Choices

by Remma (morennab@yahoo.co.uk)

"Jack, I really think we should go talk to them."

"Not yet, Daniel."

"Well, then, when?"

"When I decide it's safe."

"It looks pretty safe to me."

"And when you get to be colonel, Doctor Jackson, you can decide when it's safe. Until then, you wait for me to finish threat assessing."

"How much of a threat can those guys be? They're clearly not Jaffa, and as far as I can see, not even
armed."

"Are you able to see through the wormhole then, DanielJackson?"

"No, but..."

"But nothing, Daniel. I need to know a bit more about these people before we go strolling out to say hi."

"The Colonel's right, Daniel. As long as the wormhole is still open, we have no idea who or what else is coming through."

"Thank-you Carter, my point exactly. I promise you, Daniel, as long as nothing more dangerous shows up, we can go and make nice with the natives."

"Actually, they're probably no more native to this planet than we are. From the way they're behaving, I'm guessing that this is their first time here. In fact, I'd say they were pretty new to Stargate travel, which has to make you wonder why..."
"Daniel!"

"Huh? Oh, sorry...rambling again."

"You were. And don't think you're going to bore me into going down there before I'm ready."

"But seriously, Jack, don't you think that if these people had any sort of armed contingent, they'd have sent them through first, to scope the place out?"

"You'd think. Then again, this bunch could be the cannon fodder. Who knows how alien gate protocol works."

"I still think..."

"Daniel."

"Okay, okay, I'll wait. Until the gate closes."

"Until the gate closes, and there's no sign of danger."

"Fine, it's closed...no snakes, no jaffa, no weapons. Now can we go talk to them?"

"They appear to be confused, O'Neill. It is possible that they were unaware of their destination."

"Well, if we ask them, we'll know, won't we? Jack..."

"Right, you're on, Daniel. Knock yourself out."

"You're sure now, you don't want to dither around a bit longer...maybe toss a coin?"

"I do not believe that discarding currency would be the most efficient means to select a course of action, DanielJackson."

"Ya think?"

"I do. There are many far superior means with which to resolve a conflict."

"I'm not conflicted. I was never conflicted."

"Then why do you remain behind these trees? Should you not, now, make yourself known?"

"Yeah, Daniel, how come you're not scuttling off to do the 'meet 'n greet'? Time's a wasting."

"Oh, good lord."

"Better get a move on, before they lose interest and go home."

"I'm going, I'm going. Hey there, hello. We're peaceful travelers from Earth."

"So, Daniel, chat go well?"

"Very. Their language is similar to Abydonian, which would indicate a common ancestral language, maybe even..."

"Aaargh...Daniel...what did they say?"

"Oh, right. They're from a planet called...uh...Memphis, and Jack, not one word."

"Did I say one word?"

"No, but you were going to, I can tell."

"Are they in service to any Goa'uld overlord, DanielJackson?"

"They were. Bes, generally known as 'the poor man's god' because of his great popularity, despite his having no cult centre. He was the patron of fun, music, children and pregnant women."

"Sweet. You ever meet the guy, Teal'c?"

"No. I am unfamiliar with this Goa'uld."

"Not surprising, he was rather a minor god, and unlikely to be any threat to Apophis, so there was no reason for you to know of him."

"Daniel, did he send these people through?"

"No, Sam. He hasn't seen for more than two hundred years."

"So, Bes has left..."

"Jack...no, not funny."

"Sorry, it was too good to miss."

"Right, it always is. As I was saying, Bes is nowhere to be found, so they came here to look for him."

"For crying out loud, why would anyone want to go back to being a slave?"

"Jack, you have to remember that these people's only knowledge of Bes comes from stories passed down for generations. To them, he's a benevolent god, one who provided and cared for them. And they're desperate."

"What, ran out of show tunes and party favors did they?"

"Ja-ack. This is serious."

"Sorry. Go on."

"About two weeks ago, their children started getting sick, a few have already died."

"Ah, crap. I still don't see why they need this Bes though. What do they
expect him to do?"

"Their stories tell of him taking the sick, or injured through the Stargate, and returning them healthy. I'm guessing they were hoping he would do the same now. From what Kessim..."

"Kessim?"

"Head guy, kind of a cross between tribal chief and high priest."

"Priest huh? Not gonna offer us up for sacrifice, is he?"

"I very much doubt it, Jack. Sacrifice doesn't appear to figure in their religion at all, which is extremely unusual. Actually, this Goa'uld seems to be highly unusual, very laid back...for a megalomaniac parasite."

"Peachy. So what intel did you get from this Kessim?"

"What? Oh, from what he was saying, their own medicine is pretty rudimentary, and they need help. As I said, they're desperate."

"Why do they believe Bes to be here, DanielJackson? We have seen no evidence of Goa'uld occupation."

"This is the only address they knew, it's been handed down from high priest to high priest for generations. They're not too big on gate travel."

"But why here? Granted, it's a pretty place, but not exactly your ideal holiday location."

"Well, actually, that's where your wrong, Jack. This was their party planet."

"Their what?"

"Party planet. You know how it is when you have a party, drinks gets spilled, carpets get ruined, strange stains on the sofa...much better to hire a hall. Bes just took things a step further. Instead of messing up his own world, every time he wanted a celebration, he'd haul his worshippers through the gate and let loose here instead. They'd eat drink and be merry, then when it was all over..."

"Head off home, no mess, no clearing up. Damn, I think I'm beginning to like this snake."

"He does seem marginally better than the norm. Although it's quite possible the stories have become distorted over the years. It's amazing how easily people forget the bad stuff and focus on the positive."

"You, maybe Daniel, not everyone."

"Sam, it's in all of us to forgive, you just have to want to."

"Indeed, the Tau'ri are a most resilient race."

"Thank-you Teal'c. Jack, I told Kessim that we would be able to help them. We can, can't we?"

"We can try. I'll contact the General, see if he can have the Doc meet us in Memphis...damn, that sounds so like a song title."

"Sir, you might also mention the possibility of trade."

"Sam, these people are pretty technologically primitive. I'm not sure they'd have much of interest to the SGC for trade."

"Did you see those medallions and belts? Well, I'm reasonably certain they're made from trinium, and if it's so plentiful they wear it so casually, they may be willing to trade. There may even be naquada there."

"Good thinking, Carter. Never hurts to keep the beancounters happy. Glad to see you're on track here."

"Oh? When am I not, Sir."

"Right, good point. What was I thinking."

"Jack, go make the call."

"Any idea what's got these kids so sick, Doc?"

"I still need to do a few more tests, but this looks like a particularly virulent strain of the measles."

"You're kidding, the measles?"

"Don't take it lightly, Colonel. Measles can be a killer, especially if there's no inherent immunity, as is the case here."

"You can help them, though, can't you, Janet?"

"As I said, Daniel, I'm still waiting on a few more test results, but I'm pretty sure we can concoct a drug cocktail that'll clear this right up."

"So, how long..."

"Sir, medicine is not an exact science. Several of the children are pretty sick, and it'll take them some time and careful nursing to recuperate. I'm getting the wards set up now, and we're also planning on vaccinating the remaining healthy children."

"Good work, Doctor. Good to know we can make a difference occasionally."

"It certainly is, Colonel."

"I'll leave Teal'c with you to help out. Carter, get the geologists going on the mineral surveys.
The sooner we know the potential for trade the better."

"Yes, Sir."

"Daniel, you're with me. We have an appointment with Kessim and the other council members."

"Oh good, I have a lot of questions for him."

"I'll just bet you have."

"Jack, do you know there's a temple?"

"No, why don't you sing it and I'll hum."

"Ja-ack."

"Poor little tykes. I'll have to get the General to send more calamine lotion through. The itching will get worse the more they improve."

"I am confident that this contagion will be eradicated rapidly now that you are here, DoctorFraiser."

"Why, thank-you Teal'c. Especially as you rarely require my medical skills. Lucky for me not everyone has a symbiote, or I'd be out of a job."

"Someone of your caliber will always be needed."

"Wow, you really know how to boost a girl's ego."

"Chivalry is a way of life on Chulak, as is honesty. I only speak the truth."

"Speaking of honesty, have Sam and the Colonel had a chance to talk yet?"

"They have talked. They have not communicated."

"Damn."

"I am concerned for MajorCarter."

"Only for Sam, not the Colonel too?"

"O'Neill has that which he desires. He will survive."

"True. Teal'c, how bad is it?"

"At present, all attempts at reconciliation have failed. MajorCarter insists that she is able to behave in a professional manner, and yet does not. O'Neill grows weary of the conflict, and will not tolerate it's continuance much further. Should his repeated apologies not be accepted, he will begin to see himself as the injured party, and will act to end a difficult situation."

"Oh god. But wouldn't Daniel..."

"DanielJackson's obvious distress only exacerbates the problem. O'Neill does not deal well with guilt, consequently, he will, in all probability, 'pass the buck'."

"And Sam is the obvious candidate."

"Indeed. Her attempts to annex DanielJackson caused considerable discord. O'Neill was clearly displeased."

"Damn, I told her to leave well alone."

"MajorCarter is not behaving rationally. DanielJackson cares for us all, but his primary allegiance is to O'Neill. If forced to choose, there can be no doubt as to the winner."

"I know, I told her that too. God, I feel so guilty."

"For what reason?"

"Because this mess is all my fault. Sam had practically accepted that there was no future in a relationship with the Colonel. I was the one who encouraged her to go for it with him. Stupid, how could I be so stupid."

"Was your intention, then, to mislead MajorCarter, and cause her pain?"

"Of course not. I truly believed that the feelings were mutual, and the only thing standing in the way of their happiness were the fraternisation regulations."

"Then your actions were those of a friend. You should not blame yourself."

"I do though. I can't believe I never saw what was going on between Daniel and Colonel O'Neill. I've always thought I was a good judge of character, but I missed that completely."

"It would appear that their efforts at discretion were successful. You saw only what you were intended to see."

"How is it you knew, Teal'c."

"My vision was not clouded by the prejudices of the Tau'ri military. On Chulak, a relationship of
this sort is not uncommon."

"I guess your right. If Daniel had been a woman, I would have spotted the attraction immediately. I wish we'd talked sooner, Teal'c, this whole mess could have been avoided. Maybe we could join forces to deal with Sam, god knows, something has to be done."

"I agree."

"Why don't I come on by for a chat once we get home."

"I am always happy to converse with you, DoctorFraiser."

"It's a date, then."

"May I take this opportunity to inform you of my deep regard for you dedication to your work and to those fortunate enough to call themselves your friends. I find it particularly impressive that throughout all situations you are able to retain your compassion and grace. In addition, you have selflessly provided a home to an unfortunate alien child, returning to her the security which had been destroyed. You are, indeed, a remarkable woman, one such as you would be much sought after on Chulak."

"They sure know compliments on Chulak. You know, I'm not sure the SGC is the best place for our
talk, any kind of privacy is impossible there. Maybe we should meet off base instead."

"Perhaps for dinner."

"Great. Cassie has a sleepover next weekend, so we'd have the place to ourselves. We'd be free to...talk...uninterrupted."

"An excellent plan."

"I could pick you up if..."

"That will not be necessary. I will arrange for transportation to convey me to your domicile."

"Good, good, and you know, if it was too much trouble to get back, you could always stay over, in Cassie's room, naturally, since she won't be...uh...home."

"Remaining would seem to be the wise choice."

"Well, all right. I look forward to it, Teal'c."

"As do I, Janet."

"Hey Janet, Teal'c. Are you okay? I didn't interrupt anything, did I?"

"Of course not, Sam."

"We have completed the preparations for a temporary infirmary. I now intend to report to O'Neill. Do you wish to accompany me?"

"No, I'm going to stay here for awhile, catch up with Janet. If the Colonel needs me, he knows where to find me."

"As you wish. I will leave you to 'catch up'. DoctorFraiser, I hope to continue
our discussion in the near future."

"Works for me. See you soon."

"Indeed."

"But Jack, I have to see this temple. Kessim says there are inscriptions all over the walls, probably in Goa'uld. No-one here can read them. They could be important, I really need to go."

"Daniel, I promise, you will go to the ball, you just need to wait until Cater and Teal'c are done. Those inscriptions have been around for a long time, I seriously doubt there going to fade in the next few hours. You'll have plenty of time to work on them, the General has authorised us to stay and supervise the medical and geological teams for two more days."

"You're right, sorry. It's just...I tend to get carried away."

"You? Never."

"This from a man who goes into raptures every time he gets within spitting distance of a really big gun."

"You can't possibly compare something as advanced as an ion cannon to some moldy old scrolls and those chicken scratchings you read."

"I wouldn't even try. I'm glad we'll be doing this as a team, Jack. It is going better, isn't it?"

"There are still problems, Daniel. I can't let the team be compromised, not even for you."

"But you said you'd give Sam a fair chance, and she has been working well since we got here."

"She's done her job adequately, yes."

"I know she's still...prickly...but it's bound to take time before she feels comfortable with you. After all, it's not easy finding out that you've completely misread such a delicate situation. She's embarrassed as well as hurt. Sam isn't used to losing."

"Well, dammit, she needs to get over herself. I've apologised 'till I'm blue in the face, and I can't even get the time of day. Enough is enough. I'm through feeling guilty because Carter's horny and isn't getting any."

"Speaking as a man who didn't get any for years, I can vouch for sexual frustration being a pretty strong motivator. No wonder she's pissed."

"Hell, it can't be that long surely, what about that Orlin?"

"Nope, he was the romantic type, never laid a hand on her."

"You're kidding. But he was living in her house."

"I know. I guess light beings observe the no sex 'till the third date rule."

"I guess they must. Martouf?"

"Still hung up on Jolinar. That might have gone somewhere, eventually, if Sam hadn't shot him."

"Yeah, can see that would put a damper on the relationship. Narim then, she must have done the dirty with Narim."

"You'd think so, but no. Another gentleman."

"Geez, what's wrong with these alien dudes. We need to get her laid, fast."

"I hope your not offering to do the deed yourself."

"Obviously not, but how hard can it be to find a guy for an intelligent, attractive, available
woman like Carter."

"The problem isn't finding someone, it's finding the right someone. I mean, realistically, a relationship with anyone outside the SGC is pretty much a nonstarter, which restricts the options somewhat."

"Oh, for crying out loud, ninety percent of SGC personnel are male, surely at least one of them
fits the bill."

"Okay, first subtract anyone of lower rank than Sam..."

"There's no rule against two people of different ranks dating, not as long as the chain of command isn't compromised."

"I know, but Sam wouldn't be interested in someone she outranks, she appreciates the trappings of authority."

"Damn, you're right. That still leaves quite a few options."

"Not once you take out the married or otherwise involved ones. In fact, it pretty much leaves us with you, the General, and one or two of the civilian staff."

"I don't suppose the General would...no, maybe not. This sucks."

"It does. Don't you know anyone?"

"Why would I know anyone? Why don't you know anyone?"

"Anyone I might know would be an academic, and Sam would eat them for breakfast. And anyone else I know, you know too."

"Well, you pretty much know everyone I know, and for that matter, so does Carter."

"What about from before? You've been in the military forever. Isn't there anyone you could get transferred in?"

"You want me to get someone transferred to the SGC, just so that Carter can get a date?"

"Why not? If you consider them good enough for Sam, stands to reason they'd be good enough for the SGC too. You recommend people all the time, all I'm asking is that the next one is attractive, single, and straight."

"Oh, if that's all, I'll get a selection in by next week."

"Jack, you're the one who's having problems with Sam, not me, I'm just offering up options here. Dammit, why did that Senator Joe have to go and get himself captured by the Aschen, he was perfect."

"He wasn't so bad, I guess. Not sure I would have called him perfect."

"He was perfect for Sam. Attractive, intelligent, a good career, human, and clearly smitten with her. Perfect. Dammit, why couldn't it be Kinsey who got left behind, nobody'd miss him."

"Well, no point crying over spilt senators. Maybe we should make a list."

"That's not a bad idea. What about Paul Davis?"

"You're kidding, right?"

"What's wrong with Paul?"

"Nothing, he's a decent guy, not sure he'd ever be interested in Carter is all."

"Why wouldn't he be?"

"Because he's already after someone."

"Really? He's never mentioned that to me."

"He wouldn't have."

"He would, I talk to him quite often...we're friends."

"You're friends, Daniel, Davis would like it to be something more personal."

"Jack, are you implying that Paul Davis is after me?"

"I'm not implying it, I'm saying it."

"Why is it that you always assume that everyone is after me?"

"Because almost everyone is."

"That's ridiculous."

"It's not, you should see the looks you get. Major Davis is forever casting longing looks your way, like some lovesick schoolgirl."

"I've never noticed that."

"You wouldn't. I've never known anyone so oblivious to his own appeal."

"I still think you're making this up, I would have noticed."

"Look, here's Teal'c, if you don't believe me, ask him."

"I can't ask Teal'c, he'll think I'm nuts."

"Fine, I'll ask him then. Hey, Teal'c, who is Major Davis interested in?"

"DanielJackson."

"There, see, told you so."

"Teal'c are you sure?"

"I am."

"He keeps giving Daniel these long, lingering looks, right?"

"He does."

"Oh, good lord, now what am I going to do, this is awful."

"You're not going to do anything. He'll get over it, once he realises he has no chance, or maybe he won't. Either way, it's his problem, not yours."

"Yes, but I wanted him for Sam."

"MajorDavis would not have been suitable for MajorCarter, even were the circumstances other than they are."

"Why not? He's her equal in rank, he's attractive, and smart enough to not bore her. Why wouldn't they suit?"

"He is too much the boy, MajorCarter would require a man."

"Got a point there big guy. You know, Daniel, I think you hit the nail on the head with that father complex thing."

"I concur. This would certainly explain her unusual attraction toward you, O'Neill. I have frequently thought you similar in character to JacobCarter."

"Gee, Teal'c you have an interesting way of complimenting a guy."

"I was not attempting to to compliment you, O'Neill."

"Teal'c's right though, you are sort of like Jacob. He's you in ten years."

"Ten! Make that twenty."

"Whatever. If you have to be compared to someone, Jacob's a pretty good choice."

"I guess he's not bad."

"I'll say. If I were plugged in, he could sure turn me on."

"Don't you talk like that, Daniel, just don't you talk like that, you're taken remember."

"You seem distressed, O'Neill."

"Ya think?"

"Do you object to JacobCarter's interest in DanielJackson?"

"You think Jacob likes Daniel too? Damn, I knew it, didn't I say?"

"Not jealous are you, Jack?"

"Hell, yeah. It's one thing other people wanting you, but you better not act on it. You're mine."

"Have the Taur'i not rejected slavery, O'Neill?"

"You know I didn't mean it like that, I just meant...ah crap. Daniel, you were kidding, right, about Jacob? You wouldn't ever...uh..."

"Well, I don't know. When are you next out of town?"

"Not in your lifetime."

"Looks like I'm stuck with you then."

"Damn right you are. Daniel..."

"Yes, Jack, I was kidding. Don't worry, I have no intention of ever Uh-ing. Especially not with Jacob. My god, imagine how Sam would react to that."

"At least it would stop her hating me...she'd be too busy hating you."

"Agreed. I fear such a development would cause her to become unhinged."

"You know, this isn't funny. Sam is really hurting. And we're still no nearer finding her a man. Teal'c, I don't suppose you would..."

"No."

"Oh. Pity. Sure?"

"Yes."

"C'mon, Danny, leave Teal'c alone. If he's not interested in a wonderful woman like Carter, that's entirely his business."

"I am much attached to MajorCarter, and am well aware of her worth. My interest, however, lies elsewhere."

"Teal'c, you dog, who's the lucky lady?"

"And how have you managed to get a date when you hardly ever go off base? Is it one of Janet's nurses?"

"No."

"It's that cute new supply clerk, right?"

"It is not."

"It's not Doctor Jennings, is it? I know she's hot, but she's a total bitch...she positively reveres Budge."

"I, also am not impressed with DoctorJennings' personality. Most abrasive."

"Captain Wilcox?"

"Is he not betrothed, O'Neill?"

"No, the other Captain Wilcox."

"Ah, then no."

"It wasn't the first Captain Wilcox was it? Only, you were a bit evasive."

"I was not, and it is not."

"Okay, I'm out of ideas, Daniel?"

"It is someone from the base, Right, Teal'c?"

"It is."

"Oh, then I'm out of ideas too."

"Who were you thinking of off base?"

"No-one really, I was just checking."

"Oh. Okay. We must have missed someone, let's think, you're sure it's not a nurse?"

"I grow weary of this game."

"Teal'c, who are you interested in?"

"DoctorFraiser."

"Janet? Good lord. Oh, sorry, I mean...uh...great, congratulations."

"Thank-you, DanielJackson."

"So, how's that working out for you?"

"I will be joining DoctorFraiser for dinner at her abode on our return."

"Sounds good. Won't Cassie be...ah...inconvenient?"

"CassandraFraiser has a sleepover, as, it seems, do I."

"Way to go, big guy. Glad to see you're getting a life."

"Indeed."

"You want to talk about it?"

"Not really. Janet, am I being unreasonable?"

"Oh, honey, you know you are."

"I guess. I know I should be happy for Daniel and the Colonel, but I just get so angry all the time. I hear myself saying things that make me cringe."

"Teal'c said you were flirting with Daniel. Why would you do that, you've never had those sort of feelings for him."

"I know. It was like I was possessed. I could see how uncomfortable I was making him, but I couldn't stop, all because it was so obviously upsetting the Colonel. It scares me how far I'm willing to go just to make him hurt as much as I do."

"You know he won't stand for it much longer, don't you?"

"Yes, and I know I may lose SG-1 because of my behavior, but every time I try to be reasonable, it's like some demon is whispering in my ear, reminding me of how he betrayed me, and I lose it. What am I going to do, Janet?"

"Sam. You know I'm here for you, don't you? And not just me, there's Teal'c, Daniel, and even the Colonel too. I know it's hard for you to accept right now, but he really does care for you, just not in the way you had hoped."

"You're right, that is hard for me to accept."

"Please, know that you're not alone with this."

"So why do feel like I am? It's all very well Colonel O'Neill saying that his relationship with Daniel won't affect the team, but how can it not? They may still argue about practically everything, but ultimately, they'll always back each other. And Teal'c is on their side too, he blames me for the discord in SG-1, I know he does, but it's not my fault, so why am I the one who's isolated, and expected to suck it up and move on? It's so unfair."

"Will you listen to yourself? You're talking as if they hate you, and you know that's not true. They...we...are concerned for you. We want you to forgive the Colonel for your peace of mind, so you can have a chance of finding happiness. Sweetie, this much bitterness is not healthy."

"Oh, god, see what I mean? I'm being eaten up by this, and I can't make it stop. I could lose everything that matters to me, and I just can't care."

"Sam, maybe you should talk to someone."

"I'm talking to you."

"Someone professional, who can tell you the things you need to hear, without worrying about hurting your feelings. Someone who isn't involved."

"I don't need some stranger telling me what I should be feeling, that really is crazy."

"I think maybe that's exactly what you do need."

"What I need is to get on with my job."

"I'm not sure that's going to be possible, Sam."

"What do you mean?"

"Sam, I'm your friend, but I'm also the chief medical officer for the SGC. In all conscience, I can't clear you for duty as long as I have doubts about your stability. Your not yourself at..."

"I don't believe this! I thought I was talking to my friend, not my doctor. First you encourage me to open up to you, but when I do, you hold it against me, and threaten to take away the one thing that's still mine. I should have known better than to trust you. I should have known you were against me too."

"This isn't a conspiracy, and if you don't believe you're loved after all this time, then I don't know how to convince you. I would never do anything to hurt you, you're the best friend I've ever had. I'm not trying to be mean, or punish you, I am genuinely worried about you. Please, let me help."

"Janet, I..."

"Hey, kids, how's it going?"

"Colonel, great timing."

"What was that, Doc?"

"Nothing. Did the council agree to trade."

"Oh, sure, no problem. They love us. Well, they love their kids, and we're saving them, so now they love us too."

"That's good, Sir, I'd hate to think these children got sick for nothing."

"Carter...ah, never mind. Did you get the geologists set up okay."

"Yes Sir. Everyone's been very helpful."

"Good. If we're all done here, Daniel has some ancient Goa'uld temple he wants to check
out, so grab your kit and we can head out."

"Yes, Sir, I'm ready."

"Teal'c, does this say what I think it says?"

"If you think it says that the many rich treasures and holy relics of Bes lie within, then yes."

"That's what I thought it said."

"Lie within where? It's a wall."

"I'm guessing there's a secret chamber back here, all we need to do is find the door."

"Any chance you can do that?"

"Yes, I think so. I'm pretty sure the inscriptions from the obelisk relate to this wall."

"What, you mean that big rock on the party planet?"

"Yes, that one. The inscriptions on this section of wall are almost identical, but with a few new ones added. Once I've identified them, I just need to press them in the right order, which is indicated by the glyphs on the pillars, and open sesame."

"Daniel, how do you know it's not booby trapped?"

"I don't, Sam, so we'll just have to be careful, won't we?"

"Peachy. Daniel, are you okay here?"

"Fine, Jack."

"Right. Teal'c, you stay here, help Daniel. Carter, you're with me. Let's check out the rest of this place."

"Yes, Sir."

"Don't go far, I should be done soon."

"How far can we go, this is pretty much a one room temple. One honking, big room, granted, but still, basically the one room. Carter."

"Coming, Sir."

"Oh, wait, I think I've got it."

"Already?"

"I told you I'd be done soon."

"I know, but usually when you say that, we're kicking our heels for hours."

"Well, if you think you can do it faster next time, you're welcome to try. Without the benefit of C4."

"Hey, nothing like a little mindless destruction to get the job done."

"That's a matter of opinion. Okay, that's got it. Maybe we should stand back, just in case."

"Good thinking. Woah. Now this is impressive."

"My god, how could they get a death glider in here, and look at all these weapons."

"Holy hannah, that's a shield device, we've been wanting to get our hands on one of those for years. This is fantastic."

"Nothing like a roomful of new doohickeys to cheer you up, huh, Carter?"

"Cheer me up? I don't believe you...Sir. You're talking as though I was some child who's doll got broken, and now everything's hunky dory because I have some new toys."

"Okay, that's it, I've given you a lot of leeway because I know you're upset, but I will not stand for outright insubordination. You need to get your act together...now."

"Or what? You'll have me thrown off the team?"

"Only if you force me to, Carter."

"I might have known that would turn out to be my fault, somehow."

"That's enough."

"Oh, no, not even close. Funny isn't it, how nothing is ever your fault, it's always someone else."

"Sam, that's not fair."

"There, see, that's exactly why it's wrong for you to be involved with the Colonel, Daniel. You're obligated to support him, whether he's right or not."

"When have I ever supported him when I thought he was wrong. I'm the one who calls him on his decisions, always. Nothing's changed, when I think Jack is being an ass, I tell him."

"Oh, really? I thought you agreed that he'd behaved badly toward me."

"I do, but..."

"But, you have no option but to support him because you're involved. Thank-you for making my point for me."

"I'm not denying his culpability, Sam, but you have to take some responsibility too. You were flirting as well, even though you knew it was wrong. And Jack's apologised, over and over, but you refuse to listen."

"Right, I've done my best, if you don't want to work this out, then the consequences are down to you."

"And that attitude is not helping any, Jack."

"What, now you're mad at me?"

"I'm mad at you both. We're supposed to be checking out this temple, but Teal'c is the only one here actually doing his job."

"Well maybe if Teal'c hadn't kept his observations to himself, things would never have gone this far. Seems to me he knew more than anyone what was going on, but he chose not to share."

"What would you have had me do, O'Neill?"

"I don't know, clue us in on your insights, maybe. Then Daniel and I wouldn't have wasted so much time, I would never have dallied with Carter, she would never have thought I meant it, and SG-1 would still be a team."

"Jack, how can you say that? How can you possibly blame Teal'c for any of this?"

"Why should he get out of this clean, when he could have acted sooner and alleviated the fallout."

"You see Daniel, you see the sort of man you love?"

"I'm beginning to. I can't believe you're willing to blame one of your closest friends for your own actions. Teal'c is the only one who's behaved completely honourably."

"Perhaps O'Neill is correct, DanielJackson. I regret that any inaction of mine may have caused the current disharmony."

"No Teal'c, Jack's wrong, you've always done the best you could for all of us. You have nothing to regret."

"I wasn't blaming Teal'c, I was just saying..."

"You were trying to duck out of your responsibilities. Sir."

"I was not."

"God, I can't do this anymore. Jack, you told me once that the military usually rotated teams, to stop them getting too personal with each other. I used to think that was a crazy idea, but now I'm not so sure. Maybe it's time for us all to step back, time for someone else to be SG-1."

"You can't mean that, Danny."

"I don't know what I mean anymore. Sometimes I..."

"DanielJackson, beware...NO!"

"Daniel!"

"No! Danny! Oh god, where did he go?"

*** The End ***

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