Jack cleaned and bandaged what he could with the limited supplies and immoblized Daniel's arm. The scientist gave no sign, made no sound as he worked. Jack knew, it was just as well he was unconscious. In fact, it was probably a blessing.

As he finally sat back, looking at his watch for the hundredth time, Jack's gaze fell once again on the still face. Daniel had never looked younger or more vulnerable. Jack knew it was stupid, but he yearned to see the long lashes flutter and lift, revealing lively blue eyes which looked so trustingly at the world. He would give his career pension to just hear one of the scientist's lengthy verbalizations on some ancient civilization.

Like a knife through his heart, it hit the soldier, he had sacrificed that privilege. His anger and stubborness had led to this disaster. Jack could still see the hurt, quivering lipped expression on the young man's face when he had called him Dr. Jackson by the gate. Not Jackson as when they had first met. Not Daniel as he had when they became friends or even Danny as he did when teasing him. Instead he had called him Dr. Jackson like he was a stranger, not worthy of kind words or friendship.

All because he had mentioned Charlie. Pain flashed through Jack. His son's death was not something he took lightly, but as he dwelled on it, he realized Daniel had not meant it as an affront. He had just been so upset about the nightmare and Sha'uri's baby.

"Sha'uri'..." Jack whispered the name aloud. How could Jack face her if Daniel died? How could he tell her, he had let her husband die due to stubborness and stupidity? What was more, was how could he honor the memory of his son, knowing he had been the reason of that stupidity? In foolishly clinging to some holier than thou untouchable sentiment, regarding the mention of his dead son, he may have condemned Daniel to death as well.

Two innocents dead by his hand. One by his gun, one by his words. Fighting the bitter tears, Jack fiercely shook his head as the truth came to light. A knot formed in his throat as quiet sobs, broke from him, not only for Charlie, but for Daniel as well. Jack was trained to keep his emotions in check but the thought of losing the young scientist shook him as deeply as the loss of his own child. Perhaps it was Daniel's childlike manner or just the fact he had filled a gaping hole in Jack's life.

Fighting for control, Jack swiped at his eyes and with a deep shuddering sigh, pushed his emotions back behind the wall of his military facade. He settled next to his vulnerable friend. He knew Daniel wasn't aware of the hand lightly resting on his uninjured shoulder but it gave Jack a strange sense of comfort.

Hearing a shout, Jack looked up to see Teal'c approaching, a horse drawn cart, driven by one of the natives, behind him. Carter sat on the narrow seat next to the driver.

Jack scrambled to his feet as the Jaffa hesitated beside him, pointing out needlessly, "We found crude transportation, O'Neill."

Carter jumped to the ground as the cart stopped next to them. "Daniel...is he...?"

"Holding his own, Captain. I see you found wheels."

Teal'c frowned. "Wheels and legs, O'Neill."

Jack shrugged as Carter spoke. "I'm afraid it was the best we could do. Umbarri here," she motioned toward the young native, still seated on the wagon, "says he knows a short-cut back to the gate."

The man nodded vigorously. "Yes I take you!"

"Great! Let's get Daniel loaded up and get the hell outta here." Jack bent to stuff the first aid kit into a pack.

"Colonel," Jack paused, something in Carter's tone causing him to straighten and look at his second in command. "There isn't much room, Teal'c and I,...well sir,...you go ahead with Daniel. Get him to Doc as soon as you can. We'll gather up the gear and meet you at the gate."

Jack hesitated, starting to shake his head. His leaving Daniel behind was what had started this entire mess.

"The main thing is getting Daniel help. You can come back for us. We'll be fine."

As much as he preferred they go with him, Jack knew she was right. One look at the wagon, told him there was hardly enough room for Daniel. Finally, he slowly nodded in agreement.

"You'll need this, sir." She unfastened the remote transmitter from her wrist and handed it to him. "Just get Daniel back. He needs Janet."

O'Neill looked at Teal'c who inclined his head in agreement. "All right then." With Teal'c's help, Jack gently settled the unconscious scientist on the grassy bed Umbarri had placed in the back of the wagon. Climbing into the narrow space next to him, Jack gave his team a small wave. "See you shortly."

"We'll be there Colonel." Sam promised as Umbarri spoke to his horses and they moved out at a fast trot.

Jack started to complain about the rough ride, as Daniel's limp body was tossed about on the grassy pallet, but the driver soon found the smoothest trace and it evened out. O'Neill turned his attention to Daniel, gently tucking the blanket more securely about him.

Umbarri saw the colonel's actions, his own expression becoming thoughtful. The villagers had not liked this one called O'Neill. His manner was brusque and he often seemed coldly remote, yet his visable concern for Daniel seemed to soften that image. Perhaps they had been wrong.