Jack sat in the commissary, poking at a piece of cake with his fork. It had been 48 hours since the confrontation with Sam, and she was avoiding him. She left soon after the debrief and he then received the memo for her 2 days leave request. Everyone on base knew that the General was in a foul mood. They were all walking on eggshells around him, avoiding eye contact and keeping their distance.
Daniel, however, was never one to shy away from difficult conversations. He grabbed his food tray and made his way over to Jack, sitting down across from him without hesitation.
"Hey, Jack," Daniel said, trying to sound casual.
"Daniel," Jack replied curtly, not looking up from his cake.
"You know, I heard they're serving lasagna today. Thought you'd be all over that," Daniel said, attempting to lighten the mood.
Jack finally looked up, his expression flat. "Yeah, well, cake seemed more fitting."
Daniel raised an eyebrow. "Comfort food, huh?"
Jack shrugged. "Something like that."
There was a moment of silence as Daniel took a bite of his own food, contemplating how to approach the topic on everyone's mind.
"So," Daniel began cautiously, "how are things with Sam?"
Jack's fork paused mid-air, and he gave Daniel a pointed look. "Oh, you know, just peachy. Why do you ask?"
"Jack, it's been like walking through a minefield." Daniel sighed.
Jack smirked, though it didn't reach his eyes. "Well, wouldn't want to disappoint the troops."
"Come on, Jack. You know what I mean," Daniel said, his tone more serious.
Jack's jaw tightened. "She's been avoiding me."
The debrief had been a disaster. Jack could still see the determined glint in Sam's eyes as she argued for Baal's cooperation. His own anger had flared, but he knew deep down it wasn't just about Baal. It was about the risk to Sam, the thought of her being anywhere near that snake. His fists had clenched under the table, knuckles white with suppressed rage.
Daniel nodded slowly. "She's smart, Jack. And strong. You should trust her judgment." He paused and then pushed on, "You never hesitated before."
Jack leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. "It's not about her judgment, Daniel. It's Baal!"
Daniel leaned forward, his voice gentle but firm. "I get that. But you know Sam can handle herself. She's one of the best."
Jack let out a bitter laugh. "Yeah, like I don't know."
Daniel gave Jack a sympathetic look. "It's not easy, I know. But you have to trust her."
Jack sighed, rubbing his temples. "I know, Daniel. I just... I can't shake this feeling. And thinking of her working with Baal... it makes my skin crawl."
Daniel nodded, understanding the depth of Jack's concern. "Maybe you should talk to her. Really talk to her, not only about Baal. Not as her commanding officer, but as... well, you."
Jack glanced at Daniel, a hint of vulnerability in his eyes. "You think that'll help?"
Daniel smiled slightly. "It's time. Besides, she deserves to hear how you feel. And maybe, just maybe, you can find a way to work through this together."
Jack took a deep breath and nodded slowly. "Alright, Daniel. I'll give it a shot. But if this goes south, I'm blaming you."
Daniel chuckled. "Wouldn't expect anything less."
As Daniel stood up to leave, Jack called after him. "Hey, Daniel."
"Yeah?" Daniel turned back.
"Thanks," Jack said, his voice softer.
Daniel smiled. "Anytime, Jack."
Jack watched him leave, a heavy weight still pressing on his chest. He knew Daniel was right, but the thought of confronting Sam, of baring his soul, was daunting. He took another bite of the cake, the sweetness doing little to mask the bitterness of his thoughts. He needed to talk to her, and soon. For both their sakes.
