AN: Our acting store manager (who is our assistant manager) is confidant that if we stay focused we can get the store back on track. I think she's right. We've made sales the last couple of days. The store is cleaner. We're having issues with 'employee friendliness' but it's kind of hard to be chipper when you're overworked, under staffed and trying to stay on top of rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic for weeks on end.
Chapter 5 - That Monday
"Mr. Teal'c, we are told you were a witness for the marriage between Samantha Carter and Jonathan O'Neill."
"I was."
"And, in your estimation, when they exchanged vows, did they take those vows seriously?"
"They did." Teal'c said with a nod.
"Would you say they both freely gave their consent to exchanging vows?"
"I would."
The attorney narrowed his eyes at Teal'c, unsure if the man was simply taciturn or toying with them.
"In your estimation, would you say they intended to remain together for life?"
"I am unable to answer that question."
"Why is that?"
"I am unable to read either of their minds." Teal'c told them with an untroubled expression.
"All right, do you have any reason to believe they did not intend to take their vows seriously?"
"I did not."
"Were both of them free to marry?"
"They were."
"Is it your opinion that they intended to be good to each other as husband and wife?"
"O'Neill and Samantha have always been good to each other and remain so in spite of their present situation." Teal'c told them.
The attorneys looked at each other. It was the longest sentence the man had uttered in their presence so far. "Do you believe their marriage is salvageable, Mr. Teal'c?" One of the attorneys threw out there just out of curiosity.
"I do. Samantha and O'Neill love each other. They choose to be apart due to circumstance but it is not what their hearts' desire."
"Thank you, Mr. Teal'c." One of the attorney's said.
Teal'c just nodded his head and got up and left the small group of mystified attorneys.