Interruptions

Chapter Eight

"I'm sorry." General Landry said.

"But sir!" Sam protested.

"Colonel, it is not up to me. I have spent hours on the phone to the President and to the Joint Chiefs. None of them wish to authorise any sort of help mission. According to them, it's not our problem."

Sam looked outraged. "If it wasn't for Jonas, we would never have received any Naquadria, thus would have been years behind in hyperdrive research." She said.

"Colonel, like I said, this is not up to me, so it's pointless arguing to me. Truthfully, I see what you're saying, I don't think a planet full of people deserve to suffer. However, if we were to give aid to every planet we came across that needed it, we would become a charity. Which we are not." Landry looked at Jonas. "I'm sorry."

Jonas nodded. "I can't say I expected much, but I am thankful for the hospitality I and my family have received."

"The President is willing to provide you and your wife and daughter with ongoing medical help, but that's all." Landry said.

Jonas didn't even take time to consider. "Thank you for the offer, but I decline. It wouldn't seem fair that my family gets special treatment to that of any other Kelownan."

"Very well." Landry answered.

Jonas sighed. "As soon as Shaya is well enough, I'd like to return to Kelowna."

The General nodded. "That can be arranged."

"Thanks."

"This is ridiculous!" Sam exclaimed. "We're not going to help at all?"

Landry sighed.

"I'm sorry sir, but these are our friends."

"Colonel, I think you'll find that Jonas is your friend. Not the whole planet." Jack said, interrupting.

"There are innocent people who have needlessly lost their lives!" Sam said.

"Sam, we will continue to live, to survive. It'll be hard for a while, yes, everyone knows that. But we'll manage." Jonas put a hand on Sam's arm. "Don't worry about us."

"Don't worry? Are you crazy? Of course I'm going to worry. I'll keep wondering if you've been annihilated or not." Sam took her glasses off and rubbed her eyes. She lay the glasses on the table. "You're my friend Jonas, and I worry about all my friends."

Jonas smiled at her. "Thanks for your concern Sam. How about we check in with you every couple of months, just to let you know the situation."

Sam nodded.

"If you ever need anything, just ask." Landry said. "And I'll see what I can do. No promises, but I'll try."

"Thank you, General." Jonas replied. "It'd be appreciated."

Landry nodded in reply. "Okay, briefings over." He said, getting up.

Sam and Cameron stood too, and they all watched the General walk back to his office.

"So…" Jack broke the silence. "Breakfast anyone?"

Sam rolled her eyes, but chuckled at Jack.

"What?" He asked.

"You're always thinking about food." She replied.

"Not always." Jack said, giving Sam a sly look.

She rolled her eyes again. "Breakfast sounds good."

"Fantastic." Jack replied, standing.

"It does." Daniel agreed.

"I'm up for food." Cameron said.

Vala nodded.

"I too am in need of sustenance." Teal'c said.

"Okay." Jack said, sounding slightly disappointed. "The commissary it is then." He walked to the door, then turned. "You coming?"

Everyone stood and left the briefing room.

"There goes our romantic breakfast." Jack whispered to Sam as they walked.

"Our romantic breakfast? I recall you inviting everyone."

Jack glared at her. "It was implied that I meant you."

"Oh really?" Sam sounded unconvinced. "If you say so."

"We still on for dinner tonight?" Jack asked.

"Of course." Sam replied.

Jack smiled. "Good."

They had arrived at the commissary, Sam sat next to Jack; Vala with Daniel; and Jonas sat with Shaya. Cameron sat across from Sam, next to Teal'c.

"I'm sorry things didn't work out too good Jonas." Jack said. "I did everything I could to get the President to change his mind."

"Thanks Jack. We will be alright." Jonas smiled bravely. "It'll take time, but we'll carry on."

Everyone ate in silence