22.Homecoming
Their faces told the story. The General held my hand for what seemed minutes, as if to check I was real. Sam tried to maintain her dignity, then threw her arms about my neck in a fierce hug. Teal'c bowed in that regal way he has.
Through it all Jack stood there, silent.
"Son." Hammond stepped up the ramp towards him. "We thought we had lost you."
"You had." The words sounded stark and cold.
Then he held his head to one side as if listening, and smiled.
It did not reach his eyes. Eyes which hold no life in them.