He had been driving for over an hour before he realized where he was...or
realized that he *didn't* know where he was.

The car was low on fuel and the radio had long since been shut off secluding
him to himself.

If he was honest with himself he should have seen it coming, should have known
they would have gotten an outside force to get him to open up...but Sara? Who
gave them the right to call up his ex-wife and spin her some fairytale? He knew
one thing for sure; he couldn't forgive Carter.

Jonas and Teal'c, yes okay they're aliens. Jonas is the new guy doesn't want to
seem too...in there. And Teal'c? Well he's...Teal'c. But Carter? No. She knows
what it's like to have a snake in your head, to need to speak to someone about
it. She may not know what it was like to be tortured to death only to be
brought back to life for it to happen all over again but she did know what it was like to be a host.

Putting the car into reverse he turned the car and headed back in the direction
he came hoping to find a landmark that he recognized.

He needn't have worried of course; he was only twenty miles outside of Colorado
Springs meaning he hadn't travelled as far as he'd thought.

The night around him was cold and despite the closed windows and heat from the
heating system a chill draft still emanated through the car causing him to pull
the jacket closer around him. Damn the need to get away from everyone.

Remembering he'd switched off his cell after Sara called he switched it back
on. The resounding beep told him he had voicemail. Feeling the anger leave
him momentarily he dialled the number and listened as the voice told him he had five new messages.

"Sir...please. I'm sorry. When you get this message can you please return the
message? I'll most likely be at base. Carter."

He pressed the button to delete the message and his anger rose once again. Did she really expect him to give in that easily? To just forgive and forget?

He listened to each of the other messages - all from Carter except one which
was from Sara telling him to call her in the morning.

Pressing the accelerator harder onto the floor he sped towards home a million
thoughts tumbling through his mind at once.

Pulling into his driveway he didn't fail to notice the other occupant of the
driveway - a black motorcycle that could only belong to one person.

He debated whether or not to pull back out of the driveway but the rational
part of his brain won out and he withdrew the key from the ignition and stepped
out of the car.

He walked past the bike and the person sitting on the bottom of the porch steps
up to the front door and opened it without glancing away from his key. He heard
quiet footsteps come up behind him on the porch but he didn't turn - refused to
show what was on his face so apparently.

"I have to apologize."

Ignoring her he stepped into the house and took his jacket off.

"Please, we have to talk." Another pause. "I'm not going to talk to you at your
front door."

He turned finally and looked at her.

"You better come in then hadn't you?" He swung the door open and allowed Carter
to enter his house.