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.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: The movie referred to is Beastmaster 2: Through the Portal of Time. It was released in 1991.
"She gonna be alright?" Chris asked, taking the seat vacated by his sister only moments earlier. Mary stared after her best friend thoughtfully, before nodding. Chris didn't know where she was getting her information ... Mary seemed so damn certain ... but for the moment, he would keep believing her. Chris said, changing the subject, "You know, I think one of the reasons I couldn't sleep last night was, I wasn't in my own bed."
Mary looked at him, grinning impishly, and replied, "If you say so, Colonel." Chris just glared at her, which fazed her not at all. Then again, she had been ignoring that glare for the last three years, Chris saw absolutely no reason why she should change now. And, if he was really honest with himself, he would admit he wouldn't want her to change. Mary said softly, "She's fine, Chris. Whether she will be once we get to Stargate Command, and sees Vin, I don't know. But for the moment, she's fine. I'm more worried about you right now."
"I'm fine," Chris answered dismissively. Mary just raised her eyebrows, and Chris realized how much he sounded like JD. However, Mary didn't push, and Chris wasn't comfortable with saying anything more. What could he say? That this child reminded him so much of his dead son, it took his breath away? That wasn't Vin's fault. And Chris was acutely aware that no matter what his reaction was, it would be wrong ... selfish. Because he wasn't a confused, frightened little boy surrounded by unfamiliar adults.
Mary replied, "I have to say, I've been amazed at the way Billy has handled this. I was so worried that he would be angry or ..or ... something. But instead, he's ... almost happy. It's like he's finally getting a chance to do something he's always wanted. You know, he told me yesterday that he would take care of Vin? I keep thinking back to ... to the cabin. After Vin was stabbed, and the way Billy was taking care of him before the ambulance arrived."
"That was different, Mary. Now Billy can be a big brother, and really take care of someone else. That means a lot to a little boy. Or a not so little boy," Chris acknowledged. Sarah had suspected that she was pregnant, in the weeks before the explosion. Adam overheard them talking about the possibility of a baby, and he was excited at the idea of having a little brother or a little sister."
"And what about you, Chris? Did you ever wish for a little brother or a little sister while you were growing up?" Mary asked, tilting her head to one side curiously. Chris smiled faintly, remembering childhood dreams. His lady added, almost to herself, "I know I did. Funny, isn't it? That we both found our younger sibling at the same time." Chris knew she meant Vin, and the night they all met. Chris was not a religious man ... in fact, he wasn't even sure he believed in God. But something had led them all there that night.
Distracting himself from that line of thought, before he could give himself a headache by getting all mystical, Chris answered, "I did. I guess I was thirteen before I realized that Mom and my father wouldn't have any more children. It took Mom a long time to forgive him for straying ... by the time she did, she was approaching forty, and ... She just didn't want a child any more. She had me ... that's what she said when I asked her about having more children. She had me, and I was more than she could have ever hoped for."
"Which explains a lot. I told her, just before she left a few months ago, how much I admired her for not hating Vin. For accepting him and loving him. She told me ... she told me that she really had no choice. Because he was her son's little brother and best friend. And, in a strange way, your father had given Vin to her ... because he wasn't willing to love him. She's a wonderful lady," Mary said softly.
"I know," Chris admitted, "and I've been lucky. My mother, my wife, my little sister ... and my lady." That earned him a brilliant smile, and Chris was sorely tempted to reach across the table and kiss her. Except, with the unerring timing of children and dogs everywhere, Billy and Mindy burst into the kitchen, the border collie making her anxiety known at not seeing her mistress around. At least, that was what Chris guessed her prancing meant, since she wasn't going to the door to indicate she needed outside.
"Settle, settle, I'm here ... yes! I'm right here!" came a singsong voice from the other room, and a moment after that, Adriana rejoined them in the kitchen. She was fully dressed (of course ... she had started dressing in the bathroom once she moved in with Dawn and Carly, Chris remembered hearing that now), her dark hair still wrapped turban-style to dry. Mindy pranced around her human's legs happily, before running to the food and water. Adriana ruffled Billy's hair, saying, "Just give me a few more minutes, Chris, and I'll be ready to rock and roll."
Rock and roll! Rock and roll! Rock and roll!" Billy chanted, in a nearly perfect imitation of the tribesman at the end of the second Beastmaster movie, which they had watched the previous night on USA. Chris was still reeling from that ... as well as the lewd remarks made about Marc Singer by his two female companions. Thankfully, they were of the 'only an adult would know' variety. Chris really didn't feel like explaining Mary and Adriana's double entendre remarks to a curious young boy.
And just what the hell was his little sister doing, watching movies like that? Sure, he remembered watching the original Beastmaster movie with the Wilmington siblings, but at the time, he was more interested in the various and sundry charms of Tanya Roberts than wondering about whether or not Adriana should have been watching the movie at such a young age. Logically, he knew he was being ridiculous ... Adriana was a grown woman, after all. But she was still, and ever would be, his little sister.
"Adriana, I may need to kill you for that," Mary said in an undertone, her grin belying the threat. The archaeologist just laughed, patted Mary's shoulder, then sauntered to the back door to let Mindy out. Mary continued, "Then again, I suppose it could be worse." Chris started to ask how, then a few other oft-repeated phrases danced through his brain. Never mind. He didn't want to know.
"Trust me, Mare ... it can always be worse," Adriana answered as Billy left the kitchen once more to get dressed. With Mindy outside, and Billy safely out of the room, Adriana added, "Such as references to cleaving someone's heart from her evil bosom?" Mary almost spat out her coffee, and Chris felt himself turn six shades of red in a matter of seconds. It was actually quite tame to some of the things he ... and Buck ... had been known to say. But still ... coming from his little sister ... it just wasn't right!
It was even worse when Mary finally wheezed, "And she always thought her bosom cleaved quite nicely on its own!" That sent both women into hysterics. Chris slowly began to look around for a way out before something happened. He made a mental note to be very careful about which movies he would see with these two in the future. Mary gasped, "Oh ... can you imagine what the others would have said if they were here?"
"Oh, of course! Vin would ..." Adriana began. She stopped in mid-sentence, and no one spoke into the silence which fell. She said softly, "I need to call General Hammond ... figure out if he wants me to bring Mindy along." Mary simply nodded, and Adriana left the room. Chris looked after her, wondering if he should make sure she was all right. A pawing at the back door distracted him, and he opened the screen door to allow Mindy back inside.
"She's okay, Chris. Just keeps reminding herself not to expect too much when we go there. I had a little talk with Billy last night, before he went to sleep ... reminding him that this little boy, while he's our Vin, doesn't know us. So he shouldn't expect Vin to remember him," Mary said quietly. Chris nodded, absently skimming his knuckles over Mindy's glossy black head. She nosed his hand, and he petted her more firmly. His reward was a number of dog-kisses along his free hand, and on his pants. Looking for food, no doubt.
"I guess I have to keep reminding myself, as well," Chris said softly, sitting down beside Mary once again. Mindy followed him, wanting both humans to pet her. Now that she was more comfortable with them all, thanks in part to her trip through the Stargate, Mindy showed absolutely no fear of any of the men. In fact, she demanded, and received, as much attention from the men as from the women.
"You won't forget, Chris. I don't think, once you look at that little boy, you'll even see Vin Tanner, tracker and sharpshooter extraordinaire. I think you'll only see a little boy far from home, who needs us all," Mary replied, and Chris looked up from petting Mindy. Was that what, or rather, who she saw when she looked at the child in Daniel Jackson's arms? Not Vin Tanner, but a lost child?
Wasn't that what he saw? Chris shook his head mentally, and said as Adriana rejoined them, "You better put a hat on, little princess, your hair is still wet, and it's cold out there." She stuck her tongue out at him, and the colonel answered, "No thanks, you're not my type." Adriana just smiled sweetly, as Billy bounded back into the room, fully dressed. Which made Chris wonder. What the hell kind of revenge was she planning?
It had been decided the night before that they would stop for breakfast on the way to Cheyenne Mountain. That was more for Billy's sake than anyone else's, since the three adults didn't eat this early in the morning. Within another ten minutes, they were on the road ... all of them, including Mindy, who sat happily in the back-seat between Billy and Adriana. According to the archaeologist, General Hammond thought Mindy might be good for Kevin (as they had started calling this five year old Vin). What little boy didn't love dogs?
The only sound in the car through the trip was Billy playing with Mindy, and giggling at her obvious delight in a car ride. The only thing which seemed to annoy her, from what Mary said (as Chris was busy concentrating on the road, was not being closer to one of the windows. But, aside from that, she was perfectly happy. Adriana was silently staring out her window, offering Billy a vague smile whenever the little boy enthused about her dog, and Chris realized she was starting to get nervous about what was ahead.
After a drive that seemed both too long and too short at the same time, they reached the first of the security booths which protected Cheyenne Mountain. One by one, Chris, Mary, and Adriana showed their authorization to be admitted. To keep Billy from feeling left out, the general had a special badge made up for him ... which had come in handy more than once, and which Mary had hung around the rearview mirror of the car. Mary kept it in her purse, if they all came to Cheyenne Mountain together. Which had been known to happen in the month they had been living together as a family.
At last, they were inside all the checkpoints, parked, and making their way into the mountain. Billy always became very quiet when they first entered, and this time was no different. Mindy seemed quieter as well, almost slinking beside her human. The preternatural silence continued as they reached the elevator which would take them deep into the earth, where the rest of their friends and family waited.
According to General Hammond, Nathan would be off the next few days. Chris talked to the general the previous night, while Adriana and Mary were making up Billy's 'bed.' Nathan was off ... meanwhile, Josiah, Buck, and Ezra were spoiling the little fella rotten. This was said with a great deal of fond exasperation. Chris suspected that was because General Hammond himself had developed a soft spot for this child Vin.
They were heading for the man's office, to check in with him, when they discovered Josiah carrying a small boy atop his shoulders. Chris felt his heart lurch. Vin. Without even realizing he was doing it, Chris called, "Josiah." The big man stopped and turned toward them, ambling along as if he didn't have a pint-sized version of one of his dearest friends on his shoulders. And Chris felt his heart lurch again, seeing his younger brother.
Chris really didn't give himself a chance to look at the child the day before. He had noticed his resemblance to Adam immediately, and wasn't able to go much further. And, again today, the resemblance to his late son took Larabee's breath away. But there was more. Like the fear in Kevin's eyes when he looked at Chris. To the best of his knowledge, he wasn't glaring, or even scowling. So why was Kevin afraid of him?
Josiah patted the boy's knee, saying, "Chris, good to see you back. Mary ... Billy ... Drina." Kevin looked away from Chris, directing his attention to Billy, Mary, and Adriana. His eyes seemed to linger for a moment longer on Adriana, his face growing pensive ... sad, even. Josiah said, swinging Kevin down from his shoulders, "Kevin, you remember Chris and Mary from yesterday, don't you? That young man is Billy, Mary's son."
Kevin looked surprised by this last statement, and Chris wondered why. Was he surprised that Mary had a son? And still, there was that wary expression in the bright blue eyes when he looked at Chris, and even Mary. The wariness disappeared when he looked at Billy. Probably because Billy wasn't that much older than himself, and he was a lot closer to Kevin's own size. Josiah continued, keeping his hands on Kevin's shoulders, "And, Kevin, this lovely young woman is Adriana. She's Buck's younger sister, and the other Vin's girlfriend."
The little boy snapped his eyes back to Adriana, who knelt in front of him and offered her hand to him. She said softly, "Hello, Kevin ... it's a pleasure to meet you." Kevin took her hand haltingly, but a small smile appeared as he did so. Chris watched carefully as Adriana then extended her arms to Kevin, and the little boy went right into them. Absolute trust. Did he remember her, then?
No, not likely. Mary was regarded with the same wariness as Chris, which led the colonel to believe the little boy was a little afraid of her. He wasn't sure why Kevin would be afraid of Mary, unless he was wary of everyone in SG-7 he wasn't familiar with. Adriana lifted the child into her arms, settling him on her hip. She said softly, "I bet you're hungry." Kevin nodded vehemently, and Adriana continued, "Thought you might be. Why don't we head back and get you some clothes ... wake up the others, while we're at it. Bucklin would be very upset with me if I took you to breakfast, and didn't ask him. We can't have you running around in barefeet, though I don't think anyone would care about the pajamas."
It was said very matter of factly, as if her boyfriend was turned into a five year old boy every day, and it was every day that he could actually fit on her hip. Though the image of an adult Vin, seated across Adriana's legs, decided to pop into Larabee's mind at that crucial moment, and he found himself grinning. Kevin looked at him, and Adriana observed, "Not quite so scary when he smiles, is he? We keep him he needs to smile more often, but I'm afraid he doesn't believe it."
"You and the other Vin?" Kevin asked very, very softly. Adriana looked at him, cocking her head to one side, and the little boy continued in that soft voice, "Mr. J'siah, he told me that you were the other Vin's girlfriend. Did the other Vin tell the scary man he needed to smile more, too?" The scary man? Was that how he thought of Chris? The colonel wasn't sure if this was such a hot idea after all.
"Yes, he did, too. And you know, he listens more to my boyfriend than he does to me. I guess it's because that's his little brother. What else did Josiah tell you about ... about my boyfriend?" Adriana asked. Chris looked at Josiah. That was a very, very good question. Josiah just shook his head, which made Chris wonder ... if Josiah hadn't said that much, then who did tell the child about his adult counterpart.
"Not really Mr. J'siah. Dr. Janet tol' me some, and Miss Gloria. They tol' me he's tall and brave and strong and funny. Is he really?" the little boy asked. Chris felt his heart tightening in his chest. Of course Kevin wouldn't know that, but it still broke the colonel's heart to hear the question asked. Once again, he damned his father for abandoning this child. He thought about the life which he and his mother could have given his baby brother.
"Yes, it's true ... all of it. But you know something, I think maybe Chris should tell you about the... about my boyfriend. He's Vin's older brother, after all. Besides," Adriana said, dropping her voice to a stage whisper, as if no one else could hear her, "I think Chris is very sad right now, and he could use a hug from you. He still misses his little boy, and you look a bit like Adam. I think a hug would make him feel a lot better."
You conniving little ...! Chris just stared at her in disbelief. Of all the sneaky, dirty, underhanded, obvious tricks ... that had to take the cake. Well, at least now he knew what Adriana was doing for revenge ... this was it. Kevin said softly, "Are you sure? He doesn't look sad to me. He looks scary." Okay, that hurt. And Chris was just upside down enough in his emotions, to let that pass through his protective shield. Kevin cocked his head to one side, studying Chris intently, and said, "Maybe he is sad. You promise he won't hurt me?" at definitely hurt. Not just that it was coming from Vin, but because no five year old should even think such things. Yes, Chris knew predators existed ... he didn't have to like it.
"Pinky promise, with sugar on top. I wouldn't let him hurt you, Kevin, and neither would Josiah," Adriana replied. Kevin chewed his lower lip for a few minutes, making his decision, and then he nodded. Adriana stepped closer to Chris and Kevin shyly held out his arms to Chris. And the colonel revealed himself, his true colors, to everyone. At least, everyone who was in the corridor at that time of the morning.
Yes, he knew from this day forward, the number of people he could glare into submission would decrease dramatically, once this story got 'round the base. Which it would. Chris had been on military bases for entirely too long for him to think any differently. On this day, Chris Larabee, feared leader of SG-7, a man who could make Harry Maybourne quake in his boots with a single glare and accompanying feral grin ... melted at the sight of a five year old boy shyly holding his arms out to him.
At the same time, while he was desperately trying to keep from melting too much, he silently swore revenge on his young surrogate sister. In one single stroke, she removed any hope he had of remaining objective and distant where this boy was concerned. As she eased Kevin into his waiting arms, Adriana gave him a smug smile, which told him that she knew exactly what she was doing. Damn that girl.
And then, as Kevin's arms closed around his neck, and Chris found himself staring into those bright eyes, the last of the battle was lost. As Colonel Chris Larabee began striding toward the office which had served as Kevin's bedroom the previous night, he had made two decisions. First, he would do everything within his power to make his younger brother's time as a child as happy as possible. And second ... the second decision was merely a reaffirmation. While Vin was poor and often hungry as a child, in the final analysis, the person who lost out the most was the father whom they shared, for throwing this child away.
Buck Wilmington awoke, to find two of his companions missing ... the little fella who had stolen Buck's heart the night before, and Josiah. But as the major carefully eased himself out of the room, careful not to wake the still-sleeping Ezra and General Travis, he was met with an amazing sight ... Chris Larabee striding down the corridor, with Kevin nestled in his arms, as if he had always been there. And Buck felt a smile crossing his face.
Bringing up the rear, with a rather conniving smile on her face and the ever-present Mindy at her side, was Buck's little sister. Buck narrowed his eyes. Now just what had that girl done this time? During the last few months, the major had come to learn that his baby sister could be just as sneaky as her boyfriend ... or, for that matter, as sneaky as Ezra Standish. Vin alone was scary ... Ezra alone was scary. Buck had only to remember their vacation at Busch Gardens. But his kid sister with either of those two was what was popularly known as a recipe for disaster.
On the other hand, it could be damn entertaining, especially if Chris decided to start egging on DeeDee or Vin. In a very low-key, Chris-like way, of course. But Buck, knowing his old friend as he did, knew it could get ... interesting around here in the next few weeks.
Kinda like what he was hearing about Rafael Martinez and the others coming back from their mission. Rafael, Carly, and Charlotte weren't the problem. Not even the traitor Gerard Whitman was the problem ... no, the problem was what Buck was hearing about Will Richmond's attitude. Buck remembered his question to his sister, if the man had an on-off switch. Apparently, the answer to that question was a resounding no.
True enough, he still hadn't forgiven Richmond-and probably never would-for his actions during the wagon train from hell. Not for punching Vin in the gut in the first of many unprovoked attacks, not for the malicious words he directed at Buck's little sister. Never mind that he didn't know Buck and DeeDee's father had molested her, that wasn't the point. The point was, he had hurt two people who meant a great deal to Buck Wilmington, and that wasn't something which he could easily forgive. If ever.
Not for the first time, Buck wondered what would have happened, if he took up Richmond on his offer to take a swing at him. He kinda wished he had. But, he reminded himself, Richmond wasn't important. It looked like Chris was heading back into the office. Probably needed to get the little guy dressed. Wasn't like he could parade around in the base in just his pajamas.
"Good mornin,' Kevin," Buck greeted as Chris carried the child into the office. He received a shy smile in response. The major pouted, as his sister entered the office with Mary and Billy, Josiah smiling beatifically ... and an idea occurred to Buck. With a gleeful smile, he plucked the little boy from his old friend's arms, lifted the pajama top and blew raspberries against Kevin's tummy, just as he had with Adam. The child squealed with laughter, wriggling in Buck's arms, and the major righted him, pretending to gnaw on the side of his neck.
He happened to turn and see his sister's face ... and received a shock when he saw how pale she had suddenly turned. She shook herself, blinking hard, but Buck could see how shaken she was. Some of her color had returned, and Buck wondered what had happened. Chris plucked Kevin back from Buck's arms, the little boy still giggling. Kevin said as Chris set him on the table, "You're silly, Major Buck!"
"You gotta lot of room to talk, boy. Just you wait until you can't hide behind Larabee, and I get my hands on you!" Buck said, waggling his fingers threatening at the little boy. For the first time since the child's arrival with SG-1, Buck saw a hint of the mischief which was so much a part of the grown up Vin Tanner sparkling in the bright blue eyes. The little boy offered a sassy grin, which said, you can't get me! Bet me, kid!
"Boy, he's got Buck's number already ... or maybe that's not the number he's got. Remember, he called Chris 'the scary man.' The kid's probably figured out that Chris used to scare most of the people around here," Adriana observed softly. A quick glanced over his shoulder told Buck that his sister had regained composure, but he still wanted to find out what caused such a powerful reaction in her. He wasn't the only one who noticed, as Mary was watching her with some concern ... and Billy couldn't take his eyes off Chris and Kevin. But there was no jealousy there, only excitement.
"Keep it up, little princess," Chris growled softly as he carried Kevin to the table where the clothes were held, "and you'll find out just how scary I can be." Adriana just stuck her tongue out at him, much to Kevin's delight. Delight which quickly faded when Chris observed, "I think it's time for a certain little boy to have a bath ... maybe after breakfast. Oh, don't pull that face with me, young'un."
"He can resist such a face, young Master Kevin. Believe me. I've been trying that for the last three years," Ezra said, sitting up with a rather undignified yawn. He grimaced ... while he was a good bit shorter than Buck, the major knew how uncomfortable the furniture was in the general's office. He didn't even want to think about how Josiah fared the previous night, though the other man didn't seem to be in a dour mood.
"True enough," Adriana said impishly, "but you're a grown man, and Kevin's a little boy." She winked at Kevin as she said this. Chris finished dressing the little boy, then picked him up and turned him upside down. Another squeal of laughter erupted from the little boy, and it occurred to Buck that he heard more laughter from this child in one morning, than he had from Vin in the three years he had known him.
"I'm just glad he did that before Kevin had breakfast ... and take note, Buck. Do not give that child helicopter spins, or turn him upside down, or anything of the sort, right after he eats," Mary said. Buck glowered at her, sorely to whine that she wasn't any fun. Mary, however, took the wind out of his sails, adding, "Because you'll be cleaning up the mess when he gets sick, while we comfort him and reassure him that we're not mad at him."
Damn. She would do just that, too. Damn, damn, and double damn. Buck found himself pouting, and Billy giggled, "Buck, you look funny!" Buck tried to glower at the child, but found himself undone by the twin expressions of mischief on the faces of both his sister and her best friend. Lord, he would have to start calling those two, the evil twins. They had been thick as thieves, ever since Ella Gaines was killed, but things had gotten even worse, ever since the wagon train from hell, and since Mary and Billy moved in with Chris.
Chris had righted Kevin, who was still giggling, and Buck saw a familiar smile light his old friend's face. A smile which was once reserved for Adam, and more lately, Billy. That little boy skipped to his hero's side, taking the colonel's free hand, and Chris drew the two children out into the corridor. A glance passed between Mary and DeeDee, promising deviltry of some kind for someone, then those two ... yup, would have to start calling them the evil twins ... linked arms, and followed. Mindy trotted along, switching back and forth between Mary and DeeDee's sides.
That left Buck, Ezra, and Josiah to bring up the rear. Josiah draped his arms around both men, Buck noting with some amusement how Ezra wriggled out of the embrace. That, of course, didn't deter Josiah at all. Because the anthropologist simply draped his arm around Ezra's shoulders a second time, drawing an exasperated look from Josiah, and an amused one from Buck. He didn't know what happened before he and Ezra woke up, but it sure as hell left Josiah in a damn good mood. The anthropologist said with a smile, "I do love spending time with children ... seeing the world through their eyes."
Okay, and what brought that on? As if hearing Buck's thoughts, Josiah explained, "I took him to the bathroom this morning. Boy thought it was the most magical thing he had ever seen." Buck blinked at that. Magical. A trip to the bathroom. What kind of life did Vin have growing up, for God's sake? Josiah continued patiently, "Buck. Stop and think. To the best of Kevin's knowledge, the year is 1978 ... maybe 1979. He doesn't have toilets that flush themselves, or faucets which turn on without human contact."
Okay, put in those terms, Buck could understand the boy's wonder. Josiah shook his head, saying softly, "All the things which we take for granted, are magic to this child. Do you remember, during our first mission? When that colonel, Anderson, told Vin that he had a counterpart in his world ... his universe? And that in his universe, it was the 1870s? Well, what if that Vin, and our Vin, switched places? Wouldn't we see the same wonderment in that young man, that we see in the child?"
Put like that, Buck could see what Josiah was getting at. The man shook his head, releasing Buck long enough to rub his knuckles over Ezra's hair-much to the chagrin of the Southerner-then said, "I can tell that boy is gonna shake things up around here. Yes, I do believe he will at that!" As he draped his arm back over Buck's shoulders, the major decided Josiah was right ... and he couldn't wait!
General Orrin W Travis had left the compound late the previous night, after making sure all members of his ... unit ... were sound asleep. Evie, not surprisingly, was waiting up for him, and she didn't ask any questions. Thank God. Then again, after all these years as a military wife, Evie wouldn't. She just asked if the boys were safe ... a question he could answer honestly with a 'yes,' and nothing more was said.
Nor was anything more said early this morning, when he returned to the compound. A quick glance inside his office told him that everyone was still asleep, then Orrin continued to his early morning briefing with George Hammond, where he found out that SG-3 was due back with their civilian charges. Orrin was actually looking forward to that, until he remembered Rafael fuming about whatever Will Richmond had done this time.
Honestly, though he would never say so to anyone else (except maybe Chris Larabee), there were times when Orrin wished none of the SG teams had accompanied Richmond on the initial mission. On the other hand, there were innocents involved ... but Lord, the man could try the patience of a saint. Orrin Travis never claimed to be a saint. Especially not where ... now, how was that put? Not where a flannel-mouthed braggart was involved.
Orrin wasn't entirely certain what the flannel-mouthed meant, but he could hazard a guess. You had to love the Irish. They came up with damnedest phrases. He would have to ask Wilmington later. The major was Irish, as was his sister. His sister. Orrin smiled suddenly. Oh, now there was an idea. Adriana Wilmington was supposed to return to the compound today. She would not be in the mood to put up with Richmond's bullshit.
From what Orrin could tell, Charlotte did her best to keep her husband in line, but there came a point where either a) she ran out of patience and gave up, or b) he started tuning her out. At least until the next major blowup occurred, at which point the male Dr. Richmond found himself sleeping on the floor for the next three weeks. After that, he seemed to behave himself for a few months.
After the meeting with George, Orrin returned to his office ... or started to. He passed SG-7 ... most of it ... in the hall. Chris was out in front with Kevin in his arms, and Billy at his side, Orrin's grandson chattering away excitedly. Amazing child. Simply amazing. Mary was in the middle, with Adriana, and Orrin shuddered at the unholy smiles decorating the faces of the two young women. What were they up to ... and did he really want to know?
No. Most definitely not. Adriana was the major's sister, after all, and she had been known to help carry out practical jokes. Mary was almost as bad when she was a teenager, and the idea of those two putting their heads together, to carry out a prank on one of the currently adult members of SG-7 was enough to make Orrin's head hurt. On the other hand ... he wouldn't mind checking out the aftermath once the dust settled.
Bringing up the rear were Wilmington, Sanchez, and Standish, the third member of this trio wearing a pained expression. Orrin bit back a smile when he saw the status of Standish's hair, understanding then why Standish had a ' why me?' look on his face. Obviously, either Wilmington or Sanchez had indulged in a noogie. Orrin wondered if either had bothered to explain to Standish that was part and parcel of having a family.
Probably not. In which case, Orrin wouldn't, either. He would leave that to either his daughter-in-law or Adriana. More likely the latter, who had forged a bond with the negotiator quickly after her arrival at the SGC. She seemed to regard him as yet another big brother-and in that case, it was a suitable appellation, as she was a good bit shorter than Standish. But she was a good bit shorter than most of SG-7.
Orrin said, "Chris ... I was hoping to join you for breakfast. I've just been informed that SG-3 is returning today with the civilian scientists." He bit back a smile, seeing the 'oh terrific' looks on the faces of not just Chris Larabee, but the other grown members of SG-7. He chanced a quick glance at Mary and Adriana, who looked just as horrified. He really, really had to do something about Richmond.
Martinez was on the verge of killing the archaeologist, and while Carly Tanner didn't have the patience of her twin brother ... oh, shit. Who was gonna tell Carly that her twin had been turned into a five year old boy??? And had Chris even thought about that?
Apparently not, but then, he hadn't been given much time to think. Especially given the hostility which remained between several members of his team and Richmond. Chris was quite aware of the little boy in his arms, as he said with a strangled note of barely contained annoyance, "We'd be glad to have you, General. And then, I think it's time for Kevin's bath. Then we'll let him play with Mindy. Oh, that's right ... you haven't met Mindy yet, have you, Kevin? She gets shy sometimes with strangers, even little boys. Mindy is Adriana's dog."
And why would Mindy hang back like that? The dog never shied away from children, strange or known. Unless ... something clicked into place for the general. Dogs relied on smell, as well as sight ... and if Vin's scent remained the same between childhood and adulthood, it could be confusing the dog. Because while the scent was the same, the body was different. To the best of Orrin's knowledge, nothing like this had ever happened, outside the movie 'Big.' That went the opposite direction, and didn't count anyhow.
Chris eased himself into a crouch in front of Mindy, still holding Kevin in his arms, and said, "It's okay, Mindy-Mindy. Yes. Go ahead, sniff him ... he won't hurt you. Put your hand out, Kevin. Trust me." Kevin's eyes flickered from Chris to Mindy, then to Adriana. She nodded encouragingly, and Kevin reached out a tiny hand to the dog. Mindy sniffed it, then a pink tongue darted out, swiping Kevin's palm.
The little boy giggled, and Mindy responded by licking his face. Orrin still didn't know if she sensed something wasn't quite ... the same. But she had evidently decided that this little boy was no danger to herself or to her human. Kevin happily petted the dog, pouting in disappointment when Chris lifted him into his arms once more. A second, equally sly glance passed between Mary and Adriana. Didn't want to know about it. Definitely not.
Mindy's tail was swishing happily, and Buck Wilmington asked softly, "Anyone else worried about how dickhead's gonna react to the little fella?" Dickhead? Orrin looked at the major with a raised eyebrow, and Buck continued, "I mean, the male Dr. Richmond." Oh. Oh. Orrin hadn't even thought about that.
It was well known that Will Richmond had never truly gotten over his jealousy of Vin. Not even after his wife realized she still loved him, not even after Vin and Adriana admitted their love for each other. It was still there. It was also know that Charlotte Richmond was a soft touch for children. She loved children. And they loved her. Whether it was the recently orphaned Soraya Costas or Billy Travis, it didn't matter. Which meant, once more there would be a collision between Richmond and SG-7.
Because, with only two exceptions, the entire team had lost their respective hearts to this little boy ... and if there was anything that made Buck Wilmington angrier than someone messing with a woman, it was seeing a teammate harmed. And if there was anything that angered him even more, it was seeing a child harmed. Vin fit into two of those categories, and Orrin wasn't so sure Buck wouldn't cold-cock Richmond if the archaeologist's jealousy got the better of him. That was a situation to be avoided, if at all possible. Especially since Will had been known to be jealous even of Billy. Stupid twit.
For now, the little boy was settled happily against his older brother's chest, and that older brother didn't look like he wanted to be anywhere else. Orrin guessed that Chris was starting to realize that in a bizarre way, the Gou'ald had done SG-7 in general, and Chris in specific, a favor. With that strange machine, they had made it possible for Chris to take back those missing years with his brother, when Vin had no one to love him.
Orrin made a mental note to ask George when SG-1 was scheduled to return to the planet where this entire mess began. He knew they found no excessive radiation, nothing that would place the lives of any more people in danger. But until answers were found, Orrin resolved to enjoy not just Kevin, but the changes the boy was sure to create in the others. He would speak with JD later. Let the boy come to an understanding of his own first.
JD Dunne was nowhere even near resolving this situation in his heart. As he peered out of his quarters that morning, and saw the small parade of people moving past his door, JD's heart sank. Buck was too interested in the little boy now cuddled against Chris to even look at JD's door. A sick feeling stole the young corporal's breath away. He started to understand how Adriana must have felt when she first arrived at the SGC, and Buck spent all of his time with JD, instead of getting to know his sister once more.
She should have hated him. Both of them. JD for stealing her brother, and Buck for shutting her out. In those moments of watching them, laughing and teasing the little boy in their colonel's arms, JD understood exactly how she must have felt. Being separated from the older brother she had loved so much, for so many years ... and then to be totally shut out of his life. Because of JD.
Why didn't she hate them? If it was anyone but Adriana, he would have asked her. But it was Adriana, Vin's lady ... and she would understand exactly why he was asking. No, he couldn't do that. It was bad enough, that he was this jealous of a little boy, lost and far from his own time and place; it was bad enough that the child was supposedly the little boy version of one of his best friends. But asking Adriana about why she didn't hate him ... no, that was too much.
JD went to his bed, sighing deeply, and tried to figure out what the hell he was gonna do. Casey was out of town, since Lacey Tanner would be returning with her mother next weekend from college. Those two had become thick as thieves during Lacey's stay here. SG-1, from what he heard, was heading back out to the planet where Vin got kiddified. He wondered briefly if he should ask to go with them, until he remembered that he and Daniel Jackson still weren't on the best of terms. Damn. That shot that plan all to hell.
He wanted to run away. He wanted to run away, escape ... not just the situation, but himself. He wanted to escape this godawful jealousy, the fury that rose within him every time he thought about how easily Buck had turned to this child. Was it because he was a child? Or because the boy reminded him so much of Adam? JD didn't know. But it hurt. A lot. It hurt even more to know that he was being unreasonable.
He kept telling himself that he was a grown man ... he was always whining that he should be treated as a grown up, instead of 'the Kid,' and yet now, he was actually acting like a child. Worse yet, Billy Travis, who had even more reason to be jealous of the boy than JD, was ecstatic about having a little brother. Especially since that little brother was Vin. From what JD could glean while eavesdropping, Billy felt like this would give him a chance to take care of Vin, the way Vin had taken care of him so many times.
Billy should have been furious. He was no longer the baby, no longer the protected one. Now he was the protector. And instead of being furious ... as JD was ... he was thrilled. It made JD sick. Until he heard something even worse, half way in and half way out of his room. It was Josiah and Ezra speaking quietly. SG-3 was returning. Along with the civilians. Which meant potential trouble with Will Richmond.
Oh ... shit. JD had only to think about the last time Will Richmond was at the SGC. Back before Vin and Chris found out they were brothers. He also remembered that Richmond could even get jealous of Billy Travis, who had developed a monumental crush on Charlotte. Since Will was being such an ass for such a long time-granted, he was trying to protect his wife and daughter, but he was still being an ass-Charlotte had been deeply touched by Billy's gentlemanly behavior toward her.
Now, given that ... now, what did Ezra call him? Oh yeah. A pompous jackanapes. Given Richmond's tendency to get jealous of any man whom Charlotte even smiled at, and since Charlotte loved kids, JD could see the potential for a very ugly situation. The young corporal knew he had to deal with this problem, because if he didn't, he could end up destroying his friendship not just with Buck, but Vin as well.
Because JD couldn't accept that they wouldn't get their Vin back. That ... that just wasn't acceptable to him. As unacceptable as the concept that child was Vin Tanner. No, that wasn't Vin ... their Vin was a captive of the Gou'ald somewhere, and they just had to find him again. They would get their Vin back, and everything would be fine again. Yeah, right. Grow UP, Dunne, he told himself scathingly, you know that's not the case. Well, maybe if he just stayed away from the kid, until he could get this fury under control, he would be all right.
So what would happen, then, if the generals decided to give JD babysitting duties? Oh ... no. No, no, no. That would not happen! JD was a corporal in the United States Army, he was a member of SG-7, one of the best teams in the SGC. He was not a baby-sitter! Sure he liked kids, that wasn't the point! By now totally frustrated and angry with the situation and with himself, angry with Vin for putting himself in this position, JD stormed out of his room, heading not for the cafeteria, where he knew the others were going, but for the weight room.
He could have dealt with anything else. He had, after all. He had prayed silently in the chapel of the small hospital in Montana, after that bitch stabbed Vin. He had kept a vigil, waiting for good news about his friend, after Vin and Adriana returned without SG-3. He had dealt with losing Vin in the past, of having to say good-bye to his friend, his brother. But this ... this was totally different! How in God's name was he supposed to deal with this jealousy?
The sick fury that Buck was making such a big fuss over the five year old who came back with SG-1 ... how was he supposed to deal with that? How could he look Vin in the eye, when this was all over, knowing that if the same thing happened to JD, he could count on all of the other six to take care of him, and be there for him? How was JD supposed to handle knowing that when Vin needed him most, JD failed him?
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