Headaches Part 6

"Nothing, Daniel." Jack stated. "I just wanted to be alone."

"Nothing?" Daniel questioned. "Jack, I don't believe that."

"Daniel, when I'm with other people I can hear their thoughts." Jack started. "It's disturbing and weird. When I'm alone, all I've got are my thoughts. That's how it's supposed to be. I like not knowing what people are thinking." He explained.

Daniel looked at his usually joking friend; he saw only seriousness on his face.

"I think I understand how you and Carter are now. My mind is going without me. I just want to turn it off." Jack stated in all seriousness.

"Are you up for a second chance at the commissary?" Daniel asked him.

"Yeah." Jack responded, standing up. "Let's go!" He stated with awakened spirit. Janet and Daniel followed him to he commissary, and then to their table.

"Hey, kids. What'd I miss?" Jack questioned Sam and Teal'c with enthusiasm.

"Not much, sir." Sam answered with a smile. He was back.

"Oh, good." Jack said as he sat. He picked up his spoon and started on his red jello.

"How are you feeling, sir?" Sam asked him as he ate.

Jack looked up from his jello to look at his 2IC. "I'm better." He continued to watch Sam until he heard her think something about his 'beautiful brown eyes'. He batted his eyelashes playfully and then looked down, embarrassed. Suddenly his jello was very interesting and he started to eat it again.

The table was silent for a couple minutes before Sam broke it. "I have an idea, sir." She stated confidently.

"I know." Jack responded. "I agree. Just convince General Hammond."

"Why don't you explain it to the rest of us first?" Daniel questioned.

"I've been thinking over our last mission and the writings you found." She directed at Daniel. "Remember I said that there was no one that whatever happened there wouldn't effect?" Daniel nodded slowly, wondering where she was going with this. "I think Colonel O'Neill could safely go back and get the information you need from the wall."

"Why?" Daniel questioned.

"A couple reasons." Sam started. "First, the entire planet is dimly lit, so it won't hurt his head as much as the base lights or other Earth lights. Second, we didn't eat or drink anything, so whatever organism did this must be airborne. If so, then the inhabitants must also be subjected to whatever this is everyday. From what I saw they all looked healthy. My only concern is that he will get a headache again."

"Okay." Daniel agreed. "So all we need to do is convince General Hammond?"

"Well." Jack interrupted, making his presence known. "We could keep the gate open for communication. And I promise, if I think I'm going to collapse or something I'll radio for help." He ended slightly sarcastically.

Sam thought it over. "That would work." She turned to Janet. "Does that sound safe?"

Janet thought quickly before answering. "It sounds good to me, but it's the General's decision in the end."

"Teal'c, what do you think?" Jack questioned, including his stoic, warrior friend in the conversation.

"That is not my area of expertise, O'Neill, but it seems that precautions have been taken to ensure your safety." Teal'c stated stoically.

"I'll talk to General Hammond." Sam told them.

"No." Jack commanded. "I'll do it."

"Yes, sir." Sam responded.

"I'm sure you'd do fine, Carter." Jack started. "But he'd want my opinions too. I figure it would be faster if I do it."

"Yes, sir." Sam repeated, this time with understanding. Jack finished his last bites of food and cleared his dishes.

"I'll go now." He said, gaining nods from his friends at the table. He walked to the doors and opened them with his mind. He walked through them and they closed as he walked down the hallway.


Sam, Daniel, Teal'c and Janet sat silently at the table.

They all smiled when they heard, "Daniel, this is not cool!" from the hallway. Everyone looked at Daniel at the statement.

"It was." Daniel said defensively.


When Jack arrived, General Hammond's door was open. He knocked respectfully, walked in and stood in front of the General's desk.

"Colonel?" Hammond questioned at the entrance of his second-in-command.

"Sir, request permission to go back to P4X-838." Jack stated with authority.

"Close the door." The General ordered. Jack nodded and the door shut quietly. Hammond looked away from the door and back to his 2IC with amazement. "Care to explain this request?"

"Yes, sir. Daniel thinks that some of the writings in the buildings on P4X-838 might hol some information that could aid in solving whatever did this to me." Jack explained.

"How do you know you won't get a headache again?" Hammond asked.

"I don't, sir." Jack said bluntly. "I suggest that we keep the gate open and keep in communication."

General Hammond thought over the proposal. "Do you want to do this?"

"Yes, I do." Jack stated.

"Okay." Hammond answered. "You leave tomorrow morning at 1000 hours. Get some sleep."

"Yes, sir." Jack responded with a smile.

"Dismissed." Jack turned, waited for the door to open and left, leaving the General looking at his closing office door.