Sam walked into the commissary and looked for her target. Teal’c and Jonas were sitting at a back table, talking about something or the other. Sam got online. When she got her glass of blue jello, she walked over to the table. Teal’c nodded and Jonas waved.
“What’s up, guys?”
“Jonas Quinn and I were discussing Colonel O’Neill.”
“Yeah? What about?”
“Everything. You guys seem used to him. I’d expect it after the many years you’ve spent together but I’m just getting to know him and I’m confused about some of his behavior.”
“You’re still wondering why he ‘antagonizes’ the enemy?” She sat down next to Teal’c.
“That among other things.”
“What’d you tell him Teal’c?”
“Colonel O’Neill has nothing to gain, nor anything to lose, in antagonizing, as Jonas Quinn has called it.”
“Then if that’s the case, why does he do it?”
“Why not?” Jonas looked at Sam. She had a point.
“The answer can’t be that simple, Major Carter.”
“Of course it can, Jonas. He doesn’t like anyone who threatens him. The Colonel has never been one to keep his opinions to himself.” She ate another spoonful of jello.
“I understand that. But when it comes to the natives, they’re not exactly lenient when deciding punishments.”
“Honestly, Jonas, if we’re being punished by someone, I doubt they’re worrying if we’re comfortable. Think of it as his way of getting back at them with out physical contact.”
“I just…I don’t get it. If it only upsets the enemy more, why would he continue to do it?” For the life of him, Jonas could not wrap his mind around the concept of pissing off the people who had the power to kill them.
“Jonas, you’re trying to hard to explain something that can’t and shouldn’t be explained.”
“She is correct. If you were to ask Colonel O’Neil, he would tell you simply that he does not know why he does it. Speculation does not answer your question, nor will asking any member of this base.” Teal’c smiled slightly, well, as much as he usually did and briefly nodded his head before taking another bite of his ice cream. Jonas stared at him. That was his forth bowl and he seemed to have no intention of stopping. Teal’c ignored him and continued eating. Jonas looked back at Sam, who was devouring her jello as if it was the only thing she’d eaten in days. She looked up at him and smiled sheepishly.
“I really like jello. Especially the blue one.”
“So I see.” Really, he didn’t. He shook his head and looked at his half eaten piece of pie. Maybe everyone on the team was addicted to sugar…
“Howdy, kids.” Jack took a seat across from Sam, next to Jonas. “What’s going on?”
“Nothing, sir.” She smiled at him.
“Gotcha something.” She looked up and smiled brightly as he slid another cup of blue jello towards her. The action did not go unnoticed by Jonas. Nor did the two cups of red jello with whipped cream on top of them sitting in front of Jack. It was unnerving to see such a severe person eating so much sugar. Especially with whipped cream.
“Thanks.” She finished her first cup and pushed to the side as she started on her second cup. Jack dug greedily into his cup, slowly turning it into a syrupy, sweet, mass of pink gelatinous globs. Jonas thought he might be sick. Jack noticed the look on Jonas’ face.
“You ok?” It took a moment for Jonas to realize he was talking to him.
“Huh?”
“You’ve been staring at my jello for a while. I’m sure there’s more up there if you want.” Jack gestured towards the line with his spoon.
“No! No thank you. I…” He eyed Jack’s and then Carter’s jello and then glanced at the new bowl of rum raisin ice cream in front of Teal’c.
“Well, spit it out Jonas.”
“I don’t get it!” He shrugged for emphasis and shook his head.
“Don’t get what, Jonas?”
“Well, for one, I still don’t understand why Colonel antagonizes people in charge of torturing and/or killing us.”
“Because I can.” Sam chuckled. The look on her face said nothing short of ‘I told you so’. Jonas ignored both of them.
“And I can’t understand how you guys could eat so much sugar.” Jack grinned cheekily. He couldn’t help it. Jonas would be over it in a few weeks. As soon as he discovered the dessert line, he’d take it all back. Working at the SGC addicted you to two things; coffee and sugar and he wasn’t in the need for coffee at the moment. Daniel wondered the same two things. He got over them. Especially after tasting the ‘Break Me In’ peach cobbler specially made for close call return missions.
“Have you not tasted ice cream, JonasQuinn?” Sam laughed at the tone of Teal’c’s voice. It was bordering on incredulous.
“Probably not Teal’c, saying that you’ve pretty much staked your claim on all of it.” Teal’c cocked his head to the side, a smile tugging at the sides of his mouth, and bowed his head slightly.
“I’ve tasted the ice cream. It’s good, I wont debate you on that. But not good enough to have five bowls of it.” Teal’c looked perplexed. Jack leaned over.
“Never, ever, insult ice cream in front of Teal’c. It’s like taking away Carter’s blue jello, it’ll get you killed.” Jack winced as a foot connected with his shin under the table.
“Watch it Carter.”
“Sorry, sir, leg cramp.” She hid her smile. She knew he wasn’t buying it, but she had to keep appearances up.
Jonas looked between Jack and Sam. Maybe he was missing something…
He kept his mouth shut about the jello. Nothing could be that good with all that whipped cream. Sam’s looked a bit too unnatural, even for him. As far as he knew, nothing edible grew that color on earth.
They ate in silence for a few minutes before Jack and Carter begin fidgeting.
“Um, Colonel, Major? Are you alright?”
“We’re fine, Jonas. Carter just seems to have A LOT of leg cramps.” Jonas refused to acknowledge the fact that two adults were kicked each other like children under the table. They were concentrating very hard. Jonas looked up at Teal’c who was finished his bowl of ice cream.
“JonasQuinn, would you like me to introduce you to some of Earth’s other confectionaries?” Teal’c was already standing, undoubtedly heading back for more ice cream.
“Why not?” Jonas looked at Sam and Jack again before standing up. He followed Teal’c. “Do they normally do that?” Teal’c looked at him for a moment.
“You have much to learn, Jonas Quinn.” Jonas only nodded. He just didn’t get it.
