Sorry to leave everyone hanging! I'm afraid I found it hard to concentrate on writing with everything that's happened here in Boston. The two bombs that went off were only a few feet (literally) from where I've worked for the past 2.5 years – and on the route I walk every day. The office is in the crime scene area and so is closed this week. The sister of the little boy who was killed – and who has lost a leg herself – took Irish dancing at the same place as my daughter. This evil, evil thing, happening so close to home, has shaken all of us. Although as the media has shown, the people of Boston are strong and good – and will prove that evil will not triumph.

Thoughts and prayers to all the victims and their families – and thank you to all who have been so generous and giving – including all the police, firefighters, emergency and hospital workers – and common people who have come together as ONE in Boston and from around the world.

"All it takes for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing!" Well – good people are doing a lot. Evil WILL NOT triumph.

The rings took them directly onto the Tel'tak, the sound of weapons fire still echoing in their ears. When Jack felt himself land on the floor of the spacecraft, his arms around Daniel's waist – and Daniel's around his – he wasn't sure who was holding whom up. The moment the rings retracted, the two of them fell gracelessly to the floor.

There was a brief moment of silence and then Jack heard a groan. "Daniel?" He looked to the younger man, not sure who it was who had made the sound.

"I've been shot", Jackson said. "The damn Marines shot me!"

"Let me see." Jack untangled himself from his friend and tried to lean over but a sudden wave of dizziness stopped him in his tracks.

"Let me Sir", Carter looked concerned and moved quickly towards Daniel, who was lying staring at the ceiling, an angry look on his face.

Sutherland looked around the small space, feeling confused and panicked. It was Jack who caught the look on the young Marines face, and the fact that Dr. Fellows and the nurse were unguarded.

"Sutherland, we'll explain everything to you soon. In the meantime, secure our two medical friends and make sure they don't try and cause trouble. I'm counting on you son."

"Uh - yes Sir", Sutherland answered, sounding better now that he had something specific to do. He made sure that the doctor and nurse were secured and told them to sit together in a corner of the - whatever it was that he was in. He kept his eyes on them, but couldn't help but glance around curiously. He quickly realized he was on an aircraft of some kind - but one like he'd never seen before. It must be some new Air Force design, he finally decided - although not without lots of questions. Looking again at O'Neill - who looked ghastly - and Dr. Jackson, who also looked bad, he decided to wait.

"You can't keep us here like this", Dr. Fellows cried. "I have my rights."

"Sure you do", O'Neill agreed. "And as soon as we have you arrested you can call your lawyer. In the meantime, shut up!"

"How dare you!" he replied angrily. "Do you have any idea who I am or who I'm working for?"

"You're a doctor who's sold himself out for money and you're working for Kinsey. Now SHUT UP!"

"O'Neill", Teal'c spoke suddenly from the command seat. "It is good to see you."

"You too Teal'c – uh – hi Bra'tac."

"Hello O'Neill. I see you have once again found trouble."

"Yup – that's us humans for ya! Teal'c, wh -"

"I am sorry O'Neill, I cannot speak at the moment. I am attempting to evade attack." It was only as he said this that Jack realized the Tel'tak was maneuvering in an unusual pattern. The attack was confirmed when Jack saw a missile whiz by.

"Who are your companions O'Neill?" Bra'tak asked, looking at the three people who had beamed up with him.

"Uh – the injured man is Daniel and that's Carter – oh, and that's the President of the United States." Jack had almost forgotten that he was with him. he looked at him closely and, although he appeared disoriented, he also seemed to be okay. He returned his attention to Bra'tak. "The young guy there is Sutherland. Hey kid, what's your first name?"

"It's John Sir", he replied. The Marine still couldn't believe everything that had happened. He looked curiously at the two strange looking men at the controls of the aircraft and wondered where they were from.

"John? Good name", Jack grinned. "So John here is a Marine and a hero who helped us get the president. The other two in the corner were involved in the kidnapping and attempted murder of the president. That one", he pointed to Fellows, "is supposed to be a doctor. His companion is Nurse Diana."

"I see. But those two do not appear to be Dr. Jackson or Major Carter. And I do not know this President oftheunitedstates."

"Uh – yeah – mimic devices. Ask Teal'c. As for President – uh – important man – really important."

"I see. I shall ask Teal'c." Bra'tak nodded gravely and returned his attention back to Teal'c.

There was the sudden sound of weapons fire hitting the shields of the Tel'tak. It rocked the small ship but didn't appear to have done any major damage.

"What – who the hell is shooting at us?" Jack asked, trying to push himself up with no luck.

"I believe it is two of your jets", Teal'c answered, turning the Tel'tak into a steep climb.

"My – oh, you mean they're Air Force."

"Indeed."

"Crap – Kinsey must have sent them. He must know we got the President out of there!" At that Hayes looked up but still didn't seem to comprehend what was going on. Jack turned to Carter who was still ministering to Daniel.

"He okay?" Jack asked quickly, worried about his friend. He tried again to sit up and managed to get partially up this time, although his head swam. His legs felt all tingly – which worried him although he tried not to think about it since he knew there was nothing he could do anyway.

"I'm fine", Daniel answered, sucking in a hiss of breath as Carter pulled away his shirt.

Jack frowned but finally turned back to the President, knowing that Daniel was in the best hands possible at the moment. "Mr. President? How are you Sir?"

"O'Neill?" Hayes asked, his brow crinkled in confusion. "Where the hell am I?"

A sudden dip of the Tel'tak had them all holding onto their stomachs. Once the craft had righted itself again Jack called to Teal'c. "Can you get us out of here?"

"Shall I take us out of Earth's atmosphere O'Neill?" Teal'c asked calmly, as if this was nothing more than a training exercise.

"If you have to – yes. Let's just get out of danger and then we can figure out where to go."

"As you wish, although I do not believe we are in immediate danger. These Air Force pilots are not very competent."

"Good to know", Jack answered sarcastically. "Although if we get out of here at least my stomach will be safe. Just take us far enough away so we can stop and think."

Teal'c nodded and quickly adjusted some controls. After a brief second they were moving away from Earth, the planet quickly growing smaller in the window.

"Uh – sorry Sir". He turned back to the President. It was only then that he realized the man was wearing nothing but a flimsy hospital robe, tied only with two strings at the back. He bit his lip – that must be chilly! "You wanted to know where we are. Well, as you can see we're headed out into space. This", Jack looked around the space craft, "Is a Tel'tak – although you'll have to ask Teal'c where it came from. We don't have one lying around on Earth – at least not that I know of."

"It came from Chulak, O'Neill", his Jaffa friend answered calmly. "We worried that there was a problem. I could not dial the gate so Master Bra'tak found a ship for us to use to come and see if there was anything we could do to help."

"Thanks T – and Bra'tak. I'm really glad you did because we have a big problem all right. And thanks for the quick save. I thought we were gonners for sure."

"You are welcome O'Neill", Bra'tak dipped his head in stately acknowledgement.

"Okay O'Neill – I get that I'm on a Tel'tak" the President interjected, becoming more aware as each second passed. "But I'd really like to know why I'm here and what the hell is going on? And why were Air Force jets firing on us?"

Jack grimaced and tried to move around so he could see the President more clearly. His legs were so weak he had to physically move them with his hands. He caught Sam eyeing him as he did so and shrugged. He figured he was in for some of her TLC at any moment. "How's Danny", he said, to divert her attention.

"He has a bullet wound in the shoulder", she said, pointing to an area just under his shoulder blade. "It's a through and through and I've stopped the bleeding, although he needs to get to a doctor."

"Okay – you holding up there Daniel?"

"I'm fine Jack", he answered. "Uh – I think you'd better explain everything to the President." He had been looking at the man and realized their commander-in-chief was starting to lose patience.

"Right", Jack turned back to Hayes. "What's the last thing you remember Sir?"

"Uh – I was on my way to a restaurant – I was going to have a private breakfast with some friends. When I got out of my car there was some kind of commotion and the next thing I saw was a man -" he stopped suddenly and frowned. "He pulled a gun on me and shot me! The next thing I remember was waking up in that room with that woman", he pointed at Carter, "looking down at me."

"Uh – that's Major Carter Sir", he told the President, realizing he must have missed the brief explanation to Bra'tak. "And the man she's bandaging is Daniel Jackson." Jack frowned when it dawned on him that his teammates no longer needed to masquerade as two Marines. "Uh guys – I think you can go back to your regular faces now." When both Daniel and Carter looked at him in surprise he realized that they too had forgotten they wore the devices.

Carter carefully reached under her shirt and popped hers off. Instantly she morphed back into herself.

"What the hell?" Hayes sat up and stared. When she then reached down and took Daniel's off for him – and he too turned back, Hayes cried out. "That's him! He's the one who tried to kill me."

"I didn't Sir", Daniel answered softly. "It was someone using one of those", he pointed to the device Sam held. "It's a mimic device – we retrieved it from aliens who tried to take over the SGC. There were only a few of them created and someone got a hold of one that mimicked me and used it to frame me."

Sutherland was staring in horror at the people who'd suddenly changed into - other people. He glanced up at O'Neill, who seemed to be taking things in stride and suddenly wondered what science fiction movie he'd become part of. A movement from his prisoners had him turning back to them and watching them carefully. Neither of them looked surprised at the change and he just shook his head. This was totally bizarre.

"He's right Mr. President", Jack reiterated. "After you were shot, Vice-President Kinsey announced that Daniel – acting under directions from me – had attempted to assassinate you. He also told everyone that you were on death's door. We think he planned to kill you once we were captured. We would then be tried and convicted of your murder and he'd be President."

"You're kidding, right?" Hayes looked between the three members of Sg-1 on the floor and then over to Teal'c, who had now turned in his seat and was watching everything carefully.

"It is good to see you Major Carter, Daniel Jackson", Teal'c told his teammates. "I hope Daniel is not gravely injured?"

"I'm fine Teal'c, thanks for asking."

"He needs a doctor - uh a good doctor and so does the Colonel", Sam said quietly. "And what they're telling you is the truth Mr. President. Kinsey's people infiltrated the SGC and tried to take it over, but Siler – uh, he's a Sergeant there – along with some of the regular staff were able to take it back. They also kidnapped Daniel here – before you were shot – but he got away, as did the Colonel – uh who they also tried to kidnap. We were able to meet up and it was the Colonel who figured you were being kept at Quantico. We were then able to get in using the mimic devices and get you out. Those two over there", she indicated the doctor and nurse, "were involved in the plot and kept you sedated. We brought them with us, along with the falsified medical report, to prove our story. Fortunately Teal'c was here with the Tel'tak to rescue us, or we wouldn't have made it out."

Henry just stared at Carter, his face a blank. He finally shook his head and took a breath. "You just decided to waltz into Quantico – a highly secure Marine base – and rescue me? Just like that?"

"We had a bit of help Sir", Jack explained. "And we didn't really have a choice. They would have killed you and framed us. We knew the only way to stop Kinsey was to get you out. We were glad you weren't hurt badly. He could have been telling the truth about your injuries and we were worried we would find you on death's door."

"That weasel faced bastard!" Henry shouted. "I knew I should have gotten rid of him months ago. So what are we going to do now?" He looked at Jack expectantly and then at Carter and Daniel and Teal'c.

Jack sighed deeply. Why was it that everyone always expected Sg-1 to have all the answers? Daniel was injured – so was he, Carter was exhausted and Teal'c – well Teal'c was fine and so was Bra'tak. So, they had two out of five people who were well enough to figure something out. Why was it then that they were all looking at him?

"Uh – I think we should get the President on TV as soon as possible to let everyone know he's alive and it was all a plot to kill him."

"Kinsey's gonna be watching all major airports and probably has the press under surveillance too", reasoned Carter. "And I'm sure it won't be long before he'll start to put it out that the President is under the influence of someone – or that he's an imposter."

"That means we'd better get moving. Since Kinsey will have his minions looking for us I suggest we go somewhere he won't be expecting us."

"Uh – where would that be Jack?" Daniel was now leaning up against the bulkhead, looking impossibly pale.

"I was thinking – Kansas?"

Sam laughed. She couldn't help it. As miserable as the Colonel was he could still say and do the craziest things. She was pretty sure the only reason he'd picked Kansas was because of the Wizard of Oz. But – it was as good as anywhere else she supposed.

They all agreed that Teal'c would stay out of range of Earth for a few more minutes, just enough time for the Air Force to recall their jets. Then he would make his way to a smallish town in the heartland where they'd attempt to land where no one would see them.

"Uh – does anyone have any pants?" President Hayes suddenly asked.

Carter turned slightly pink and started apologizing. She immediately began looking around for something for the President to wear. He stood up, carefully clutching the back of his hospital gown, and followed her to the back storage area, hopefully to find something to restore his dignity. Teal'c and Bra'tak spoke softly together at the controls, planning where to go when it was time.

Jack pushed himself back until he too was leaning against the ship's bulkhead, sitting just a few feet away from Daniel. He checked the younger man out again, and frowned when he saw the dark lines of pain etched on his face. He closed his eyes and leaned his head back, hating the fact that he hadn't done a good job of protecting his team. He should have been bringing up the rear – that was his job. He was supposed to look after them, to get them to safety, to watch their six before he was safe. He'd screwed up and because of it Daniel was –

"Stop it Jack!" Daniel's voice interrupted his thoughts. He opened his eyes and peered at the wounded man beside him.

"Stop what?" he asked scowling. "I'm not doing anything."

"Yes you are. You're sitting there blaming yourself for my injury."

Jack huffed and leaned back again. "How do you know that?"

"Because I know you and you've already convinced yourself that somehow you're to blame."

"Well – I am. It's my job to -"

"Shut up", the archaeologist, science geek and great communicator said. "You are not to blame. You did not do this to me and don't you dare try and take responsibility for this. Vice-President Kinsey is responsible, not you."

"Look Danny, I appreciate the words, but the fact is it's my job to look after -"

"Bullshit!" his friend answered succinctly. "You do just fine watching out for us but in this case you were injured and could barely walk. There was no way you could have made it on your own. You shouldn't have even been there. You're wounded and should be lying flat in a hospital bed with a nice Janet Frasier cocktail being tubed into your arm. Instead, you're chasing down corridors in Quantico, trying to avoid capture and most likely death. And doing this all while seriously injured. And I'd like to point out Colonel – that I'm the one who's at fault for you being in this condition in the first place. So, if anyone is to blame, it's me."

"Now it's my turn to say bullshit Daniel", Jack answered, anger throbbing through his voice. "It is my job to get you guys to safety. So yes, I was injured – but that's no different than a lot of missions and it's no excuse for getting you killed!"

"Uh –almost killed. It's an important distinction."

"Almost killed – fine! And what the hell is this about my injuries being your fault? I thought we already went over this. What happened to me on that damn planet WAS NOT YOUR FAULT", he yelled. "It was some stupid alien booby trap that no one could possibly have expected. You are not God Daniel – and you can't know everything or prevent everything just because you think you are."

"And you are? God I mean? Holy shit Jack – you sit there yelling at me for taking the blame for something and then you turn around and do exactly the same thing. How the hell could you have prevented what happened? By standing behind me? Sure – that would have helped. It would have either gotten you shot – on top of your other injuries – or more than likely would have gotten all of us captured because no one would have left you behind. We would have gone back to get you – which is what you've taught us – so you would have endangered everyone because of some egotistical, macho belief that only you can look after the rest of us. Well, like me Colonel you are not God – in fact you're so far from being God that you're, you're – hell – "

"Yeah – if I'm that far from God I guess that's right where I am", Jack said sarcastically, "in hell!".

It took Daniel a couple of seconds to figure it out and then he blinked. "What? What are you saying? God Jack – sometimes you're enough to try the patience of a saint. Can you get it through your thick skull that I'm perfectly capable of looking after myself and the rest of the team on occasion? I'm not incompetent you know. This time I happened to be in the way of that bullet – and it sucks and it hurts – but it's not the end of the world. I'll be fine – and we all made it out of there so stop your bloody whining!"

Jack sat silently for a moment and then leaned back, his eyes closed. "I know you're not incompetent Daniel", he said softly. "It's just – you're good at a bunch of other things – you're smart, you can talk to all those aliens and understand what they're saying – or what their ancestors said on a piece of rock. Me – all I'm good for is watching out for everyone and this trip – I didn't even do that."

Daniel sat stunned for a moment, and then turned to his friend. "That's a load of crap Jack!" he said.

"Huh?" The Colonel opened his eyes in confusion. "What's a load of crap?"

"That all you do is watch our six. I mean, you're really good at that and you've gotten us out of trouble more times than I can possibly remember – of course you were the one to usually get us in to trouble – but that's beside the point. But to say that that's all you do is purely ridiculous. Sure, I can read ancient writing and talk to aliens, but you're the master at tactics and at figuring things out. In fact, you're quite brilliant at it. You can see things that both Sam and I miss - and Teal'c. To say that you're nothing but our uh – bodyguard – is to completely belittle yourself."

There was a pause and then Jack opened one eye. "Thanks", he said softly, and then closed it.

"You're welcome", Daniel answered, leaning back and closing his eyes. "But don't be such an ass next time."

"Okay – if you promise the same."

"Alright, although I don't think -"

"Daniel", warned Jack.

Daniel sighed. "Okay fine. I promise."

"If you two are finished yelling at one another, I think Teal'c wants to speak with you." Carter was standing in the doorway to the storage room, looking faintly amused. The President was standing beside here and he wore a big grin – and a pair of pants.

"Are they always like this?" he asked the Major.

"Yes – usually worse", she replied.

"Indeed Mr. President", Teal'c interjected. "There are some days when Major Carter and I have considered leaving them on an alien planet without a GDO."

"Teal'c!" both Daniel and Jack exclaimed at the same time.

"Where's the team loyalty?" Jack looked at Daniel and asked.

"I have no idea, but obviously they feel none. I'm terribly disillusioned", he shook his head. Jack simply grinned at him – the two of them in total charity with one another.

Sutherland was looking at them, a small smile on his face as well. The banter between the two had gone a far way to make him feel more relaxed, although he was still confused.

"O'Neill, we have found a location in Kansas. Do you wish us to land?" Both Carter and the President were pretty sure Teal'c had found a place as quickly as possible to put a stop to O'Neill and Jackson's argument. They were really quite something.

"Uh – yeah, that sounds good Teal'c. Where are we exactly?"

"We are in a place called Coffeyville", Teal'c informed them.

"Hey – that sounds great", Daniel enthused; although when Sam looked at him she could see how hard it was for him to appear cheerful.

"Okay Daniel – just because you've been a good boy, we're going to stop in Coffeyville. Teal'c, land her somewhere out of the way where she won't be found. Uh Carter?"

"Yes Sir?"

"Can you find out if there's a local TV station? We're gonna take Hayes with us and see if we can get him on the Coffeyville news."

"That's gonna be some scoop for this little town", Daniel shook his head.

"Yeah", Jack grinned. "Daniel?" he asked, suddenly worried. Without a word Daniel had fallen to the side and looked like he'd passed out. He slid over so that he could check his friend.

"Is he okay Sir?" Sam just then looked over and when she saw Daniel down she stood up quickly.

"He's fine Major – just tired I think. Keep checking for that TV station – I'll look after him."

Jack moved Daniel until his friend was lying with his head on Jack's lap. It was horribly uncomfortable, but there was no way in hell he was going to sit by and do nothing. No matter what Daniel said, he felt responsible. At the least Daniel was his friend – one of his best friends – and he hated that he was hurting.

"Do you think we should try and find a doctor?" he asked Sam softly.

"They'd have to report it", she said. At Jack's confused look she explained. "Gunshot wounds have to be reported immediately."

"Well – we could kidnap a doctor."

"We could – but what he really needs is a hospital. That wound has to be cleaned and sutured and he needs antibiotics and IV fluids."

"Okay then – find us that TV station and let's get this show on the road. The sooner we do this, the sooner we get Danny-boy to a hospital."

"And you too Sir", Sam said sternly.

"Okay, okay – and me too – although I'm perfectly -"

"Here it is Sir", his dutiful 2nd interrupted without remorse. "WKNR. They're located on the outskirts of town."

"Let's hope they're broadcasting right now. Teal'c – set us down. So, who feels like being a famous TV star?"

Bra'tak frowned. "What is a TV star?"