The Fall of Iconia

Chapter 13

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Chapter 13

Jack O'Neill climbed down from his viper to the landing bay floor of Galactica. As soon as his feet touched the deck, Chief Tyrol saluted. Jack took off his helmet and put it under his left arm. In his right, he held a ring of keys. He saluted Tyrol, then held out the keyring to him. The chief was surprised, but hesitantly took it.

"Gas her up, and clean the windshield," O'Neill told him, then pointed a finger at him. "No taking her out for a joyride."

"Yes, Sir," Tyrol said, thoroughly confused.

O'Neill left the landing bay, and a moment later, the keys disappeared from a very surprised Tyrol's hand. The chief gazed at his empty hand for a moment, then started chuckling.

Jack made his way to Guinan's, where he sat down at the bar.

"Adama's waiting for you," his mother-in-law said as she handed him a beer.

"I know," he answered.

"What are you going to tell him?"

Jack sighed. "It's time for me to go back to Iconia Prime."

"You've got a lot of friends here," she said, playing devil's advocate.

"I've got a lot there too."

"Do you want my advice?" she asked, smiling.

"No," he said firmly.

"I didn't think so," and she walked to the other end of the bar.

"Hi, Jack," said Fargo as he sat down beside O'Neill.

"Really? Can't I have a beer in peace?"

Fargo looked around, then shook his head. "Apparently not. Anyway, I understand you're thinking of leaving us."

"Not permanently," Jack said, scowling at the younger man.

"No, I understand that. You've built a home here, Jack. Why do you want to leave?" Fargo wore a puzzled expression as he asked the question.

"Look, Fargo. Everytime I talk to anyone, they treat me like I'm some sort of … I don't know … god, maybe. Well I spent a long time fighting people who pretended to be gods. I sure don't want to be one of them."

"Of course not. I understand perfectly. I've had to work hard to get people to not treat me that way. In a few years, maybe I'll succeed," Fargo said.

"Well, I don't have the patience you do," O'Neill said with finality, then, he chugged the rest of the beer and left the bar.

Adama's cabin…

"Why do you want to leave, Mark?"

"Commander," O'Neill said, exasperated, "there are times when you just want to, you know? Why won't anyone just take my word for it?"

"Well, I can't speak for anyone else, but I need you here," Adama told him.

"They need me in the alpha quadrant too!"

Bill shook his head. "I remember what The Commander said when he left. 'Take however much time you need, Jack.' It didn't sound like they were desperate." He paused for a moment and eyed O'Neill speculatively. "What's really going on, Mark?"

O'Neill didn't say anything but just sat and looked at his feet.

Bill watched for a time, then said, "Obviously, Jack, I can't stop you from leaving. There's no power I have that would hold you here. Can you at least tell me the real reason you're leaving?"