Alternatives

Chapter XII: Suggestions

Based upon Stargate: SG-1

Rating: PG

- EAR - Based on the Season 9 episode: "Ripple Effect," Doctor Fraiser and Martouf's reality; takes place almost a year before said episode within said alternate reality -

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Jack sat, by himself, in the commissary with a bowl of soup and a large piece of cake he'd yet to bite in to. He was trying not to sulk; or, at least, look as if he wasn't sulking. He was okay with sulking.

Carter was getting married, and he felt that it was completely justified for him to sulk. Sure, nothing had ever happened between them and he was her commanding officer . . . but still. He had always been more than a little possessive over her.

Even when she and Martouf were going out. Though, then Jack had just been the hawk watching Martouf while Jacob was off world. As much as he hated to admit it, Martouf would have been good to her.

But, this guy, Shannahan . . .

He was a cop, which Jack thought was alright, at least he would be able to protect her from the normal stuff people had to worry about. And he was a nice enough guy. Okay, that was a lie: he was painfully nice. He was head-over-heels in love with her; but, really, who wasn't?

There really wasn't anything going against the cop. Well, he did stalk her a little. No matter how good of intentions someone has, stalking is never a good thing. So the guy had a history of being creepy, so what? Carter could take care of herself.

Except for that one time that she got kidnapped coming out of the gym. And that other time that an ascended ancient showed up in her house and ended up building a stargate in her basement.

Okay, so maybe Carter's track record outside of work wasn't so good. But she was tough.

Anyway, Jack didn't like it. It's not that he wanted to monopolize Carter all for himself. Well, that wasn't true. He did want Carter all for himself, but . . . He couldn't give up his position now, there were just too many things at stake. She wouldn't let him, anyway, not the way things were now.

Jack looked up when he noticed Martouf coming in his direction.

"May I join you, General?" Martouf asked, holding a lunch tray of his own.

Jack nodded and watched the Tok'ra sit down and place a paper napkin on his lap. He started to eat silently. Jack watched him for a moment before returning to the soup he couldn't really taste.

"One of us should speak to Samantha."

Jack looked up from his soup. "About?"

"About Mister Shannahan. I am reasonably sure you're feelings in this matter are similar to my own; as are the feelings of Doctor Jackson, Master Teal'c, and Doctor Fraiser."

You mean that he's a creepy military wanna-be who doesn't deserve her? he thought. "I don't know what you're talking about, Marty," he lied.

"Indeed you do, General. I was referring to Samantha's poor decision to marry Mister Shannahan. While we all respect her, and her ability to make her own decisions, we believe she is not making the correct decision."

"Who are we to tell her what she should do?" he asked, angrily.

"I am not suggesting that we tell her what to do, but simply tell her how we feel. As her friends who simply are looking out for her well being, we should offer her our counsel whether she directly asks us or not."

"She did ask me."

"She did?"

"Yeah, Marty. She did," Jack heard his own voice getting agitated, but he didn't really care. "She wanted me to talk her out of it; to give her a reason to say no."

"And you gave her none?"

Jack flashed a sardonic smirk. "Not a good one. I told her she deserved to be happy."

"I agree, but do you not think that this is not the way for her to accomplish that?"

"It doesn't really matter what I think, I'm jaded."

"That is because you love her."

Jack dropped his spoon and looked around, trying to figure out if anyone had heard that. "Sure, Martouf," he said sarcastically, leaning in towards the Tok'ra. "Why don't you let everyone know?"

"I do believe it is somewhat common knowledge."

Jack picked up his spoon. "Oh, for cryin' out loud." He huffed. "Yeah, but everyone ignores it and no one talks about it for a reason."

"Yes, indeed. However, that is not the point."

"What is the point? She deserves to be happy and I can't offer her any other options."

"You are suggesting we do nothing."

Jack stood up, suddenly not hungry anymore -- not hungry, even for cake. "I'm suggesting we smile and nod, and hum loudly, if necessary."

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