SERIES/UNIVERSE: SG-7
DISCLAIMERS: M7 characters belong to Trilogy, et al, SG-1 characters belong to Gekko, MGM, and Showtime. Adriana is mine ... don't mind if you borrow her, just give her back intact and give credit where credit is due.
SPOILERS: My previous stories, A Light in the Distance, More than Friends, Under the Sun, and Days of Yearning. Likely references to episodes in both seasons of Mag7 and all five seasons of Stargate SG-1.
WARNING: The usual ... mainly language and Adriana's continued presence. Also further reference to Wilmington Sr's abusiveness.
It was vintage SG-1. They just could not stay out of trouble. Then again, neither could SG-7, but they had been good. This time. However, judging from the look on young John Dunne's face, that didn't look like it would last too much longer. The boy looked like he was up to no good ... that little lady, Olivia, was up to her neck in whatever he had planned, and JD had just gotten Ezra involved as well.
Josiah Sanchez listened with amusement as Colonel O'Neill explained the various encounters of the last few hours. It seemed the fate of SG-1 to run into trouble even at an amusement park. Whether they were having to deal with bullies who thought Daniel was an easy target, overactive would-be suitors, or a curious Jaffa wanting to know everything about a ride, SG-1 could easily be summed up with just two words. Trouble magnet. Again, SG-7 wasn't much better. But looking around at the faces of his brothers (and sisters), Josiah was gratified that they all looked relaxed. Contented. Even happy.
Eventually, conversation turned to what they would be doing after lunch. The Splashus Maximus. As the general had said before, it involved water balloons and getting totally soaked when the balloons burst. Josiah wasn't the least bit surprised to see evil, matching grins appear on the faces of Adriana and Mary as the pair exchanged a glance. He also wasn't surprised to see Vin gulp at the look on his longtime friend's face.
It would have been a lot more fun, if the girls had been wearing t-shirts over the tops of their bathing suits, since that would have left a lot more to the imagination of the guys. However, that wasn't to be. Josiah was approaching fifty ... that didn't mean he was dead. True, he was attracted to women older than the evil twins, as JD had taken to calling them in the last three months. That didn't mean he couldn't appreciate the loveliness of these two young women. Look, but don't touch, he thought with more than a trace of amusement.
The Four Corners were in a whispered consultation now, as the general answered questions about what they would be doing over the next few days. They weren't scheduled to leave until the following week. Ideas which were being tossed about were Virginia Beach, Colonial Williamsburg, Richmond, among others. Nathan had observed that they would need at least one day to recover from their amusements today. Especially, he had added with an impish twinkle in his brown eyes, the older members of the group.
Josiah had silently, laughingly, vowed to get the young medic back for that comment. He wasn't old ... well, that was what he told himself. Sometimes, it was the only way to get out of bed in the mornings. Josiah looked back at the Four Corners once again. None of them had explained the use of the name, not yet at least, and he had a sneaking suspicion they never would. They enjoyed their secret entirely too much.
That was fine, though. He had the sense sometimes that while each of the young ladies had friends before, none of them had ever been part of a group like this. In a sense, it was like seeing a group of women taking back the teenaged years they never had. Complete with sleep-overs, pizza parties, and secrets. The kinds of secrets which didn't hurt other people. After the birth of her daughter, sixteen months earlier, Claire had told him about the secrets clause, and how that almost destroyed her friendship with Adriana.
He supposed he had told him because her own relationship with her father was now nonexistent. He refused to acknowledge Kevin, since the boy was half-Indian. And she would not subject her precious new daughter, Danae, to her father's hatred. But she missed having a father, and she missed Koje. Josiah proved to be an acceptable alternative, because of his own ties to Koje. And on golden afternoons like this one, Claire would leave his 'granddaughter' with him while she spent time with little Kevin.
It really was a glorious day. Josiah looked around at his friends once more, taking note of Chris smirking as he listened to Buck and JD squabble. Again. Vin's eyes shifting to the consultation between Sam Carter, Janet Frasier, Mary, and Adriana, as if trying to figure out what was going on ... and even if he wanted to know. Nathan listening with half an ear to the squabble between JD and Buck, and half an ear to the ideas for the rest of their vacation.
And Ezra, just sitting back and enjoying all of it. The negotiator had never seemed so relaxed ... happy, even. He smiled at Josiah easily, his green eyes twinkling, then laughed quietly as Josiah winked at him. The Southerner whispered, "You know, I do not believe I have seen Captain Travis and Dr. Wilmington so at ease since they returned from the cabin." Josiah nodded, remembering that weekend.
Adriana had offered to help Mary purify the cabin, but the pair had eventually decided that they would take back the cabin from the painful memories in a way that Mary felt most comfortable. That included a total redecoration. Not just the bloodstains were removed, but everything that reminded either woman of that day. The ritual, the actual redecoration, had taken place several months after the event. Mary couldn't bear to return to that place before. Too many memories, too much rage remained in her soul. And, in addition, they also wanted to wait until Adriana was fully healed from her own injuries.
Mary had been angry when she and Adriana left for Montana. Just the two of them, alone. Billy was spending that weekend with Chris, much to that little boy's delight. When she returned the following Monday, she was far more relaxed ... laughing even. While she had told Josiah that she didn't regret ending Ella's life ... not after everything that woman had done, to so many people, the act had scarred Mary nonetheless.
It wasn't until she took back what was hers that Mary finally began to heal from that day. There had been some second-guessing on her part. Wondering if she had done the right thing, in killing Ella. Wondering if she could have just wounded the other woman, and still protected Buck, Vin, and Billy. However, Josiah recalled, she had received her answers, and comfort, from a most unexpected source.
Over the years, Colonel Harry Maybourne had gradually mellowed. He was still a pain in the ass, still arrogant. But that had been tempered with some wisdom. Perhaps even decency (though Vin had gone on record as saying that was pushing it). He had told Mary that if Ella Gaines hadn't died that day, she would have returned, time and again, to threat those whom the captain loved. Maybe that was what Mary already felt in her heart, but needed to hear from someone else.
And truth be told, Josiah was just a little disgusted that he hadn't been the one who had healed that wound. He should have taken the pretty captain aside and talked to her, telling her what she needed to hear. Adriana, who was so like Chris, in so many eerie ways, and so eerily like Vin in others, had simply remained at Mary's side. Quiet ... supportive. Just ... there. In that way which was so like Vin.
In the end, though, it didn't matter who had healed the wound ... just that Mary had been able to accept what she had done, and gone on with her life. The seeds of her friendship with Adriana had taken firm root, in the horror of the day. So something good *had* come out of it. And her relationship with Chris had emerged even stronger from that day. Josiah didn't think either were ready to discuss love, much less commitment. For now, he supposed, it was enough that they had been able to hold onto each other through the storms following Ella's death. That had actually worried him, once Nathan pointed out that it wasn't Chris who killed her.
Chris hadn't shut out Mary, and Josiah wasn't sure if that was because he simply didn't have the energy, or if there was something else. Possibly the knowledge that Mary had sacrificed a piece of her soul, in order to save the life of a young man dear to them both. Josiah didn't know. Chris didn't confide in him about his relationship with Mary ... wasn't even sure if he confided in Vin about that.
In a sense, wasn't that what today was about? Healing wounds? Whether they were physical or emotional ... wounds caused by battle, or wounds caused by egotistical, money-hungry bastards. Both SG-1 and SG-7 needed this time. Especially since, as yet, nothing had really gone wrong. No psychotic ex-girlfriends. Nothing to call them back to Denver, nothing to return them to Washington DC. They were all just free to enjoy the day, and each other.
During lunch, the two teams broke up into pairs, for Splashus Maximus ... there was a limit of two, or in some cases, three to a team. Not surprising Mary in the least, her son chose to be on the team with Chris and Vin. As the captain glanced around, she saw that no one else was surprised, either. Mary herself would team up with Adriana, while Buck and JD made up a third (big surprise there), with Josiah and Nathan rounding out the final team. Surprising no one (again), Ezra tried to beg out of the fun.
It was then that all hell broke loose. Ezra had tried to claim, once more, that such goings-on were beneath his dignity. Vin retorted that if giving a Rebel yell on the roller coaster wasn't beneath his dignity, then neither was the Splashus Maximus. Ezra immediately and vehemently responded that he had done no such thing. Vin and Adriana promptly contradicted him, and Vin had said with a smirk, "Ya done that, and a whole lot more!"
With a smirk just as wicked as Vin's, Adriana produced a recorder from her denim backpack, and hit 'play.' Mary immediately recognized it as the recorder she had given Vin, and covered her mouth, trying not to laugh. She knew that if she laughed, and Ezra realized she had given the recorder to Vin, she would be included in the payback. The Southern negotiator gave a very undignified yelp, his face turning crimson, and lunged for the pair.
Josiah and Nathan immediately grabbed for him, wrestling him back to the bench. It was hard to say, who was laughing harder ... Vin or Adriana. Since he was so much taller than Adriana, Vin held the recorder high over his head, where Ezra couldn't get it. Although, now that she thought about it, Mary had a feeling her best friend would have jumped up on the bench to keep it away from Ezra ... who wanted to keep the others from hearing everything.
And did they get an earful! Ezra behaving in a way none of them had ever seen ... had ever heard him behave. By now turning roughly the same shade as a fire engine, Ezra looked like he could have cheerfully strangled both of his companions. By the time the tape was finished, none one of the adults was straight-faced. As the women fought off what remained of the giggles, General Hammond said, smirking at the negotiator, "You'll be playing with water balloons with the rest of them, son, if I have to be your partner myself."
"I'll do that, General," Cassie said in a somewhat squeaky voice. Squeaky, of course, because she couldn't catch her breath to speak properly. The still red-faced Ezra sketched a bow to the girl, glaring at his two former companions. If it was possible for Vin's smile to get any bigger, no one could have figured out how. Cassie said, barely stifling a giggle, "Vin, that wasn't nice."
"Miss Cassie, I ain't never claimed to be nice. 'Sides, the way I figger it, he shoulda knowed that was comin.' Ez, ya keep that up, yer face is gonna freeze like that," Vin retorted. That provoked another spasm of laughter from the group. Vin shrugged, adding, "That's what my ma always used ta tell me ... reckon I've heard Nettie tellin' Casey the same thin' a few times since then, too."
JD's face immediately fell ... he and Casey had one of their infamous arguments the night before the departure for Washington DC. Mary felt sorry for the youngster. In the years they had been together, his relationship with Casey had always been ... tumultuous. But in recent months, things had gotten worse. Mary wasn't entirely sure why that was ... neither confided in her, and Mary wasn't willing to approach either of them. Not when her own relationship was ... unsteady.
True, things with Chris had stabilized, especially after the death of Ella Gaines. More to the point, after Mary had dealt with killing the woman. She tried to tell herself that Ella had killed Sarah and Adam Larabee ... would have killed Billy ... tried to kill Mary ... almost killed Vin. But she had still been a human being, at least at some point in time, and it was the first time Mary had ever killed anyone. It wasn't easy. It wasn't supposed to be easy.
While Maybourne (of all people) had reminded her that if she hadn't killed Ella Gaines, the woman would have kept coming back, threatening her family and friends, that hadn't helped with the nightmares, with the guilt. With the sense that she would never come clean. A conversation with Adriana had helped there. Years earlier, not long after she and Vin had first met, Adriana had killed men in self-defense. Adriana advised Mary to give herself time ... but never forget how that first kill felt. Killing wasn't something to be done lightly.
That had been the incident with Richard Boudreau, Mary recalled from her conversation with Daniel Jackson. According to the Egyptologist, the late Boudreau had become obsessed with Dr. Charlotte Richmond, then a grad student at the University of Texas. Charlotte, along with Boudreau and her husband Will (who was at the time acting like an asshole, in Daniel's words) had been on a dig when things started to unravel. There had been two other significant people on that dig ... a college sophomore named Adriana Wilmington and a teenaged bounty hunter named Vin Tanner.
Charlotte had become fascinated with Vin, and Boudreau had decided that the young man was competition, in a way that her husband was not (proof positive that her husband was being an asshole. Then again, as far as Mary was concerned, it would be real hard to match Vin Tanner). To that end, he and several buddies jumped Vin as he left Adriana's dorm a few weeks later, administering a beating that landed Vin in the hospital. Eventually, Boudreau and his cronies ended up in a shoot-out with the Richmonds, Vin, and Adriana.
As they headed down the hill to Splashus Maximus, Mary wondered if she should tell Adriana what she had learned after doing research for her father-in-law ... that Will and Charlotte Richmond were slated to arrive at the SGC in a few short weeks. She had learned in the last few years that the husband-and-wife team had been good friends with Adriana in Texas, and she had debated about telling Adriana that she would see her friends soon. However, she decided against it, when she realized what a can of worms that would open up.
No ... besides, she was sure it would be a wonderful surprise for Adriana. In more ways than one, as Mary had discovered that the biologist who would be traveling with the Richmonds had been Adriana's college roommate for two and a half years, Dr. Carly Tucker. Adriana would be going on that mission to smooth things over, since Richmond (Will) had a reputation for being abrasive. SG-1 and SG-7 would be escorting the new scientists to their outpost, where they would begin their studies.
Mary grinned to herself as they came within sight of Splashus Maximus. It looks like we have ourselves a modern day wagon train, she thought. But instead of bandits, outlaws and renegades, we have to worry about Gou'ald and Jaffa. Besides, their tour isn't permanent. They'll be there for three months, then turn over their work to the next batch of scientists. And, as always, there were back-ups.
For example, Carly Tucker's back-up was Dr. Richard O'Shea, a noted biologist. He was the back-up, rather than the primary, because SGC needed people willing to think past what they thought they knew ... who were willing to think past the obvious. Carly fit that bill far better than Dickie O'Shea, from what her father-in-law had told her. Mary grinned ruefully, realizing that Adriana's stories had rubbed off on her, as she found herself thinking of the young biologist by her first name, rather than as 'Dr. Tucker.'
There was one other thing, one other reason why Carly Tucker received the biologist spot over Dr. O'Shea. Will Richmond knew both of them, and while he and Carly tangled, Carly was better able to deal with the short-tempered archaeologist than O'Shea was. O'Shea and Richmond were like oil and matches. An explosive combination. Carly and Richmond were more like oil and water ... they didn't mix, but they didn't explode either.
Mary sighed ... well, that particular mission looked interesting. She hoped she would get to go through the Gate. She had asked General Hammond if she could go along as an observer. Rather than his normal answer ('maybe next time, Captain'), he had looked at her thoughtfully and replied, "Let me take a look, and I'll let you know, Captain."
"Hey, Mare ... time to stop woolgathering. Do you want me to pay for this one?" Adriana asked, drawing Mary back to the present. Mary forced a smile and looked at her friend. Today, she didn't look like an archaeologist. She didn't even really look like an adult. With her hair pulled back into a ponytail and dressed in her bathing suit and shorts, she looked closer to Casey's age than to her own twenty-seven years.
"I got it ... you got my lunch and Billy's, so it's only fair. Just out of curiosity, do you know why the general asked to borrow the soundtrack to Gladiator last night? It's not like we had a CD player in either of the vans," Mary asked. Her friend shrugged, but it was clear that it wasn't something which greatly concerned Adriana. Thinking it through, it didn't bother Mary either, and she turned her attention to something far more important ... getting out the money for the water balloons. Which would help her thoroughly douse Chris Larabee!
George Hammond was feeling positively wicked. When he had asked to borrow the soundtrack for Gladiator the previous night, it was because the score had taken his breath away. However, an idea had occurred to him during lunch, after he had heard someone note that the kids manning the Splashus Maximus had a CD player with them. He would wait outside with SG-1, while SG-7 took their turn ... and when the battle began, so would the music.
It had been decided that Buck Wilmington and JD Dunne would engage Vin Tanner and Chris Larabee in a duel to the death with water balloons. As the teens passed the buckets to the participating members, Hammond noted a whispered consultation between Mary Travis and Adriana Wilmington. It didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that the pair planned to find an advantageous position, and then ambush Tanner and Larabee, in the name of a wet T-shirt contest.
Good lord, he was starting to sound like Standish! Who was currently being dragged to station by Cassie Frasier. Hammond stifled a chuckle. The man looked like he was being dragged to the gallows, instead of a game. Of course, that was probably due as much to Hammond threatening him with a court martial (again) if he didn't participate, as his desire to preserve what was left of his dignity. And after the earful they got at lunch, there wasn't much.
Personally, Hammond would have waited to play back the tape. However, he couldn't argue that those two (Tanner and Dr. Wilmington) knew Standish better than he did. And they probably knew enough to watch their backs. The negotiator shuffled to a station with a decidedly hangdog expression. Until he saw an unoccupied station, and an evil smile appeared. Hammond followed the angle, and realized it was another good ambush site to pelt Tanner with water balloons. It looked like payback had already begun.
At least for Tanner, although Dr. Wilmington would have to watch her own back. As the two remaining teams took their places, Hammond approached the teenagers who were putting the cash away. In a low voice, the general asked, "Could you put this CD in, kids? Put it to the thirteenth track ... mood music for the entertainment you're about to receive." The girl, whose name tag identified her as 'Shelagh, Ireland,' took the CD with a curious expression.
A curious expression which gave way to a smirk, as she retorted with a soft Irish lilt, "Sure, and I think we can do that for ya!" The boy took the Gladiator CD from her hands, and began laughing. Hammond became aware of O'Neill peering over his shoulder as the CD was removed from its jewel case. He wasn't the only one. The rest of SG-1 were crowded around him, and Hammond glared at his flagship team. A sea of innocent stares was his reward. Not that he bought it. He knew this team entirely too well.
"You, General, are wicked ... this is gonna be fun," Janet Frasier observed with a laugh. General Hammond grinned at her, then leaned over to quietly request that the music begin when the first balloon was fired. The kids nodded their agreement, both sets of eyes sparkling with laughter. Hammond guessed this was the first time they had such a request, and they had every intention to have as much fun as possible.
"That is the composition which was utilized in the arena, was it not, General?" Teal'c asked. Major Carter nodded with a grin, her blue eyes twinkling with amusement. The Jaffa inclined his head, adding, "I believed it was so. I recalled O'Neill behaving as if he was conducting a symphony with the music." O'Neill glared at the big man, who simply raised an inquiring eyebrow, as if questioning the colonel's annoyance with him.
However, after all these years, Teal'c knew Jack well enough to understand exactly what he had done. O'Neill turned back, shrugging as if to say, 'yeah? So what?' Hammond offered him a bland smile, and turned his attention back to the players. Several of them were still putting their balloons in the catapults. Except JD Dunne, who wore an unholy grin. Hammond murmured to the kids, "Get ready."
Half a second later, the first balloon was launched. Dunne pulled on the rubber-band powered catapult, as far back as he could ... and then released it. Splat! Chris Larabee was promptly doused in water. The strains of the battle music could be heard, and even from where he was standing, Hammond could just about see Larabee's green eyes narrow. The balloon had been loaded into the catapult. Larabee leaned over and whispered something to Tanner, who nodded. Billy Travis was scooped into Larabee's arms as Tanner moved into position.
And then balloons were flying, even as Tanner prepared to let loose his first volley. Two hit at the same time, one from Mary Travis and Adriana Wilmington, the other from Cassie Frasier and Ezra Standish. They broke on impact on opposing sides of the board. Chris Larabee ducked over Billy protectively, as Vin Tanner was soaked through. The sharpshooter wiped away the water running down his face, his smile promising retribution to both teams. He was a sharpshooter for a reason, after all. The first balloon he sent out was a perfect hit, directly over Standish and Cassie.
The teenager squealed as the water poured over her. And Tanner continued his barrage, firing them out as quickly as Larabee and Billy could load them into the catapult. The other teams were giving as good as they got, with Mary and Adriana working as a team. On that team's second shot, Adriana sent out a balloon, but it fell short of its intended mark, splattering the team next door, Nathan and Josiah, rather than Vin and Chris.
The young archaeologist had flashed the pair a rueful smile, and from that time forward, Mary fired the balloons, while Adriana loaded them. Vin's shots were perfectly aimed, and always hit the target. Of course, this wasn't a situation where he could avoid getting wet. None of them could. However, if he was keeping track, Hammond would have had to say that Tanner would win if this was a contest between that team and Dunne and Wilmington.
It wasn't because Wilmington was less skilled than Tanner, but rather because the big major kept getting distracted by pretty ladies as they walked past ... and his shots ended up going wide. Sometimes, very wide. The small group huddled around the desk, almost got splattered more than once, because Wilmington was paying attention to the ladies, rather than what he was doing. Much to Dunne's chagrin.
However, eventually, they all ran out of balloons, and SG-7 emerged from the playing field, soaked to the skin and laughing like children. Hammond was pleased to note that the last member of the SG-7 returned as the next track began. If nothing else, he could say that his seventh team had excellent timing. It was something Standish often teased Tanner about. Mr. Tanner and his impeccable timing, Standish had been known to say on more than one occasion.
Adriana Wilmington approached the general with a grin, saying, "Well, I see you put my CD to good use. That was a great idea, wish I had thought of it. That's fine though ... gotta figure out how Ezra's gonna get back at me, since he's already had his payback with Vin." Hammond laughed and patted her wet shoulder as she headed over to join the others as SG-1 received their buckets.
They would be playing with civilians, not affiliated with any member of the SGC. It would be Jackson and O'Neill with Carter and Frasier. Cassie would be going back in, partnered with Teal'c. Hammond told the teenagers as his people filed onto the field, taking up where their compatriots had left off, "Put it on track three, the initial battle." The pair did as he asked, both still grinning broadly.
And George Hammond decided that even if they did nothing else, this day had been worth it all. Worth listening to Ezra Standish's complaints, worth the continued harassment from Senator Kinsey, worth the Washington heat. It had been a good day. Until today, until lunch time, when he had seen everyone laughing and joking, he hadn't realized how badly these two teams needed down time, and he decided that when he got back, he would authorize as much vacation time for the remaining teams as he could within the constraints.
For now, however, he simply leaned against the table while the civilians filtered in. This would be a different game, than the one involving SG-7.
Hammond wondered briefly if he should have told O'Neill to take it easy on the civilians. Then he dismissed the thought. O'Neill was a lot of things ... competitive, sure. And where the Gou'ald were concerned, he could be ruthless. But this was a game, not a war. O'Neill was a good sport with other military personnel (except Maybourne). He could trust O'Neill to behave himself ... couldn't he?
AUTHOR'S NOTE: The movie which JD makes reference to in this section, with the quote about getting between a lioness and her cubs, is Survive the Night, a USA pictures from around 1990
After they were finished with Splashus Maximus, it was decided that they would split up again. They would meet back in 'Ireland' at six pm, giving them four and a half hours to roam the park more. JD would go with Adriana and Vin, after receiving a promise from Ezra to carry through on his prank. Ezra and Buck would disappear with the Greer ladies.
And, if for some reason, the rendezvous in 'Ireland' went awry, did everyone where they were parked? They did ... the section of the parking lot labeled Italy. And for every person who didn't know exactly where they were parked, they were with someone who did. In JD's case, he would be with two someones. As a tracker/guide, Vin made a habit of noting where they parked. As an archaeologist, Adriana did the same. And really, as a cartographer, so did JD, but he was on vacation at the moment. It wasn't ingrained, the way it was with the two elders.
JD, however, had entirely too much sense to refer to his two new companions as 'elders.' While they were five years older than he was, it was only five years. Five years, compared to the sixteen year age difference between himself and Buck ... eighteen between himself and Chris ... so on and so forth. They were a lot closer in age to JD. But they were still older than he was. Although, based on what he had heard at lunch, they could get just as young and silly as Billy or Cassie. Maybe even more so.
Chris, Mary, and Billy would remain together, as would the other teams. And JD had noted before the groups split up again, that SG-1 would be with the same teams as before. It was just SG-7. On the other hand, Josiah always pointed out that SG-7 was unique, even within the rather unique world of the SGC. To which, Nathan had responded, 'aside from JD's ability to end up in the infirmary.' JD had glared at Nathan, which only served to make the medic laugh. JD really needed to work on his glare.
As he walked away with Adriana and Vin, with the expressed purpose of spending more time on the rides than watching his companion flirt, JD went through the details of his plan in his mind. Ezra had been the easy part ... playing practical jokes on Buck was almost as much fun as playing practical jokes on Chris for the negotiator. And in some ways, even more fun, because Buck's glare or glower lasted all of ten seconds, then he would start laughing.
The participant in this which had surprised JD was Mary. Then again, in the last few years, he had found out that she had a wicked sense of humor. And more recently, he had found out about the role she played in getting Adriana to the SGC. She was one sneaky lady. He had told her as much while they were drying off, and after she had agreed to his request. She had just smirked and whispered, "Don't tell Chris that. That'll spoil the surprise." Eeep.
Olivia, JD knew he could trust to play her part. JD chuckled under his breath. That little gal was something else ... he couldn't quite figure out what yet, but she was definitely something else. Olivia had reminded him of a little cub, trying to protect the lioness. What was that B-grade movie he had been watching when Adriana had invited him to a 'movie night' at her place with Vin? He couldn't remember the title, but he did remember a great line, about the first rule of the jungle ... 'don't ever get between a lioness and her cubs.'
This was backward. Olivia didn't appreciate anyone messing with her mama. And while the little girl didn't tell JD much about her early life, JD didn't need to hear it. He could see it, in her behavior. She and Terry were all that the other had in the world, and neither were about to give up the other. JD could tell ... he and his mother had been the same way. And based on what he had heard during the last three years, it seemed the same had been true of Vin and his mother.
"So, boys, where should we start? JD, I hope you like roller coaster rides ... I hate them, and Vin loves them," Adriana observed as they headed back down the hill. JD had suggested one of the rapids rides when they got back from the Splashus Maximus ... right up until the time the three got a look at the line. JD had glanced at Vin, who had turned very pale. He had swallowed hard. A glance passed between JD and Adriana ... the archaeologist took one arm, JD took the other, and the pair swung Vin around and headed away from the ride.
"Reckon the water ride are gonna be right nasty, but there ain't a one that ain't gonna be long. Drina, if JD likes roller coasters, ya plannin' on sittin' on the bench to wait for us?" Vin asked. She nodded and Vin's blue eyes twinkled as he teased, "Chicken." Adriana glowered at him, but didn't flip him off. This time. However, a sly, almost malevolent, smile appeared. A smile that seemed to make Vin very, very nervous.
"I never claimed to be anything other than a chicken, Kevin. And I would have thought that you'd be grateful that I don't plan on going on any roller coasters, especially since you accused me of trying to break your hand last time ... unless ... " Adriana began. She cocked her head to one side, and that smile grew ever wider. She continued after a moment, "Unless, of course, you ... enjoyed ... my attempts to break your hand. I never thought you were that interested in holding my hand." JD swallowed hard ... ouch! Ouch? What was so ouch about that? Uh, he would figure that out in a minute.
It was 'ouch' because Vin's face, which had been so very pale only a few minutes earlier, was now bright red. Fire engine red, even. He strode ahead, muttering under his breath about damn smart-ass gals, and what the hell was that supposed to mean? It was so unlike Vin, JD could only gape at the serene young woman who still walked by his side. He had no idea where the words came from, but he blurted out, "Why exactly do you use foods when you're describing the color of Vin's hair? That's the last time I saw him that red."
"The last ... oh. Oh, okay, I understand. The last time you saw Vin that red was when I finally told Vin why women tend to use foods when they talk about his hair ... dark honey, butterscotch, so on and so forth. And you want to know?" Adriana asked. JD nodded. Adriana looked at him questioningly, repeating, "Are you sure you want to know?" Again, the cartographer nodded, and Adriana said, "Okay ... I told him it's because women tend to think he looks good enough to eat." It took a minute for the words to process in JD's brain. Then ...
"Oh ... oh! Oh, I really did not need that image in my head, Adriana! I mean ... man! Now I wish you hadn't told me!" JD blurted out. Adriana threw back her head and laughing. And on reflection, JD could see what was so funny. Still ... JD shuddered. No, he definitely didn't need that image in his mind. He shook his head and added, "Damn. Remind me never to forget that you really are Buck's sister!"
Adriana laughed again and replied, "Well, you did ask." That he had, and he was now wishing he hadn't. She indicated Vin with a bob of her head, adding, "And we better pick up our pace, or he'll leave us behind." JD shook his head, even though he knew she was right, and followed her to join their companion. There was one thing that was bothering him ... if Ezra was helping him with the practical joke on Buck, would Ez have told him if he would need JD's help to get Adriana back for her part in the lunchtime silliness?
AUTHOR'S NOTE: The character of Galen who appears briefly in this section is based on an actual child, who did indeed to threaten to beat someone's butt. The little boy in question had found out that his half brother was being abused by his mother, which thoroughly enraged the little boy. He was all of four at the time. Given what we know of Ezra's background, it seemed perfect.
As soon as JD mentioned the photo place where he wanted Ezra to pull the prank, the negotiator knew exactly what JD's plan was. He had seen similar cardboard cutouts all over the park ... well, it probably wasn't cardboard, but that was beside the point. He had noticed them, and he had, in fact, been counting his blessings that neither of his newly juvenile companions had expressed a desire to take part in that.
On the other hand, it didn't surprise him in the least that Buck Wilmington himself would enjoy such a pastime. Colonel O'Neill often concurred with anyone who mentioned that there were times when he could have sworn Adriana was Chris Larabee's younger sister, rather than Buck Wilmington's. After this weekend, no one would think that way anymore.
And it did cross his mind ... why exactly didn't Adriana try to drag him, and Vin, to one of those atrocities? Unless she hated them as much as he did, though that was hard for Ezra to believe. Maybe she simply hadn't noticed them? No, that wasn't particularly believable either. The way that girl's head had been turning, pointing things out to Vin, Ezra had half-expected her head to turn all the way around, ala Linda Blair in 'The Exorcist.' Well, it didn't really matter. She hadn't dragged him to one of those things, for which he was very grateful.
Which brought his mind right back to JD's evil little plan. The boy had persuaded Mary Travis to take part as well ... Ezra didn't know what her role in this little drama was. However, he had a very good imagination. It was an absolute necessity, in his line of work ... the first one. And he thought he had a pretty good idea what JD had asked her to do. What he had to figure out, regarding the lovely captain, was whether he should include her in his own plot. He had already gotten his payback against Vin ... Adriana was getting hers now. The question was, since Captain Travis had provided Satan and his consort with that dreadful tape player, should he include her in the payback?
He didn't know yet. Something to consider for a later date, perhaps when she wasn't expecting it? That was a lovely idea. Now. Back to the current problem, Ezra thought, mentally scolding himself for losing focus twice within just a few seconds. His former companions had an unfortunate effect on his behavior and his ability to concentrate. Of course, that may have also been due to the fact that he had his brains scrambled by the roller coaster.
In which case, it was still partially the fault of his two erstwhile companions. Satisfied with his current ability to maintain his concentration, at least for the moment, Ezra turned his attention to his part in JD's prank. It shouldn't be too hard to persuade Buck to get his picture taken in the atrocious cutout. That was just the sort of thing which appealed to his friend. The thing which did concern him was Olivia's part in this little comedy.
How on earth would she make Buck's face contort in the necessary way? Ezra winced, thinking that one through. Okay. Maybe he really didn't want to know. Even at such a young age, females were unholy terrors. Deadly even. Especially little girls like Olivia, who was so intent on looking out for her mother. Ezra had only to remember some of the tortures he had dreamed up as a little boy, for anyone who dared to hurt his own mother, to wince once more.
Why did no one ever consider what natural protectors children were? Some of the most protective people he had ever known were children, himself included. Oh, most certainly, children could be breathtakingly cruel ... Ezra knew that from personal experience as well. But when it came to taking care of someone they loved, children could be just as grimly determined as any parent. Why did so many ignore that?
Ezra remembered one painful episode in his past, when he was about nine. He preferred not to think about that time of his life, since the people he had been living with had made it very clear they wanted no part of him. Only the money which his mother gave him while they were looking out for them. However, there had been one bright spot. Galen. After a particularly brutal day, the four year old Galen had arrived with his parents and elder brother, Dane.
When little Galen had realized that Ezra's foster parents had hurt him, the child had angrily vowed to 'beat their butts.' Only the intervention of Galen's parents had saved the couple with whom Ezra was living at the time from the wrath of a four year old. Maybe the child was ultimately powerless in the games played by adults ... then again, Galen's parents had been just as enraged, and spent as much time with him as they could before Maude took Ezra once again.
But that hadn't been the point. Galen's anger for him had touched Ezra's heart. Here was this little boy, five years younger than himself, determined to stand up for him. There were other children, who weren't nearly as kind as Galen, who devoted as much time to tormenting Ezra as Galen spent healing his spirit. But he had never forgotten that little boy. And while he doubted he would ever have children, Ezra had decided that if the unbelievable did happen eventually, he would name his son 'Galen.' Galen Standish. That had a nice ring to it.
He didn't realize he was staring into space, didn't realize he had gotten lost in the past, until Olivia shook his hand urgently and whispered, "Ezra! We're there!" Ezra snapped back to the present. They were indeed there ... and, in fact, Buck had arranged himself in the ... whatever that was. It was the tradition, he understood, to smile like an idiot while someone was taking your picture. Except, because of Buck's height, he was rather uncomfortable, turning his body this way and that like a pretzel.
Half of their job was already done ... well, one-fourth at least. He still didn't look as...pained...as he should. Ezra studied his friend with interest. Hmm. How could they change that? Whatever he decided on, his plan had to include Olivia. That was, as JD would put it, a gimme. For a moment, he wished he had brought either Satan or his consort with him, as one of those two would have had a wonderful idea. They were evil like that.
Well, Ezra P Standish was nothing if not resourceful. And that vague grimace now darkening Buck's face simply would not do. Not if they were to pull this prank off properly, and if they weren't going to do it properly, what was the point of doing it at all? As his mother would have said, appearances were everything. Appearances. What had happened last month, when Buck had made that godawful face?
Oh ... yes. Now he remembered. A smile of pure evil appeared on the negotiator's face. He told his companion, "Olivia, my dear girl, what I'm about to ask of may be difficult, but I have no doubt you can do it. It does, after all, come with the God-given gifts which every female receives." Olivia blinked at him, and Ezra leaned forward. It took only a few words whispered in the child's ear, before an unholy grin lit up her small face, and her eyes sparkled with mischief.
"I can do that, Ezra. I've wanted to do that, ever since he started lookin' at my mama like that, but JD wouldn't let me. But that's not where I wanted to do it," Olivia replied, her face contorting with disgust. Well, the position of the pinch was up for negotiation ... the pinch itself was not. Hmmm. Where else? Well, he could always leave it up to his small companion. She was rather imaginative. Most children of that age, whether they were male or female, were. And it had been his experience that those children who kept those imaginations well into their adulthood were the lucky ones. Ezra hoped Olivia was one of those lucky ones.
"Well, then, my dear ... I shall leave that to your discretion. You may pinch Major Wilmington wherever your heart desires. I am sure you have far greater experience than I in such matters," Ezra said. From what he had heard, the little girl actually threw punches a lot more than she pinched, but that wasn't the point. Olivia grinned wickedly, and Ezra decided it was probably best the little girl made the decision of where to put the pinch. The idea of a little girl pinching a grown man's behind made Ezra shudder, now that he thought of it. She should use her God-given gifts, indeed!