True Measure

Chapter 1

Jack pulled his cap down in an attempt to block the harsh sun that was beating down on him. Butt going numb, he shifted position, leaning back against the crumbling column where he'd parked himself a couple of hours earlier. Through his dark glasses he watched Daniel puttering away at the inscription-covered wall that had occupied his attention since their arrival on this planet.

Normally, he'd be inclined to think Daniel enjoyed this work, but watching his friend now, he wasn't so sure. Daniel brushed the lines of text, muttering a translation as he went—all normal. It was the frenetic manner in which Daniel carried out the task that bugged Jack, as though he were under pressure to meet a deadline—not normal. Daniel's usual M.O. was slow and methodical—in Jack's opinion, exasperatingly so. Something was up.

Jack watched as Daniel suddenly dropped his brush, pulled out a trowel, and began attacking the dirt at the base of the wall. Daniel worked furiously, sweat dripping off his chin as he scooped and flung the dirt in all directions.

Sitting forward, Jack called out, "That a new archaeological technique?"

Daniel slowed his movements, finally stopping and sitting back on his heels. He swiped a hand across his brow, leaving a streak of dirt in its wake. "It's broken."

"Have anything to do with your excavation methods?"

Turning his head, Daniel fixed Jack with a glare. "The rest is missing."

"And? So? Therefore?"

Daniel stood, returning his gaze to the wall, and gave it a sharp kick.

Warning bells began to sound in Jack's head and he quickly got up and moved next to his friend, placing a hand on Daniel's shoulder. "What's the matter, Daniel?"

Blue eyes locked with his, startling Jack with the depth of despair he saw in them.

Daniel sighed, once again scrubbing a hand across his face. Jack subtly guided him to the low wall he'd just occupied and gently pushed Daniel to sit down. He waited silently, not pushing, giving Daniel a chance to gather his thoughts.

"We're wasting time."

Jack processed that tidbit and pushed for more. "How so?"

Daniel started to rise, but Jack kept his hand firmly on his friend's shoulder, holding him in place.

"We're wasting time going from planet to planet, trying to find some small clue to the Lost City."

"And . . ."

"And, I had the information we need, Jack! Don't you see? If I was still ascended, I'd know where the Lost City is, or at least be able to help you find it. What good am I doing any of you now?"

Daniel freed himself from Jack's grasp, jumped to his feet, and began pacing. "I shouldn't have come back—I should have found a way to stay ascended and help you."

Jack rose, too, grabbing both of Daniel's shoulders and forcing the man to face him. "Daniel, we both know that wasn't gonna happen. You made it very clear that the other glowy people wouldn't allow it. As to what good you're doing us, need I remind you that you're responsible for rescuing Bra'tac and Ry'ac? That you helped stop Anubis before he got his hands on the naquadria? Not to mention the fact that Kelowna wouldn't even still exist if it weren't for you."

"But—"

"And if that's not enough, I've got five years worth of examples I can give you."

Jack hoped he was getting through to Daniel; all this talk of wishing he were still ascended was making Jack nervous. No way was he letting Daniel leave them again—forget all the planets he'd saved, people he'd rescued, Daniel belonged here with them. They needed him. Maybe it was time he told his friend just how much.

"Daniel, you've done a lot of good in your life." Jack held up a finger, forestalling the argument about to tumble from Daniel's lips. "You always see the good in people and you have a knack for finding solutions to problems when no one else can. But more than that, we need you—Carter and Teal'c and I. You belong here with us. What good are all those funky powers if you can't use them? We'll find the Lost City, Daniel, because you'll figure it out on your own, without help from Oma and her fan club."

There was a spark in those blue eyes that wasn't there before. Maybe he'd gotten through to Daniel after all.

"I don't know, Jack." The voice was hesitant, questioning, in search of reassurance.

"I do." Jack squeezed Daniel's shoulder to emphasize his words. His reward was a thin smile that grew, drawing up the corners of Daniel's lips. The blue eyes were shining now, all trace of despair gone.

"Thanks, Jack."

"Anytime. Now, why don't we call Carter and Teal'c and see if they're ready to—"

The rest of his words were lost, covered over by metallic whirring as a set of rings descended over the two men. In a flash of white, they were gone.

TBC