CW: *drinking mention of alcohol* *death mention* *insectmention*
In the middle of nowhere was the perfect definition of the place. Far from any civilization, not a soul for more than twenty kilometers around, the group got out of the rental car and a strong smell of pine trees filled their lungs.
Daniel turned around: Wow!
Jack, all happy: Oh ya! Wait for the next part.
He opened the trunk and let everyone take their respective luggage and groceries.
Daniel pointed to the outbuilding: You want me to put the car in the garage?
Jack closed the trunk: It's full. (He tilted his head) I bought myself a boat.
Daniel raised his eyebrows: A boat?
Jack motioned for Teal'c to move toward the driveway since he already knew the way: For my retreat. (the group followed Teal'c down the aisle) I'll have to patch it up but it floats. (he spoke lower) I think so.
She gave him an amused look that he could translate as "Did you buy a piece of junk, sir?" and he replied with a nasty look. She walked down the aisle but felt him stop her by grabbing the handle of her bag. He passed his hand under the coat of the woman, caressed a few seconds the bottom of her back, then brushed her buttocks before resuming his way as if nothing had happened. Sam as for her had frozen and wondered if it was serious to make that here.
Daniel turned around and saw her standing still in the alley: Are you coming?
The rest of the group turned back to her.
Jack continued walking backwards and smiled exaggeratedly just for her: Are you coming, Carter?
This guy was a kid. She resumed her walk and promised herself to get even later. At the end of the path, the cottage, surrounded by ancient pines, came into full view. Teal'c and Daniel let themselves be passed by the owner of the place on the last few meters. A small room served as an entrance, leading to 3 openings: The first one led to the kitchen and the living room, the right door to the bathroom and his bedroom was on the left of the entrance.
Jack gestured uncertainly towards the living room: There are two other rooms further on. Two single beds and one with a double bed. Pick one.
Daniel: I guess it's better if I sleep with Teal'c. (he tilted his head) Men.
Sleeping with Teal'c wouldn't have been a problem, but she admitted to herself that keeping a little distance from Daniel at this time wasn't bad.
Sam huffed: Yeah.
Jack set the groceries on the rough-hewn counter in the kitchen, Teal'c helped him open the shutters wide to let in the air, and the other two discovered the living room. It was a large room awash with objects and furniture. A sofa in front of a large stone fireplace, a small wooden table surrounded by chairs, a small desk in the corner as well as a bookcase full of books that had lived well, and on the other side a small piece of furniture with an armchair that looked perfect to sit and devour those famous books.
The rustic style gave off an extremely comfortable atmosphere. An organized brothel, simple but charming, just like Jack. He snuck in from the other side of the living room, opened the back door and invited them to discover the terrace.
Jack spread his arms once outside: Home sweet home!
All admired the view, Daniel and Sam went towards the railing to better enjoy it. It was sublime. Jack opened the barbecue and Daniel spotted a bar at the corner of the terrace.
Daniel approached the cabinet: Heeeeeey!
Jack tossed him the keys: Easy, Daniel.
Daniel opened the bar: Why keep them if you're not going to drink them? (he discovered the different bottles, happy that there was more than just beer to drink) Heeeeeeeey!
Sam and Teal'c smiled, Jack rolled his eyes.
Jack :I’ve a feeling that with what you're about to drink, we're gonna have to make another trip just to refuel.
Daniel: I didn't come back to life for nothing.
Jack: Take care of the groceries instead of emptying the bar. I'll take care of the barbecue. (the archaeologist complied) T, you know where the generator is, can you...?
Teal'c nodded his head in response. Daniel and Teal'c went back into the cabin, followed by Jack who went to get the fire started.
She admired the view again, the tall trees surrounding the cottage gave the impression of being cut off from the world. She followed the flight of a blue dragonfly for a moment, then closed her eyes and took a deep breath of fresh air. She detected the smell of seaweed and undergrowth as well, enjoyed the sun and the light breeze caressing her face, and listened to the natural sounds the surroundings offered. It was peaceful. She understood why he liked the terrain so much, many worlds had the same advantages. She must have missed it because of the enthusiasm he had since they had arrived here and she felt her heart clench at the thought.
Teal'c returned and placed the two bottles of juice on the table. Of course she had felt his presence as soon as he arrived. It had been their thing for several years now, this gift left by Jolinar, this sort of silent vibration in their gut, reassuring. She turned and gave him a wide smile. He returned it and was reassured to see her so bright compared to the funeral ceremony a few days ago. Jack returned to his task with wood, newspapers and a pack of matches. Daniel joined them with a pack of beer in his hand a few moments later.
Jack: The cooler is in the hallway. (he insisted) We bought ice cubes specially, Daniel.
Daniel shook his head and wondered if he was going to be the stooge the whole time. He left and she took the opportunity to accompany him.
Teal'c: Is it going to get any hotter, O'Neill?
Jack turned to Teal'c, surprised by his question, then looked up at the sky: Hmm, it's likely. But the evening stings!
She came back, put on the table the packet of chips, a jar of "Top the Tater" - which Jack had insisted they all try -, the meat to be cooked and 4 glasses. Daniel put the cooler down, emptied the bag of ice cubes into it and put the beers in the fridge.
Teal'c: Are mosquitoes listed in the state's weather program?
Sam and Daniel looked up at him, full of incomprehension.
Jack blew out his nose: No, T. That means it's gonna be cold. (He tilted his head) Still a little early for the bites.
She made a silent "ha." that Daniel noticed and he questioned her with his eyes.
Sam: BP6-3Q1. (he insisted on his silent questioning) The big stinging bug. (he made a silent "ho." and thanked her with a shake of his head) If you don't mind, I'm going to go freshen up a bit. (to the other two) Keep an eye on him for cooking.
Jack: Oh please.
Sam: I don't eat chips. I came for meat.
Jack giggled at the memory of their discussion of foreplay and his metaphor with appetizers: Like mosquitoes?
Daniel and Teal'c looked at each other incredulously, then Daniel poured Teal'c a glass of juice, preferred a glass of whiskey from the bar for himself and handed Jack a beer.
Daniel sat down next to Teal'c: Is there a history between you and Sam?
Jack, with his back to them, froze. He turned to him for a moment and then pretended to be tending the fire again.
Jack: "A history"?
Daniel: Yeah.
Jack: What do you mean, Daniel?
Daniel: I mean what I said, (he insisted) Jack.
Jack took a sip of his beer and turned to him: And that would be?
Daniel: Serious sparkage?
Jack gave him a jaded look and Daniel gave him an exaggerated smile.
Teal'c: I've noticed some changes between you three as well.
Daniel stared at Teal'c, who confirmed his impressions with a nod and the archaeologist swallowed. Shit, he said to himself, we couldn't hide anything from him. Jack took Teal'c's "you three" about Daniel's emotional state at the moment because of RepliCarter and the recent deaths of their loved ones.
Jack pointed at him with his bottle: You're putting crap in Teal'c's head. (Daniel scanned his expressions) Two against one?
He turned to stir something in the fire and tried to think of an answer but the man had been caught off guard.
Jack turned slightly but didn't look at them: We should prepare the rest of the meal.
Daniel, still on a roll: What exactly happened in Memphis?
Jack sighed, turned to his two companions and in a very serious tone: Daniel.
Daniel, ironically: It's not like we don't break the rules regularly...(he saw his dark look and caught himself mischievously)... Sir.
Teal'c: Indeed.
Jack stared at them for a moment and gritted his teeth: This is different.
Silence.
He turned back to the fire and took this topic to be closed, but Daniel needed to know his intentions for her after what he had just learned. Even if Jack was her friend, it was too important. Too... similar?
Daniel decided to change tactics: So if there's nothing between you, can I take a chance?
Teal'c raised his eyebrow, surprised, then understood his friend's tactics. Jack closed his eyes for a moment. He understood that he was testing him with his ridiculous maneuver but he didn't know how to get out of this mess, the trip had made him a little tired. He slowly turned back to him and stared at him, not very convinced.
Daniel smiled at him, proud of himself: Hey, RepliCarter offered me to rule the galaxy with her.
Teal'c raised his eyebrow again and looked at him. Jack questioned him with his eyes to see if it was true and Daniel confirmed with several nods.
Jack smiled: Dog! You need all of them.
Daniel's face returned to normal immediately and Jack questioned him again to see if the subject was finally closed.
Daniel lowered his head: You know me... (he looked up at him and smiled widely) So?
Jack stared at him: So I'll end up regretting that you came back to us.
He turned back to the fire.
Daniel, puzzled: Why are you avoiding my question?
Jack moistened his lips and turned to him, slightly annoyed: She belongs to no one. She doesn't need my permission, or yours, dontcha know? (a little more sharply) And didn't she just lose someone close to her?
Well, her answer was vague but rather... reassuring, Daniel thought. Jack returned to his fire.
Jack, a little too coldly for what he would have liked: Give me the meat.
Echo:
*heeeeey*
*But the evening stings! / mosquitoes / blue dragonfly /the bites / The big stinging bug*
*history*
*boat*
*So? So*
*I bought / We bought*
*Are you coming / Are you coming, Carter? / I didn't come back to life for nothing. / that you came back to us. / I came for meat. / Give me the meat*
*That's different / Too...similar?*
Notes:
*there is an outbuilding away from the cottage, you can see it in the background in season 10*
*the interior of the cottage was written via the season 10 episode, there is indeed a library full of books*
In the middle of nowhere was the perfect definition of the place. Far from any civilization, not a soul for more than twenty kilometers around, the group got out of the rental car and a strong smell of pine trees filled their lungs.
Daniel turned around: Wow!
Jack, all happy: Oh ya! Wait for the next part.
He opened the trunk and let everyone take their respective luggage and groceries.
Daniel pointed to the outbuilding: You want me to put the car in the garage?
Jack closed the trunk: It's full. (He tilted his head) I bought myself a boat.
Daniel raised his eyebrows: A boat?
Jack motioned for Teal'c to move toward the driveway since he already knew the way: For my retreat. (the group followed Teal'c down the aisle) I'll have to patch it up but it floats. (he spoke lower) I think so.
She gave him an amused look that he could translate as "Did you buy a piece of junk, sir?" and he replied with a nasty look. She walked down the aisle but felt him stop her by grabbing the handle of her bag. He passed his hand under the coat of the woman, caressed a few seconds the bottom of her back, then brushed her buttocks before resuming his way as if nothing had happened. Sam as for her had frozen and wondered if it was serious to make that here.
Daniel turned around and saw her standing still in the alley: Are you coming?
The rest of the group turned back to her.
Jack continued walking backwards and smiled exaggeratedly just for her: Are you coming, Carter?
This guy was a kid. She resumed her walk and promised herself to get even later. At the end of the path, the cottage, surrounded by ancient pines, came into full view. Teal'c and Daniel let themselves be passed by the owner of the place on the last few meters. A small room served as an entrance, leading to 3 openings: The first one led to the kitchen and the living room, the right door to the bathroom and his bedroom was on the left of the entrance.
Jack gestured uncertainly towards the living room: There are two other rooms further on. Two single beds and one with a double bed. Pick one.
Daniel: I guess it's better if I sleep with Teal'c. (he tilted his head) Men.
Sleeping with Teal'c wouldn't have been a problem, but she admitted to herself that keeping a little distance from Daniel at this time wasn't bad.
Sam huffed: Yeah.
Jack set the groceries on the rough-hewn counter in the kitchen, Teal'c helped him open the shutters wide to let in the air, and the other two discovered the living room. It was a large room awash with objects and furniture. A sofa in front of a large stone fireplace, a small wooden table surrounded by chairs, a small desk in the corner as well as a bookcase full of books that had lived well, and on the other side a small piece of furniture with an armchair that looked perfect to sit and devour those famous books.
The rustic style gave off an extremely comfortable atmosphere. An organized brothel, simple but charming, just like Jack. He snuck in from the other side of the living room, opened the back door and invited them to discover the terrace.
Jack spread his arms once outside: Home sweet home!
All admired the view, Daniel and Sam went towards the railing to better enjoy it. It was sublime. Jack opened the barbecue and Daniel spotted a bar at the corner of the terrace.
Daniel approached the cabinet: Heeeeeey!
Jack tossed him the keys: Easy, Daniel.
Daniel opened the bar: Why keep them if you're not going to drink them? (he discovered the different bottles, happy that there was more than just beer to drink) Heeeeeeeey!
Sam and Teal'c smiled, Jack rolled his eyes.
Jack :I’ve a feeling that with what you're about to drink, we're gonna have to make another trip just to refuel.
Daniel: I didn't come back to life for nothing.
Jack: Take care of the groceries instead of emptying the bar. I'll take care of the barbecue. (the archaeologist complied) T, you know where the generator is, can you...?
Teal'c nodded his head in response. Daniel and Teal'c went back into the cabin, followed by Jack who went to get the fire started.
She admired the view again, the tall trees surrounding the cottage gave the impression of being cut off from the world. She followed the flight of a blue dragonfly for a moment, then closed her eyes and took a deep breath of fresh air. She detected the smell of seaweed and undergrowth as well, enjoyed the sun and the light breeze caressing her face, and listened to the natural sounds the surroundings offered. It was peaceful. She understood why he liked the terrain so much, many worlds had the same advantages. She must have missed it because of the enthusiasm he had since they had arrived here and she felt her heart clench at the thought.
Teal'c returned and placed the two bottles of juice on the table. Of course she had felt his presence as soon as he arrived. It had been their thing for several years now, this gift left by Jolinar, this sort of silent vibration in their gut, reassuring. She turned and gave him a wide smile. He returned it and was reassured to see her so bright compared to the funeral ceremony a few days ago. Jack returned to his task with wood, newspapers and a pack of matches. Daniel joined them with a pack of beer in his hand a few moments later.
Jack: The cooler is in the hallway. (he insisted) We bought ice cubes specially, Daniel.
Daniel shook his head and wondered if he was going to be the stooge the whole time. He left and she took the opportunity to accompany him.
Teal'c: Is it going to get any hotter, O'Neill?
Jack turned to Teal'c, surprised by his question, then looked up at the sky: Hmm, it's likely. But the evening stings!
She came back, put on the table the packet of chips, a jar of "Top the Tater" - which Jack had insisted they all try -, the meat to be cooked and 4 glasses. Daniel put the cooler down, emptied the bag of ice cubes into it and put the beers in the fridge.
Teal'c: Are mosquitoes listed in the state's weather program?
Sam and Daniel looked up at him, full of incomprehension.
Jack blew out his nose: No, T. That means it's gonna be cold. (He tilted his head) Still a little early for the bites.
She made a silent "ha." that Daniel noticed and he questioned her with his eyes.
Sam: BP6-3Q1. (he insisted on his silent questioning) The big stinging bug. (he made a silent "ho." and thanked her with a shake of his head) If you don't mind, I'm going to go freshen up a bit. (to the other two) Keep an eye on him for cooking.
Jack: Oh please.
Sam: I don't eat chips. I came for meat.
Jack giggled at the memory of their discussion of foreplay and his metaphor with appetizers: Like mosquitoes?
Daniel and Teal'c looked at each other incredulously, then Daniel poured Teal'c a glass of juice, preferred a glass of whiskey from the bar for himself and handed Jack a beer.
Daniel sat down next to Teal'c: Is there a history between you and Sam?
Jack, with his back to them, froze. He turned to him for a moment and then pretended to be tending the fire again.
Jack: "A history"?
Daniel: Yeah.
Jack: What do you mean, Daniel?
Daniel: I mean what I said, (he insisted) Jack.
Jack took a sip of his beer and turned to him: And that would be?
Daniel: Serious sparkage?
Jack gave him a jaded look and Daniel gave him an exaggerated smile.
Teal'c: I've noticed some changes between you three as well.
Daniel stared at Teal'c, who confirmed his impressions with a nod and the archaeologist swallowed. Shit, he said to himself, we couldn't hide anything from him. Jack took Teal'c's "you three" about Daniel's emotional state at the moment because of RepliCarter and the recent deaths of their loved ones.
Jack pointed at him with his bottle: You're putting crap in Teal'c's head. (Daniel scanned his expressions) Two against one?
He turned to stir something in the fire and tried to think of an answer but the man had been caught off guard.
Jack turned slightly but didn't look at them: We should prepare the rest of the meal.
Daniel, still on a roll: What exactly happened in Memphis?
Jack sighed, turned to his two companions and in a very serious tone: Daniel.
Daniel, ironically: It's not like we don't break the rules regularly...(he saw his dark look and caught himself mischievously)... Sir.
Teal'c: Indeed.
Jack stared at them for a moment and gritted his teeth: This is different.
Silence.
He turned back to the fire and took this topic to be closed, but Daniel needed to know his intentions for her after what he had just learned. Even if Jack was her friend, it was too important. Too... similar?
Daniel decided to change tactics: So if there's nothing between you, can I take a chance?
Teal'c raised his eyebrow, surprised, then understood his friend's tactics. Jack closed his eyes for a moment. He understood that he was testing him with his ridiculous maneuver but he didn't know how to get out of this mess, the trip had made him a little tired. He slowly turned back to him and stared at him, not very convinced.
Daniel smiled at him, proud of himself: Hey, RepliCarter offered me to rule the galaxy with her.
Teal'c raised his eyebrow again and looked at him. Jack questioned him with his eyes to see if it was true and Daniel confirmed with several nods.
Jack smiled: Dog! You need all of them.
Daniel's face returned to normal immediately and Jack questioned him again to see if the subject was finally closed.
Daniel lowered his head: You know me... (he looked up at him and smiled widely) So?
Jack stared at him: So I'll end up regretting that you came back to us.
He turned back to the fire.
Daniel, puzzled: Why are you avoiding my question?
Jack moistened his lips and turned to him, slightly annoyed: She belongs to no one. She doesn't need my permission, or yours, dontcha know? (a little more sharply) And didn't she just lose someone close to her?
Well, her answer was vague but rather... reassuring, Daniel thought. Jack returned to his fire.
Jack, a little too coldly for what he would have liked: Give me the meat.
Echo:
*heeeeey*
*But the evening stings! / mosquitoes / blue dragonfly /the bites / The big stinging bug*
*history*
*boat*
*So? So*
*I bought / We bought*
*Are you coming / Are you coming, Carter? / I didn't come back to life for nothing. / that you came back to us. / I came for meat. / Give me the meat*
*That's different / Too...similar?*
Notes:
*there is an outbuilding away from the cottage, you can see it in the background in season 10*
*the interior of the cottage was written via the season 10 episode, there is indeed a library full of books*
Jack returned to the terrace: How about a game of gin?
Daniel left his book on the table and got up: Um, I'm going to take a shower. After if you want.
Jack: Okay. T?
Teal'c, much more absorbed in reading his comic book: I'll pass, O'Neill.
Jack raised his eyebrows, a little slurred: Ok... Carter?
Sam: Hmm. Chess game?
Jack headed inside: Game board.
A little later, Daniel came back and found them playing. He leaned against the wall and watched them play for a moment. Sitting, one knee folded on her chest, she seemed extremely focused while the man seemed at ease. She grunted at another move by Jack.
Jack dodged a half-smile: Ya thought you were going to beat me easily, admit it.
Sam tilted her head: Um, I thought it was going to be quick.
Daniel, amused: Is he winning?
Sam: Maybe. But... (she moved a counter) Maybe not for much longer.
Jack grinned: Wooouh. I wouldn't have done that.
Daniel grinned too: Ha. I wouldn't either.
He moved a piece to counter her. She smiled and moved another. Both men tilted their heads at the same time, not having seen that move.
Sam: Cassie forgot to tell me how well you play.
Jack moved a counter: It's okay. You’ll lose but you're not doing too bad.
Daniel blew his nose, she looked up at him and he stiffened. Jack frowned, thinking she was acting strangely with him.
Jack tried to lighten the strange atmosphere: If you forget the rules of chess, don't worry, you're allowed to check.
She smiled wryly at him. The game lasted a few more minutes and then...
Jack: Checkmate.
Sam's face broke down as he wondered what they were talking about and frowned. He grabbed his rider and took great pleasure in moving him gently. Daniel blew his nose again. She widened her eyes and as she estimated the possibilities of the next moves. She looked up to the sky: she had lost. She knocked over her king, debuffed.
Jack leaned back in his chair and looked around the cabin: I must have an Emanuel Lasker book somewhere.
Sam frowned, not seeing the connection: I know Lasker.
Jack looked at her surprised: Why did you choose the attack on the eighth turn? (she looked at him incredulously) Were you looking for a forced win?
Sam, dumbfounded, softly: What?
Jack looked again at his shelf: "Play to lose"? The defense must be proportional to the attack, no more and no less? (she put her hands on her knee and tried to hide that she was sulking. He perked up and smiled at her reaction) Oh okay. You know him as a mathematician but not as a master of ech-
Sam gritted her teeth: Yes well.
Daniel chuckled and looked at the winner: You know she's a bad loser?
Sam took offense: What?!
Daniel: What now? You're gonna’ "kick his butt"?
She widened her eyes and looked at him. Jack blew out his nose and questioned her with a slight smile. Daniel began to sweat profusely and tried to catch his breath.
Daniel straightened up: You should have stuck to the crossword.
Teal'c, still reading his comic book: Try ping pong.
Sam and Daniel blew their noses.
Jack juggled his gaze between his three guests: Hey, (he smiled with pride) I'm good.
They laughed.
Daniel to Sam: A game?
Sam looked away and stood up: Um, I think I'm a little tired from flying, if you don't mind.
Jack to Sam: Apologies, apologies. You lose, that's all. (She gave him a forced smile. Jack to Daniel) Join me.
Daniel took Sam's place, a little uncomfortable with his failed approach. She bit her lip as she guessed his thoughts.
Sam sat down next to Teal'c and whispered to Daniel: Watch out, he's cheating.
Teal'c turned the page of his comic book: He is.
Echo: *again the theme of the game with: How about a game of gin? / Chess game? / You should have stuck to the crossword. / Try ping pong / A game? / You lose / he's cheating*
*apologies*
*Maybe...but Maybe*
*Ya thought you were going to beat me easily / You're gonna’ "kick his butt"?*
Daniel left his book on the table and got up: Um, I'm going to take a shower. After if you want.
Jack: Okay. T?
Teal'c, much more absorbed in reading his comic book: I'll pass, O'Neill.
Jack raised his eyebrows, a little slurred: Ok... Carter?
Sam: Hmm. Chess game?
Jack headed inside: Game board.
A little later, Daniel came back and found them playing. He leaned against the wall and watched them play for a moment. Sitting, one knee folded on her chest, she seemed extremely focused while the man seemed at ease. She grunted at another move by Jack.
Jack dodged a half-smile: Ya thought you were going to beat me easily, admit it.
Sam tilted her head: Um, I thought it was going to be quick.
Daniel, amused: Is he winning?
Sam: Maybe. But... (she moved a counter) Maybe not for much longer.
Jack grinned: Wooouh. I wouldn't have done that.
Daniel grinned too: Ha. I wouldn't either.
He moved a piece to counter her. She smiled and moved another. Both men tilted their heads at the same time, not having seen that move.
Sam: Cassie forgot to tell me how well you play.
Jack moved a counter: It's okay. You’ll lose but you're not doing too bad.
Daniel blew his nose, she looked up at him and he stiffened. Jack frowned, thinking she was acting strangely with him.
Jack tried to lighten the strange atmosphere: If you forget the rules of chess, don't worry, you're allowed to check.
She smiled wryly at him. The game lasted a few more minutes and then...
Jack: Checkmate.
Sam's face broke down as he wondered what they were talking about and frowned. He grabbed his rider and took great pleasure in moving him gently. Daniel blew his nose again. She widened her eyes and as she estimated the possibilities of the next moves. She looked up to the sky: she had lost. She knocked over her king, debuffed.
Jack leaned back in his chair and looked around the cabin: I must have an Emanuel Lasker book somewhere.
Sam frowned, not seeing the connection: I know Lasker.
Jack looked at her surprised: Why did you choose the attack on the eighth turn? (she looked at him incredulously) Were you looking for a forced win?
Sam, dumbfounded, softly: What?
Jack looked again at his shelf: "Play to lose"? The defense must be proportional to the attack, no more and no less? (she put her hands on her knee and tried to hide that she was sulking. He perked up and smiled at her reaction) Oh okay. You know him as a mathematician but not as a master of ech-
Sam gritted her teeth: Yes well.
Daniel chuckled and looked at the winner: You know she's a bad loser?
Sam took offense: What?!
Daniel: What now? You're gonna’ "kick his butt"?
She widened her eyes and looked at him. Jack blew out his nose and questioned her with a slight smile. Daniel began to sweat profusely and tried to catch his breath.
Daniel straightened up: You should have stuck to the crossword.
Teal'c, still reading his comic book: Try ping pong.
Sam and Daniel blew their noses.
Jack juggled his gaze between his three guests: Hey, (he smiled with pride) I'm good.
They laughed.
Daniel to Sam: A game?
Sam looked away and stood up: Um, I think I'm a little tired from flying, if you don't mind.
Jack to Sam: Apologies, apologies. You lose, that's all. (She gave him a forced smile. Jack to Daniel) Join me.
Daniel took Sam's place, a little uncomfortable with his failed approach. She bit her lip as she guessed his thoughts.
Sam sat down next to Teal'c and whispered to Daniel: Watch out, he's cheating.
Teal'c turned the page of his comic book: He is.
Echo: *again the theme of the game with: How about a game of gin? / Chess game? / You should have stuck to the crossword. / Try ping pong / A game? / You lose / he's cheating*
*apologies*
*Maybe...but Maybe*
*Ya thought you were going to beat me easily / You're gonna’ "kick his butt"?*
The fireplace gave off a pleasant warmth in the living room where the four comrades were enjoying the evening together, discussing everything and anything. There was a moment of silence during which they lost themselves in the flames.
Sam: Dad taught me how to light a fire and recognize the stars. (she was silent, still staring into the flames. The three men looked at each other with concern and she shook her head) Sorry. I'm feeling nostalgic tonight.
Daniel: He was a space fan too? (he tilted her head) Before the Tok'ra, I mean.
Sam shook her head: More like an airplane fan, but he used to take me to the planetarium when I was little. There was one session in particular that I loved to see. I remember this kind of bird with soft music. It would fly away and you would feel like you were in space. We were doing loops at full speed with him. It was beautiful.
Jack: Leaving trails of light behind them?
Sam turned her head to him in surprise: Have you seen it?
Jack nodded: It's a work of art. There were several crows. (she questioned him with her eyes) They were chasing each other and when they collide a spectator, they turned into an explosion of flowers. Like fireworks. (He tilted his head) That's why I remember it.
Sam raised her eyebrows: I don't remember it so well.
Daniel: Crows chasing each other and exploding when they collide with spectators? It's a lot less poetic if you put back the fact that it was on an Air Force campus, right?
Jack froze and she widened her eyes: Why are you always ruining it like this?
They smiled, then Jack got up to play his role as perfect host and refilled Teal'c's sadly empty glass of grenadine. He returned a few minutes later, the glass pleasantly full in one hand with extra ice, and an acoustic guitar in the other hand. Daniel and Sam looked at him, amazed.
Jack settled back down: Don't ask me to sing.
Daniel: I didn't know you played.
Jack tuned the guitar: Only when I come here. My grandfather taught me. Teal'c is my biggest fan.
Teal'c nodded: I am.
Jack: And how do you think we used to pick up girls back then, Daniel?
Daniel smiled and shook his head. She rolled her eyes, he smiled at her reaction and began to play.
SG-1 regularly glanced at each other, smiling at this almost surreal moment together, and an inconceivable thought crossed their minds to put a guitar on the long interplanetary missions so as not to be bored around the fire. Strangely, they were convinced, this was not regulation.
Daniel, once the song finished: Wow.
Jack, calm: Thank you. On tour every summer.
Sam reached for the guitar: May I, sir?
All heads turned to her in surprise.
Jack handed it to her: Please.
Daniel looked at his friends: Ok. I don't know you that well. (They smiled) Do you play?! Is there anything you're not good at?
Jack pretended to cough: Drawing.
They giggled.
Sam set the guitar on her lap: And chess apparently. (they smiled) Dad taught me and my brother when we were little. Mark is better at it than I. (she looked up) Do you have a capo, sir?
Jack shook his head: Negative.
Sam looked around: A rubber band and a pencil?
Jack got up and went to get them: Positive.
Daniel: You'll be able to do a duet.
She widened her eyes and looked up sharply at him, Daniel winced and Teal'c raised an eyebrow at their reaction. Jack pretended he hadn't heard and handed her the supplies.
Sam made the homemade capo: I haven't played in years. Just bear with me.
Daniel and Jack smiled at each other as they recognized the song, but soon their expressions changed: She was practically on the verge of tears and she closed her eyes to control herself. Daniel turned his head to his friends to see if they could see what he was seeing. Teal'c clenched his jaw a few times and Jack lowered his head in discomfort. Daniel looked back at her. The sight was heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time. Both men felt the same way at the same time and wondered why they tended to forget that she had just experienced grief. She so often wore the mask of a strong person in their presence. Teal'c seemed much less surprised to see her like this. When she finished, she looked up at them, rather proud of herself for not having made a false note, but her smile fell before their worried looks.
Sam laughs nervously: Damn. I've ruined the mood. I'm sorry.
Daniel: No no, it... It was beautiful.
Teal'c: It was.
Sam smiles at them and hands the guitar to Jack: Thank you, sir.
Jack: Symbolic?
Sam: Hmm?
Jack: The scientist?
Sam: What? Was yours?
Jack: Yeah. (She opens her mouth, unsure of how to respond) I'm kidding, Carter.
Teal'c: What's your song about, O'Neill?
Jack: George Michael, T. Not mine. Guilt over infidelity.
Teal'c gritted his teeth at the memory and turned his head to Sam: What's yours about, Colonel Carter?
Sam, nervously: Uh... (in a sarcastic tone) From a science person.
Daniel put his glasses back on properly: Who got too wrapped up in her work, the pain of lost love and the desire to go back and start over.
He had a strange feeling and juggled his gaze between Jack and her. Both of them frowned at his look, assuming he was implying something. Teal'c looked at all three of them and tried to figure out what they were thinking.
Jack took off the capo: And you're the one who's been telling us not to change the past.
She smiled nervously, Daniel and Teal'c dodged a smile, and SG1 was lulled to sleep by the new song. Their eyes were lost in the flames and Jack looked at them with a wistful smile. He missed these moments. He missed them.
Echo:
*nostalgic/melancholic*
*That's why I remember it. - I don't remember it so well.*
*space*
*again "play" (you get the idea that this is going to be an important theme in my story)*
*Dad taught me how / My grandfather taught me / Dad taught me and my brother*
*It was beautiful*
*Negative / Positive.*
Notes:
*the fanfic opens with Jacob taking little Sam to the planetarium at the Academy. She may have had that memory of the crows in space at the time but was too small to remember it in detail. I raise the fact that they are 16 years apart*
*Remember in my first chapter, the first paragraph says “A little girl, almost 3 years old, was having fun running around behind some crows, with her arms outstretched, imitating the sound of a plane in flight.”. After, when SG-1 is on P3X-595/Chalcis, Daniel points to the small village in the distance: "We may have better luck there. (crows cawed in the orange sky)”*
*This artwork was not shown in planetariums or in the Air Force. This is an invention on my part. I had the chance to see this piece, it touched me enormously and it goes perfectly with the rest of my story. I didn't find it inconsistent that it was in a planetarium set in the heart of an Air Force academy, even if the timing is not right*
*On this song, George Michael said: "I still don't understand why the song is so popular... Is it because a lot of people are unfaithful? Is that the explanation? I have no idea, but it's ironic that I wrote the song when I was 17 and my career was almost non-existent. I didn't know anything about love or relationships. "*
*Amanda Tapping playing guitar (source)*
Bonus:
*Click here*
*click here*
Sam: Dad taught me how to light a fire and recognize the stars. (she was silent, still staring into the flames. The three men looked at each other with concern and she shook her head) Sorry. I'm feeling nostalgic tonight.
Daniel: He was a space fan too? (he tilted her head) Before the Tok'ra, I mean.
Sam shook her head: More like an airplane fan, but he used to take me to the planetarium when I was little. There was one session in particular that I loved to see. I remember this kind of bird with soft music. It would fly away and you would feel like you were in space. We were doing loops at full speed with him. It was beautiful.
Jack: Leaving trails of light behind them?
Sam turned her head to him in surprise: Have you seen it?
Jack nodded: It's a work of art. There were several crows. (she questioned him with her eyes) They were chasing each other and when they collide a spectator, they turned into an explosion of flowers. Like fireworks. (He tilted his head) That's why I remember it.
Sam raised her eyebrows: I don't remember it so well.
Daniel: Crows chasing each other and exploding when they collide with spectators? It's a lot less poetic if you put back the fact that it was on an Air Force campus, right?
Jack froze and she widened her eyes: Why are you always ruining it like this?
They smiled, then Jack got up to play his role as perfect host and refilled Teal'c's sadly empty glass of grenadine. He returned a few minutes later, the glass pleasantly full in one hand with extra ice, and an acoustic guitar in the other hand. Daniel and Sam looked at him, amazed.
Jack settled back down: Don't ask me to sing.
Daniel: I didn't know you played.
Jack tuned the guitar: Only when I come here. My grandfather taught me. Teal'c is my biggest fan.
Teal'c nodded: I am.
Jack: And how do you think we used to pick up girls back then, Daniel?
Daniel smiled and shook his head. She rolled her eyes, he smiled at her reaction and began to play.
SG-1 regularly glanced at each other, smiling at this almost surreal moment together, and an inconceivable thought crossed their minds to put a guitar on the long interplanetary missions so as not to be bored around the fire. Strangely, they were convinced, this was not regulation.
Daniel, once the song finished: Wow.
Jack, calm: Thank you. On tour every summer.
Sam reached for the guitar: May I, sir?
All heads turned to her in surprise.
Jack handed it to her: Please.
Daniel looked at his friends: Ok. I don't know you that well. (They smiled) Do you play?! Is there anything you're not good at?
Jack pretended to cough: Drawing.
They giggled.
Sam set the guitar on her lap: And chess apparently. (they smiled) Dad taught me and my brother when we were little. Mark is better at it than I. (she looked up) Do you have a capo, sir?
Jack shook his head: Negative.
Sam looked around: A rubber band and a pencil?
Jack got up and went to get them: Positive.
Daniel: You'll be able to do a duet.
She widened her eyes and looked up sharply at him, Daniel winced and Teal'c raised an eyebrow at their reaction. Jack pretended he hadn't heard and handed her the supplies.
Sam made the homemade capo: I haven't played in years. Just bear with me.
Daniel and Jack smiled at each other as they recognized the song, but soon their expressions changed: She was practically on the verge of tears and she closed her eyes to control herself. Daniel turned his head to his friends to see if they could see what he was seeing. Teal'c clenched his jaw a few times and Jack lowered his head in discomfort. Daniel looked back at her. The sight was heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time. Both men felt the same way at the same time and wondered why they tended to forget that she had just experienced grief. She so often wore the mask of a strong person in their presence. Teal'c seemed much less surprised to see her like this. When she finished, she looked up at them, rather proud of herself for not having made a false note, but her smile fell before their worried looks.
Sam laughs nervously: Damn. I've ruined the mood. I'm sorry.
Daniel: No no, it... It was beautiful.
Teal'c: It was.
Sam smiles at them and hands the guitar to Jack: Thank you, sir.
Jack: Symbolic?
Sam: Hmm?
Jack: The scientist?
Sam: What? Was yours?
Jack: Yeah. (She opens her mouth, unsure of how to respond) I'm kidding, Carter.
Teal'c: What's your song about, O'Neill?
Jack: George Michael, T. Not mine. Guilt over infidelity.
Teal'c gritted his teeth at the memory and turned his head to Sam: What's yours about, Colonel Carter?
Sam, nervously: Uh... (in a sarcastic tone) From a science person.
Daniel put his glasses back on properly: Who got too wrapped up in her work, the pain of lost love and the desire to go back and start over.
He had a strange feeling and juggled his gaze between Jack and her. Both of them frowned at his look, assuming he was implying something. Teal'c looked at all three of them and tried to figure out what they were thinking.
Jack took off the capo: And you're the one who's been telling us not to change the past.
She smiled nervously, Daniel and Teal'c dodged a smile, and SG1 was lulled to sleep by the new song. Their eyes were lost in the flames and Jack looked at them with a wistful smile. He missed these moments. He missed them.
Echo:
*nostalgic/melancholic*
*That's why I remember it. - I don't remember it so well.*
*space*
*again "play" (you get the idea that this is going to be an important theme in my story)*
*Dad taught me how / My grandfather taught me / Dad taught me and my brother*
*It was beautiful*
*Negative / Positive.*
Notes:
*the fanfic opens with Jacob taking little Sam to the planetarium at the Academy. She may have had that memory of the crows in space at the time but was too small to remember it in detail. I raise the fact that they are 16 years apart*
*Remember in my first chapter, the first paragraph says “A little girl, almost 3 years old, was having fun running around behind some crows, with her arms outstretched, imitating the sound of a plane in flight.”. After, when SG-1 is on P3X-595/Chalcis, Daniel points to the small village in the distance: "We may have better luck there. (crows cawed in the orange sky)”*
*This artwork was not shown in planetariums or in the Air Force. This is an invention on my part. I had the chance to see this piece, it touched me enormously and it goes perfectly with the rest of my story. I didn't find it inconsistent that it was in a planetarium set in the heart of an Air Force academy, even if the timing is not right*
*On this song, George Michael said: "I still don't understand why the song is so popular... Is it because a lot of people are unfaithful? Is that the explanation? I have no idea, but it's ironic that I wrote the song when I was 17 and my career was almost non-existent. I didn't know anything about love or relationships. "*
*Amanda Tapping playing guitar (source)*
Bonus:
*Click here*
*click here*
CW: *sexually explicit act* *sexual assault mention* *PTSD* *cultural appropriation mention(notes)*
So his morning schedule was to buy fresh bagels in the next town over before they woke up and make a 5 star breakfast. He didn't want to admit it too loudly, but having them here made him more than happy, and he wanted to show them off. He was surprised to find her in the lobby, wearing a black jogging suit and sports jacket, putting on her rangers, a steaming cup of coffee on the ground.
Sam, surprised to see him up so early when he wasn't working: Sir?
Jack leaned against the wall: A run? (she nodded) Can I join you?
Sam stood up with her cup: Sure.
He held up three fingers in her direction and went back to his room. She finished her coffee, put the cup in the sink and reopened the almost rusty metal box stamped "Wampum" to make him one. She then slipped out into the cool morning air, leaving the door ajar. He reappeared, a flashy orange hoodie on his back. She restrained herself from giggling and nearly knocked over the container of the cup, surprised at his choice of cheap clothing. He raised his eyebrows at her bewildered reaction, looked at her jacket and handed her a bright red zip-up sweatshirt.
Sam shook her head: Not cold. Thank you.
Jack: Hunters.
Sam made a mute "Ha" and felt stupid at the very obviousness of the situation: Thank you.
She took the sweatshirt and handed the hot cup of coffee in return. They did some stretching and then started running on a path in the middle of the forest. The exercise was far from unpleasant in such a place. The smell of humus, dirt and moss reminded them of their many offworld missions. They ran for a good hour without stopping, playing with intensity. He then slowed down the run - a pain in his knees was starting to show - and finally walked. They caught their breaths, their faces sweating. He held out his hand to her and Sam's heart leapt in her chest. She remembered the last time he had held out his hand to her at home. After all, there were only trees around them. He became nervous at her non-reaction and went to rest his arm when she interlaced her fingers with his. Their breaths quickened again, but not from running this time, and they stopped themselves from looking at each other to keep from laughing nervously at this new proximity.
Sam heckled him with her shoulder a few minutes later: Take me out to the ball game.
He raised his eyebrows, she lowered her head slightly, intimidated, then challenged him with a small smile at the corner of her lips. He looked around and nodded, inviting her to follow him. They went deeper into the woods and found a pine tree large enough to lean against.
Jack slipped his hand between Sam's belt: Once upon a time... (He kissed her earlobe and she moaned as he gently stroked her pubic bone) A little red riding hood... (she frowned and tensed as he reached her clit. He continued his kisses and moved down to her neck) who met the wolf...
She pushed him away from her. Astonished, he stared at her and discovered her state of nervousness. She closed her eyes and clenched her teeth to try to regain control.
Jack winced: Sorry.
Sam opened her eyes again, at the same time: Sorry. Sorry I-
Jack: No don't... Don't apologize. We're... We're moving a little fast.
Sam took a step towards him to reassure him: No no. It's not that. It's not that. (She looked away) I... I don't like this tale. (he questioned her with his eyes) I prefer the Wizard of Oz.
Jack, puzzled: Hmm?
Sam hesitated: That was one of my favorite tales. My mother used to read it to me when I was little, but one day I understood the moral.
Again nervous, he didn't insist.
Jack: Let's go home. I'm hungry.
Echo:
*"forest" / "little red riding hood" / "a bright red zip-up sweatshirt" / "hunters" / "once upon a time" / "who met the wolf..." / "I don't like this tale" / It was one of my favorite tales"*
*sorry*
Notes:
*Remember SG-1 1x06 with Jack's leather pouch stamped "Wampum". I mentioned this in a previous paragraph*
*The song "Take Me Out to the Ball Gam" is the unofficial anthem of the baseball games. Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly sing this song in the movie “Take Me Out to the Ball Game“, produced by MGM, like Stargate*
*Here you have a montage with some references to the Wizard of Oz. Be careful, I didn't put them all here to save some specific passages for later. I'll probably make a video for Youtube with all the references later!*
So his morning schedule was to buy fresh bagels in the next town over before they woke up and make a 5 star breakfast. He didn't want to admit it too loudly, but having them here made him more than happy, and he wanted to show them off. He was surprised to find her in the lobby, wearing a black jogging suit and sports jacket, putting on her rangers, a steaming cup of coffee on the ground.
Sam, surprised to see him up so early when he wasn't working: Sir?
Jack leaned against the wall: A run? (she nodded) Can I join you?
Sam stood up with her cup: Sure.
He held up three fingers in her direction and went back to his room. She finished her coffee, put the cup in the sink and reopened the almost rusty metal box stamped "Wampum" to make him one. She then slipped out into the cool morning air, leaving the door ajar. He reappeared, a flashy orange hoodie on his back. She restrained herself from giggling and nearly knocked over the container of the cup, surprised at his choice of cheap clothing. He raised his eyebrows at her bewildered reaction, looked at her jacket and handed her a bright red zip-up sweatshirt.
Sam shook her head: Not cold. Thank you.
Jack: Hunters.
Sam made a mute "Ha" and felt stupid at the very obviousness of the situation: Thank you.
She took the sweatshirt and handed the hot cup of coffee in return. They did some stretching and then started running on a path in the middle of the forest. The exercise was far from unpleasant in such a place. The smell of humus, dirt and moss reminded them of their many offworld missions. They ran for a good hour without stopping, playing with intensity. He then slowed down the run - a pain in his knees was starting to show - and finally walked. They caught their breaths, their faces sweating. He held out his hand to her and Sam's heart leapt in her chest. She remembered the last time he had held out his hand to her at home. After all, there were only trees around them. He became nervous at her non-reaction and went to rest his arm when she interlaced her fingers with his. Their breaths quickened again, but not from running this time, and they stopped themselves from looking at each other to keep from laughing nervously at this new proximity.
Sam heckled him with her shoulder a few minutes later: Take me out to the ball game.
He raised his eyebrows, she lowered her head slightly, intimidated, then challenged him with a small smile at the corner of her lips. He looked around and nodded, inviting her to follow him. They went deeper into the woods and found a pine tree large enough to lean against.
Jack slipped his hand between Sam's belt: Once upon a time... (He kissed her earlobe and she moaned as he gently stroked her pubic bone) A little red riding hood... (she frowned and tensed as he reached her clit. He continued his kisses and moved down to her neck) who met the wolf...
She pushed him away from her. Astonished, he stared at her and discovered her state of nervousness. She closed her eyes and clenched her teeth to try to regain control.
Jack winced: Sorry.
Sam opened her eyes again, at the same time: Sorry. Sorry I-
Jack: No don't... Don't apologize. We're... We're moving a little fast.
Sam took a step towards him to reassure him: No no. It's not that. It's not that. (She looked away) I... I don't like this tale. (he questioned her with his eyes) I prefer the Wizard of Oz.
Jack, puzzled: Hmm?
Sam hesitated: That was one of my favorite tales. My mother used to read it to me when I was little, but one day I understood the moral.
Again nervous, he didn't insist.
Jack: Let's go home. I'm hungry.
Echo:
*"forest" / "little red riding hood" / "a bright red zip-up sweatshirt" / "hunters" / "once upon a time" / "who met the wolf..." / "I don't like this tale" / It was one of my favorite tales"*
*sorry*
Notes:
*Remember SG-1 1x06 with Jack's leather pouch stamped "Wampum". I mentioned this in a previous paragraph*
*The song "Take Me Out to the Ball Gam" is the unofficial anthem of the baseball games. Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly sing this song in the movie “Take Me Out to the Ball Game“, produced by MGM, like Stargate*
*Here you have a montage with some references to the Wizard of Oz. Be careful, I didn't put them all here to save some specific passages for later. I'll probably make a video for Youtube with all the references later!*
CW: *torture mention* *sexism*
After totally embracing the joy of showers with a loofah, she washed the two cups and got to work on her baking. He returned from his bagel hunt, reminded her that she was on vacation and therefore had to wait until he returned from his shower before doing anything.
Jack, his hair still wet: Still not up?
Sam looked in the cupboards for something: After last night, it's understandable. (she grabbed a frying pan and put it on the work surface) We'll have to get the aspirin out for Daniel. (He hugged her back and cradled her. Surprised, she shivered when he kissed her neck and she blew out her nose) Okay. I like that, but your meal isn't going to make itself. (He stepped aside and patted the counter, she handed him another frying pan) You owe me an omelet.
Jack raised his eyebrows: I owe you nothing.
Sam tilted her head and moved the frying pan towards him again: Make me that omelet anyway. (he blew his nose and took the frying pan from her) A little oil on the bottom and put on the fire. Four eggs.
Jack stared at her, puzzled: I know how to make an omelet.
Sam moistened her lips and grabbed a glass from the cupboard: Break them one by one into a glass.
Jack grabbed the glass and walked around her, falsely offended: I don't like being ordered around, Colonel.
Sam cut the pineapple: ‘cause you don't like "Sissy stuff", right? (He blew out his nose, put the glass on the counter and seemed to think about what she'd said for a few seconds before happily pouring oil into the frying pan. She stopped her cutting and exclaimed) Oh my god stop stop stooooop! (he froze and held up the bottle of oil) Cholesterol doesn't mean anything to you?
He winced, she grabbed the pan and the bottle of oil and poured the liquid back in.
Jack put a hand on the back of his neck, softly: Sorry.
She frowned and glared at him. She put the bottle of oil and the frying pan back on the counter.
Sam: What's going on?
Jack rested his hand along his body, nervous: Nothing. (But at her concern, he forced himself to answer) I really don't know how to cook.
Sam sensed that he wasn't telling him everything and stared at him: Hmm. If it's inedible, we have Daniel's waffles and your bagels. (he nodded his head in agreement) You can break eggs. (he looked at her with an obvious look) Good. (she turned in front of her work surface) Now break this eggs faster than that!
Jack smiled from the corner of his lips and went to get the eggs: Easy, big fella.
Sam took a falsely authoritative tone: No beer. (she moved her hand vaguely to the fridge) Milk, salt and pepper. And you're supposed to say "yes chef", sir.
Jack: Don't count on it. (Daniel and Teal'c entered the kitchen. Jack placed the eggs on the counter) Good morning campers!
Teal'c nodded: Kell shah O'neill. Kell shah Colonel Carter.
Daniel shuffled his feet painfully: Sam. Jack. Coffee.
Sam smiled at Daniel's face: Hey, how did you sleep?
He grinned broadly, filled with irony, and managed to keep his eyes open enough to walk over to the coffee pot unhindered. With the tip of her knife, she handed him a piece of pineapple. Flashes of torture came back to him and he let out an angry growl without realizing it. She raised the eyebrows and said to herself that she would thus see after his coffee to try to restore a better relation between them. She resumed her cutting, he poured himself a cup and sat down behind the rough wooden counter. After breaking the eggs into a bowl, Jack opened the fridge and placed a carton of milk in front of the archaeologist.
Daniel poured himself some milk and mumbled: Humm. You know when you're a kid and they send you to these summer camps so that your parents can have peace for a few weeks? We'd get woken up by that phrase through a megaphone every morning.
Jack grabbed the coffee pot next to him and shouted into his ears: Good morning campers!
Daniel smiled wryly again and mixed his coffee after adding two sugars: That one. (She smiled and turned the bacon over. Jack went to put some dishes on the terrace. Daniel mumbled as he put his lips to his steaming cup) I hated that guy.
Sam: We had a bugle call every morning at 5:45.
Teal'c helped him transfer the bacon slices to paper towels: What's a bugle call, Colonel Carter?
Daniel rested his head in his arms on the counter and started to imitate a trumpet: Bump bump bump bump bump bump...
Sam smiled at Teal'c's puzzled look: A trumpet song. (She tilted her head as she toasted the waffles) That's not a nice wake-up call either.
Jack returned and grabbed the maple syrup: Hey kids. Tomorrow I have to deal with a case. I'll be back later today.
Teal'c: Something serious, O'Neill?
Jack: Just work. It's gonna be sunny until 3pm, jet skiing on the upper lake today?
Sam, excited: Fine by me!
Teal'c: What is "jet skiing"?
Sam: Like the snowmobiles you used with O'neill but on water.
Jack to Teal'c: Less cold, better view.
Teal'c nodded: Sounds like fun.
Jack: Daniel?
Daniel raised his head sluggishly and took his coffee cup in his hands: Hmm.
Sam reassuringly: We're going to go slow.
Daniel squinted at her: I'd already given up on following you, Sam.
Sam exclaimed, slightly offended: Hey! (they looked at her smiling, she tilted her head) Well okay. I like speed.
Jack smiled at the irony of their situation: If you believe the amount of fines the State regularly gives you, (he insisted) that's an understatement.
Sam tried not to cringe: Come and tend to your eggs instead, (she insisted) chef.
Jack obeyed: The ride is sublime, no matter how fast we go. We can rent another car on the way home if you wanna go your own way tomorrow.
He looked for the milk in the fridge to add to the mixture and remembered giving it to Daniel. He turned back to him. She shook her head, trying not to comment on the inefficiency of her organization.
Sam, to Daniel: I'll try to go slow.
Daniel put his cup on the counter: I'll follow you.
Jack slapped Daniel on the back to wake him up: Okie Dokie! Let's eat, campers!
He went back to finish his eggs. She laughed silently at Daniel's discomfited face and put the last of the toasted waffles on the plate. Teal'c left for the terrace with the plate of crispy bacon, Daniel picked up his cup and repeated a silent "I hated that guy"
Sam tried a second time: Waffles?
Daniel nodded and smiled: Great.
She left. Daniel followed her but couldn't help but frown at a memory with Oma. Why was he thinking about her and why did he feel like he was forgetting something important again? Something to do with a young man wearing a gray toga with gold trim.
Echo:
*Good morningcampers!*
*Kell shah*
*I hated that guy*
*when you're a kid /Hey kids*
*You owe me an omelet. / I owe you nothing.*
*I'll follow you / I'd already given up on following you, Sam.*
Notes:
*In the restaurant business, a kitchen crew is called a "brigade." This term comes from the military and this paragraph plays on that duality with "yes chef" "I don't much like being ordered around, Colonel." "chef.". It's interesting to note that in a private setting, women are associated with the kitchen in the home room, whereas in the professional restaurant environment, especially in brigades, these jobs are considered men's jobs. And it's an extremely problematic environment in a lot of ways*
*Remember in the first paragraph of the first chapter, one of the words "echo" is "follow", with "The little girl grabbed his hand and ran towards her father, pulling the young man who had no choice but to follow her.", "My wife is pregnant and has quit smoking. (he smiled and turned back) You know how they are, you have to follow them." and "Do we necessarily follow in the footsteps of his parents? ". Here you have the passage from Daniel's grandfather "Daniel followed my footstep”*
*This paragraph is also an echo for Daniel with "jet skiing on the upper lake today?" then "We're going to go slow. ", "RAPHAEL Today, we're going to start slow.", and of course pineapple*
*Article: Why are there so few female chefs? (source)*
*The pineapple is a running gag in the Stargate saga (source)*
Bonus:
*click here*
After totally embracing the joy of showers with a loofah, she washed the two cups and got to work on her baking. He returned from his bagel hunt, reminded her that she was on vacation and therefore had to wait until he returned from his shower before doing anything.
Jack, his hair still wet: Still not up?
Sam looked in the cupboards for something: After last night, it's understandable. (she grabbed a frying pan and put it on the work surface) We'll have to get the aspirin out for Daniel. (He hugged her back and cradled her. Surprised, she shivered when he kissed her neck and she blew out her nose) Okay. I like that, but your meal isn't going to make itself. (He stepped aside and patted the counter, she handed him another frying pan) You owe me an omelet.
Jack raised his eyebrows: I owe you nothing.
Sam tilted her head and moved the frying pan towards him again: Make me that omelet anyway. (he blew his nose and took the frying pan from her) A little oil on the bottom and put on the fire. Four eggs.
Jack stared at her, puzzled: I know how to make an omelet.
Sam moistened her lips and grabbed a glass from the cupboard: Break them one by one into a glass.
Jack grabbed the glass and walked around her, falsely offended: I don't like being ordered around, Colonel.
Sam cut the pineapple: ‘cause you don't like "Sissy stuff", right? (He blew out his nose, put the glass on the counter and seemed to think about what she'd said for a few seconds before happily pouring oil into the frying pan. She stopped her cutting and exclaimed) Oh my god stop stop stooooop! (he froze and held up the bottle of oil) Cholesterol doesn't mean anything to you?
He winced, she grabbed the pan and the bottle of oil and poured the liquid back in.
Jack put a hand on the back of his neck, softly: Sorry.
She frowned and glared at him. She put the bottle of oil and the frying pan back on the counter.
Sam: What's going on?
Jack rested his hand along his body, nervous: Nothing. (But at her concern, he forced himself to answer) I really don't know how to cook.
Sam sensed that he wasn't telling him everything and stared at him: Hmm. If it's inedible, we have Daniel's waffles and your bagels. (he nodded his head in agreement) You can break eggs. (he looked at her with an obvious look) Good. (she turned in front of her work surface) Now break this eggs faster than that!
Jack smiled from the corner of his lips and went to get the eggs: Easy, big fella.
Sam took a falsely authoritative tone: No beer. (she moved her hand vaguely to the fridge) Milk, salt and pepper. And you're supposed to say "yes chef", sir.
Jack: Don't count on it. (Daniel and Teal'c entered the kitchen. Jack placed the eggs on the counter) Good morning campers!
Teal'c nodded: Kell shah O'neill. Kell shah Colonel Carter.
Daniel shuffled his feet painfully: Sam. Jack. Coffee.
Sam smiled at Daniel's face: Hey, how did you sleep?
He grinned broadly, filled with irony, and managed to keep his eyes open enough to walk over to the coffee pot unhindered. With the tip of her knife, she handed him a piece of pineapple. Flashes of torture came back to him and he let out an angry growl without realizing it. She raised the eyebrows and said to herself that she would thus see after his coffee to try to restore a better relation between them. She resumed her cutting, he poured himself a cup and sat down behind the rough wooden counter. After breaking the eggs into a bowl, Jack opened the fridge and placed a carton of milk in front of the archaeologist.
Daniel poured himself some milk and mumbled: Humm. You know when you're a kid and they send you to these summer camps so that your parents can have peace for a few weeks? We'd get woken up by that phrase through a megaphone every morning.
Jack grabbed the coffee pot next to him and shouted into his ears: Good morning campers!
Daniel smiled wryly again and mixed his coffee after adding two sugars: That one. (She smiled and turned the bacon over. Jack went to put some dishes on the terrace. Daniel mumbled as he put his lips to his steaming cup) I hated that guy.
Sam: We had a bugle call every morning at 5:45.
Teal'c helped him transfer the bacon slices to paper towels: What's a bugle call, Colonel Carter?
Daniel rested his head in his arms on the counter and started to imitate a trumpet: Bump bump bump bump bump bump...
Sam smiled at Teal'c's puzzled look: A trumpet song. (She tilted her head as she toasted the waffles) That's not a nice wake-up call either.
Jack returned and grabbed the maple syrup: Hey kids. Tomorrow I have to deal with a case. I'll be back later today.
Teal'c: Something serious, O'Neill?
Jack: Just work. It's gonna be sunny until 3pm, jet skiing on the upper lake today?
Sam, excited: Fine by me!
Teal'c: What is "jet skiing"?
Sam: Like the snowmobiles you used with O'neill but on water.
Jack to Teal'c: Less cold, better view.
Teal'c nodded: Sounds like fun.
Jack: Daniel?
Daniel raised his head sluggishly and took his coffee cup in his hands: Hmm.
Sam reassuringly: We're going to go slow.
Daniel squinted at her: I'd already given up on following you, Sam.
Sam exclaimed, slightly offended: Hey! (they looked at her smiling, she tilted her head) Well okay. I like speed.
Jack smiled at the irony of their situation: If you believe the amount of fines the State regularly gives you, (he insisted) that's an understatement.
Sam tried not to cringe: Come and tend to your eggs instead, (she insisted) chef.
Jack obeyed: The ride is sublime, no matter how fast we go. We can rent another car on the way home if you wanna go your own way tomorrow.
He looked for the milk in the fridge to add to the mixture and remembered giving it to Daniel. He turned back to him. She shook her head, trying not to comment on the inefficiency of her organization.
Sam, to Daniel: I'll try to go slow.
Daniel put his cup on the counter: I'll follow you.
Jack slapped Daniel on the back to wake him up: Okie Dokie! Let's eat, campers!
He went back to finish his eggs. She laughed silently at Daniel's discomfited face and put the last of the toasted waffles on the plate. Teal'c left for the terrace with the plate of crispy bacon, Daniel picked up his cup and repeated a silent "I hated that guy"
Sam tried a second time: Waffles?
Daniel nodded and smiled: Great.
She left. Daniel followed her but couldn't help but frown at a memory with Oma. Why was he thinking about her and why did he feel like he was forgetting something important again? Something to do with a young man wearing a gray toga with gold trim.
Echo:
*Good morningcampers!*
*Kell shah*
*I hated that guy*
*when you're a kid /Hey kids*
*You owe me an omelet. / I owe you nothing.*
*I'll follow you / I'd already given up on following you, Sam.*
Notes:
*In the restaurant business, a kitchen crew is called a "brigade." This term comes from the military and this paragraph plays on that duality with "yes chef" "I don't much like being ordered around, Colonel." "chef.". It's interesting to note that in a private setting, women are associated with the kitchen in the home room, whereas in the professional restaurant environment, especially in brigades, these jobs are considered men's jobs. And it's an extremely problematic environment in a lot of ways*
*Remember in the first paragraph of the first chapter, one of the words "echo" is "follow", with "The little girl grabbed his hand and ran towards her father, pulling the young man who had no choice but to follow her.", "My wife is pregnant and has quit smoking. (he smiled and turned back) You know how they are, you have to follow them." and "Do we necessarily follow in the footsteps of his parents? ". Here you have the passage from Daniel's grandfather "Daniel followed my footstep”*
*This paragraph is also an echo for Daniel with "jet skiing on the upper lake today?" then "We're going to go slow. ", "RAPHAEL Today, we're going to start slow.", and of course pineapple*
*Article: Why are there so few female chefs? (source)*
*The pineapple is a running gag in the Stargate saga (source)*
Bonus:
*click here*
CW: *spider mention* *PTSD*
It had been a very good but exhausting day. Teal'c had been skeptical of the watercraft at first, but had quickly taken a liking to them as he discovered how fast an Ultra 310 could go. Daniel had fallen into the water after a sharp turn and had imitated the Wizard of Oz to make Sam smile - knowing full well that it was her favorite tale - but it hadn't worked. Jack had frozen, surprised by this echo whereas they had spoken about this tale the same morning, Sam had swallowed and had pretended to be interested in her dashboard, still a little too upset about their relationship. After a good meal by the lake, they relaxed by fishing on the pontoon.
It had been a very good but exhausting day. Teal'c had been skeptical of the watercraft at first, but had quickly taken a liking to them as he discovered how fast an Ultra 310 could go. Daniel had fallen into the water after a sharp turn and had imitated the Wizard of Oz to make Sam smile - knowing full well that it was her favorite tale - but it hadn't worked. Jack had frozen, surprised by this echo whereas they had spoken about this tale the same morning, Sam had swallowed and had pretended to be interested in her dashboard, still a little too upset about their relationship. After a good meal by the lake, they relaxed by fishing on the pontoon.
*
There was a gentle knock on his bedroom door.
Jack: Come in. (She found him in his bed reading. The room was bigger than her, a fireplace not far from his bed in the corner gave off a soft warmth. He put down his book and spoke to himself) I should have bet.
Sam uncomfortably: I'm not disturbing you, sir?
Jack smiled at the "sir" and shifted to make room for her: Come. (She closed the door and came to snuggle in his arms immediately. He raised his eyebrows, a little surprised. He stroked her hair, now worried) You all right?
Sam, panic in her voice: There's a spider in my room.
Jack froze, stunned: What?
Sam: On the bedside table.
Jack amused: And a big girl like you didn't chase it away?
Sam: Huuu. I forgot my C4. (He blew his nose, she took offense and insisted) It's huge!
He struggled to keep from laughing so as not to offend her further. She didn't dare tell him that the replicators were the main reason for her fear, and prayed he wouldn't ask her why she wasn't afraid of this bugs a few years ago on an offworld mission. Selmak had fought to the end to help them defeat the replicators, led by RepliCarter herself, and Sam couldn't help but feel indirectly responsible for her father's death. Some part of her knew: without RepliCarter, Selmak would have had a chance to leave her host in time.
Sam hesitated: Sir?
Jack moistened his lips and smiled again: Hmm?
Sam, quietly: Are you afraid we'll all never come back here?
Jack frowned at the change of subject: What?
Sam: You're acting strange. It's like you're trying to make everything perfect.
She looked up at him and he looked at her and swallowed.
Jack: Maybe. (They looked at each other for a moment, then she sat up and kissed him, first gently, then a little more passionately. He pulled her away slightly to stop her and she questioned him with her eyes) Can we just... (He tilted his head to signify that he didn't feel like more tonight. He tried to lighten the mood) Don't laugh but I really do have a headache.
The expected effect was not really there, but she nodded and snuggled up to him again. He placed a kiss in her hair to reassure her.
Jack quietly: I'll turn it off?
She nodded, so he turned it off. The room remained lit only by the fireplace. He frowned after a few minutes at the sensation of a drop on his forearm. He swallowed, realizing that she was crying and felt his heart clench. He hugged her tighter and she wiped her eyes quickly.
Sam in a whisper: Sorry. I don't know why I-
Jack quietly: It's all right. Nothing to worry about. (He rubbed his head against her hair) It's all right.
He stared at the ceiling for a long moment, his headache intensifying as much as his worry.
Echo:
*It's all right*
*third time I've referred to hunting in this chapter*
*a big girl like you / It's huge!*
Notes:
*It can be assumed that she was not especially afraid of spiders before Fifth, but if you pause in the torture of Fifth, you see a spider in close-up. (source)
Replicators look like some kind of spider, when the Replicator ships land somewhere, it looks like a spider, and RepliCarter was "born" from a wall/cocon surrounded by replicators. Maybe unconsciously she developed a phobia of this insect*
*Comic strip: Loneliness when you're sad (source)*
Jack: Come in. (She found him in his bed reading. The room was bigger than her, a fireplace not far from his bed in the corner gave off a soft warmth. He put down his book and spoke to himself) I should have bet.
Sam uncomfortably: I'm not disturbing you, sir?
Jack smiled at the "sir" and shifted to make room for her: Come. (She closed the door and came to snuggle in his arms immediately. He raised his eyebrows, a little surprised. He stroked her hair, now worried) You all right?
Sam, panic in her voice: There's a spider in my room.
Jack froze, stunned: What?
Sam: On the bedside table.
Jack amused: And a big girl like you didn't chase it away?
Sam: Huuu. I forgot my C4. (He blew his nose, she took offense and insisted) It's huge!
He struggled to keep from laughing so as not to offend her further. She didn't dare tell him that the replicators were the main reason for her fear, and prayed he wouldn't ask her why she wasn't afraid of this bugs a few years ago on an offworld mission. Selmak had fought to the end to help them defeat the replicators, led by RepliCarter herself, and Sam couldn't help but feel indirectly responsible for her father's death. Some part of her knew: without RepliCarter, Selmak would have had a chance to leave her host in time.
Sam hesitated: Sir?
Jack moistened his lips and smiled again: Hmm?
Sam, quietly: Are you afraid we'll all never come back here?
Jack frowned at the change of subject: What?
Sam: You're acting strange. It's like you're trying to make everything perfect.
She looked up at him and he looked at her and swallowed.
Jack: Maybe. (They looked at each other for a moment, then she sat up and kissed him, first gently, then a little more passionately. He pulled her away slightly to stop her and she questioned him with her eyes) Can we just... (He tilted his head to signify that he didn't feel like more tonight. He tried to lighten the mood) Don't laugh but I really do have a headache.
The expected effect was not really there, but she nodded and snuggled up to him again. He placed a kiss in her hair to reassure her.
Jack quietly: I'll turn it off?
She nodded, so he turned it off. The room remained lit only by the fireplace. He frowned after a few minutes at the sensation of a drop on his forearm. He swallowed, realizing that she was crying and felt his heart clench. He hugged her tighter and she wiped her eyes quickly.
Sam in a whisper: Sorry. I don't know why I-
Jack quietly: It's all right. Nothing to worry about. (He rubbed his head against her hair) It's all right.
He stared at the ceiling for a long moment, his headache intensifying as much as his worry.
Echo:
*It's all right*
*third time I've referred to hunting in this chapter*
*a big girl like you / It's huge!*
Notes:
*It can be assumed that she was not especially afraid of spiders before Fifth, but if you pause in the torture of Fifth, you see a spider in close-up. (source)
Replicators look like some kind of spider, when the Replicator ships land somewhere, it looks like a spider, and RepliCarter was "born" from a wall/cocon surrounded by replicators. Maybe unconsciously she developed a phobia of this insect*
*Comic strip: Loneliness when you're sad (source)*
CW: *psychophobia*
The rain was gently hitting the windows, the good weather was announced in a few hours. In the meantime, Teal'c, Daniel and Sam were enjoying a fire in the living room. Teal'c stumbled upon an episode of Star Trek on TV to his delight and sank deeper into his chair.
Daniel smiled at Teal'c's reaction: Let me think about taking you to the San Diego Comic Con one day. (he tilted his head) I was at the University of Los Angeles, I had friends who skipped classes to go.
Sam, eyes glued to her computer: We'll go together, my brother lives in San Diego.
Daniel: How's he doing anyway?
Sam dodged: Hmm.
He grimaced and resumed his reading. A few minutes later, a scene from the series caught his curiosity and Teal'c was happy to share a little of his passion.
Teal'c: Did you know that this show has just been canceled?
Daniel: Oh?
Teal'c: Last month.
Daniel: Oh?
Teal'c: Fans raised over $3 million to persuade the producers to reverse their decision.
Daniel repeated himself again: Oh?
Teal'c nodded: They refused.
Daniel nodded, feeling sorry for his friend: Oh.
Sam closed the screen of her computer and put her hands on her head: Raaaaah!
The two men turned to the young woman who seemed particularly upset.
Daniel felt guilty about all the "oh's": Hmm?
Teal'c: Are we making too much noise, Colonel Carter?
Sam looked up, realized she was not alone: No, sorry (she shook her head) I'm not getting anywhere. I would have liked to continue reading the reports we received from Atlantis, but General O'Neill has forbidden me to bring any. (she spoke to herself) It wouldn't have helped anyway. It's like my brain refuses to function normally right now.
Daniel: We're on vacation, try to... relax?
Sam tensed up more and pointed to his book with a shake of her head: Hmm, really?
Daniel grinned: These are Catherine's books, most of them are first editions and I never have time to read what I want...
Sam pointed to the computer: I never have time to write what I'm dying to do. (she got angry with herself) This must be the day I finally have time, when I can't concentrate.
Daniel: With a little rest, everything will become clearer.
She took a deep breath and looked away. Teal'c and Daniel exchanged a look.
Sam resumed: I'm sorry. I haven't been sleeping very well lately. (she tilted her head) Nightmares.
Daniel remained cautious: Your father.
She nodded, uncomfortable but implicitly thanked him for not bringing up the other subject.
Teal'c: Daniel Jackson is right. Perhaps with a Kel’no’reem session, your rest will come.
Sam tried not to offend him: I... I don't know, Teal'c.
Daniel nodded encouragingly: I'll go with you.
She bit her lip and thought. She thought to herself that he was just trying to re-establish a normal relationship between the two of them and he hadn't brought up the taboo subject again like she had asked.
Sam looked at her watch: How long?
Teal'c: Only your mind will tell.
Sam winced at the thought but stood up: Okay. What do we do, Professor Teal'c?
Daniel stood up: Come on, let's push the couch.
They sat down in the middle of the living room in front of the fire. Teal'c found some suspicious candles and put them on the floor.
Daniel helped him to light them: Let's agree. If the cabin catches fire despite the rain, we'll blame him for lighting the fireplace this morning?
Sam and Teal'c smiled, and the group sat down cross-legged on the mat. Teal'c explained the procedure, which was easy for Daniel since he had practiced kel'no'reem with him many times before. Although Teal'c no longer had a symbiote, the meditation was still very enjoyable, and it allowed his to stay close to his culture and traditions, which she knew was important to him She had a little more trouble relaxing than the other two. Once they reached the stage of deep relaxation, Teal'c invited them to focus on a single thought that might be bothering them and to reach a productive self-reflection. This last step was much longer and more complicated for her.
Daniel and Teal'c "woke up" from their inner journey after about half an hour, more serene than ever. They saw the rapid movement under her eyelids and decided to leave her alone and slip away.
The rain was gently hitting the windows, the good weather was announced in a few hours. In the meantime, Teal'c, Daniel and Sam were enjoying a fire in the living room. Teal'c stumbled upon an episode of Star Trek on TV to his delight and sank deeper into his chair.
Daniel smiled at Teal'c's reaction: Let me think about taking you to the San Diego Comic Con one day. (he tilted his head) I was at the University of Los Angeles, I had friends who skipped classes to go.
Sam, eyes glued to her computer: We'll go together, my brother lives in San Diego.
Daniel: How's he doing anyway?
Sam dodged: Hmm.
He grimaced and resumed his reading. A few minutes later, a scene from the series caught his curiosity and Teal'c was happy to share a little of his passion.
Teal'c: Did you know that this show has just been canceled?
Daniel: Oh?
Teal'c: Last month.
Daniel: Oh?
Teal'c: Fans raised over $3 million to persuade the producers to reverse their decision.
Daniel repeated himself again: Oh?
Teal'c nodded: They refused.
Daniel nodded, feeling sorry for his friend: Oh.
Sam closed the screen of her computer and put her hands on her head: Raaaaah!
The two men turned to the young woman who seemed particularly upset.
Daniel felt guilty about all the "oh's": Hmm?
Teal'c: Are we making too much noise, Colonel Carter?
Sam looked up, realized she was not alone: No, sorry (she shook her head) I'm not getting anywhere. I would have liked to continue reading the reports we received from Atlantis, but General O'Neill has forbidden me to bring any. (she spoke to herself) It wouldn't have helped anyway. It's like my brain refuses to function normally right now.
Daniel: We're on vacation, try to... relax?
Sam tensed up more and pointed to his book with a shake of her head: Hmm, really?
Daniel grinned: These are Catherine's books, most of them are first editions and I never have time to read what I want...
Sam pointed to the computer: I never have time to write what I'm dying to do. (she got angry with herself) This must be the day I finally have time, when I can't concentrate.
Daniel: With a little rest, everything will become clearer.
She took a deep breath and looked away. Teal'c and Daniel exchanged a look.
Sam resumed: I'm sorry. I haven't been sleeping very well lately. (she tilted her head) Nightmares.
Daniel remained cautious: Your father.
She nodded, uncomfortable but implicitly thanked him for not bringing up the other subject.
Teal'c: Daniel Jackson is right. Perhaps with a Kel’no’reem session, your rest will come.
Sam tried not to offend him: I... I don't know, Teal'c.
Daniel nodded encouragingly: I'll go with you.
She bit her lip and thought. She thought to herself that he was just trying to re-establish a normal relationship between the two of them and he hadn't brought up the taboo subject again like she had asked.
Sam looked at her watch: How long?
Teal'c: Only your mind will tell.
Sam winced at the thought but stood up: Okay. What do we do, Professor Teal'c?
Daniel stood up: Come on, let's push the couch.
They sat down in the middle of the living room in front of the fire. Teal'c found some suspicious candles and put them on the floor.
Daniel helped him to light them: Let's agree. If the cabin catches fire despite the rain, we'll blame him for lighting the fireplace this morning?
Sam and Teal'c smiled, and the group sat down cross-legged on the mat. Teal'c explained the procedure, which was easy for Daniel since he had practiced kel'no'reem with him many times before. Although Teal'c no longer had a symbiote, the meditation was still very enjoyable, and it allowed his to stay close to his culture and traditions, which she knew was important to him She had a little more trouble relaxing than the other two. Once they reached the stage of deep relaxation, Teal'c invited them to focus on a single thought that might be bothering them and to reach a productive self-reflection. This last step was much longer and more complicated for her.
Daniel and Teal'c "woke up" from their inner journey after about half an hour, more serene than ever. They saw the rapid movement under her eyelids and decided to leave her alone and slip away.
I don't want them to see me weak.
You are weak.
I am independent.
You are dependent on him.
He'll think I'm crazy.
They'll all think you are.
I am crazy.
Am I?
They'll all think you're making it up.
It's all so confusing.
Did I imagine all this?
I can still feel his hand on mine.
Daniel already knows.
And I was unable to tell him anything.
He doesn't blame me.
It's not the same now.
Why do I keep seeing these memories?
In a loop, an echo, a mirror. They repeat themselves.
I am crazy.
Am I?
I trust him.
You can't trust anyone.
I trust them, they are... different.
They are all the same.
I am stuck in these memories, why?
The body has lived, the head doesn't accept it.
I can tell him everything.
He's gone through your medical records. He is like the others.
I can tell him everything, to him.
He already knows, she showed him everything.
I'll lose control.
You never had control.
Jack will see me differently.
Daniel already sees you differently.
I'm going to disappoint him.
He won't be the first person disappointed in you.
I'm going to have to explain myself.
Would you rather lie to them all your life?
Isn't that what we've been doing for years?
You promised to tell him. Later.
Can I back out? Go back in time and erase what I told them?
You are weak.
I am independent.
You are dependent on him.
He'll think I'm crazy.
They'll all think you are.
I am crazy.
Am I?
They'll all think you're making it up.
It's all so confusing.
Did I imagine all this?
I can still feel his hand on mine.
Daniel already knows.
And I was unable to tell him anything.
He doesn't blame me.
It's not the same now.
Why do I keep seeing these memories?
In a loop, an echo, a mirror. They repeat themselves.
I am crazy.
Am I?
I trust him.
You can't trust anyone.
I trust them, they are... different.
They are all the same.
I am stuck in these memories, why?
The body has lived, the head doesn't accept it.
I can tell him everything.
He's gone through your medical records. He is like the others.
I can tell him everything, to him.
He already knows, she showed him everything.
I'll lose control.
You never had control.
Jack will see me differently.
Daniel already sees you differently.
I'm going to disappoint him.
He won't be the first person disappointed in you.
I'm going to have to explain myself.
Would you rather lie to them all your life?
Isn't that what we've been doing for years?
You promised to tell him. Later.
Can I back out? Go back in time and erase what I told them?
Echo:
*oh*
*I never have time / I finally have time / How long? / Go back in time and erase what I told them?*
*what I want / what I'm dying to do*
*rest*
Notes:
*A few paragraphs before, I put forward that Carter still insisted on not changing the past*
*If you freeze-frame during the movie "Stargate," when Catherine and Daniel meet, she is in the Air Force car looking at his file. It has his degree from "the University of California", "given at Los Angeles". I put the reference in the next video to link this paragraph to the next one with the context*
*oh*
*I never have time / I finally have time / How long? / Go back in time and erase what I told them?*
*what I want / what I'm dying to do*
*rest*
Notes:
*A few paragraphs before, I put forward that Carter still insisted on not changing the past*
*If you freeze-frame during the movie "Stargate," when Catherine and Daniel meet, she is in the Air Force car looking at his file. It has his degree from "the University of California", "given at Los Angeles". I put the reference in the next video to link this paragraph to the next one with the context*
CW: * mention of death threat*
He entered through the back door into the amphitheater where her class was about to end. The young woman, standing on a wooden platform, wore high-waisted black pants, a white blouse and flashy yellow high heels, as well as a hairband to match her shoes. She was extremely stylish.
Bell: This is the kind of thing you'll have to think about in your homework. (Bells ringing) Thank you. Have a good day.
She put her things away and the students stood up. He stepped back against the wall to let them pass. When the classroom was a little emptier, he joined her.
Jack: Mrs. Williams? (she looked up and he held out his hand) General Jack O'Neill, U.S. Air Force (she looked at his hand for a few seconds before looking back into his eyes. He put his hands in his pockets) Mrs. Williams, I'm here to see you about-
Bell, with a touch of irritation in her voice: I am Director of the Experimental Laboratory at the Chicago Hospital, Professor at this university and Doctor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience which is (she pointed to the building across the street through the window) right here. (she insisted) Pick a title, but certainly not "Mrs".
Jack smiled: Busy gal! (seeing the woman's lack of reaction, he cleared his throat) It's a long name. Can I call you Doc? Teacher? (he mumbled to himself) Captain?
Bell raised her eyebrows and forced herself to remain courteous: My students call me Bell.
Jack tilted his head: Look I so young? (she gritted her teeth and exhaled softly, he regained his seriousness and gave up joking with her) Would you have a few minutes for me please? I would like to talk to you about your work.
Bell, defensively: And which ones, please?
He wondered why she was so suspicious and then remembered the death threats she received. He admitted that maybe her approach was wrong.
Jack decided to play it straight: Post-traumatic stress disorder, especially about your ideas of cognitive behavioral therapies. (she raised her eyebrows, now puzzled) I run a department that could use your services... (not knowing what word was best) Skills?
Bell stared at him with interest: Is the Army finally realizing that it is traumatizing everyone?
Jack raised his eyebrows: Honest. I like that. (She swallowed as if she had just said something and he noticed her nervousness) I would like to see change.
Bell looked at her watch: I have 15 minutes. Coffee?
Jack invited her to lead him: With pleasure.
Notes:
*Video: Would you trust these black doctors? (source)*
He entered through the back door into the amphitheater where her class was about to end. The young woman, standing on a wooden platform, wore high-waisted black pants, a white blouse and flashy yellow high heels, as well as a hairband to match her shoes. She was extremely stylish.
Bell: This is the kind of thing you'll have to think about in your homework. (Bells ringing) Thank you. Have a good day.
She put her things away and the students stood up. He stepped back against the wall to let them pass. When the classroom was a little emptier, he joined her.
Jack: Mrs. Williams? (she looked up and he held out his hand) General Jack O'Neill, U.S. Air Force (she looked at his hand for a few seconds before looking back into his eyes. He put his hands in his pockets) Mrs. Williams, I'm here to see you about-
Bell, with a touch of irritation in her voice: I am Director of the Experimental Laboratory at the Chicago Hospital, Professor at this university and Doctor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience which is (she pointed to the building across the street through the window) right here. (she insisted) Pick a title, but certainly not "Mrs".
Jack smiled: Busy gal! (seeing the woman's lack of reaction, he cleared his throat) It's a long name. Can I call you Doc? Teacher? (he mumbled to himself) Captain?
Bell raised her eyebrows and forced herself to remain courteous: My students call me Bell.
Jack tilted his head: Look I so young? (she gritted her teeth and exhaled softly, he regained his seriousness and gave up joking with her) Would you have a few minutes for me please? I would like to talk to you about your work.
Bell, defensively: And which ones, please?
He wondered why she was so suspicious and then remembered the death threats she received. He admitted that maybe her approach was wrong.
Jack decided to play it straight: Post-traumatic stress disorder, especially about your ideas of cognitive behavioral therapies. (she raised her eyebrows, now puzzled) I run a department that could use your services... (not knowing what word was best) Skills?
Bell stared at him with interest: Is the Army finally realizing that it is traumatizing everyone?
Jack raised his eyebrows: Honest. I like that. (She swallowed as if she had just said something and he noticed her nervousness) I would like to see change.
Bell looked at her watch: I have 15 minutes. Coffee?
Jack invited her to lead him: With pleasure.
Notes:
*Video: Would you trust these black doctors? (source)*
CW: *racism* *sexism* *guns* *LGBTQphobia* *psychophobia* *mention of war* *mention of murder* *mention of rape* *mention of Ku Klux Klan*
They sat down on the terrace to enjoy the central park that the University offered, under the shelter of the trees. He stretched his aching knees under his chair and smiled at the students on the grass who were taking advantage of the sun to do their homework in the best conditions. He rested his eyes on her and was surprised to see her twitching her leg, looking around furtively and biting her lips.
Jack, puzzled: Stressed?
Bell laughed nervously: Are you kidding? An armed white Air Force man asks me about my work.
Jack stared at her for a few seconds: How do you know I have a gun?
Bell stared at him: That's what we call a bluff.
He smiled. She did not.
Jack collected himself and added calmly: If I unload it, it will be better?
Bell, even more distressed: Because it's loaded? (he gritted his teeth and thought of a way to defuse the situation... if not his gun) Damn, didn't the security checkpoints at the entrance alert you to our gun policy?
He chuckled and held back from telling her that with his free pass this was not a problem, feeling that it would worsen their already bad relationship.
Jack tilted his head: Sorry. Self-defense.
Bell nodded: Sorry. Self-defense.
She swallowed for being too direct and looked around again. He winced and understood why she had chosen this public place to speak.
Jack changed his approach: Recently I've noticed that some of my staff have developed various symptoms that I've recognized from your texts.
Bell: PTSD.
Jack nodded: A psychological department has been in place since the beginning of the program. (she was slightly reassured to hear this) We think that... that they are using their ability to resist forced interrogation. They manage to hide their real problems perfectly and manipulate... our doctors.
Bell: "Problems"? (he frowned and thought about what he could tell her) Top secret army stuff and other bullshit, okay. (he raised his eyebrows and she accelerated the discussion) Let's say the traditional problems combined with the pressure of the field?
Jack, a little confused: "Traditional problems"?
Bell: Sexism, racism, homophobia,...
Jack became impatient and sat up straight in his chair: Look... I'm not interested in politics.
She took a deep breath, looked nervously at her watch, and he chuckled again.
Bell, calmly: Everything is politics. Believe me, I'd be much better off under my comforter with a movie and tea all day than having to explain to strangers their racist and misogynistic biases, sir. (she moved a hand towards him) As you would probably prefer (she questioned him with her eyes)...?
Jack: Fishing.
Bell: ... Rather than having to talk to me.
Jack moistened his lips with nervousness and smiled slightly: It's not unpleasant, I assure you.
Bell: If it wasn't for politics, my job or my research wouldn't exist. People who are not interested in politics are the ones who have no interest in changing it.
Jack grinned slightly: I'm a simple man. I don't understand everything, but I understand when my department members need help. (Surprised by his candor, she raised her eyebrows and looked at him, he was willing to put himself out there for his staff, even without understanding, and she respected that) There is one thing I don't understand.
Bell: We've moved on to one thing, now?
He smiled gently. She had the same sense of humor as he did, and she wasn't that scared. In fact, he liked her, he thought.
Jack: We're prepared for this kind of... let's say field problems. I've been through this kind of thing. (lowered) So...
Bell took a sip: Why you don't? (he nodded, uncomfortable. She put her cup down) We don't know why the same traumatic event can cause no symptoms in one person and lifelong PTSD in another. (she waved her hand) Nor do we know why some people experience the same trauma, or witness it many times over many years, without developing PTSD, but develop the disorder following an apparently similar episode.
Jack took the time to understand her information, then added: And does being a woman affect that?
Bell, cautious: It adds pressure. (he nodded) I'm not talking about the sexism that's out there. (she smiled and took a serious tone) I'm talking about the injunction to toxic masculinity, the rejection of self. (he questioned her with his eyes and concentrated. She continued her explanation) When women enter the military, they have to change their personality... a little bit to... (she tilted her head) to fit the mold.
Jack, cautious: But women are still women?
Bell made her speech even easier: Okay. Imagine that women are round shapes, men are square shapes. (He didn't take offense at his childish explanation, needing to understand. This reassured the doctor, who was praying that one of her students would not hear her so crudely popularize the problem) There is only one square space to fit into the army. (He nodded) Men fit without worry. Women... (she tilted her head) It doesn't fit. In other words, the only solution...
Jack rasped: Turn into a square?
Bell became impatient: No. (she chuckled but was patient) They shrink to fit.
Jack took in the information: So they....
Bell continued, as he seemed to be struggling to find the words: ... Make a part of themselves disappear in order to survive (a huge cynic crossed her face) in a world of men.
Jack swallowed: Their personality takes?
Bell sank into her seat: Their personalities, their willingness to fight for their individual rights, their personal desires, (she moved a hand) a little bit of everything really. And it's not just for women. People of color too. Non-heterosexual people, and so on. (He put his hand on the back of her neck. She added with a wry smile, almost challenging him with her eyes) Conditioning for the fatherland.
Jack gritted his teeth, struggling with this anti-military rhetoric: But my colleague seems to be fulfilled in her work.
She noted that he had moved moved from “my staff”, to the female staff and then to one woman in particular.
Bell: Maybe they think they feel good, maybe they are. But often they're just not... Totally themselves.
He stared at her for a moment. If he was sincere, maybe she would agree to help him. He swallowed hard and looked away to find courage in the landscape.
Bell noticed his confusion: Afghanistan or Iraq? (he turned his head toward her and questioned her with his eyes. Bell noticed and frowned) What? (in a slightly bitter tone) You're so behind your desk that you forget where you're sending your cannon fodder?
Jack thought he had to speak quickly so as not to arouse further suspicion: I recently learned that she had been raped in the Army itself.
Bell closed her eyes for a moment, caught her breath and looked at him: I'm sorry for her. (she winced and spoke more harshly) In the future, don't mention it to her. (she insisted) It's her history. (he nodded slightly, nervously. She noticed and added gently) She seems important to you?
Jack: She's important to the project. (the doctor's face closed suddenly. He saw it and had another grin. He had managed to take one step forward and had just taken two steps back with one sentence. He looked away) Relationships between subordinates are forbidden.
She opened her mouth, surprised that he would confess something that could lead him to court martial, then she understood the reason: He was offering her a means of pressure against him to prove her need for help, despite her reluctance towards him since the beginning. She stared at him for a few seconds.
Bell finally nodded: Okay. (she exhaled deeply) It's long. Very long. And very hard on the patients. (he looked away, nervously) But we have good results for their daily lives and their mental health. (she chuckled for a split second) And they don't leave the Army! (he remained silent and she hesitated) Where is your base?
Jack: NORAD. (she recoiled) What?
Bell shook her head but at her insistence had to swallow and answer: You know Ron Stallworth?
Jack: No?
Bell: A former police officer. An African-American. In the 70s he worked in Colorado Springs and infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan.
Jack, a little confused by this conversation: And?
Bell moved her hand: He revealed that several Klan members were active members of the Armed Forces.
Jack nodded, understanding: Including NORAD. (she nodded and he looked away, still nervous) Eurh. I can assure you that is no longer our policy.
Bell studied her for a moment more, then ventured: If... If you allow me to put together a team, I can start working on the people who feel the need. (she insisted) I want absolute confidentiality.
Jack: Of course.
Bell held up a finger: I mean I don't want any microphones or cameras. No notes in their files that they come to us. Nothing. This program will be completely civilian and... (she swallowed) You will have no objection to my guidelines. (she insisted again) Nothing.
He stared at her. She was playing it straight and he liked that. Sure he wasn't going to be in control, but the stakes were high. He looked away to think a little and took a deep breath. She stared at him too. Life had taught her not to expect anything from men, on top of that white men, let alone the army, but her heart was pounding in her chest and she realized that this program was potentially decisive. It couldn't be a coincidence and her instincts never failed her.
Jack looked at her again: Okie Dokie.
Bell froze and raised her eyebrows: Don't you have to tell your superiors?
Jack: I'll take care of it. (She was surprised at his answer but didn't add anything more. He looked around) Not too busy here?
Bell nodded: I'll take care of it. (she insisted) Besides, this will only be temporary, until I can see the extent of the problem and put a permanent team in place if necessary, or train the one already there.
Jack: Very well. (He reached into his pocket and grabbed a business card) Can you brief me on your needs? (He put the business card on the table, she nodded) The Army shouldn’t make ya feel uncomfortable.
Bell: I won't spare you.
Jack smiled slightly and then insisted: This program must remain confidential. I don't care what your price is.
She nodded. They stood up to shake hands. As they parted, the university bell rang and she called him back. She put her bag on the table and looked for a pen and paper. She wrote something on it and handed him the paper.
Bell pointed to a building: Building C, 3rd floor, room 5. Give them this paper. (He questioned her with his eyes and took the paper) They will give you a book to read.
Jack smiled wryly: Homework?
Bell, seriously: Yes.
He was a little confused by this answer, but thanked her again and went to get the book.
Echo:
*If I unload it, it will be better? / Because it's loaded?*
*Busy gal! / Not too busy here?*
* I'm not interested in politics. / Everything is politics. / interested in politics *
*sorry. Self-defense*
*problems / traditional problems*
* they have to change their personality. / Their personality takes? / Their personalities*
*She seems important to you? / She's important to the project.*
*Nothing.*
*I'll take care of it.*
*The paragraph before, O'neill says "with pleasure," in this one "It's not unpleasant "*
*Paragraph before, Jack says "I'd like to talk to you," and in this paragraph Bell says "Rather than have to talk to me. "*
*Previous paragraph, Jack says "I'd like to see it change," and in this one Bell responds "People who are not interested in politics are the ones who have no interest in changing it. *
*In this chapter, we already had the echo "Is there a history between you and Sam? / "A history"?", in this paragraph "It's her history.*
*I want absolute confidentiality. / This program must remain confidential*
*The previous paragraph opens with the first appearance of the invented character Bell Williams, she says "This is the kind of thing you'll have to think about in your homework. " and the bell rings. This paragraph opens with "the students on the grass who were taking advantage of the sun to do their homework in the best conditions. " and closes with a bell ringing and her giving him a book "Homework? - Yes. "*
Notes:
*the case revealed by Ron Stallworth begins in 1979. O'Neill studied at the Academy in the early 1970s. A small idea of the atmosphere of the time*
*Video: Have you ever heard someone say they “not that into politics”?” (source)*
*Article: Fatal police violence by race and state in the USA, 1980–2019, a network meta-regression (source)*
They sat down on the terrace to enjoy the central park that the University offered, under the shelter of the trees. He stretched his aching knees under his chair and smiled at the students on the grass who were taking advantage of the sun to do their homework in the best conditions. He rested his eyes on her and was surprised to see her twitching her leg, looking around furtively and biting her lips.
Jack, puzzled: Stressed?
Bell laughed nervously: Are you kidding? An armed white Air Force man asks me about my work.
Jack stared at her for a few seconds: How do you know I have a gun?
Bell stared at him: That's what we call a bluff.
He smiled. She did not.
Jack collected himself and added calmly: If I unload it, it will be better?
Bell, even more distressed: Because it's loaded? (he gritted his teeth and thought of a way to defuse the situation... if not his gun) Damn, didn't the security checkpoints at the entrance alert you to our gun policy?
He chuckled and held back from telling her that with his free pass this was not a problem, feeling that it would worsen their already bad relationship.
Jack tilted his head: Sorry. Self-defense.
Bell nodded: Sorry. Self-defense.
She swallowed for being too direct and looked around again. He winced and understood why she had chosen this public place to speak.
Jack changed his approach: Recently I've noticed that some of my staff have developed various symptoms that I've recognized from your texts.
Bell: PTSD.
Jack nodded: A psychological department has been in place since the beginning of the program. (she was slightly reassured to hear this) We think that... that they are using their ability to resist forced interrogation. They manage to hide their real problems perfectly and manipulate... our doctors.
Bell: "Problems"? (he frowned and thought about what he could tell her) Top secret army stuff and other bullshit, okay. (he raised his eyebrows and she accelerated the discussion) Let's say the traditional problems combined with the pressure of the field?
Jack, a little confused: "Traditional problems"?
Bell: Sexism, racism, homophobia,...
Jack became impatient and sat up straight in his chair: Look... I'm not interested in politics.
She took a deep breath, looked nervously at her watch, and he chuckled again.
Bell, calmly: Everything is politics. Believe me, I'd be much better off under my comforter with a movie and tea all day than having to explain to strangers their racist and misogynistic biases, sir. (she moved a hand towards him) As you would probably prefer (she questioned him with her eyes)...?
Jack: Fishing.
Bell: ... Rather than having to talk to me.
Jack moistened his lips with nervousness and smiled slightly: It's not unpleasant, I assure you.
Bell: If it wasn't for politics, my job or my research wouldn't exist. People who are not interested in politics are the ones who have no interest in changing it.
Jack grinned slightly: I'm a simple man. I don't understand everything, but I understand when my department members need help. (Surprised by his candor, she raised her eyebrows and looked at him, he was willing to put himself out there for his staff, even without understanding, and she respected that) There is one thing I don't understand.
Bell: We've moved on to one thing, now?
He smiled gently. She had the same sense of humor as he did, and she wasn't that scared. In fact, he liked her, he thought.
Jack: We're prepared for this kind of... let's say field problems. I've been through this kind of thing. (lowered) So...
Bell took a sip: Why you don't? (he nodded, uncomfortable. She put her cup down) We don't know why the same traumatic event can cause no symptoms in one person and lifelong PTSD in another. (she waved her hand) Nor do we know why some people experience the same trauma, or witness it many times over many years, without developing PTSD, but develop the disorder following an apparently similar episode.
Jack took the time to understand her information, then added: And does being a woman affect that?
Bell, cautious: It adds pressure. (he nodded) I'm not talking about the sexism that's out there. (she smiled and took a serious tone) I'm talking about the injunction to toxic masculinity, the rejection of self. (he questioned her with his eyes and concentrated. She continued her explanation) When women enter the military, they have to change their personality... a little bit to... (she tilted her head) to fit the mold.
Jack, cautious: But women are still women?
Bell made her speech even easier: Okay. Imagine that women are round shapes, men are square shapes. (He didn't take offense at his childish explanation, needing to understand. This reassured the doctor, who was praying that one of her students would not hear her so crudely popularize the problem) There is only one square space to fit into the army. (He nodded) Men fit without worry. Women... (she tilted her head) It doesn't fit. In other words, the only solution...
Jack rasped: Turn into a square?
Bell became impatient: No. (she chuckled but was patient) They shrink to fit.
Jack took in the information: So they....
Bell continued, as he seemed to be struggling to find the words: ... Make a part of themselves disappear in order to survive (a huge cynic crossed her face) in a world of men.
Jack swallowed: Their personality takes?
Bell sank into her seat: Their personalities, their willingness to fight for their individual rights, their personal desires, (she moved a hand) a little bit of everything really. And it's not just for women. People of color too. Non-heterosexual people, and so on. (He put his hand on the back of her neck. She added with a wry smile, almost challenging him with her eyes) Conditioning for the fatherland.
Jack gritted his teeth, struggling with this anti-military rhetoric: But my colleague seems to be fulfilled in her work.
She noted that he had moved moved from “my staff”, to the female staff and then to one woman in particular.
Bell: Maybe they think they feel good, maybe they are. But often they're just not... Totally themselves.
He stared at her for a moment. If he was sincere, maybe she would agree to help him. He swallowed hard and looked away to find courage in the landscape.
Bell noticed his confusion: Afghanistan or Iraq? (he turned his head toward her and questioned her with his eyes. Bell noticed and frowned) What? (in a slightly bitter tone) You're so behind your desk that you forget where you're sending your cannon fodder?
Jack thought he had to speak quickly so as not to arouse further suspicion: I recently learned that she had been raped in the Army itself.
Bell closed her eyes for a moment, caught her breath and looked at him: I'm sorry for her. (she winced and spoke more harshly) In the future, don't mention it to her. (she insisted) It's her history. (he nodded slightly, nervously. She noticed and added gently) She seems important to you?
Jack: She's important to the project. (the doctor's face closed suddenly. He saw it and had another grin. He had managed to take one step forward and had just taken two steps back with one sentence. He looked away) Relationships between subordinates are forbidden.
She opened her mouth, surprised that he would confess something that could lead him to court martial, then she understood the reason: He was offering her a means of pressure against him to prove her need for help, despite her reluctance towards him since the beginning. She stared at him for a few seconds.
Bell finally nodded: Okay. (she exhaled deeply) It's long. Very long. And very hard on the patients. (he looked away, nervously) But we have good results for their daily lives and their mental health. (she chuckled for a split second) And they don't leave the Army! (he remained silent and she hesitated) Where is your base?
Jack: NORAD. (she recoiled) What?
Bell shook her head but at her insistence had to swallow and answer: You know Ron Stallworth?
Jack: No?
Bell: A former police officer. An African-American. In the 70s he worked in Colorado Springs and infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan.
Jack, a little confused by this conversation: And?
Bell moved her hand: He revealed that several Klan members were active members of the Armed Forces.
Jack nodded, understanding: Including NORAD. (she nodded and he looked away, still nervous) Eurh. I can assure you that is no longer our policy.
Bell studied her for a moment more, then ventured: If... If you allow me to put together a team, I can start working on the people who feel the need. (she insisted) I want absolute confidentiality.
Jack: Of course.
Bell held up a finger: I mean I don't want any microphones or cameras. No notes in their files that they come to us. Nothing. This program will be completely civilian and... (she swallowed) You will have no objection to my guidelines. (she insisted again) Nothing.
He stared at her. She was playing it straight and he liked that. Sure he wasn't going to be in control, but the stakes were high. He looked away to think a little and took a deep breath. She stared at him too. Life had taught her not to expect anything from men, on top of that white men, let alone the army, but her heart was pounding in her chest and she realized that this program was potentially decisive. It couldn't be a coincidence and her instincts never failed her.
Jack looked at her again: Okie Dokie.
Bell froze and raised her eyebrows: Don't you have to tell your superiors?
Jack: I'll take care of it. (She was surprised at his answer but didn't add anything more. He looked around) Not too busy here?
Bell nodded: I'll take care of it. (she insisted) Besides, this will only be temporary, until I can see the extent of the problem and put a permanent team in place if necessary, or train the one already there.
Jack: Very well. (He reached into his pocket and grabbed a business card) Can you brief me on your needs? (He put the business card on the table, she nodded) The Army shouldn’t make ya feel uncomfortable.
Bell: I won't spare you.
Jack smiled slightly and then insisted: This program must remain confidential. I don't care what your price is.
She nodded. They stood up to shake hands. As they parted, the university bell rang and she called him back. She put her bag on the table and looked for a pen and paper. She wrote something on it and handed him the paper.
Bell pointed to a building: Building C, 3rd floor, room 5. Give them this paper. (He questioned her with his eyes and took the paper) They will give you a book to read.
Jack smiled wryly: Homework?
Bell, seriously: Yes.
He was a little confused by this answer, but thanked her again and went to get the book.
Echo:
*If I unload it, it will be better? / Because it's loaded?*
*Busy gal! / Not too busy here?*
* I'm not interested in politics. / Everything is politics. / interested in politics *
*sorry. Self-defense*
*problems / traditional problems*
* they have to change their personality. / Their personality takes? / Their personalities*
*She seems important to you? / She's important to the project.*
*Nothing.*
*I'll take care of it.*
*The paragraph before, O'neill says "with pleasure," in this one "It's not unpleasant "*
*Paragraph before, Jack says "I'd like to talk to you," and in this paragraph Bell says "Rather than have to talk to me. "*
*Previous paragraph, Jack says "I'd like to see it change," and in this one Bell responds "People who are not interested in politics are the ones who have no interest in changing it. *
*In this chapter, we already had the echo "Is there a history between you and Sam? / "A history"?", in this paragraph "It's her history.*
*I want absolute confidentiality. / This program must remain confidential*
*The previous paragraph opens with the first appearance of the invented character Bell Williams, she says "This is the kind of thing you'll have to think about in your homework. " and the bell rings. This paragraph opens with "the students on the grass who were taking advantage of the sun to do their homework in the best conditions. " and closes with a bell ringing and her giving him a book "Homework? - Yes. "*
Notes:
*the case revealed by Ron Stallworth begins in 1979. O'Neill studied at the Academy in the early 1970s. A small idea of the atmosphere of the time*
*Video: Have you ever heard someone say they “not that into politics”?” (source)*
*Article: Fatal police violence by race and state in the USA, 1980–2019, a network meta-regression (source)*