Author's Notes: In my universe, Jack still fights the good fight.

Another threat. Another damn problem.

Day in and day out he fought to ensure the longevity of the Stargate Program even while it killed him inside, knowing that every day people he knew - people he cared about - were dying.

He should be there with them.

But as a friend once told him, he could do more this way.

With a sigh, he opened his desk draw and brought out a picture. There they were, his team - always his team - at their last barbeque at his house in Colorado.

He touched the photo.

He wouldn't let anything happen to them. Ever.