"Sir? We have a problem." Carter stooped next to him, offering a skin filled with cool water. "The GDOs are back at the tent with our things."

"Shit!" A frantic demand to get Daniel the help he needed had obliterated every other thought. He had to stop thinking like a friend and begin acting like the leader of SG-1.

"Is this what you desire?" Shelaya stepped closer holding out one of the small devices that unlocked the iris.

"How-" Startled, Carter glanced from the device to the medicine woman.

"When I sent Malari for the warriors I had him get...this. The spirits said you would need it." She explained. "I told Meelay...I would travel to your world so that I may...apol..apologize to your....elders and per-perhaps help Daniel." Although she still struggled with some words her English was improving. "If I may."

"Fine! Whatever!" Jack's nerves were stretched to the breaking point. "Let's just get him home."

Carter was already dialing when Jack dismounted, easing Daniel from the horse. Knowing Malari would watch their backs, Teal'c went through the gate as soon as the event horizon settled and Carter gave the okay. He felt the colonel's need to carry Daniel Jackson home, but he would have the medical team waiting.

"Incoming traveller sir...It's SG-1" Siler looked up at his commanding officer.

"Open the iris." General Hammond called over his shoulder, knowing Sergeant Siler had anticipated and obeyed the order even before it was given. Sergeant Siler hit the medical alert button as Teal'c exited the watery horizon shouting for Dr. Frasier. Hammond watched as Teal'c was followed by Carter, an unknown civilian female and finally O'Neill carrying an unconscious Dr. Jackson.

The general found himself speachless, stunned by Jackson's mangled features as O'Neill placed the inert body on the stretcher. Pushing past everyone, Janet with a quick examination was issuing orders to her med team. Before they wheeled Daniel from the room she tossed a cursory glance at O'Neill to see if he was injured as well.

"What the hell happened Colonel?" Hammond's troubled gaze barely acknowledged Shelaya's presence. "Did the Apakians do this?"

"No sir." Jack's complexion was grey, his voice hollow but it was the vacant brown eyes locked on the disappearing gurney that sent a chill through the commander of the Cheyenne Mountain complex. He'd been in enough combat situations to recognize shock when he saw it. His face paled as he heard Jack's whispered, "I did."

Confused by the colonel's confession, he turned to the Jaffa standing protectively near O'Neill. With concern all to evident in his voice the general spoke softly. "Teal'c please see Colonel O'Neill gets cleaned up and to the infirmary. We'll debrief in one hour".