[AN: STILL sorry for the wait. I just can't seem to get my brain into writing lately…really starting to worry me.]

[MN: Ummm yeah what she said]

Disclaimer: I think it's a sign from above, the SG1 premiere is the day after my birthday…meaning Jack and Danny are gonna be my birthday presents, right?

Beta: Still ain't got craps worth of betas. To help out, Email me at collegegal17hotmail.com)

Special Thanks: To Doug, who keeps sticking by me when everyone else is bailing out.

Ch. 12: Conspiracy Theory

Jack finished gearing up then looked around. His P-90 wasn't in the pile of gear that the Lodrel had recovered. Mussing his hair he shoved the door to the hut open and headed straight for Arianna.

"My weapons, where are they? You told me you brought me all of my gear. That isn't all of it."

"Relax my friend. I kept you weapons locked up where no one could stumble upon them. We are unsure of how dangerous they are and did not wish any harm to come to any of the Lodrel. Please, come with me and I will show you where they are." Arianna lead Jack to what he had determined was her personal hut. Inside she led him to a locked cabinet and pulled a key from her pocket. She inserted it into the lock and allowed the doors to swing open. Inside were a pair of P-90s, 3 sidearms, 3 Zats, and Teal'c's staff.

Jack donned his own weapons then pulled the near empty pack from his back. He unloaded and put the safety on the other weapons before adding them to his pack. The only other objects were the spare ammo and a bottle of water. Grasping Teal'c's staff he spun and walked back out into the sunshine. He walked across the village to where Rothe was standing with the hunting party.

"Alright let's go."

Rothe stepped toward Jack.

"Are you sure this plan is wise? We have searched many times for the object you described and haven't located it. The hunting party can show you to the caves, but then we must return to our normal duties. The village cannot be allowed to find itself short on food during the colder months."

Jack pulled his sunglasses out of his pocket and put them on.

"Just take me there."

Jack dropped his head into his hands with a sigh. Right here. The gate should be right here. I know it. So where is it then? Something about this place just isn't right. He had spent the morning searching the caves for any lingering sign of his team, but there was none to be had. He'd eaten lunch with the hunting party who were still nearby before heading off to find the gate, but it was just missing. The clearing where it should have stood was empty, save for the root Daniel had tripped on when they first came through. With another sigh Jack stood up. He might as well head back to the village. There was no use in getting caught by a streea pack when he could get a good night's sleep and an early start.

He walked back towards the path that lead from the caves to the village, lost slightly in his own thoughts. As he neared the row of toora flowers, he was suddenly pulled from his musings. That voice…he knew that voice!

Ducking back into the tree line he looped around until he was halfway around the village. He dropped to the ground and crawled forward until he could peer through the toora stalks.

"Come Daniel. You are still not very well. You should return to your hut for rest. I will have Kendron bring you your evening meal when it is prepared."

Jack watched in shock as Arianna led Daniel to a hut fairly near where he now lay, but on the opposite side of the village from where he was staying. Looking around Jack moved back into the trees and worked his way back toward the path. Steeling himself to hold his tongue he walked back into the village to wait for nightfall.