After leaving the mall Sam tried to get Jack to drop her off at home. But he refused to leave her alone in the last week of her pregnancy. Arriving on base, Jack dropped Sam off in the infirmary so she could visit with Janet, then headed straight for the briefing room where General Hammond and Teal'c were waiting.
"Sorry sir," Jack said, taking his seat quickly.
"Dr. Jackson and SG-15 were on a routine exploratory mission to PXJ-362. "There were some ruins on the planet that Dr. Jackson believed to be of interest," General Hammond said.
"There always are," Jack said jokingly, earning a disapproving look from General Hammond.
"They were scheduled to return yesterday. However, they didn't return and made no attempt to contact the SGC. We made numerous attempts to contact them and received no response. We're unable get any signal on the MALP, so the situation on the planet is unknown. As of this morning Dr. Jackson and SG-15 are more than 18 hours overdue," General Hammond said, an edge present in his voice that let Jack know that he was worried.
Jack on the other hand, wasn't overly concerned. Daniel was always getting himself into trouble in one form or another. He'd gotten pretty good through the years at negotiating his way out of it. Hell, even when he died he managed to find a way out of it.
"I recommend SG-5 tag along as backup sir. I also recommend that we leave A.S.A.P." Jack said, rising to his feet.
"Alright Colonel. You have a go."
Fifteen minutes later, Jack stood at the base of the ramp making some last minute adjustments to his P-90.
He stood facing the group of men assembled at the base of the ramp. "Listen up," Jack said with a commanding tone. All eyes immediately rested on him.
"We're a little short on time so this is going to have to serve as your mission briefing. Daniel Jackson and SG-15 are more than 18 hours overdue, and for some reason they cannot or are not responding to our attempts to contact them. The situation on the planet is unknown, so use extreme caution. Any questions?" Jack asked.
The room stood silent, except for the sound of the final chevron locking and the whoosh as the gate opened.
"Move out," Jack ordered.
They arrived on the planet seconds later. Jack immediately scanned the surrounding area for any sign of movement. The Stargate stood in a clearing of trees. Stone steps descended from the Stargate, and a well traveled path led off into the forest.
At the bottom of the steps there was a small puddle of red liquid. Jack moved down the stairs. Kneeling down he touched the liquid with the tips of his fingers. Teal'c came to stand beside him. "Blood," Jack confirmed, standing back up.
"There are several footprints leading away from the gate in that direction," Teal'c said pointing to a small path that led off to the right of the Stargate.
"Sergeant Bates, secure the Stargate," Jack instructed. "Yes sir," Sergeant Bates answered, standing guard beside the gate. "Teal'c, you take point. Pierce, Hoffman, you've got our six."
"Yes sir," They said in unison.
Jack situated his cap and slipped on his sunglasses.
"We're off to see the wizard."