THE WATCHER

Part Three

I've watched them for years, even though I almost missed the beginning, almost missed that first look.

O'Neill was scowling at me, angry at being saddled with yet another scientist. I had a brief moment of second thoughts at what I was doing by assigning my old friend's daughter to his team. Yes, she was brilliant. Yes, she had figured out how the Stargate worked and designed the program that allowed us to use it. But I knew O'Neill's temper and prejudice against scientists. Then she walked in, stood her ground with him. When she threw out that arm wrestling challenge, I knew that it would all work out. And immediately started to worry at the exchange of looks between them. I had seen this situation many times before in my time in the Air Force. I knew I would have to watch them carefully.

And so I watched them closer than either of them ever realized. On their first mission, O'Neill brought Teal'c back and requested that the Jaffa join SG-1. I agreed, giving myself another reason to keep a close eye on the team. Those fears were laid to rest very quickly, as SG-1 rapidly became a cohesive, effective unit. I saw how close they all became to each other, both on and off duty, in a very short period of time. I also saw that O'Neill and Captain Carter were both determined to abide by the regulations, despite the growing feelings I saw between them.

And the feelings grew. I saw how they sought each other out for companionship, for comfort, for celebration. I saw them become each other's best friend. I saw them determine not to give in to their feelings. I saw them put their team first. I saw them refuse to give up on each other. I saw them fight for each member of their team at one time or another. I saw the devotion, the trust among the four of them and I saw that O'Neill and Carter would go to any lengths for Dr. Jackson, for Teal'c and especially for each other. I saw that this only made them a better team than if I split them up. So they stayed together.

Then one day I saw a report on their second za'tarc testing, revealing their personal feelings for each other. I saw their self-control as they choose not to act on those feelings, putting the team and the world ahead of themselves. They were committed to their mission and to the SGC.

I saw them advance in experience, in rank. I saw them try to deal with more and more demands, saw them turn to others for the closeness they wanted with each other. Even after I left, I kept an eye on them, watching from afar, as they realized that the only way they could function was together. No one else could fill that place in their lives. No one else could even come close.

Now I will have the privilege of placing Sam Carter's hand in Jack O'Neill's as they stand before everyone who has watched this dance for the last nine years and let their love be acknowledged at last.