"Chevron seven will not lock" I call as I watch the failing gate. They're watching me, wishing me to say the words I myself so desperately want to be able to say. Their eyes stare upon, secretly hoping that I am wrong. We've been dialing and redialing this gate for 3 days now, each time the seventh chevron has refused to lock and connect a wormhole.
"hold on" Siler calls as he runs up to the gates with his oversized wrench and some how finds use for it on the ancient design "try it now" he calls as he sprints out of the way. I quickly set it up to dial again.
"Chevron one encoded" I sigh as the computer flashes my line. They watch in anticipation and I feel that surge of nervous uncertainty as their eyes burn down on me expecting the impossible from me. Like I know how to fix it.
"Chevron two encoded" I call the next line that neatly flashes before me as a constant reminder that my job is easy and I could be easily replaced. The only thing keeping me here is my keeping General Hammond from falling apart and the rest of the SGC with him. That side of my job keeps me occupied and more than just a little stressed. But Hammond has made it easy. I can't even begin to imagine what it would be like if someone like Colonel O'Neill was in charge, he is the most likely candidate for when General Hammond leaves. But General Hammond would never do that to me, would he?
"Chevron three encoded" I call, keeping my eyes on the computer as my mind is now beginning to wonder. I need that constant flash for a reminder. Heaven forbid what would happen to me if I called out something like 'chevron three locked'. Can you imagine the looks I'd get!
"Chevron four encoded" these repetitious lines go on. My mouth is going dry from endlessly calling them out all day. I don't see why I have to do it. The only reason I do call them out is because Colonel O'Neill requested it, something about consistency and traditions.
"Chevron five encoded" that's another thing that keeps me here, they have all come accustom to my presence. Colonel O'Neill growled at me when I had pancreatitis and was away for those two measly months. He accused me of abandoning them, like I would ever do such a thing.
"Chevron six encoded" here we go. Chevron seven will be up soon. Their eyes are burning down on me once again and they've stopped their mild discussions. All attention is on my again and I can feel bile rising in my throat as I watch the screen and hope for the one word, the one change that will stop this endless dialing. This insanity.
The screen flashes before me and I sigh in dismay as I hear everyone else let out a breath of frustration. I open my mouth to utter the word 'chevron seven will not lock' but my mouth betrays me and utters an exhausted "I just want to be held"
Oh the looks I get from that one.
Surprisingly the looks cease as I feel comforting arms around me, hugging me in reassurance. I turn my head and see a Major Samantha Carter, out of the infirmary and now embracing me in a friendly hug.
I got to say a soft thank you and make the simple gesture seem nothing more than a simple friendly gesture but my mouth betrays me and in panic it stutters out "I…I'm … I'm married"
She frowns at me and I can see Colonel O'Neill glaring in disapproval at how I had embarrassed her.
"I know that sergeant" she says standing upright and turning away in embarrassment, I'm not entirely sure but I think I hear her whisper a faint "now I need a hug"
I feel guilt overwhelm me and I go to say some kind of apology but Colonel O'Neill beats me too it. He places his arms around her and she rests her head on his shoulder at the kind gesture. Suddenly I feel envious, wishing I had been able to reassure her, I was the one who started it after all.
"You ready to go?" he asks finally as he gently rubs her shoulder.
"Go sir?" she asks in confusion as she lifts her head.
"Yes Carter, you're up and around, Daniel and Teal'c have planned their shindig…cake" he offers in explanation and she smiles nodding. "Good cause I'm hungry" he grins
"Colonel O'Neill, Major Carter, my office, a word please" Hammond orders as he pops his head out of his office.
"yes sir" Major Carter jumps away from Colonel O'Neill as if he was a plague trying to decimate her career. I feel that overwhelming sense of guilt again as I watch them walk into General Hammond's office in exasperation. I want to scream that it's my fault. I wonder what kind of looks I would get if I screamed out 'don't court-martial them General Hammond, he was only comforting her because I accused her of husband snatching!'
My thoughts are disturbed when I hear the reassuring whoosh of a wormhole establishing. I turn my attention back to the screen and smile at the words flashing in front of me. I smile at the irony of the one time I don't call out those words, it works.
I'm never calling out those words again!
Oh who am I kidding; it would have all been Silers working no doubt.