Stargate SG-1: O'Neill and Carter
Episode 5: The First Commandment
Scene: Missing Scene – Downtime after mission
Character POV: O'Neill

Upon returning from the briefing, I quickly began a search for that commandment that I had so wonderfully messed up while trying to cheer Carter up. I just hoped that my blunder didn't cause her to dismiss my comment. I then moved to the locker room to change into my usual civilian dress to head for home. I had hoped that I correctly set the VCR to record the next Simpson's episode, but I wasn't sure at this point.

As I always do, I passed by the Captain's office on my way to the locker room. She seemed as intent as ever on whatever was illuminated on her computer screen, but she didn't seem to be reading, but rather just staring. I stayed for just a moment longer to see her gaze over at the other end of the table from where she sat. A black bound book sat at the edge just as far as I could be without being in an entirely different room.

I hoped she would be able to do something with the book in a constructive way. Her comments about being attracted to the lunatic fringe had me a little worried. I too was black ops and my record read like something from a horror film. I wondered if I had been too long on the dark side, if I would have been as easily misled as Captain Hanson.

I left Carter to her own thoughts as I continued my way to the locker room. I quickly changed and headed back to the elevator for the surface. The doors opened to admit Carter and startled me a moment. "Captain," was all I could get out.

"Sir," she answered as the doors closed and she chose a level. I quickly scanned my rusty brain for what she could possibly be doing on that level when I was reminded of what was on that level.

"Visiting the Chapel, Carter?" I asked.

"Yes, Sir. I figured I would leave Jonas' bible there to be given to someone who would find more enjoyment of it than I would. It wasn't the books fault that Jonas became delusional on that planet," Carter answered.

I nodded in reply to her statement, not knowing what to say to her well reasoned answer. As the doors opened, I followed Carter out onto the level. I wanted to ensure that she was able to do this with a friend's support. She walked into the Chaplain's office and gave him the book and a quick explanation as to why she was offering the book to the next in line. The Chaplain gave her his thanks in reply then turned his attention on me. I was looking around and didn't hear much of the conversation, but was startled when the Chaplain addressed me.

"And, you as well, Colonel," the Chaplain said looking at me directly.

"I've been doing well, Chaplain," I replied to the Chaplain. "I've been getting all the guidance I need for the time being, thanks."

"Very well," said the Chaplain with a small wink at me as Carter turned her back to him to leave. I lowered my head quickly so I would not smile and nod my head in affirmation that Carter had in deed been my guidance for the last few months. I didn't look at Carter as she passed by me so that she too would not see anything that would give me away.

I followed Carter back to the elevator and waited quietly. I was too busy thinking about Skaara. It was our trip back to Abydos that Skaara and Sha're were taken by Apophis. Skaara reminded me so much of my son, Charlie, that I found my way to the Chapel not long after that fateful trip to sit and think about why I was back and why those I tried to care for always got hurt.

"I didn't know you attended the mass, Sir," the Captain said breaking the silence.

"I, ah… don't really," I stumbled out. I guess letting her know a little of why I had been here would be good for her to know. "It was just after I returned from retirement that I found myself needing to work through coming back. It is a quiet place and without any silly computers or doohickeys to distract me." I added the last in hopes of making her smile that thousand watt smile.

"It is the computers and doohickeys that I rely on the most, Sir" Carter replied with only a small quirk of her lips. Damn, what will it take to make her feel better?

"And how was that distraction going, Captain?" I tried my sarcastic tactic again.

"It will go better now, Sir," she replied with a full smile on her face. Mission accomplished.

"Good to hear," I stated.

We finished our descent into the mountain again, and I watch Carter leave the elevator without another word. He usual swagger was not there, but watching her six was always an enjoyable thing. I kept my gaze on her and watched her turn the corner. She looked over her shoulder at me and held my gaze trapped until the elevator doors closed. I stood stock still for a moment before remembering that I was supposed to choose a floor, or forever be stuck in the elevator. I chose my destination on the panel and began whistling my favorite tune. I wonder what the next episode of the Simpsons is.