Yet another time, both Lorne and Sheppard's teams were offworld, presumably one being sent off to rescue the other, and an alarm started blaring. Being in the Gateroom (he knew his presence irritated the people there, so Jack went there for what he saw was fair payback.), he could see that the alarm had originated from an area that had recently been designated for the scientists to work in.

Hurrying down to the 'lab' Jack quickly assessed the situation. It seemed like a cave in, and though the jumbled communications, he could discern that a science team was stuck inside the room and corridor. Unfortunately the panicking scientists were babbling so badly that Jack couldn't make out anything else. Grabbing a radio from a nearby soldier he spoke into it, "Shut up."

Silence descended from both sides of the cave in. Taking a breath, Jack spoke again "Now we need to know – how many of you are fine, how many are hurt, and how many, - if any – are dead."

A shaky voice replied "Lieutenant Tyrdren is dead, Zelenka and Matthews are unconscious and the rest of us – uh that's seven of us – all have some injuries."

"Now tell me how this happened"

"We were simply investigating some energy readings, but when we plugged our instruments in near the dials it sent out some sort of energy pulse. Lieutenant Tyrdren was closest to the controls. Zelenka was next closest – "

"I don't need to know that now." Jack interrupted, "What I need to know is – does anyone in there have resembling a degree in engineering?"

"Yes. Zelenka. But as I said he is unconscious at the moment."

Jack thought for a moment. "Does anyone have a degree in something to do with medicine?"

When the reply came over the radio, it was a completely different voice. "I do sir."

"Good. I need you to assess Dr Zelenka and tell me if he can be woken, and if so, could he give a true assessment of the damage, or if he is too concussed or something."

Silence reined as Jack hoped the medically inclined scientist woke and assessed Zelenka.

"Am awake. Dr Reichs says I am able to make proper judgment," a Czech voice came through the radio, "Ceiling has come down, but if top part of rubble is removed roof should remain stable."

"Should?"

"Ano. Should."

Jack turned to the soldiers standing of to the side. "Well you heard the man. Lets remove some of this rubble." Soon there was a human chain formed removing debris from the area the Czech had indicated. By the sounds coming from the opposite side, it seemed as though the scientists had begun to do the same thing. Within minutes, a small hole was formed, and a scientists face came into view. Jack climbed carefully to the top of the rubble and told him. "Just hold tight for a moment. We need to make the hole large enough to fit stretchers though." The Scientist nodded in understanding and disappeared, and the removal of the rubble resumed.

Once the hole was large enough, a nurse and a doctor went through, carrying collapsed stretchers. After waiting fro another few moments, two scientists made their way through the remaining rubble, carrying a stretcher in between them. Two other scientists followed, also carrying a stretcher. The third stretcher carried out was obviously the fallen Lieutenant, his body and face covered in a cloth. An airwoman rushed up to the stretcher and pulled back the cloth, revealing the young Lieutenant Tyrdren. Too young. Jack thought

Jack marveled at how the men and women just stood and let the woman grieve for a man that, in another galaxy, she would not have been able to show any emotion about, without being court-martialed. And yet here they were, watching, with nothing but sorrow, pity and empathy on their faces. After what seemed like an age, the woman backed of slightly, and allowed the stretcher to be lifted to the medical bay, but remained with them.

After the Lieutenant's bhody had been carried off, Jack and the remaining personnel began to disperse. Jack took note of the number of people that seemed to want to say something to him, but stopped themselves. However, he did note with some pleasure that the remaining three scientists all managed to force out a 'thanks'.

Jack smirked at their discomfort. "Anytime."