Fic - Family Matters (originally Family)
Title: Family Matters (originally Family)
Summary: Changes happen, boundaries are pushed, and a family learns not all things are certain, while some things definitely are.
Rating: PG-13
Spoilers/Warnings: Prometheus Unbound, 100 Days, Avalon P.1 for specific events. This is an AU fic starting from the end of season eight, but I have every intention of tying as much canon into the story that is possible, so the whole of seasons 9 and 10 are fair game. Ships included Daniel/Vala and Cam/Carolyn, with later additions of original characters.
A/N: This fanfiction was orginally the very first one I posted online back in April 2005. It reached a whopping EIGHT chapters than effectively sputtered out of existance to my brabbits. I found it especially harder to touch after I began to write DV last year. But I knew I had people waiting to see the story continued and even possibly completed, and the only way THAT was ever gonna happen was if I put Vala into the story (she wasn't in the original idea). I originally toyed with the idea of just adding her into what I already had, but after going back and reading the chapters already written, i realized i couldn't do that. The stuff I'd originally written just wasn't up to par to my writing now... the plot was just not thought out thoroughly and everything happened to conveniently and easily. I don't like that, so after much decisioning (yes, it's a word - i just made it one!), I decided to just REWRITE the whole story. This way, I can incorporate things from season 9 and 10 into this AU after s.8 story, like Vala, Cam, and Carolyn, but also hold onto the key storyline from the original idea. And I can add more meat to the whole story as well as improve the bad writing mistakes and whatsuch. Of course this means the story will be LONGER then first imagined, but is that really a bad this.
If you wish to see the originally first posted beginning chapters for this story, go HERE. The storyline is straight GEN (with the exception for the Sam/Pete relationship), and if you DO read it, I apologize now for the crappiness of the story. Remember, it WAS my first attempt at fanfic.
Additional Note: The first chapter here is the only one not changed or redone, since it was short enough to not have many icky beginner's errors in it.
Chapter 1
Sam quickly made her way down the halls of the SGC. Her home. She had spent eight years here. She had seen so much happen in these halls. And now, she was throwing it all to the wind.
Making sure her final stop was deserted, Sam quietly stepped into the darkened office. Carefully walking to the desk, she switched on the lamp. The clutter on top made her smile. But as quick as it came, it was gone.
'Now is not a good time to waste, Sam. Just do it, and go!'
She made her way around to the other end, and gently laid down the envelope she had been holding, as well as three beautiful roses - one white, one red, one yellow.
Coming back around the desk, she stopped to take one last glance at the room. There were medals and awards adorning the walls. But, there were also signs of her family, as well as the one before Jack joined the program. Her gaze settled on one picture in particular. It was the four of them laughing at last year's Christmas party. She smiled.
Wow, what a family we...NO! Come on Sam, you made your choice! Now, lets go! She cursed herself for letting her mind wander.
Flicking off the light, Sam quietly exited the room, and hastily made her way to the surface. There, Pete was waiting for her. As she climbed in, she gave one last look to her home. Her ex-home. The car sped off.
And now onto Ch.2, where the entire rewrite starts!
Chapter 2
Jack looked at his watch again, tapping it dramatically as he was often known to do.
Leaning in the doorway to Daniel’s office, he added another five minutes to the tally he was keeping in his head. In total, he was up to twenty-five. Twenty-five whole minutes after the allotted time the good Dr. Jackson had promised to show up by.
Not that Jack was worried. He had known when he’d spoken to his wayward archaeologist on the phone the hour before that he wouldn’t make it in time. It was evident in the drowsy, crabby voice that had greeted him upon the pickup. Daniel had yet to get his morning coffee.
This meant Daniel would’ve had to stop at Starbucks on the way into work. Which also meant Jack had earned himself an easy fifty bucks.
Just as he was about to check his watch another time, the sound of hurried footsteps drifted up the hallway in his direction. Jack relaxed a little more into the doorframe and held his watch up before his face just as the blur that was Daniel Jackson blew around the corner
“Shut up…” The blur grumbled as it brushed past Jack into the office.
“Eight-thirty, you said?” Jack questioned, his tone as innocent as could be.
Daniel dropped the armful of books he was carrying onto his workbench, not even looking back at his older friend. “I said ‘shut up…’”
Stepping into the room completely, Jack titled his head and continued to gaze at his watch. “See, I was sure you said eight-thirty. Now my watch tells me it’s…zero eight fifty. And since you practically swore on your life that you’d be here at that time, my watch must be wrong.”
Now standing by his desk, Daniel gently placed his Starbucks coffee cup on the top of it. He then rested his palms on the top as well, and finally threw an indignant glare to Jack. “Do you even understand the concept of shut up?”
“Come now, Daniel…” Jack shoved his hands in his pockets and meandered his way over. “You know me better than that.”
“Unfortunately.” The younger man added with a roll of his eyes, still leaning on his palms. His blue eyes stared down the amused brown for a few minutes. Then, with a sigh, Daniel dropped his gaze to the desk and shook his head. “You’re not gonna leave me alone until I pay you…”
Jack rocked on his heels. “Nope.”
Throwing himself into his chair, Daniel began fishing in his front pocket. All the while he glared up into the smug, smiling face of his friend. “It shouldn’t count that I had to get coffee.”
The older man shook his head. “You could’ve easily gotten coffee here.”
“I said coffee…” Daniel griped as he tossed two twenties and a ten on the end of the desk near Jack, leaning back in his chair. “Not sludge.”
Jack, without an ounce of subtly, swiped up the discarded bills. “I can’t help you if your coffee snootiness-“
“Snootiness?” Daniel mimicked with an amused eyebrow raise.
Counting the bills dramatically, Jack continued like he hadn’t been interrupted. “Costs you the big bucks.”
Daniel seemed to consider Jack’s words for a minute, nodding his head thoughtfully. He then straightened in the chair, and began to rummage through his books. “It wouldn’t cost me the ‘big bucks’,” He quoted with his fingers, then went back to rummaging. “If you got a Starbucks on base.”
“Oh yes…” Jack sat down on the corner of the desk. He put his winnings in the front pocket of his BDU shirt. “I’m sure the U.S. Government would approve of the world’s largest coffee chain learning about this planet’s most top secret…” He frowned. “Secret.”
With a smirk, Daniel looked up at him. “It has a nice ring to it - SGC and Starbucks, saving the world one coffee at a time.”
Jack laughed a little at this. “I think I need to get Mackenzie to give you a work up…” He pushed himself off the desk and shook his head at Daniel. “Because I think you’re beyond delusional.”
Daniel leaned back in his chair again, folding his hands over his stomach. “And all he would do is issue another certified letter declaring my insanity, which you in turn would rip up and disregard…” He directed a smug smile in Jack’s direction.
“Actually, it would be shredded…” Jack interjected.
Just like the older man had done before, Daniel continued like Jack had never spoken. “So what would be the point of putting Mackenzie through a pointless work up?”
Jack shrugged, gazing at the latest collection of artifacts Daniel had yet to catalogue. “Other than the fact that I wouldn’t mind proof that you are legally insane…” He cast a quick glance at the archaeologist. The younger man was watching him knowingly. “I know how much fun you have messin’ with that man.”
“He is an easy mark…” Daniel sighed thoughtfully. “And you already have proof that I’m legally insane.” He added as he sat forward again, sipping from his coffee before cracking open his notebook.
“Yes, well…” Jack watched Daniel begin to hunker down for prime researching. “The proof is in the pudding.”
Daniel nodded. “Nine years of pudding.”
The trailing off of the archaeologist’s voice signaled to Jack that Daniel was already losing himself in his notes and books. So the older man cleared his throat and called out to his friend.
“Hmmm?” Came the usual distracted reply.
Jack sauntered back over to the desk and moved to close the book Daniel was looking at with one finger. “Planning on working in your civvies all day?”
Daniel looked down at his attire - jeans and a blue screened tee, then back at his notes. “Well, technically, I am a civilian.” He batted Jack’s finger away and opened the book back up.
“Only by title.” Jack once again pushed the book closed. It earned him a squinted blue eyed glare. He nodded to indicate the whole of Daniel Jackson. “Go change.”
Pushing his lips out in a pout, Daniel flopped back in his chair. “Why?” He whined petulantly.
“Because I’m ‘the man’ and I’m ordering you to.” Jack smiled back, taking Daniel’s hand and pulling him to a standing position without much resistance.
“I don’t think I approve of your promotion anymore.” Daniel grumbled as Jack ushered him out of his own office.
Closing the door behind him, Jack grinned. “It only took a year too.”
-----
“I don’t get why I’m expected to wear BDUS…” Daniel was still complaining as he emerged from the locker room. He pulled on his BDU shirt, glaring at Jack. “When none of the other scientists or civilians have to.”
Patting Daniel on the back, Jack shrugged. “Because you aren’t just another scientist or civilian.”
Daniel snorted out a laugh. “Yeah, I’m your pseudo-soldier who plays with rocks.”
“Exactly.”
The two started for the elevators, Daniel still fiddling with his clothes.
“Why are you complaining anyway? You’ve always been in uniform.” Jack wondered.
Daniel nodded. “See, but every once in a while I’d like to feel like the archaeologist I’m still pretending to be…”
Jack swiped his card as they reached the elevator. It took only a few seconds for the car to arrive and the doors to open. “And you can pretend just fine in our standard base attire, just like you always have.”
They stepped into the elevator, and Jack hit the button for level 27.
“Have I called you an ass yet today?” The younger man said conversationally, his hands finding their way to his pockets.
Jack pretended to consider the answer for a second. Then he looked at Daniel. “Nope.”
Nodding, Daniel looked at the car doors. “Well then…” Just as they opened, he said in a loud voice. “You’re an ass!”
Several young soldiers looked up, surprised by the sudden announcement. They stared wide-eyed at Daniel and Jack as the two stepped out of the elevator. The sight of the General had them standing at attention instantly.
“Now Daniel…” Jack sighed, and then nodded to the men to stand down. He looked back at Daniel. “It’s not nice to insult your C.O.” He moved down the hall with Daniel staying in step with him. The soldiers still stared with wide-eyed surprise at the pair as Daniel continued.
“Well, if my C.O. was doing something more important than…” He swept a hand up and down the length of his body. “Wardrobe patrol, I might show a little more respect.”
They continued down the corridor in the direction of Jack’s office. Along the way, they earned amused smiles and hellos from those use to their banter, and bewildering looks from those assuming their conversation was more hostile than would normally be expected. Eventually, they reached Jack’s office.
The General hesitated outside the door. Daniel gave him a curious glance.
“What?”
“Oh, it’s just that every time I seem to set foot in there, Walter appears and gives me work to do.”
Daniel nodded. “Yes, I can see how that could be a problem for you.” He shrugged and shook his head. “It’s not like you’re the leader of this base or anything important like that.”
Jack glared at the sarcastic smile on his friend’s face. “Don’t you have work to do?”
“Don’t you?” The archaeologist challenged with a straight face.
Brown eyes rolled, and then Jack took the inevitable step into his office. Daniel, as expected, followed him in and flopped down into one of the chairs in front of the desk. Jack held out is hand in a sarcastic gesture.
“Oh, do sit down.” His tone was equally sarcastic.
Daniel adopted a look of mild indignation. “I’m not a dog.”
Taking his own seat in the ‘big chair’, Jack laughed. “It’s hard to tell when you…” He braced himself against the edge of the desk and leaned in. “Follow me around like a damn puppy!”
“Yes, well…” Daniel straightened in his chair and leaned forward himself. “I take after the good watchdog that guards my office.” He patted Jack’s head for effect.
“I could so court-martial you for that!” Jack squinted.
Daniel fell back against the chair. “You could, if I was in the military.”
Also relaxing back into his seat, Jack began to glare down at the mountains of paperwork littering his desk. It was obvious Walter had already been by, since there was more added to the mess than there had been the night before.
“Technicalities.” He finally mumbled in response to Daniel’s statement. “You know, I think I agree with what you said…”
“Which thing?” Daniel asked, his head tilting in curious, smug, and oh-so-false wonder.
Jack leaned forward and started rifling through the papers. A splash of red caught his eye from beneath an endless mound of white. “I don’t think I approve of my promotion anymore either…” He moved the pile of papers aside. Three individual roses, concealing an envelope beneath it, appeared.
“It only took a year too…” Daniel said absently, leaning forward to see what Jack was staring at. “What is that?” He asked, curiosity piqued as he pushed himself up from the chair and walked around to Jack’s side.
Jack picked up one of the roses, looked at it, then Daniel. “Roses and an envelope of some kind…” He stated the obvious, handing the flower off to his friend as the younger man leaned one hand on the corner of the desk.
“Did you get a secret admirer that I don’t know about?” Daniel asked, looking at the rose in his hand before reaching out for another one. Each of them was a separate color.
The older man shook his head as he picked up the envelope. “I know I’m Grade A guy material, but…” Jack frowned as he looked at the flowing handwriting on the front of the envelope. It read ‘To My Boys…’
Daniel also frowned while looking at it. “That’s Sam’s handwriting.”
“It is.” Jack agreed, handing the envelope to Daniel. The archaeologist stood up and stared at it for a moment. Just as he moved to turn it over and open it, the klaxons out in the hall started blaring. It was immediately followed the by Walter’s ‘Unauthorized Incoming Wormhole’.
With a groan to signal bad timing, Jack pushed himself up. “I’ll be back.”
Daniel stepped back, nodding as Jack brushed past him. “Yeah…” He murmured, returning the gaze to the envelope. He was staring at the familiar handwriting again. Daniel didn’t know why, but an uncomfortable feeling crept over him just from holding it.
It was the familiar feeling that things were about to change, and the letter in his hands was the catalyst. Turning it over once more, he slowly pulled the unsealed cover open and removed the letter.
Setting the envelope on the corner of Jack’s desk, Daniel carefully opened the single sheet of folded paper. The same feminine script danced across the page.
He’d just read the top line, saying simply ‘Hey Guys…’, when Jack’s voice reached him from the bottom of the stairs that connected the briefing room to the control room.
“Daniel, get down here - now!”
“Coming!” Daniel shouted over his shoulder, never taking his eyes off the letter. He wanted so badly to read it, but the tone of Jack’s voice sounded almost unsure. An even more uncomfortable feeling came with the knowledge that Jack wasn’t sure what to do.
Deciding Jack’s need was more important than his own, Daniel dropped the letter on top of the envelope and stepped out of the office. He made his way across the briefing room to the stairs. His footsteps made the familiar clanging noise as he went down the stairwell.
“Yeah, what’s up?” He questioned as he stepped into the much darker control room.
Jack, with his arms crossed over his chest, indicated with a tilt of his head to the computer screen Walter was seated at. Daniel blinked and frowned, slowly making his way over to the console.
“What?” He asked.
Suddenly, an achingly familiar voice came over the speakers. “Daniel?” It questioned in its rich, exotic accent.
Daniel’s eyes widened upon hearing it.
“Vala?”
Comments and feedback are always appreciated!
Summary: Changes happen, boundaries are pushed, and a family learns not all things are certain, while some things definitely are.
Rating: PG-13
Spoilers/Warnings: Prometheus Unbound, 100 Days, Avalon P.1 for specific events. This is an AU fic starting from the end of season eight, but I have every intention of tying as much canon into the story that is possible, so the whole of seasons 9 and 10 are fair game. Ships included Daniel/Vala and Cam/Carolyn, with later additions of original characters.
A/N: This fanfiction was orginally the very first one I posted online back in April 2005. It reached a whopping EIGHT chapters than effectively sputtered out of existance to my brabbits. I found it especially harder to touch after I began to write DV last year. But I knew I had people waiting to see the story continued and even possibly completed, and the only way THAT was ever gonna happen was if I put Vala into the story (she wasn't in the original idea). I originally toyed with the idea of just adding her into what I already had, but after going back and reading the chapters already written, i realized i couldn't do that. The stuff I'd originally written just wasn't up to par to my writing now... the plot was just not thought out thoroughly and everything happened to conveniently and easily. I don't like that, so after much decisioning (yes, it's a word - i just made it one!), I decided to just REWRITE the whole story. This way, I can incorporate things from season 9 and 10 into this AU after s.8 story, like Vala, Cam, and Carolyn, but also hold onto the key storyline from the original idea. And I can add more meat to the whole story as well as improve the bad writing mistakes and whatsuch. Of course this means the story will be LONGER then first imagined, but is that really a bad this.
If you wish to see the originally first posted beginning chapters for this story, go HERE. The storyline is straight GEN (with the exception for the Sam/Pete relationship), and if you DO read it, I apologize now for the crappiness of the story. Remember, it WAS my first attempt at fanfic.
Additional Note: The first chapter here is the only one not changed or redone, since it was short enough to not have many icky beginner's errors in it.
Chapter 1
Sam quickly made her way down the halls of the SGC. Her home. She had spent eight years here. She had seen so much happen in these halls. And now, she was throwing it all to the wind.
Making sure her final stop was deserted, Sam quietly stepped into the darkened office. Carefully walking to the desk, she switched on the lamp. The clutter on top made her smile. But as quick as it came, it was gone.
'Now is not a good time to waste, Sam. Just do it, and go!'
She made her way around to the other end, and gently laid down the envelope she had been holding, as well as three beautiful roses - one white, one red, one yellow.
Coming back around the desk, she stopped to take one last glance at the room. There were medals and awards adorning the walls. But, there were also signs of her family, as well as the one before Jack joined the program. Her gaze settled on one picture in particular. It was the four of them laughing at last year's Christmas party. She smiled.
Wow, what a family we...NO! Come on Sam, you made your choice! Now, lets go! She cursed herself for letting her mind wander.
Flicking off the light, Sam quietly exited the room, and hastily made her way to the surface. There, Pete was waiting for her. As she climbed in, she gave one last look to her home. Her ex-home. The car sped off.
And now onto Ch.2, where the entire rewrite starts!
Chapter 2
Jack looked at his watch again, tapping it dramatically as he was often known to do.
Leaning in the doorway to Daniel’s office, he added another five minutes to the tally he was keeping in his head. In total, he was up to twenty-five. Twenty-five whole minutes after the allotted time the good Dr. Jackson had promised to show up by.
Not that Jack was worried. He had known when he’d spoken to his wayward archaeologist on the phone the hour before that he wouldn’t make it in time. It was evident in the drowsy, crabby voice that had greeted him upon the pickup. Daniel had yet to get his morning coffee.
This meant Daniel would’ve had to stop at Starbucks on the way into work. Which also meant Jack had earned himself an easy fifty bucks.
Just as he was about to check his watch another time, the sound of hurried footsteps drifted up the hallway in his direction. Jack relaxed a little more into the doorframe and held his watch up before his face just as the blur that was Daniel Jackson blew around the corner
“Shut up…” The blur grumbled as it brushed past Jack into the office.
“Eight-thirty, you said?” Jack questioned, his tone as innocent as could be.
Daniel dropped the armful of books he was carrying onto his workbench, not even looking back at his older friend. “I said ‘shut up…’”
Stepping into the room completely, Jack titled his head and continued to gaze at his watch. “See, I was sure you said eight-thirty. Now my watch tells me it’s…zero eight fifty. And since you practically swore on your life that you’d be here at that time, my watch must be wrong.”
Now standing by his desk, Daniel gently placed his Starbucks coffee cup on the top of it. He then rested his palms on the top as well, and finally threw an indignant glare to Jack. “Do you even understand the concept of shut up?”
“Come now, Daniel…” Jack shoved his hands in his pockets and meandered his way over. “You know me better than that.”
“Unfortunately.” The younger man added with a roll of his eyes, still leaning on his palms. His blue eyes stared down the amused brown for a few minutes. Then, with a sigh, Daniel dropped his gaze to the desk and shook his head. “You’re not gonna leave me alone until I pay you…”
Jack rocked on his heels. “Nope.”
Throwing himself into his chair, Daniel began fishing in his front pocket. All the while he glared up into the smug, smiling face of his friend. “It shouldn’t count that I had to get coffee.”
The older man shook his head. “You could’ve easily gotten coffee here.”
“I said coffee…” Daniel griped as he tossed two twenties and a ten on the end of the desk near Jack, leaning back in his chair. “Not sludge.”
Jack, without an ounce of subtly, swiped up the discarded bills. “I can’t help you if your coffee snootiness-“
“Snootiness?” Daniel mimicked with an amused eyebrow raise.
Counting the bills dramatically, Jack continued like he hadn’t been interrupted. “Costs you the big bucks.”
Daniel seemed to consider Jack’s words for a minute, nodding his head thoughtfully. He then straightened in the chair, and began to rummage through his books. “It wouldn’t cost me the ‘big bucks’,” He quoted with his fingers, then went back to rummaging. “If you got a Starbucks on base.”
“Oh yes…” Jack sat down on the corner of the desk. He put his winnings in the front pocket of his BDU shirt. “I’m sure the U.S. Government would approve of the world’s largest coffee chain learning about this planet’s most top secret…” He frowned. “Secret.”
With a smirk, Daniel looked up at him. “It has a nice ring to it - SGC and Starbucks, saving the world one coffee at a time.”
Jack laughed a little at this. “I think I need to get Mackenzie to give you a work up…” He pushed himself off the desk and shook his head at Daniel. “Because I think you’re beyond delusional.”
Daniel leaned back in his chair again, folding his hands over his stomach. “And all he would do is issue another certified letter declaring my insanity, which you in turn would rip up and disregard…” He directed a smug smile in Jack’s direction.
“Actually, it would be shredded…” Jack interjected.
Just like the older man had done before, Daniel continued like Jack had never spoken. “So what would be the point of putting Mackenzie through a pointless work up?”
Jack shrugged, gazing at the latest collection of artifacts Daniel had yet to catalogue. “Other than the fact that I wouldn’t mind proof that you are legally insane…” He cast a quick glance at the archaeologist. The younger man was watching him knowingly. “I know how much fun you have messin’ with that man.”
“He is an easy mark…” Daniel sighed thoughtfully. “And you already have proof that I’m legally insane.” He added as he sat forward again, sipping from his coffee before cracking open his notebook.
“Yes, well…” Jack watched Daniel begin to hunker down for prime researching. “The proof is in the pudding.”
Daniel nodded. “Nine years of pudding.”
The trailing off of the archaeologist’s voice signaled to Jack that Daniel was already losing himself in his notes and books. So the older man cleared his throat and called out to his friend.
“Hmmm?” Came the usual distracted reply.
Jack sauntered back over to the desk and moved to close the book Daniel was looking at with one finger. “Planning on working in your civvies all day?”
Daniel looked down at his attire - jeans and a blue screened tee, then back at his notes. “Well, technically, I am a civilian.” He batted Jack’s finger away and opened the book back up.
“Only by title.” Jack once again pushed the book closed. It earned him a squinted blue eyed glare. He nodded to indicate the whole of Daniel Jackson. “Go change.”
Pushing his lips out in a pout, Daniel flopped back in his chair. “Why?” He whined petulantly.
“Because I’m ‘the man’ and I’m ordering you to.” Jack smiled back, taking Daniel’s hand and pulling him to a standing position without much resistance.
“I don’t think I approve of your promotion anymore.” Daniel grumbled as Jack ushered him out of his own office.
Closing the door behind him, Jack grinned. “It only took a year too.”
-----
“I don’t get why I’m expected to wear BDUS…” Daniel was still complaining as he emerged from the locker room. He pulled on his BDU shirt, glaring at Jack. “When none of the other scientists or civilians have to.”
Patting Daniel on the back, Jack shrugged. “Because you aren’t just another scientist or civilian.”
Daniel snorted out a laugh. “Yeah, I’m your pseudo-soldier who plays with rocks.”
“Exactly.”
The two started for the elevators, Daniel still fiddling with his clothes.
“Why are you complaining anyway? You’ve always been in uniform.” Jack wondered.
Daniel nodded. “See, but every once in a while I’d like to feel like the archaeologist I’m still pretending to be…”
Jack swiped his card as they reached the elevator. It took only a few seconds for the car to arrive and the doors to open. “And you can pretend just fine in our standard base attire, just like you always have.”
They stepped into the elevator, and Jack hit the button for level 27.
“Have I called you an ass yet today?” The younger man said conversationally, his hands finding their way to his pockets.
Jack pretended to consider the answer for a second. Then he looked at Daniel. “Nope.”
Nodding, Daniel looked at the car doors. “Well then…” Just as they opened, he said in a loud voice. “You’re an ass!”
Several young soldiers looked up, surprised by the sudden announcement. They stared wide-eyed at Daniel and Jack as the two stepped out of the elevator. The sight of the General had them standing at attention instantly.
“Now Daniel…” Jack sighed, and then nodded to the men to stand down. He looked back at Daniel. “It’s not nice to insult your C.O.” He moved down the hall with Daniel staying in step with him. The soldiers still stared with wide-eyed surprise at the pair as Daniel continued.
“Well, if my C.O. was doing something more important than…” He swept a hand up and down the length of his body. “Wardrobe patrol, I might show a little more respect.”
They continued down the corridor in the direction of Jack’s office. Along the way, they earned amused smiles and hellos from those use to their banter, and bewildering looks from those assuming their conversation was more hostile than would normally be expected. Eventually, they reached Jack’s office.
The General hesitated outside the door. Daniel gave him a curious glance.
“What?”
“Oh, it’s just that every time I seem to set foot in there, Walter appears and gives me work to do.”
Daniel nodded. “Yes, I can see how that could be a problem for you.” He shrugged and shook his head. “It’s not like you’re the leader of this base or anything important like that.”
Jack glared at the sarcastic smile on his friend’s face. “Don’t you have work to do?”
“Don’t you?” The archaeologist challenged with a straight face.
Brown eyes rolled, and then Jack took the inevitable step into his office. Daniel, as expected, followed him in and flopped down into one of the chairs in front of the desk. Jack held out is hand in a sarcastic gesture.
“Oh, do sit down.” His tone was equally sarcastic.
Daniel adopted a look of mild indignation. “I’m not a dog.”
Taking his own seat in the ‘big chair’, Jack laughed. “It’s hard to tell when you…” He braced himself against the edge of the desk and leaned in. “Follow me around like a damn puppy!”
“Yes, well…” Daniel straightened in his chair and leaned forward himself. “I take after the good watchdog that guards my office.” He patted Jack’s head for effect.
“I could so court-martial you for that!” Jack squinted.
Daniel fell back against the chair. “You could, if I was in the military.”
Also relaxing back into his seat, Jack began to glare down at the mountains of paperwork littering his desk. It was obvious Walter had already been by, since there was more added to the mess than there had been the night before.
“Technicalities.” He finally mumbled in response to Daniel’s statement. “You know, I think I agree with what you said…”
“Which thing?” Daniel asked, his head tilting in curious, smug, and oh-so-false wonder.
Jack leaned forward and started rifling through the papers. A splash of red caught his eye from beneath an endless mound of white. “I don’t think I approve of my promotion anymore either…” He moved the pile of papers aside. Three individual roses, concealing an envelope beneath it, appeared.
“It only took a year too…” Daniel said absently, leaning forward to see what Jack was staring at. “What is that?” He asked, curiosity piqued as he pushed himself up from the chair and walked around to Jack’s side.
Jack picked up one of the roses, looked at it, then Daniel. “Roses and an envelope of some kind…” He stated the obvious, handing the flower off to his friend as the younger man leaned one hand on the corner of the desk.
“Did you get a secret admirer that I don’t know about?” Daniel asked, looking at the rose in his hand before reaching out for another one. Each of them was a separate color.
The older man shook his head as he picked up the envelope. “I know I’m Grade A guy material, but…” Jack frowned as he looked at the flowing handwriting on the front of the envelope. It read ‘To My Boys…’
Daniel also frowned while looking at it. “That’s Sam’s handwriting.”
“It is.” Jack agreed, handing the envelope to Daniel. The archaeologist stood up and stared at it for a moment. Just as he moved to turn it over and open it, the klaxons out in the hall started blaring. It was immediately followed the by Walter’s ‘Unauthorized Incoming Wormhole’.
With a groan to signal bad timing, Jack pushed himself up. “I’ll be back.”
Daniel stepped back, nodding as Jack brushed past him. “Yeah…” He murmured, returning the gaze to the envelope. He was staring at the familiar handwriting again. Daniel didn’t know why, but an uncomfortable feeling crept over him just from holding it.
It was the familiar feeling that things were about to change, and the letter in his hands was the catalyst. Turning it over once more, he slowly pulled the unsealed cover open and removed the letter.
Setting the envelope on the corner of Jack’s desk, Daniel carefully opened the single sheet of folded paper. The same feminine script danced across the page.
He’d just read the top line, saying simply ‘Hey Guys…’, when Jack’s voice reached him from the bottom of the stairs that connected the briefing room to the control room.
“Daniel, get down here - now!”
“Coming!” Daniel shouted over his shoulder, never taking his eyes off the letter. He wanted so badly to read it, but the tone of Jack’s voice sounded almost unsure. An even more uncomfortable feeling came with the knowledge that Jack wasn’t sure what to do.
Deciding Jack’s need was more important than his own, Daniel dropped the letter on top of the envelope and stepped out of the office. He made his way across the briefing room to the stairs. His footsteps made the familiar clanging noise as he went down the stairwell.
“Yeah, what’s up?” He questioned as he stepped into the much darker control room.
Jack, with his arms crossed over his chest, indicated with a tilt of his head to the computer screen Walter was seated at. Daniel blinked and frowned, slowly making his way over to the console.
“What?” He asked.
Suddenly, an achingly familiar voice came over the speakers. “Daniel?” It questioned in its rich, exotic accent.
Daniel’s eyes widened upon hearing it.
“Vala?”
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