Jack hated Mondays. He hated them with a passion, even if he did enjoy his job, even if he didn't have proper weekends. He could have a week scheduled where Monday was, to all intents and purposes, Friday, and still hate it. It was probably because of the way the word sounded. Monday. Mundane. So drawn down and boring. It sounded droopy. Nevertheless, it was Monday, and he was on his way to yet another meeting. Damn these meetings. He was ready to go offworld, complain about the flora, meet the locals and avert yet another disaster. All of the off world teams were now home, and one or two had been sent back through since, but for the most part gate travel was still cut off. Hammond knew he couldn't hold the lockdown for much longer. There needed to be some high-stepping done to clear the matter at hand, and get things back to normal. He eyed his calendar, where he had blocked out every Monday and replaced it with, "Tuesday, pt 1". Yep, there it was, meeting in one hour, and there was no getting out of it. Truth was, seeing as how it was with Chief Simons, he needed to go with bells on. Still, it was Monday, for crying out loud. His mood sunk as he walked the grey halls, and plummeted as he saw piles of folders on the briefing room table. Simons was there, as was Hammond, and they were talking quietly as Jack entered. "Colonel Jack O'Neill, Chief Warren Simon."

"Hi." Jack shook the dark hand, and sat with a fake look of interest.

Hammond noticed and raised an eyebrow. "Is there a problem, colonel?"

Jack jerked his head up, and managed a grim smile. "Monday, sir."

"I see. Chief Simon, if you will?"

The older man nodded. His hair dotted his black scalp like snow. "I've been in touch with officials from the NSA, CIA and FBI," he said, in a pleasant voice that belonged in a church choir. "It seems we are on the brink of an international incident, one which is to be kept under wraps until such time as security clears it, or the situation comes to a head."

"And what situation would this be?" Jack asked.

Chief Simons slapped a folder before each of them, and Jack winced. "It seems we have a possible infiltration. Several watchlisted Chinese nationals have entered the country, and it seems they've had contact with someone from the SGC."

Jack opened the folder and leafed through until he found a black and white picture. "Oh, imagine my surprise. More photos." He hesitated. "This is the person they've had contact with?"

"Yes. I believe he was recently transferred here?"

"Stan Greyson," the General said solemnly.

"We recommend putting him under constant surveillance."

"Why would Greyson have contact with Chinese officials?" Jack had a sudden queasy feeling in the pit of his stomach. There was no mistaking these photos. These were clear cut.

"That's the clincher." He paused for effect. "It seems the US government has received word of a possible third gate."

Jack had once heard an intriguing phrase, something about silence in a room being deafening. His ears rang with the words, but neither the colonel nor the general could gather enough coherent thoughts to word a sentence for several moments. Jack finally managed to find some, and it was a redundancy. "Third gate?"

"In China."

Hammond found his voice as well, and Jack couldn't recall the man ever having looked so astonished. "Why weren't we notified of this before?"

"Apparently intelligence just received word and passed it along when news of this contact was discovered," Simon replied calmly.

"You think Greyson is passing along information to the Chinese about our Stargate?"

"I think SCG personnel has no business meeting with Chinese officials without the consent of the SGC."

"I don't believe this," Jack muttered. "That geek doesn't have the brains or the guts to pull off anything this extreme."

"Guts or no, I have my orders to put him under surveillance, and for all information disclosed here to remain in this room."

"I assume I'll be notified of updates?" Hammond asked angrily. It had nothing to do with the man in the chair, Simon was one person he could get along with. But the situation was becoming increasingly absurd.

"When I know you'll know, general."

"Very well. Remember, this stays in this room. Is there anything else?"

"Other than the obvious, which is not to tip the guy off, no sir."

"Very well. Thank you, Warren, please say hello to your wife for me. And Jack, I need you for a minute." Chief Simon nodded and shook hands warmly, yet very businesslike. Jack liked the man. He stayed behind, knowing what was coming, and dreading every word. "Seems those initial reports are accurate. How long has Dr. Jackson known Greyson?"

"They went to the same college, though they didn't know each other well back then."

"But they are working together now."

"Yes sir."

"Colonel, I'm between minds as to whether we should ask to let Dr. Jackson in on our secret. If they are working closely, there is a chance that information may slip."

"And if he doesn't know, he could place himself in grave danger. I'm not about to let that happen."

"Dr. Jackson may be the reason Greyson is here. He may be the link."

"So, what do I do, glue myself to his side?"

"Of course not. Go on about your business, and let the proper authorities go about theirs. If they are this convinced, something will happen soon."

"That's what I'm afraid of."

Hammond nodded, and his voice softened. "Keep an eye on him."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

There were few things Daniel hated more than shopping. If he were on the lookout for some strange artifact in a collector's gathering or auction, yeah, that he could handle. But this whole thing about groceries just got on his nerve. Not that he couldn't cook, he could, he wasn't a gourmet chef or anything. Just that he had more pressing matters to attend to, but his empty cabinets and growling stomach told him he needed to at least get some bread and peanut butter. Truth be told, he was considering heading to the little Mexican place around the corner, he had a hankering for a burrito. Something quick, something he didn't have to cook, and better than peanut butter. Of course that didn't solve his dilemma for tomorrow. He decided to let tomorrow solve it's own dilemma. Definitely a burrito night.

He was in the process of re-shelving the can when a man bumped into him and apologized. Daniel thought nothing of it and smiled, then walked to the car, looking at his watch. The restaurant had just reopened for dinner. Daniel stood outside for a moment, questioning his decision when the money could better spend at the grocery store, and didn't notice the figure walk by, take a nice, long look at him, and continue on. He did notice, however, when the racing of an engine passed too close and popped the curb. Daniel slammed himself against the building as the car roared past, shattering the decorative pots that held plants and rear-ending a parked car. This didn't stop them as they backed up and continued on. Nearby people started to stare, each muttering and shaking their heads in disbelief. One approached him and asked if he was okay, and he said yes, knowing it was a lie. Food forgotten, he got into his own car, which was miraculously unscathed, and returned to the mountain.

This put him in the commissary at eleven pm, staring at a bagel smothered with cream cheese, and his usual blend of coffee. The shock of the evening had worn off, but not the puzzle. He hadn't mentioned the event to anyone, and had no intention of doing so. It would be on the news no doubt, but he wouldn't be connected to it, not if he just kept his mouth shut. He just needed to think. Surely it was a coincidence. Wrong place at the wrong time, that sort of thing. Drunk kids gunning it to impress someone. Nothing to do with anything. Surely nothing to do with him. He lifted the bagel to his mouth, then set it down with a sigh and pushed away from the table. Right into Teal'c.

"Is everything quite all right, Daniel Jackson?"

"You need to put a Jaffa alarm around your neck," Daniel responded irritably as he caught his breath, and leaned back over the table as Teal'c took a seat across from him.

"What troubles you?"

Daniel looked at his friend, remembering his old stoic ways, how things like jokes had to be explained, how he seemed to wear the same expression of disdain no matter what the situation. Now he was open, relaxed, it was evident in his posture and slight smile he carried. And it didn't make talking to him a damn bit easier. "Nothing, Teal'c, I'm fine." Inwardly, he cringed.

"It has been my experience that your relegating a situation 'fine' does in fact leads to the opposite," Teal'c said softly. His gaze never left Daniel, it was possible he hadn't blinked once since he sat down. "Are you still upset about having to return that artifact?"

"Uh, yeah. Yeah, I am." Nice cover, Teal'c. Thanks for the help.

"You realize the action was necessary to serve the best interest of the SGC, and yourself."

"I do realize that, but. . . you know what, I'm over it. Really. Just stings a little." Daniel managed a smile and wondered if diplomacy here would be a good way to ease out of the conversation. No, wait, he had a better tactic. "So, how's Ryac?" No matter the planet, a father couldn't resist speaking of his son. This led to a nice discussion of the young man's maturity, his odd habits, and the fact that no matter how hard he tried, Teal'c just couldn't understand him. Daniel fit in the appropriate nods and let his mind wander. He didn't notice his name being called until the Sargent stuck his face right in front of Daniel's, giving him his third scare of the day. "Sorry, but General Hammond wishes to see you."

"He's here? At this time of night?" Daniel frowned and noticed the displeased look on Teal'c's face as he rose. "Oh, uh, Teal'c, maybe we should continue this conversation another time?"

"Or perhaps I would better occupy my time talking to a wall," Teal'c commented, and his look let Daniel know that he wasn't getting off easily. Damn. He muttered an apology and was led to General Hammond's office, where two cops sat, as well as Colonel O'Neill. There was a writeup on the general's desk, and Daniel instantly knew what it was.

Double damn.

"Sit down, Dr. Jackson," Hammond said sternly, and Daniel felt like a school kid about to be scolded. Jack just balanced on the table's edge, his arms crossed in front of him, his expression unreadable. He glanced at Daniel only once, but that telltale sign was enough. The colonel was pissed. But at him? "It seems you were involved in an incident this evening which you didn't report to the authorities and should have. You care to fill us in?"

Truthfully? No. "If you mean the car. . ."

"Damn right I mean the car!" Hammond leaned forwards, and Daniel nearly shrunk in his seat. "You were nearly run down by 'the car', and you didn't see fit to report anything? Can you explain that?"

"How do we know they were gunning for me?" Daniel asked innocently. It was a logical question.

"Passer-bys," one of the policeman said, "eye witnesses. One who walked out with you said they saw a man bump you then get into the car. Plus there is the point of where you were standing. I'm told you were at the door of the Two Pesos restaurant, which is fairly well hidden behind those large vases they have. Judging by the damage and tire marks, you're lucky to be here."

"There were at least fifteen other people on that street," Daniel responded. "No proof they were aiming for me."

Jack spoke up. "Other than this guy saw you get bumped, and saw the man get into the car, and saw them head right for you. Other than that, I guess you can dismiss this." Oh yeah, he was pissed.

"What other guy? Who is this other guy?" Daniel looked at the door in confusion as a man was signaled to enter. He blinked a few times in astonishment. "Teal'c?"

"I apologize, Daniel Jackson." The Jaffa did seem sorry, but whether it was because of his secret or because his tail was caught, Daniel wasn't sure.

"TEAL'C?" He was getting angry. Okay, furious. "Someone want to explain what the hell is going on?"

"You're being tailed, Daniel." Jack raised his finger. "No, don't go there. Those photos are proof. This is proof. Someone is tailing you, and obviously wants you. . .gone from here."

"Dr. Jackson, I hate to do this, but you are restricted to the SCG until further notice."

Daniel shook his head rapidly and leaned forward. "General. . ."

"No discussion. I've decided this is the best thing to do, for now. There is a full investigation into the matter. . ."

"General, with all due respect, shouldn't the investigation be hinged towards the explosion and not me?"

"And how do you know the events aren't related, Dr. Jackson?"

Daniel gritted his teeth and sat back, saying nothing.

"We don't plan on making you a prisoner here. You can go out, but with SGC personnel covering your back. Colonel O'Neill or Teal'c, for example. But you will have to stay on base until we get a grip on what's really going on. This is for your safety. Do you understand?"

"Yes, sir."

Hammond nodded. "I have a few matters to discuss with the police. Colonel, you know where Dr. Jackson's room is."

"Yes sir." Jack unfolded his arms and stood, allowing Daniel to go before him. Teal'c followed, and once they were out, Daniel rounded on the two of them.

"I'm being tailed? Damn straight! Who's idea was this?"

"I believe it was General Hammond's," Teal'c said, unrepentantly.

"How long have you been watching me?"

"Two days now."

Daniel wanted desperately to slam his fist into a wall. Instead he turned and contemplated Jack's nose. "I suppose you thought this was a good idea."

"Daniel, I swear to god," Jack stood nose to nose, "there are times when I want to take you out on the Prometheus and throw you through the damn bulkhead! You have brains, use them! You are the, the expert on things like, oh, say Goa'uld technology, you know, small things like that. You are responsible for all of this," he swung his arms wide, "all of it, you hear me? Can you even comprehend what you are to this place?" He jabbed a finger into Daniel's chest. "You are the most selfish, self-centered. . .no, see, that's not even right, because you're not! Dammit! What the hell does it take to make you see what's going on here?"

"How about talking to me? Huh? Filling me in? 'Cause obviously you know something I don't!"

Jack worked his jaw, and looked at Teal'c, who merely held a displeased and worried expression on his face. Daniel exchanged glanced with the two men, and sighed.

"Fine. I can find my room myself, I have to pick up a few things from the office. No need to follow."

"Daniel. . ."

"I saw the numbers on the sheet, I fuckin' know where to go, all right?" Daniel clenched his jaw and lowered his head, suddenly ashamed by his outburst. "Look, I appreciate the concern. Really. Even though there's no reason in it."

"Daniel," Jack said quietly, "if there is no reason, then why didn't you tell us about the car?"

Daniel had no answer for that. He merely muttered that he had to go, and hurried away. He wasn't the least bit surprised to find a guard at the door to his temporary quarters.