"Just when did this happen?" Jack asked, his voice dangerously low.

"I gave Hammond my resignation after our last briefing," Daniel answered.

"So - you knew. You knew this was going to be your last mission, and you didn't even think to tell any of us?" Jack's voice was getting louder with anger. A tinge of hurt, panic, colored the words.

In contrast, Daniel's tone was just as soft as before. "Yes, Jack, I knew. Would it have made a difference?"

"I can't believe you did this without at least talking to any of us," said Sam, uncharacteristically jumping in before the colonel could respond.

"Sam, we haven't - none of us - really talked in months."

"Is that what this is about?" asked Jack. "So we're not hanging out any more to reassure you of our friendship? Feeling lost and alone?" His voice took on a mocking ring that hit Daniel like a punch to the gut.

"No, Jack. That is what this is all about." He gestured to the three of them, sitting on one side. "It's become obvious that you have no respect for me, or the work that I do." His voice was non-accusatory, dead. "My contribution to the team is continually derided. You don't listen to me any more, and I have to fight you harder than I have to fight the Goa'uld just to get my point across. This last mission is a perfect example. I'm done, Jack. You've won."

"This mission is a perfect example of why we still need you on the team," said Sam, hating the defeat in the linguist's tone.

"I concur," said Teal'c. "Without your skills and expertise, we would likely not have survived."

"How so?" Daniel asked Sam. He turned his gaze to Jack. "I told you that I thought I saw something a mile from the gate. I told you I suspected that the planet might be inhabited. Because it was just the civilian who saw something, and I didn't have anyone who was military to back me up, my concerns were completely dismissed. There was an opportunity, at that point, for us to leave the planet. In all probability, they would have let us go. But even after we were captured, after we had to deal and treat with the locals, you refused to listen to me. And it got you tied to a pole and beaten until you passed out," Daniel said dully. "I'm finished, Jack. You didn't need a civilian on your team - fine. I'm gone. I'm not going to fight you any longer."

"Dammit, Daniel, you can't do this!" cried Jack. Unhappiness was clear in his tone, as was the confusion in his eyes.

For the first time, anger sparked in Daniel's eyes. He shoved the chair back violently and stood. "How dare you," he snapped, his tone low and dangerous in a way none of the others had ever heard it before. He was trembling with suppressed rage. "Christ, I don't know what happened, Jack. It started with the NID thing, and after that, the trust was just - gone. I tried, dammit, I tried to talk to all of you, but more and more things happened that put me on the opposite side of the fence. And you shut me out. I had no idea what the hell I had to do to get my friends back. After a while, I just wanted to get the team working again. But I just can't do it by myself anymore. And you have the temerity to tell me, after doing nothing to try to save this team, that I - " Daniel snapped his mouth shut, turned on his heel, and left the debriefing room. Jack pushed the chair back and ran after Daniel, uncaring that Carter and Teal'c were right on his heels.

"Daniel. Daniel!" He caught up to the storming linguist, and grabbed his arm, pulling Daniel around. The next thing Jack knew, a fist was coming at his face. Special Ops training took over, but in the blink of an eye he was on his back on the ground, Daniel standing unruffled several feet away. Carter's face was shocked, and even Teal'c's expression reflected disbelief.

"Stay the hell away from me," Daniel said coldly, turning on his heel. Jack hauled himself to his feet, prepared to take off after the linguist as he disappeared down the hall, and was pulled up short by Hammond's voice.

"I take it you couldn't just lie back and rationally discuss why Dr. Jackson has felt himself an extraneous and worthless part of your team, could you?" Hammond's voice was dry, and somewhat bitter. "I wish you would have run after him like that months ago. Unfortunately, it's too late now." The General hefted a fat pile of folders, distributing a third to each member of SG-1. "I refuse to have anything to do with this. I want your decision in no later than two weeks' time."

Leaving the now three-man team shellshocked in the hallway, Hammond mirrored Dr. Jackson's actions, turning on his heel and closing the door to his office firmly behind him.

- - - - - - - - --- - - - -

(blushes) wow. I begged shamelessly for reviews, and got them! (blushes) Thanks so much everyone! Yesterday was filled with the angst of getting a new computer, and discovering that no matter how sexy the machine was, if it didn't work it was worth nothing. It was comforting to me to know that while I was stressing over OS's and the obvious lack of Microsoft Word, reviews were filling my box, and putting the tally over 100! (I'm kinda curious to see how high it gets before the end . . .)

Anywho, upon receiving 2 separate requests for an extra chapter with this update, added to the fact that I'm substantially ahead of where I thought I'd be, I'm happy to oblige! Pop a review in the slot and continue on to the next!