The small conference concluded, Woolsey stood up to leave. General O'Neill remained seated next to him. "General, are you coming?" he asked.
"No… I don't think so. You don't need my help…." Considering how adamant the man had been just a few minutes earlier in insisting Woolsey's taking over command of the Atlantis expedition was a really bad idea, Woolsey figured he was getting off easy with only slight sarcasm.
Woolsey stiffened slightly, but it was no good reminding either man - again - that this had really not been his own idea. "Well, then, gentlemen, I'd better get down to the 'Gateroom."
Now it was Landry's turn. "Yes, you do that, Woolsey."
With a final nod to both officers, Woolsey turned to leave Landry's office. Out of the corner of his eye as he was leaving, he saw O'Neill lean forward, holding out a small envelope to the other man. "Hank, I was wondering if you could do me a favor…?" he began just as Woolsey reached the door and stepped from the room.
-o-o-o-o-o-
Woolsey was still working in the conference room when Colonel Carter stepped from Landry's office. He braced himself, preparing for her reaction. He didn't deserve it - none of it was his fault - but he could understand the woman's shock and anger.
She didn't even seem to notice he was there.
Instead, her entire attention was devoted to the object clasped in her hand. Pausing just inside the conference room, she tore the envelope open and pulled out the small piece of paper folded inside. As she unfolded and read it, her entire demeanor changed. He could practically see the tension wash off her; a slight smile played across her features.
Looking up from the note, she finally noticed him sitting at the table. A slight blush spread across her face as she said, "Oh. Mr. Woolsey. I didn't see you there."
"Just getting some of the final paperwork done before I leave."
She smiled wryly. "Ah… paperwork. Never seems to be an end to that, does there?"
"No, there doesn't," he agreed. "But, without paperwork…?"
He thought he might have heard her snort lightly under her breath. "Good luck on Atlantis, Mr. Woolsey," she said.
He nodded. It was more civility than he had expected, under the circumstances. "Thank you, Colonel. And good luck to you in whatever you do."
Her smile grew wider… and strangely enigmatic. "Thanks. I'm sure I will." Then, with a final nod - the note still clutched in her hand - Carter quickly left the room.
-o-o-o-o-o-
A/N: For those who simply must know, what the notes says can be found in Intimacy, Chapter 2 : /s/4409678/2/Intimacy