The Dichotomy of a Warrior
A 'Portraits of Jack O'Neill' scribble
By Gumnut
1 Sep 2006

O'Neill is surprising.

Several people have inquired as to why I chose to follow the Tauri. Why I sacrificed so much on such a slim chance at freedom. Those who have not stood on a battlefield and heard the cries of the dying will little understand even should I choose to explain. So I choose mostly to nod, say little, and let them make their own assumptions. Their opinions do not matter.

But O'Neill understands.

He is such a man who will fight until breath's end, yet possesses such gentleness. The dichotomy of a warrior, hardened for battle, yet loving of life.

I have seen him with young Cassandra Fraiser. He finds much amusement and pleasure in her company, as do I. However, his past haunts him. Where I have Rya'c to stand beside me, O'Neill's son is lost to what lies beyond. Never have I seen a parent so wounded as he.

And I have seen many.

Caused some.

It is possible to mourn forever, yet not all mourning takes the same shape or shares space with the obvious. His pain is hidden, but it is also managed. O'Neill is strong, and while past events have almost broken him beyond repair, he has, with the help of others, regained his determination. And it is this determination that has saved both SG-1 and the Tauri on many an occasion.

And created debt in others.

He is a warrior and from one warrior to another, there is little we do not have in common. Words are rarely needed. Action is all that is required. A touch. The lift of an eyebrow. The raising of a weapon. I have been accused of stoicism and brevity of speech, but I see little need to communicate what has already been said without the aid of voice.

However, having stated this fact, there are some aspects of O'Neill's character that confound me.

He finds humour in television programs like 'Simpsons'. Homer Simpson is undoubtedly a fool, yet he inspires O'Neill to great heights. However. If this is what O'Neill requires to become the great warrior he indeed is, I will support it wholeheartedly.

Pizza.

Most undoubtedly a delicious delicacy, O'Neill's adoration of the meal is understandable. His collection of leftover portions decomposing in his refrigerator is not. Doctor Fraiser has treated him for several mysterious illnesses previously blamed on Stargate travel, but I suspect his attempts at consuming archaeological food items to be at fault.

O'Neill, no doubt, would find his death by food poisoning to be little more than ironic. His sarcasm is predictable in presence if not in content.

His habit of taunting the enemy is both refreshing and alarming. Most who are caught tremble in fear, others rage and fight. O'Neill...O'Neill does anger somewhat, yet his fury is channelled into his wit, it's energy used to spurn the enemy and reassure those he protects.

And himself.

For is not bravery the ability to laugh in the face of danger?

And make the enemy cry.

People ask why I chose to follow the Tauri. I do not give a clear answer, they would not understand.

Because I do not follow the Tauri, I follow Jonathon O'Neill. Because he stood on that battlefield, because he heard the cries of the dying, because he decided to do something about it.

Action is all that is required.

And his said everything.

-o-o-o-
FIN.