I'd like to make it clear that although this story involves incidents in Iraq, I have no affiliations with any political group or any other concerned in that country whatsoever and anything contained in these pages is purely fictional, coming entirely from my imagination. I mean no disrespect to any organisation or people herein.

I would like to thank those who have reviewed so far – namely Irish-bird; and GLE. Rena-Ree – I didn't even realise it was off!

Ilovesg1 – I know this is a tricky subject, but I'm not trying to make a claim or anything, just using the situation purely for a fictional purpose. This story is mainly about Jack and his previous memories and how they still haunt him. With a little help along the way, and lots of angst to come Jack goes through the mill; hey, you know me. BTW – I hope your family stay safe!

I hope you all enjoy this chapter. Please R & R!

Unity.

By LetitiaRichards.

Previously:

Jack sat down heavily in the chair again, the weight of the world resting on his shoulders as he listened to his orders. He wondered how he was to get through the next month without his friends beside him, and without Charlie to come home to, unlike the last time. His only consolation being that this time, he wouldn't be fighting, or anywhere near the enemy.

Chapter 3

Daniel looked up at the door again when an airman passed through it. He sighed, wondering where Jack had gotten to. He was late for breakfast. It was Jack's idea to gather the team together for the first meal of the day, as they often did. Now breakfast was almost over and still they were waiting on him.

Sam looked up too, as did Teal'c, but were disappointed because it wasn't their team leader.

"Are you sure he said he would be here Daniel?"

"It was his idea Sam."

"He was summoned to General Hammond's office Major Carter. We must assume it is of some importance if he remains there still," Teal'c added to the conversation.

"What do you suppose it was all about?" Sam asked conversationally.

"I have no idea, and Jack didn't seem to know either or he would have mentioned it earlier this morning on the way in."

"Well, whatever it is about I guess we could go find out," Sam said, standing up.

"I'll grab him some coffee and a Danish," Daniel grinned, knowing Jack probably needed something after his impromptu meeting.

All three team-mates took the elevator to the briefing room, but found it empty, and the General was alone in his office.

Sam knocked on the door.

"Major Carter?" What can I do for you?" Hammond asked looking up with a hint of a sad smile, wondering if Jack had filled her in already.

"Sir, do you know where I might find Colonel O'Neill? We thought he would still be with you sir," she questioned, frowning. The first seeds of worry were starting to plague her.

"Not since he left here about ten minutes ago Major, Hammond replied, checking his watch."

"Oh. Then perhaps he's in his office sir. Sorry to bother you General."

Hammond mystified her further by stating in a resigned voice.

"I think you had better give him a few more minutes to himself Major. His news wasn't exactly what he wanted to hear."

"Yes sir," she replied hesitantly, wondering what he had meant by that. Just what had happened? she pondered, her worry racking up a few more notches. She turned and hurried back to the others waiting round the table. She filled them in as they headed towards Jack's office anyway.

"The General thinks he may be in his office, but there's something going on here. He seemed to think that we should give the Colonel a few moments to think something over, but he wasn't giving out any hints on the clue bus. I don't think I like the sound of this guys."

"You don't suppose 'mini' Jack has gotten himself into trouble already do you, and somehow the authorities are taking it out on Jack?" Daniel speculated.

"General Hammond looked most uncomfortable. I fear it was not good news."

"I know what you mean Teal'c," Sam agreed. "He did seem a little...I don't know...off...upset even. Certainly not his usual cheerful self."

When Daniel peered round the doorframe of Jack's office, he found his friend sitting at his desk, face buried in his hands and elbows propped on the scattered papers littering the worktop.

Jack gave no outward sign that he had heard their approach.

Daniel, Sam and Teal'c hesitated on the threshold, wondering whether to interrupt what was obviously a bad moment.

"Jack?" Daniel called softly, entering the room, but leaving the others outside. He stopped at the side of the desk and laid a hand on Jack's shoulder.

Jack didn't jump, but instead he pulled his head up and gave his team a weak smile.

"Hi kids! Come on in!" Jack waved a languid hand at them, inviting them in. "I was gonna come find you anyways," he added, leaning back in his chair; his fingers absently found a pen which he now unconsciously twirled round and round.

They entered and took up a position near the desk. Daniel sat on the spare chair, while Sam perched on a clear space on the edge of the desk. Teal'c as usual stood, relaxed at parade rest; his hands grasped lightly behind his back.

"Sooo, what's up Jack? Why the long face?"

Jack gave Daniel a lengthy stare, trying to discover if they knew anything yet. Judging by the look on his friend's face, as well as the others, he guessed not.

"Straight to the point huh Daniel? What makes you think something's up?"

"Come on Jack. It's obvious! Besides you look..." he broke off at the quelling look from the officer.

"I'm tired!" Jack countered.

"No you're not!"

"Am too!"

"You were fine this morning Jack! So spill!"

Jack sighed and blew out a protracted breath. He had to tell them, they had a right to know. They were his team; his kids; his family.

"Okay. You asked, so I'll tell ya! I'm being posted abroad for a month."

Three team-mates all gaped in surprise and began questioning his news with disbelief.

"What? When?"

"Sir? How? Why?"

"Where to O'Neill?"

Jack sucked in another huge breath before he filled them in further.

"Iraq!"

"What?" Daniel and Sam both cried, absolutely stunned.

"Why is this, O'Neill?"

"The Pentagon has decided that I am best qualified to debrief the ex-prisoners before they are taken away to the funny farm or whatever. Seeing as how I've been there myself, they reckon it may help straighten them out at little if they know I'd survived it all."

"I don't believe this!" Daniel exclaimed with disgust.

"Oh, it's true Danny boy, believe me," Jack snorted with repugnance.

"But that's...why you sir?" Sam spluttered, still unable to fathom out what had possessed the minds of those at the Pentagon to choose the Colonel. "Surely there must be others who are more..."

"According to them Carter. I have all the necessary 'qualifications' needed," he spat angrily.

"But that's just... ridiculous sir." she finished, unable to sum up how exactly she felt about those in power.

"What if you were to refuse O'Neill?"

"Then I probably stand to loose everything Teal'c. I'll be up for a Court-Martial as fast as you could say 'Stargate'! I've no choice in the matter. I'm a soldier, I have to follow orders."

"That's never stopped you before!" Daniel pointed out.

"This is different Daniel. It has the Presidential seal of approval," he sighed in defeat.

He stood and paced round the room, hands thrust deep into his pockets, ignoring the gasps of stunned surprise from his team.

"When is it you are scheduled to leave?" Teal'c asked calmly.

"Day after tomorrow."

"So soon?" Daniel gulped.

"Why wait?" Jack snorted. "Apparently I'm in demand."

"What about us sir?"

"Us Carter?"

Sam reddened, and his gaze softened.

"Ah...I mean SG-1 sir," she clarified, covering herself. "What do we do while you're out of the country?"

"Carry on, I guess. Hammond may split you up for the duration, I don't know. He didn't say."

"I'm going with you Jack!"

"What?" Both Jack and Sam exclaimed.

"I said I'm going with you. You never know, you might need...a...an interpreter," Daniel stated determinedly, as if he wouldn't take no for an answer.

"Daniel, as much as I would love your company; it's not up to me. Hell, I could do with all of you guys for back up, but..."

Daniel wasted no more time, so he shot up out of the chair and hurried from the room, ignoring the token protest from his CO.

Jack slumped back into his chair again and scrubbed his hands through his hair once more while Sam looked on; worry and concern for her CO furrowing her brow deeply. Iraq was the last place on Earth he would want to go back to, especially now while there was still so much tension out there. She sighed inwardly, angry with the powers that be for making him of all people go. Didn't they understand what this could do to him?

TBC