|
Title: The Barista- Complete Season 3
Disclaimer: Stargate SG-1 and its characters are the property of Showtime/Viacom, MGM/UA, Double Secret Productions, and Gekko Productions. I have written this story for entertainment purposes only and no money whatsoever has exchanged hands. No copyright infringement is intended. The original characters, situations, and story are the property of the author(s). Title: Barista 20-- Kidnapped By Aliens
June really is one of my favorite months out of the year; it stays sunny until well past 9 pm, the days are seldom overly hot and the cute biker boys come in every Saturday morning after their training rides. Have you ever *looked* at their legs before? Drool. And speaking of drooling, where the hell is Daniel? I mean, the last time I saw him was just a few days after that embarrassing Mardi Gras experience. But now it's the end of June and the guy is still nowhere to be found! I haven't seen Jack or Sam either, but considering they don't live downtown, that isn't so unusual. But Daniel? He usually comes by for coffee at least three times a week. Well, that is when he's in town. That guy sure does travel a lot. So much so that he actually lets me know occasionally when he'll be out of town for a day or two. Not all the time or anything, but if he knows he has a trip planned (apparently sometimes he doesn't know until he gets to work, how weird is that?!) he'll try and remember to tell me. Naturally he never lets me know where though... But it's been over three months! I know it's rather morbid, but I've started reading the obituary columns. I mean, come on! I'm just the guy's Barista here; it isn't like anyone would ever notify me if he died or anything. Well Jack might. And probably Sam.. My mind instantly takes a left turn at good sense and imagines all three of them lying dead in a dark aboriginal jungle someplace. I quickly shake my head to dispel the image. They are NOT dead. I plaster on a happy smile as a customer (tourist) comes in and waves his hand in confused little circles at the above the counter menu and asks in a bewildered drawl, 'Which one of these is the real coffee?' Why do I work here again? I had just finished handing Mr. Texan his Grande Latté (or law-tee as the nice gentleman called it) when I felt Stefan give me a sharp nudge on my right. I turn towards him to see what he wants and follow his eyes as Stefan glances pointedly towards the door. Daniel! At least I think its Daniel. Man, as if I don't have enough dream fantasy fodder what with that birthday kiss of his; apparently Daniel spent part of his summer vacation getting a haircut. A really, really nice haircut. My face lights up like a kid at Christmas as my number one customer gives me a shy wave and gets in line. Told you he wasn't dead! I quickly take the next order (double shot espresso with a dollop of whip cream) and bring my attention back towards Daniel. My smile slips a little as I really get a good look at him. Daniel doesn't look so hot. I mean, of COURSE Daniel looks hot, but despite the really excellent haircut, Daniel looks like he's been through the ringer. He's rather pale (especially considering it's early summer), has a really odd red mark on his temple and I think I saw him limping slightly. I finish ringing up the last customer and finally get a chance to see Daniel up close and in person. Allison taps me on the shoulder and gently pushes me over to the second register; her way of telling me to take all the time I need with Daniel, she'll handle the other customers. Coffee shop friends are the best! "Hey stranger." I say giving Daniel a truly jaw-splitting smile. Damn if it isn't good to see him. "It's good to see you again Kira," Daniel says warmly in return. "So before I grill you on where the heck you've been for the last several months, how about I make you a drink?" Daniel nods gratefully. "Triple tall mocha with extra whip." I raise my eyebrows slightly- that's a pretty hefty drink, even for Daniel. "Yes, I'm sure," Daniel insists, as he notices my hesitation. "You aren't under a doctor's care or anything are you Daniel?" I ask as I jot the order down on a cup and pass it over to Stefan. Stefan too gives Daniel a second glance- our Daniel doesn't usually order such rich drinks. "Define 'care'?" Daniel asks looking slightly sheepish. And dammit, somehow he is managing to look extra yummy now that his hair is out of his eyes. "Daniel! Do I need to call Jack?" I ask worriedly. I'm more than slightly taken back at how much I'm sounding like my mother at the moment. Daniel laughs. "I'm fine Kira, really. Janet released me last night. I do have to return in the morning for a follow-up visit, but I'm fine. Really." I feel a little zing of pride knowing that I'm close enough to Daniel and his friends that I don't have to have it explained to me that Janet is his doctor. "So what happened?" I ask as I give Daniel his coffee and lead him over to an empty table. I glance back and catch Stefan's eye; I hold up a hand- 5 minutes. "Would you believe me if I told you I was kidnapped by aliens and cryogenically frozen?" Daniel asks. I stare at him in complete bafflement and slowly shake my head. "Noo-oo." I say slowly, drawing out the word. "Although, I wouldn't put getting kidnapped by aliens past you, the whole cryogenic issue would be more tricky." Again Daniel laughs. "You believe in aliens, but not deep freeze chambers?" He asks incredulously. "Yep." "Ok then!" He takes a sip of his drink and groans appreciatively. "Great coffee Kira!" Daniel! You've got to stop doing that! I give myself a mental shake and focus on the other random out-of-place elements that surround the good Doctor. "Daniel, why did you cut your hair?" Daniel runs a hand self consciously through his shortened locks and gives a dry chuckle. "It was definitely not my idea." "The alien kidnappers did it huh?" "Exactly." Daniel nods. "What about the mark on your temple?" Daniel reaches up and touches the reddened mark on the left side of his face. "Allergic reaction to a bug bite," he says after a moment's pause. "Is that why you're so pale?" I'm totally being nosy here- but Daniel will stop me when I've gone too far. "Really, really bad reaction." He deadpans. "Besides, I was just recovering from being cryogenically frozen and couldn't exactly resist." "Resist getting bitten by a mosquito?" I clarify. "I was too out of it to remember to apply my DEET." "Uh huh." I say seriously not believing a word he's telling me. "What about your limp?" "Dang Kira! Is there anything about me you don't notice?!" Now it's my turn to blush a healthy shade of red. Uh no? "I'm a people person Daniel!" I say in explanation. "I notice stuff like this!" And it's true really. I'm damn good at remembering wiggly little details that most folks usually forget. In high school, my career assessment test pegged me as a Private Investigator or FBI agent. My friends called me 'Scully' for months after that. "Well Ms. People person, what's going on with the American University in Cairo? Are you still planning on going there next fall?" Now it's my turn to look sheepish. This does not go unnoticed by Daniel. "Kira?" Daniel prompts. "Well, it's like this Daniel," I begin. "I could go in the fall and graduate next summer with two undergraduate degrees, OR I can graduate this fall, start Grad school in the Winter and head to Cairo with one of my favorite Professor's late Spring of next year." Daniel looks at me with shining eyes and gives me a knowing smile. I doubt he'll actually say it, but I think he's impressed. It sure sounds a lot more impressive when I say it aloud! After crunching the numbers (I'll be in debt a whopping $43,000 by the time all of this is done) and messing around with the course loads, I was pretty much burnt out on the whole university experience. Ever since school ended last month, I've been pulling double shifts at the coffee shop and scoping out the town in search of a potential internships. I can't pull coffee forever you know... "So what's your degree officially going to be in?" Daniel asks. "Classical Studies." Did he really think I would be doing anything else? What other degree encourages you to take both Greek and Latin? "And your minor?" Krino*. Now I'm turning the color of real bad sunburn. "Archaeology," I mumble. "Kira, did you just say Archaeology?" Daniel says, emphasizing the word. "Uh huh." I say wishing I had a cup of tea or something to hide behind. "Weren't you the person last winter that told me how boring you thought Archaeology could be? Something to do with old rocks and buildings...?" "All right!" I exclaim tossing my hands into the air in defeat. "I was totally wrong in my original assessment of your field, ok?" Assessment? Since when did I start using the word 'assessment'? Damn, I really am a college student, aren't I? Daniel gives me another big smile. "So what classes did you take?" "Besides "Intro to Archaeology", I have taken "Cultural Representations, Beliefs and Practices" and "Origins of Civilization". I plan on taking "Lost Languages and Decipherments" next fall before I graduate." "Impressive," Daniel says finishing off his coffee. Again I blush. Darnit Kira, you have got to stop doing that! "And your Masters'?" "Definitely History, a combination of Ancient and Early I think, although I haven't quite decided if the second MA will be in Linguistics or Archival Science." Daniel whistles. "You're going to have your hands full, aren't you?" I shrug- no more than usual.. I feel a tap on my shoulder and turn around to see Allison. Oops- guess I used up my five minutes. "Sorry Ali," I say apologetically as I grab Daniel's now empty cup and scurry off back to the counter. "Daniel I need to get back to work." "No problem Kira, but I want to hear more later, ok? You still work most mornings?" I nod as I relieve Stefan from behind the espresso machine. "Be nice," I whisper to Stefan as I pick up the cup in front of me and make out the order for a double tall Americano. Stefan gives me a "Who moi?" look and heads back towards the break room. I see him mouth 'Nice haircut' before he disappears. "Still working mornings." I call out as I measure out two shots of ground espresso and tamp it down. "I'll catch up with you later this week then," Daniel says from the far end of the counter as he makes his way towards the door. "Try not to get kidnapped by aliens and flash frozen this time, ok?" I tease as I pull the shots. "I sincerely hope not," Daniel says earnestly. "See you in a couple days Kira." With a final little wave he leaves. I finish making the drink and had just started on the next one when I remembered. I'm not going to be here in a couple of days! I grit my teeth in frustration and give myself a mental slap. Oh well. I'll write a note and leave it for Josh, the guy taking over my shifts while I'm gone. It'll only be for three days- how much mischief can Daniel get into in three days? I pause to consider that thought and shake my head. I might have only known Daniel for a little over two years now, but already I was certain that if there is anyone out there who can get into more complicated problems than Daniel and his friends, I have yet to meet them. A/N- Hwaaaah ahhhh. -- my attempt at manic laughter-- Foreshadowing! DEET is super strong mosquito/bug repellant.
21-- Microsoft, Starbucks and Boeing, Oh My! Seattle. It feels strange to be back in the northwest after nearly 15 years of living in the Rockies. I was born in Portland, Oregon, but I don't remember too much of those first 8 years of my life. I'm pretty certain coffee wasn't the end all-be all down there like it is up here in Seattle. But then again, I was only in elementary school, so what did I know? When Victor asked me if I would like to head to Seattle for a coffee convention, I just laughed. I mean, sure it makes sense to have a Starbucks convention in Seattle, but an independent coffee convention? Isn't that just a little weird? Apparently the organizers of INCA (Independent Coffee Organization of America) thought it would be hysterical to flout their independence by gathering in the Mecca of all coffee cities; Seattle. I have to admit- they were pretty much right. Several hundred representatives (both baristas and owners) met in downtown Seattle's Convention Center for a little knowledge sharing and general big business bashing. We had fun tasting small house coffee roasts and strategizing how to make the most of independent coffee houses. While it is true that I don't especially like coffee, I do enjoy the smell and am perfectly capable of sampling different blends. The best part came when we took breaks or went to lunch. We'd walk down the streets of downtown Seattle wearing "Support Independent Coffee" buttons. I found the whole thing hysterical, although Seattleites seemed to take our presence in stride. We had several locals stop and talk with us about the importance of small businesses and supporting local communities. They seemed earnest enough despite the lingering scent of coffee on their breath. Who knows? Perhaps they had been drinking their own homemade coffee? Yeah right! As if anyone in Seattle actually owns a Mr. Coffee…. Still, it was kind of fun chatting with small-time coffee shop owners and baristas from other parts of the country. The weather had been a surprise though. I had brought a light raincoat and covered shoes specifically for my visit and what do I get? 76 degrees and a light northerly breeze; so much for the mythos of Seattle rain. I guess I should have known better. I had spent yesterday walking around the touristy Pike Place market located in the heart of downtown Seattle. The number of people was truly impressive and I wondered if any of the strangers jostling my arms and legs were locals. I watched the guys throwing fish and ate my lunch in a park along the waterfront. Mt. Rainier hovered like a majestic guardian angel in the background as I enjoyed the warmth of the sunshine and watched the ferries cruise to and fro across the sound; I can see why people might like to live here. Today I decided to leave the crowded downtown area and head towards…the equally crowded historic district. Unlike most of the other tourists about however, I had a destination, Elliot Bay Books. Although not nearly as large as the prodigious Powell's Books in Portland, Oregon, I had been told that Elliot Bay was a pretty cool bookstore in its own right. And being the not so closeted bibliophile that I am, I had to go check it out. As I browsed the stacks I listened to the booksellers talk about the growing popularity of Amazon books and what it might mean for independent booksellers; I was beginning to see a theme here in Seattle. Although the city as a whole seemed to attract mega corporations (anyone hear of a little computer company known as Microsoft? How about Boeing?), the liberal-minded denizens tended to root for the little guy. I had a feeling this winter's World Trade Organization meeting here would be interesting. I found myself in the ancient history section and was eyeing some books on Mesopotamia. Eyeing being just about all I could do, as the books were a good seven feet up. I glance to my right and spy one of the many little step stools located throughout the store. Unfortunately, someone was actually sitting on the damn thing so I couldn't actually use it. The left yielded only a couple of patrons browsing similar shelves as I. With a sigh I carefully push several books on the lower shelf towards the back and gingerly take a step higher as I reach for the still unattainable Secrets of Early Civilization. Sometimes being short sucks. "You know, I bet there are easier ways to get a book." A humorous voice says behind me as a hand reaches blithely past my shoulder and grabs the book I want. Instantly I freeze; I know that voice. I slowly take a step down and turn around to face the smiling man holding my book. "Daniel?" I ask doing a really excellent impression of a puffer fish. I know it has to be him, but it just isn't everyday you see a friend from home. At least not when your home is several thousand miles away. "Kira?" Daniel's eyes widen in shock and surprise and we stare at each other for several long moments before Daniel's face breaks into a grin and he reaches down to give me a long hug. Daniel hug number four! Not that I'm counting or anything. "What are you doing in Seattle?" He asks releasing me from the hug and handing over the book I was having problems reaching. "Coffee convention." I reply grinning. "You?" "Business." Daniel answers matter-of-factly. Hmm. Not much of an answer, but this is Daniel after all; enigma is his middle name. "Colonel Jack and Sam with you?" I ask looking around the crowded store. "Not in the store, no. But Jack's here in Seattle as well." I shake my head in disbelief and smile. What are the odds? "And Sam? What about your friend Murray?" "Sam and her dad are in San Diego and Murray.." "She's with her dad?" I interrupt as my mind instantly flashed back to last winter and his illness. "Is he doing all right? "He's doing fine Kira." I start worrying my lower lip between my teeth. "You sure?" "I spoke to him just yesterday." Daniel says giving me a reassuring smile. "He's doing great." I catch a little hesitation in his voice. "But…?" I prompt. Daniel shakes his head and chuckles. "Is there anything you don't catch Kira?" "Not really." I say shrugging. I don't think Daniel needs to know that I only really pay attention to people and subjects I like. Confused the hell out of my parents. A's in history and social studies, while the "easier" courses of PE and home economics usually meant a low C. Well it did until I realized I needed a good GPA in order to get into college. After that, I forced myself to pay attention to the boring classes as well. I notice that Daniel still hasn't explained about Jacob, and I shoot him a look usually reserved for Stefan or one of my other friends. The look that says 'Stop being so pig-headed and spill it!' "Well?" I prompt. "Jacob was slightly injured two days ago." Daniel says as he unsuccessfully tries to hide a grimace. *Slightly* injured? Catching himself, Daniel backpedales. "Honest Kira, I spoke to he and Sam this morning. Both of them are doing great; they're in San Diego visiting Sam's brother." I nod. I can see he was telling me the truth. Although with Daniel it never is really the *whole* truth, but as long as I know that Jacob Carter is all right, I'm content to let it be. "So Daniel," I say with a playful smile on my lips. "Want to grab a cup of coffee?" "I have a better idea Kira." Daniel says slyly as he smiles and nods his head knowingly. Grabbing my books, he heads to the registers. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "You are a sneaky lit.." I pause considering my choice of words. I can't really be calling a 6-foot tall guy little, can I? "You're sneaky Dr. Jackson." I say instead as Daniel reaches into his pocket and takes out a white hotel card key. Daniel holds one long tapered finger to his lips and motions me to be quiet. The door opens with a soft click and Daniel steps inside. He waves me behind him as we step into a decent sized living room. I had only been in a hotel suite once before and still found the notion of anything besides the obligatory two queen size beds and a small table extravagant. Although it's 2 o'clock in the afternoon, the curtains are drawn and the lights are dimmed. I can see the vague outline of a person sprawled out on a bed in the next room. Daniel turns to me and grins even wider. I shake my head motioning him to come back out. It's one thing to surprise Jack with my presence, it's something completely different to wake the guy up! "You do know I heard you come in, don't you Daniel?" A gravelly voice says from the next room. "Can't put anything past you, can I Jack?" Daniel says in return as he steps into the bedroom. I remain behind in the shadows of the living room. "Ops trained Daniel." Jack says as he flops over onto his back and pulls the pillow over his head. "How come you don't have a damn headache?" He asks in an accusing voice muffled by the pillow. "I can understand why Carter escaped this joyful experience, but shouldn't you, Mr. Pollen/Grass/Dander, be having some side effects?" He groans melodramatically as he takes the pillow off his head and squints in Daniel's direction. Hangover? I frown slightly trying to think of what could make Jack O'Neill feel obviously under the weather and not effect Daniel. From what I had seen last year, Daniel can't really hold his liquor and I think Jack beat Sam in that silly drinking contest of theirs. Daniel just shrugs. "Janet thinks it has something to do with my antihistamines." "I swear Daniel, Janet should just issue everyone who goes off.." "Jack!" Daniel says loudly interrupting whatever Jack was going to say. He glances back in my direction and waves me forward. "You'll never guess what I found at the bookstore." Apparently Daniels loud shout had left Jack hurting once again. His pillow is back over his face and all I can see is a couple fingers twirling around in a 'la-di-da' loop. "Just as long as it doesn't weigh over our allotment of 80 pounds Daniel." Jack replies in a muffled voice. Daniel grins as he looks back in my direction. "I think she weighs a little more than that Jack." "She?" Jack says as he slowly removes his pillow and turns his head towards Daniel's direction. I'm pretty sure he can see me skulking in the shadows behind Daniel. "Picking up strays again Dr. Jackson?" Jack asks as he carefully eases himself up into a sitting position. "Hi Jack." I say stepping out from behind Daniel and giving the Colonel a little wave. "Kira." Jack says as he takes in my presence with casual aplomb. "Aren't you a little far from home?" "No further than you." I say impishly in return. "Smart ass." He mumbles as he grabs a bottle of aspirin next to the bed and pours a couple of the tablets into his hand. "Thanks for giving me the advanced notice Daniel." Jack says tightly as he swallows the pills dry. Ew! He must really be hurting if he doesn't even feel the need for water. Either that or his taste buds are all out of whack. "Quit being a grouch Jack." Daniel says as he steps over to the vanity area and pours Jack a glass of water. "You didn't betray any deep dark Air Force secret or anything." "No thanks to you." Jack says pointedly accepting the water with a small thank you nod. "Give me a little credit Jack!" Daniel says sounding several years younger than he actually is. "Maybe I should just leave?" I ask meekly from the edge of the room. Once again I feel like Jack and Daniel are having some hugely significant conversation disguised as idiotic banter. They remind me of my twin cousins; they're 14. "No!" They both say simultaneously. "Ouch." Jack mutters as he closes his eyes briefly. "You ok?" I ask knowing full well I would never be told exactly why Jack feels like crap. "I will be." Jack says simply. He gives Daniel another private look. "Selmak has theories as to why you were affected so adversely when neither Sam nor I were Jack." "Dr. Jackson," Jack answers tiredly. "Does national security mean nothing to you?" "What are you talking about Jack?" Daniel says with feigned innocence. "Dr. Selmak had some really interesting ideas. You were too busy being pig-headed about staying in Seattle to listen." "Dr. Selmak?" Jack repeats raising an eyebrow slightly. Both he and Daniel seem to like doing the eyebrow thing. Come to think of it, didn't Murray do it as well? "Yep." Daniel says smugly. "Jacob's gonna love that." Jack says smirking. "Jacob Carter?" I ask. Jack nods. "Yep. I know you haven't seen Jacob since he was doing his suffocating fish impression in your shop.." "Jack!" Daniel says angrily. "Jacob was dying!" "Daniel!" Jack says in return. "Jacob is alive now, and I think I should be allowed to joke about his miraculous return to good health." "Don't think Sam would appreciate it much." Daniel mutters. "Ah, Carter would understand." Jack says as he sets down his water. "She likes my humor." "She tolerates you Jack." Daniel clarified. I attempt to disguise my chukcle with a cough. Jack isn't buying it. "Anyway," Jack says giving Daniel another one of his steely-eye looks. "Jacob is doing a hell of a lot better than the last time Kira saw him." "This is true." Daniel says with a nod. Jack just grunts and attempts to stand up. Quickly he reaches a hand out to steady himself. "Whoa, head rush." He explains as Daniel takes a step towards him. Jack just waves him away. "I don't know about you kids, but I could so use a cup of coffee right about now. "Coffee sounds great." I say nodding enthusiastically. I needed to get out of this Jackson/O'Neill fun house. "You sure that's a good idea Jack?" Daniel asks once again sounding like a mother hen. "Daniel," Jack says wagging a finger in Daniel's direction. "Think about how many times Frasier has you on caffeine restriction and think about how many times that happens to me." Daniel opens his mouth, but before he can say anything Jack continues. "Now think about how many times I have smuggled you in bootlegged coffee." Again Daniel opens his mouth to reply and again Jack beats him to the punch. "Now consider just who might be willing to go against Doc's orders the next time you go and touch something you're not supposed to." "Actually Jack, you were the one who touched…" "Caffeine Daniel." Jack says interrupting Daniel's latest rant. "Just remember who keeps you endlessly supplied with caffeine." "I thought that was Kira, Jack." "Kira doesn't have access to level 28." Jack concludes triumphantly. "You guys should really take this act on the road." I mutter as I follow the pair back towards the suite's living room. What the hell was in level 28? "Think I should suggest that to Hammond?" Jack says as he lowers himself onto the couch and begins to put on a pair of shoes. "Uh...no." Daniel says as he hands Jack his sunglasses. "Can I buy you a cup of coffee Ms. Meyers?" Jack asks as he bows slightly and walks me towards the door. "Absolutely Colonel." I say in return. "Torre Fazione!" Daniel says from behind us. "Daniel, it's too early for pizza." Jack sighs as the hotel room door clicks behind us. "Coffee Jack. It's a brand of coffee." "Kira?" Jack says turning towards me for confirmation. "Yep, it's coffee." I say nodding. "Actually I agree with Daniel, its pretty good stuff." "If you happen to drink coffee." Jack finishes. "If you happen to drink coffee." I confirm. "Kira," Jack says as we reach the elevator. "Can I buy you a cup of tea?" A/N: Hee hee hee. That was fun! Hope you enjoyed this light and fluffy little Barista tale. I'm afraid the next few are going to be a little on the heavy side. Daniel drugged to the gills and put in an insane asylum? Shar'e dying? Oh yeah- we're talking some serious angst ahead. I just made up the bit about INCA. If there really is an independent coffee organization (and I'm sure there is) it probably isn't called my little made-up acronym. And did everyone catch the subtle little jab at the WTO? The Seattle WTO riots happened in December 1999.
22-- Legacy Fallout Mark my words, the next random act of violence is not going to come from a disgruntled postal worker, but rather from some poor overworked college student. I tiredly rub my eyes and glare back at the slowly blinking cursor in front of me. I wish they'd jazz up the speed on that thing or something. Come on Meyers! Just one more sentence! I resist the urge to beat my head against the steel table (Prior experience has taught me that this actually hurts like hell). Ignore the mesmerizing blinking light and just type the damn conclusion! Anything! Times like this I truly question my desire to pursue a career in academia; research papers are brutal! I really do enjoy doing all the reading (not that I'd admit that to my professors) and heaven knows libraries are my best friends, but writing down draft after draft of a 20+ page paper is just not my idea of a good time. I exhale with relief as the perfect sentence suddenly comes to me and I quickly order my fingers to type it out fast before the stray thought is gone. With great satisfaction I hit the save key and allow myself a small grin of triumph. Groaning a little I stand up and rotate my neck first one way and then the other. Ouch! I'd like to say I'm getting too old for this, but most likely I just forgot to move in the last 4 hours. What can I say? I'm single-minded. I wasn't actually scheduled to work today, but Victor had an emergency he needed to take care of in Denver. And although the store certainly can get by without my presence, Victor insisted that a manager-like person should be around just in case. Personally, I think he's just over-reacting to the almost-robbery we had last week. There weren't any managers on duty that day and the baristas in attendance really freaked (rightfully so!) when a guy waved a gun at them and asked for all their money. Luckily for us, the would-be robber was an idiot and didn't confirm before he pulled out his gun that the store was empty. Turned out that an off-duty cop was using our bathroom. He came out, saw the gun and immediately talked the guy into giving himself up. Happy ending for all, but Victor is still a little freaked. As are Tina and Mary Sue. I look up and make contact with both of the women. Tina gives me a thumbs up. Like I said, they really don't need me here. But if Victor feels the need to pay me $11 an hour to just sit in a corner and do my homework—well, who am I to complain? My stomach suddenly growls loudly and I realize that I haven't had anything substantial to eat in over 6 hours. Oops. I eye my laptop and question leaving it behind to forage for some food next door. Instantly I decide against it. There is no way I am letting this paper out of my sight. Not after all the work I did to come up with this idea of mine! Well, maybe I had a little help… I remember talking with Daniel about the paper over coffee in Seattle. Seeing as I had just decided what I was going to write about (The impact of early Greek civilization on emerging Indo-European cultures) I was quite enthusiastic in my descriptions of how influential those fifth century BCE* guys really were. At one point I swear I saw Jack roll his eyes and mumble something about "scientists". Daniel just chuckled and continued talking with me about Assyrian and Mesopotamian societies. It felt wonderful to hammer out ideas and theories with Daniel and idly I wondered just what it really was that he did for the Air Force and if they had room for another linguist or social scientist. I'm pretty certain my parents would freak if I joined the military, but talking with Daniel reminded me once again how much I really love history. If I can find a job that challenges me even half as much as my conversations with Daniel, I'd pretty much be in seventh heaven. But I digress. Food! I need to get some food. I honestly attempt to stand up and go, but my eyes flicker back towards my laptop and I can't help but sit back down. I turn it back on with the idea of proofing it just one more time before grabbing a bit to eat. My eyes gaze across the Times Roman 12 point font (double spaced) and I am only a paragraph into it when I glance up and catch sight of a military guy standing in line. Instantly I smile and think of Jack and Daniel. So maybe I can't talk myself into leaving and getting some much needed food, but at least I have the good sense to stop working and allow myself a little people-watching break. The guy is pretty ordinary looking in his pressed navy-colored slacks and funny looking cap. He doesn't look like a soldier exactly, but is definitely decked out in some kind of regulation clothing. He looks tired standing in line for his coffee and I watch as he lifts up a small cassette recorder and mutters a few words into the microphone. The guy is almost to the front of the line when suddenly his phone begins to ring. I know one day it will be pretty normal to hear cell phones ringing right and left, but it still strikes me as strange when a phone goes off when someone is standing in line for their morning latte. What could possibly be so important it can't wait until you are back at home or work? I sigh and shake my head; I got used to pagers, I'll get used to cell phones. The man mutters an apology (at least he has manners) and steps out of line taking a few steps towards my direction. He looks at the caller ID on his phone and closes his eyes momentarily. Doesn't appear to be a call he wants to take…. Geeze guy- just don't answer the damn thing! It's not as if phones can track you or anything… "I was really hoping to have a cup of coffee first Colonel." The man mutters tiredly as he presses a button on his phone and holds it up to his ear. "Doctor McKenzie." He says authoritatively into the phone.
Doctor huh? Wouldn't that be a hoot if he knows Dr. Fraiser? I watch
as Dr. McKenzie grimaces a bit and holds the phone a few inches away from
his ear as the person on the other end of the phone lets loose with a
barrage of angry sounding words. I can't understand exactly what
is being said, but man, that guy on the other end of the phone sounds
pissed. I can't hear what the reply is, but I betcha anything the Colonel on the other end isn't wishing the good doctor a good morning. "I take it Colonel, you heard about the meeting scheduled for later
this morning..?" Dr. McKenzie says into the phone. An angry retort
is bellowed back at him. I scoff at myself and shake my head. Right Kira. As if there aren't dozens of colonels over there. Hell, he might be talking to someone in Washington DC for all I know. "Colonel O'Neill, I am going to need you to calm down!" McKenzie says
forcibly as he rubs a spot between his eyes with his free hand. Holy shit!
It is Colonel O'Neill he's talking with! Briefly I tell
myself that there are probably one or two other Colonel O'Neill's out
there and this just might not be my Colonel Jack on the other end But
who am I kidding? Only my Colonel O'Neill is irreverent enough to call
a guy up just to yell at him. "Yes Colonel, it is necessary. I know there were extenuating circumstances in what occurred these last few days, but I still feel that there are inherent risks with your work that must be assessed…" Jack so does not like that.. Even 20 feet away I can hear some distinct indignation. "I know that Colonel," McKenzie says with growing frustration. "You and I both know that the other members of your team have unique…traits that Doctor Jackson lacks." See? My Colonel Jack. Unique traits? "Unlike the rest of you, Dr Jackson has never…" McKenzie pauses and darts his eyes furtively around the room. Right. Like a bunch of career coffee drinkers are *so* scary. Quickly I divert my eyes and begin typing something completely random onto my paper. Hey! Is it my fault the guy is talking loud? It's not like my sole purpose in life is to eavesdrop on customers… "Colonel, I cannot get into this with you now as I am in a public place I only wish to talk with Dr. Jackson.." "No Colonel." McKenzie says with a heavy sigh. "I do not plan to drug him." What?! Instantly the hairs on my arms stand straight up and I unconsciously scooch my chair back slightly in an attempt to hear just a little bit more. Who the hell is this doctor?? Doesn't he know that Daniel had a substance abuse problem in the past? I might not know what he was addicted to last year, but it sure as hell was something. He definitely doesn't need some doc to pump him full of anything new. "Colonel," McKenzie says with finality. "We will not have this conversation on the telephone. You are welcome to make an appointment with my assistant or come by with Dr. Jackson at 13:00." Before Jack can say anything in return, McKenzie hangs up and walks back over to the coffee line. Guess the guy has some cojones** after all. Hanging up on an angry Colonel is definitely not something I would do. Feeling pretty apprehensive (for Daniel's sake) and more than a little hungry, I power down my computer (yet again) and put it back into it's case. I had just finished zipping it up when I hear the front door open and spy a very familiar figure in khaki and chambray. Holy Crap! I haven't a clue what went on between Daniel and this Dr. McKenzie fella, but it sure as heck can't be good. Instantly I go on the offensive. With McKenzie back in line and looking at the menu on our wall, I decide to try and distract Daniel. Wish I could do what he did to me last January…but I think a quasi-passionate kiss in the center of a coffeehouse would attract attention, not deflect it. Quickly I toss my sweater onto the laptop (yeah right, as if that could hide this monstrous thing!) and high tail it over to Daniel. "Hey Daniel!" I say enthusiastically while trying to keep my voice down. "Hi Kira." Daniel says in return as he stops for a moment and gives me a small smile. I refuse to look overly concerned, as I take in his pale complexion and the way his hands tremble just a little. He's wearing a dark long sleeve sweater, and I can't help but imagine dozens of little puncture marks marring his otherwise perfect skin. I bite my lip to stop the urge to cry. Hormones totally suck. Daniel of course sees right through me, and his brow wrinkles in concern. "What's wrong Kira?" "I.." Before I even get a chance to try out my lame excuse, Daniel catches sight of the one man he never expected to see in his coffee shop. The look Daniel gives McKenzie as he turns around holding a steaming cup of drip coffee was cold. Glacial cold. The doctor looks surprised to see Daniel and more than a little wary. "Dr. McKenzie." Daniel says in a low, strained voice as he levels his baby blue eyes on the doctor. I have seen Daniel go through the gamut with his emotions, but never have I seen him look so angry. Whatever this McKenzie guy did to him, it was bad. "Dr. Jackson." McKenzie says cautiously in return. The two men regard one another silently for several long moments. Those proverbial pin-dropping moments you read about in books? This was so one of them. God, the suspense was killing me, and I just stepped into the situation. Finally McKenzie blinks, ending the standoff between the two men. "So how are you feeling Daniel?" The doctor asks in an honestly concerned voice. "As if you don't know." Daniel growls in return. My eyes widen a little at Daniel's tone. Whoa! Remind me never to get Daniel mad at me. "Dr. Jackson," McKenzie replies in a strained voice. "I was only doing what I thought was best." "What you thought was best?!" Daniel spits out, face reddening in anger. "Daniel, if you'd stop for a minute and listen.." "No you listen Doctor." Daniel says becoming more and more irate. "I don't like you! I don't respect you and I sure as hell don't want to see you in my coffee shop less than 24 hours after *begging* you to release me from a mental institution!" Mental institution?! "You and your single post-doctorate degree, had me diagnosed,
drugged and carted off to an asylum within 48 hours of becoming symptomatic!"
McKenzie has the good graces to look chagrinned. I just stand there completely stunned by what I have just heard. "Daniel," He says softly, "you know there were extenuating circumstances.." "No!" Daniel yells exploding with anger and causing everyone in the room to stop what they're doing and stare at the two men. Daniel takes a deep breath. "No." He repeats quietly this time, clenching his fists and making eye contact once again at the doctor. "You," Daniel continues pointing a long tapered finger at the psychologist. "Are very much aware of what I see and do. And for you and Frasier to deem me schizophrenic..?" Daniel pauses a moment to rein in his emotions. He takes another deep shuddering breath and I feel the edges of my eyes prickle with moisture. God! What in the hell did they do to Daniel?! "In my book McKenzie, what you did to me was near criminal." Daniel says with finality, all his anger and emotion now spent. I can tell from the look on Dr. McKenzie's face, that there was plenty more he wanted to say to Daniel, but I guess a public coffee shop isn't the place to do so. He takes a tentative step towards Daniel, and after assessing that Daniel wasn't going to deck him one, opens his mouth to say one final thing. "I'm truly sorry for what happened Dr. Jackson." He says. "We can talk more about this later this afternoon." Whether McKenzie was finished talking or not is not clear, as Daniel just gives him a curt nod and turns away. "I bet you are." I hear Daniel mumble as he walks over to the rather slow moving coffee line (everyone was still pretty much eavesdropping on their conversation). I watch as the Doctor puts on his overcoat. He is about to exit when he turns back around. "Go easy on the caffeine Dr. Jackson." He says with some authority before turning back around and walking out the front door. God, am I ever grateful that Victor asked me to work today. "Daniel?" I ask quietly as I walk up beside him and place a hand on his arm. I am not exactly thrilled to feel a faint trembling beneath my fingertips. Whether it's from adrenaline or drugs is unclear. "Sorry Kira." Daniel says giving me a weak smile. as he audibly exhales. "I didn't exactly plan on running into the man who had me committed against my will at a coffee shop." Now it's my turn to pale considerably. Forcibly committed? "Want to talk about it?" I ask softly. Daniel shakes his head no. "Not really." He says hugging his arms to his chest and turning away in order to look at the drink board. I nod my understanding and continue to stand with him in line. "Jack called McKenzie right before you walked in." I say conversationally. "Really?" Daniel says still staring at the reader board. I nod. "Yep. He yelled at McKenzie so loud, the entire coffee shop heard his opinion of the good doctor." "Such a shame." Daniel says drolly cracking a small smile. "Are you going to be ok, Daniel?" I ask taking Daniel's hand in mine and giving it a small squeeze. "I'm going to be fine Kira." Daniel replies finally turning around and looking at me. "It's been a rough couple of days, but outside of dealing with McKenzie this afternoon, everything is pretty much back to normal." "That's good." I say releasing his hand as Daniel gets to the front of the line and places his order. (Double tall Americano- half caff, half caff-free) Tina gives Daniel his drink with a smile and Daniel puts $2 dollars into the tip jar (one for each of them). "How's that paper coming along?" Daniel asks as he walks over to the condiments counter and puts a little cream into his coffee. "Just finished actually." I say sheepishly pointing to my poorly covered laptop in the corner. Good thing this isn't a high crime area (random hold-ups not withstanding). "I'd love to read it Kira." "Really?" "Absolutely!" Daniel says with real enthusiasm. "You have a genuine grasp of antiquities Kira and I'd love to see what you put together on the emergence of early Indo-Europeans." I stand there grinning like an idiot. "I'm not certain if I'll be going out of town later this week, but why don't you email it to me and I'll take a look at it as soon as I can?" Daniel takes a small notebook out of his pocket and jots down his email address. "That would be great Daniel!" I gush as he hands over the paper. Sure, he's helped me with papers in the past, but never has he had a chance to look at a long research paper in its entirety. This paper was truly going to be proofed! My smile fades a little as I realize Daniel is about to leave and go meet that man. "Have Colonel Jack sit in with you this afternoon Daniel." I say suddenly. Daniel instantly knows what I'm talking about but instead of acting relieved or interested, he tenses up again. "I'm a little mad at Jack as well Kira." He says softly. "He let you go." I say suddenly understanding. Daniel nods. "He allowed McKenzie and his band of quacks take me
away." Naturally I don't listen. "I'm sure he wouldn't have let you go unless it was for your own good Daniel." "I know." Daniel says with a sigh. "Jack's a pretty smart guy Kira, but this was something he knew nothing about and the only thing he could do was trust in what the doctors were saying." There was something about the way Daniel said ‘doctors' that caused my ears to perk up. "Janet too?" "Janet too." Daniel replies curtly. "Janet's a medical doctor, right?" I ask; Daniel nods. "So she was probably relying on McKenzie and the other Psychologists for her information, right?" Daniel nods again briefly before turning it into a definite no. "She should have known Kira. They all should have known. People don't just suddenly develop severe changes in their brain chemistry. There usually is a reason." "And everyone agreed with McKenzie's reason." I supply. "And everyone was wrong." Daniel finishes. "You're here now." I counter. "I got better." Daniel says shrugging. "And they believed you?" I ask. "They had to." Daniel says with a humorless chuckle. "Once Jack came by and saw that I was more or less back to my old self, he insisted they release me. I think threats of bodily harm were used…" "So in the end, Jack did believe you." "Yeah." "I bet he feels pretty horrible for what happened Daniel." "Him and me both." Daniel says with another sigh. "I need to go Kira." Daniel says sounding like a convicted man going to his execution. "Let Jack sit in with you Daniel." I ask again. "I think only you might prevent him from knocking the Doctor's lights out." "You're probably right." Daniel says heading towards the door. "But I'd sure like to see it!" He says turning towards me and offering a genuine smile. "Take care Daniel." I say reaching up and giving him a brief hug. Daniel's arms tighten around me and I swear I hear someone sigh behind the espresso machine. My long-standing crush on Daniel is not a secret. "Thanks Kira." And with that Daniel exits the coffee shop and heads back to his life in that stuffy old mountain up the street. I am certain he'll be ok and my stomach suddenly growls quite loudly in agreement. "I'm going, I'm going." I mutter as I quickly stash my laptop in the back room and head out to get me some food. "I'll be back in 15 I tell the girls as I leave the shop and head towards the deli down the street. I pass by a vendor selling cayenne pepper oil and make a mental note to pick some up on my way back. I know exactly what to add to the good Doctor's coffee the next
time he comes into the shop. A/N: Hope you liked it. I know adding a couple extra pages in length can't make up for not posting for two months, but I hope it helped at least a little… I'm off to my first ever Stargate convention (I'm such a nerd) but will hopefully use part of the time to work on both another Barista and finish off Imbroglio. School will be ending in mid December and I plan on writing up a storm during those three weeks of freedom. Hmmm- I think I need to work on my melodrama a little… * BCE- Stands for Before [the] Common Era. This is the standard academic way of denoting the years prior to 0. BCE=BC and CE (Common Era) is another way of saying AD.
** cojones- Spanish (maybe slang?) for balls.
Completed November 15, 2003 23-- Bar Talk I know this type of thing happens all the time, but I really never thought it would happen to me- at least not at the still nubile age of 21. I've been stood up. I swirl the watery cream remaining in my white russian and contemplate heading home. Ever sat by yourself in a semi-crowded bar? Give it a shot sometime and see how much of a loser you feel like. I self-consciously straighten my knee length black dress and vow to never go on a blind date again. Or at least not one arranged by a casual acquaintance. I sigh again and look around the comfortably furnished room. Well at least he picked a good bar. I can't help but smile to myself as I recall the last time I had been to O'Malleys. I seriously doubt I'll ever have another birthday party that will top that one! Hey! Maybe I'll get lucky and run into Daniel? I blush as I remember that rather fabulous dip and kiss he gave me last year. Daniel and I never really talked about it but apparently Stefan has the photos to prove it wasn't just an alcohol-induced fantasy. He only showed them to me once before tucking them into his back pocket and telling me I'll get them all later. Tease. Big, fat, faggy tease! Wonder how his boyfriends put up with him? I'm sure the fact that Stefan is in fact gorgeous, thin and has a smile that would melt icecaps has something to do with it. Bastard. I shake myself out of Daniel memory number 21 and wonder if maybe I'll see Jack or Sam? Heck, I'll even take their friend Murray right about now. Right. Like they have nothing better to do than hang out at O'Malleys on a Wednesday night. I sigh and signal the barman for my tab. He's been looking at me a little funny all evening and I wonder if he thinks I'm underage or something. Nope. Not this time buddy. I sigh and chew on my remaining ice cubes. God, I hate dating. I had just bent down to get my purse when I hear them. "We're not going to talk about it Daniel." Jack? "Talk about what Jack?" Daniel! "Exactly." Jack says with a finality that prohibits further discussion. "Colonel. Dr. Jackson." The bartender says noticing Jack and Daniel. Wow. Guess the guys come in here more often than I thought. I debate whether I should make my presence known, but I'm kind of getting a kick out of seeing the ‘Jack and Daniel Show' in secret. Besides, I'm a good 4 stools down and a rather amorous (and tall) couple is sitting next to me blocking any real view Jack and Daniel might have of me. Plus there's the fact that I'm all dressed up and the guys aren't probably expecting to see their barista at 10 pm at their local haunt. "Hey John." Jack says amicably as he and Daniel sit down at the edge of the bar. "Your usual?" John asks. Jack must have nodded. "Yeah- and some Bushmills on ice." "Whiskey, Jack?" Daniel asks. "You have a problem with that Daniel?" Jack counters. "I'll be right back with your drinks Colonel. Daniel, you want a cider?" "Sissy girly drink." Jack mutters under his breath. I can't be sure, but I think Daniel shoots Jack a dirty look. "I'll have a glass of whatever amber you have on tap." "Way to be a man, Daniel!" Jack declares. "Before you
know it, you'll have chest hair and everything!" I snort loudly
and quickly look down just in case they glance my way. I knew Jack had
a sense of humor, but I never realized it was this evil. He and Stefan
really should talk. "Budweiser is not crap." Jack states authoritatively. "It's a good honest American beer.." "That tastes like camel piss." Daniel finishes. Before Jack can counter with what I'm sure would have been another zinger, the bartender returns with their drinks. I quietly order another one of my own and sit back and listen in. "So." Daniel says taking a small sip of his beer and giving Jack a sideways look. "Dr. Carter." Dr. Carter? Is he talking about Sam? But wouldn't he have said ‘Sam' or ‘Major Carter'? "Daniel." Jack says in that scary quiet voice of his taking a sip of his whiskey. "Yes, Jack?" Daniel replies clearly not deterred. "We're not going there." He gives Daniel a very pointed look and I can almost imagine Jack holding up a finger or two in admonishment. "Going where, Jack?" Daniel questions innocently. Even I can tell he is just being a smart ass. "God, I hate it when you do that!" Jack declares loudly with a huff. He lowers his voice again. "There is nothing to discuss Daniel, so can you just drop it." Idly Jack grabs a handful of peanuts from the bar and dumps them on a napkin. He places two side by side and then flicks one quite soundly in Daniel's direction where it bounces off of his right cheek. "Dammit Jack, that hurt." Daniel says testily rubbing his cheek. Jack sounds contrite. "Sorry Daniel. I forgot." I steal another glance in their direction and am surprised to see a rather nasty looking abrasion on the side of Daniel's face. Man, being an archaeologist is rough! It looks like Daniel has been in an accident of some kind. Well, actually, it kind of looks like he was in a fight. And I don't think Daniel won. "You really need to learn to duck." Jack says affectionately eyeing Daniel's face as he takes another drink of his beer. "Against 12?" Daniel counters. "Couldn't have hurt." "Right. I'm sure that would have made all the difference." Daniel says wryly. "At least they didn't break your glasses this time." Jack continues. Daniel chuckles and then grimaces slightly as it obviously caused his face discomfort. Wonder what happened? "You should hear my optometrist Jack! He thinks I'm the clumsiest guy on the planet!" "You mean you aren't?" Jack counters obviously enjoying the little Dr. Jackson ribbing session. "Not on purpose!" Daniel says whining a bit. "Is it my fault it seems to be a galactic rule to pick on the guy with glasses?" "You could wear your contacts more often?" Jack offers helpfully. "Jack, I'm an archaeologist- sticking a piece of plastic in my eye and then running around in the very gritty elements is just not my idea of a good time." "So, what is your idea of a good time Dr. Jackson?" Jack asks with a grin. I can see that Daniel is now starting to get annoyed. "Doctor. Carter." Daniel says enunciating the title and looking at Jack triumphantly as he takes another swig of his beer. Who the hell is this Dr. Carter person?! Jack is obviously annoyed that Daniel chose to bring back this topic of conversation. "Drop it Daniel." Jack says looking down and swirling the ice around his glass. "I'm just saying Jack that you didn't exactly pull away." "Daniel, we are not going to discuss it." Jack replies clearly meaning every word. Whoever this Dr. Carter is or was, Jack clearly is uncomfortable talking about him. Or her. "Jack, have you at least talked to Sam about it?" Hmm. Now this is getting interesting. Jack guffawed. "Right Daniel. ‘Hey Carter- listen, about that kiss I shared with your Doppelganger..' I'm sure that would go over really well." WHAT? Doppelganger? Does Sam have a twin sister or something? Wait a second, did Jack just say kiss? "This is hard for her too Jack." "Daniel," Jack says turning around in his stool to face his friend head on. I resist the urge to duck knowing that he can't possibly see me through the other couple. "What Carter and I have to deal with is absolutely nothing compared to what Dr. Carter went through. What Dr. Carter is going through right now." "So you're saying it was a pity kiss?" Daniel probed. "She kissed me Daniel." Jack says in exasperation. "And you didn't exactly pull away Jack." "For crying out loud Daniel, the woman just lost her entire…" He pauses considering his words. His voice softens noticeably. "She had just lost everything Daniel, I wasn't going to make it harder than it already was." Daniel ponders this for several seconds and nods. "So what did you and the General talk about?" Daniel asks causally. Jack shoots Daniel a look that would wither lesser men and attempts to change the subject. "Hockey scores." "Uh huh." They sit for several moments in compatible silence. "I seriously don't see Carter that way Daniel." Jack says finally. "You sure?" Daniel asks without a hint of sarcasm. Jack sighs. "Yes, I'm sure." Jack says sincerely. "I really am Daniel. I think I convinced Hammond but you'll need to talk to Carter and make sure she's ok with the whole thing." "You can't?" "I'm a Colonel Daniel- I delegate." Daniel rolls his eyes. Even from across the bar I could see him roll his eyes. "This isn't something you should delegate Jack." "This is something I totally need to delegate Daniel." Jack counters. "It's creepy enough as it is without getting Carter all weirded out…" "I think we're a little too late for that Jack." "Yeah." Jack agrees finishing his scotch and starting on his beer. I stay at the bar for another 30 minutes or so catching snippets of their conversation as I try to ignore the rather blatant pick up lines that are coming at me from all sides. If the guys weren't old enough to be my father I might have been flattered. Maybe. I decide it's time to go when I notice that Romeo and Juliet (the couple on my left) are getting ready to leave as well. I don't want to risk having Jack and Daniel see me, so I pay my bill and gather my things. My back is turned away from the bar as I put on my sweater and catch one final snippet of conversation. "Jack?" Daniel asks in a tone of voice that indicates he is seriously going for the jugular. It's that voice that says ‘I'm going to say something you really aren't going to like and there's nothing you can say to stop me.' "Yes, Daniel?" Jack replies cautiously. "Obviously you prefer blondes." Daniel states matter of factly. "Daniel…" Jack begins tiredly. I take it we're back to that woman Jack kissed. Oops- sorry Jack. I mean the woman who kissed Jack. "And of course, it's also blatantly apparent that you like tall blondes…" Blatantly apparent? "Shut up Daniel." "Outside of Kynthia of course, but there was definitely an extenuating circumstance surrounding that." "Shut *up* Daniel." Jack tries again. "But what I really want to know," Daniel continues pausing only long enough to insure he has Jack's complete attention. "Is whether you prefer her with long or short hair?" "Check!" Jack shouts as I open the door and exit the bar. Author's Musings (the extended version): For those unfamiliar, Bushmills is indeed a pretty good whiskey. (If you actually like whiskey) And an amber is a type of beer somewhat between a lager and a stout. I guess a bitter would be a pretty good approximation. Only a good tasting bitter! I promised this series wouldn't get shippy, and I think I managed to remain true to the show (Roxie, you just let me know, ok?) BUT I *am* a shameless shipper and after watching this episode again, I realized that this is really where it all began. Sure Jack got an eyeful when SG-1 was captured by Hathor at the end of Season 2- but he was pretty much just being a guy oogling at a semi-clothed woman. The hug shared by those two in "Into the Fire" was pretty impressive, but I'll chock that up (if a non-shipper forces me to) to the fact that Jack had just risen from the dead and emotions were a bit…er…high. But everything changed with this episode (IMO). Jack truly was confused about the possibility of him and Sam being together. You can totally see it on his face throughout the ep. And after the cat was let out of the bag with Kawalsky's "You think I would let my best friend's wife go back alone?" crack? Oh yeah. Now we have Sam completely confused as well and both of them are now considering the possibility. One alternate reality was a fluke, but two...? This is my attempt at playing with that. I seriously thought Jack needed to talk about what happened after this episode and Kira just happened to be the little lady to overhear a bit of it. *G* Completed December 25, 2003 24-- Comfort Food Author's Notes: You guys know how I like to shake things up every now and then right? Well for this little Barista, we're going to try a little third person POV. Kira and her usual 1st person observations will return next time. Sam parked her bike a few blocks from the shop and pulled off her helmet. Running a hand through her hair, she secured her bike and stashed her helmet in the lock box. Feeling a little uncomfortable walking across a crowded arcade dressed in leather, Sam skirted the public square and walked down a back alley towards Victor's coffee shop. She was still more than a little irked at Janet for making her leave base last night. So what if she had been hovering around Daniel's side for the last 72 hours? Her plants had once survived almost 2 weeks without water, they could survive a couple of days. Why'd she have to leave and not the Colonel? And what about Teal'c? Sam was certain Janet would never ask Teal'c to leave. Teal'c. She had tried talking to Teal'c several times in the last few days but he remained as stoic as ever- maybe even more so. He would sit for endless hours staring at Daniel in silent mediation. Sam couldn't tell if he was kel'no'reeming or simply thinking. She knew she couldn't possibly imagine how Sha're's death must be effecting him. Hopefully the Colonel had been able to get him to talk. "Right." Sam muttered audibly to herself shaking her head. As if the Colonel was Mr. Communication himself. No, talking about issues and feelings was something Daniel did. And it scared the hell out of her that he wasn't doing so now. Sam looked at her watch and determined that she still had two hours to kill before Janet would allow her on base. That should be plenty of time to pick up what was needed. Comfort food. Lots and lots of comfort food. And in Daniel's case comfort food was not comfort food without coffee- specifically, Kira's coffee. Sam couldn't think of anything Daniel might like better than a nice bag of freshly ground coffee from his favorite coffee shop. As she stepped through the front door, Sam suddenly frowned in realization.
What had she thinking? Coffee and chocolate walnut cookies couldn't possibly
offer Daniel any semblance of comfort! Nothing could alter the
reason why Daniel was stuck in the infirmary with a large blistering burn
etched into his forehead and an impossible weight upon his heart. This
was ridiculous! Sam turned to leave. "Almost made it." Sam muttered to herself as she did her
best to appear happy to see the young Barista. "Sam, what's wrong?" Not only was Sam not smiling, but she looked like she had just lost her best friend. Instantly Kira paled. Ohmygod. Daniel! Where was Daniel? She glanced outside to confirm that Daniel really wasn't with her. "It's about Daniel isn't it?" Kira asked softly trying to quell the feeling of dread pooling in her stomach. Sam nodded and clenched her jaw tightly to keep the tears that threatened to fall at bay. She was not going to lose it in a coffee shop! "I'll be right back Sam." Kira said in a rush as she walked briskly towards the back room blinking rapidly. She had no idea what was going on, so it was no good to get all upset now. She did know that there was no way she was going to talk to Sam while she was slated to work the espresso machine. "Louise!" Kira called out as she spied her friend crouched down on her knees counting coffee cups. "Can you come out and cover the bar for a few minutes?" Louise took one look at her friend's pinched face and nodded. "Just let me wash my hands." Louise said heading towards a small sink in the corner. "Thanks Louise." Kira said to her friend as she untied her apron and headed back towards the store. "I'll come in on Saturday and finish up the inventory." She called out behind her as she made her way towards Sam. Her voice sounded so calm and normal and Kira marveled at her ability to remain rationale when inside she was ready to burst. "Don't worry about it Kree." Louise said as she walked towards the register. It didn't escape Kira's notice that Sam visibly tensed at the sound of Kira's nickname. What the hell was with these military sorts and ‘kree' anyhow? "Take all the time you need." "Would you like anything to drink?" Kira asked leading Sam to a quiet table in the back of the store. She suddenly felt the need to delay the discussion with Sam. God. What if Daniel had died? He couldn't have died, right? Right? "I'm fine Kira." Sam said shaking her head no. "No Sam, you're not." Kira said shaking her head. Something
was seriously wrong and she needed to find out what. But first… "Sure." Sam agreed recognizing the need for Kira to do something. "A
cup of coffee would be great." Kira turned around to stand up only to
have Louise set down a cup of both tea and coffee in front of them. "I'm not weirdn" Kira said absently cupping the warm drink with both hands. "Sure you're not Kree." Louise said rolling her eyes. "Being Assistant Manager of a coffee shop and not drinking coffee is perfectly normal…" She said under her breath as she walked back to the register. "When did you become Assistant Manager Kira?" Sam asked taking the opportunity to make small talk. "Sometime last year." Kira said off handedly as she sipped her tea. "Sam," Kira said looking up and meeting Sam's eyes, "What happened to Daniel? Did he have another accident?" "Kind of." Sam said looking down at her coffee. Kira resisted the urge to make another smart-ass comment about government agencies and their weird secrecy issues. The look on Sam's face was enough to convince her to just let that little bit of intrigue go for the moment. "Is he in the hospital?" Kira asked trying to keep calm; Sam nodded. "Is it serious?" Sam bit her lip considering what to tell the obviously distraught young woman. Suddenly a voice was heard across the room, "Carter, what the hell are you doing here?" Jack O'Neill boomed out from the front of the store. Sam whipped her head around and stared in disbelief at her disheviled CO still dressed in base attire. "Sir?!" "Carter?" Jack asked still confused as hell at seeing her sitting with Kira. This place wasn't anywhere near where Sam lived. And, hold on, was she wearing leather? "Who's with Daniel?" Sam said standing up suddenly and swaying slightly at the sudden movement. She couldn't bear the thought of her friend waking up alone. She really hoped the Colonel had missed her little wobble. Sam made a mental note to grab an apple or something. She hated the fact that her body seemed to have something against low blood sugar. "T..Murray." Jack said quietly grabbing a seat neat to the two women. He hadn't missed how crappy Sam looked (leather pants not withstanding) and hoped the little woozy spell there was simply from standing up too quickly. "What are you doing here Sam?" Jack asked gently, completely ignoring Kira for the moment. "Have you eaten today? Didn't Fraiser order you to head on home?" "I did go home Sir." Sam said scrupulously, completely ignoring the Colonel's first comment. "To change apparently." Jack said with a slight cock of his head as he gave Sam a quick once over; Sam had the good graces to blush. "I just felt so useless Sir." Sam explained. "I needed to process everything that had happened." "And you felt the need to do that in leather Carter?" Jack asked smiling slightly. "Motorcycle Sir." Sam explained. "Ah." Kira had patiently listened as Sam and Jack talked, but now she was growing anxious. "What the hell happened with Daniel?" She asked more sharply then she intended. "Carter?" Jack queried. "I haven't really said anything yet Sir." "Would you guys just stop and tell me what's going on!" Kira said angrily. "Daniel is obviously hurt, now can you guys tell me how badly?!" Jack exchanged glances with Sam and silently agreed to be the one to fill her in. "You knew that Daniel was married, right?" Jack asked. Kira nodded. "Three days ago Daniel's wife Sha're was killed." He explained softly. Sam closed her eyes at the unwanted vision of Daniel lying curled up on his side, reaching out towards the still body of his wife. Kira blinked not quite comprehending what Jack was saying. "Daniel's wife was killed." She repeated, still confused. What had Daniel's wife had to do with Daniel's injury? "I don't understand," Kira said looking first from Jack and then back to Sam. "If Daniel's wife was killed, how did Daniel end up hurt?" "He was there Kira." Jack explained patiently. "He…Things happened that were out of Daniel's control and while Daniel was…" Jack growled in frustration- he so hadn't planned on having to explain this to someone not affiliated with the SGC. He unhappily played his trump card. "What happened is classified Kira." Jack said with another sigh watching the look of hurt and frustration flash across Kira's face. "Just know that Daniel was seriously injured while trying to get his wife back." That was the honest to god truth. The fact that he was trying to get his wife back from the Goa'uld enslaving her body was something he just couldn't explain. "Is he going to be all right?" Kira asked in a small voice looking down at her tea. "Yes, he is." Jack said pointedly looking at both Kira and Sam. "In the meantime," He continued trying to put a positive spin on the day's events, "it looks like Major Carter had the same idea I had with bringing Daniel some of your coffee." "It won't bring Sha're back Sir." Sam said sadly shaking her head. "No, it won't Carter." Jack agreed seriously. "But it might make Danny smile a little- even if it's just for a moment. And that's all we can hope for right now." "Yes Sir." Sam said with another sigh. All of this was just too messed up. Teal'c shooting Sha're? How had Daniel been able to forgive him so completely? "You sure he's ok?" Kira asked again needing to hear
it again from Jack. "I'll go get you some coffee then." Kira said standing up and heading towards a very confused looking Louise. "Better make it decaf!" Jack shouted over his shoulder. "Colonel Jack," Kira called out as she looked up from a large bin of coffee beans. "Daniel has been injured at least four times since I've known him. Don't you think I know by now what he can and can't drink after an injury?" She gave Jack a small smirk and dug back into the bin. "Carter, there is something fundamentally wrong with a Barista knowing about Daniel's medical conditions." Jack griped stealing a sip of Sam's coffee. "Damn, that's good." Jack said taking another large gulp. "Sir!" Sam chastised. "Don't think I missed how you neglected to answer my question about food Major." Jack said handing back the nearly empty cup to Sam. "No Sir." Sam said resisting the urge to slouch down in her chair like a truant schoolgirl. "Carter, you need to eat." "And you need to shower." Sam said in return. Seeing the look of shock on her CO's face, Sam added, "Sir." "Excuse me Major?" Jack said bristling. "Colonel," Sam said gently running through the 10 sure-fire ways to disarm an angry CO. "It's obvious that Janet sent you home for a rest as well. Judging from your attire, you left in a bit of a hurry that's all." "All she said was that I'd feel better after I spent some time at home." Jack paused and looked at Sam was a twinkle in his eye. "I had planned to go home, shower and change and then head straight back." "Very sneaky Sir." Sam said with a small smile. She seriously doubted whether Janet would let Jack back into the infirmary if he returned so quickly. "Here you go!" Kira said suddenly surprising both Jack and Sam. "1/4 pound freshly ground decaf Sumatra/Columbian and a little packet of those chocolate covered espresso beans Daniel likes so much." Her voice drops to a whisper as she leans her head in. "They aren't decaf, so hide them from Doctor Janet." "Will do Kira!" Jack says affectionately as he gathers up the small bundles. "I got here first, Sir." Sam says as she reached into her jacket pocket for her wallet. "Yeah, but I just drank all your coffee Carter." Jack said pulling out his own wallet and handing Kira a $20 bill. "Keep the change Kira." "Thanks Jack." Kira said giving him a small smile as she walked the officers out. "Tell Daniel to get better soon, ok?" "I'm sure he'll be by as soon as Fraiser and her goons release him Kira." Jack said as he opened the door for Sam and himself. "So Carter," Jack said as they walked down the alleyway towards Sam's bike. "What do you say to meeting up for a bite of lunch before heading back to the SGC?" "Only after you take a shower," Sam said with a twinkle in her eye resisting the urge to wrinkle her nose. "Sir." Completed January 10, 2004 25-- Slip of the Tongue Author's Notes: In my defense, I just have to say, that Jack's reaction to his little play on words was exactly the same as mine. It was an accident people! I didn't mean to get all er. well.um. Oh, you'll see! Let me just say it was truly an accident in typing and I realized that if I could type it wrong, Jack sure as hell could say it wrong! The universe is out to get me. That's all there is to it - the universe is just plum out to get me. First, I find out that I will actually not be graduating this fall as previously planned, then my roommate tells me she is moving back home to save on rent and to top it all off, there seems to be problems with my student visa for Egypt next Spring! And if that wasn't enough, it also appears like my favorite archaeologist is avoiding me! Seriously. Daniel seems to be going out of his way to avoid me and I don't have a clue why. I continue muttering to myself about the unfairness of the life, the universe and everything as I get the store ready for opening. Till? Check. Cups and condiments stocked? Check. Toilet paper in the bathroom? Check. Time to let the games begin. I unlock the front door and really wish I were back in bed instead of here. Boy! Talk about a girl down in the dumps. I'm so not going to get good tips today. Maybe I shouldn't have taken Rachel's shift? Right Kira. Like you'd possibly turn down a girl who's Grandfather just died? Right. Sunday is definitely not my usual workday and I'm not sure what to expect as I open the door wide and let the late autumn sunshine filter in. Sure it's a bit chilly still, but I just want to air the place out a bit before closing the door and jacking up the heat. I'm nursing a cup of tea when he walks in; the great invisible Daniel Jackson himself. He's looking a little worse for wear (what the hell does he do down in that mountain?!) but generally ok. I might be imagining things, but I think that weird looking bug-bite thing is back as well. Bizarre. "Hi Daniel." I say. Damn, if I didn't startle the hell out of him. Daniel jerks at the sound of my voice; he really is avoiding me. Obviously he chose to come into the shop on a Sunday, as this is a day I normally wouldn't be here. Jerk. "Hey." Daniel replies quickly getting himself under control. He briefly makes eye contact with me before checking out the ever so interesting checkered linoleum floor. "How are you doing?" I ask nonchalantly tilting my head to the side to try and get a better look at the side of his face. Yep- that bug bite on his temple is back. It's not as red as the last one, but it's definitely there. "Fine." Daniel replies in a noncommittal voice. Really. Fine, huh? "Uh huh." I answer back as I go to the espresso machine and pull him a double shot. "How does a tall Americano sound?" I ask. "Sounds great." Daniel says looking up and catching my eye again briefly before turning back away. We stand in silence for a few seconds before Daniel says something. "So how's school?" He asks interested yet strangely aloof. It's so weird. It doesn't seem like Daniel's mad at me or anything, but he's definitely uncomfortable around me, and I haven't a clue why. "Ok." Two can play at this game. "Sorry I haven't been around to help lately." Daniel begins apologetically. "Yeah," I say handing Daniel his coffee. "Why is that Daniel?" I don't release the coffee when Daniel grabs hold of it and he looks up with me confusion. "Kira?" "So you do remember my name?" I joke releasing my hold on the coffee. Daniel looks at me sorrowfully and shakes his head. "I'm sorry." He whispers. My name is decidedly absent from his lips again. What the hell is going on? "Daniel?" I ask again touching his arm lightly. "What's going on?" "Umm." Maybe Daniel would have explained on his own, but neither of us will really know as just then the sound of a voice being cleared was heard behind us. We both whip our heads around to find one amused looking Colonel. "Daniel." Jack says good-naturedly giving his friend a nod before turning his eyes on me. "And Ki-ra." He gives me a big grin and I swear I saw him wink at Daniel before sauntering over to the register. Well a saunter with a definite limp attached to it. Wait a second! Jack has that same damn bug-bite looking thing that Daniel has. "Seeing as Danny-boy is already here, I think I'll pick up some coffee for Sam and Murray." "Jack," Daniel says sighing. "What are you doing here?" "I thought that would be obvious to a multiple PhD-bearing guy like yourself Daniel." "Jack." Daniel says again shaking his head. "You followed me, didn't you?" "Now why would I do that Daniel?" Jack asks all cotton-candy sweet. "Because." Daniel replied petulantly. Funny how a guy who knows as many languages as Daniel, (I had him pegged so far at 11) could revert back to a 6 year old school kid around Jack. "How's the leg?" He asks trying to change the subject. Jack glances down at his right leg, "Ah, you know how it goes." Jack said shrugging again. "Dr. Selmak repaired most of the damage, but Janet wants another week of PT." Jack says shrugging. "It looks fine, just feels stiff." "Dr.Selmak huh?" Daniel said with what looked like a smile. "Hey, you're the one who.." "I know, I know." Daniel said holding up his hands to stop whatever it was that Jack was going to say. "Sam comes back today, right?" Daniel asks. "Yep." Jack says accepting two lattes that I had just whipped up. "Thanks Kira." Jack says politely. He looks at Daniel. "So what did Ki-ra get you Daniel?" Jack asks eyes all smiling. "Very funny Jack." Daniel replies looking everywhere but at me. "Is there something I'm missing here guys?" I ask. "No."
You can guess who said what. I sigh and shake my head. "Daniel, is there something I did to make you angry at me?" I ask trying really hard not to take all of this personally. I can feel my lower lip start to tremble and I damn the pair of them for coming into the shop before I had drunk my required three cups of caffeinated tea. Tears are prickling the edges of my eyes and I suddenly realize I'm going to get my period in a few days. Fucking hormones! "Daniel," Jack chastises at seeing me so upset. "This isn't Kira's fault." He puts down his coffee and comes over and gives me a slight hug. "Daniel is having girl issues Kira." He says giving me a small smile before releasing me. I sniff. "Is that why you've been avoiding me Daniel?" I ask thinking back to that evening at the bar when he commented about my hair. "Because I remind you of your wife?" "Sha're?" Daniel says taken back. "You don't remind me of Sha're Kira." His voice softens at the sound of her name and he gets a sad wistful look about him. "You heard about that, huh?" "I'm really sorry about your wife Daniel." I say. Even if he is acting like a jerk at the moment, I am truly sorry Daniel lost his wife. "Yeah, me too." He says softly. "So why have you been avoiding me?" "Jack?" Daniel asks looking at his friend. "Don't look at me Daniel." Jack says shaking his head. "You're the peach eater around here..." Suddenly Jack's jaw drops off his hinges as his eyes widen in shock. His face breaks into a huge grin and he starts laughing. Well snorting really. "Oh God, Daniel, I didn't mean it like that. I have no idea if.." "Please stop Jack." Daniel says painfully struggling not to smile himself as he shakes his head in disbelief. "Although, come to think about it, I bet we did have some security cameras down there." "You are an incredibly crass and vulgar man Jack O'Neill." Daniel says chuckling to himself. "And if any tapes should happen to find their way into the hands of Feretti and his friends, I will personally tell everyone about.." He pauses and gives me a little glance. "Let's just say 421 and leave it at that." "You wouldn't?!" Jack says aghast. "Just try me Jack." I can only stand there and shake my head; they're at it again. Talking weird secret stuff that I don't have a clue as to what it means. Still, it is damn entertaining and it seems to have broken through Daniel's awkwardness around me. I think. "You ok Daniel?" I ask again. "Fine, Kira." Daniel says looking at me with apologetic eyes. "Trust Jack to make me see the humor of the situation." "Always trust Jack, Daniel." Jack calls out from the condiment area. "Sometimes trust Jack." Daniel replies pulling out a $20 and handing it over to me and telling me to keep the change. They really should stop doing that. I must have 'earned' over $100 in tips from these guys just this year alone! "Mostly trust Jack." Jack says modifying his earlier statement. Daniel thinks for a moment and then replies, "Usually trust Jack when a gun is pointed at you." Jack shakes his head and they're back to square one. "Always trust Jack when a gun is pointed at you." They're still arguing over trust, guns and now something about snakes..? I close the door behind them and smile to myself. Maybe today won't be such a bad day after all.
More Author's Notes: I so had fun with this one guys (as if it isn't obvious!) I am still flabbergasted that the name i gave my poor innocent Barista turned out to be 'the destroyer of worlds' and Daniel's one-time lover. I mean, come on- What are the odds?! I swear I hadn't seen this episode before I started writing the series. Poor Kira.Let me know what you think and maybe I won't have to wait until spring break to post again. Apparently fic writing is an incredibly powerful procrastinating tool..*G* Oh! I have no idea what Jack did on '421-I just know Jack has probably done all sorts of stupid things off world, and I'm certain Daniel is keeping track. Hey! That's a challenge out there!! Someone write a story that has Jack doing something incredibly stupid off world!! And finally, if you are curious, the last thing Daniel said to Jack was: "Usually trust Jack when a gun is pointed at you and snakes are in the grass." *G* Completed January 19, 2004 26-- Three Questions
"Come on Victor!" I implore my boss as he dumps several boxes of Christmas decorations at my feet. "It isn't even Thanksgiving [1] yet! It's too early for…" I waive my hands distastefully over the boxes, refusing to look down. "This." I finish with a frown. "It's Wednesday afternoon Kira." Victor say jovially, completely unaffected by my outburst. "You close," he continues. "Which means you need to decorate the store after you lock up so that it will look nice and festive come Friday." He gives me a final wink, grabs a package of chocolate covered espresso beans and saunters out the front door. You know, if I didn't love the guy, I'd really hate him about now. Wonder if it's too late to switch shifts…? I kick the boxes into a corner and dejectedly make my way back to the bar. Stefan is just finishing up a caramel mochachino and shoots me a look somewhere between amusement and pity. "Not On Your Life." He mouths as he hands the drink to a customer. Damn. I was really hoping to get his help on this. I raise my eyebrows hopefully at Marcella and give her my best doe-eyed 'help me' look. Marcella just shakes her head and laughs as she counts back change to another customer. I dejectedly plop myself down in a chair near the back of the store and wonder if I wasn't working with a queen if my powers of manipulation would still work on men. Probably not. I just don't seem to have that inherent ability to look innocent. Daniel has that look. Daniel just walked in through the front door! I quickly jump to my feet and can't help but smile. I hadn't seen my favorite customer for a couple weeks now and was wondering what he was up to. Contrary to what Stefan may think, I don't actually lust after Daniel anymore. Really! He has more or less left my fantasy world and is now just considered a really good friend. A good friend who happens to look really good in jeans and has the softest lips I have ever drunkenly laid my lips on. I'm really not helping myself here, am I? Daniel still hasn't caught sight of me yet, and I take a moment to really look at him while he talks to Stefan. He looks tired. Thankfully, he doesn't appear bruised, drugged or hurt in any way. Just tired. Tired and worried. 'Dr. Jackson!" Stefan says loudly sending me a not so secret smirk. "Hi Stefan." Daniel says amicably giving Stefan a small nod. "Happy Thanksgiving." Stefan continues. "Have any big plans for gobble-gobble day?" "Huh?" Daniel asks looking a little confused. "Oh, right. Thanksgiving." He gives a little shrug. "I had forgotten all about it actually." "Forgotten Thanksgiving!?" Stefan says feigning shock. "Man, where have you been these last few weeks?" He looks at Daniel gravely and stage whispers, "You aren't one of those freaky vegetarian types are you?" Obviously that last line was for my ears. Stefan thinks my vegetarianism is "odd and unnatural". This coming from a man who has dated more men than I have! Daniel shakes his head, "No, I'm not a vegetarian." He says continuing to look uncomfortable. I recognize this as "Daniel Discomfort Look #3"; the look that says, 'there is a perfectly reasonable explanation here, but I can't really share it with you' look. Betcha he was out of town again. Simple, really. "Oh give it a rest Stefan!" I say coming around the counter and rescuing Daniel. "The guy travels a lot for work, and I'm guessing he was simply out of town and hadn't noticed what holiday was coming up. Right Daniel? "Exactly." Daniel says nodding. He gives me a thankful smile and asks Stefan for a triple tall Americano. "For here or to go?" Stefan asks. "I'll drink it here actually." Daniel says nudging my shoulder. "That is if a certain Barista can sit with me for a bit." I blush (only a little) and nod. "I haven't had a chance to really talk to you in weeks Kira." Daniel explains as we walk towards a table near the windows. We sit down in the comfortable lounge chairs and I can't help but blurt out the first thing that pops into my head, "Rough day at the office?" Daniel looks at me with one of those coy, 'what do you know' looks of his. I just shrug. "You look tired Daniel." He sighs. "I am tired." He pauses contemplating his next words. "Jack's missing Kira." 'Missing?" I repeat. As in missing in action? Dead? A myriad of emotions play across my face and Daniel gently places a hand across my own before I can truly reach panic mode. "He's not dead Kira; just missing." "Oh." I say softly letting that knowledge sink in. Stefan comes by and gives Daniel his coffee. He must have recognized that we were talking about something serious because for once in his life he didn't crack a joke. "Missing," I repeat. "Do you know where he is?" Daniel pauses for a moment to again contemplate his answer. "Yes. We think we do." "But.." There's always a 'but' when it comes to Daniel and his friends. "But we can't get to him right now." There is obviously way more to the situation than Daniel can probably tell me and although it's killing me not to ask for more details, I know Daniel is letting me know all he can. "Oh." Big talker Kira. I am pretty much confused here as it seems to me that if they know where he is, why don't they just go in and get him? Obviously I don't know the full story. I never do. "It's complicated, Kira," Daniel says softly taking a drink of his coffee. "You know I'd tell you more if I were able too." I nod; I know that. "The military totally sucks Daniel." I say as I slump my shoulders in defeat. "Don't let Jack here you say that Kira!" Daniel says smiling. "He really is hoping you'll join the Air Force." I guffaw loudly and shake my head. "Daniel, I am *never* going to join the Air Force." I say forcibly. "Good!" He says taking another sip. "Jack owes me $10!" "You bet on me?" I ask incredulously. "Oh we bet on just about everything." Daniel says eyes twinkling. "You have a very strange job Daniel." I say finally. "That I do." Daniel agrees with a chuckle. "So, how's school?" He asks changing the subject. I still want to know more about Colonel Jack, but I guess I can take comfort in knowing that Daniel and Sam will do everything they can to bring him home. "Actually.." I say straightening up a little. "I'm graduating in a few weeks." "You are?" Daniel says. "That's wonderful Kira!" If we were standing, I think he would have hugged me. Damn. Missed opportunity! Hey, I might not lust after the guy, but I can still appreciate a Daniel hug, can't I? "If you had asked me last month, I would have spun this long sob story about how I was 4 credits shy of the 180 credits needed to graduate." "So what happened?" Daniel asks. "What happened is that my advisor went to bat for me and managed to convince the Graduate Committee that the time I spent abroad between high school and college should count for something." I give him a big grin. "Apparently exploring Iraq al-Amir [2] is good for four credits! I wrote a 15 page paper on my observations about the region and voila!" "You never told me you went to Jordan!" Daniel says sounding a little amazed. "You knew I traveled to the Middle East though, right?" I asked. Maybe he didn't remember? I mean talking with Daniel about Egypt seems like it happened ages ago. Can't believe it was almost three years ago. "Sure, I remember that." Daniel says waggling his eyebrows up and down. "Back then you had a crush on me." "Daniel!" I say blushing. "Yes, Kira?" Pure innocence. Yep- Daniel Jackson does indeed have that innate innocent look. "If you must know, I still had a crush on Colonel Jack back then." I don't feel the need to tell him that it was only a few weeks later that my er...perfectly normal, er..thoughts about him began. "Jack?!" Daniel repeated loudly. "But he's old enough to be your father!" Did he have to shout it out so loud the rest of the coffee shop can hear? Geesh. "Thanks for pointing that out Daniel." I say resisting the urge to find a nice mound of sand to bury my head into. "Jack." Daniel repeats still chuckling to himself. "Daniel," I say sternly. "You are not to repeat that to Jack!" "Please?" Daniel implores. Man, Daniel should really bottle this
power of persuasion thing he has going! Maybe he should work as a U.N translator
or something- I bet he could persuade just about anyone to do anything. Hey!
Maybe I can turn this around to my advantage. "3 questions." Daniel replies instantly. "I'll answer any three questions you have about me.." I open my mouth to ask what I am *really* dying to know when Daniel puts in the obligatory caveat. "But, you know there are issues relating to National Security that I just can't talk about." Damn. So close! Still, there are one or two things Daniel has never told me that shouldn't be a big dark secret. "Agreed." I say pulling my chair closer and getting comfortable. "Question number 1- How many languages do you actually know Daniel?" "Speak, read, or write?" Daniel asks. My eyes widen. "All!" "That would technically be three questions Kira; how many languages do I speak; how many languages do I read and how many languages do I write?" "Oh no you don't!" I quickly reply. "I'd like to know all three, but this is just one question, so if you don't want to tell me how many languages you can read or write, let's just stick to speaking." "Ever consider the legal profession Kira?" "Answer the question Daniel." "Fine. I'll tell you all three for the price of one question. I am knowledgeable in 29 languages. I speak 27, can read 29 and can write 24." Holy crap. My mouth drops open on its own accord and I stare at him in awe. Daniel, you are my hero! My linguistic hero! "Kira?" Daniel asks worriedly. "You ok with this?" "Ok with you being probably the smartest guy on the planet?" I retort. "Sure, why not?" Daniel's turn to snort and shake his head. "I'm not the smartest guy on the planet Kira." "Pretty damn close!" "Not even remotely close." Daniel qualifies. "I'm just good with languages." "I'll say!" "What's your second question?" Seeing as I'm still reeling from the first question, I'm a little at a loss for words. Daniel knows twenty-nine languages?! "Kira?" "Gimme a second here." I say holding up a hand. I shake my head and realize what I want to ask. "How did you and Jack meet?" Daniel rubs his forehead and thinks for a minute. "There will be holes in this one Kira, but that's because some of it falls under that "national security" thing, ok?" I nod. "But I'll tell you what I can. "About 5 years ago, a lovely older woman came to me one day and asked me to help translate something. The something in question actually belonged to the military and I had to sign a gazillion papers before they'd let me see it." "What was it?" I asked. "Is that question 3?" I opened my mouth to say yes but Daniel quickly shakes his head. "That's one I can't answer for you Kira." I nod; I didn't really think he could. "I set to work on translating the artifact and what I found made a lot of people nervous." He pauses and looks at me. He knows that I was dying to ask what it was, but he also knows I won't. It's obvious that this is the big National Security thing that he can't talk about. "Jack was actually called in to lead a team to find out more information about the people who made the artifact." "This is where Egypt comes in, right? Where you met Sha're?" "Umm- sort of." Daniel says uncomfortably. "All I can tell you Kira is that we traveled a very far distance and met some people we had never met before." "Wow. That must have been really cool!" There I go sounding like a little kid again. Daniel chuckles. "It was pretty cool." He paused in memory. "I think even Jack in all his bad-ass military posturing thought it was cool as well." "Jack's not a military bad-ass!" "He was then Kira." Daniel says softly. "The Jack O'Neill you know now, isn't the same one I met back in 1995." "What happened?" "That's Jack's story to tell Kira." Daniel says gently. Oh. Ok. "But you liked each other, right?" I ask. Daniel shakes his head. "Jack pretty much had me pegged as a geeky scientist, which I technically was, and didn't want anything to do with me. He couldn't stand having a "civilian" on his team." "So what changed?" I asked. "I mean, obviously you and Jack are good friends now." "Oh, you know how it goes- I save his life, he saves mine. Things like that." "Wow." I'm just about to ask another question when his phone rings. "Sorry Kira, but I need to answer this." He stands up and walks with his cell phone towards a corner. He isn't necessarily trying to hide his conversation from me, just trying to be polite and not disrupt others in a public place. I bet if it wasn't 13 degrees outside, he'd be taking his conversation out there. "Hello?" He answers as he holds the phone up to his ear. "Hi Sam," he says before pausing to listen. "Yeah, I'm just on my way in- you still there?" Longer pause. "Sam," he admonishes gently. "You need to go home and rest." Daniel shakes his head. "No. Resting on base is not the same thing…" Daniel rolls his eyes. "No, I haven't been talking with Janet. I mean, of course I've been talking with Janet, but not about you." I see Daniel flinch slightly as he says that and bet he *has* been talking to Dr. Janet about Sam. "We're just worried about you Sam." Daniel continues. "It's
been three weeks and you haven't.." Sam must have interrupted him
because Daniel's sentence is completely cut off. "Sam, we're going to get him home." Daniel says finally.
Suddenly it clicks; they're talking about Jack. Sam continues to talk
for a bit and Daniel exhales softly and nods. "Yeah, I can do that for
you Sam, but wouldn't you rather have Janet.." Sam says only a
few words before Daniel nods again. "That's right I had forgotten.
When is she supposed to return?" "Seriously Sam, I'll pick you up one of those thick corned beef sandwiches you like from Hank's Deli." Sam obviously isn't so crazy about that idea. "I don't care if you're not hungry Sam, you need to eat. And I bet hank's corned beef is a little more appetizing then Lt. Rodriguez' canned bean casserole." Daniel looks at his watch. "I should be there within the hour." Pause. "Bye Sam." He turns his phone off and turns back to me. "Sorry Kira, question number 3 will have to wait until next time. I need to get going. Sam asked me to pick up a few things from her house before heading back to base." "On the Wednesday afternoon before Thanksgiving?" I ask a bit surprised that he would even think of returning to work. "Afraid so." Daniel says apologetically. "If Janet returns home on time, I'll insist on taking Sam to her place for Thanksgiving with Cassie. But if Janet is delayed… well I'll just stay and keep Sam company." He gathers his coat and returns his empty coffee cup to the busing area. "Great Americano Stefan!" Daniel shouts over the din of the espresso machine as he shoves a couple dollars into the tip jar. Stefan smiles and nods his head in thanks. Daniel puts on his coat and has his hand on the front door when I realize what I want to ask him for my third question. "Daniel!" I call out. He stops and turns around. "My third question- it's a quick one." "Go ahead." Daniel says a little cautiously. I know he's thinking that whatever question I ask will either be another "national security" question or else something long and complicated. "Will I ever find out what it is you actually do?" "You know what I do Kira, I'm an archaeologist and translator." "Daniel." I admonish. "Translators do not routinely get beaten up or drugged or.." I resist adding 'kidnapped by aliens' although I want too. Daniel holds up a hand to stop me. "I see your point." "Well?" I ask again putting my hands on my hips. "Will I?" "You know what Kira?" Daniel answers seriously as he opens the door. "You just might." Hee hee! You like? Please le me know as I'm always afraid my Barista stories will one day fall flat and everyone will go running away in fright. Or something like that. Writers are a very insecure lot! [1] Thanksgiving is the fourth Thursday in November. It's one of only 7
or so universal American Holidays (some only have 6, and others 8). That's right kids, we in the states
only get seven paid holidays a year. Needless to say, I'm jealous as
heck at the rest of the world for getting more time off then me.
[Up] [2] A set of ancient caves near Amman, Jordan
[Up] Completed February 29, 2004 27-- Graduation Day
Ever have one of those days where you find yourself wallowing in self pity and have no desire what so ever to feel better? The kind of day where you are certain there's some cosmic conspiracy to make you feel as miserable as possible? That's the kind of day I'm having today. I resist the urge to let out a big breathy sigh. With my luck, the moisture-laden sigh will saturate my scarf, freeze solid, and then slowly melt down my shirt causing me to catch pneumonia. I'll probably spend a week in intensive care. Like I said, I'm really into self pity at the moment. I quicken my pace even though I have no destination and try not to look at all the shops decorated for Christmas. Although I might not have enjoyed decorating Victor's in late November, I do have to admit it sure is pretty around here when there's snow on the ground and everything is lit up for the holidays. I find myself starting to feel better and instantly give myself a mental shove- I don't want to feel better. I don't want to think of gingerbread men and good will towards man. What I want is for someone to have figured out that as of today I'm officially a college graduate! Damn. I may not have a problem wallowing, but I do have a problem with crying and I can feel some serious tears trying to emerge. Happy thoughts Kira! Happy thoughts! Or at least moderately unsad thoughts? I feel a few stray tears slide down my cheeks and brush them away angrily. This really isn't working. I thought taking a walk might make me feel better, but instead it seems to be making me even more upset than I already am. It's Saturday afternoon and all I see around me are a lot of frantic, yet happy-looking Christmas shoppers. I can't decide if I'm thankful I'm not one of them or bummed that I never was. Growing up Jewish in a predominately Christian neighborhood wasn't really all that fun. Sure, it's great to bring a dreidel to class and tell the story of Chanukkah-but come on! You can only do that so often, right? Having a totally minor holiday tucked next to a major religious one completely sucks. It's bad enough that everyone just *assumes* Chanukkah is huge because it's the same time of year as Christmas, but once you throw in all the carols, candy and gift-giving-well, if you're me, this pretty much guarantees you turn into a Scrooge this time of year. A college educated scrooge. A freshly-turned 22 year old college educated scrooge. I find myself walking even faster and blink rapidly in an attempt to keep those stray tears from falling. With my luck, m |