Consequences

by Remma (morennab@yahoo.co.uk)

"Jack, are you sure this is such a good idea?"

"What?"

"This. Going in to work together every day."

"Sure, why not?"

"Well, it's not exactly discreet, is it? Won't people talk?"

"People have been talking for years, Daniel. As long as they don't actually know, there should be no problem."

"So, if anyone asks, I say..."

"Trust me, no-one would dare flat out ask."

"No-one would dare ask you. Me, they're quite happy to interrogate."

"Then give them name, rank, and serial number only."

"Ja-ack."

"Okay. Snow."

"Snow?"

"Snow. My truck has four wheel drive, your car hasn't. As your friend and team leader, no way can I let you drive in these conditions, so..."

"Ri-ight. Snow. Were you expecting us to break up before the end of winter, or do you have an alternate ruse for the summer?"

"By then, everyone will be so used to us coming in together, they won't think anything of it."

"Good thinking."

"Strategy was always my strong point."

"How lucky."

"You okay, Daniel?"

"Fine."

"That bad, huh?"

"Sam's back today."

"Ah. Thought it might be that."

"I've left so many messages, and she hasn't answered one of them. I was hoping she'd be less mad now, but I guess not."

"It's not you she's mad at, it's me."

"It's me she's not talking to. I really hate this, I miss her. Why did you have to..."

"Oh, here we go, I was wondering when we were going to get to this."

"Well..."

"I know. This is all my fault...how could I be so stupid...what was I thinking?"

"Seriously, Jack, what were you thinking?"

"Not much, apparently. I was still a little freaked about my feelings for you, and she was there...smart, beautiful, female. I guess I felt that if I had to fall for a member of my team, it should be her, so..."

"You used her."

"No...well...yes, but I had no idea she'd take it all so seriously."

"Ja-ack."

"I know, stupid. I wasn't even consciously flirting, it was more your long, lingering looks, and sad sighs."

"And you don't see that as flirting?"

"I never actually said anything...not in words."

"You didn't have to. After what was said during the zatarc fiasco, the looks alone would have been more than enough for Sam to believe that you were labouring under the pangs of an impossible love."

"Damn. When you put it like that..."

"How would you put it?"

"Well, see, it should have been impossible."

"Like us, you mean."

"That's different."

"Oh, really?"

"You're not military."

"No, but I am on your team, and also a man. Are you really saying that the gender issue is less of a no-no than the fraternisation one?"

"I guess not, but Carter's career has always been so important to her. It just never occurred to me that she would try to take things further. And she didn't, not at first. I thought she'd moved on...dammit, she had moved on."

"I know. Maybe if one of those other relationships had worked, but they were pretty much unmitigated disasters. Women have this body clock, ticking away, and Sam's not getting any younger..."

"So, you're saying I'm a last resort, because she's desperate?"

"Uhm, well...yes, sort of."

"Way to boost my ego, Danny. Next you'll be saying she has a father complex."

"Actually, now that you mention it..."

"Daniel..."

"Sorry. I wasn't meaning to imply you weren't attractive...really attractive, because you are...very."

"Gee, thanks, Daniel. You're too kind."

"I am, I know, but what can I do...I love you."

"Oh. Good. Ditto. It's my own fault, I guess. I should have come right out and told you how I felt about you from the beginning, then we'd never have been in this mess. I was in denial."

"Shame you were such a wuss. Just think, all that time you wasted in denial, when you could have been in Daniel."

"Fuck! Daniel, would you please not say stuff like that when I'm driving...geez."

"Don't have a cow, man."

"Hey, I though I was the Simpsons fan."

"If you force me to watch it endlessly, something was bound to rub off."

"Right. Glad to see you've cheered up."

"I've decided there's no point worrying about it any more. We'll know soon enough how Sam is taking it."

"True. Especially as we're here. Are you gong to try to talk to her before the briefing?"

"I don't know. I don't want to force the issue if she's not ready. She usually comes to see me when we get back from downtime, so maybe I'll just wait and see what happens."

"Okay, whatever. I'll come by your office later, walk you to the meeting."

"What, are you going to carry my books for me?"

"Hey, can't have you being late again."

"Jack, I am hardly ever late."

"You're usually the last to arrive though."

"So? I have more stuff to get together, all you have to do is close the door behind you. And just because I don't show up for things ten minutes early, doesn't mean I'm late...it means I'm on time. You do this all the time, Jack."

"Do what?"

"Act like I'm this naive, clueless civilian. I haven't been that in a long time. What's more, I don't wander off, and I don't touch things."

"Damn, you're right...again. I don't mean to, I just worry sometimes that you're getting to be too good at the soldier part."

"I thought that was what you wanted."

"Up to a point. I want you to be able to take care of yourself, but I don't want you to turn into just another grunt. You're so much more than that. You have a way of seeing things that is so totally different from the military, I would hate for you to lose that. Apart from anything else, it would diminish the team."

"Wow, that's...wow. You've never said anything like that before."

"Well, make the most of it, I probably won't be saying it again, any time soon. Now, quit yakking and get moving. We'll really be giving them something to talk about if we sit here much longer."

"What, no kiss?"

"Daniel..."

"I'm hurt."

"You will be if you don't get out of this truck, right now."

"How romantic."

"Damn, you can be aggravating."

"I do my best."

"That you do, Daniel, that you do."

"Sam, you have to try to get through this."

"There's nothing to get through, Janet. The whole thing was a big mistake, I don't know what I ever saw in the Colonel. It's Daniel I feel sorry for."

"Why? I've never seen him so happy."

"For now, maybe. That won't last though, not when the Colonel decides their relationship isn't worth trashing his career over. You'll see, he'll drop Daniel like a hot potato."

"I don't think so. When I talked to him before, he seemed pretty clear about his priorities. I believed him when he said he would leave the military if came down to a choice between the SGC and Daniel."

"It wouldn't be the first time you were wrong about his intentions, would it Janet?"

"Sam, how many more times do you want me to apologise for that. I genuinely thought that Colonel O'Neill had feelings for you, there's no way I would have encouraged you to pursue a relationship with him otherwise. You know that, I've said it often enough in the past three weeks. I wish I could change the way things turned out, but I can't."

"I know that, and why wouldn't you think that he had feelings for me, it was the impression he was trying to create."

"Sam..."

"He as good as admitted that he used me, Janet. Because I was safe. He let me, and everyone else believe that he was in love with me, because I was safe. He assumed I would never act on those feelings because of my commitment to the SGC, to SG-1. And you want me to just forgive and forget. Well, it's not that easy."

"I'm aware of that. Sam, I know you're hurt, but I think you're being a little unfair."

"Oh, really?"

"Yes, really. After all this time, do you honestly believe that Colonel O'Neill would deliberately hurt you, simply because it was expedient to do so?"

"Why not? Who knows what he might do, he almost blew Daniel up on that Spaceship when he was supposed to be in love with him. Why not believe that he would intentionally hurt me."

"That was a completely different situation..."

"And what about the way he behaved toward Daniel all those months when he was busy flirting with me."

"Well, if he was repressing..."

"Stop making excuses for him Janet. The truth is, Colonel O'Neill does only what's best for Colonel O'Neill, and to hell with the rest of us."

"Sam, no, you know he's not like that. He cares about you..."

"That kind of caring I can do without. As far as I'm concerned, he's my C.O., nothing more. I accept that he's a good officer, but I've lost all respect for him as a man."

"If you feel like this, how can you continue as part of SG-1?"

"I can be professional, if he has a problem, he can resign."

"You know he won't do that."

"Then he'll just have to live with it, I refuse to ask for a transfer, and if he tries to get rid of me, he'll have trouble explaining to General Hammond what the problem is."

"Sam, you wouldn't..."

"No, of course not. I wouldn't do that to Daniel."

"Are you sure it wouldn't be a good idea to transfer, at least for now?"

"And give him the satisfaction of getting everything his own way? Not a chance."

"Honey, you need to calm down. This isn't healthy."

"I'm perfectly calm, Janet. My only concern now is Daniel. He should know the kind of man he's become involved with."

"He knows, Sam. If anyone knows Jack O'Neill, it's Daniel."

"He may think he knows the Colonel, but that only means he'll be hurt worse when it all falls apart."

"You know, this is really none of your business. You can't interfere in their relationship."

"I love Daniel, he's my friend. It's my duty to warn him about what he's getting into. After all, it's what he tried to do for me."

"No, it isn't. He was trying to stop you from continuing on a path that would guarantee you pain..."

"As I'm doing now. Colonel O'Neill will hurt him, because that's the kind of man he is."

"Is it because he doesn't love you, that you refuse to accept that he loves Daniel?"

"No, of course not..."

"Then why? Daniel is an amazing person, kind, generous, loyal..."

"I know how perfect Daniel is, thank-you, Janet. I'm the one who works with him, after all. I'm not saying he isn't lovable, or even that the Colonel doesn't love him."

"Well, it sure sounds like that."

"All I'm saying is, that at the end of the day, Colonel O'Neill will put his own needs first, and Daniel will be the one to suffer. I aim to prevent that, any way I can."

"No, you're wrong."

"I'm not, I can't be. I'm going to see Daniel now, talk to him before the briefing, let him know that I don't blame him for the situation."

"Oh, Sam..."

"Hello, Daniel."

"Sam, hey, welcome back. It's great to see you, how was your break. Are you...uhm...how are you?"

"I'm fine, Daniel. It's good to see you too."

"Really?"

"Really. I missed you."

"So, you're not..."

"Daniel, I don't blame you for any of this mess."

"And Jack?"

"The Colonel was well aware of the possible consequences of his actions."

"The last thing either of us wanted was for you to be hurt, Sam. Jack cares about you..."

"So he said. Amongst other things"

"Sam..."

"Daniel, how can you trust him, after the way he's behaved?"

"What? I..."

"He treated you like dirt for months, then suddenly declares his undying love, and you forgive everything. How could you do that?"

"Yes, but...no, you don't...see, I understand why he behaved the way he did. Sure, it hurt, but..."

"But he says sorry, and everything's fine."

"Sam, he loves me."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"And that's enough, is it?"

"Yes, it is."

"What happens when he changes his mind?"

"He won't."

"He did with me."

"No, Sam, he didn't. I'm sorry, I don't want to upset you, but you have to understand that Jack was never in love with you. He liked you, was even attracted to you, but it was never love. You have to know that once he commits to something...someone..."

"What, like Kynthia, or Laira?"

"They were just...he never claimed to be committed to them."

"And Sara?"

"That's not fair, Sam. You know his marriage ended because of what happened to his son."

"His son, right. Not that safe being loved by the Colonel, is it?"

"Sam! How can you say that? Please, this isn't you."

"Wrong this is me. The new me. I'm tired of being walked over, and I'm not going to stand for it anymore."

"No-one has ever treated you like that. Look where you are, second in command of the primary team, head of the science division..."

"I wasn't talking about my career, I was talking about my private life. From now on, I'm going to be in control."

"Well...good."

"It's you I'm concerned about now, Daniel."

"There's no need, Sam. I appreciate your concern, but I'm fine. I'm happy with Jack, I love him, and I trust him. That's never going to change."

"Well, that's okay then, isn't it?"

"It is. It's...okay. Sam..."

"Hey, Daniel, ready for the briefing?"

"Jack...yes, all set."

"Sir."

"Carter, good to have you back. You ready."

"Yes, sir, of course."

"Right. Yes. Silly question, when are you ever not...ah...ready. Daniel?"

"What?"

"Are you...uhm...ready?"

"We've already done this, Jack. Yes, I'm still ready."

"Oh, right, sorry. Maybe we should...uh..."

"Go?"

"Right. Yes, Daniel. Go. Maybe we should go. Now."

"Going now implies someone moving, preferably out the door. Sam? Jack? Or we could just stand here, shuffling our feet if you'd rather."

"Right, leaving now. After you, Carter."

"Yes, sir. Daniel, walk with me?"

"Oh, sure. I just need...okay, got it. Coming, Jack?"

"Right behind you."

"Daniel, there was something I needed to ask you...privately."

"Oh, okay, Sam. Uh...Jack...I guess I'll see you there then. Uh..."

"Daniel..."

"Okay, coming, Sam."

"Ah, crap."

"MajorCarter, may I speak with you?"

"Of course, Teal'c, anytime."

"I am concerned about your behaviour during the briefing."

"I don't know what you mean."

"Your attitude towards O'Neill approached insubordination."

"Nonsense, I was perfectly civil."

"On the contrary, you continually disregarded his comments, and belittled his contributions to the discussion."

"Just because I disagree with his point of view..."

"As you frequently do. However, previously you have always listened, prior to disagreement."

"Maybe I'm tired of the same old dismissal of my views, Teal'c."

"I have never observed such a dismissal. Indeed, O'Neill has always placed great value on your knowledge and expertise. As have I."

"Sure he has."

"I believe it is his awareness and utilisation of the differing abilities of his team that makes him a superior leader."

"What, like telling Daniel to shut up, in front of the Eurondans, just for doing his job?"

"Did you not, then, agree with him?"

"At the time, maybe, but he should have listened. Daniel was right, as usual. But, as usual, the Colonel did exactly what he wanted to."

"It is my observation that O'Neill rarely does as he desires. Rather, he has always placed a great deal of importance on duty and honour. His is not an easy task, I do not envy him."

"Honour? You think it's honourable of him to take advantage of Daniel?"

"That has not been my impression of their relationship, MajorCarter."

"So what would you call it? Daniel is a vulnerable member of his team..."

"DanielJackson is not a child. He is an intelligent, articulate individual. He is also opinionated and obstinate in the extreme. I doubt that he could be persuaded into pursuing a relationship against his will."

"You're entitled to your opinion, of course."

"As are we all."

"I care about Daniel, I only want what's best for him."

"Can you be certain that DanielJackson's best interests are your true motivation?"

"Yes, of course, what else?"

"Did you yourself not desire a relationship with O'Neill? Could this not be affecting your judgment?"

"I have no problems with my judgment, Teal'c. The only time it was off, was when I thought the Colonel was worth jeopardising my career for."

"It saddens me that you have been so grievously injured."

"I told you, Teal'c, I'm fine. It's Daniel you should be worried about, not me."

"You would be unwise to attempt to separate DanielJackson and Colonel O'Neill. You would not succeed."

"I owe it to Daniel, as a friend, to try...for his own good."

"MajorCarter, Samantha, please allow me to offer my assistance in any way possible. I will make myself available at any time should you require a friend."

"I...that's...thank-you Teal'c, but there's no need. I'm fine."

"I would count it an honour should you permit me to aid you."

"Well...look...it's been good talking to you, but I really have a lot to get ready before we leave, so if you don't mind..."

"As you wish. I will leave you now. I beg you to consider my offer, I would do anything in my power to spare you pain."

"That's nice, but I'm not in any pain. I'm..."

"Fine. Indeed."

"That was fun."

"My god, what was Sam thinking? Even the General noticed."

"Hard to miss, the way she was acting. I was sure she would be able to keep things professional. Looks like I was wrong."

"I was hoping the time away would help her come to terms with the situation, but she's worse now than she was before. We should have made her stay and talk things through that night, now that her resentment has had time to fester..."

"I'm the devil incarnate, and you're the poor innocent who has to be saved from my wicked wiles. Peachy."

"Where does she get off acting like I'm some pathetic little idiot who doesn't know his own mind? I love Sam, but really, she needs to get a grip."

"You're telling me. Didn't I tell you that it would all end up being my fault?"

"It is all your fault."

"Supportive as ever, Daniel."

"Well. I hate this. I just want us all to be friends again."

"Thing is, I was never really friends with Carter."

"What do you mean? You were. Weren't you?"

"Not really. I like her, I respect her, but at the end of the day, I'm her superior officer, and that precludes any closer relationship. That's what makes this whole thing so crazy. Even if we had been attracted to each other, it could never have worked. True friendship, like the kind I have with you, needs equality, and Carter and I could never have that."

"Unless one of you resigned."

"Even then, I doubt it would change. I've been her C.O. for too long, it's set now."

"But you do care about her, right?"

"Yes, sure, but I never have, and never could, hang out with her the way I do with you or Teal'c. Even when she doesn't call me sir, I hear it."

"I wasn't hearing it in the briefing today."

"No, I know. That's what's worrying me. I understand that she's been hurt, but I won't stand for insubordination."

"It wasn't that bad."

"Yes, Daniel, it was that bad."

"Damn. I know. I just...couldn't you ignore it, Jack?"

"I don't see how I can, not if she carries on like this when we're offworld."

"Not even for me?"

"Daniel, I would do almost anything for you, apart from risk your life. Every time we go through that gate, we walk into potential danger. I have to be in control, and if Carter's attitude negates that...then I'm sorry, but she's off the team."

"There has to be some other way. This is so unfair."

"I know."

"I know you know. I also know you have no choice."

"Daniel..."

"Maybe if I transferred..."

"How would that help? It's me she has the problem with, not you."

"For now. I have a feeling that when I don't instantly cave, and follow her loving advice, I'll be persona non grata too."

"Crap. Why can't she just accept that I'm nuts about you, and move on."

"She's used to being the best...to winning."

"Shame she didn't meet you sooner."

"Ja-ack."

"Sorry. Actually...no, I'm not, I meant that."

"Oh, okay. Thanks, I guess. You're not going to do anything right away, are you...not before the mission?"

"No. She has one last chance. As long as we can work together, fine. If not, I'll talk to the General when we get back."

"And say what?"

"I'll think of something. You know this isn't what I want, don't you? Daniel?"

"I guess."

"This won't...I mean...we're okay, right?"

"Yes...yes, of course we are. I hate this, but I love you Jack. That won't ever change."

"Well, then...good. I swear I'll do everything I can to fix this, but whatever happens, know that I love you absolutely. All the rest we can work out. Together."

"Damn, you're good."

"I've been practicing."

"It shows."

"Meant every word, though."

"I know, that's why you're good. So, what happens now?"

"Now, we go on the mission, and hope for the best."

"It'll be okay, Jack."

"I hope so."

"It will. It has to be. SG-1 has come too far together for anything else to be acceptable."

"Well, okay then. You ready?"

"I'm ready."

"Right, then. Let's go."

***The End***
 

Home