Jack lost track of time.
He refused to accept what Teal'c had just told him; his brain insisted that he could saunter down to Sam's lab right now and she would be there - toying with one of her doohickeys, feigning annoyance at his interruption …
He didn't realise he had moved until he found himself outside said lab.
It was cordoned off but there was an eerie glow coming from inside. He entered and tried a light switch.
Nothing.
His eyes adjusted to the darkness. Candles had been scattered around the room, no doubt by Teal'c.
The place had been gutted.
Furniture had been reduced to splinters and there were pieces of melted equipment everywhere.
Reality started to assert itself. Jack's heart started to thud painfully in his chest and he felt a little lightheaded. He sank down into the debris and clamped his left hand over his mouth, trying to keep the contents of his rebellious stomach inside.
He didn't know how long he had been sitting there when George Hammond materialised next to him.
"Go home son" he said kindly, placing a hand on his shoulder.
Jack stared at him with blank eyes.
"I should have been here .."
"Yes Jack, you should have. We tried to reach you but …"
"Was it like Daniel at the end?" Jack asked.
"Don't do this to yourself son. Go home. We'll talk when you're ready. I'll let you know about the Memorial service."
Jack drifted aimlessly towards the door. "And Jack …"
He stopped but didn't turn round.
"Whatever Dr Jackson says don't hold it against him. Give him time … he bore the brunt of the strain these past four days."
Jack nodded and walked away, the need to get away from the mountain overwhelming him.