SERIES/UNIVERSE: SG-7
DISCLAIMERS: M7 characters belong to Trilogy, et al, SG-1 characters belong to Gekko, MGM, and Showtime. Original characters (mainly Adriana in this story, though others are mentioned) are all mine ... don't mind if you borrow them, just ask first, give them back intact and give credit where credit is due. Mindy belongs to herself and my neighbors, though she still thinks my family an ... elong to her.
SPOILERS: For Mag7, all twenty-one episodes are fair game, along with my previous stories, More than Friends, A Light in the Distance, Under the Sun, Days of Yearning, Sun, Fun, and Ezra on the Run, Full Circle, and Open House; also all five seasons of Stargate SG-1.
WARNING: The usual, violence and language. Quite possibly the most smarmy story I've ever written, but I'll try to keep it from becoming too syrupy.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I've been wanting to write a story for some time about Vin as a child, but every time I thought I had something, I'd come across someone who had used it. And then, the Gou'ald, for once, came to my rescue. Imagine that
Just as an fyi ... this series, this universe, ignores the events of the latter fifth season of Stargate SG-1. Specifically, Meridian and Revelation. Which also gets rid of Jonas Quinn in sixth season.
It took General Hammond a little more time than he originally planned, to check on Dr. Frasier and the little boy. Dr. Conklin, who had been quiet the last three years, had demanded to see him. Not requested, but demanded. He wanted to be on the next team to go to the planet and investigate the strange alien device. Hammond's response had been not just no, but hell no, and not couched in diplomatic terms.
The man had learned nothing in the last three years. One of the reasons he had Drs Jackson and Wilmington working as a team on archaeological expeditions, was because of their ability to work together ... as well as with other people. Conklin hadn't learned to work with other people. There was no way Hammond would allow anyone that irresponsible anywhere near the alien device which had turned Vin Tanner into a child of five.
Vin. It really was time he went to the infirmary. After making sure all of his calls would be dealt with, Hammond left his office and headed for the infirmary. He found Dr. Frasier seated at her computer, with the sleeping boy in her arms. She looked up, murmuring, "He fell asleep in the cafeteria. Poor kid's exhausted. I've been going over his test results. There is no abnormal radiation in his body. He's a very healthy little boy, if a little underfed."
She paused, and added, "And he is Vin Tanner, sir. I don't know how this happened, but he is our Vin." The little boy shifted, murmuring in his sleep, and Dr. Frasier adjusted her hold on him, until he was more comfortable. Hammond just nodded, his mind finally accepting what his instincts had told him all along. It was just ... so hard to accept, like he had told Larabee. That there was a machine capable of turning a twenty-seven year old man into a five year old boy. On the other hand ... really, was this any stranger than any of the other strange devices they had encountered through the years?
After a moment, Janet Frasier asked softly, "Where's Colonel Larabee, sir?" Hammond grimaced as he settled himself on a stool near the doctor and the sleeping child. Larabee. He knew from base security that the colonel had left and was heading for Dr. Wilmington's home. Dr. Frasier added after a moment, answering her own question, "He'll going to Adriana's, to tell her what happened. Nice way to keep them both from killing Major Carter and Colonel O'Neill, sir."
Hammond grinned at the woman wryly. He honestly hadn't thought of that right away, but Conklin had inadvertently reminded him when he mentioned Chanu during the argument about the alien device. By now, the entire base had heard about Chanu's difficulties with his father-in-law and the less than auspicious beginning to his friendship with Vin ... they also heard how, after Chanu choked Vin into unconsciousness, Adriana found him. And how, when she and Vin found Chanu, the 'little hellcat' took a swing at him.
Oh yes. He was even more glad now that Dr. Wilmington wasn't on the grounds until the following day. He explained, "I actually wasn't thinking of that, though I can't argue with your logic, Doctor. I was more concerned about the boy ... he'll have a lot of new faces to adjust to, and that's emotional baggage he doesn't need right now. Speaking of which, is Captain Travis back with the clothes yet?"
"No, not yet ... remember, the clothes are at Evie's house, and Mary lives with Chris now," Janet Frasier reminded him. Oh, that was right. He and Orrin discussed that. Orrin. Hammond swallowed hard as he realized he still needed to tell his old friend about what happened to Vin, before that idiot Conklin tracked him down. In some ways, that old fool was like a child, playing two parents off each other to get what he wanted.
The little boy stirred, sighing softly in his sleep, and Hammond said softly, trying very hard not to think about his two granddaughters, "We should find a proper bed for him ... I'm sure your arms are getting tired." The doctor just smiled faintly, but seemed in no hurry to relinquish the youngster. All at once, Hammond had a vision of things to come. This child would turn the SGC upside down, without even meaning to, without even trying, and even once he was returned to adulthood, nothing would ever be the same.
However, the only allusion he made to this was observing as he rose to his feet, "Well, Doctor, I suppose the only thing we really have to worry about is Major Wilmington using him to catch the attention of some woman who is a marshmallow for children." Janet Frasier raised her head and gave him a determined brown stare, which told him that Buck Wilmington would only do that if he wanted to lose his reproductive organs.
The CMO's only verbal response was, "Ohhhh, trust me, sir. He won't do that." Hammond hid a grin as he gently ruffled the tawny hair (a chance he would never have again, which he well knew). The day Buck Wilmington used this little boy, or any other child, to lure unsuspecting women ... Even as he thought it, Hammond knew he was being unfair, both to the little boy and to Buck. The big man loved children, and if there was anything that could get him going, it was the idea of a woman or child being hurt. And if it was a little girl-child who was being harmed, then he was really a bear with a sore ass.
However, it didn't escape his notice that most of the women in the SGC knew something of Vin's past. Not because he broadcast it ... no, his mother had done that. But he wondered how many of those women would be able to resist the opportunity to shower this little boy with affection, to give him things he never had in his young life? More to the point, would Hammond want to stop them?
The general paused, thinking that one through. Would it be such a terrible thing, to give that little boy some of what he lost while he was growing up? He had told Chris Larabee that after all the times the colonel wished he was there when Vin was a child, he finally had a chance to follow through. But was he the only one? Hammond doubted it. In fact ... once he could talk Larabee out of killing O'Neill, Hammond thought it might be a good idea if Jack spent some time with the child. It was unnatural for a five year old boy to be that solemn. And Jack was a big kid in many ways.
It was definitely something to think about. No, this alien device would not help them defeat the Gou'ald ... but maybe, just maybe, there was an opportunity here. And who would know better about taking opportunities than Ezra Standish? Hammond resolved to talk to the negotiator. Later. First, he had a far more formidable task in front of him ... explaining to Orrin Travis how his guide had been turned into a five year old boy.
After their dismissal, the remainder of SG-7 adjourned to the rec room. Much to their relief, none of the members of SG-1 were there. Because, fair or not, Chris wasn't the only one who held SG-1 responsible for the ... incident, as Ezra had taken to calling it. Incident. One of your best friends gets turned into a five year old boy, and the best you can do is 'incident,' as if it was something ... mundane.
Trouble was, Buck Wilmington couldn't find a term which fit better. For the first hour, everyone was silent. Then Ezra said softly, "Does anyone feel as ... out of their depth? As I do?" He lifted his eyes from the floor, looking around at them, and continued, "We have been fighting the Gou'ald for three years. We have seen and experienced situations which have left their mark. But we have always stood together. Always. Even when we weren't getting along."
This was said with an apologetic nod to Nathan, who returned the apology silently. Buck didn't say anything. What was there to say? Ezra continued, "Perhaps that's what is so frightening about our current dilemma. Our ranks have been effectively split. Our guide, and sharpshooter ... our brother ... has been turned into a five year old child who knows, and trusts, none of us. Has no reason to trust us, because he has the memories of that five year old."
"The Gou'ald haven't won, Ezra," Josiah said quietly, "because Vin will be returned to us. Our Vin. And in the meantime ... we get to know the little boy who grew into our Vin. Don't you see what an opportunity we have? A chance to learn what Vin was truly like as a child, answer questions which not even Josie or Carly could answer for us, because they weren't there. We are ... now. And we finally have a chance to understand our brother."
Buck spoke for the first time, saying in a low voice, "The preacher man's right, boys. I ain't talkin' about playin' tricks on the boy. That wouldn't be right. But findin' out exactly why Vin is the way he is." The big man paused, an impish smile lighting his face as he added, "On the other hand ... it's one thin' to be a big brother to a grown man. It's another thing to be an uncle to a little boy, now ain't it?"
He looked around, wondering who would be the first to catch on. It shouldn't have surprised him when a broad smile crossed Josiah Sanchez's face as he observed, "A little boy can never have too much affection. Lots of hugs and kisses, hair-tousling and tickles. Piggyback rides and playing airplane. I see what you mean, brother Buck ... I do indeed see." Ezra was perking up as well, as he realized what this meant.
Oddly, Nathan and JD didn't look comfortable with the idea at all. Ezra exclaimed, "Think of it, gentlemen ... we have a chance to show Vin how much we truly care for him! He doesn't pull from our touch, but nor does he welcome a great deal of attention. Not now. But as a child, you crave attention. He will welcome what we give him. Yes, this is an unfortunate situation, but while it exists ... we should take this opportunity."
Nathan nodded his understanding, but Buck could tell he was still uncomfortable. Whether with the situation or with the suggestion, he didn't know. JD just didn't look happy, period. Buck would find out what was bothering the kid later. In the meantime, he said, looking at Josiah and Ezra, "So, you two agree? I ain't gonna do anythin' to hurt him ... y'all should know I'd never hurt him willingly. Don't wanna hurt him or embarrass him. I just want that little boy to have somethin' which every little kid should have."
And being truly honest with himself, Buck Wilmington knew there was another, selfish reason for his desire. He wanted to make up for lost time. Not with Vin, but with his sister. He wasn't there for her when she needed him the most. Not through the dark nights, and not through the nightmare years. He wasn't even there for her when they were living under the same roof. Or the same mountain, as the case may be. But he could be there for this five year old version of his friend, and Buck swore he wouldn't let his 'little brother' down.
"I'm with you, brother. We don't know how long this situation will continue ... but until we get our Vin back, I say we show this child exactly how much he's loved. Give him some new and better memories," Josiah replied. The man's blue-gray eyes were dancing with anticipation. Strange, Buck never really thought about Josiah's love of children, but that was as strong as his own, and as strong as Ezra's love of children. The major also noticed that Nathan still looked uncomfortable. Evidently, Josiah noticed the same thing, for the anthropologist asked, "What's bothering you, Nate?"
"I ain't sure. It almost feels like we're tricking him," Nathan replied. He was hesitant as he answered, as if he wasn't sure that was what he wanted to say. Buck started to protest, then thought it through a little more. The medic shook his head, adding, "I know that ain't right, I know that it ain't like you're talkin' about. I just don't know no other way to put it." The medic gestured helplessly with his hands.
"Mr. Jackson," Ezra asked slowly, "does the fact that we know it's Mr. Tanner concern you? If we didn't know that it was Mr. Tanner in the body of a five year old child, if we believed it was just another five year old child who was abandoned ... would it still pose a problem for you?" Nathan thought about it, then shook his head. Ezra continued, "Then perhaps you should look at it that way. For all our knowledge, I do not see Vin Tanner, guide, when I look at that child. I see a lost, abandoned, hurt child."
Buck could tell from Nathan's expression that he would think about that. JD was still silent, and Josiah continued, "Well, brothers ... we have our work cut out for us, then. And Nate, you can always look at it this way." Nate cocked a brow at the anthropologist questioningly, and Josiah added with a big grin, "You're getting more practice for being a daddy." Everyone laughed at that, including JD.
"Huh. I get enough practice for that in dealin' with y'all," Nathan retorted, bringing another laugh from the men. The medic continued, growing serious once more, "I can't make no promises. But I reckon I can contribute in other ways. Ain't never known a five or six year old who didn't like colorin.' I'm sure I can find some colorin' books and crayons. Maybe some toys. Any a' y'all got any ideas about what he liked as a little boy?"
"Every little boy ... and girl ... needs a stuffed animal to sleep with. That's the first priority. Something soft he can cuddle with ... something which always made him feel safe when he was a little fella," Josiah proclaimed. Silence fell among the men as they tried to figure out what that might be, and Buck searched his memory, trying to figure out if Vin had told him at any time about his childhood. Josiah asked softly, "Has he really talked about that part of his life, to any of us? Would Adriana know?"
"She would be our best hope, I would think," Ezra observed, and the two masterminds looked at Buck questioningly. It made sense to him, but his sister never really talked about her conversations with him. Hell, she didn't even talk to Buck about her relationship with Vin, much less about her past with him! If he didn't know better, from the way she wouldn't talk about her relationship with Vin, Buck would have thought ... no, best not to think about that. Then he'd probably want to kill Vin, and that simply wasn't an option at the moment.
"She's never told me, but it never really came up," Buck replied, knowing that for the lie it was. He had pressed his sister many times over the last few months for dirt about the younger Vin Tanner. She always changed the subject, or outright told him to 'mind your own damn business, Bucklin.' Usually with her own version of the Larabee glare. Not quite as potent, but it was still damn scary, especially coming from his little sister. Buck found it necessary to rethink quite a few things where his younger sister was concerned.
"Once Chris returns with her, that may change," Ezra observed and Buck nodded in agreement. There was another long pause, then Ezra asked softly, "Does anyone else believe this new situation will be difficult for our illustrious leader to ... handle?" Four snorts greeted the question. Who was Ezra kidding? If they thought finding out that his father had abandoned a little boy, his own child and the colonel's brother, was hard on Chris ... this would be a thousand times worse.
Buck knew it hadn't escaped the notice of his old friend that this five year old Vin looked so much like Adam. Oh, his hair was lighter ... but he still looked like Adam. Worse yet, Chris had no idea how to react to a Vin who was afraid of him, who didn't know him, who had no reason to trust him. The only thing any of them could do, at this point, was give Vin the childhood he never had ... and pick up the pieces of Chris Larabee's heart.
JD Dunne was having problems of his own. His mind hadn't stopped spinning since Daniel Jackson carried the child through the Stargate. Part of him knew, by process of elimination, that it had to be Vin. There was no other option, not when he was wearing Vin's own clothes. Sort of. Not when Major Carter held the folded, faded blue jeans Vin had been wearing that morning against her chest so tightly.
But there was another part of him which denied that truth. It wasn't possible, it couldn't be possible. Only a few mornings earlier, he and Vin had been discussing possible plans for Vin's twenty-eighth birthday, which was now only three months away. It would be his first birthday since finding out that Chris was his older brother, and Vin wanted to do something special. Some way to make it up to Chris, for all the birthdays he missed.
And for Vin to suddenly be five ... helpless ... scared. To look at them as if he had never seen any of them before, to look at them as if he was afraid of them. JD didn't know how to deal with that. Because that wasn't Vin. Vin was strong and tough, he was smart and funny. Not a frightened child who pulled away from them. He wasn't like that. The way he was acting now, it kinda reminded JD of how he felt after his own mother died.
And that was what brought it home to JD. They weren't seeing Vin Tanner, their brother and friend, but the little boy he had been once. In the time after his mother died, before he slipped through the cracks? Or was it after the system failed a five year old child? None of them were sure yet, they just knew Vin was five or six. And then the picture changed, because JD then understood something different. He wasn't the youngest any more. He would turn twenty-three in a matter of months, and Vin was now five. Technically speaking, he couldn't be a member of SG-7, but no one wanted to believe this change was permanent.
Therefore, Vin would remain with the team, because whether he was five or twenty-seven, he was still theirs. Which meant JD was no longer the youngest. It shouldn't have bothered JD. But it did. He should have been happy about the change in his relationship with the others, about the change in his relationship with Vin. He wasn't. For so long, Vin had been the older brother, the brother closest in age to JD ... and now, he wasn't.
It got worse when Buck, Josiah, and Ezra started talking about the things they would do for this little boy. Give him the childhood he should have had. JD's hands gripped the sides of the cushion of his chair. Where had these men been when he was a child? When it was just him and his mother? And another voice asked softly, but clearly, you had your mother until you were nineteen. Vin lost his when he was five.
Yes. And that made JD ashamed. He knew that things were tight for him and his mom, but he hadn't been handed from one migrant family to another for all those years. Finding solace only in the reservations around his communities ... JD had been wanted by his mother. Vin had never been wanted after his mother died. And until he was nineteen years old, until he met a young college sophomore, Vin had no idea what it meant to belong.
So why did he begrudge this five year old child what Josiah, Ezra, and Buck were proposing? It wasn't like he agreed with Nathan, that it was like they were tricking Vin. Though, he could see where Nate got that. When all was said and done, though ... JD didn't know this child. This wasn't Vin Tanner, because Vin Tanner was ... well, this just wasn't Vin Tanner. It couldn't be, no matter what Janet and the others said.
The meeting broke up ... Buck was heading to the infirmary, to talk to the general. He had called the general's office, only to remember that Hammond planned to go to the infirmary to check on the boy. Which was how JD found himself accompanying Buck to the infirmary. General Hammond and Dr. Frasier were quietly talking in her office, while the little boy slept on his side. General Hammond nodded in answer to something the doctor said, then added, "I have to return to my office, Doctor ... I'd prefer it if Orrin Travis hears about this from me."
"I understand, sir ... especially if word has reached around the base, what happened to Vin. Thank you for helping me to put him to bed. I really didn't want to let go of him, but like you said ... o have work to do. I just keep thinking about Cassie, and how much she needed to be held, and she was eleven when she lost her first family," Janet replied softly, glancing back toward the bed where the child slept. She acknowledged Buck and JD with a nod.
The general turned to face the pair, and Buck said softly, "Didn't mean to interrupt anything, sir, but I wanted to talk to you about the little fella." General Hammond motioned for him to continue, and Buck outlined his conversation with Josiah and Ezra. Buck concluded, "We know this is really Vin, sir. But he's also a five year old boy, a frightened little kid who lost his mama, then got tossed from one family to another, people who probably didn't give a damn about him. 'Til he met my sister, he never knew what it meant, to be part of a family." JD blinked and looked up at his own 'big brother,' startled by this observation. Especially since he had been thinking that very thing only a few minutes earlier.
"You want to give him back what he lost ... and you can't do that for the adult. Mr. Standish is quite correct. Permission granted, Major Wilmington. It'll take time before we can figure out how to reverse the process. I want you and Dr. Sanchez to head to the nearest toy store and buy whatever you think he'll like. I don't think quantity should be your focus," General Hammond warned.
"Sir, we got no intention of buyin' up the entire store. But the little fella needs a stuffed animal, somethin' to hold onto. Because I can tell ya, this ain't gonna easy for Chris. He looks at that boy, he's gonna see Adam. Now, Billy helped to heal him ... but Billy wasn't his little brother, turned into a little kid. And Billy wasn't never afraid of him," Buck explained. General Hammond nodded, then turned curious blue eyes on him.
"We've already discussed Colonel Larabee's reaction, Major. That's rather obvious, even to someone who doesn't know him. But what about you? Adam Larabee was your godson, your nephew ... how will you deal with seeing a child who so closely resembles him?" Hammond challenged. JD blinked. He hadn't thought of that. He turned to look at his partner, seeing for the first time the shadows of pain in Buck's dark blue eyes.
"I ain't gonna say it don't hurt, General. Seeing Adam in that little boy. But ... I can handle it. I loved that boy. And this little boy, he don't have nobody to love him. Adam would want us to do this, for his uncle. He had a big ol' heart, Adam did ... just like his Uncle Vin. And he woulda been mad, if he knew 'bout what kinda childhood his uncle had. Yeah, he'd want us to do this ... and I ain't about to let Adam down," Buck answered.
Janet stepped to JD's side, murmuring, "I wonder if Buck knows how devastating he is, when he's that serious?" Again, JD blinked in surprise ... because again, that was something he hadn't thought about. He looked at the diminutive doctor, who was eyeing Buck with interest, then looked at Buck and wondered if he should tell Buck what Janet had said. JD mentally shook his head after a moment. Nah. Why ruin the fun of watching Buck trying to sweet talk Janet into his arms, and watching him get slapped down?
The pair returned their attention to General Hammond, who was nodding slowly. The general replied, "All right. You and Dr. Sanchez go to the store, to find some things for Vin. Colonel Larabee will be back tomorrow with your younger sister. They're the two who are closest to Vin ... and they need to have their emotions under control." At first glance, JD didn't understand why the general would be worried about Adriana.
Chris, that he could understand. While his friend and leader had mellowed and calmed in the last few years, he was still a bit on the volatile side. Especially when he sensed a threat to Mary and Billy, and to the rest of his family. But Adriana? She was a lot more calm, a lot more serene than Chris, most of the time. Until it occurred to him, how he would feel if Casey was turned into a ittle girl, the same age she was when her parents died and she went to live with her aunt. The young cartographer followed that thought to the end, then swallowed hard. He didn't know how far along in their relationship as a couple Vin and Adriana were, but no matter far they had, or had not, gotten, but he realized how devastating it would be.
Everything would get turned upside down. And both Vin and Adriana were still shaky from all that had happened in the last few months. They were still figuring out their new relationship, and had a few mega-arguments because of the changes. Vin had gotten overprotective of Adriana, something that had never gone over well with the highly independent archaeologist. Chris reminded his younger brother, after one such argument, of what Adriana had done to the colonel the last time he got overprotective of her.
Vin had cringed at the reminder, and worked harder at not over protecting Adriana. On the other side, Mary gently reminded her best friend that Vin was as new at this romance business as Adriana herself was. His first inclination was to protect, to take care of, those around him. Adriana wasn't just his friend any more, she was his lady. He had lost her once, and that would never happen again, if he had anything to say about it.
They had worked through those rough patches, and were tentatively feeling their way to whatever came next. And now, because Vin had been turned into a child, all the rules were changed. Everything was different. And for the first time, seeing through the eyes of another, JD began to understand just what could lie ahead, for SG-1, for SG-7, for Adriana Wilmington, for everyone involved in this mess.
It never failed to amaze Chris ... how animals could sense when something was wrong with their humans. As he held Adriana, he became aware of a cold nose edging at his hand. Amazed, Chris looked down to find Mindy settling herself across Adriana's lap, nudging his hand. Her liquid brown eyes stared at him, as if she expected him to tell her why her human was so sad. When no answers were forthcoming, the dog settled her head in the colonel's lap.
Adriana laughed through her tears, saying, "That's my Miss Mindy." Chris said nothing, just stroked the silky black head. Adriana said after a moment, "Sorry. I've been very selfish. I know this has to be hard for you." Chris said nothing at first. The simple fact was, taking care of Adriana shifted focus away from himself. He'd done nothing but think about how insane this was for the last hour. It felt good to take care of someone else.
"Don't worry about it, little princess. That's why I'm here," Chris finally answered. Adriana just sighed, and put her head back on his chest. The pair were silent for a long time, then Chris said softly, "Been a while since it was just you and me. Think I'll enjoy this, for as long as we've got." That brought a giggle from her, and Chris kissed the top of her head. He went on, "You know, if you were a little bit younger, I'd suggest we go out for ice cream. But I suppose one small child around the premises is enough at the moment."
"You sayin' I'm too old to enjoy ice cream, cowboy?" Adriana snickered against his shirt. Chris fought back a laugh of his own, especially when Adriana continued, "Got some sherbet in the fridge. You gonna be here the rest of the day?" Chris made a face, then glared down at Adriana as she added, "Yup, I bet General Hammond decided you should stay away until tomorrow, just like me. Afraid you'll scare that poor kid with your glare."
"Doesn't scare Billy ... and it sure as hell didn't scare you when you were thirteen," Chris retorted with a growl, his fingers waggling around her sides. She squealed, and Chris immediately desisted when Mindy raised her head and bared her teeth at him. The border collie wasn't very big, but she was protective of her human. Chris told the dog, "It's okay, Mindy, I ain't dumb enough to attack your lady. I know what she's capable of."
"Hmf. That why you keep Buck off my case about my relationship with Vin?" Adriana asked. Chris started to protest, tried to tell her that he stayed out of her business with both his own brother and with hers, but she lifted her head to look in his eyes, and Chris couldn't deny that he might have had a little talk with Buck. Although, that was really more like one big brother to another. Adriana continued, "Besides, like you said, I was thirteen. This is a five year old."
"I didn't scare Billy," Chris once more pointed out. Adriana crossed her eyes at him, making him laugh once again. He kissed the top of her head, holding her tightly, then said, "I keep comin' up with all these ... reasons why that little boy shouldn't be afraid of me. You. Billy. Every child we've ever helped. They've never been afraid of me. But my little brother, my best friend, is terrified of me, Adriana."
"Didja try smiling at him, instead of glaring or scowling?" Adriana asked, obviously a question she thought was perfectly reasonable. He glared at her instead, and Adriana continued, shrugging, "Thought I'd ask. And speaking of food, I think we should save the sherbet for dessert. You interested in staying for dinner? It's been a while since you had the chance to reap the benefits of your own labor."
Chris just smiled at the reminder that he taught her to cook, and replied, "Long as you don't ask me to eat something you came across while you were on a dig. I've heard about some of your stories, little princess." She scowled at him, making him laugh, and Chris continued, "If you think we can stay away from the topic of Vin, why don't I ask Billy and Mary to come here for dinner? I don't think Mary will want to cook tonight."
"That's fine ... I promised Billy that he could help me in the kitchen the next time ya'll were over," Adriana replied. Chris found himself laughing and Adriana frowned, asking, "What? What's so funny?" Chris didn't answer at first, but he wondered if it ever occurred to Adriana, how she talked like an educated woman ... and then every once in a while, a 'y'all' would creep into her speech.
"Just thinking about how much you sounded like Vin just then. It was a bit jarring. I'm used to you talking ... well ... I was about to say Ezra, but you don't use the fancy words he does as often as he does. You talk like Daniel Jackson most of the time," Chris replied.
Adriana nodded, giving him a 'yeah, so?' look, and the colonel continued, "And then out of nowhere, boom, here comes this 'y'all' and I remember how much time you've spent with Vin over the years." The pair looked at each other, and Chris knew Adriana was thinking the same thing he was. How would they avoid the topic of Vin at dinner, when it was all either could think about, and they knew Mary would have a hard time staying away from that subject as well?
However, Adriana said only as she gently eased Mindy from her lap, "Why don't you come into the kitchen, and we can talk while I work. I'll make something real simple, so even your uneducated palate can appreciate dinner." She rose to her feet and Chris glared at her turned back, then smiled wickedly. For that insult, he slapped her behind and Adriana jumped a foot into the air, squealing.
She rounded on Chris, her eyes narrowing, and Mindy immediately made her displeasure known. The border collie obviously took any threat to her human seriously. Chris made no move toward Adriana, grinning evilly ... then he yelped as Adriana pounced on him. He hadn't been expecting that reaction, so he was totally unprepared for Adriana to launch an attack of the tickles. Damn the girl, she had been talking to Mary again!
Then again, that shouldn't have surprised him, as Mary was Adriana's best friend on the planet at the moment. For the next few minutes, Chris squirmed as his 'little sister' found all of his newly discovered tickle spots, laughing too hard to fight back. Revenge would come later. Instead, he grabbed her wrists and pulled her arms behind her back, gasping, "Oh, you'll pay for that, little princess!"
"Suuuuuure I will, Chris," Adriana retorted, her eyes twinkling as Chris hugged her. She took a deep breath, and the laughter faded from her eyes as she finally said what had been bothering Chris all along, ever since he first realized that the moppet in Daniel Jackson's arms was his own brother. She asked softly, "Chris, what if we don't get him back?" There it was, out in the open where Chris Larabee could no longer hide.
There had been a time when Chris would have lashed out ... even at his beloved little sister. That time had passed. He hugged her a little harder, saying softly, "Have faith, little princess. When the general is sure there's no threat to any other teams, we'll go through again and find out exactly what that thing is, and how to get Vin back." Adriana sighed very quietly, leaning her head on his shoulder.
"And in the meantime ... I feel like we're cheating, Chris. If Vin wanted us to know things about his past, he'd tell us. And now, we'll be hearing things about when he was a kid. You're always saying that a man's past is his own. This just feels ... " she said, her voice trailing off when she couldn't put it into words. Chris understood, however. In a way, it felt like they were violating his little brother's privacy.
"I know, little princess. I know. But that you're thinking that way tells me you do believe we'll get our Vin back. Consequences, sweetheart, consequences," Chris murmured against her hair. The colonel thought about the rest of his team. How would the others be reacting to this?
Buck would be thrilled. He loved children, as Chris did. Hell, they all did. But Buck was an overgrown child in many respects. And five year old Vin's resemblance to Adam wouldn't go unnoticed. Chris smiled faintly. He could just see his oldest friend buying up an entire toy store for that little boy. The question was, who would his partners in crime be? With that smile firmly in place, Chris began singing softly, "I don't wanna grow up, I'm a Toys R Us kid."
Adriana giggled, "Funny, I was just thinking about Bucklin as well." Chris didn't ask how she realized he was thinking about Buck. She had known him as long as Buck had ... she knew him better than Buck did, he thought at times. Adriana sighed again, then removed herself from his protective embrace, observing, "I should get dinner going. Give your lady a call, so she knows to come here for dinner." Chris nodded, squeezing Adriana's hand one last time before she headed into the kitchen ... and found himself grateful the general sent him here.
Yelling woke Vin. The little boy curled in on himself in a defensive posture, wondering a bit fuzzily why Mr. Montrose was yelling this time. A half second after that, he realized that it didn't sound like Mr. Montrose at all. The pretty lady doctor, Dr. Janet, gently tucked the blanket around Vin a bit tighter, muttering something really nasty under her breath. And then the child heard his name mentioned.
Vin listened more closely, and made out the next words, "I don't care if you've been in Purgatory for the last two years, Dr. Conklin! Until General Hammond and I are satisfied that the device poses no more of a threat, no one is going back there! Much less you! And if you don't stop this vendetta against SG-7, there will be hell to pay! The Richmond group will be coming off rotation in the next week ... I could send you out in their place."
"Alone," added another, more familiar voice. Vin frowned, trying to place that voice. OH! He was the man Vin saw at first, the one the others called 'general.' The bald man. The general continued, "You are dismissed, Dr. Conklin. Orrin, the boy is in the infirmary. Your daughter-in-law is on her way with fresh clothes. How's he doing, Dr. Frasier?" Vin peeked one eye open as Dr. Janet turned toward the general.
"He's been sleeping fitfully, sir. I think Dr. Conklin might have woken him up, or at least disturbed his sleep. I just got a call from Mary ... she's on her way with the clothes," Dr. Janet replied. She turned back before Vin had a chance to close his eyes once more. Caught! But Dr. Janet didn't seem mad at him. In fact, she smiled at Vin, touching his cheek, and said, "Hello there. Kevin, this is General Orrin Travis. He helps General Hammond take care of us."
Vin's eyes were drawn to the stranger. He was old ... older than General Hammond, it looked like. And he was big. But his brown eyes were gentle as he said softly, "Hello, son. It's nice to meet you." His voice was kind, too. Vin sat up slowly, Dr. Janet keeping the blanket around him. Vin wriggled his hand out of the blanket, extending it to the newcomer. General Travis shook it solemnly, ruffling Vin's hair at the same time.
"Hello," Vin answered in a very soft voice. He peeked around General Travis, to a man now glowering at everyone inside the infirmary. Vin didn't like the way he looked. That man looked mean. General Travis turned, seeing the way Vin was staring at the man. And then something strange happened. General Travis put his hand on Vin's shoulder, startling the child. But instead of removing his hand, General Travis tightened his grip.
That wasn't what shocked Vin. What surprised him was that General Travis didn't scare him. Instead, the general's big hand on his shoulder made him feel safe. General Travis said, his voice growing cool, "Dr. Conklin, I think it's time you returned to work. Kevin is an honored guest at our base ... and my daughter-in-law is on her way back with clothes." Vin frowned, not understanding what the general said.
Dr. Janet added, "That's right, Doctor ... and you know how Captain Travis is when a child is in need of help. You remember how she reacted when those men who murdered her husband went after her boy." Vin looked up at Dr. Janet, vaguely understanding that she was warning the mean man, but he still didn't understand what was going on. On the other hand, he would be glad to get clothes that fit him.
In the end, however, it didn't matter. The mean man glared at Vin one last time, then stalked away. Vin looked up at Dr. Janet, asking, "Why don't that man like me, Dr. Janet? Was I bad while I was asleep?" He couldn't think of any other reason why the mean man would stare at him as if he didn't like Vin. The child couldn't remember ever seeing him before, which made it even more confusing.
"No, honey, you were very good ... you've been very good all the time you've been here. To tell you the truth, Kevin, he doesn't like anyone," Dr. Janet replied. Vin sorted through his mind, then nodded. Dr. Janet added, "Do you remember, Kevin, when Mrs. Potter and I told you about the other Vin? The one who is away right now?" The little boy nodded quickly, remembering immediately, and Dr. Janet went on, "Well, the other Vin made Dr. Conklin very, very angry. He wouldn't do something that would have hurt a lot of people."
Vin blinked in confusion. Huh? He wouldn't do something that would have hurt other people, and that's why this Dr. Conklin didn't like the other Vin? That made no sense. Vin thought people didn't like other people, 'cause they hurt folks. He knew that was why he didn't like people ... because they hurt him, or someone he knew. But to not like someone, because he stopped someone from being hurt? That made no sense to the five year old. Perhaps seeing his confusion, General Travis said softly, "Kevin, there are some people in the world who think if they don't do anything about a problem, it will go away on its own. So, bad people just keep hurting good people, and no one does anything about it."
That wasn't right, either. Vin had only to think about his problems with the Montrose children to understand that. General Travis went on, "The other Vin knows better. He doesn't let bad things go unpunished. He stands up to bad people. And one time when he did that, he made Dr. Conklin look bad." How was that possible? Vin still didn't understand. Not until General Travis explained, "When people saw the other Vin standing up to this bad man, they realized Dr. Conklin was a coward, and stopped listening to him."
Now that, Vin did understand. It was like that time when he stood up to Jimmy Montrose. Jimmy never forgave him, because he was a little kid and Jimmy was twelve, and ever'body said that Jimmy was a wuss because he picked on little kids. That still didn't answer a question Vin had about Dr. Conklin, though. He asked softly, "I unnerstan that, sir. But how come he don't like me?"
"Because he's mad at us, for not letting us go to the place where we found you. He's jealous of you, because of that," Dr. Janet replied softly. Oh. Okay. That made sense. Kind of. Even though Vin didn't really understand why anyone would want to go to that place. It was wet and spooky and cold. Dr. Janet continued, "The most important thing, Kevin, is that Dr. Conklin is a little man who doesn't like anyone."
A little man? To Vin, he seemed big. General Travis said, as if he had read Vin's mind (and why not? He was a grown up, after all), "What Dr. Frasier means, son, is that Dr. Conklin is afraid, and he pretends that he's not afraid by being nasty to other people. You didn't do anything wrong. Dr. Frasier and General Hammond tell me that you've been a very good boy ever since you got here. As scared as you must have been, as scary as the place where you were found must have been, that's very, very important."
Vin dropped his eyes. He didn't want to admit he was scared. Again, the grown-up read his mind. He put his hand on the back of Vin's head, saying, "Kevin, it's okay to be scared. It doesn't mean you're a ... a 'fraidy cat or a baby. Because adults get scared, too. What's important is that you don't let being afraid stop you. Dr. Conklin lets his fear stop him, and he thinks it should stop other people, too."
At that, Vin raised his eyes to look at General Travis. He smiled very shyly, and the man smiled back. He continued, "Now, we just had some people come back hurt, so Dr. Frasier needs this bed. I'll take you someplace else until my daughter-in-law gets here with those clothes. My grandson is a little older than you are ... I hope you don't mind wearing his old clothes." Vin shrugged. It didn't bother him. He was used to it.
General Travis went on, "Good. Now, I'm gonna pick you up, Kevin. It'll be easier than you trying to walking in that blanket. It is all right for us to take that blanket, isn't it, Doctor?" Vin looked at Dr. Janet, who nodded. He looked back at the general, who eased him from the bed and into his arms. Vin tensed a little when he was picked up, then relaxed when he was settled comfortably against the general's broad chest. He didn't think General Travis would hurt him, but in the few months since his mother's death, he had learned that not all grown-ups were as nice as his mother or Aunt Josie.
Dr. Janet kissed his cheek, saying, "I would tell you to be good, Kevin, but I already know you will be. I'll be coming around to check on you in a little while, after I make sure my patients are okay." Vin just smiled at her, shyly snuggling against the general. Dr. Janet added softly, her eyes flickering to the general, "Take good care of him, sir. Tell Mary where she can find me if she has any questions."
"I'll do that. Let's go, Kevin. I'm sure we can find something for you to do in my office, at least until Mary gets here and you can change," General Travis said. He looked at the other general and said, "I would salute, but I've got my hands full." Vin was already starting to get sleepy again, but he still heard the laughter resounding in the infirmary as he and the general left. And he wondered what was so funny. Grown-ups were so strange sometimes!
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