SERIES/UNIVERSE: SG-7
DISCLAIMERS: M7 characters belong to Trilogy, et al, SG-1 characters belong to Gekko, MGM, and Showtime. Adriana, Carly, Lizzie, Josie and Jessica Tanner, as well as Evan and Pegeen Larabee, 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 and I belong 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, and Full Circle, also all five seasons of Stargate SG-1.
WARNING: The usual, violence and language. Some h/c, more comfort than hurt, and smarm, but again, I'll be trying to keep the smarm down to a dull roar.
At the same time his grandson was puzzling over that last message from Julia Tanner, Paris Tanner was on a flight bound for Colorado. It felt as if his entire body was tingling. He recognized it as excitement and nerves. He was nervous about meeting his grandson, the one grandchild who had been excluded from his life when Kevin was growing up. Paris was an old man. He knew he only had a few more years left to him. And enough time had been wasted.
It occurred to him that you wasted a lot of time when you were young. Being angry, carrying grudges. Being stupid. He had been stupid, even when he was not so young. It was one of these bouts of stupidity which led Julia to take Jessica from Chicago, heading to Texas. A part of him wanted to be angry with his daughter, for not realizing the truth ... but the larger part was angry with himself.
Julia was always a sensitive girl. The quietest of his three daughters, the one who listened the most. Even when Paris and Clarice would have rather she not hear what they said. Such was the case with Mateo Galindez, a young Marine who was killed in Vietnam in 1972. Even in those years, prejudice and bigotry was widespread against anyone who wasn't Caucasian, whether they were black, Indian ... or Hispanic.
Paris had liked Mateo. He was a good kid, had his head on straight. And he did his duty, even though he didn't believe in the war. He went, he explained to Josephine when she asked, because if he didn't, someone else would. And Mateo couldn't live with himself, knowing someone else died in his place. And so he died there, in 1972. Only two months after he promised to return to Julia Tanner and marry her. Paris Tanner liked Mateo Galindez ... but not enough to give his blessing for the boy to marry his daughter.
At least, that was what Julia believed. Mateo's death devastated her. And every remark she heard against the Latino population of Chicago drove her further and further away from her parents. So when Jessica went to her elder sister in a panic, telling her that she was pregnant, Julia convinced the teenager to accompany her to Texas. She wanted to be away from Chicago, away from the reminders of Mateo.
There, in Texas, Kevin and Caroline were born. Paris had known some of this. The rest, he learned when Rebecca found letters from Julia to Clarice in the attic. Clarice never shared them with him. Paris wondered why. Did Clarice agree with Julia, that Paris would have never given his blessing to Julia and Mateo's marriage? He didn't know. He just learned from those letters that Julia miscarried Mateo's child after she was told of his death.
Another grandchild he would never have a chance to know. It all made Paris feel very, very old. Now Mateo was long dead, as was Julia. Paris hoped that when Julia died, she and Mateo were reunited. Clarice was gone. And it was left to Paris to put things to right. Maybe if he was a better father, all those years ago, he would have been given the chance to watch Kevin grow up as well.
At his side, Rebecca squeezed his hand gently. He looked at her fondly. Paris knew Josie didn't particularly like Rebecca, but held her peace because she knew Rebecca made him happy. For that alone, he loved his daughter even more. He didn't know what he would have done without Rebecca, after reading those letters. She said not a word of blame against Julia, against Paris, or against Clarice. Just called it a lesson learned.
It was for that reason Paris made another decision, as he was packing, in fact. Yes, he would watch this young woman Adriana, because that was what a grandfather did. He wanted to make sure this girl was good enough for his grandson. However ... unless it was obvious to everyone but Kevin that she was totally and completely wrong for him, he would hold his own peace. He would not make the same mistakes twice, and he would show his grandson the same respect which Paris was afforded by his middle daughter. Rebecca said quietly, "It'll be all right, you know. But I'm glad now you insisted Louisa stay here. You were right. That poor boy will have enough to deal with."
Paris put his free hand over hers, answering softly, "Louisa is a fine girl. But from what I've been hearing from Carly and Josephine, she isn't right for Kevin. And I love you very much, Rebecca, but your daughter ... ahhh ... your daughter." Rebecca just laughed. Paris sighed and said softly, "Do you believe it's possible, Rebecca, to love someone, without every setting eyes on them? I read these letters from my granddaughters, these letters and these emails. And I think about what they write ... this is my grandson!"
"Of course it is, love. He's your grandson. That's reason enough right there. And he's become a fine man. Because of what he's endured, or in spite of it. However you see it. Of course you love him. And you're afraid he won't love you," Rebecca added. Paris looked at his second wife sharply, and she just smiled serenely. She was a smart woman, his Rebecca. She was exactly right. He was afraid Kevin wouldn't love him.
"It makes no sense, Becca. But that boy has been through hell. Jessica is my daughter and I love her ... but she's not been a very good mother. And Kevin's father," Paris spat the word out, "he doesn't deserve the term! Can you imagine what it must be like for that boy? Being abandoned when he was so young ... finding out that his biological parents never wanted him? And on top of that ... to find that someone like Evan Larabee fathered him?"
Paris shook his head, adding, "Lord knows, I wasn't a great father. Not when my own daughter feared I would disown her, because she loved a Hispanic boy. If she fell in love with a draft dodger, I would have been far more upset. But I would have never disowned her! And I hope, at least at some point, that I've made my girls proud. But Larabee ... he's only accomplished four things in his life. His two sons, and his two daughters. And Christopher is more of an accomplishment to Margaret than her husband!"
"I can't speak for Julia, Josie, and Jessica," Rebecca answered quietly, "but I can answer for Louisa. She is very proud to have you as her stepfather, and not because having a war hero as a stepfather will look good for her boss. She's proud of you, because you're a good man." Paris rolled his eyes when Becca mentioned him being a 'war hero.' He had done his duty. That didn't make him a hero.
And he hadn't felt like a hero on the beach of Normandy in 1944. He felt like a scared kid. Which exactly what he was. Becca added softly, "Are you proud of your grandson? Knowing that he's had to do ... things ... to survive? Just as you did, during war?" Paris lifted his head to look his wife in the eye. Was he proud of his grandson, knowing that the boy was a bounty hunter before he became the hunted?
How could he judge his grandson and find him wanting? Because Kevin killed people? So had Paris. Because Kevin's formal education was neglected after the age of five? That wasn't his fault ... he more than made up for it. Because Kevin was a bounty hunter from the time he was sixteen until he was twenty-two? The profession made Paris uneasy ... the idea that someone was tracking down law breakers for money and no other reason ... but he couldn't deny that his grandson did some good things as a bounty hunter. He was also part of search and rescue teams, which was how he met his Drina, eight years earlier.
People ... did things. Sometimes to survive, sometimes because they could. They made mistakes. While he was sure there were things in Kevin's past that the boy didn't want to remember, and that Paris probably didn't want to know about, Paris did know one thing. He was proud of his grandson. He was proud of the boy who overcame a lack of formal education and abandonment, who became more than his biological father could ever dream of being.
He was proud of the nineteen year old boy who agreed to find a five year old girl, because he knew what it was like to be a child, alone and afraid. He was proud of the twenty-four year old man who stood up to a bar of bullies. He was proud of the young man who served his country, even though Josie couldn't tell him what his grandson did. He was proud that the abandoned, unloved little boy became a protector ... not a predator.
Perhaps seeing this in his eyes, Becca smiled and said softly, "I thought as much. You'll be fine, Paris Tanner. You and your grandson both. I look forward to meeting him." Paris lightly kissed his lady's knuckles. If he ever forgot why he married Becca, she never failed to remind him. And it never failed to amaze him ... however had he gotten so lucky, to have two wives like the ones he had been given?
It was a long night, but it was finally over. Evan Larabee left about an hour after that confrontation with Chris in his youngest son's room. His wife remained behind. There was minor confusion about who would sleep where, but it was eventually decided that Pegeen would share a room with Carly, JD and Buck would bunk together, allowing Buck's sister and Mary to share a room. Josie would bunk with her daughter, and Billy would bunk with Chris.
Ezra, Josiah, Nathan and Rain all went home, agreeing to meet back at the Larabee house the following morning to head to the open house. Billy was asleep long before Chris made his way to his room. Adriana left for an hour with Josie, to collect overnight bags and Mindy from Nettie and Casey's. It wasn't originally part of the plan, to stay overnight, but they couldn't argue with Pegeen once she suggested it.
One by one, people headed to their assigned rooms, until it was just Chris in the living room, watching tv. He was tired, but too restless to go to bed. And he didn't want to wake Billy with his fidgeting. It wasn't like there was anything decent on television, but he didn't know what else to do. Reading was out of the question, he couldn't concentrate. With a snarl of frustration, Chris leaned his head back against the recliner.
Everything was spinning out of control.
That was the only way he could put it. Everything was heading out of control, and it was about to get worse. JD told him that Jessica Tanner was at the pharmacy when they went to retrieve more of Vin's meds ... that gave Chris a really, really bad feeling. Especially when he considered that Paris Tanner would be arriving the following day. He should get some sleep, if he wanted to pick up the old man at the airport.
But Chris couldn't sleep. He was worried about Vin. The poor kid was worrying himself sick over the meeting with his grandfather the following day. He had already been through hell, between the bad meeting with Evan Larabee, the mission, and Chris setting him up. Vin was strong, but why should he have to endure any more than he already had? Hadn't he been through enough in twenty-seven years, to add to it? Why should he have to keep putting up with this crap? Chris was the older brother, dammit, it was his responsibility to look after his younger siblings. It was his job to take care of them, protect him ... even from their own father.
The door opened and Josie called softly, "Chris, we're back. Easy, puppy, don't break anything. I don't think my nephew would be very happy with us." Chris heard a snuff of disgust from the dog as she pranced into the living room. Yes, Mindy pranced into the room, all prim and proper. The border collie still wasn't entirely comfortable with him ... at least, not until she began sniffing his hand. Her ears perked up and she started licking his hand.
Surprised, Chris looked up at Josie and Adriana, but didn't do anything. Adriana murmured, "She smells the spaghetti. No, don't look at me like that, Christopher, I don't feed her spaghetti. But she's a dog, she knows food when she smells it, and she smell the spaghetti." Chris returned his attention to the dog, who was now sniffing his jeans. Adriana said helpfully, "She's getting your actual scent, as opposed to the spaghetti."
Chris just glared at her, but true to form, it didn't faze her in the least. He grunted in irritation and turned his attention back to Mindy. She was in front of his recliner, looking at him expectantly. Not knowing what else to do, Chris patted the seat of the recliner ... and much to his surprise, Mindy accepted the invitation offered. She leaped onto the recliner and settled herself across his lap. Leaving Chris to stare at Josie and Adriana, asking them mentally, 'Now what the hell do I do???'
Mindy herself answered that question, wriggling her muzzle under Larabee's hand. Even he could understand that meant, 'pet me!' With another look at Josie and Adriana, who weren't doing anything at all to help him, Chris began petting the dog. The two women sat down on the sofa, both grinning, and Chris whispered, "At the risk of sounding like Ezra, what the hell just happened here?"
"She's had time to get used to you, Chris, during the last few months. That's all," Adriana answered in an equally soft voice. Chris nodded. It made sense. It took time for a skittish child to relax around anyone he or she considered threatening ... it was only reasonable that the same be true of a dog. Hell, it took time for a skittish adult to relax around a possible threat, so what else did he expect? The archaeologist continued after a moment, her voice growing ever softer, "How's Vin?"
"Asleep ... you wanna go check on him?" Chris asked, grinning slightly. Adriana turned bright red with embarrassment, and Chris added, "Go, or you'll be fidgeting all night. But you wake him, and I swear I'll turn you over my knee." Adriana responded with her customary one fingered salute, and Chris sighed as the young woman left the room, "I should have never taught her that ... or at the least, told her that ladies didn't use it."
"She just would have told you that she was no lady, Chris. I don't think I have to tell you that she is still fighting her father. He tried to strip her of her self-worth, and even after ten years away from him, she is still fighting that. She can accept Vin's love for her, but 'lady' carries an altogether different connotation for that girl. He made her feel dirty, Chris ... that bastard who sired her and Buck made her feel dirty," Josie answered with quiet intensity.
"I know. Buck and I still can't agree on what we'll do when he comes for her. Buck says he will, and Vin agrees. When he knows where to find her, he'll come for her. We've been lucky, the last two years ... but that luck can't hold out forever, and when it runs out ... " Chris began. He shook his head, murmuring, "Even if I didn't love her, even if my little brother didn't love her, I'd still want to kill that bastard."
"Of course you would. You're a protector, Chris, just as much as Vin is. And it sickens you to think of any child going through that," Josie replied. Chris nodded, his jaw tightening. Yeah, it did. It really did. If he had his way, every ... creature who harmed a child, whether it be sexually, emotionally, or physically would suffer in any way Chris could devise. And what he couldn't come up with, Ezra could.
Josie continued after a moment, "Just don't forget that you won't be the only one protecting her. Watching her back. You'll have Vin, and Ezra, JD, Nathan, Rain, Josiah, me, Carly ... Lizzie, if she's here ... Mary, Billy, Nettie, Casey. Pegeen, again, if she's here. That lonely, scared, vulnerable little girl isn't alone any more. She's got the Magnificent Seven and their ladies backing her up. Against a force that powerful, do you really think he stands a snowball's chance in hell?"
Put that way ... Chris looked up and added, "Can't forget the generals and SG-1. Hell, Jack would skin me alive if he tried to keep me out of that fight! He hates bullies anyhow, and Teal'c don't take kindly to people messing with his star pupil." Josie answered with a brilliant smile. Chris sat back with a sigh, murmuring, "How did two young misfits with scars on their souls do it? Hell, I may be the leader of SG-7, but Vin's the glue that holds us together!"
"I think, if you asked either of those two, they would say they didn't do anything. And they didn't. Vin is what he is. He doesn't try to be anything he's not. And yet, he still makes miracles happen, just by being who he is. What he is. He makes those of us who had more breaks ashamed, Chris. The ones who had the education we wanted, who had loving families. He makes us want to try harder, because look at what he accomplished ... abandoned. Unloved. Unwanted," Josie replied.
Unloved and unwanted. That wasn't true of Vin any more.
Josie took a deep breath, then went on, "As for Adriana ... I don't know. I'm still getting to know her. I do know that she's the kind of woman who will never be comfortable in the spotlight. That she does her job, and does it well ... but she doesn't need any special accolades. It's one of the similarities between her and Vin, one that I noticed almost immediately. And the strange thing is, she's not comfortable with the spotlight, but she's not afraid to take a controversial position ... as she did with her paper on the Sphinx."
"Vin will do the same thing. When that FBI agent, Poplar, accused Josiah of the murders, Vin didn't back down. He kept at it. He doesn't like the spotlight. Too many years on the run, too much time being hunted. But he's not willing to let someone else suffer. Why didn't it make him cold and hard, Josie? Where did he get the strength I didn't have after Sarah and Adam died?" Chris asked.
"I don't know, Chris. I wasn't there after your wife and son were murdered. I just know that while Vin has always been strong for you ... I guess it's your turn to be strong for him. Are you prepared for that? Are you prepared to catch him when he falls? Which will be often, because he's having to sort through some powerful emotions ... emotions he can't even express, because of his injuries," Josie replied. Chris thought about it ... thought about what he had just put Vin through. Thought about calling his little brother a liar, because Chris didn't want to see the truth about Ella. After everything they'd been through together, after everything Vin had been through ... when his little brother needed him most ... how could he not be there?
"Not asleep if that's what yer worried 'bout."
Adriana stepped further into the room, wondering if he had been awake all this time. As her eyes adjusted to the dark, she saw her love reclining in bed, and Vin continued hoarsely, "Guess I done slept too much earlier. Glad to see ya got back safe 'n sound." Adriana moved softly into the room until she was standing at his bedside. There was only the one light in the room, but even so, Adriana could see that Vin had been crying.
She sat down on his bed, taking his hand, and asked, "What can I do to help, Vin? I hate to see you in so much pain." He gave her a weak smile, lightly squeezing her hand in return. Adriana reached out her free hand, cupping his face and lightly stroking his cheek with her thumb. It was times like these, when he was so vulnerable, that desire was strongest. Because she knew he couldn't hurt her when he was like this?
"Ain't much ya can do, Drina. I cain't hardly move without feelin' like a goddamn bomb done gone off inside my guts," Vin retorted.
Adriana said softly, "Let me have a look. Janet said you're healing pretty good. The main thing now is your ribs." She lifted the edge of his t-shirt, looking at him for permission, and he nodded wearily. Adriana eased the shirt up, until she could inspect the healing scar on Vin's stomach from the emergency surgery to stop the internal bleeding and to repair the organs damaged in the fall from the ridge. She said softly, "If you weren't in so much pain, I'd offer to kiss and make it better."
A faint smile appeared as he answered hoarsely, "Reckon I'll take ya up on that offer, when I git to feelin' better." She smiled back. Yes, the scar was healing very well. From the three Tanner females, she knew that he was still being given sponge baths, much to his embarrassment. Adriana's eye fell on another scar, just under his navel. Chris called them the twin scars once, twin reminders of his own stupidity.
"It don't hurt no more, Drina," Vin said softly, "an' when it did hurt, was different. Bein' stabbed, fallin' down a hill, gittin' beat up ... it ain't the same kinda pain. After a while, the pain goes away, an' it just itches." Adriana allowed the shirt to fall back into place, and Vin sighed, "I'm just so tired a' feelin' like this, ya know? Weak as a newborn baby. And that bastard actin' like he done tonight."
Adriana didn't ask which bastard he meant. She knew what he meant. She replied softly, "I know you are. I could see how frustrated you were getting tonight, every time he put down one of your sisters or Chris. You think you'll be okay tomorrow, for the open house?" Vin nodded, leaning his head back against the pillows with a sigh. Adriana continued, "Then get some sleep ... I'm heading that direction myself. Mindy has planted herself in the recliner ... right on top of Chris."
Vin actually grinned at that and said in a raspy voice, "Reckon I'll have ta tease him 'bout that, 'bout how he's gittin' down right soft." Adriana laughed and leaned forward to kiss him lightly. He returned the kiss with as much passion as he could show, until Adriana reluctantly pulled back. They gazed at each other for several long moments, Adriana's slim fingers caressing his hair. Vin just whispered, "I love ya."
"Te amo, tambien," Adriana answered him in Spanish. She lightly touched his cheek, then quietly slipped from the room. A quick peek into the living room told her that her dog was asleep in the recliner, and Adriana grinned impishly. She would have to remember to tease Chris about that in the morning. Vin was right, Chris was turning into a big softy. Or rather, in this case, he was turning into an even bigger softy, since she always considered him a softy in the first place. For now, however, she had to get to bed. She slipped down the hall to the bathroom, quietly grateful for the time which had passed. It didn't smell nearly as bad now.
She didn't quite reach the bathroom, as a figure slipped quietly out of it. Pegeen Larabee. The two women gasped in unison, "I'm sorry." But neither moved past each other. Pegeen simply studied Adriana's face for several moments, before saying, "You're still not sure if you can trust me, child. Still not sure if I'll hurt Kevin." Adriana didn't answer ... she felt her shoulders go up and back at the observation.
"It takes time. I have my own ways of doing things. I don't distrust you ... but I don't trust you, either. I'll give you the respect you deserve, for raising Chris as you did. But beyond that, it's gonna take time," Adriana replied. She folded her arms over her chest, watching the woman very carefully. Pegeen nodded slowly, her eyes never leaving Adriana's face. Watching her just as closely as she herself was being watched.
"That's fair ... that's reasonable. You don't know me, child, you have no way of knowing if I can be trusted. Not even if I say I would cut off my hand before I ever hurt Kevin. I know you love him very much," Pegeen finally said, and Adriana nodded very, very slowly. Yes, she did. It took her a long time to admit that she loved him, and a long time to accept that he might love her, too. But now, she wouldn't let him go without a fight.
"I do love him, very, very much. And I will move heaven, hell, and earth for him. That means, if your husband doesn't straighten up and fly right, I won't hold back tomorrow, like I did tonight. I won't tolerate him hurting Vin, or Carly, Lizzie, or Chris. They are my family, and I will kill for my family, if need be," Adriana answered in quiet voice. There was no bravado in her voice. Or in her soul. All the bravado was knocked out of her years earlier.
She paused, then added, "One other thing. I'm young, yes ... but I stopped being a child a very, very long time ago." The day I found my mother murdered. However, she didn't say that. It wasn't this woman's business. She continued, "I would appreciate it if you stopped calling me 'child.' The last person to do that was my mother. And she died when I was eight." As she spoke, a memory rippled through her mind.
She was about four years old. It was many years before Buck came into her life. She and her mother were in the grocery story, and little Adriana was so proud to be helping her mother. So proud to be a big girl. She remembered holding something up to her mother with big, pleading eyes. And instead of the coldness which Adriana remembered from her later childhood, the last four years before her mother's death, the little girl instead saw an indulgent smile as her mother replied, "Oh, all right, sweet child ... let Mama have the cookies, liefje.
Liefje. That was Dutch for sweetheart. Adriana swallowed hard, blinking back tears. Liefje. Why had she forgotten that, and where did that memory come from? She looked back at Pegeen Larabee, who was staring at her with undisguised concern. She merely lifted her chin proudly, something she learned from Charlotte, and Mrs. Larabee said, "I do apologize. It ... of course, I'll respect your wish. Good night, ch ... Adriana."
She slipped quietly from the bathroom, allowing Adriana entrance. The trembling young archaeologist closed the door behind her and checked the toilet seat. Down. Of course. A woman just left the bathroom. She sank onto the seat, still shaking. What the hell just happened to her? She buried her face in her hands, quietly sobbing. Her father didn't come to her room until after her mother's death. Now this. What was happening? Mama, she thought, did you really love me, after all? Did I do something to make you stop loving me, or did something else happen? After twenty years, how do I find the answers? She didn't even know where to begin, to find the answers she sought.
Once she could stop shaking and find some sort of composure, Adriana changed into a nightgown, then headed back to the room she was sharing with Mary. Her friend lay on her side, sleeping. At least, Adriana thought she was asleep until Mary murmured, "You're okay?" Adriana whispered her assent, and Mary sat up, saying, "Good. I was worried about you. You check on our guys?" Again, Adriana nodded, glad to have the distraction, and Mary added, "I suppose that was a dumb question. Chris is worried about Vin."
"So am I," Adriana admitted, sliding between the covers, "so am I. But there's nothing either of us can do until Vin's ready to ... well, you know. Right now, Vin is fighting so hard to control his rage. Until he's ready to let go, until he's ready to admit he's furious, until he's ready to ask our help, there's not a whole helluva lot anyone can do. And then there's the matter of his father. You know Chris told him that between him and Vin, Chris would choose Vin?"
"No," Mary admitted, "but it doesn't surprise me. I said 'yes,' by the way. After I talked to Billy. We're moving in next month, around Thanksgiving." Good. Adriana was glad to hear that. She had to admit, she was more than a little curious about why it had taken them this long, then reminded herself that both had been dealing with the losses of beloved spouses. You couldn't just get over that kind of pain. It took time. She, of all people, knew that.
At six am, Chris, Adriana, and Buck were all up and awake. Chris could tell from Adriana's face that she didn't sleep well. Neither did he. However, he didn't comment on it, saying only as she finished her coffee, "You ready to go, little princess?" She nodded, picking up her purse, then turning to kiss her brother good-bye. Buck swept her up into a big hug, then set her on her feet, looking worriedly at Chris.
Adriana hadn't eaten breakfast that morning, but that was standard with her. What wasn't standard were the dark bruises under her eyes, or her silence this morning. Something upset her the previous night, and Chris didn't think it was his erstwhile father. The colonel silently promised his old friend that he would look after Adriana, then the pair set out for the airport. Adriana was hunched down into her seat, feet resting against the dashboard.
It wasn't his policy to push or get into the business of others, but Chris was worried about her, just as much as Buck was. He said softly, "You know, little princess, Mindy tucked me into bed last night." That provoked a smile from her, and Chris continued, "Yup, she walked with me to bed, made sure I was all snug, then she headed back to you and Mary. She's a good dog. Very loving and very loyal." This time, the smile was wider, and Chris decided to take a chance. He often heard Vin described as blunt ... well, so was he.
"Thing is, she's a lot like you. And she was worried about you last night. I am, too. Something's on your mind, and I don't think it's about my father," Chris said. Adriana sighed deeply, pushed off the dashboard, and sat up straight in the seat. Chris kept his eyes on the road, despite his desire to look over at her. He could see, from the corner of his eye, that she was looking out the window ... but he couldn't see her expression.
"I had a memory last night," she said after several moments. She proceeded to explain her encounter with his mother, as well as the memory provoked by that encounter. Chris listened intently. When she finished, she sighed, "I don't know where it came from, Chris. Hell, it might even be a false memory." But she didn't seem particularly convinced of that, and Chris knew he wasn't. It didn't sound right.
"No, little princess ... fact is, I've been thinking for a while that something didn't seem right with that. You told me not long ago, that your father didn't start coming to your room until after your mother died, right?" Chris asked. Adriana nodded, and Chris continued, "Okay. So, obviously, your mother was a deterrent of some kind, between your father and you. Which meant she loved you enough to protect you."
Again, Adriana nodded, though he could tell from his side vision that she was confused. Chris went on, "So ... the question remains. Why did your mother suddenly stop being affectionate with you, in any way? Okay, more than one question. What's the correlation between your mother's death and your father's nightly invasions? And ... did he kill her, or have her killed?" It wasn't the first time this occurred to Chris.
"It doesn't make any sense, Chris. Why would one thing have anything to do with the other?" Adriana asked in confusion. Chris started to answer, then realized the turnoff for the airport was coming up. He flicked on the turn signal, glanced over his shoulder, and eased into the proper lane. It was early on a Saturday morning, very little traffic, for which he was deeply grateful. Now, if he could just talk and keep an eye on the road at the same time!
"I don't know, little princess. But there are a helluva lot of questions, damn few answers, and that's something that's bothered me for a while," Chris admitted. Adriana sighed, slumping back into her seat again, and Chris added, changing the subject, "Did Mary tell you that she agreed to move in with me?" This time, he could easily see his young surrogate sister's smile, as it seemed to light up the entire cab of his truck.
"She told me last night ... I'm so proud of you, Chris! I know that took a lot of courage," she replied. Chris rolled his eyes. She had no idea. For the last six years, Chris had been by himself once he left the SGC, or wherever he was posted at the time. Vin sometimes recuperated at his place, after he was injured. But this was different. This was permanent. And this scared the hell out of Chris.
He replied, "You know I had a talk with General Travis, before I brought it up with Mary. He's the closest thing she has to a father, and Billy means the world to him. I didn't want ... " Chris didn't know how to finish. He would die before he would hurt either of them.
Well, before he hurt Mary any more than he already had. Chris winced, thinking of the expression in her eyes when she saw him with Ella Gaines. The woman who killed his family was long dead, but his guilt remained. There was a long silence from his companion, and Chris continued, "There will come a time, little princess, when things will move to that level for you and Vin. When that happens ... Buck's gonna be sticking his two cents worth in."
Adriana snickered, answering, "Tell me something I don't know! Don't worry. I knew that would be the case weeks ago. Leave Bucklin to me." Chris flashed her a smile, then Adriana continued, "What about you, Chris? How do you feel about ... well ... about Vin and me? As a couple?" There was the barest hint of hesitation in her voice as she spoke, and Chris looked over at his surrogate sister, a quick glance.
"I think it's about damn time you two got your acts together. If you're wondering if I'm worried by the idea of a girl whom I love as a sister being with my little brother, the answer is no. You and Vin are good for each other, and you make each other happy. That's all I want, little princess, all any older brother wants. Way I see it, I'm doubly blessed ... my little brother is in love with my little princess, and I know you'll take care of each other," Chris replied.
Adriana looked at him, blinking in surprise, then said, "Wow. I think you just passed your three-word limit, Chris." The colonel glared at her, then resolved to have a little talk with his baby brother. Adriana continued thoughtfully, "Seriously, you surprised me. You usually don't get into the business of other people ... or does this have something to do with you suddenly finding out that you're a big brother by blood?"
Chris smiled, returning his full attention back to the road. They were coming up to the airport, and he replied, "I suppose. Besides, I've known you for fourteen years, little princess. If I can't talk to you bluntly ... well, something's wrong. And I meant every word I said. I'm glad you and Vin are together. And ... that's why I'll do my best to keep Buck from driving the two of you nuts when you decide to take the next step."
"Too late, he's already starting to drive me nuts. Although, the last time he started in, he made the mistake of doing it at Inez's place. She dumped a pitcher of beer into his lap," Adriana answered with a giggle. Chris raised a brow ... and how, exactly, did he miss this little piece of entertainment? Adriana continued, still giggling, "It was when we first got back planet-side. You were with Vin, it was the night Buck took me to the saloon so I could relax."
Now Chris remembered. He took his brother back to his own place, with considerable aid from his sister and Josie. Vin was doped up on his meds, but still in a lot of pain. Buck announced his decision to take his little sister to the saloon, so she could let her hair down. JD rightly pointed out that Adriana usually wore her hair down anyhow ... earning him a cuff from Buck. God help Buck when Adriana and JD decided to join forces!
Adriana added, "I don't think you would have wanted to be there, though. Even as funny as it was, when she dumped the pitcher into his lap. I think you were exactly where you wanted to be." That earned her a cuff from Chris, but she just laughed as they pulled into the parking lot.
By this time, it was almost seven, and the flight was due to land any time. Chris found a parking space with little difficulty, then he and Adriana headed into the terminal. Josie gave them everything they needed to know about the arrival of her father and stepmother the previous night. Gate number, airline, flight number, everything. Adriana reminded him this morning to leave the pistol at home. He felt naked without it, but didn't need the hassle in security.
Besides, Chris could kill just as easily with his hands. Or with his eyes, Adriana had teased. They made it through security without incident. Chris was pleased about that, though he really did think security could be turned up a few notches in airports. He might spend a lot of time on other planets, but that didn't make him blind to the dangers here on earth. He was equally pleased to note that Adriana was alert as she walked at his side.
The archaeologist was now removing a picture of Josie's father ... Vin's grandfather ... from her purse. Yet another piece of information provided by the former sergeant. But until the tall, imposing man emerged from Gate A-9 with a petite woman, walked right up to Chris and Adriana, and said, "Colonel Larabee, I presume," Chris never even considered that Josie also provided a picture of him to Paris Tanner. He would have to be more careful with Josie in the future. She was, after all, a Tanner ... and Tanners could be damn unpredictable.
As opening lines went, it wasn't that bad. Still, that didn't keep Becca from lightly smacking Paris in the back of his head. He glared at his wife, then turned his attention back to the blond-haired man in front of him. There was a young woman with him, several years younger. With him, wasn't exactly the right way to put it ... she stood to his right and a little behind, as if he intended to shield her from harm.
"That's right ... I'm Chris Larabee. Which means you're Paris Tanner. This is Adriana Wilmington," the man replied. He didn't seem inclined to say anything further, and Paris took those moments to assess this man, who was brother to all three of his grandchildren. He was in his early forties ... tall and slender, dressed in black jeans and a black leather jacket. And Paris Tanner knew, without a doubt, that this man could be quite dangerous when he chose to be. The proof was in the green eyes which now gazed steadily at him.
"That would be correct ... this is my wife, Rebecca. It's a pleasure to meet both of you," Paris replied, now satisfied that this brother had the ability to protect all three of his grandchildren, if it became necessary. Only time would tell if he had the will. True, Josie believed he did, but Paris preferred to make up his mind about people. With that in mind, Paris turned his attention to the young woman with Larabee.
Adriana Wilmington. His eldest granddaughter's best friend in college, and the beloved of his grandson. Nondescript in appearance ... dark hair, hazel eyes which now regarded him steadily. She was also very small ... no more than two or three inches over five feet ... and very slender. Easily dismissed as a threat, this small young woman with the impassive expression. Easily dismissed, if you were a fool.
Paris Tanner was not a fool. He hadn't survived war, or the loss of his wife and daughter, by being a fool. He recognized the truth beyond the impassive expression. Recognized wariness and suspicion. Chris Larabee said, bringing Tanner's attention back to him, "Was there anything you needed from the baggage claim area ... I was hoping to get back to the house before Vin woke up. Nice surprise for him."
"We both just brought carryon luggage, Colonel Larabee. How is Kevin? Josephine said that he's recovering, but that can mean anything," Becca answered. Larabee nodded and led them back toward the entrance and exit of the airport, Adriana still quiet at his side. Paris looked around, eyes sweeping over the terminal. He was glad now he chose to arrive early in the morning, though the late nights were hell on him.
"Vin's getting there ... he's still not at one hundred percent, but he's getting stronger every day. I should warn you ... my parents arrived last night, and my father has been trying everyone's patience since they arrived. I wanted to warn you, especially, Mr. Tanner ... my father seems to be incapable of taking responsibility for his part in this," the colonel replied. Paris looked at the young man with interest.
Especially when Adriana gave him a sidelong glance, observing in a quiet voice, "You've definitely used up your three-word-a-day limit now, Christopher." Larabee glared at the young woman, lightly bapping her in the back of her head. She just smiled impishly, and Paris then understood what drew his grandson to her. From what he had learned from Josie and Carly, Kevin had an impish sense of humor ... and apparently, so did this girl.
"Three word a day limit?" Becca asked with some confusion as she looked from Larabee's annoyed glare to the impish grin now decorating Adriana's face. Actually, Paris wouldn't mind hearing that story, either, but right now, he would settle for not seeing a murder right in front of him. As they reached the relative safety of the parking lot, he saw the scowl fighting the grin on Larabee's face. The grin won.
"It's an old joke between Vin and Chris. Vin always teases Chris about not saying more than three words a day. Not that Vin has much room to talk," Adriana replied as they reached the vehicle, a four-door truck. Christopher unlocked the truck and everyone climbed in. Paris was impressed when the small young woman climbed into the back, giving the front seat to Paris, who had the longer legs.
"I see, an inside joke," Paris replied and saw the dark head bob once in acknowledgment. He continued, "If I might be so bold ... my eldest granddaughter tells me that you're an archaeologist. How did you become interested in your field? You're around the right age to have grown up watching Indiana Jones ... did that play into your decision at all?" He wasn't sure why he asked the question he did ... maybe a way to test this young woman?
Adriana actually giggled, replying, "Well, Harrison Ford certainly didn't hurt! I guess the lure of it ... I'm guessing that's what you're really asking, at least ... was digging up the past, and putting the pieces together. I think of myself as a historical detective. Pretentious, but ... "
"Honest," Paris completed and Adriana nodded. Paris hadn't expected her to react as she did to the question about Indiana Jones. Most archaeologists tended to get annoyed with such questions. The man continued after a moment, "So, it doesn't bother you when the movies get it wrong ... like in the Indiana Jones movies, for example." Larabee remained quiet at his side, so Paris assumed the other man wasn't concerned about Adriana's ability to take care of herself.
"The way I see it, Mr. Tanner, the Indiana Jones movies aren't about archaeology. They're about adventure. An adventurer who happens to be an archaeologist. It's only when a movie thinks it's a serious flick about an archaeologist, and gets it wrong, that's when it bugs me. Otherwise ... I got other things I need to be worrying about," the girl replied with a shrug. She cocked an eyebrow, adding, "Like your grandson."
"Remember that time, little princess, when JD was oohing and ahhing over one of those football games on TV ... the video games for his Playstation? And the background music?" Larabee asked, and Paris saw that impish smile return to the young woman's face. Larabee explained, evidently seeing his confusion, "JD, the youngest member of our unit. He's twenty-two, and into Playstation. There's a football game ... "
"And the music which was being played with the commercial was 'O Fortuna,' from Carmina Burana. There's another member of the unit, Ezra ... you have to meet him to fully understand. Anyhow, he was lamenting the use of classical music in such ... now how did he put that, Chris? In such pedestrian ways. I told him that at least JD was getting exposed to real music, even if it was through a commercial," Adriana explained.
In the driver's seat, Larabee snickered, adding, "Ezra still hasn't fully recovered from the notion that someone would use a piece from Carmina Burana to sell a football game. He also hasn't recovered from Adriana's observation." Paris, who could see the girl's logic, simply sat back. He had the suspicion that what Larabee and Adriana were discussing was only scratching the surface of a most interesting topic. The next few days would not be dull.