Beta's Note: I confess I've had this chapter since mid-March and I was busy and actually forgot about it more than once. So the length of time between updates is entirely my fault not irishchick's. I sincerely apologize for the delay. melpomene-museoftragedy

"What the hell did he mean by that?" Jack asked Daniel.

"I don't know Jack but something's up"

"I think its time I paid Mitchell a visit."

"I don't think that's such a good idea."

"I don't care if it's a good idea Daniel, something is going on an I wanna know what that is."

Cameron Mitchell sat in his quarters. In fact he hadn't left since he got back two days ago. He was worried for a number of reasons, one of which was that no one had come to speak to him. Of course he didn't exactly blame Daniel and Teal'c. He had lied to them and then in turn asked them to not bend their version of events. Oh, and he'd presumably killed Sam Carter. He could only guess that General O'Neill hadn't stopped by for a little chat due to the fact that Landry had managed to talk him out of the idea. That wouldn't last long. He knew O'Neill was a man of few words so when he eventually got around to popping in it was not going to be pleasant. Then there was Sam... All in all his life sucked right about now.

Deep breaths Jack, remain calm.

Jack repeated this to himself over and over as he walked down the corridor towards Cameron Mitchell's quarters. He thought he had this guy sussed. He reminded him of himself in a way. He was a good soldier and had proved himself many times in the field not just in Antarctica. He was willing to put his life on the line for others, or so it seemed.

Bad call Jack. You gave this guy the gig. You shoulda known better.

So here he was yet again finding himself standing outside someone's door, not sure if he really wanted to know what truths lay on the other side. He knocked on the door and waited on Mitchell to answer.

Deep breaths Jack deep breaths

"How did you know I'd come?" Sam wasn't shocked when she was told she was expected. Shock wasn't exactly in her vocabulary any more.

"Because it's meant to be. We've seen it. You've come to help us."

There wasn't a trace of doubt in her companion's voice. She knew that there was no need to fear these people. She'd been told that.

"Yes but I'm not quiet sure how. I was told that you will know how to get home you just need a hand figuring things out."

"But we are home Samantha. Look around, we are at peace here. Why would we want to leave?"

"Wait, you're telling me that you don't want to leave?"

"Our People have lived here for over two generations. We would never be able to live in your society again."

"I don't understand. I was told that you wanted to return to earth."

"We did but we are so close now."

"Close to what?"

"Ascension"

The knock on Cameron's door brought him from his thoughts. Before he got a chance to get up and answer the door Jack opened it and walked in closing it behind him in one swift movement.

"General O'Neill Sir" Cameron stood to attention.

"Okay Mitchell let's make this as painless as possible shall we. You lied, I know you did. Daniel told me everything and I'm pretty sure that if I asked Teal'c he'd say the same. Which bring me to the question of what the hell is going on?"

"Sir my report is pretty clear."

"Cut the crap Mitchell."

"Sir, as I just said my report…"

He didn't get a chance to finish the sentence. He was pinned against the wall and was definitely not going anywhere in a hurry.

"Now I'll ask you again what is going on?"

"General if I could tell you"

Jack let him go and took a step back. That was it in one sentence. Cameron had said more than if he had spoke a thousand words. 'If I could tell you' Jack had enough black ops training to know that it translated to – 'I'm on a mission. One I can't discuss because it goes much higher than you.'

"Answer me one thing. Is she alive?"

"I don't know." The anguish in the man's eyes was evident for him to see, He really didn't know.

Jack just prayed that if she was alive, then she would keep her promise and make it home.

"Ascension?" Sam was more than a little confused.

"We follow the path to enlightenment Samantha."

"Okay look, I just risked my life to get here and now you're telling me that you're not leaving?"

"Yes. There are many things you are yet to understand."

"He actually told you he was on a mission?" Daniel lifted his head form the book he had been studying.

"No, not exactly." Jack moved from the doorway and sat on a stool on the opposite side of Daniel's workbench. "But he said he couldn't tell me and it just makes sense."

"Or he could be lying to you to save his ass from the kicking it deserves. I mean he lied to us. Doesn't that tell you he can't be trusted?"

"Do you think I haven't thought of that Daniel?"

"There has to be something we can do. Jack if she's out there she could be hurt or in danger. She might need us."

"What do you want me to do?"

"Showing a little emotion wouldn't hurt. I mean you're supposed to be in love with her."

Jack rose from his seat and walked around the work bench to be face to face with Daniel.

"Don't you dare question my feelings for her. I love her in ways you can never imagine." His voice was quiet but full of anger

"Jack I didn't mean…"

"Do you think this is easy for me? All I want to do is have her here. I sent her out there Daniel. Me. It was my decision. I knew she may not come back but she made me promise a long time ago that I would never let my feelings for her cloud my judgment and I was a fool to agree. I should have got out of this game a long time ago but I thought that it would be better for me to make those decisions than some other guy who couldn't care less."

"I'm sorry Jack. If she's out there we'll find her. I promise."

"Don't make promises Daniel."