Folding the newspaper, Jack tossed it into the small basket next to the bed and gulped the last of the coffee, to ease his dry throat. How long had he kept up a steady stream of conversation, reading the paper from cover to cover when he'd run out of things to say? He honestly never thought that would happen. Jack O'Neill speechless. Mark it down as a red letter day. He'd read somewhere and Janet had confirmed that talking to someone in a coma, often helped. It didn't matter what you said, it was just the sound of your voice that was needed.

He glanced over at Teal'c, happy to see his alien friend resting comfortably. He still hadn't regained consciousness but Janet had reported his vital signs constantly improving, his injuries healing. "Keep up the good work, Junior," he muttered.

Jack almost wished Daniel had a 'Junior' to help him. The swelling was gone, the bruises starting to fade, but other than that, the only obvious improvement in the scientist's condition was the lack of the respirator.

"Damnit, Danny, wake up! You're starting to resemble a speedbump." O'Neill wearily rubbed his forehead, sighing deeply. Five days since they'd pulled him from the rubble. Five days....His gaze drifted to the small brown bag Sgt Wright had given him. Oddly enough it contained Daniel's notebook, journal and a small ugly statue.

His brown eyed gaze lingered on the journal. What the hell, maybe he could piss Daniel off by reading it. He'd happily accept the scientist waking up, no matter what it took.

O'Neill's heart did somersaults and he almost gagged at the sight of the blood splatters on the cover of the book he pulled from the bag. Placing Daniel's notebook in the drawer, he carefully set the small ugly statue on the table where the archaeologist would be able to see it and opened the journal, turning to the last few pages.

Wanting to insure Daniel's privacy as much as possible, Jack made a quick check of the infirmary to determine, no one else was within hearing before clearing his throat and reading aloud. He could feel Daniel's excitement as he described the possible wonders held by the temple on P3J7795. The young man had been in academic heaven!

"I wish Jack were in charge of this mission. As much as he argues and pretends to get upset, he understands the importance of such discoveries as well as the time involved in properly excavating a site. Colonel Thorp has already told me we will be finished and back home on time or there will be hell to pay." O'Neill's voice trailed off as he silently skimmed over the next lines.

'I miss Jack. He'd laugh if he heard me say that. I guess I should clarify and say I miss the old Jack. The easy going man who finds humor in most situations. I know he thinks I'm still angry about that whole situation concerning the stolen technology and I can't seem to make him believe I'm not. Maybe deep down I am. It hurt to hear him tell me how we really didn't know each other, couldn't identify with each other so there was really no foundation for a friendship, but I'm not a child. I truly understand the reasons behind his lies. Unfortunately, understanding the reason didn't lessen the hurt those words inflicted. I know having to deceive everyone hurt Jack as deeply as it did the rest of the team and I know he hasn't been able to work past the guilt he feels.

He thinks we don't trust him, that he has to prove himself again. I wish I could make him understand he has nothing to prove not to us and not to himself. He's my friend, the best friend I've ever had, the best man I know and I miss him.' Jack's throat constricted and tears blurred his vision as he flipped through several pages, looking for Daniel's thoughts on the mission itself.

'I hate to admit it but Colonel Thorp scares the hell outta me! I even considered requesting someone else take the mission but that would just prove I'm a wimp and put someone else in his line of fire. I tried to talk to Jack, but strange as it seems I couldn't find the words. Jack is an honorable man, proud of the military he serves, just as he should be but sometimes that pride blinds him to certain problems. If Jack knew what others knew about the man, he'd kick his ass all the way back to Washington. Maybe I should talk to General Hammond. He's a good man and wouldn't put up with someone like Thorp at the SGC, however, I don't have the right to ruin a man's reputation on second hand information so it will have to wait until after we return. At least then I'll know if Thorp's really as bad as everyone says.'

"That's my Danny, always giving everyone the benefit of the doubt."

'Everyone was right. Thorp is the biggest asshole I've ever had the misfortune to meet! I realize I thought the same thing about Jack when I first met him, but there were circumstances behind his behavior. Tragic circumstances that made it easy to understand him. To put it in his words, circumstances that had his head all screwed up. Maybe, like Jack, there are reasons for Thorp's behavior but I can't find Jack's humanity or his sense of clarity in Thorp. Jack has a tendancy to see things first and foremost from a military aspect but given time and reason he always examines all viewpoints. Not so Thorp. All he cares about is completing the mission and returning home, for all the glory, on time and at any cost. I just spent an hour wasting my breath trying to persuade the jerk how important it is we take the time to shore up the site but he won't listen. With Teal'c and the others help and without the colonel's knowledge, we've been doing it anyway.'

"That son of a bitch! He knew!" Jack nearly leaped to his feet, his fist coming down hard on the arm of his chair.

'Note to self. Find out which class it is that teaches you how to backhand someone so it feels as if their eyes are going to explode and congratulate the instructor on an excellent job. I've got to start listening to Jack and learn to duck, but in my own defense, I never expected to be backhanded by a commanding officer. A Goa'uld yes but not someone I work with. In all honesty I know there's been times when Jack has wanted to belt me and probably with good cause but I know he wouldn't. Okay there was that time when he had the virus but that doesn't count. I can't remember ever being afraid of Jack. Thorp terrifies me! There's an innate cruelity about the man. He enjoys causing fear. I think it makes him feel powerful.'

Jack was shaking with rage by the time he finished reading Daniel describe how Thorp not only verbally reprimanded Lt. Peterson for agreeing with Daniel about shoring up the site, but also ordered the young officer to take full night watch after working in the temple all day. The archaeologist went on to explain how anyone not immediately adhering to the colonel's orders was punished with extra work, less food and little, if any, sleep. According to the journal, Daniel had received the bruise when he had defended Peterson against the punishments Thorp kept doling out to the young man, each time he offered an opinion or stated an objection to the colonel's tactics.

'Jack was here earlier. God I was so glad to see him, but if I thought Teal'c was pissed when he saw the bruise Thorp left then Jack must have been ready to blow a gasket! I know I shouldn't have lied but it was the only way I could think to protect my friends. I have no doubt either of them would gladly face any punishment deemed necessary for ripping Thorp's head from his shoulders. What's frightening is I also have no doubt Thorp would do whatever it took to protect himself. I'm more than convinced the man is at least slightly insane. Jack didn't see the look in Thorp's eyes, as if daring me to tell him the truth. I honestly think if I had he would have found some reason to shoot Jack in the back. I wish I knew what actually happened to Lt. Peterson and pray for his recovery. He's what I imagine Jack was like at that age. I should have listened to my instincts and refused to leave after the colonel caught us talking. Damnit, there's been no sign of danger and it's not like Greg was sleeping on watch, although after almost 36 hours on duty I couldn't have blamed him. I should have told Jack back at the SGC. I should have found the words.'

"Colonel?"

Startled, Jack slammed the journal shut, struggling to control his emotions before meeting Carter's eyes. Daniel hadn't lied because he didn't trust Jack, he'd lied to protect him. Afraid of Thorp Daniel had done what he thought necessary to keep his friends from harm.

'Damnit Daniel! I'm supposed to be protecting you. This isn't a firefight. You don't have to watch my back.' Inhaling deeply, sure he was in control once more, Jack turned his attention to Sam. "What is it Carter?"

"Sir, I finally had a chance to talk to Mason and Wright. Unfortunately being on standdown, I had to wait until they came back from leave."

"And?" O'Neill prompted. Sometimes she could be as irritating as Daniel when it came to getting to the point.

"Sir, during the debriefing both men reported hearing a roar when the temple collapsed. That bothered me sir-"

"Sam, I fully realize I'm probably suffering from sleep deprivation so please don't take this the wrong way but...What the hell are you talking about?!"

"Sir, I don't think we asked the right questions during the debriefing. It seems to me if the temple had collapsed of natural deterioration, there would have been a...a...rumble for lack of a better word....sort of a warning as it began to fall in on itself but both Mason and Wright said there was a roar....like an explosion coinciding with, or a few seconds, before the collapse."

"They are correct, Major Carter."

Both officers whirled at the quiet baritone voice, smiles of pleasure and relief spreading across their faces.

"Teal'c, the next time you do your kelnoreem thing, you be sure and tell Junior I owe him big time!" Jack grinned as they moved to the Jaffa's bedside.

*****

"Colonel Thorp, I have requested Major Andrews from SG-9 sit in during this meeting as your legal counsler. I want there to be no mistakes about your rights being protected." Hammond stated motioning everyone to their seats.

"Thank you, but I'm afraid I don't understand what this is about, sir."

"This is a follow up investigation to your actions on P3J7795.....All your actions."

"If I'm not mistaken, sir I thought this was cleared up during the original debriefing or is Colonel O'Neill," he smiled smugly, "once again making unsubstantiated accusations?"

"If I'm not mistaken, Colonel Thorp, during that debriefing Colonel O'Neill made no accusations, unsubstantiated or otherwise. He simply asked for answers to some very puzzling questions." Hammond was pleased to see the Colonel drop his gaze to the table. That man had looked him in the eye and lied, for no other reason than to cover his ass. The general had been conducting his own investigation into Thorp's conduct, not just on this mission, but since joining the program, and the general was furious at what he'd discovered.

The corners of Jack's mouth twitched slightly, watching his counterpart's sudden discomfort. Oh yes, he was going to enjoy every minute as the lying bastard squirmed like a worm on a hook.. His only regret that Daniel wasn't sitting here beside him, ready to face the man. Because of this overbearing, contemptuous bastard Danny was in the infirmary fighting for his very life, but Jack was going to damn well make sure his young friend's voice was heard. The archaeologist's ordeal was going on the record and if O'Neill and Hammond had any say, the disgusting man who had reigned terror and abuse on those who opposed him would have a chance to prove just how tough he really was....in Leavenworth.

Silently apologizing to Daniel for the possibility of making his private thoughts public, Jack slowly laid the journal on the table in plain view of everyone in the conference room. "Evidently Colonel Thorp, you didn't realize Daniel keeps a journal of every mission."

"Excuse me, sirs," Major Andrews interrupted, "I'm afraid the journal's handwriting would have to be authenticated by an expert before it would be allowed into evidence and, without corraboration, it would still be the word of Dr. Jackson against that of Colonel Thorp."

"Thought you'd say that." Jack's grimace turned to a grin as Hammond nodded toward the door.

The color leached from Thorp's face as Janet pushed Teal'c's wheelchair to the table. The Jaffa wasn't happy about being confined to the chair, but the petite doctor had insisted, not wanting to take a chance on the warrior's weakened condition, pointing out he had been unconscious for almost a week.

"That's why he's wearing the stars," Jack quipped with a small smile, "One step ahead of ya all the time."

The personnel listened, some for the first time, as Teal'c told of being ordered by Colonel Thorp to refill the water tanks from the river a half mile away, a task taking approximately a hour. The warrior had just finished when Mason announced lunch was ready and Teal'c had approached the temple to retrieve Daniel.

"On my way to the temple, I encountered Sergeant Wright. He was in the process of packing the last few artifacts from that morning. He informed me Daniel Jackson was still working in the lower levels."

"Was anyone else near the temple, Teal'c?" Hammond asked quietly, catching Thorp's expression out of the corner of his eye. The man most definately was not pleased at the turn of events.

"Colonel Thorp was exiting the stairwell as I entered. I knew Daniel Jackson had not eaten that day and did not remember him eating the day before either. He would eat lunch that day."

Trying to hide his smile at the thought of Teal'c bodily dragging the archaeologist to the dinner table, Jack noticed the general duck his head in a similiar attempt.

"When I reached the lower level, I discovered Daniel Jackson lying unconscious....I first thought he had collapsed from weariness, however, upon closer examination it appeared he had been severely beaten. Unable to awaken him, I carried him to the stairwell, intending to seek medical attention. As I reached the stairs there was an explosion and the temple collapsed down on upon us."

Thorp suppressed an arrogant smile, as Andrews jumped to his feet, motioning negligently toward the Jaffa. "Sir, this is total supposition. There was no mention of an explosion in the initial reports."

"Actually, in a manner of speaking there was." Carter spoke up. "Airman Mason and Sergeant Wright both stated hearing a roar just as the temple collapsed. When asked later to define the noise, they both described it as sounding like an explosion, just seconds before the walls caved in."

"It was an explosion General Hammond. It threw me to the ground, causing me to lose my hold on Daniel Jackson," The Jaffa's somber voice was edged with remorse. "I regret I was unable to prevent further harm from coming to Daniel Jackson."

"Perhaps, Colonel Thorp, you would care to explain why, when I checked with Captain Lewis," Hammond leaned forward resting his tightly clenched hands on the table, "he informed me that the equipment you returned to the arsenal was short one explosive grenade?"

Silence filled the room for several moments, all eyes on Thorp, before the colonel slowly rose from his seat and standing at attention, informed Hammond under advice of counsel he would answer no further questions.

A small smile of satisfaction, that didn't erase the sadness in his eyes, settled on Jack's face as their commander ordered Colonel Thorp escorted to his quarters where he was to be confined under guard until such time as formal charges could be filed.

"Why Thorp?...Why did you do it?" O'Neill didn't expect an answer. He had several theories, the main being, the colonel feared Daniel exposing the incident with Peterson.

"That question assumes, I did something wrong O'Neill." With an insolent smile, a guard on each side, the man swaggered from the room.