I hadn't revisited this episode in ages. I remember a lot of discussion when it first aired about just what Jack meant when he said, "Tough choice." To me it always was an admonishment that meant that it had been the easiest of choices: Team first, always, wherever there was still a breath of hope.

But oh, the agony of waiting for news, of second-guessing himself, of seeing the entire program circling the drain...

Glad you liked! :-)