He wanted to smash something. Correction, he wanted to smash a lot of something's. He knew all too well what Baal was capable of, and the thought of Sam going through that made him sick. Every muscle in his body tensed as he remembered the pain and suffering Baal had inflicted on him.

He hadn't remembered must anything when Kanan had bailed on him, but everyone knew that Sam had retained almost all knowledge of the Tok'ra as her time as a host. He also knew that because of this, her torture would be far worse. The thought made him want to retch. He wanted to dial the gate, go through guns blazing, rescue Sam and put a bullet between Baal's eyes. But he couldn't. The General had refused, citing it was too dangerous.

"General you have to let us go-

"Colonel this is not open for debate"

"Sir-

"Believe me Jack, I know how you are feeling but, you know as well as I do that I can't in good conscience send anyone to that planet. If what Dr. Felger says is true, it would be suicide."

"This is Baal we're talking about. I, of all people, know exactly what he is going to do to her. Hell, Carter is known across the galaxy for what she knows about, not only this planet but the Tok'ra as well"

"I am well aware of Major Carter's knowledge, Colonel"

"Then you know why we can't wait"

"The best I can do is wait 24 hours and send a M.A.L.P. through to see if it is safe. Only then, can I consider taking any action. I truly am sorry Jack."

"Permission to be dismissed sir"

"Granted"

Throwing the pen down on his desk dejectedly, Jack couldn't help but scold himself for his decision to not steal the ship and go the planet when he had the chance. He could picture the look of smug satisfaction that Baal probably had on his face as he tortured the woman he loved to death over and over. His overwhelming urge to retch had returned when there was a knock on his office door.

"Come" he replied.

The door tentatively opened to reveal a very nervous Dr. Felger. "Colonel, I just- well that is I –"

"Oh for cryin out loud Felger, come in and shut the door." Reluctantly, Felger complied.

"I'm sorry"

"Look Felger-"

"I wanted to be brave and go back but the blasts and the explosions, there was just no way"

"Felger"

"I screwed up yet again. She is a prisoner of that monster because of me. This is all my fault. I'm sorry I ever suggested using Avenger in the first place."

"Yes well, let's not dwell shall we?" he muttered

"But hey, you're SG-1 right? I mean you're probably planning a daring rescue. I mean, that is what you are doing in here? Because if I know if there is anyone who can come up with a plan it is you cause--"

The man was blubbering again and Jack really couldn't take it anymore "FELGER!" he screamed, slamming his hands on his desk as he stood in frustration.

"Sorry Colonel"

"You said it yourself; the area was teaming with Jaffa. It would be too dangerous to send anyone back there"

"But you're Sg-1"

"Yes but-

"You don't leave anyone behind."

"I know but-" His sentence was cut off by the wailing of the klaxons.

"Unscheduled off world activation."

"Now what?" he muttered as he brushed past the bewildered scientist out of his office towards the gate room.