Gut Feeling

Rated: PG

Category: Ficlet, Episode Tag, POV, Gen

Season: One

Spoilers: Singularity

Summary: Jack POV post ep. Jack realizes his 2IC isn't so bad, after all.

Thanks: To Becky, for the title.

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As I walk the little dog, the guys and I talk briefly, but then we fall silent. I'm left to my own thoughts, and I can't help but think about what brought us to this park today.

Cassandra. And you.

God, our trip to that nuclear facility is not something I'll soon forget.

When I offered to take the girl myself, I didn't do it out of some sense of chivalry. I did it because I didn't think you could do what needed done. I admit it. It's no secret that sometimes I have issues with having a woman on my team, especially a woman know-it-all, but this had nothing to do with your gender or your technogeek profession. I just thought you were too attached, too close to this one.

When you refused my help, I let you go, despite my doubts. I wanted to let you prove yourself.

But you proved me right. You failed in your task.

It was bad enough to have to sacrifice a little girl to some whacked-out Goa'uld plan, but when that elevator started going back down, I knew in my gut that I was going to lose an officer, too, and I was pissed.

Utterly and completely pissed beyond reason.

How dare you take chances with your life like that? As much as I don't like to admit it, as much as it pains me to have to say it, we need you scientist types at the SGC. You're worth too much to be lost period, much less to something that you simply didn't need to do. Some risks don't need to be taken.

And disobeying orders to do it?

Damn, I'd almost be proud of that, if it hadn't been so damn stupid.

Little Captain Carter's all grown up, huh? Thinks she can make her own decisions. There's a time and a place for that on my team, and I admire your courage, but…

Damn. You're just lucky you were right.

If you hadn't been, I'd have killed you myself.

But since you were, well, I've got to admit it…you're young, and God knows you've got a lot to learn, but I think I'm glad you're on my side…you've proven you can kick some butt, and now you've shown me that you know when to go with your gut…so maybe you're not so bad after all, Carter.

I glance across the park, and see you starting to swing with Cassie. A smile tugs at my lips.

Nope. Not so bad at all.