By Deb
SERIES/UNIVERSE: SG-7
DISCLAIMERS: M7 characters belong to Trilogy, et al, SG-1 characters belong to Gekko, MGM, and Showtime. Adriana is mine ... don't mind if you borrow her, just give her back intact and give credit where credit is due.
SPOILERS: Mainly Obsession, my own More than Friends, Under the Sun, and various Stargate episodes.
WARNING: original characters, some violence, nasty language.
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Part Thirty-One
It occurred to Chris that it was a good thing Tanner wasn't here, after all. He could just imagine what his best friend would have said to his orders.
When he had entered the infirmary, Chris had noticed the empty bed beside Adriana's. It took very little to figure out that Tanner had finally woken up, and had probably headed to his own quarters to shower and change, maybe sleep in his own bed. That was what Chris would have done under the circumstances ... well, first he would have paid a little visit to Buck Wilmington, but Vin was more inclined to let things go than Chris was.
As it was, Chris had barely said two words to Buck since the incident ... well, after ripping him a new asshole. He was simply too furious. The Chris Larabee of only fifteen months ago probably would have done far more lasting damage than verbally tearing a strip out of Wilmington's hide, but Chris had changed a lot in the last fifteen months. Part of it was being in the SGC, period, part of it ... well, there were a lot of reasons.
Adriana had been quiet for the last few minutes, ever since Chris had told her about her enforced vacation. So she surprised him when she asked softly, "How did you react, Chris? When Buck slammed Vin into the wall?" The colonel looked at her in surprise, and Adriana continued slowly, as if she was trying to work out what she wanted to say, "It hurts ... what Buck said. But I'm more angry with him for attacking Vin than I am about ... the other thing."
Chris thought about it, then answered just as slowly, "I was shocked at first. Vin had just returned. He was shaking so badly after he got you planet-side, Jack grabbed him and took him someplace where Vin could calm down. Then the general went to talk to him. Vin came back maybe five minutes after the general went over to talk to him. He had just asked about JD, when Buck barreled into him from behind.
"I suppose that's why I didn't react at first. None of us did, we were all shocked. Then Josiah and Nathan snapped out of it. I suppose it never occurred to me that Buck would blame Vin. Nathan was already to JD by the time I sent Vin back. The anger came next. I was angry with Buck and angry with JD, angry with Conklin. Angry with myself for not reacting faster. I suppose I was even a little angry with you, even though I knew you did the right thing."
Adriana's eyes never left his face, and Chris admitted, "I don't mind telling you, little princess, I tore into Buck. I didn't hit him ... I'm not that stupid ... but I reamed his ass. That was after Janet lit into him. Now there's a woman you don't want mad at you." Adriana grinned in response, nodding, and Chris continued, "I wish I could tell you that you're wrong about Buck, little princess. I could ... but I know you wouldn't believe me."
"I wouldn't think that you're lying, Chris, but I would find it easier to believe my own ears and my own experiences," Adriana replied quietly. Chris nodded his understanding. How could he tell her that she was wrong, when he wasn't even sure she was? Adriana sighed, then added, "I suppose you think I'm a coward for not confronting Buck, and you're right. But ... " Chris shushed her and took both of her hands.
"I don't think you're a coward, little princess. I might have made judgments like that once, but you're talking to a man who couldn't shoot the bitch who killed his family when he had the chance. I should have, I knew that. You have a reason for not confronting Buck," he said.
Adriana looked up in surprise, and Chris continued, "You confront him, you risk losing him. Hell, I know that better than anyone! But there was no reason for me not to kill Ella Gaines. Because I hesitated, and Averill shot me instead, people who mean everything to me are at risk. I lost my wife and son because of that woman. I almost lost Vin and the others because of her. And now, I face losing again ... because I hesitated."
"Because despite everything, there's still a part of you which loves her. And you're a gentleman, no matter what you say," Adriana observed softly. Chris didn't know about that, but he did know better than to argue with his 'little sister.' Especially when it came to whether or not he was a gentleman. She sighed again, closing her eyes, and Chris realized she was still wiped out. Emotionally, physically.
He started to point that out to her, but Adriana said, "You know, I said earlier that I couldn't imagine a situation where I would give up on Buck. Do you know why that is? Well, aside from the fact that he's my brother, of course." Chris mouthed, of course, and Adriana lightly slapped the side of his head. Chris gave her a Glare, and she just laughed. Damn her. Of course, he didn't suppose he could expect her to take him seriously just now.
Adriana continued when he didn't answer, "Because I remember back after Mama was killed. I remember sitting in the living room. Did I ever tell you about finding her?" Chris shook his head ... he wasn't sure he wanted to know, but he had a feeling she needed to tell him right now. Adriana sighed and said softly, "I had come early from school, and she ... I couldn't find her. Not in the kitchen, not in the living room, not in her sewing room. Not in the laundry room. Not even in the backyard, hanging up clothes."
Chris could almost see the tiny girl wandering through the house, looking for her mother. If he remembered correctly, Adriana had been sick that day. The teacher had brought her home when no one could contact her mother. She said now, her voice distant, "I finally decided to go check in her room. Maybe she was taking a nap. And if I was very, very careful, maybe I could avoid waking her. I would just check, and then I would go lay down."
Katrien Wilmington had been in her bedroom. But she hadn't been taking a nap. Nearly twenty years later, her daughter said softly, "She was lying on her back. I thought at first that she was asleep. Until I felt something damp through my socks. I had worn sandals that day. There was blood on my socks. Blood on the carpet. I didn't want to believe it at first. I started screaming and ran to the bed. One of the officers tried to give me a hard time later, because I messed up a crime scene."
Chris closed his eyes ... probably some stupid rookie, who never even stopped to consider that a little girl had lost her mother ... had found her mother's dead body. Adriana confirmed this a minute later, when she added, "The kid's partner bapped him in the back of his head, and called him an idiot. Said that I was just a kid, and I didn't know a crime had been committed. All I cared about was waking my mommy up. Anyhow, I threw myself on her ... screaming for her to please, wake up, I promise I'll be a good girl, just please wake up. But she didn't. She couldn't. And ... everything just sort of faded out for me."
This part of the story, Chris knew. A neighbor had seen the teacher pull up in front of the house, and Adriana, obviously not feeling well, going inside. When questioned by the police, the woman admitted she had no reason to think something was wrong ... she just wanted to make sure the little girl was okay when she went next door. She heard Adriana's screams through the door, which was unlocked.
She found the eight year old in shock, covered in her mother's blood. The neighbor had steered the child from the room, then called the police, trying very hard not to touch anything. Adriana said softly, "I don't know how long I sat in the living room, still in my clothes from school. I could hear people talking around me. But it was ... it was sort of like when you're little, and you're playing telephone with cups? And you can hear the other person, but it's like you're separated by a long tunnel?"
Chris nodded his understanding, even though Adriana really wasn't paying attention to him, and she continued, "I could hear them. But it was like they were so far away. And then I heard Buck's voice. He was bellowing at that kid who had been giving me a hard time earlier, telling him to get out of Buck's way, Buck's little sister needed him, and that was that. And it was like something went on inside of my brain."
Chris had actually heard this part of the story, but remained silent. The archaeologist explained, "Buck finally shoved the kid away, growling that they would talk about charges for assaulting a police officer later. And then, he was right there, in front of me. I don't remember moving. One minute, he was crouched in front of me, and the next, I was in his arms. Bloody dress and all, and he didn't say word one about it."
Buck had scooped his sister into his arms, then growled at one of the police officers about getting a female officer to clean her up. She had been sitting in that bloody dress for six goddamn hours ... blood on her hands and face, it was in her hair. And, of course, Buck had been smeared with blood as well, but he waited until a young female officer arrived to clean up his little sister before he cleaned himself up. The young policewoman had remained with Adriana while Buck talked with the other officers, finding out what had gone down. The partner of the rookie had said in light of the situation, they wouldn't press charges against Buck for assaulting a police officer. How very kind of them, Chris had snarled, especially with what a prick that kid had been.
At last, Adriana had been brought back into the room, washed and clothed. Buck had picked her up and settled with her in a rocking chair until their father returned. Adriana said softly in the present, "I can't give up on him, Chris. I can't let go, because he was there when I needed him most. He must have gotten into so much trouble at the academy for having blood on his uniform, but he didn't care about that." Chris squeezed her hand lightly, and noticed once more the dark circles under her eyes.
"Why don't you get some sleep, little princess? You need your rest, especially if Janet gives her okay," Chris suggested. Her expression told him that she was tired, but couldn't go back to sleep, and Chris continued, "You know I'm not much for talking. Vin was teasing me when we went back to Georgia to see Nathan's father that I only say three words a day."
That made Adriana laugh, as it had made the others laugh, and she replied, "Like Vin has any room to talk? He's the only person I know who can just sit in one place for hours at a time, and not say a word." Chris laughed with her, and she said softly, "I don't need you to talk, Chris. Talking isn't important. Just being with me ... just knowing that you're here if I do need you. That's all I really care about."
"I can do that. There's no place I really need to be right now. Tanner's liable to clobber me if I check on him. The general is conferring with Janet about travel plans. Mary may come by later, in case I had trouble convincing you. General Travis was talking about a cabin in Montana. More like a ranch, with five bedrooms and almost as many baths. His grandfather built it at the turn of the century, and each generation has added something to it," Chris explained.
"Like the royal family," Adriana observed dryly and Chris laughed. Adriana smiled and added, "I know you're not one for talking, but since we seem to have some time to catch up, would you like to hear about some of the things I saw and did while I was in Germany?" Chris nodded with a smile. He didn't really give a damn about archaeology, but he did care about spending time with his little sister.
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Part Thirty-Two
After his conversation with Josiah, Buck had begun wondering if the anthropologist was right. Josiah had said nothing different from Chris, the general, or Dr. Frasier ... although the general had stayed out of his relationship with his sister. Did he really want to face the possibility of losing his baby sister for good? Janet had said she was only human. Was he asking so much of her? Buck had always thought of Adriana as having the patience of a saint, just as his mother had.
Not for the first time, Buck wished his mother had known his baby sister. Not just known of her, but known her. He thought about how much his mother had loved him, and how she had cried when she told him that he had a little sister. He didn't think she was aware of it, but he had heard her whisper, "She could have been mine. She should have been mine." And knowing what he did of his stepmother, Buck wished Adriana had been his mother's daughter as well.
He began thinking then of his mother ... would he be acting like this with her? Shutting her out for JD? No ... no, he would have accepted her comfort when JD had been hurt so badly only a few months earlier. So why hadn't he accepted Adriana's? Because he was angry with her and Vin for never telling him about their relationship? Had he ever really given her a chance to tell him about her friendships? He had been keeping her at arms length for so long, why should she tell him anything?
The more he thought about it, the more angry he became with himself. He decided it was time to stop this. He had been informed by General Travis, who was on his way to talk to Mary, that SG-7 was heading to Montana for an indefinite vacation. That would be as good a time as any to start repairing his relationship with his sister. But for now, he wanted to see her. JD ... No. No, they were right. JD was an adult. So was Adriana, but right now, his sister was the one still in the infirmary.
When he reached the infirmary, he noticed Chris was in the room with her, and Buck held back. It wasn't that he was afraid of Chris giving him what for again. Hell, he was used to that. But he had to think about Adriana ... she was in a lot of pain, and she didn't need them arguing. Didn't need raised voices. Instead, he held back and listened to the conversation. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he knew it was eavesdropping, but after the first few words, he couldn't have moved if he wanted.
Not as Adriana slowly, painfully explained the day she found her mother's dead body. Her attempts to wake her mother up ... the hours which followed the grisly discovery by the neighbor. That damn rookie cop, giving her a hard time because she had messed up a crime scene. Jackass. His arrival. And how she couldn't give up on him. That made his heart hurt, that he had tried her patience so much, she could even consider giving up on him.
He listened, too, as Adriana told Chris about the time she had been in Germany, the digs she had been on, the things she had seen. What she had learned. Hell, he had always thought of archaeology as being boring, but listening to the passion in his sister's voice as she spoke of the discoveries they made, and what each discovery implied ... oh, she was very careful about that. The words she used. She observed to Chris that she had no way of knowing anything ... not without a time machine. But they could draw implications.
Looking back now, Buck could remember her saying similar things out in the field, arguing with Conklin about a discovery they made, and what it proved. He listened as she talked herself out, and eventually fell asleep. There was a part of him which was jealous ... Adriana had never talked to him like that. Not even when she was a little girl. But when did you ever give her that opportunity? Chris always treated her like an equal...oh, sure, he looked out for her, and he would have killed the first person who tried to hurt her, but she could always talk to him.
Chris looked up and moved quietly away from the bed, pausing just long enough to lightly kiss Adriana's forehead, then joined Buck in the hall. He said quietly, "I'll sit with her a while, in case she has nightmares. Don't know where that came from, but my gut tells me that she'll be dreaming about finding her mother. What's going on?" Buck didn't answer at first, his eyes remained focused on his sister.
Finally, he told Chris, "Need to talk to Vin for a few minutes. Get a few things straightened out with him. You'll stay with her?" Chris nodded, frowning thoughtfully, and Buck added, "Thanks, Chris. And just so you know ... I do love her. It's just so damn hard to tell her sometimes. I look at her sometimes, and I don't even recognize her as my sister, it's like she's a stranger to me. I don't know how to begin to get to know her again. And I don't want to have to choose between her and JD." Larabee's green eyes hardened.
"No one's asking you to, big fella. Not Adriana, not even JD. The only person who's asking you to do that, is you. I know that you love her, but does she? She needs to hear it, Buck. Not while she's asleep. She needs you to tell her, face to face. Hell, I'm the last one who should be giving you advice, especially where a woman is concerned!" Chris retorted. Well, that was true enough ... Chris couldn't seem to court Mary properly.
Was Chris right, too ... about the only person wanting him to choose between Adriana and JD was himself? Or rather, trying to force himself to make that choice ... was there something wrong with him, that he couldn't look out for both of them? That was just plain stupid. He looked back at Chris and said honestly, "I'll make it up to her. I don't know how yet, but I don't want to lose my little sister." Buck only hoped it wasn't too late.
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Part Thirty-Three
"Permission to barge in, sir?" Colonel Jack O'Neill asked, knocking lightly at the already-open door of his commanding officer. General Hammond looked up from his paperwork and nodded, motioning for him to close the door behind him. Well, that was sort of what Jack had in mind, but he could appreciate the sentiment. He wanted to update the general on the ... covert ... operation of SG-1.
"We're not any closer to finding out who the spy is, sir. However, Carter has gone back through the mission logs, and found something interesting. During the last few months, certain SG teams have reported losing people. On each of those worlds ... Gaines had the codes for those worlds, sir. Among those reported missing in action was one Lieutenant Vanessa Kowalsky," O'Neill explained.
The general's head came up, his eyes reflecting his shock, and Jack answered the question before it could be asked, saying, "Yes, sir. The niece of Major Kowalsky. She was recruited about a year after her uncle's death. In the last few months before her disappearance, her CO made the observation that Kowalsky had become distant, withdrawing into herself. I don't know if that's just a coincidence."
"But that's an awfully big coincidence ... the niece of one of our first casualties, joining the SGC. I remember Lt. Kowalsky had a fine record ... courage under fire, very detail-oriented. That alone saved the lives of her teammates on more than one occasion. Were there any other things that came up during your investigation, Colonel?" the general asked. Jack paced for several moments. Under ordinary circumstances, the SGC would not be investigating one of their own ... but these were hardly ordinary circumstances. And they didn't want Maybourne anywhere near the SGC. Which was why the general had left the investigation to SG-1.
"Yes, sir, there was. Each of those who were missing in action had spent some time as guests of the snake-heads. That alone didn't bother me, until I asked Dr. Frasier to do a check. According to her, shortly before SG-3 broke off, someone got into the medical records of everyone in the base. She's still trying to figure out how it was done, and she's more than a little pissed. It seems pretty clear that Gaines had been planning her coup for a while, but SG-7 didn't do what they were supposed to. Especially Chris," Jack replied.
"Then this vacation I've authorized for them is probably the best thing that could happen to them. It isn't that I distrust any member of SG-7, Jack, you know that. They wouldn't be part of this program if I thought they couldn't be trusted. But I will not just hand Chris Larabee, or any member of his team, over to that woman. I want all of the remaining SG teams on alert in the meantime ... the Marines are on high alert as well," the general answered.
"Sir ... may I suggest a trap?" Jack asked slowly. The general motioned for him to continue, and Jack explained, "We both know that she's coming back for Chris, and to settle the score with anyone else whom she regards as responsible for the failure of her original coup. Why don't we use that against her? Let her think she's won. But we have to be careful. Based on what we've learned, I don't think Gaines will make the same mistake twice."
"The woman is as mad as a hatter, but she's not stupid. Keep going, Colonel, you've got my attention," Hammond said. Jack outlined his plan. Not exactly what could be considered elegant, but Jack was a practical man. He liked his plans simple and direct. He preferred frontal assaults, but there were times when being sneaky had its advantages. Based on what Carter had told him, Jack had an idea to throw off the mercenary team. Or, more to the point, he had an idea to throw off one member of the mercenary team. And by his reckoning, she was a very important member indeed.
"That's risky, Jack. I can agree up to a point. Allowing Gaines to think she has control of the SGC when she's actually being surrounded is one thing. But using psychological warfare can backfire. What if the reminders of her uncle serve to push Lt. Kowalsky over the edge?" Hammond pointed out once the colonel had explained his plan. It was something that both Daniel and Sam had mentioned as well, and thanks to them, Jack had an answer ready.
"Because, sir, she's Charlie's niece, and I watched her grow up. She lived with him after her parents were killed. He was more than her uncle, he was more like a father figure to her. Something I forgot after Charlie was killed. In a way, sir, I let her down. She needed me, and I wasn't there for her. The thing is, General, the girl now helping Gaines ... or allegedly helping Gaines, I'll put it that way ... that's not the real Vanessa," Jack replied.
"You don't want to see anything happen to this girl, do you?" the general asked and Jack shook his head slowly. No. No, he wanted the real Vanessa Kowalsky back. He knew little of psychology, but he knew her. And he believed, with all his heart, that this would break through to the real girl. At the same time, he knew that if he was wrong ... if he was wrong, he would never forgive himself. The general said, "Nor do I. Colonel, we have nothing conclusive, but the information you've given me is compelling. You have a go."
"Thank you, sir. And sir ... I think it's best if the destination of SG-7 isn't well known. If for some reason this doesn't work, and Gaines gets past us ... " O'Neill began, and the general nodded, evidently understanding where the colonel was heading with this. In the last few months, they had all discovered just how diseased the mind of Ella Gaines truly was. They weren't willing to take any risks.
"Orrin and I have already started preparing contingency plans. I've already spoken with Dr. Frasier, and she's buying a laptop for Dr. Wilmington to take with her. Colonel Larabee will be loading her internet software onto the new computer, so she can check her email no matter where they are. Same goes for Captain Travis. I've also spoken with Colonel Larabee ... I assured him that while I have no intention of turning over any member of SG-7 to Colonel Gaines, I will take no chances with the lives of anyone else," the general said.
"In other words, if it comes to that, you'll tell Gaines where they are, and then contact the cabin double-time to make sure they have plenty of warning," Jack observed. The general didn't answer, and Jack understood. They couldn't sacrifice the entire base for the sake of one team. No matter how ... no matter who the members of that team were. It was up to Jack to make sure it wouldn't come to that.
"Chris doesn't want anyone else endangered," the general said simply. Jack nodded. That sounded like Chris to him. It never failed to amaze him ... the man pretended to be this bad-ass bastard ... and yet, as Teal'c had observed on more than one occasion, Larabee had a soft heart. They all did, every last member of SG-7. Major Wilmington, for all his bluster, was the most open about his softer side.
"No one else will be, sir. Daniel is listening to talk among the archaeologists, although right now, most of the talk is about SG-7's last mission. A few of the ladies aren't exactly displeased that Major Wilmington will be helping until they leave," Jack observed dryly. He noticed a half smile cross the face of his general, and added, "Of course, even more of the ladies would be happy if Tanner was in that group."
"Dismissed, Colonel!" Hammond said, trying very hard not to laugh. Jack shrugged, then snapped off a salute. He headed for the door, but was stopped when Hammond added, "And tell the rest of your team to keep up the good work. Keep me apprised." Jack looked over his shoulder and nodded once. He left the general's office, with the established purpose of checking on Sam's progress with the cross-references among the other teams.
However, the sight of Buck Wilmington striding determinedly away from the infirmary changed his mind. The colonel said, "Hold up there, Major, I want a word with you." The major stopped where he stood, but it was fairly obvious he had places he wanted to be. Jack continued, "Wanted to let you know where things stand with Gaines. It's not looking good, Buck."
The irritation quickly gave way to worry, and the major asked softly, "You think she might come back here ... never mind, I didn't ask that. God. What's the plan? We still going away?" Jack nodded, and Buck continued, "Chris ain't gonna like it."
"Chris doesn't have much of a choice in the matter. The general made that clear to him. He wants all of SG-7 off the base and out of the state before Gaines gets here. I like your sister's term for her, 'psycho-bitch.' Not exactly what I expect out of a normally shy gal like Adriana, but it has a nice ring to it. Which reminds me ... how is your sister doing?" Jack asked. The major sighed again, and the last of the annoyance left his face.
"She's sleeping right now ... Chris is with her. I'm on my way to see Vin. I need his help. Not sure if he'll agree, after the way I treated him ... but if he won't do it for me, he'll do it for DeeDee. I wish I understood how that worked," Buck said, shaking his head. It took Jack a minute to figure out that the major meant his younger sister's relationship with the guide/tracker/sharpshooter.
"I don't think it's meant to be figured out, Buck. Just accepted. C'mon. I'll walk with you. You get much harassment from the rest of the base about the stunt you pulled yesterday? Well, no, I suppose you wouldn't. Okay, okay, I'll drop the subject. Tell me about what you're thinking about doing in Montana ... wish I was going with you. I hear there's a gorgeous lake nearby with great fishing," Jack said, walking at the major's side.
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Part Thirty-Four
After a hot shower and a second nap in his own bed, Vin felt a lot closer to being human. He still ached, but not like before. By his reckoning, he had slept for another two hours after leaving the infirmary. The next order of business was food. He was starving. While the base cafeteria wasn't exactly home-cooking, they did have snacks which would hold him until he could get back to the boardinghouse. Maybe even get a real meal there at the boardinghouse. Maybe later. He still had work to do.
First thing, he wanted to check on Adriana. The last time he had a broken leg, he remembered being tired a lot. He honestly wasn't sure if that was because of laying in bed all the time, and not being able to move ... if it was because of the pain, or if there was something else. He just knew how much he had hated being confined to bed. Funny. People always called him a free spirit, and he knew he was. Why did people never consider Drina the same? Couldn't be because she was quiet ... so was he.
After he checked on Adriana, he wanted to talk to Daniel Jackson. While he was a guide and sharpshooter, Vin wanted to make sure that the flight from the excavation site hadn't destroyed whatever the archaeologists brought back. He had heard about the Atlantis theory before they left, but he wanted to find out exactly what that place had been. After he did that, he would track down Chris and find out the latest news, when they would leave again.
He was just putting on his boots when he heard the knock at the door, then Buck called, "Vin, it's me." Vin sat up straight, trying to decide what to do. After a moment, he called a come in, and the door opened. However, it wasn't just Buck at his door, but Colonel O'Neill as well. Vin rose to his feet as the colonel entered his room, Buck only a few steps behind, and took the proffered hand.
"How ya doing, kid? I heard you spent the last twenty-four hours in the infirmary. That's not like you, Tanner, I though you were the one member of SG-7 I could count on to stay out of the infirmary," Jack teased. Vin just shook his head, and Jack continued more seriously, "Listen, I didn't get to say this earlier ... or if I did, you were still too shaky to hear me. But thanks. I owe you big time."
"Naw, ya don't. Daniel's m' friend, too," the Texan answered and Jack just looked at him for several moments. Made more than a little uneasy by the steady gaze, Vin asked, trying to lighten the mood, "What, ya still tryin' to figger out where ya seen me 'fore? Keep tellin' ya, Colonel, we ain't never met 'fore I showed up here." The teasing worked. O'Neill grinned at the guide and reached out to ruffle Vin's hair.
"Aww, I forgot, you don't like that ... hey, I can't do that to Daniel any more, his hair is too short!" the colonel teased. Vin just glowered at him, and the colonel laughed again. He slapped the side of Vin's shoulder and said, "I'll leave it to Buck, to explain what's gonna happen next, because I don't think anyone has had a chance to tell you about your upcoming vacation. Take it easy, kid. Buck." The colonel and the major exchanged a nod, then O'Neill left Vin's quarters. Now it was just Vin and Buck, and while he would have never said he was afraid of the big man, Vin was wary of him.
There was a long, uncomfortable silence as Vin finished getting organized. He looked at the fringes of his brown suede jacket as they brushed over his fingers. How long had he had this jacket? Vin couldn't remember, just that it felt comfortable and right, like his silences with Chris. Not like the current silence, which was broken as Buck asked quietly, "Are you all right?" Vin shrugged and reached for his jacket. He wasn't really angry with Buck. He just didn't have anything to say at the moment.
"On m' way to get somethin' to eat, Buck, so if ya wanna talk ... " Vin replied, indicating the door with a nod of his head. Buck fell into step beside him, and Vin asked, "So what d'ya wanna talk 'bout?" The big man was silent for a long time, but Vin didn't really care. He was a patient man ... usually ... and he actually had a pretty good idea what Buck wanted to talk to him about. But he would let the other man talk on his terms.
"I wanted to apologize. I shoulda never thought you'd do anything to hurt JD," Buck replied at last. Vin bobbed his head in acknowledgment of the apology, saying nothing, and Buck continued, "My comm-piece was fried. I didn't ... I saw JD go down, and I saw you run back toward the excavation site. That was all I knew. I didn't think, I just ... reacted. And I was so mad at JD for leaving his post. If he'd stayed put ... I shouldn't have taken it out on you. I know you would never hurt that boy."
Vin accepted the apology with a nod and kept walking. Buck went on, "But that's not the only reason I want to talk to you. I want to ask you ... would you mind ... well ... spending time with JD while we're on vacation? I need to spend some time with my sister, and ... right now, I think it would be a real good idea to keep her and JD apart. I don't imagine she has much use for him at the moment."
"What vacation? This is the second time I heard about this vacation, and ain't nobody's told me what the hell is going on yet. Reckon ya'd be right 'bout Drina not havin' much use for JD right now, though she ain't said nothin' to me," Vin said, finally stopping and turning to face the major. Buck nodded and Vin continued, "An' while I'm thinkin' 'bout it, what do ya know 'bout what them archaeologists found 'fore we left?"
"The general is sending us on an enforced vacation ... they have information, Vin, that makes them think Ella Gaines plans on coming back to the SGC. It don't make sense to me, but I ain't got a clue how that woman thinks. But the general doesn't want us in the line of fire ... so he's sending us all on a vacation, including DeeDee and Captain Travis, along with Billy. We'll be leaving as soon as Doc Frasier gives the general the green light for DeeDee. We're goin' to Montana," Buck replied.
Vin's first instinct was to disobey the general's order and stay to face that bitch, after what she had done to Chris and his family, after what she had done to his family. His common sense asserted itself almost immediately, however, and he realized this was the wisest course of action. For all his words, Chris was still vulnerable to the woman, and she had demonstrated she was willing to kill anyone who got in the way. He and the rest of SG-7 could take care of themselves, but he knew both Mary and Drina ... and neither woman would just back down from Gaines.
Which brought up another point. He asked slowly, "And what about the SGC? The general can't be sacrificin' the entire base for one team. They got a plan for that?" Buck nodded, even though the other man's eyes told Vin that he wasn't sure what that plan was. However, Vin wouldn't push. It was entirely likely that the general and O'Neill had a plan, but they hadn't shared it with Bucklin. That made sense. Vin continued, "Don't like it, but I ain't 'bout to leave them ladies by themselves. That would be askin' for trouble."
"Mary and my sister ... in cahoots. That's enough to give anyone the willies," Buck said with a shudder. Vin laughed, and the rift began to heal. He wasn't actually angry with Buck, he just hadn't known if he could trust that the major was calmer and willing to be rational. The major continued after a moment, "You asked about the archaeologists. According to what I've been hearing, some of the translation has been completed. It was a bus station, for heaven's sake." There was more than a hint of exasperation in Buck's voice, and Vin smirked.
"Aw hell, Buck, ain't ya never watched people at a bus station? Drina and me, we used ta go to one of the bus stations, and just watch the people. Now, I know ya don't mean it was a real bus station ... likely it was kinda like Ellis Island, a stoppin' place for movin' people from one place to another?" Vin asked. Buck stared at him suspiciously, and the guide raised his hands, saying, "Hey, nobody told me nothin,' just my guess."
"A damn good guess ... yeah, that's what they think it was. The current theory is that the planet was a rest area, for lack of a better word, for the Gou'ald. They kept their new slaves, the refugees from Atlantis, in that structure until they were ready to transport them to another planet. The archaeologists want to do some more work, and Dr. Lincoln is still doing her translations. But that's the way it's looking now," Buck replied.
Vin nodded his understanding and Buck continued a bit hesitantly, "Listen ... you won't mind spending time with JD? I really do want to ... I don't want to lose my little sister. And I had a long talk with Josiah earlier ... I still think JD needs me more, but I've been a bastard to her ever since she got here. I think I need to spend some time with her, before she really starts believing that I don't love her."
Vin nodded, and Buck continued with a sigh, "Thanks ... I appreciate it. And I am sorry, Vin. I ... you know me when my brain disengages." Vin paused, then nodded his agreement with an impish grin. Buck growled, his dark blue eyes twinkling, "Smart-ass ... go get something to eat, boy, before you waste away to nothing." It was Vin's turn to glare ... that was startin' to get really old!
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Part Thirty-Five
The stage was set. The players were in place. Ella Gaines smiled with delight at the metaphor. She had always loved the theatre, loved drama. And now, she was the director of her own drama. Her gaze swept over her new captives. SG ... whatever. She didn't know. Didn't care. They were just her ticket off this planet. Her ticket back to the SGC, back to Chris. The commander hadn't given in yet, but he would.
She just had to find his weak spot. Two of her mercenaries had taken the youngest member of the team into the forest. The youngest, the most vulnerable ... the usual weak spot of the SG teams. Except ... only seconds after the three disappeared into the tree line, there was an explosion of sound. At Ella's order, Lt. Kowalsky had gone into the forest to investigate ... and returned to report the deaths of all three.
From what the still-shaken lieutenant could tell, the captive had overpowered her two guards, before turning the gun on herself. She had died only seconds after Kowalsky reached her side, which meant her aim wasn't that great. It didn't have to be, really ... Ella's two mercenaries were both dead. They could do nothing to her, and she would soon be dead anyhow. She had whispered, "I will not be used." The girl's sacrifice had rattled each of the mercenaries, but Ella wasn't that worried about them, not yet at least. By the time any of them got up the gumption to do something, it would be too late.
However, that still left her with a problem ... what to use against the commander. He wasn't married, so she couldn't threaten his family. He had no gambling debts, no secrets that she had been able to find. His team was his only weakness, and if the others were anything like that stupid girl, they would all sacrifice themselves before they allowed themselves to be used against the commander. Which left Ella with something of a quandary.
There was the possibility of seducing him, of course, although Ella despised the idea of using her body like that. Her body was a temple, for only Chris Larabee to worship, and using her body in such a way seemed ... blasphemous. No, there was another way. She just had to keep thinking. Lt. Kowalsky entered the tent ... in the last week, she had stopped knocking when she entered and just came in. Ella didn't care ... the girl was too valuable to kill right now.
"I buried the captive and the other two, ma'am. They ... I think they both died instantly," Lt. Kowalsky said. Ella looked at the young woman. Something was troubling her. Lt. Kowalsky continued, "I gotta tell ya, ma'am, and I know you won't like it. But I don't like this. That those two apes were gonna take that girl into the woods and ... and hurt her. I don't like that they would have done it, and I don't like that they would have enjoyed it."
Ella was not displeased with her new second in command. She said quietly, "You would have simply killed her, and been done with it. I can respect that. Your way is more direct. You would have simply killed her in front of her commander. You believe in getting the job done, Lieutenant, not in causing pain. But what is harder to watch ... just seeing someone die in front of you? Or knowing that someone under your command is being tortured, and there is nothing you can do about it?
"It wasn't personal, what they were going to do. I'm not entirely sure that it would have been necessary for them to do anything. But you must understand something, Lt. Kowalsky, that girl was in the way. She had to be removed. They all must be removed. Each time we kill one of General Hammond's, we take a strike at him. And that's what we want ... we want him to suffer as we have. As your uncle did."
The eyes which Vanessa Kowalsky raised to Ella were strangely haunted as the girl replied, "Oh, it was personal. You don't get much more personal than that. That's why I didn't give 'em a proper burial. They don't deserve it. You didn't hear the jokes they were cracking last night, about what they wanted to do to that girl. I did. That girl didn't deserve what they had planned for her. No one does. And Uncle Charlie always said that someone who does that to another person doesn't deserve to be called human."
The girl was trembling now, and she said, "Now, I understand that the girl had to die. But she didn't deserve to suffer, like they planned. You can do what you want to me, but I don't regret leaving their bodies for the animals of the planet to feast on." Ella just stared at Vanessa in shock. This young mercenary of hers had a heart. And it had been deeply wounded. Perhaps as deeply as Ella's girl-self had been? She didn't know. She didn't think that Vanessa's uncle had been the one who caused the pain, not with the great love she held for him. Not quite knowing what else to do, Ella put her hand over the girl's.
She started to say something, but the words didn't come. Fifteen years ago, she had met Chris Larabee. This girl was very young, though not quite young enough to be her daughter. Ella wished she was. Wished that she was her child, so Ella could have protected her from the hell which Ella herself had endured. Whatever had happened to her. True, she understood that in a corner of her mind. But ... as she stared at Vanessa now, the strongest part of Ella's mind began to twist reality for her once more.
Vanessa Kowalsky came to be, in that moment, the daughter which Ella had wanted ... the child who should have been born to herself and Chris. Ella reached out and cupped both sides of the girl's face, whispering, "I am so sorry you were hurt. But I won't let anyone hurt you ever again. Do you understand me, Vanessa? No one will ever hurt you again." The girl blinked back tears and nodded slowly. Ella drew the head to rest against her shoulder, holding her fiercely.
It had taken a very short time, but Ella's mind had rewritten the past. Chris needed to be reunited with his daughter, and Vanessa needed her father. So much. She didn't doubt that Charlie had tried to take care of Ella's daughter, but he wasn't her father. He couldn't protect her the way Chris could have, couldn't have loved her as much as Ella did. In that moment, any thoughts of killing Vanessa Kowalsky disappeared. She couldn't kill her own child, she couldn't kill the fruit of her love for Chris Larabee.
After a few moments, Ella pulled back and Vanessa said weakly, "I wanted to ask your permission. I know that Sgt. Wilkins had a journal. I was thinking she might have their code to the DHD, and get us back to the SGC. The way I figure it, we'll have more leeway ... uhm, I mean, better bargaining power with more captives." Ella frowned thoughtfully, thinking over her daughter's words.
After a moment, she said slowly, "That's an excellent idea, Vanessa. Go through her journal, see what you can find out. You may need to decode it, but I have faith in you. We're almost ready ... you have until the end of the week. Do you think you can do it in that time?" Vanessa nodded, the tears drying on her face as she had something to focus on. Ella brushed the wetness away from her daughter's cheeks, then shooed the girl from the tent.
The solution had presented itself. She hadn't needed to seduce the commander to get the code, she hadn't found it necessary to betray Chris. Ella felt a fresh rush of love for her daughter. Vanessa had saved her ... had saved her from having to betray the girl's father. And now, Ella wasn't just doing this to reclaim her husband ... she was doing this for her daughter. She didn't know what had happened to Vanessa, after she had been taken from her, but someone had hurt her little girl. Ella hoped that whoever had hurt her baby was dead ... because if they weren't, she would kill them herself.
Ella lightly lifted the flap of the tent, gazing out at her forces. Watching all of them, any of them, for any sign of trying to hurt her little girl. Vanessa had been taken from her, and Ella had been unable to take care of her daughter once. She would not allow that to happen a second time. If any of the other mercenaries even gave a hint of trying to hurt her child, she would kill them. Slowly, and painfully. Ella had learned a few things about pain in recent months.
However, the men seemed to treat Vanessa with respect, and Ella settled back down. She picked up her journal and began to write, recording the 'memory' of giving birth to her daughter, and realizing that daughter was none other than her new second in command. She explained how happy she was to have found her child, and how she had to find Chris now ... it was long past time for them to finally be a family.
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