Chapter 2: A Nice Hot Shower

Jack, Sam, Katie, Jonas and Teal'c stepped through the Stargate as the wormhole disengaged. General Hammond walked in the room and greeted SG-1.

-It's good to see you all again.

-It's good to be home, sir.

Jack's voice was hoarse from the harsh desert climate of the planet they had spent the last 3 weeks on.

-If you don't mind, sir, I think we'd all appreciate a nice hot shower before being debriefed.

-I understand, Colonel. We'll debrief at 0900. Oh, and I regret to inform you that there was a chemical spill in the women's locker room. Siler says it will take day or 2 to clean up.

Sam sighed with relief at the thought of spending 30 minutes in the shower. Then she groaned with realization as to what General Hammond just said.

-Colonel?

-Yah?

-Do you suppose Katie and I could hit the showers before you guys? You know me and desert planets.

Jack sighed and nodded. Sam and Katie rushed out of the room, eager to cleanse themselves of the gritty sand. He sighed again and mumbled to himself.

-The things I do for the ones I love.

Jack hadn't meant for anyone to hear, but apparently Teal'c did because he raised his eyebrows in response. Jack opened his mouth to say something but thought better of it. Instead he started walking out the door, then turned back.

-I'll be searching for food if you need me.

Then he left. Jonas turned to Teal'c.

-Teal'c.

-Jonas Quinn.

-Is it just me or is there...something going on between Colonel O'Neill and Major Carter?

-This question had often perplexed me, until one day I asked Daniel Jackson. He explained to me a custom of the warriors of earth. Two warriors of great rank cannot mate. It is a custom of the highest regard that cannot be broken. So, they have chosen to keep this custom although they still harbor feelings for one another. Over the years it has become slightly...awkward, but we all carry on.

-That's kind of a stupid custom.

-I concur, but remember the people of this planet are very strange.

-That is true. I bet it's hard on Katie.

Teal'c nodded.

-One can only imagine the pain she suffers. But, Jonas Quinn...

Teal'c put his hand on Jonas' shoulders.

-...we must be strong, for them.

-I understand.

-Now, I suggest we join O'Neill in...searching for food. I am famished.

-Me too. Great idea.

They walked out the door in search of Colonel O'Neill and food.