He could only feel guilt. If there was weakness in his son's mind it was because he had created it with his continued absence from Ry'ac's life.

He could not, in fairness, blame Drey'auc for the choice – his heartbreak was his own making.

Understanding shone in O'Neill's eyes, as one who had stood in his place. But it was Major Carter who eased his guilt the most.

"He's not really mad, you know. He understands. He just misses his Dad."

He looked at her, seeing for the first time the shadow of a girl who had missed her own father.