Sam and the colonel had taken point with Anna and Teal'c fanning out behind them. They were almost sure there was nobody on that planet, so Anna let her mind wander. What was it about black BDUs that made the colonel look this – irresistible? She checked the trees to the right. Nothing there besides T making his way through the bushes a lot stealthier than she would have expected given his stature. Same on the left. And in the middle, her CO's back. And – other parts. He held his P90 casually, but she knew that it would take him less than a second to aim it if necessary. She'd never understood the fascination weapons have on a lot of people. To her they were just part of the job. But watching Jack O'Neill handle a gun was something.

And then all hell broke loose. A staff weapon went off from the left side, and at the same time Teal'c yelled: "O'Neill! Take cover!", and fired his own weapon. Anna spun and stared in shock as a Jaffa went down, hit in the chest by T's shot. Both the major and the colonel had dropped to the ground, their P90s ready. But there was no movement, no sound. The Jaffa had been alone.

The colonel ordered them to fall back to the gate. While Sam was dialing he turned to Anna.

"Now what the hell was that? You were supposed to cover my back, how come I almost got shot? If it hadn't been for Teal'c I'd be toast!"

"I - wasn't paying attention, sir."

"Yeah, I figured."

She looked down at the ground in front of her boots.

"Sir, as soon as we're back at the SGC I'll hand in my request to be transferred."

Now that was unexpected. He let out a breath.

"Wait a minute. I don't think that's necessary. Just make sure it won't happen again!"

"Yeah, see – that's the thing. I can't guarantee it won't happen again."

"You – what?"

"Please just accept my request, sir."

Her voice was soft. She sounded defeated.

"Why would you want to be transferred?"

She still wasn't looking at him.

"I'm not saying it's what I want, sir. It's what I have to do."

"Still having personal issues? You need some leave?"

"No, sir. I need that transfer."

"Fine, if that's what you want, I'll accept it."

"Thank you, sir."

~o0o~

When he came home that day he had a message from Evelyn. He picked up the phone and called her back.

"Hey, how's it going?", she asked cheerfully.

He sighed.

"Looks like I'm losing my latest team member."

"Oh God Jack, last time we talked you said she was on the mend?"

"Oh crap, no, not like in 'KIA', more like in 'transferring'."

"Why?"

He ran a hand over his face.

"I don't know. Something's off. I mean, after she nearly got herself killed on that mission -"

" - you gave her some talking-to about disobeying your orders."

"Yeah. After that she tried really hard, and I thought she was settling in quite well. I mean she's smart, she's a good soldier, and she's amazing with languages. She reminds me a lot of Daniel, like he had a little sister..."

"You miss him, huh?"

He briefly closed his eyes.

"Yes. I do. But that's not the point."

"Right. We were talking about Lt. Sheen. So, what?"

"I don't know! She just seems unfocused. Makes mistakes. Stupid things that may jeopardize the mission or even someone's life. And it's just not like her."

"So I guess you'll have to find out what the problem is. Don't intimidate her."

He smiled.

"Yes ma'am."