Chapter Seven
"I agree with you one hundred percent." Jack said matter-of-factly. "Trust me, I'm on your side on this. You are not only preaching to the choir, you're also barking up the wrong tree... literally."
After barking at Jack Jackson whirled on Daniel and bared his teeth at him. When Daniel stepped towards him he snapped viciously at the air. Every hair on his sleek body was raised and bristling.
"Jackson, it wasn't my decision." Daniel tried to explain.
This answer did not make Jackson feel any better. Ever since he discovered that the team had returned without Sam or his daughter he'd be uncontrollable. He had bolted into the Gateroom and now he wouldn't leave.
"Jackson, please..."
Changing from unbridled aggression to gut wrenching terror Jackson ran back and forth through the empty Gate. When he realize he wasn't getting anywhere he tucked his tail between his legs and howled. His amber eyes pleaded with Daniel once more, but nothing changed. Jackson sat down and dropped his head in defeat.
Daniel took this opportunity to approach his miserable partner. He sat down on the ramp next to him and put his arm over his canine shoulders. Jackson put his head against Daniel's chest and whimpered pitifully. Daniel sighed and ruffled Jackson's fur.
"Sam and River are going to be fine." Daniel assured. "They are safe."
"She had better be." Jack growled darkly.
"Ja...Jack?" Daniel looked up in surprise.
"Daniel, I swear if Carter comes back with a new fur coat, or worse if she doesn't return at all...I will never forgive you."
"You're blaming me for this?"
"Yes. As a matter of fact I am."
"What about Jackson?" Daniel snarled angrily. "Do you blame him too?"
"Of course not, he's just a dog!"
"That's what this is really about...isn't it?" Daniel hissed. "You're angry that Sam has seemingly chosen River over us. You just don't get it, do you Jack? River and Jackson are more than just dogs, they're family..."
"Carter is family!" Jack spat. "More than that she is a solider and because of some mutt I've been forced to leave her behind."
"Then why didn't you just order her to kill River?!"
Jack took a breath to argue further, but he had nothing to say. Jackson looked back and forth between the arguing friends. Getting up he nudged Jack's hand and whined softly. Jack looked down at the Wulff-mutt and saw that his golden eyes were bright with tears that his species was not meant to shed.
"Because...because she never would have forgiven me." Jack admitted grudgingly.
"So you do understand after all."
Jack sat down on the ramp next to Daniel and sighed heavily before leaning his shoulder against Daniel's. Daniel accepted the silent apology, knowing it was the best he was going to get. Jackson seemed calmer as well and sat down in front of the men.
"Sam and River can take care of themselves, and each other."
"I just can't shake the feeling, Daniel."
"What feeling?"
"That we've thrown Carter to the wolves."
"Wulves."
"I wasn't talking about the dogs..."
