, but Teal´c interrupted him. “The Stargate has been damaged, Daniel Jackson. It is currently under repair, but it will not be operative for at least another eight hours."

“I need to be there."

Warner was frowning. “Doctor Jackson, I don´t think. . ."

Daniel struggled to raise himself into a sitting position again. He pressed his lips tightly together as he managed to rise far enough to brace himself on his elbows. “Doctor Warner, I need to be there when they reopen the gate." Daniel kept his voice steady, carefully masking the pain as well as his growing impatience and the fear that underlied it.

“You need to rest."

“I will." Daniel promised. “I promise I´ll rest until then. But I have to be there." He looked over at Teal´c and sent a silent plea for his friend´s support.

“Do not worry, Doctor Warner. I shall insure that Daniel Jackson does not overly fatigue himself," Teal´c promised.

Daniel looked back at Warner and watched as refusal gave way to reluctant acceptance. “All right, but this is against my better judgment. If you feel any ill effects—dizziness, nausea, anything—I expect you to return to the infirmary immediately. Is that understood? "

“Yes, Doctor Warner," Daniel replied instantly. Right then he would have promised to donate a kidney if it got him into the control room when they reopened the gate.

“Get some rest, Doctor Jackson." Warner nodded at the two men and left the infirmary. The door swung closed behind him.

“Any word?" Daniel asked Teal´c once they were alone.

“Sergeant Siler believes that the Stargate should be operational shortly. Once it is operational, General Hammond has authorized that a probe be sent to P4A-771. If it is deemed safe, then I shall accompany SG-3 on the mission to retrieve Colonel O´Neill and Captain Carter."

Sixteen hours had passed and they still had to wait another eight at least until they could open the gate and mount a rescue mission. Twenty-four hours, then. An entire day during which Jack and Sam were missing, possibly injured, maybe even dead. Daniel pushed that last thought away sharply. They weren´t dead, they couldn´t be.

“You should rest, Daniel Jackson," Teal´c said, his voice resolute. When Daniel opened his mouth, the other man simply placed a hand squarely in the middle of Daniel´s chest and pressed down. The touch was firm but surprisingly gentle and Daniel acquiesced without further protest.

“You´ll come and get me when they´re ready to open the gate?" Daniel asked. He yawned, surprised at how tired he felt all of a sudden. He looked up at Teal´c through suddenly heavy eyes. The other man´s expression was unexpectedly gentle.

“I will, Daniel Jackson. You may rely upon it."

With that assurance in place, Daniel closed his eyes and slept.

[] [] []

Teal´c watched until Daniel Jackson had returned to slumber once more. He remained at his teammate´s side for a few minutes longer, drawing comfort from the fact that at least one of his comrades was safe. It was foolish, this sudden need for reassurance, but that did nothing to lessen the need. He allowed himself the moment of weakness before he gathered his resolve about him once more. It would not be long now, he reminded himself. The technicians would complete their repairs and then he would lead a mission to rescue the others. They were safe, Teal´c told himself firmly. O´Neill and Captain Carter were both seasoned warriors, cunning and resourceful. They had overcome many obstacles and bested many rivals. They would endure.

With that thought firmly in place, Teal´c rose from his chair and returned to his quarters to undertake his long overdue kel´no´reem. He must be ready.

He would be ready.

[] [] []

The sound of the infirmary door opening brought Daniel´s scattered thoughts into focus. He looked over to see Teal´c traverse the infirmary with his usual gravitas, a set of neatly folded BDUs held before him like a ritual offering.

“Daniel Jackson, you are looking better." The faintest hint of a smile broke the man´s habitual reserve. Daniel responded in kind.

“Thanks, Teal´c." Daniel slid his legs over the side of the infirmary bed and accepted the clothing Teal´c offered him. “Is the gate back on line yet?" he asked as he slid into the trousers and grimaced slightly as his bare feet made contact with the cold tiles of the infirmary floor.

“Not as of yet, but Sergeant Siler has assured us that it is almost ready."

Daniel nodded absently as he buttoned his trousers, then wrestled his way out of the backless surgical gown someone had dressed him in. He finished dressing as quickly as possible then accompanied Teal´c to the control room to hold vigil. They stood there in silence, shoulder to shoulder beside General Hammond as they waited for Siler and his team to finish repairs to the gate. When the word finally came, Daniel´s sense of relief was almost a physical pang.

“Circuit is holding, reset and standby. She's all yours, General," Siler yelled up from the gate room.

And then there was noise and movement as Sergeant Davis began the dialing process. The gate began to turn and the chevrons locked in place one by one. Daniel could see the members of SG-3 standing at the foot of the gate, their bodies poised for action, leaning forward like a pack of dogs straining at the leash. The sight reassured him, reminded him that he wasn´t the only one desperate for the safe return of Jack and Sam.

“All defense teams stay alert. These hostiles might have both our addresses and our transmitter code."

General Hammond´s words shocked Daniel and angered him in spite of—or perhaps because of--the bald faced pragmatism that underlay them.

“You don't actually think they'd give up the transmitter codes to the enemy, do you?"

“Not willingly, no."

“I do not believe they would do so, even under the duress of torture," Teal´c announced with a certainty that brooked no argument and Daniel had wanted to hug Teal´c for his faith then and there. Instead, he watched as the gate spun and the chevrons locked, each one bringing them closer to discovering the fate of their missing teammates. Daniel held his breath as the probe was sent through and they waited impatiently for the telemetry.

Daniel´s eyes scanned the image displayed on the screen. “No sign of Jack and Sam, but no evidence they got into a firefight either," he muttered, half relieved, half worried.

And then history repeated itself. Enemy fire erupted, showering the gate with sparks and blasting the probe. The image on the screen was replaced by static.

“What are you waiting for?" General Hammond yelled. “Close the iris! Disengage the Stargate. SG-3 stand down. The rescue mission is scrubbed."

“General!" Daniel protested, but to no avail. Hammond walked away, his body stiff, leaving a flabbergasted Daniel and Teal´c in his wake.

Daniel was unsure how long he had stood there and stared through the control room window at the now inactive gate. His mind racing with a thousand terrible possibilities each more unbearable than the last. Teal´c remained at his side the entire time, his presence a bulwark of strength.

He turned away from window and walked over to the giant map of the universe that occupied one entire wall of the control room. Each gate they had charted over the course of the past year was marked with its designation. Daniel´s eyes slid upward automatically searching out P4A-771. It seemed so close on the map, separated from Earth by the space of a few feet, but Daniel knew perfectly well it was several light years away. Now, however, the distance was impenetrable. As long as hostile forces held the gate, General Hammond would never let them mount a rescue mission.

But what if they weren´t there at all?

Daniel stared at the map as if somehow it would hand him the answer. Although he had not said a word, Daniel knew instinctively that Teal´c was standing there at his side

“Okay, so if they are not there. . ." Daniel indicated the mark denoting P4A-771, “. . .and they are not here..." he said gesturing to the center of the map and Earth. He turned to look at Teal´c.

"It is possible that they might have perished within the wormhole."

Teal´c´s words stung because they were probably true.

"Yeah," Daniel admitted reluctantly. “In which case they're gone. I know, I thought of that. But if they are alive, if there's the least remote possibility that this malfunction sent them to another Stargate..."

"Was it not Captain Carter who deduced the possible combinations of Stargate symbols numbered in the millions?" Teal´c asked, sliding easily into Sam´s habitual role of Doubting Thomas. In that moment he missed her fiercely. He stamped down on that feeling; he needed to focus, not wallow in—hopefully—unnecessary grief.

"Well, we have to narrow it down."

Daniel´s eyes traced the path from P4A-771 to Earth and back again. His gaze paused for a moment to rest on the mark indicating P9X-233. SG-5 had traveled there two months earlier. He remembered that they had found signs of human habitation not far from the gate, a village that had been abandoned and had fallen into extreme disrepair. During their exploration, they had discovered some writing in one of the buildings, a large stone structure that had perhaps served as a meeting hall of sorts. They had duly recorded it and passed it along to Daniel who had high hopes that it might hold some clue as to what had happened to the inhabitants and where they had gone. He had grappled with the text for an entire week and had made no headway. Finally, he was forced to abandon this project to make room for other more pressing demands and other, more viable translations. Daniel had marked it as “FFR"—“for further review"--but he had a backlog of such projects and precious little time to indulge in such personal endeavors. The files remained untouched in a drawer in his filing cabinet.

Daniel stared at the letters and digits of the designation. P9X-233 was almost halfway between Earth and P4A-771. If SG-5 were there now, they would be that much closer to where Jack and Sam were. . .had been. . .he corrected himself. That much closer to Earth and home, like a rest stop on a long journey.

And suddenly an idea began to take shape in his mind. He reached out and lightly traced the path from P4A-771 to P9X-233, then from P9X-233 to Earth with a fingertip. There were other dots on the map that marked other worlds they had not yet visited, other possible rest stops. Other places where Jack and Sam could be.

“You have found something, Daniel Jackson?"

Daniel turned to look at Teal´c and thought he saw something of his own excitement burning in the other man´s eyes. “Teal´c! Find General Hammond!"

Teal´c didn´t ask questions or hesitate. He bowed his head and then he was gone. Daniel stared at the map and his heart pounded in his chest from the sudden surge of adrenalin and anticipation. He turned when he heard the sound of footsteps clanging on the metal staircase and turned to see Teal´c accompanied by General Hammond and Sergeant Siler.

“Teal´c said you had an idea about how to find Colonel O´Neill and Captain Carter?" Hammond asked.

Daniel flashed a quick smile at Teal´c. Even without saying the words, Teal´c had divined Daniel´s purpose. “Yes, sir." Daniel waved the men over to the map before he continued.

“Okay, this is P4A-771; this is Earth. Now, the Stargate shut itself down just after Teal'c and I came through."

Hammond nodded. “There was an energy surge."

“Right. But what would that have done to the wormhole itself?" Daniel directed the question to Siler who gazed back at him thoughtfully.

“I have no idea," Siler said.

“Could it just disappear?"

“No, I don't think so, sir. It would have to discharge somewhere."

“Like, another Stargate?" Daniel asked hopefully.

"Yeah, maybe." Siler turned to look at Hammond. “Sir, it's all theoretical, but we think that Stargates are basically giant superconductors. Charged matter streams along lines of force between them."

“Positive to negative, like electricity. Right?"

“Except for the fact the whole trip happens outside our dimension, yeah, more or less," Siler confirmed.

Daniel nodded excitedly. “Okay, what if it jumped? Redirected itself here," he said, pointing at P9X-233, “or here," indicating another planet, “or anywhere along...here," he concluded with a sweep of his arm that encompassed the entire path from Earth to P4A-771.

Hammond frowned. “You're suggesting we search all these worlds?"

“Well, at least we've narrowed an entire galaxy of Stargates down to a handful of possibilities."

“Assuming you're right, why haven't they used that Stargate to come back on their own?"

It was a fair question, Daniel knew and it deserved a direct answer. "Teal'c and I were flung out of this 'gate at this end so fast I don't even remember hitting the ramp. Now, they could be badly hurt, in which case we will not have to search far from the Stargates themselves. I think we owe it to them to try."

He looked at the General with pleading eyes, and prayed that he would go along with this plan. Daniel knew it was a long shot, that it was perhaps nothing more than a desperate grabbing at straws, but right now it was their only hope of finding Jack and Sam.

"General Hammond," Teal´c broke in. “I believe that this plan is a reasonable one. I would be happy to assist in the search and rescue of O´Neill and Captain Carter."

Daniel flashed another smile in Teal´c direction who accepted it with a graceful dip of his head.

Hammond looked at the two remaining members of SG-1. Finally he gave a slow nod.

“Very well. Teal´c, you´ll accompany SG-3 on search and retrieval. Doctor Jackson, I´d like you to work with Sergeant Davis to get the gate addresses for those planets and start collecting MALP readings. I won´t send my people off on any more of a wild goose chase than I have to."

“General, I´d like to accompany one of the rescue teams."

“I´m sorry, Doctor Jackson, but that´s out of the question," Hammond said with a shake of his head. “Not after that head injury you received." Daniel opened his mouth to protest, Hammond raised a hand to silence him.

“I know you want to be out there looking for them, son, but we´ll need you here to help coordinate the search effort."

Hammond looked at Daniel and he could see the sympathy in the older man´s eyes. Daniel acquiesced.

“All right people, we´ve got work to. Let´s find our people and bring them home!"

[] [] []

Teal´c was in the midst of tying his bootlaces when he became aware of another presence in the otherwise deserted locker room. He pulled the laces into a tight knot before he rose to face his visitor. He was not at all surprised to see Daniel Jackson standing in the doorway, shifting nervously from foot to foot like a harchak before a race.

Teal´c took a moment to study his teammate. Undeniably, Daniel Jackson looked better now than he had when he has first been released from the infirmary. Some of his color had returned and there was a familiar intensity in his eyes that Teal´c knew stemmed from finally taking action after a prolonged period of inactivity. Teal´c understood the sentiment.

“Teal´c? Are you ready for the briefing?"

“I am, Daniel Jackson," he confirmed as he walked over to his teammate. They walked to the briefing room in silence. Teal´c made no effort to engage his friend in conversation, certain that Daniel Jackson was reviewing information for the upcoming briefing in his mind. Teal´c knew it was better not to distract him at such times. He would share the information soon enough.

They arrived at the briefing room only moments before General Hammond. Teal´c saw the members of SG-3 were already seated at the table. Major Castleman, the leader of SG-3 gave Teal´c a short nod of acknowledgement which he returned before taking his own seat.

“Now that we´re all here," General Hammond said, his words halting all other conversation. “Doctor Jackson? If you´re ready to begin?"

“Yes, sir," Daniel Jackson replied as he clicked his remote to dim the lights. An image flashed on the screen. “This is the from the MALP telemetry we received from P3A-211. Now, as you can see, the gate is located on a plateau. Although there are no obvious signs of Jack and Sam. . .um Colonel O´Neill and Captain Carter," he corrected himself, “there appear to be a series of caves perhaps half a click in this direction." He tapped the image with a fingertip to draw their attention to the cave system.

“The terrain is rocky, so there probably won´t be any tracks. . ." Daniel Jackson looked over at Teal´c who confirmed the observation with a nod. “. . .but the caves are the most logical place to begin."

“Any signs of hostiles, Doctor Jackson?" Major Castleman asked.

Daniel Jackson shook his head. “None that we could see, but then, we didn´t see them on P4A-771 either."

There was a grunt of agreement from someone at the table.

“Is there anything else we should know?"

“Well, the MALP didn´t pick up any unusual readings: breathable atmosphere, no radiation. The climate is cold, but not uncomfortably so. It´s currently around 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature will probably drop considerably after dark, but you should have enough daylight to search the area before nightfall."

General Hammond´s gaze swept the table. “All right people. You have a go. Gear up and prepare to gate out in thirty. Dismissed."

The members of SG-3 were the first ones through the door. Teal´c followed shortly behind. Not surprisingly, Daniel Jackson fell into step beside him. He helped Teal´c get kitted up. He fretted over the pack straps, checked the first aid kit, made sure there was a neatly coiled lengthy of rope in one of the pockets of Teal´c´s daypack. He walked with Teal´c to the armory to retrieve his staff weapon and requisition a zat. They spoke very little. Daniel Jackson understood that this was a solemn part of the warrior´s ritual. Teal´c turned his weapons over in his hands, hefting them to feel their weight and balance, before he checked each one to confirm that it functioned properly.

Daniel Jackson watched him, his expression solemn. Teal´c knew that he wished to accompany them on this mission. Teal´c could understand this need, but he also recognized the wisdom behind General Hammond´s decision to confine Daniel Jackson to base. Teal´c had caught sight of Daniel Jackson surreptitiously rubbing at his temple several times since he had awakened in the infirmary, a gesture that suggested that he was suffering from the lingering effects of his concussion. Teal´c was equally certain that Daniel Jackson had not informed Doctor Warner of this. Teal´c, however, did not confront him on the matter; he knew that Daniel Jackson would vehemently deny the affliction. Daniel Jackson was both proud and obstinate and would never willingly admit to an infirmity or weakness, not when duty called. Daniel Jackson was strong. He would endure.

His weapons in place, Teal´c turned to his friend and placed his hands on the young Tau´ri´s shoulders. “Although I will regret your absence at my side, Daniel Jackson, I am comforted by the knowledge that you will be here to insure that every effort is made to retrieve O´Neill and Captain Carter."

Daniel Jackson frowned. “Do you think they wouldn´t?"

“I believe that the personnel of this facility will make every effort to locate our comrades," Teal´c explained, “but I also believe that they will benefit greatly from your guidance and wisdom."

Daniel Jackson blinked, clearly startled by Teal´c´s words. “Thank you, Teal´c," he replied quietly.

“I am merely stating fact, Daniel Jackson."

Daniel Jackson blinked again, then looked at his watch. “Um. . .we should go. It´s almost time."

Teal´c nodded and they made their way to the embarkation room.

SG-3 was there waiting at the base of the ramp. The gate began to rumble and turn and its chevrons flared to life one by one until the wormhole appeared in a wave of brilliant light.

“Good luck!" General Hammond´s voice intoned through the mike. SG-3 made their way up the ramp. Teal´c turned to look at Daniel Jackson once more.

“We will find them, Daniel Jackson."

“Yes we will, Teal´c," Daniel Jackson answered, his voice strong and his gaze steady. “Good luck."

Teal´c nodded. He climbed the ramp and then he was gone.

[] [] []

Daniel placed another post-it on the glass map. Another dead end. Another place where Jack and Sam weren´t. After two days of searching the number of post-its had grown considerably.

“Doctor Jackson?"

Daniel turned at the sound of his name. Hammond stood just inside the doorway, his gaze sympathetic.

"We just received probe telemetry from P5C-11 and 12, neither of them have a breathable atmosphere any more. If they ever did," Daniel made no effort to hide his frustration.

“I´ve formally reported Colonel O'Neill and Captain Carter as missing in action," Hammond said.

Daniel felt his blood freeze at the announcement. “Why?"

Hammond´s expression softened. Daniel found the pity almost as unbearable as the news itself. Almost.

“Missing in action doesn't mean we stop looking, son."

Daniel watched as Hammond exited the room, leaving Daniel alone once more. He turned to look back at the map that seemed to taunt him from behind a mosaic of pastel colored post-it notes.

“Missing," he muttered to himself. “ I'm missing something,"

“Daniel Jackson."

For the second time in as many minutes, Daniel turned at the sound of his name. Teal´c stood in the doorway, hands clasped behind his back in virtually the same spot that Hammond had so recently occupied.

“Hey, Teal´c," he greeted with a faint smile. “So, 326 was a bust?" He knew the answer already, of course. He had just placed the post-it note marked with a red ‘x´ on the map before General Hammond had arrived with his unhappy news.

“I regret that it was," Teal´c said as he walked into the room. He came to a halt in front of Daniel, his neutral expression replaced by a frown.

“You appear to be tired, Daniel Jackson."

Daniel waved away the concern. “I´m fine. Teal´c. Really," he added a bit more forcefully. Teal´c studied him carefully and Daniel suspected that he was not fooled in the slightest.

“Have you eaten yet this evening?" Teal´c asked. Daniel shifted uncomfortably beneath the other man´s probing gaze.

“Um. . .no, but I´m not really hungry."

“That is most unfortunate. I was going to partake of a meal in the commissary and I had hoped that you might accompany me. I find. . ." Teal´c hesitated uncharacteristically.

“Teal´c?"

“I find that I miss the company of O´Neill and Captain Carter greatly," he said at last.

Daniel was stunned by the confession. More than that, he was shamed by it. He´d been so preoccupied with his own worries and his own desperate plan to find his friends, he had forgotten that he was not the only one who felt their loss so keenly. He looked closely at the other man and saw the habitual mask of stoicism, but just beyond the frayed edges he saw a hint of a grief equal to his own. Teal´c had stood at his side, had offered his strength and his support. The least Daniel could do was to return the gift in kind as best as he could.

“I miss them too, Teal´c," he confided though that was hardly a secret, not between the two of them.

“We will find them."

“Yes," Daniel nodded slowly, “yes, we will."

Teal´c nodded his head in agreement, the faintest hint of a smile lifting his lips.

Daniel looked at his watch and frowned. “Teal´c? Is it Tuesday or Wednesday?"

“It is the latter, Daniel Jackson."

“Good. They won´t be serving meatloaf then."

“I am greatly relieved by that fact as well. I find meatloaf to be a most. . .disturbing victual."

Daniel couldn´t help it; he laughed for the first time in what seemed forever. “I couldn´t have put it better myself, Teal´c. Let´s go see if we can find something halfway edible."

They exited together and made their way to the commissary side by side. Although the moment of humor they had shared in the briefing room had served to lighten the dark mood that shadowed them both, the reprieve proved to be short lived. Their brief trek to the commissary became a trial of endurance of a different kind. People scurried to move aside and previously animated conversations faded into silence as he and Teal´c passed by. Daniel could feel eyes watching him, hot with pity and awkward apology and could hear the whispers that followed in their wake. The words were hushed, but Daniel knew their meaning all the same.

He glanced over and Teal´c and Daniel realized that on this occasion the other man´s preternatural hearing was more a curse than a boon. Teal´c´s face remained impassive but Daniel could feel the way he stiffened at Daniel´s side, tension and frustration alive in every line of his body. Still, Teal´c said nothing, merely kept his eyes straight ahead. Daniel instinctively moved closer, offering what little comfort he could as they continued along the gauntlet.

The commissary itself was not much better. It was late enough that most of the base personnel had either already eaten or had finished their shifts and returned home to the promise of better fare. Nevertheless, there were just enough people present to make the situation uncomfortable. Daniel did his best to ignore the whispers and sympathetic stares as he picked up a tray and followed Teal´c past the row of steaming pans. He nodded at the server who piled a plate with food, far more than he could possibly eat on a good day and certainly more than he could bear with the hint of nausea roiling in his stomach. He accepted the plate without protest. It was easier that way.

By unspoken agreement, he and Teal´c seated themselves at a table in a corner of the commissary as far as possible from the pitying gazes of their comrades. Daniel looked down at his plate and sighed. The hunger he had begun to feel in the briefing room had all but fled during their uncomfortable journey. Daniel knew Teal´c was watching him before he even looked up. Daniel offered him a brief smile and picked up his fork. He stabbed it into the mashed potatoes and began to swirl gravy through the lumpy white mound. He took a tentative bite. Not exactly Cordon Bleu, but at least it was edible. He took another bite.

They ate in companionable silence for a time. It was a familiar sensation between the two of them and Daniel could almost pretend that this was an ordinary meal on base and that his team mates were merely delayed and would be arriving any moment. Sam would sit next to him and babble happily about whatever strange project was currently fired her imagination, while Jack would take his habitual place on the other side of the table and crack wise between the inevitable complaints of the culinary shortcomings of the commissary´s offerings, sports critiques and bits of SGC gossip. It was a pleasant fantasy while it lasted, but then the terrible reality came crashing down once more.

“General Hammond has declared them missing in action," Daniel blurted suddenly.

Daniel cringed at his inadvertent pronouncement. Teal´c´s head shot up, his fork poised above his own plate. In that moment, Teal´c´s mask slipped completely and Daniel could see naked worry etched in the other man´s features before he managed to school his expression to neutrality once more. Daniel suspected his own face had worn a similar expression of shock when General Hammond had delivered the news to him not long before.

“He´s not calling off the search," Daniel hastened to explain. “It´s just. . .just. . ." he stumbled over his words, looking for the right ones and finding none. “It´s just something they do in the military. The General promised that the search will continue."

Teal´c nodded. “I understand."

‘Do you?´ Daniel wanted to ask because he didn´t understand, not at all. He was afraid to ask, though. Afraid of adding to Teal´c´s own grief; afraid of what the answer might be. Instead, Daniel returned his attention to his meal. Appetite fled, he idly chased peas around the plate with the side of his fork to distract his increasingly grim thoughts.

“We will find them, Daniel Jackson," Teal´c said, pronouncing those words with the practiced clarity of a mantra.

Daniel nodded as he silently echoed the words and drew what comfort he could from them and from the knowledge that Teal´c clung to them just as fervently as he did.

The silence stretched between them once more though now it was shaded with discomfort. Daniel was reminded of the very early days when they were still taking the measure of one another and trying to find some common ground, to achieve a degree of equilibrium. Daniel´s grief over Sha´re had still been so raw, and Teal´c´s guilt over the part he had played in her loss was no less palpable, weighing him down like a girdle of heavy chains. Teal´c had been so circumspect, so respectful towards him then, as he silently watched Daniel with haunted eyes. The excessive solicitude had unsettled Daniel until at last had taken the first step to bridge the gap between them.

He´d invited Teal´c to dinner at a Chinese restaurant near his apartment. It was a quiet little place that served terrific dim sun and was far enough off the beaten path that Daniel knew they´d have some degree of privacy. It had been one of Teal´c´s first trips off base, he recalled, and Teal´c had been more stiff and formal than usual with his Denver Broncos hat pulled low over his forehead. The brim of the hat had shadowed much of his face, making him appear even more inscrutable than usual. They had studied one another silently across the table until the waiter brought them their tea. Teal´c had sipped the hot, aromatic tea, cautiously at first and then he had smiled, a rare half smile of genuine pleasure. He had explained to a puzzled and frankly curious Daniel that it reminded him of a beverage made from the bark of the al´tash tree on Chulak and that its taste was very pleasing to him. It had been a small thing, really, and yet it was as if the distance between their two worlds had vanished for that moment. A point of commonality had been found, one that had nothing to do with false gods and far-flung worlds and kidnapped wives. They had sat there for hours talking over moo shi pork and shrimp lo mein and by the time they had finished the tea and the fortune cookies arrived (a convention that Teal´c found perplexing yet vaguely amusing) they had achieved a kind of détente between them.

When Daniel saw Teal´c the next morning, the other man appeared lighter to Daniel´s eyes. It might have been nothing more than his own imagination and a touch of wishful thinking, but he could not deny that the guilt that Teal´c wore like a hair shirt seemed to have abated, nor that Daniel´s own discomfort in Teal´c´s presence had faded as well.

Daniel picked up his mug—coffee, not the pungent Chinese tea that he and Teal´c shared off base--and idly swirled the remnants of the dark liquid around the bottom. “I´ve been reviewing the MALP data we received today," Daniel began in a conversational tone, “P5C-11 and 12 look like a bust, but P6X-311 looks promising and we´re still processing the data from P6X-346."

The flash of gratitude in Teal´c´s eyes told Daniel he appreciated the effort. Teal´c needed hope as much as he did. “That is good to know. When will the next MALP be sent through the Stargate?"

Daniel looked at his watch and frowned. “Well, they´ve been sending one on an average of every six to eight hours, so they´ll probably be sending the next one through in an hour or so. If everything checks out with 311, SG-4 will have a go for tomorrow."

“And SG-3?"

Daniel shrugged. “If the data for 346 checks out, then I suppose the General will approve a search there tomorrow as well."

“That is good news, Daniel Jackson."

“Yeah. But even if 346 is no good, we still have other planets to check. We´re not out of options yet."

“Indeed." Teal´c looked over at Daniel´s plate. “Have you finished your meal, Daniel Jackson?"

“Um. . .yeah. I guess so," he said as he pushed his tray to the side.

“I have decided that I would like to have a slice of pie. I recall seeing some of the pumpkin variety. I believe that is O´Neill´s favorite, is it not?"

“Yeah," Daniel said quietly, “it is."

“I would be honored if you would partake of it with me, in honor of our missing comrade."

“I´d like that, Teal´c."

Teal´c stood and walked to the dessert case. He returned moments later with two pieces of pie and a fresh mug of coffee for Daniel.

“To O´Neill and Captain Carter," Teal´c intoned with all the solemnity of a priest chanting an incantation.

“To Jack and Sam," Daniel echoed.

They ate their pie in silence, bound together by friendship and a fragile, silken thread of hope.

[] [] []

Teal´c watched the encroaching darkness as Lieutenant Reilly finished dialing the address for Earth. Their mission had been a failure. After several hours spent exploring a three-mile perimeter around the Stargate, there could be little doubt that O´Neill and Captain Carter had not been sent to this planet.

Teal´c reminded himself that this was to be expected. There were dozens of worlds along the trajectory that stretched between Earth and P4A-771, dozens of possible locations where they might find the missing members of SG-1. It was unrealistic to anticipate success so early in their search. Such an outcome, while desirable, was improbable as he well knew.

He thought if he repeated that reminder to himself enough times the sense of loss and disappointment might ebb.

It did not.

When he stepped through the gate on the other side, his first instinct was to seek out Daniel Jackson. His eyes shifted upwards almost of their own volition. Daniel Jackson stood at General Hammond´s side, just as he had every time Teal´c had returned to Earth. Just as every time previous, their eyes met and he watched as the hopeful expression faltered and was replaced by a mask of resignation. No words were spoken between them; none were needed. Daniel Jackson knew already. Teal´c had failed once again.

Teal´c surrendered his weapons and then submitted himself to the to familiar post mission customs. After the requisite medical examination, they proceeded to debrief General Hammond. The debriefing was short as they had not achieved their objective nor did they have anything of particular interest to recount. Teal´c found himself thinking that O´Neill would have approved of these abbreviated meetings. He recalled how, on one memorable occasion, O´Neill had succinctly summarized their entire mission by announcing: “We came, we saw, we got bored, we came home." General Hammond had verbally reprimanded O´Neill, but Teal´c had noticed the flicker of a smile twitching the General´s lips before he delivered his chastisement. Although the O´Neill´s comment had been inappropriate, it had added a welcome moment of levity into their often rigorous and uncompromising routine. Thinking upon this, Teal´c felt a sudden fierce pang at the other man´s absence.

Once they had been dismissed, Teal´c sought out Daniel Jackson. He did not need to search for long. If Daniel Jackson were not in the briefing room pouring over printouts and MALP photographs, then he could only be in the control room. As expected, Teal´c found him hunched over a computer monitor engaged in discussion with Sergeant Davis. He looked up when Teal´c entered the room.

“Hey, Teal´c," Daniel Jackson greeted with a reasonable facsimile of a smile. Teal´c appreciated the effort and he dipped his head in acknowledgement.

“Daniel Jackson, I was going in search of sustenance in the commissary. Would you care to join me?"

The request was, he thought, perhaps overly formal under the circumstances, but he felt strangely, uncomfortably exposed at the moment, so he as he took comfort from his habitual shield of formality. Daniel Jackson did not comment upon it, but accepted Teal´c´s offer with genuine affection.

The journey to the commissary was, as always, an uncomfortable one. None of the personnel they passed made eye contact with them. Instead, all eyes skittered to the side and conversations stumbled to a halt. It was a most unpleasant experience and once again Teal´c was reminded that he was an outsider, an alien in this place and among these people.

Nor was he alone in this. He looked at his companion. Daniel Jackson walked like a man going to his own execution: eyes forward, shoulders straight, his lips pressed tightly together. Teal´c knew that the ordeal was as difficult for Daniel Jackson as it was for him, more so, perhaps, because Daniel Jackson endured it every day while Teal´c was searching off planet. If he could endure alone, then surely Teal´c could do so for his sake now.

They headed directly to the serving line. Teal´c was relieved to see that it was relatively empty once again due to the lateness of the hour. He accepted a plate from the server with a faint nod. He gave the plate a brief perusal. It was piled high with baked chicken and the seemingly ubiquitous mashed potatoes generously covered in thick brown gravy. There was some form of green vegetable as well, cooked until it was limp and completely unidentifiable. Spinach, perhaps. He put the plate on his tray and glanced over at his friend, pleased to see that he had received a similarly laden plate, though he knew from past experience that Daniel Jackson ate relatively little when nervous. It was a trait he shared with Captain Carter, Teal´c had noted.

He waited while Daniel Jackson obtained a mug of coffee before leading them to the table in the far corner that they had adopted as their own. He seated himself with his back to the doorway. It was a position that ran counter to his training that demanded that he be aware of his surroundings at all times and never turn his back on the primary entrance, but he also knew that his larger frame would screen Daniel Jackson from view and away from prying eyes as much as was possible. It was a poor shield, but it was the best he could offer in such a public venue. He wondered if Daniel Jackson was aware of the measures that Teal´c had taken and he realized that he would not be surprised in the slightest if he had. Daniel Jackson was quite perceptive in such matters.

By unspoken agreement, they no longer discussed the ongoing search and retrieval missions. Such updates were superfluous. Between the regular round of briefings and debriefings they were both well versed with the current state of the search and the mounting number of failures. Instead they talked of other things, inconsequential, mundane things. They compared customs from their respective home worlds. Daniel Jackson had told him a bit about his childhood, much of which had been spent in Egypt. Teal´c, in turn, had spoken of his own childhood on Chulak.

“It sounds like a hard life," Daniel said as he twirled his fork slowly in the mound of mashed potatoes.

“It was," Teal´c confirmed. “But there was little room for weakness among the Jaffa, and none at all for pity. The false gods only wanted the strongest, the hardiest to carry their offspring. It was only by enduring great hardship that a Jaffa could prove his worth. Those who did not endure were of no consequence to the false gods."

Daniel Jackson nodded slowly, clearly mulling over his words. “How old were you when you. . .you know. . .?" he asked with a vague gesture of his hand.

“When I received my first prim´ta?"

“Yeah."

“I was the equivalent of ten of your years. It was considered a great honor to be gifted by the gods at such a young age. I won the privilege at the games celebrating the feast of the harvest by besting a dozen other contestants, many of them several years older than myself. My father was very proud that day," Teal´c added softly.

“Are your parents still alive?"

Teal´c frowned as he considered how to answer the question. “My father died when I was very young," he explained simply. “My mother died from a fever shortly before the birth of Ry´ac."

“I´m sorry," Daniel Jackson said. Such words of condolence were unnecessary, of course, but Teal´c was oddly grateful for his friend´s solicitude. Daniel Jackson unwittingly had touched upon a subject that still pained him and the other man seemed to recognize that, perhaps because it was a pain he shared as well.

“Have you ever played chess, Teal´c?" he asked, shifting to an entirely new and unrelated topic. Yes, Daniel Jackson understood.

“I am unfamiliar with this pastime, Daniel Jackson. Is it a sport?"

“No, actually it´s a kind of game. You have two players, each of whom begins with sixteen pieces of six different kinds—pawns, rooks, knights, bishops, a queen and a king--that are moved across a board according to specific rules. The goal is to capture the opposing king, which is called ‘checkmating´ him. Whoever does that first wins."

“So the purpose of this game is to simulate a military battle?"

“Yes, pretty much, though obviously it relies more on brains than brawn. In order to win you have to outthink and outmaneuver your opponent. You need to be able to look ahead and always remain at least one step ahead at all times."

“It sounds most intriguing," Teal´c said as he rearranged his silverware neatly on his tray.

“It is. It´s actually a very old game here on Earth. Its earliest antecedent can be found in India in the sixth century and it´s pretty much stayed the same ever since, well, apart from the addition of the queen in the fifteenth century, and a few other minor changes in the eighteenth century."

“We have something very similar on Chulak. We call it Kel´mak Vat´nor."

Daniel frowned. “Conquered Fortress?"

“More precisely ‘Captured Fortress,´ but that is the general premise. It is a game of strategy taught to young Jaffa as a means to teach them discipline and careful planning. It is a most useful exercise."

“I can imagine."

“I would like to learn to play this game chess. I would be most grateful if you would teach it to me when we have leisure at our disposal."

“I´d like that, Teal´c. I play it with Jack sometimes, but. . ." Daniel Jackson´s voice trailed off.

Teal´c nodded. “Such diversion can be a source of great comfort. It is strange. I played Kel´mak Vat´nor many times in my youth, but have not done so in many years. I believe that I have not played it since before you were born, Daniel Jackson."

“I forget sometimes that you are so much older than the rest of us. You look younger than Jack, but you´re probably old enough to be his father."

“I am, in fact, old enough to be his grand sire."

Daniel Jackson ran a finger absently along the rim of his coffee cup. “How old are you, Teal´c? I mean, if you don´t mind telling me."

“I do not. I am approximately ninety-eight of your years."

“Wow," Daniel Jackson said softly.

“Indeed," Teal´c replied with mock gravity, eliciting a smile from his friend whose expression turned thoughtful.

“How long do Jaffa usually live, Teal´c? I mean, I know that your. . .symbiote. . ." Daniel Jackson´s lips twitched briefly in a not unexpected moue of distaste at that word before he continued “. . .extends your lifespan considerably, but what is a Jaffa´s life expectancy?"

Teal´c pondered that question. “It is difficult to calculate. Most Jaffa males are warriors in the service of their gods. . .their false gods. . .so their lives are filled with danger. Since most Goa´uld consider us to be expendable and easily replaced, they often send their armies off to wage futile campaigns on their behalf. As a consequence, most Jaffa die young."

Daniel Jackson nodded and gestured for him to continue. “Of course, those who are fortunate enough to survive grow ever more cunning and skilled. A Jaffa master can live for many decades and to carry a number of symbiotes during that time. My own master, Bra´tac, who you have met, is one such Jaffa."

Daniel Jackson smiled briefly. “I remember. He certainly seemed pretty spry to me. And the look on Jack´s face when Bra´tac took him down was pretty funny."

“Indeed. But O´Neill earned Master Bra´tac´s respect as well. It is a rare thing for a warrior, human or Jaffa, to match a Jaffa master in battle. Although his words may have appeared dismissive at times, Master Bra´tac holds the Tau´ri in high regard."

“That´s nice to know. So. . .how long could a Jaffa master like Bra´tac live?"

Teal´c frowned. This was not a question he wished to dwell. Nevertheless, Daniel Jackson had asked and he did not wish to deny his friend the knowledge he sought. “In truth, I do not know, but it is quite possible that his time is drawing near."

“Teal´c?"

“As you know, a Jaffa carries a symbiote within his body. When it matures, the symbiote is removed and if the Jaffa has proven worthy of serving his god, he receives another in its place. This will happen many times throughout the Jaffa´s life. But as he ages, his body becomes less. . .resilient, less receptive. Eventually, there will come a time when he simply becomes too old to carry a symbiote within. He will be rejected and will inevitably die."

“Oh," Daniel Jackson said, his forehead creased in a frown. He looked directly at Teal´c, his concern writ across his features. “That won´t be happening to you will it? I mean, not for a long time, right?"

“I am still relatively young by Jaffa standards and could yet live to carry many more symbiotes."

“Good. . .that´s good."

Teal´c nodded. “It is more likely that I will die in battle fighting alongside the Tau´ri."

“That´s. . .not a happy thought."

“I disagree, Daniel Jackson. If I am to die, I can think of no more honorable way to do so."

Daniel Jackson frowned and gazed down into his coffee mug. “That seems rather fatalistic, Teal´c."

“Death is inevitable, Daniel Jackson," he explained quite calmly. “It comes to claim us all in turn. And though we have no control over when it will happen, we can decide how we choose to meet it." He paused and considered how to continue. He folded his hands upon the table before him and looked directly into his companion´s eyes.

“For many years, I was a slave in the service of the Goa´uld. I fought countless battles and killed many Jaffa and watched as my brothers were sacrificed to their vanity and petty whims. Now, I fight to end their tyranny and to liberate my fellow Jaffa. If death comes to me now, then I die with honor for I will die free."

Daniel Jackson watched him intently, his expression once again thoughtful. He nodded slowly. “But not today."

“No, not today."

They remained together in a silence more fraught than companionable, thoughts of the inevitability of death and the uncompromising demands of duty foremost in their minds.

Neither man slept that night.

[] [] []

The days had begun to blur together. It was easy to lose track of time in the mountain, surrounded by gray walls and artificial light and isolated from the normal daily rhythms that most people lived by. Daniel was familiar with that odd sense of disjunction that sometimes occurred, as day and night merged and seemed to reverse themselves. On more than one occasion since he had become part of the SGC, Daniel had looked at his watch and had been unsure whether it was early in the morning or in the evening. He was coming to appreciate the whole military time thing since if nothing else you could tell ‘when´ you were. He frowned and tried to remember if it was Saturday or Sunday. Teal´c would know, of course; he had an uncanny internal clock, though Daniel supposed that having a rather demanding Goa´uld larvae in your gut would make it easier to keep track of time.

Daniel´s head snapped up at the sound of claxons. Before he even gave it conscious thought, he was moving, his boots clanging loudly on the metal stairs as he raced to the control room.

“Incoming wormhole!"

Daniel watched as a wormhole sprang to life and flooded the gate room in the brilliant blue glow. Daniel headed over to stand at General Hammond´s side.

“Who is it?" Hammond asked.

Sergeant Davis looked at his screen, waiting for the IDC. “It´s SG-3, sir."

“Open the iris!"

Daniel watched as Teal´c exited the wormhole, a man´s body draped across his shoulders in a fireman´s carry. For one dizzying moment, Daniel thought that perhaps it was Jack, even as his eyes refuted the wild hope.

“Major Castleman requires medical attention!" Teal´c announced as the remaining members of SG-3 exited behind him.

Davis leaned forward and barked into the microphone. "Medical team to the embarkation room!"

General Hammond rushed into the gate room. Daniel was hot on his heels along with the medical team that swarmed up the ramp. “What happened?" Hammond asked.

"We were exploring a cave not far from the Stargate. He fell several meters from a rock ledge," Teal´c explained. “There was no sign of Captain Carter or Colonel O'Neill."

Daniel felt his heart plummet at the news, even though he´d already known the truth of it. If he´d found Jack and Sam, Teal´c would never have come back without them.

"Are you alright?" Hammond posed the question before Daniel could put voice to it.

Teal´c nodded. “I am ready to embark again."

Hammond gazed at SG-3´s team leader lying prone on the gate ramp, surrounded by medical personnel. He looked back at Daniel and Teal´c. “I'm calling the search off."

Daniel stared at Hammond in shock. “What?"

Hammond´s expression was forbidding. “This was the last of the planets to fit your theory, Doctor."

"Well, it's been, what, a few days? What if we stop just short of finding them?" Daniel pleaded, his desperation rising.

“I'm sorry!" Hammond said before he left the gate room, leaving Daniel and Teal´c staring numbly in his wake.

They watched as a pair of corpsmen loaded Major Castleman on to a gurney and whisked him to the infirmary, the other members of SG-3 trailing behind.

“Sir?"

Daniel looked over to see another corpsman standing next to Teal´c. “If you´ll come with me for the post mission exam. . ."

The man´s voice trailed off and he swallowed hard, clearly unnerved by Teal´c´s grim demeanor. Daniel felt a momentary pang of sympathy for the young man, before other concerns flooded back once more.

Teal´c looked at Daniel, an odd expression on his face. “Daniel Jackson. . .?"

Daniel nodded. “It´s OK, Teal´c. Go get checked out."

Teal´c nodded to Daniel before he handed his staff weapon to an airman standing at the foot of the ramp and followed the familiar path to the infirmary.

Daniel watched as the other man disappeared from view. Suddenly acutely aware of the other people hovering nearby, watching him with frankly worried expressions, Daniel fled the noise and commotion of the gate room to wander the corridors of the SGC alone.

It was nighttime, or at least what passed as nighttime in the depths of Cheyenne Mountain During the day, when the corridors were filled with personnel and the sounds of voices echoed through the halls, the SGC took on a life of its own. At night, however, when the hallways were largely deserted, it became eerie and disconcerting, a rabbit warren of featureless grey concrete illuminated by the chilly blue light of fluorescent bulbs. It was easy then to remember that it was situated in the bowels of a former missile silo.

Daniel turned the corner to walk down another gray corridor, indistinct from those that had preceded it. He knew that General Hammond would soon be debriefing SG-3, but Daniel stayed away this time. He didn´t want to hear the details of another failed rescue attempt, didn´t want to have to confront the fact that Jack and Sam had been written off for good just yet. Instead, he wandered the lower levels, haunting them like a wraith, the way that he had in the early days just after his return to Earth when his memories were too sharp and sleep an elusive thing.

He eventually found himself back in the relatively quiet control room. Only a skeleton crew of technicians remained at this late hour, but they paid him no mind, now long accustomed to Daniel´s presence there. Daniel climbed the stairs to the empty briefing room his gaze riveted to the giant map that gleamed softly in the dimly lit space. His eyes traced the path from P4A-771 to Earth just as they had done so many times over the course of the last three days. His gaze would pause at each slip of paper, the planetary designations reeling through his mind almost by rote. He was missing something, he was sure of it. He stared so hard at the map he was almost surprise the glass didn´t crack and splinter beneath the force of his gaze, but the answer he sought continued to elude him.

“Daniel Jackson."

Teal´c´s voice sounded like the low rumble of distant thunder in the hushed interior. Daniel turned sharply to look at his team mate whose face was shrouded in shadow, his features obscured. Only his tattoo was visible, glowing eerily in the dark.

“Teal´c," he acknowledged with a slight nod, before he returned to his examination of the map.

“You should rest."

Daniel shook his head. “I´m fine, Teal´c."

Missing something. He was missing something. . .

“You do not appear to be fine."

“I´m fine, Teal´c. Really," Daniel reiterated.

“When was the last time you slept, Daniel Jackson?" Teal´c asked, his voice unexpectedly gentle.

Daniel rubbed his temple again, this time careful to avoid the inflamed skin surrounding his stitches. “I´m not tired." Daniel studiously ignored the petulance in his response and kept his gaze riveted on the map in front of him.

“Is it not a custom among the Tau´ri to look at those with whom one is conversing?" Teal´c asked. Although his tone was mild, Daniel couldn´t help but wince at the subtle and wholly justified rebuke that underlay Teal´c´s question. With a sigh, Daniel turned to face the other man.

Teal´c studied him and frowned. “I believe that O´Neill would say that you appear to be wiped."

The unexpected comment elicited a snort of laughter from Daniel even as his chest tightened at the sudden, painful reminder of Jack´s absence. His head fell against his chest and he sighed again. “I can´t sleep, Teal´c," he admitted at last.

Teal´c moved closer to Daniel and placed his hand on Daniel´s shoulder, a warm and comforting weight. It was only then that Daniel realized he had begun to tremble. Faint tremors coursed down his body like a vibration through fine crystal as the rush of caffeine and adrenalin began to evaporate. Teal´c´s hold tightened and Daniel looked up to see concern writ large upon Teal´c´s broad face.

“You need to rest, Daniel," Teal´c said in that same soft voice.

Daniel blinked, startled. He couldn´t recall Teal´c ever calling him by his given name. The intimacy of it took him by surprise, but not nearly as much as naked worry so evident on his other man´s eyes.

Daniel nodded mutely, too worn out to argue the point further. Teal´c´s hand slid down to Daniel´s bicep, his grip firm but still oddly gentle, as he led Daniel from the control room to the bunkrooms that resided on the floor above. He and Teal´c walked side by side through deserted corridors, Teal´c´s hand still on Daniel´s arm, guiding and supporting him as the made their way through the silent corridors.

By the time they reached their destination, Daniel was leaning heavily against Teal´c. Teal´c opened the door and ushered him inside. He blinked in confusion. Teal´c had not taken him to the bunkrooms where Daniel slept on occasion, but rather to his own quarters. Teal´c closed the door, shutting out the light from the hallway.

Daniel breathed in the darkness and then there was a sudden flare of light. Teal´c lit a candle, then another and still another. He moved around the room, lighting more candles as he passed until the room was bathed in flickering golden light.

“Teal´c?"

Teal´c turned and gave Daniel a gentle smile. “It is time for me to sit in kel´no´reem. As you had indicated that you could not sleep, I had hoped that perhaps you would care to join me. I find that it provides me with a sense of tranquility even in the most troubling of circumstances and I believe that we are both in need of such respite now."

Daniel nodded. “Sure, okay. What do I do?"

“Seat yourself within the circle," Teal´c said as he did the same.

Daniel lowered himself to the floor and sat facing him, legs folded in front of him. He shifted a bit until he was comfortable. “Now what?"

“Close your eyes and listen to my voice," he instructed. Daniel let his eyes flutter shut, the after image of the candles still aglow behind his closed eyelids.

“Breathe in deeply through your nose and then exhale slowly through your mouth," Teal´c´s voice said into the darkness. “Breathe in again and then exhale. Feel your diaphragm as it rises and falls , as your lungs fill and then empty. Do not think, simply breathe."

Daniel did as he was instructed. He breathed in slowly, the scent of beeswax filling his nostrils along with something else, a light, spicy aroma that might have been sandalwood. He exhaled and could feel his diaphragm as it deflated with the expulsion of air from his lungs. He breathed in again. He breathed out again.

“Feel the air as it enters your body, then as it leaves," Teal´c said, his voice low and deep, the cadence of his words slow and stately. “Feel your chest as it rises and falls, over and over."

Daniel continued to breathe and Teal´c continued to speak to him in low, soothing tones. Daniel´s mind began to drift pleasantly as his body relaxed, his limbs loose and heavy and oddly disassociated from his body. He sighed softly as darkness began to encroach and he surrendered to it entirely.

[][][]

Daniel awoke with a sudden start. He frowned, uncertain as to where exactly he was. He was lying on his side on the floor, a pillow tucked beneath his head and a blanket spread over him, but apart from that. . .. He sat up, the blanket falling to puddle around his knees, as he rubbed at eyes still gritty from slumber then looked around himself. He saw the sea of candles, now extinguished, and he remembered. He was in Teal´c´s room. Teal´c had found him in the control room and had brought Daniel back to his quarters to sit kel´no´reem with him. Daniel remembered the smell of beeswax, and the soft, soothing rumble of Teal´c´s voice and then nothing more. Of Teal´c himself there was no sign.

Daniel frowned, wondering if that had been Teal´c´s intention all along. He felt annoyance flare, then sputter and vanish a moment later. He was being foolish, he knew. Clearly Daniel had needed rest and Teal´c had done what he could to help. Whatever his intentions, Teal´c was a good friend and had acted with Daniel´s best interests at heart. Daniel certainly couldn´t deny that he felt a little better for—he glanced at his watch—the three hours of sleep he´d had.

He rose, his muscles stiff and his joints protesting at the movement. He hastily folded the blanket and deposited it on Teal´c´s bed then retrieved his glasses from where they sat atop the small bedside table. Daniel exited Teal´c´s room and blinked against the harshness of the fluorescent lights overhead. He walked back to the control room through corridors that were as gray and empty as they´d been when last he´d walked them. The same skeleton crew was on duty. Two hours yet to go before the early morning shift relieved them at six am.

Daniel walked back to the map and stared at it for a long time. He knew he was missing something, something that was right there under his nose practically screaming at him to find it, but he was no closer now than he had been some three hours earlier.

He heard it before he actually felt it, a low rumble that seems to rise from below to make the floor tremble beneath his feet. He frowned, bemused. After spending years in LA, Daniel knew what an earthquake felt like, but he´d never expected to experience one in Colorado Springs. As far as he knew there weren´t any fault lines within a hundred miles or more. The rumble spread and Daniel watched as the chevrons on the ‘gate lit softly for a moment then faded entirely.

Daniel turned and his eyes fell on a glass of water that someone—probably him--had carelessly left sitting on a counter near the map. Daniel´s moved closer to stare at the glass, spellbound, as the water trembled, spreading ripples across its surface.

“Daniel Jackson."

Daniel didn´t turn, his eyes still fixed on the water. “Teal'c. Did you see that?" The ripples calmed and the water´s surface was still once more but in his mind´s eye he could see them, could feel the rumble beneath his feet, a ghost of motion as everything shifted for the space of a heartbeat and the chevrons of the gate glowed like a beacon in the mist. A random fragment of memory broke free and realization hit him with the force of a staff blast to the chest.

"Why are you here?" Teal´c asked in his most patient voice.

Daniel turned to look at his companion then, his previous exhaustion banished by a swell of manic hope. “I couldn't sleep. I was thinking that I must be missing something, and now I just realized we ruled out a world we shouldn't have."

One of Teal´c´s eyebrows rose at that pronouncement, but otherwise remained implacable. “Should I find General Hammond?"

“He´s still on base?"

“General Hammond has not left the SGC since we began the search for O´Neill and Captain Carter."

“Right, right, of course. I knew that," he said, more to himself than to Teal´c. He was babbling, he knew, but he couldn´t help himself. He turned to look at the map dotted with colored post-its, his mind racing ahead along other paths, weighing and considering possibilities. Was such a thing possible? It seemed incredible, but then wasn´t the entire stargate network wildly implausible to begin with? Was a second gate really all that far-fetched?

Daniel turned at the sound of footsteps on the metal staircase outside the control room. Teal´c had returned with General Hammond as expected.

“Doctor Jackson?"

Hammond was wearing his professional face, the one that Daniel recognized from dozens of briefings, but there was an air of barely contained anticipation there as well. Daniel licked his lips, took a breath and began to speak.

“How many Earth-based cultures have we encountered from other worlds from periods both before and after we think the Stargate was buried?" Daniel asked his voice almost quavering with excitement.

Hammond frowned, considered. “Several, I think."

"Right, and we've probably only scratched the surface. Now, so far we've tried to account for these discrepancies with various theories of parallel or accelerated..."

“What's your point, Doctor?" Hammond said, cutting off Daniel´s discourse.

Daniel gazed intently at the general. “What if there's a second Stargate here. What if this energy surge caused the wormhole to jump from one Stargate to another. . ." he moved closer to the map and tapped his finger emphatically against the glass, “. . .here."

Hammond blinked. “On Earth?"

"Yes."

Hammond turned to look at the room´s other occupant. “Teal'c, would the Goa´uld have put more than one Stargate on a planet?"

"If the first became lost to them, it is possible," Teal´c said after the briefest of pauses.

"Remember, the one that Ra put here might not have been the first. The Goa´uld didn't build the Stargate system," Daniel pointed out.

Daniel flicked his gaze between his two companions. He watched as they mulled over his words and considered the implications and he could see the precise moment when General Hammond crossed the line from skeptic to hesitant and hopeful believer.

"Then where is it?"

Daniel frowned. “I´m not sure, sir. But there must be a way to figure it out. If we could track Jack and Sam somehow. . ."

“Perhaps radio transmissions would be of some assistance."

Daniel and Hammond both looked at Teal´c who continued. “When they realized that separated from myself and Daniel Jackson, would it not be likely that O´Neill and Captain Carter would have tried to contact us by use of their radios?"

“Yes," Hammond said, his voice approving, “that´s standard operating procedure. If the transmissions were sent from a location here on earth then they would have been picked up and recorded."

Hammond rushed over to the control console where Sergeant Davis was installed. “We're looking for radio transmissions on SG-1's emergency frequency," he directed. “Co-ordinate with air military listening posts around the entire globe."

“Yes, sir."

"It would have to be in a remote location otherwise it would have been discovered by now," Daniel mused. “It could have even been buried until recently otherwise the Goa´uld would have continued to use it.

"Let us hope it is not still buried," Teal´c said, the voice of reason once more.

A sudden thought flitted across Daniel´s consciousness. He drifted over to the observation window and gazed thoughtfully at the Stargate. “General," he began, his voice hesitant, “when we first opened our Stargate, it used to shake. A lot. I mean, the ground, the whole facility, everything."

Hammond moved to stand beside him. "We've installed frequency dampeners that limit that to only a slight vibration."

"Okay, but what if the second 'gate doesn't have...those. Would it shake enough to indicate its location on a seismometer?"

Hammond´s eyes flashed in understanding. “Damn right it would!" He turned back to Davis once more. “Run a search for all recent seismic activity worldwide. See if any coincide with the time of our Stargate malfunction."

Daniel´s excitement peaked once more. "And check about four am local time. I was here, I thought someone was trying an off-world activation, but nothing happened. Except that the chevrons glowed and there was a slight vibration."

"Captain Carter and Colonel O'Neill," Teal´c essayed.

Daniel turned to look at Teal´c. He felt as if every nerve in his body were charged with electrical current. “What happens when you dial your own phone number?" he asked. Teal´c´s expression was one of pure bemusement and Daniel nearly swore at his own stupidity. “Wrong person to ask." He turned to Hammond and repeated the question. “What happens when you dial your own phone number?"

"You get a busy signal."

"Exactly!" Daniel exclaimed in triumph as the final piece of the puzzle fell into place. “What else could cause a vibration like that except if they were trying to dial home? They couldn't get home. I mean, even if the seventh symbol looked different, the co-ordinates of the two gates would still be exactly the same."

Davis turned to look at them, his face alight with excitement. “We got it! Antarctica! The timing of the event is to the second, including the event that Dr. Jackson experienced a few hours ago!

“Latitude and longitude?" Hammond asked, his voice sharp.

“Yes Sir! It's only about fifty miles out of McMurdo!"

“General, permission..." Daniel began and was not surprised to hear Teal´c´s voice overlapping with his own. They got no further before Hammond interrupted them.

“Granted! Order McMurdo station to begin a search of those co-ordinates now."

During the course of the year he had spent as a member of the Stargate program, Daniel had found cause more than once to grouse about the inefficiency of military bureaucracy. Everything seemed mired in red tape to the point that even the most basic and straightforward of requests could take weeks and even months to process. Forms filled out in triplicate, stamped, signed, counter signed, counter-counter signed, stamped again for good measure. . ..it was enough to drive even the most patient of men mad. Yet there were other times when the military could and did move with lightning speed. This was one of them.

A flurry of telephone calls from General Hammond had procured them a military transport, fuelled and prepped, its flight plan filed and given top priority. Only Air Force One, he later learned, had higher priority. In less than an hour, Daniel found himself strapped into a jump seat along with several other members of the SGC including General Hammond who was every bit as determined to see this to the end as Daniel and Teal´c was. If Daniel didn´t already respect the man, he would have loved him fiercely for that alone.

The trip was long and far from pleasant and Daniel swore that he would never complain about flying commercial again. The plane rumbled and vibrated, jarring him through and he could feel the cold seeping through him as well despite the parka he had donned prior to lift-off. The noise was such that any conversation was impossible, though in his current agitated state that may have been a blessing.

He glanced over to his right. Teal´c was his ever-implacable self. Any worries or misgivings he might be feeling were tightly locked down and hidden away beneath that tight armor of self-control that Daniel so admired but could never emulate. He drew a deep breath and tried to calm himself as well. They were on the right track, he knew it, could feel it in his bones like the vibrations of the plane. In a few hours they´d have Jack and Sam back, safe and sound. Sergeant Davis had been able to triangulate their location with impressive precision, based upon two aborted sets of radio transmissions and the seismic tremors. Provided that Sam and Jack hadn´t moved too far from their original location, they could find them. No, he corrected. They would find them.

When they touched down at Williams Field, they were met by Colonel Everett, second in command of McMurdo station. Brief greetings were exchanged, curt but adequate to cover the courtesies. Everett didn´t know the particulars of their mission, of course, but he understood that time was of the essence so he walked briskly at the general´s side towards the two helicopters that had been allocated for their use, giving him a succinct account of the search efforts thus far as they went. They were back in the air within ten minutes of touching ground.

Daniel glanced out the window. White. There was nothing but unrelieved plains of pristine snow as far as the eye could see. For someone who had spent so many of his formative years in hot, dusty climes and who still preferred the desert to any other environment, it was a disconcerting sight. Disconcerting and more than a little daunting.

Sam and Jack were soldiers, he reminded himself. They were trained for survival. They had emergency supplies with them. Flashlights and batteries. Sterno for cooking. Tasteless but ostensibly nutritious MREs. Medical supplies. . ..He shied away from that thought. If either of them had been seriously injured on their expulsion from the Stargate as he and Teal´c had been. . .No, there was no point thinking on this now. He´d heard stories of mountain climbers and skiers who´d been lost and had miraculously survived under similar conditions and for even longer periods. He had no reason to think that Sam and Jack wouldn´t do the same. They were tough. They´d endured worse than this. They´d be all right.

Unconsciously, his eyes sought out Teal´c once again. Their gazes met and held and Daniel could read the same disquiet and the same determination in the other man´s dark eyes. The helicopter was no more conducive to conversation that the transport had been, but he and Teal´c were becoming well versed in silent communication. He nodded to Teal´c who returned the gesture in kind.

“Sir!" the pilot yelled over his shoulder to General Hammond. “We´re coming up on the coordinates your people sent us!"

“Can you take us lower?!" Hammond yelled.

“Yes sir!"

The pilot matched action to words and the helicopter flew lower, dancing like a hummingbird over the snowfields. They pressed their faces to the windows looking for some sign of their missing comrades or the hypothetical Stargate that had brought them to this place and found neither.

“There must be caverns of some kind beneath the surface!" Daniel said. He could barely hear his own voice over the din of the chopper blades.

That was something Daniel hadn´t stopped to consider, though it made sense. Surely something as noticeable as a Stargate would have captured attention given its proximity to McMurdo Station and Scott Base, the nearby New Zealand research facility.

Fifty miles from McMurdo; that´s what Sergeant Davis had said. Less that the distance between Denver and Colorado Springs. It was a quick jaunt by modern standards, an easy day trip by car or train. But here in this frozen wasteland, fifty miles seemed a world away. He was becoming so accustomed to thinking in terms of light years that there were times that he forgot how vast such a distance could be and how easy it would be for two fragile bodies to become lost out here.

Daniel squinted against the harsh sunlight that reflected off the snowfields and fixed his goggles firmly in place. Snow blindness was another danger out here, along hypothermia and frostbite. He saw movement and looked more closely. Snowmobiles. They´d begun ground reconnaissance then. Still, they continued to fly overhead in the hope that they might get lucky and find some clue that had been previously overlooked.

Daniel wasn´t surprised that it was Teal´c who saw it. The Jaffa´s preternatural senses had aided them on any number of occasions, and this was no exception.

“There!" Teal´c yelled, his voice cutting sharply through the din of the helicopter. “Over there!"

Daniel followed Teal´c´s arm and squinted at the point indicated. It was a dark smudge, easily dismissed as yet another outcropping of rock, but Teal´c saw something more.

“What is it?" Hammond asked.

“I believe it is one of our backpacks, General Hammond!"

“Take us down, lieutenant!" This last was directed to the pilot.

“Yes sir!"

The helicopter circled then landed, perhaps thirty feet from the spot Teal´c had indicated. The craft had barely touched ground before the door was opened and he and Teal´c were racing across the snow towards the dark shape already half covered with snow. He dropped to his knees beside Teal´c.

“It is indeed one of our packs, Daniel Jackson."

Daniel turned and waved towards the helicopter, wishing belatedly that he´d brought a radio with him. It didn´t matter, however. The message had been received loud and clear. Within minutes General Hammond and the pilot had joined them.

“I´ve transmitted these coordinates to the other search parties," the pilot told them. “They´re on their way."

Teal´c was already up and moving, his keen eyes studying the snow, looking for footsteps, for some access to the caverns that had to be nearby.

“General Hammond!"

Daniel and the general rushed over at the sound of Teal´c´s voice. He was kneeling in the snow once more.

“Teal´c?"

“Here," he said. No further words were needed. He´d found the entrance they were looking for. It was a narrow crevice, just large enough to allow a person to slip through. They´d need to enlarge the entrance. If Jack and Sam were down there, there was a good chance that they were injured and would need to be hauled out, possibly in stretchers.

Daniel laid down on his belly and peered into the darkness. “Looks deep."

Hammond nodded. “We´ll need rope and grappling hooks, then. . ."

Whatever he was about to say was cut off by the sound of a second helicopter arriving and soon after two more helicopters and several snowmobiles.

Apparently, this was not the first search and rescue operation that McMurdo had organized. They moved with a calm efficiency worthy of the SGC. Expanding the entrance to the underground cavern had proven quick work and within half an hour, three members of the McMurdo rescue party were rappelling their way into the darkness. Teal´c asked to accompany them, his manner so grave and assured that no one thought to deny him.

Daniel was tempted to ask to join them as well, but he held his tongue. Speed was essential and while he was a competent climber, he was willing to accede to their greater skill. Instead, he helped Teal´c into his harness, making sure all the straps were secure. He patted Teal´c on the arm.

“Bring them home, Teal´c."

Teal´c nodded then began his descent.

Daniel stood at the general´s side, worrying nervously at his thumb nail as the minutes ticked by. He didn´t know what they would find. A large cavern? Or perhaps a network of tunnels. If the latter were the case, the search could prove time consuming indeed. That was assuming. . .

Daniel´s train of thought shuddered to a halt at the sound of static issuing from a nearby radio. “McMurdo," the scratchy voice began, “this is rescue team Charlie. We found them. Over."

We found them.

Daniel looked at Hammond, saw the broad smile of relief breaking out across his face. He clapped Daniel on the back with a warmth that made it feel like a paternal embrace.

We found them.

[][][]

Daniel yawned, then stretched, hearing his vertebrae crack with the movement. He´d thought that the SGC had the monopoly of plastic chairs-cum-torture devices, but apparently they were an international phenomenon. Nevertheless, despite the ache in his tailbone and his back, he hadn´t rested this comfortably in days. He looked over at Sam´s face, slack and peaceful in slumber and wonderfully, blissfully alive, and smiled. She and Jack were going to be fine.

That outcome hadn´t always been assured. When the rescue team finally located their missing teammates, they´d both been unconscious and suffering from hypothermia and exposure. Sam, at least, had come around briefly. She´d been confused and her speech had been slurred—probable side effects of a serious concussion—but she´d retained enough presence of mind to warn them about Jack´s internal injuries before she´d slipped back into unconsciousness. Her body temperature was abnormally low, but her heartbeat and respiration were steady if shallow. The medic said her chances for full recovery looked very good.

Jack, unfortunately, was another matter entirely. Concussion, broken leg, internal bleeding in addition to hypothermia and possible frostbite. The medic had declared his injuries too severe for the McMurdo medical facilities to deal with so they´d both been Med-evaced to Christchurch instead. A transport was waiting for them at William´s Field, its engines already running and then began the long flight to New Zealand.

Daniel had sat in the jump seat and watched his teammates throughout the entire flight. They looked so terribly pale and fragile, as if they´d been permanently blanched by frost and snow. The medic had looked up at him once and had given him a reassuring smile, but Daniel knew he wouldn´t rest easily until his teammates were awake and Jack was bitching about crappy hospital food and the lack of ESPN.

Upon touchdown, Sam and Jack had been bundled into the waiting ambulance while he, Hammond and Teal´c had followed in a car thoughtfully provided by the US Embassy. By the time they´d arrived, Sam and Jack had already been whisked off to the emergency room so Daniel had little choice but to settle in for the long haul.

He hadn´t seen General Hammond since they´d arrived and suspected that he might have gone to the Embassy to deal with the aftermath of their startling discovery in Antarctica. He might even have returned to Antarctica to supervise the acquisition of the Stargate by the SGC. Daniel knew that Sergeant Siler was there and more technicians and specialists were on their way from the SGC to extract and eventually transport the valuable artifact back to the States for further study.

Daniel had been too focused on getting Jack and Sam back to really consider the repercussions of the existence of a second ‘gate here on earth, but now that he could spare the time, he had to admit that the implications were huge. A second, functioning ‘gate and with it a DHD. They´d never recovered the DHD at Giza, so this discovery alone would have a tremendous impact. Sam was going to have a ball playing with her brand new toy once they got back to the SGC.

Daniel looked down at his teammate. Sam looked a little better now. Some of the color had returned to her cheeks, but she still looked too wan to Daniel´s eye. He took her left hand in both of his, careful not to dislodge her IV, and gently rubbed his thumb across her knuckles. Her skin felt dry beneath his fingertips, as brittle as parchment bleached by the sun. It had been close, too damned close. He´d stayed with her throughout the night; Hammond must have pulled some strings somewhere to have managed that and Daniel was grateful. Teal´c had stayed with them for a time, but had pleaded the need to conduct kel´no´reem. Daniel had waved him away with a tired smile. He knew that Teal´c had been neglecting his meditation during the search and had to be in desperate need by now.

Of Jack, however, there was no news. He´d been rushed into surgery hours ago and Daniel had yet to receive further word, and as tempted as he was to try and find out, he was more reluctant to leave Sam alone in strange surroundings. After all she´d been through, she deserved to wake up to a familiar face.

“Daniel Jackson."

Daniel turned at the familiar voice. Teal´c stood silhouetted in the doorway, his frame backlit by the dull fluorescent lights of the hallway. He moved closer and Daniel could see that he held a large styrofoam cup in his hands that he offered to Daniel with a grave nod of his head and a flicker of warmth in his dark eyes.

Daniel removed the lid and inhaled deeply, his eyes fluttering shut as he breathed in the familiar aroma. “Oh God, you have no idea how much I need this. You´re a lifesaver, Teal´c."

Teal´c´s head dipped again. “You are most welcome, Daniel Jackson."

Daniel took a large sip of coffee and sighed. Hot, black and highly-caffeinated. Perfect. His second sip was smaller but his pleasure was no less for it. He was aware of Teal´c standing at his side, back straight, hands folded neatly behind his back. The formality of it was both familiar and reassuring.

“I have good news, Daniel Jackson."

“Hmmm?"

“O´Neill is out of surgery."

Daniel sat up quickly and almost spilled his coffee in the process. “Really? Is he all right? Where is he? Can we see him?"

Teal´c´s halted the flow of questions with a quirk of one eyebrow. “I spoke with one of the doctors. He indicated that O´Neill´s condition was indeed grave, but that the surgery appears to have been successful. The extreme cold may, in fact, have saved his life by slowing the flow of blood through his body."

Daniel nodded absently. Ironic that the very thing that almost killed Jack had probably saved him in the end. Jack might find that amusing. Or not. Jack had never really been a big fan of irony.

“Can we see him?"

“O´Neill is currently in intensive care. His condition remains serious and he must be kept under constant observation, but the doctor assured me that we would be allowed to visit for a brief period soon."

“Good, that´s good," Daniel said. He turned to look at Sam, still asleep on her hospital bed. “Did you hear that, Sam? Jack´s going to be okay."

She did not respond, of course, but it felt good to say the words aloud, repetition lending them reality and weight. A yawn caught him unawares. He put his half-empty cup of coffee down on Sam´s bedside table then tried to smother the sound behind his hand.

“Sorry, Teal´c," he apologized, then yawned again.

“You should rest, Daniel Jackson. O´Neill has only now been transferred to this hospital´s intensive care ward. It will no doubt still be some time before we will be allowed to see him."

Daniel opened his mouth to speak, but got no further. “I will stay with Captain Carter until she awakens."

Daniel knew he shouldn´t be surprised that Teal´c had divined his concern. He yawned again and stood up. His back gave a twinge of protest at the movement.

“You´ll give me a yell if she wakes up?"

“I will."

Daniel nodded then turned to look at Sam as she slept peacefully. He leaned down and placed a light kiss on her forehead. “I´ll see you later Sam," he murmured into her hair before he straightened and left the room.

He blinked against the harsh fluorescent lights of the hallway; they seemed shockingly bright after the dimness of Sam´s room. He walked the short distance to the small alcove that served as a waiting room, blissfully empty at such a late hour. Daniel laid down on the couch farthest from the hall. It was too short to accommodate a man of his size, but if he bent his legs, curled his back and let his knees hang over the edge of the cushion, he could just about fit. Daniel gave a sigh and let his eyes flutter closed.

He feel asleep at once.

[][][]

Teal´c held vigil at the bedside of Captain Carter, much as he had done for Daniel Jackson a mere five days earlier. Then, his vigil had been filled with apprehension over the fate of his injured comrade and his missing team mates. Daniel Jackson was now recovered and his team mates had been found, but his earlier trepidation, though lessened, had not vanished entirely. Kel´no´reem had helped to restore much of his balance, but he knew it would not be restored in its entirety until Captain Carter awakened and O´Neill´s recovery was likewise assured.

He wished that he was capable of adopting the manner of obdurate optimism that Daniel Jackson could assume at such times. The young human simply refused to believe that they would not be victorious nor that they would fail to achieve their goals. His willful refusal to accept defeat had once again proven an invaluable asset on this occasion. The Tau´ri were a stubborn race and Teal´c drew great satisfaction from seeing such determination rewarded. It was this extraordinary tenacity, he knew, not powerful weapons, that would ultimately defeat the Goa´uld.

Captain Carter began to shift on her bed and Teal´c leaned closer to see her eyelashes flutter.

“Captain Carter," he said in a soft voice, not wishing to disturb her unnecessarily. Her lashes continued to flutter and then her eyes opened the smallest fraction. Teal´c could see a hint of blue gleaming beneath the half closed lids.

“Captain Carter."

“Teal´c?"

Her voice was soft, little more than a sigh and there was a roughness to it, as if she had pushed the words across a field of gravel. He leaned closer so she could see him fully and gave her a faint, but genuine smile.

“It is I, Captain Carter. You are safe."

Captain Carter opened her mouth as if to speak, but no sound was issued so he spoke on her behalf.

“You are in a military medical facility in Christchurch, New Zealand. You have been suffering from hypothermia, exposure and a concussion, but the doctor is most confident of your recovery."

She blinked and Teal´c wondered whether or not she had understood him. He pressed the call button on the head of the bed. A nurse appeared almost instantly.

“Please inform the doctor that Captain Carter has awakened."

The nurse nodded and left.

Captain Carter regarded him through slitted lids. “How?" she finally asked, pushing the single syllable forth with considerable effort. He leaned even closer so that his lips were pressed close to her ears. They could not risk being overheard.

“You were on Earth, Captain Carter. In Antarctica. There was a second gate and you and O´Neill were sent there when gate in the SGC malfunctioned."

She nodded and her eyes slid closed. Teal´c thought that perhaps she had drifted off to sleep once more when her eyes opened and regarded him sleepily.

“Colonel?"

Teal´c hesitated, uncharacteristically caught between candor and compassion. His team mate looked so very frail at that moment, a wan, brittle shadow of the vibrant woman that he knew and respected. He did not wish to alarm her, nor did he wish to deceive her; he held her in too high regard to do so.

“O´Neill is currently in this facility´s intensive care unit. His injuries were more severe than your own. The doctors are hopeful, however, that he will make a full recovery."

She nodded faintly and her eyes fluttered closed again.

There. It was not a lie – the doctors were indeed hopeful – though it was not the entire truth. But there was nothing that Captain Carter could do for her superior at the moment and Teal´c was not certain that she was entirely aware of her surroundings. He would speak with her again when the effects of the medications had faded and she was more alert.

Teal´c looked up at the sound of footsteps. The doctor moved towards the bed, his pace brisk.

“The doctor is here, Captain Carter," Teal´c said. “I shall return shortly with Daniel Jackson."

Teal´c rose from his seat and nodded to the doctor in greeting before he went in search of his team mate.

It did not take long to find Daniel Jackson. As Teal´c suspected, he had retired to the small lounge area at the end of the corridor as was presently asleep on one of the small couches. Daniel Jackson had curled his long frame inward to fit himself into the too small space with his arms wrapped around his chest and his legs hanging precariously over the edge. He had not removed his glasses, Teal´c noted.

“Daniel Jackson,"

Daniel Jackson started at the sound of his name and almost toppled over the side of the couch but managed to clutch the edge of the cushion to keep from falling over.

“Teal´c?" he asked his voice still fuzzy from sleep. He shifted into a sitting position and removed his glasses to scrub his face vigorously with both hands.

“Captain Carter is awake."

Daniel Jackson nodded. He replaced his glasses and stood. “Let´s go."

They returned to Captain Carter´s room and hovered near the foot of the bed as they waited for the doctor to finish his examination. Their team mate breathed slowly while the doctor held a stethoscope against her chest and listened. After a few moments he withdrew the instrument and slung it around his neck. He patted her hand and after a some murmured reassurances he stood and turned to Teal´c and Daniel Jackson and gestured them towards the door.

“Is she all right?" Daniel Jackson asked with an unmistakable thread of concern in his voice.

The doctor nodded and gave them a reassuring smile. “Everything looks fine. Her BP and breathing are normal and there´s no sign of either frostbite or pneumonia. She´s needs rest and fluids, but otherwise she should be fine.

Daniel Jackson sighed, relief flooding his features. “And Colonel O´Neill?"

The doctor frowned. “He´s stable for the moment, but it was touch and go for a while. The next twenty-four hours will tell."

“When can we see him?"

“In a few hours. We want to continue to get his temperature up and monitor his breathing. One of his ribs punctured his lungs and we need to ascertain that there is no infection or pneumonia on top of the damage."

“Thank you, doctor," Daniel Jackson said then walked back towards Captain Carter´s bedside. Teal´c dipped his head to the doctor then followed his team mate.

Daniel Jackson pulled the plastic chair close to the bed and dropped gracelessly into it. Teal´c came to stand behind the chair and gazed down at their team mate.

“Hey, Sam," Daniel Jackson greeted as he took her hand in both of his. “How are you feeling?"

“Daniel?" Captain Carter rasped through parched lips

“Yep, its me. And Teal´c, too," he added with a jerk of his head behind him. “Do you want some water?"

Captain Carter gave a faint nod and Daniel Jackson retrieved the cup from the bedside table with one hand and raised her head with the other. He held the straw to her lips while she drank then eased her carefully back down to the bed.

“You´re going to be all right," he told her once she was settled. “A couple days´ rest and you´ll be right as rain, I promise," he assured her.

“Colonel?"

Daniel Jackson turned to look at Teal´c, his expression somber. Clearly he was as discomfited by the question as Teal´c had been. He turned back towards their team mate and although Teal´c could not see his face, he had no doubt that Daniel Jackson wore a hopeful expression.

“Jack´s condition is. . .well, it´s not great at the moment, but the doctors are doing everything they can for him and you know Jack; he´s a fighter. He´s going to be OK."

Captain Carter paled at Daniel Jackson´s words. Daniel Jackson reached out to stroke her cheek, the gesture more fraternal than intimate between the two of them. “He´s going to be OK, Sam. I know he is."

She gave a tight nod, her eyes closed. Daniel Jackson moved his hand to stroke her hair. The movement was slow and gentle. “Rest, Sam," his voice as soothing as he gesture. “Just rest."

Teal´c watched as she fell asleep, Daniel Jackson´s voice a calming counterpoint to the soft beeping of medical equipment. Teal´c remained standing beside Daniel Jackson´s chair until he insisted that Teal´c find a chair and be seated as well. They remained at their team mates bedside while she slept. They did not speak, but drew comfort from one another. They had been two; now they were three. Only one remained to join their circle.

Two hours elapsed before a nurse came to tell them that they could visit O´Neill. Daniel Jackson had drifted off, one of Captain Carter´s hands still cradled in his own. Placing her hand to rest on her middle, Daniel Jackson rubbed at bleary eyes, then rose and followed Teal´c from the room, with one last glance at their sleeping teammate.

If Captain Carter´s condition had been disconcerting, O´Neill´s was alarming. Teal´c stood at the side of O´Neill´s bed, dimly aware of Daniel Jackson standing next to him. O´Neill´s skin was a pale, sickly hue, his features gaunt and sunken looking in the overhead lights. The lower half of his face was hidden beneath a breathing mask and there were a number of tubes and wires attached to his person. But it was the stillness that Teal´c found most unnatural. O´Neill was a vibrant, forceful man and though he was capable of holding himself to an almost preternatural stillness when hiding from an enemy, Teal´c realized that in his mind, O´Neill was also associated with action. Teal´c could visualize him clearly, patrolling the perimeter of their camp during an off-world mission, or running to the gate, firing his weapon at enemy Jaffa. Teal´c could see him in their mission briefings, fingers drumming against the table top or fidgeting with a pen, or on a few occasions engaging in a game of what Teal´c had been informed was called tic-tac-toe with Daniel Jackson, until General Hammond´s words of censure brought it to a close. Even at his ease, O´Neill was in motion, as he stood, hands stuffed in his pockets, and rocked back and forth on his heels, a barely contained look of mischief lighting his features. It had never occurred to Teal´c until that moment how very alike O´Neill and Daniel Jackson were in that regard.

Teal´c cast a brief look at Daniel Jackson. His expression was grim, his lips pressed together in a thin line. Teal´c looked down and saw that his hands were wrapped around the metal safety bar on the side of O´Neill´s bed with enough force that his knuckles had turned white from lack of blood. Teal´c reached down and placed one of his own hands atop Daniel Jackson´s. The Tau´ri blinked at him, bemused, but his taut grip eased, the muscles of his hand relaxing beneath Teal´c´s palm.

Neither he nor Daniel Jackson spoke; words seemed oddly intrusive in this place. As he had done before with Captain Carter, Daniel Jackson reached down and took O´Neill´s hand and cradled it gently between both of his. Teal´c did not touch O´Neill but instead placed his right hand on Daniel Jackson´s shoulder, linking the three of them together, lending whatever strength there was to both his team mates. His brothers-in-arms.

A nurse arrived shortly after and