A/N: Short and unbeta'd

Darkness. That was the first conscious thought he had. It was dark. And he couldn't move. His eyes wouldn't open. He couldn't even bring his arms up to try and physically pry his eyelids open.

Panic set in. Not the slight panic he'd felt when Sam had run out on him, or the feeling he'd had when they'd been told their son had a heart murmur. This was deep seeded fear, clutching at his throat and setting his heart to racing.

It was Iraq, all over again.

Shhh. Jack, it's okay.

He jumped, ready to cry out in fear. Shit, there was something in his head!

Who the Hell are you?

I'm sorry Jack. It's Levi.

NO! Oh no! If Levi was in him, that meant Nate was dead. Or he was dead, or close to it.

Jack, please calm down. You've been out of it for a long time, your body's not quite ready to react to your orders just yet.

What happened? And why the Hell are you in ME?

You were shot in the chest Jack. Just above the edge of your vest.

The memories started flowing. He remembered the shot, the numbness. Most of all he remembered thinking he'd never see Sam again or meet his sons right before Nate collapsed on top of him.

Nate's fine, Colonel. It was a minor shot to the shoulder. I healed him in no time. It's you we've been worried about.

I was dead. I DIED!

Yes.

Then why aren't I still dead?

Sarcophagus. Unfortunately, when it opened, you were alive, but it hadn't healed your wound in any way.

So you just thought you'd invade my HEAD. Thanks, but you can GET OUT now!

No can do, good buddy.

OY! Where'd the snake pick up this crap?

If I leave now, you will stay in your current state.

LEAVE!

Do you want to meet your sons, see Sam again? You will remain in a coma if I leave before I'm done.

Jack sighed mentally. Levi was right. He could feel that he wasn't in control of his own body, his own functions, and he didn't like that. He was just floating, not really there, but not gone yet either.

Jack, I know you're pissed about this, I would be too, but we think Yu's sarcophagus was breaking down from the frequent use over such a long period of time, and we didn't have time to transport you to another ship.

You'll leave as soon as I'm okay?

You think I want to be in this mess any longer than I have to?

You ended that sentence with a preposition.

He felt a soft chuckle through his mind. Levi was in there, knew everything about him now, including his nervous tick that made him become the grammar police. That was disconcerting.

You're an incorrigible ass, Jack O'Neill.

So why are you still here? Jack couldn't keep the bitterness out of his – thoughts? This was pissing him off beyond all get out and when he was pissed, he lashed out, at everyone.

Fine, I'm gone! What would you prefer? Broccoli? Carrot? Asparagus? Your choice.

He felt the symbiote pulling away, and his entire body immediately felt like dead weight.

No, wait, I didn't… Dammit! He wished he could run his hands through his hair or scrub his face.

Can you keep me from Nate?

If you are asking whether your memories will be shared with Nate, then only if I let them go on purpose.

Levi immediately knew what the soldier was asking of him. There were things Jack knew that would help the young man, but there were experiences buried deep within the scarred man that could torture Nate if they'd ever happened to him. There was one point unclear.

Charlie?

Jack sighed. I never thought I'd say this, but… I'm trusting you. If he needs to know, let him. He already knows he's dead.

That means a lot, and I'm sure Jacob's the only one to ever hear you say that before, but I need you to rest right now, I have another few hours still before I can leave.

Jack mentally nodded and felt himself drift back away into the blackness.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

"Hey, I think he's coming around."

Jack's head swam, but he could feel Levi urging him to awaken. He really hoped he didn't have to get used to this.

"Keep it down, Space Monkey," he mumbled, bringing his hand up to his head.

"Sorry Jack," Daniel apologized, his voice dropping. "We've been kinda worried."

"Yeah well, been there, done that." He sat up and propped himself up against the wall. "I think the T-shirt's somewhere in my closet."

Colonel, I'm done. I took an extra hour to rest. I can leave now.

Jack nodded, confusing those around him.

"Where's Nate?"

Jacob smiled from the back, knowing that would have been the first thing Jack asked about. He pushed the boy forward.

"Hey, Jack." He gave a little half wave, not quite sure how to address the man.

"Hey, someone's ready to go home, and he's getting a little wiggly," he joked, easing the tension. "We don't have to do that whole kiss thing, do we?"

The shudder was quite obvious to everyone and Nate giggled just a bit, still nervous.

"It would probably work best if I lay down and let gravity do the work."

Nate laid on the floor and opened his mouth. Jack just shook his head and shrugged, leaning over, opening his mouth. The wiggling in the back of his neck almost made him gag, but the blood. The skin at the back of his throat ripped open, spilling blood down his tongue. The slimy Tok'ra brushed the edges of his mouth, leaving mucus trapped in his cheeks and as soon as he felt Levi's tail exit, he rolled back, flopping onto his butt and took the canteen Daniel offered.

Jacob leaned over him, a grin spread over his face. "You've been out a long time. We had minimal contact, but hopefully the news of our success reached Earth by now."

Jack's thoughts immediately strayed to his wife. A month. He'd been gone a month and she wouldn't even know if he was alive or dead. She could have had the twins, they could have found Neal. Those were things he should have been there for.

"We should be home in a little over four and a half hours," Daniel broke in, a grin spread wide across his face.

Relief settled over the tired man as he slumped exhaustedly against his perch and gave into the deep, healing sleep. Home. He'd be home in less than five hours.

A/N: Okay, i know it's short, but it's my birthday, or it was - an hour and a half ago - and i figured i'd post now since we're moving on Friday and i don't know how long all that will take. we can't afford the house anymore after all that's been going on, so it's been really hectic. i'm really working hard on the next few chapters in hopes that i can hurry and spit this out for y'all! please tell me what you think!