Jack O'Neill sat behind the temporary desk he'd been given, staring off into space and tapping out a steady beat with a pen held loosely in his fingers. He had come to this office shortly after telling his friends the news about the Asgard, knowing that he would find some tranquility in an office very few people knew was being used.

His thoughts had gone back to Gallagher and the man's reaction to the news of the Asgard's help. Jack didn't quite know what he had expected from his clone, but the calm nod of Gallagher's head gave him pause. It was almost as if Gallagher didn't care one way or the other. Jack knew better, of course, but it still bothered him that his clone had given up.

When pressed, Gallagher insisted that Handar and his guards would have tortured and killed her. It was the only way to keep the slaves in line. But Jack had countered that argument with an argument of his own. He brought up a few instances in the past where he hadn't given up on someone he had cared deeply for, including the three others in the room with them. There had been at least one instance throughout the years when he had thought each one of his friends had died, Daniel more times than he cared to count, but he had always held out hope that they would somehow survive. Carter's battle with the entity that had taken her mind hostage inside of a computer was just one instance when Jack was sure she was lost to them. In fact he had shot her twice with a Zat, knowing it would kill her. For all intents and purposes, he had killed her and he still remembers the agony he went through for that decision. But she had lived through it and this is what he was trying to convey to his clone.

Gallagher took this argument into consideration, and finally nodded at Jack, acknowledging that he was right. "But it's been at least five days, Jack," Gallagher said sadly, as he thought about the woman he had left behind and what she must have gone through. "We may be too late."

"Maybe they just tortured her," Carter speculated. "Maybe she's still alive. You did say they needed slaves to work for them. She might still be alive."

"Yeah," Gallagher agreed half-heartedly. They were finally getting through to him, but Jack sensed that there was something else holding Gallagher back. For someone who was supposedly the 'same person' as him, Gallagher was a mystery to Jack. He contemplated his clone's reaction even now, as he sat at the desk waiting for his Aide to call him back.

Maybe he was expecting too much from the kid. After all, Gallagher had once been Jack O'Neill. Yeah, their experiences over the last several years were widely different, but Jack figured they still had the same thought processes, still believed in the same principles and still relied on their shared past experiences. This anger and self-hatred Gallagher harbored over leaving someone behind was proof that they still thought alike.

Another thing that stayed the same was their respective fears. Jack was well aware of his reputation of getting through the worst situations, fearlessly facing down System Lords and surviving against all odds. But the truth of the matter was that he really wasn't so fearless. He'd been scared out of his mind way too many times; it just never served a purpose to show that fear. Fear is a weakness that gives the enemy an advantage and Jack had always been too determined to ever give anyone an advantage over him.

The pen stopped its insistent rapping when Jack thought about the fear that had him in its grip during Gallagher's last flashback. He'd seriously thought that Gallagher had finally lost his mind when his clone pushed his way past him to walk out to the outer room and began talking to someone who wasn't there. The words were jumbled – talking about somebody's mother one minute, then going on about guards and escaping the next. He and Teal'c had cautiously gone over to Gallagher to lead him back to the bed, and Jack had to admit that he was surprised when Gallagher let them.

But Gallagher had definitely given in to his memories. He just lay there with his eyes open, staring out at something only he could see. He eventually closed his eyes, as if asleep, but then all hell broke loose as Gallagher lashed out, barely missing Jack when he swung out at his phantom tormentors. They finally got him restrained, only to have to deal with the man's silence, as he calmed down again. The silence didn't last long though, and Jack watched helplessly as Gallagher fought off his tormentors and his captivity by twisting and straining to get out of the restraints. They had no choice but to watch, as Gallagher did his best to fight off the pain and the horrors of the hallucinations his mind had brought back from the past. His body had arched and bucked, straining against the straps of the restraints, all the while yelling curses and demanding his release.

It had gone on for hours. Jack had tried to bring him back by talking to him, even yelling at him, trying to get through the memories that had taken complete control of his clone, but Gallagher didn't respond to anything Jack said. It was hard to watch him go through it, but Jack couldn't leave Gallagher to deal with it alone. He had made a promise and he meant to keep it. Besides, he was determined to stay with him to the end, hoping against hope that Gallagher would come out of it. He had to come out of it, because Jack wasn't so sure he could live with the thought that insanity could actually take over the mind of Jack O'Neill. God, that would be the ultimate horror.

Jack didn't know what to expect when Gallagher finally calmed down and just lay there staring at Carter, who had taken her turn in talking to him. Her voice seemed to calm him more than the others, so Jack had decided that when the going got tough in the future, he was sending Carter in.

He had almost fallen off his chair when Gallagher called out to him. The relief flowing through Jack was a welcome feeling, pushing the fear and tension away so that he could relax slightly. They weren't totally out of the woods yet, but the fact that Gallagher was able to win this important battle made Jack feel a little better.

Now all they had to do was to find out what happened to Taria. Jack wasn't sure what he wanted to find on that issue. What would they do with her if they found her alive? From what Gallagher described, life on that planet was miserable for the slaves and Jack knew his people well enough to know that once they got there, they wouldn't just settle on freeing only Taria. That meant trying to come up with a location where they could put these people, Earth being the last place Jack would consider. Then there was the task of assigning SGC personnel to educate the refugees on how to live their lives in freedom. From the sounds of it, these people had been so oppressed; they wouldn't be able to function without someone telling them how to survive on their own.

Jack looked up when there was a knock on the door and he nodded at Reynolds and Peterson, gesturing for them to enter.

"You wanted to see us, sir?" Reynolds said, as he stood on the other side of the desk.

"Yes," Jack replied, as he watched for any signs of hostility from the Colonel. "Have a seat," he invited casually. It couldn't hurt to try to get on their good side. The two men sat down, but Jack could see they weren't as comfortable as he would like them to be. "Tell me what happened on Hulmeshur," he added.

"Doctor Jackson tells me that Lieutenant Gallagher wanted us to rescue his wife, sir," Reynolds responded, getting right to the point. "I admit that I had no idea that was what he was trying to do when he resisted our rescue attempt."

"He didn't tell you why he wanted to go back?" Jack asked.

"He was happy to see us at first," Reynolds replied, "But as we got closer to the Gate, he kept telling me that we couldn't leave yet, that he had to go back to get someone. He didn't say who, other than a name, but by that time we were in some serious trouble. All I wanted to do was to get my men back safely."

Jack just nodded. He had been in the same predicament Reynolds had been in and he still regretted some of the decisions he had made during those times. But the damage was done; now it was up to him to figure out a way to fix things. "You met with his wife," he told them, "Didn't she say why she was helping you?"

"No sir," Reynolds said. "I was surprised when she came forward with the information we needed. No one else would talk to us."

"Did she ask you to take her with you?"

"No sir. She just said that we would find him in the fields at the far end of the compound."

More mysteries to add to this whole mess, Jack thought, as he stared at the two men. Why did she want to be left behind? "Patterson?" Jack said, bringing his attention to the other man.

"Sir?"

"She gave you a rock. Did she tell you what it was?"

"No sir," Patterson responded nervously. He was fairly new, never having really met the 'legendary' Jack O'Neill and Jack had to grimace at this thought, which of course made Patterson more anxious to please. "She handed me the rock, telling me to 'take it because she didn't need it anymore'."

"Did she say why she wouldn't need it?" Jack asked, wishing this guy would just relax. This was not the first time he had encountered this attitude. His meeting with Captain Gordon was the most recent experience. Gordon had come right out and told him that it was an honor to meet with him, and why it was such an honor. It made Jack feel special, but it also made him feel like a fraud. He certainly didn't feel like a hero.

"No sir," Patterson said. "We were in a hurry, so I just thanked her and took it with me. I didn't think to ask."

"She didn't tell you to give it to the Lieutenant?" Jack asked, wondering just what had been going through that woman's mind. Why would she just give a keepsake to a total stranger?

"We were in a hurry, sir." Patterson responded. "I just thought it might be something Doctor Jackson would be interested in. I took the rock and thanked her, then hurried to catch up with the rest of my team."

Silence filled the room as Jack sat there trying to piece together that mission in his mind. Why didn't Gallagher just tell them the woman he wanted to go back for was his wife? Would it have made a difference? Jack knew that if he had been in Reynolds' shoes, he probably would have done the same thing. The safety of his team had always been his first priority. He looked up to see Reynolds watching him warily, ready to defend himself at all costs.

"Calm down, Colonel," Jack said with a slight smile. "No one is blaming you. I'm just trying to get a better understanding of what went down. We're planning a return trip – with the help of the Asgard – and I want to know what we're facing."

"Yes sir," Reynolds said, seemingly more relieved. "Uh… sir? Considering the circumstances, I've decided not to press charges against the Lieutenant. Doctor Jackson made a very convincing argument, and I have to admit that I understand the reasons behind the attack."

Jack was surprised, as well as just a little pleased. "I'm sure the Lieutenant will be happy to hear that, Colonel. He's already regretting his actions."

Reynolds nodded, then said, "If I may be so bold, sir. May I ask why you are so intent on helping him? Is he a relative?"

Jack stared at the Colonel, knowing it was time to make a decision on this issue. Mackenzie had told him about the rumors, but Jack had hoped he could avoid adding another lie to his overly secretive life. He sighed when he realized that he was better off in telling those lies. Rumors can turn nasty. "Yes, he's a relative, a cousin on my mother's side. His father and I were really close, so I had to come and see what I could do to help him through this. Then he pulls a stunt like that," he added, as he pointed to the bruises on Reynolds' throat, "Which makes me want to disown him."

"I'll survive," Reynolds commented with a grin. Jack grinned back at the Colonel. Hopefully this will set everyone straight and they could all move on. "My men and I can be ready if you need us to go on the second rescue mission," Reynolds added.

"Thank you, Colonel," Jack replied, with a nod of his head. "I'll keep that in mind."

"Yes sir," Reynolds said, recognizing a dismissal when he heard one. Both men got up to leave and Jack watched them as they walked out, his mind already back on Gallagher's problems.

He vaguely wondered when his Aide was going to call him back, then sat back with a start when a bright light filled the office. His friend, Thor, showed up in a blaze of light and Jack couldn't help the smile that took over his features. He and the Supreme Commander of the Asgard had become great friends over the years and Jack was always pleased to see him – even when Thor would pluck him out of the middle of something to transport Jack up to his ship. Giving Thor a hard time for it was something that was expected each and every time, so Jack made it a point to bitch and complain for at least a minute. The fact that the bitching and complaining made Jack feel like he had more control over his comings and goings had nothing to do with it, or so he liked to think.

"Greetings O'Neill," Thor said, as he sat down in a chair next to the desk.

"Thor, old buddy!" Jack exclaimed, extremely happy to see his friend. "What's up with the Asgard these days?"

"We are doing well," Thor responded calmly, "If that is what you are asking."

"Yes," Jack said, remembering too late that it was always better to speak plainly to the Asgard. Americanized terminology wasn't widely used in Thor's galaxy, although Thor was getting better at understanding him. "Thanks for agreeing to help us. I really appreciate it."

"It is my honor," Thor replied humbly. "I understand that your clone is in need of our assistance. We are deeply indebted to you both and would be glad to assist you in your rescue mission."

"Good," Jack said, "Because we really need a way to get onto a planet without getting killed the minute we go through the Stargate and your beaming technology would work wonders. The Prometheus is unavailable to us at the moment and we were hoping you guys would be able to help us out now, instead of later."

"Shall we get started?" Thor asked, and Jack had to smile at the willingness of his friend.

"Yeah, just let me get a team together."

"I need to be a part of the team," Gallagher insisted, when Jack told him about the mission. "Those people know me. They would be more inclined to talk to me than to strangers."

"In case you haven't noticed," Jack replied, just a little exasperated, "You are being held prisoner for your own good."

"Well, it's not like I'm going to hurt someone, besides I know who to look for – and 'where' to look, for that matter. I have to do this, Jack."

"Why?" Jack asked, realizing that there was something Gallagher wasn't telling him. "You don't have to be anywhere."

Gallagher didn't answer right away. He stared thoughtfully at Jack for a moment, then looked around, seeing who else was in the room. "I just have to go," he eventually said, as he brought his gaze back to stare at Jack again.

Jack wasn't so obtuse that he couldn't see that his clone didn't want to broadcast his reasons, even if his audience were the people he trusted with his life. But if they were going to do this, they needed to do it now. "They are going to grab as many of the slaves as they can," he told Gallagher to try to pacify him. "Chances are they'll grab Taria."

"I can go down to the planet to make sure all the slaves are accounted for. I know these people, Jack. If nothing else, I can calm them down when they are suddenly transported to an alien craft."

"Not this time," Jack said, wondering at the worry that was nagging at him. Gallagher was afraid of something, perhaps of what he would find out, and Jack realized that he was more attuned to his clone than he wanted to admit to when it dawned on him that he was reacting to Gallagher's anxiety.

"Give us a minute," Jack said to his former teammates, who were standing around waiting for the go-ahead to take on Handar and his guards.

"Sure," Carter said, as she nodded her head. She turned her head and smiled at Daniel, who also took the hint.

"We'll just be outside," Daniel said, as he followed Carter to the door. Teal'c bowed his head and followed his friend's lead, leaving Jack and Gallagher to talk privately.

"What's going on?" he asked his clone when they were finally alone.

"Nothing," Gallagher responded warily. "I just want to go with them."

"There's more to this than you're letting on, isn't there?" Jack asked. Gallagher just stared at him rebelliously, refusing to give up the real reason why he 'needed' to go on this mission.

"They are more than capable of getting the job done, with or without you," Jack said. "You don't have to worry about anything."

"What are you going to do with the slaves once you free them?" Gallagher asked, abruptly changing the subject. Jack saw through the subterfuge almost immediately. Gallagher was definitely hiding something.

"I have Walter looking into other planets that would be ideal for them to live on. They'll be fine."

Gallagher nodded his head, then said, "Am I going to be allowed to go with SG-1 or not?"

"Not," Jack said. He could be just as stubborn as his clone when he wanted to be.

They glared at each other for a few minutes, Gallagher finally giving in when he realized that Jack's approval was needed if he wanted to be included in on the mission. "Look, I just want to get out of here. You can't keep me locked up in here forever. I just want out."

"What if you have one of those flashbacks while you are there?" Jack answered, trying to reason with the man. "We can't take the risk."

"I won't," Gallagher insisted quietly.

"You know that for sure?"

Silence fell over the room once more as Gallagher tried to come up with the right words to say. Jack could see him struggling with his thoughts, searching for the magic words that would effectively sway a General. It would take a lot, they both knew, and Gallagher sighed when nothing came to mind. "I have to do this, Jack."

"Why?" Jack asked, thinking he would give the man a chance to explain. Actually it was because he was anxious to hear the answer.

Gallagher sighed again, then walked over to the bars of the cell, grabbing the bars as he stared out at nothing. Jack immediately went on the alert, but it soon became apparent that Gallagher just needed something to focus on, a trick Jack had used more often than he cared to admit.

"When you first told me that the Asgard were going to help us find Taria, I was all set to go kick some ass, but then…," he stopped and stared at Jack, his face showing nothing of what he was feeling. "But then," Gallagher continued, "I got scared. I mean, what if I get caught? I can't go through that punishment again, Jack."

Oh Christ, Jack thought. He now knew exactly why his clone needed to go on this mission. He was too damn stubborn for his own good and letting this fear take over is something neither one of them would live with. Gallagher needed to prove to himself, and now Jack, that he was much stronger than that. He needed to prove that Handar and his men hadn't totally broken him. He needed to show them that he was the better man.

"I have to go on that mission," Gallagher insisted. "I'll come back here and spend the next two months in this cell if I have to, but I have to go on that mission."

Jack stared at his counterpart, knowing deep down what he should do, but he still had the safety of his former teammates to think of. "No flashbacks?" he asked, already knowing he had made up his mind.

"The flashbacks didn't start until I was here at the SGC," Gallagher replied, as he let go of the bars to face Jack. "And I'm willing to bet that they were brought on by my guilt of leaving Taria behind."

"What if she is dead?" Jack asked, trying to make Gallagher understand his reluctance.

"They are my friends, as well," Gallagher replied, effectively answering Jack's unasked question. "I wouldn't put them in that position if I thought I might be endangering them."

Jack just stared at his clone, weighing his options. He understood Gallagher's need, and could totally sympathize with him, but the kid wasn't out of the woods yet, if Mackenzie was to be believed. The psychiatrist had been in his glory when Jack told him of Gallagher's last flashback, but he had also warned Jack that this was only the first step in dealing with the problem. Gallagher was nowhere near being cured.

"General?" Gallagher asked, pushing for a decision. But Jack still had his reservations. He stared at his clone as he dealt with the thoughts and memories of his own making, memories of past instances where others thought he had been an unstable, emotional wreck, and how he had been determined to prove them all wrong. This was basically the same, with the only difference being that it was his clone going through it, and the little fact that debilitating flashbacks were involved this time.

"Am I going to be able to join SG-1 on this mission?" Gallagher asked, impatience making an appearance. Jack smiled, as a thought came to mind and he nodded his head.

"Alright!" Gallagher exclaimed happily, then said, "Do you know how hard it is for me to have to practically beg you for something? I mean I used to be you, and now I'm reduced to begging for little favors. Where's the justice in that?"

"Well don't get too comfortable with your status," Jack said; now feeling bad that he was going to throw out a condition to go with his approval. "I'm only agreeing to this because I know you will agree to talk to Mackenzie in exchange."

The smile on Gallagher's face turned into a full-blown glare and Jack knew that a storm was brewing, but Gallagher was through the worst of it and Mackenzie really was much more qualified to handle this. Jack could stop worrying about screwing up his clone and if he was lucky, be able to spend some quality time with Carter.

"I'm not going to talk with Mackenzie," Gallagher snarled.

"Why not?" Jack asked, hoping to pacify his clone one more time. "He already knows everything that's happened to you. All you have to do now is give him hell if he starts talking drugs and answer his questions – this is the easy part. You've been through this enough times before with plenty of psychiatrists to know what happens next. You keep telling him what he already knows until you've convinced him that you are better, and you're home free. Piece of cake."

"Piece of cake," Gallagher grumbled, and Jack's smile grew wider as he realized that Gallagher was going to give in. Gallagher finally smiled back, having realized that Jack was right. Now that he was better, he was well prepared to give Mackenzie a run for his money. "I'll talk to Mackenzie," he conceded. "After we get back. I've gotten my hopes up that maybe Taria is still alive – how can I help myself with you spouting off that she is – and Mackenzie will come in handy if she isn't."

Jack didn't know what to make of that statement. "You want her to be alive?" he asked tentatively. He still didn't know one way or the other if Gallagher hated his wife or not.

Gallagher stared out at the room beyond the bars, toward the spot where he had last 'seen' his wife. Jack was still spooked by the memory of Gallagher calling out to a woman who wasn't there to anyone but him. "She tried her best to get me to forgive her," Gallagher said, his gaze taking on a faraway look. "Most people would have given up and ended up hating each other. But she couldn't live like that, I guess. She never stopped loving me and did whatever it took to make me love her again." He turned to look at Jack, then said, "By the time I was rescued, I often wondered if I had forgiven her, just too stubborn to admit it."

"And now?"

"I was determined to go back and get her," Gallagher answered, telling Jack what he wanted to know. His gaze went back to the outer room, "And now I'm ready to forgive her and to listen to her reasons for her betrayal."

"Well let's get to it then," Jack said, walking over to slap his clone on the back. "Thor can be so impatient. I can't tell you how many times he just plucks me out from whatever when he wants to see me."

"I remember," Gallagher said, with a knowing smile. Then felt the need to insist, "No handcuffs this time. I mean it, Jack. I walk out of here a free man."

"No handcuffs," Jack agreed, knowing that his clone was well on the road to recovery. How could he have ever doubted it?