The Tegan Chronicles 1
The New Kid Series 1
The New Kid
"Dr. Fraiser." General Hammond greeted from the doorway, as his CMO snapped to attention. "As you were, Major ."
Janet relaxed and looked to the lithe five foot ten, figure standing beside him.
"This is Major Kiser, she will be training with SG1 for the next month and presumably will replace Major Ratcliff on SG4. She will also be a float to SG12." General Hammond introduced the young looking redhead, who stood rigidly beside him.
"SG12 sir?" It was better than stuttering out the 'major?' Tegan looked all of 18 years old to Janet.
"Yes, Doctor. Don't worry, I'll be sure you get to check out her sleeve before I let her jump with your medical team." Hammond reassured, although he didn't need Janet's opinion. SG12 never jumped with out a tactical team to assist them, and if she didn't give approval he could always give Major Kiser a temporary assignment with said tactical team.
"Yes, sir." Janet looked to the redhead once more, this time noticing her striking green eyes. They were an unworldly color, well at least a nonhuman color. She wasn't sure how anyone could miss those eyes, but she certainly had on first glance. "Were you just giving her the grand tour, or was there something else sir?"
He glared momentarily at the sarcasm in her comment. Some days he wasn't sure who was worse, Fraiser or O'Neill? "Actually, there is. I was wondering if you could fit the Major here in for a complete physical today and clear her for a jump tomorrow."
"I've actually got an opening in an hour, assuming SG7 doesn't come back early."
"Very well, that gives me just enough time to introduce her to SG1." As General Hammond turned to leave, Janet noticed the redhead quietly taking in her short stature. Something about her gaze made her feel something, she wasn't sure what, but it was an intense feeling none the less.
"I'll see you in an hour Major."
"Yes, ma'am." She turned on her heel and followed Hammond down the hall.
Janet wished General Hammond had let her know about the new Major before her arrival on base. Unlike some people, she did read her memos religiously, and there was no mention of a new member in the SGC. And just why was she training under SG1? SG4 was capable of training their own members.
"As you were." General Hammond nodded to SG1 as he entered the conference room. Daniel Jackson looked up briefly from a rubbing SG9 had brought back from planet P2X-919 two days ago. He didn't see the newest addition to the SGC standing several feet behind Hammond's imposing frame, and instead of waiting for the Major's entrance he went back to his own little world.
Teal'c raised a customary eyebrow seeing a hint of movement behind the General. Sam remained standing; wanting to meet the Major she had heard so much about. She had actually seen her on several occasions; never close enough to have much of an opinion on her. But she'd been able to attend a couple of her lectures. Sam was also well aware of her work in human and animal pathology, among other things.
Jack already knew all there was to know about the new Major except of course what she looked like. Sure he had seen her military photo but they can often be outdated. Then there was her personality; military records didn't convey all that much in the way of personality. While he normally interviewed possible personnel along with Hammond, he had been off world dealing with a Goa'uld crisis when Kiser had come in to meet with Hammond. Not that he didn't trust the General's judgment, but did they really need any more brainy women roaming the halls?
General Hammond stepped the rest of the way into the conference room, allowing SG1 their first real look at the newest addition to the SGC. Jack had to bite his tongue to keep from wolf-whistling aloud. His brain started flipping through different names of Greek goddesses. Professional, he noticed her demeanor and quickly snapped back into his role as Colonel.
"This is Major Kiser." General Hammond introduced the new officer. "Major, this is Colonel Jack O'Neill."
"Colonel." She snapped to an attentive salute.
"A hand shake would be just fine." Jack loosely saluted her off.
"Sir." She offered a firm handshake before snapping her hand back to her side.
Jack hoped she would lighten up before tomorrow's jump.
"This is Major Samantha Carter." The General turned to Sam, who had stepped around the table and was already offering her hand.
"Our paths have crossed before." Sam noted quietly as the Major shook her outstretched hand. "I've actually been a fan of your research. Some of your theories are quite interesting."
The redhead again snapped her hand to her side, unsuccessful at hiding the flush of embarrassment that flooded her face.
"I think it's her theories that helped her get this job." Daniel muttered, as he finally looked up to see those alien-esc green orbs turn to him. "I'm Dr. Daniel Jackson."
"And this is Teal'c."
"It is a pleasure to meet you Major Kiser." Teal'c inclined his head.
"Major Kiser has already been apprised of tomorrow's mission, so you are all dismissed." General Hammond turned to face her. "Major Kiser, don't forget your appointment with Doctor Fraiser in half an hour."
"Yes sir."
"Major Kiser, if I could have a word with you." Colonel O'Neill requested with more professionalism than General Hammond had ever witnessed in Jack.
"Just make sure she isn't late getting to the infirmary Colonel." General Hammond's tone warned of more than just the Colonel making her tardy for a physical. "Major Carter, if I can see you in my office in ten."
"Yes, sir." Sam nodded, as Daniel and Teal'c filed out of the room.
Jack waited until the room had cleared before shutting the door. "Please Major, have a seat. Take a load off."
Major Kiser sat rigidly in the chair, and again Jack hoped she would lighten up. Military or no, her posture was a little too perfect. Of course he thought her figure, on the other hand, was just right. He shook his head lightly trying not to think about such things, for so many logical reasons. From her perfect military image, he currently assumed she was nothing like Sam, and probably all bitch. Which was just fine, since she would only be attached to his team for a month. It would save him from having to take cold showers for the next four weeks. "I've read over your service record, it seems impeccable."
"Thank you, sir." She responded lightly, another blush creeping up from her neck.
When she did that, Jack couldn't help think she wasn't all bitch and this was going to be a hard month. "Major Carter is one of the only women at SGC who regularly goes on off world missions."
Great, a chauvinistic pig. The Major chided herself silently; she never was one to jump to conclusions about people.
"Which, is one of the reasons you are training with SG1."
"Permission to speak freely, sir?"
"Of course." Jack nodded, as he slumped back into his chair.
"I was under the impression my training session with SG1 was to see if I cut the mustard in your book, or if I was too girly to be making jumps. In which case, I would be assigned a nice little lab job where I could stare at four walls while waiting for the real soldiers to bring back the specimens."
Ok, so maybe she was one hundred percent bitch after all. Jack saw the greens in her eyes shifting, and wondered exactly what species of animal or alien her parents had been. "As I stated, I've read your file. I don't think there will be a problem with you transferring to SG4. But you're right, ultimately I will be the one responsible for letting General Hammond know if you are up to the task or not. Before you inform me, I am already aware of your flight hours, your combat and your medical hours."
"Sir," Major Kiser looked down at her watch. "Speaking of medical."
"You're right, Doctor Fraiser doesn't like to be kept waiting. In fact she keeps extra long needles for those patients who are tardy." Jack grimaced, but didn't quite get the shock factor he'd been going for. He mentally smacked his forehead, having momentarily forgotten the Major had gone to medical school. "That reminds me, Doctor, why aren't you practicing medicine?"
"Sir?"
"You have a medical degree, and license, why not use it?"
"I am using it sir, just in a different capacity than you are used to." She tried to keep the condescending tone out of her voice.
"I should probably walk you down to the infirmary, and give my apologies to Dr. Fraiser for making her wait." Jack stood up and led the way.
Janet looked at her watch for the tenth time in five minutes. General Hammond had brought the new Major's medical records to her before meeting with Sam. She'd finished scanning them for the significant items and now waited impatiently for her patient who was ten minutes late.
"Hey Doc."
"Colonel?" Janet looked up surprised to hear his voice in the infirmary. He only stopped in if he or one of his team was on death's doormat. Her eyes landed on the attractive woman beside him, and her expression softened slightly.
"Just delivering your patient." He gestured toward the attractive redhead. "It's my fault she's late, so you can put away the big needles."
"I'll just add them to the dull ones I'm saving for you Colonel."
"Very funny." Jack looked around the room suddenly aware of where he was. "I… uh… think I hear Daniel calling."
Janet shook her head as he took off. "If you'll step into exam room one and put on the gown in there, I'll be in shortly."
"Yes, ma'am." She responded before heading in the direction Janet had pointed. She made mental note that it was in fact the only exam room.
She quickly stripped down to her regulation underwear and slipped on the thin cloth gown. At least it was better than the flimsy paper gown she'd worn for her last physical, but not by much. Unfortunately most patient gowns left little to the imagination. Something she had learned from being on both sides of the cloth. A quiet knock broke into her thoughts. "Come in."
"I see you didn't have any problems." Janet smiled lightly.
"I am capable of dressing myself." She shot back without thinking. She quickly ducked her head. "Sorry, ma'am."
"Don't be, and please don't call me ma'am. We are both majors."
"Yes, ma'am. Sorry." She blushed. "It's just a habit."
"I understand." Janet pulled out her stethoscope and a blood pressure cuff. "Before you ask, I like to do everything for myself, especially for an officer's first physical here."
"I understand." She wondered if Dr. Fraiser was half the perfectionist she was.
"If I can have your arm Major?"
"Tegan." She kicked herself silently.
"I'm sorry." Janet's brow wrinkled and Tegan couldn't help but think she looked kind of cute like that.
"Tegan, it's my first name." She smiled softly for the first time. "Don't ask what my parents were smoking at the time."
"I like it." Janet noticed Tegan was holding her arm out for her. She quickly placed the blood pressure cuff on her arm and got a reading. "You're blood pressure's 180 over 110."
"White coat syndrome." Tegan shrugged.
"Seriously?" Janet didn't remember reading anything about hypertension in her chart.
Tegan shook her head negatively. "Um, stress?"
"Stress?" Janet wouldn't have been able to read that one on her even if there had been road signs.
"I usually don't fly into the state, arrive on base, find out I'm 'jumping off world' in under twenty-four hours, get the grand tour, meet my CO and respective co-workers, and have a complete physical by the CMO, no less; All in under…" Tegan glanced at her watch as she finally stopped to take a breath. "Five hours."
"You've been here five hours?"
"On base, no. I've been on base just under three hours. I've been in the state for five." Tegan answered with a lilt of humor to her tone, although she was completely serious.
"I see." Janet's brows knitted together in thought. "Let's get your physical completed and we'll go from there."
"Is she cleared to jump tomorrow?" Hammond asked when Janet appeared in his doorway. Something told him she wasn't there with good tidings.
"Sir, permission to speak freely." Janet stepped in and closed the door.
"Of course." He thought she would despite his approval.
"Do you really think it is wise for Major Kiser to be going off world in less than 26 hours from arriving on base sir?"
"SG1 has planned this mission for two weeks, it's a simple artifact retrieval jump."
"I understand that sir, but I believe Major Kiser is overwhelmed with having just arrived in the state, let lone on base."
General Hammond let out a sigh. "She was under the impression she would have a week to settle in and find her way around before going off world. But I'd rather not give Colonel O'Neill a chance to second guess having her here."
"Sir?"
"Forget I said anything doctor." He hadn't meant to say that last part out loud. "Is Major Kiser cleared for the mission or not?"
"No, sir she isn't." Janet answered.
"What seems to be the problem?"
"Her blood pressure is elevated from everything she's had to do in a short time today. Now assuming it is back to normal in the morning, I will release her. Until that time she has no business going through the gate."
"Very well doctor." Hammond tried to hide his frustration with her medical opinion, unfortunately when it came to medical matters it wasn't his place to try and override her.
"How old is she?" Sam inquired while walking down the hall with Colonel O'Neill.
"Twenty seven, I think." He knew he was old enough to be her father, or close to it.
"And she's already made Major?"
"Do I detect a tone of jealousy?" Jack grinned from ear to ear.
"No sir." Sam gave him a sideways glance. "You?"
"I'm just wondering who she slept with to climb the proverbial ladder so quick."
"Ahem."
Jack's complexion immediately darkened to a deep crimson when he heard the female in question clear her throat from behind him. He quickly pivoted to face her. "Major."
"Colonel." She replied rather curtly, refusing to follow her basic instinct to salute her superior. Under the circumstances she would have much rather back handed him. She looked to Sam none too happy with the out come of the conversation, but realizing the other woman had not made any derogatory comments toward her. She settled her gaze back on her new CO. "Do all men lose their tact and maturity as they 'climb the proverbial ladder,' or did you just get lucky sir?"
"I was… uh… just saying…" Jack stuttered.
"I heard you loud and clear, sir." Tegan kept her temper in check. She was well aware she had already over stepped her bounds, of course Colonel O'Neill's comments had bordered on the side of sexual harassment.
"I don't think he meant for it to come out the way it did." Sam spoke up for her CO. Granted he could be a jerk, but he wasn't all that bad.
"And just how was it supposed to sound, Major?"
For a split second Sam felt like a superior officer rather than someone of the same rank was reprimanding her. She was amazed at the authority Tegan was able to exude, especially considering her age. It was an effect that left her speechless, even if the question had been rhetorical.
Tegan's eyes narrowed onto the Colonel as she stepped close enough for him to hear her lowered voice. "For your information sir, I haven't slept with any one. Not that it's any of your business. And don't think for one second, you can change that, sir."
She stepped back, vaguely aware of Sam's blush indicating she had gotten the gist of the message, even if Jack had not.
"Good day sir, ma'am." Tegan gave a slight nod before turning on her heel, to try and find her way back to her living quarters. She had already had a long day, and from the looks of things the next month was not going to get any better.
"What do you think she meant by that?" Jack looked at Sam, wearing a truly innocent look on his face. However she could see the wheels turning.
"Don't try to read too much in to it sir. I don't think she was telling you she was gay, just that she isn't interested in sleeping with someone old enough to be her grandfather."
"I am not old enough to be her grandfather." Jack feigned horror at the thought.
"Sir, a word of advice. I don't think Major Kiser is going to be as forgiving of your sometimes sexist comments as I am."
"Hey Janet." Sam leaned her tall frame against the door jam.
"Sam, what's up?" Janet looked at Sam's civilian attire; sub-consciously approving of the way her jeans accented her figure, and wondering where the thought had come from.
"Nothing. Wondering if you met the new Major?"
"I have."
"Have you seen her record?"
Janet nodded grinning at the flicker of jealously in Sam's eyes.
"Guess I'm not the resident geek anymore."
"I don't know." Janet smiled. If anyone should feel intimidated by Tegan's education and knowledge base it should be Janet. Of course, since their medical focuses differed, Janet didn't feel any animosity toward the newest SGC member. She was a lot like Sam, smart and beautiful. Again, Janet wondered where the thought had come from. "How many degrees does she have?"
"Four." Sam held up her fingers and rolled her eyes. "She started college at thirteen, can you imagine?"
"It's amazing she's as socially adept as she is."
"She is?" Sam wondered aloud, still not sure what to make of the earlier confrontation. "I haven't had the chance to do more than say hi. Did you notice her eyes?"
"Oh yeah." Janet sighed slightly. "I did her physical Sam, of course I saw them."
"What's up with that?"
"Her eyes?"
"Yeah, are they contacts?"
"No, they're the real thing." Janet thought back to the shifting colors she'd seen while examining her new patient.
"Have you ever seen anything like them before?" Sam could tell by Janet's expression she hadn't.
"No."
"Are we sure she's human?" Sam turned to see Jack standing behind her. "Sorry, I didn't mean to eavesdrop."
"She's very much human, sir." Janet answered from behind her desk, not even trying to hide her humor at his question.
"You're positive?" Jack responded.
"Yes, sir."
"Ok." He shrugged and walked off.
"So how much did he drool when he met her?" Janet asked when she was certain he was gone.
"He managed not to make a fool of himself if you can believe that. Well, initially anyway." Sam looked at her watch. "Aren't you usually gone by now?"
"Cassie's on an over night school trip, so I stayed over to finish some reports."
"General Hammond asked me to help make Kiser feel at home, so I thought I'd see if she wanted to go into town and grab dinner. Want to come along?"
"I hate to intrude."
"You're not intruding. Besides the two of you probably have more in common than she and I do. Plus, I doubt she wants to go to dinner on my Indian."
"She may have driven." Janet threw out. She loved to watch Sam squirm.
"Are you going to make me beg? You know I'm not the best at making friends and being social on my own." Sam silently prayed Janet would agree, since she doubted the new Major would want to dine with her after her conversation with Jack.
"Ok, I'll tag along, but we can't keep her out long. She just flew in this morning and you all are jumping tomorrow."
"I know. General Hammond warned me that he had put her through the ringer in the first few hours she'd been here." Sam smiled. "Shall we go invite her out?"
"Yeah, let me change first?"
"Sure." Sam plopped down in the chair while Janet disappeared to put on a pair of jeans and white t-shirt. She'd planned on staying on base overnight since Cassie was out of town.
"Ready?" Janet asked when she returned.
"Yep." Sam jumped up and headed down to the living quarters. Major Kiser was rooming right next door to her.
A soft knock drew Tegan's attention away from the medical journal she was perusing. She tossed it on the foot of the bed and walked to the door. Opening it a crack she was relieved to find Majors Carter and Fraiser standing there. "Majors."
"It's Sam." Sam gave her one of her heart-warming smiles.
"And Janet."
Tegan smiled tersely. "Was there something you needed?"
Sam blinked at the coolness of the new Major. "Uh, actually we came to see if you were hungry."
"I think I can find the mess hall on my own."
"Actually," Janet responded before Sam could take her comment as a rejection. "We were thinking of going off base, there's this Italian restaurant about ten minutes from base. The service is quick, and the food is to die for."
Tegan looked back at her bunk.
"We'll have you back in an hour and a half tops." Sam promised. Her tone was light hearted and relaxed.
"Uh." Tegan hesitated.
Sam began to wonder what had given Janet the impression she was socially adept. "Major?"
"My name's Tegan." She offered softly, still looking at the medical journal on her bed.
"What ever it is, I'm sure it can wait?" Janet offered.
Tegan opened the door the rest of the way. "Let me grab a pair of shoes and my stuff."
Janet pushed past Sam who still wasn't sure if that was an invitation to enter. After a few seconds she decided to follow Janet's lead, as Tegan pulled out the only pair of non-issue shoes she had. "Sorry my wardrobe is a little limited. The movers should have my stuff here sometime next Monday."
"Do you have a place off base?" Sam watched as she slipped her right foot into a pair of Doc Martens.
"Yeah, I purchased a small bi-level on Maple Avenue."
"You're not too far from me then." Janet looked at the date on the medical journal lying on the bed.
"Really?"
"Yeah, you're actually about half way between Sam and I." Janet pointed to the journal. "I haven't had a chance to read that one yet, anything interesting in it?"
"There's a rather boring article in there on virology." Tegan glanced up shooting Janet a smile.
"I see someone's been doing their homework."
"It's kind of hard not knowing your standing in the world of virology, doctor. As well as Sam's theories on worm hole physics. Which I assume, I will soon learn for myself that your theories have been proven."
Sam raised her eyebrows slightly.
"Unfortunately I haven't had the same luxury to review your personnel records as you've had to review mine. Although, I have enjoyed reading the mission reports." Tegan tied her other shoe securely, and straightened up. Even out of uniform her posture was perfect. "And for the record, Sam, I'm twenty-eight."
Sam blushed and nodded. "Thanks."
"So, who's driving?" Tegan reached for her keys. She'd left her custom Ducati Monster S4R in town when she'd come to sign on her house. She'd picked it up that morning before coming to base, and doubted very much either one of these ladies would want to ride it.
"Janet's got her car here." Sam smiled.
"And your car?"
"It's at home, I rode my Indian in today."
Ok, so she was wrong. She had wondered who the Indian she'd parked next to that morning belonged to. It was obvious the bike was well cared for.
"I wish you would get rid of that thing."
"It's not a thing, Janet."
"And what am I supposed to tell Cassie when you wipe out on it, and end up dead?"
"I'm very careful and you know it."
"Who is Cassie?" Tegan inquired, wondering why Janet would have to explain anything to her.
"Cassandra, my adopted…" Janet trailed off as Tegan raised her hand.
"Sorry, I remember the story behind her. I should have put two and two together."
"Of course." Janet realized that the classified reports Tegan had been given would have told her about Cassie's origin. "We should get going."
When they reached the parking complex Sam pointed to her Indian, explaining that it was a motorcycle and not a Native American.
"I am well aware of what an Indian is." Tegan smiled when Sam's eyes grew as big as dinner plates.
"Now that's a bike…"
"It's a Ducati Monster."
"Yours?" Janet asked, already knowing the answer.
"Yes."
"Can I touch it?" Sam asked like a little kid in a pet store. Janet was just glad Jack wasn't around to hear that question.
Tegan nodded as Sam was drawn to the bike.
"Now we know why your blood pressure's high." Janet's voice was just loud enough for the redhead beside her to hear.
"Not likely." Tegan responded, before turning her full attention on the five foot nine blonde. "Sam, you promised to have me back to my quarters in an hour and a half. Not to mention I don't want drool on my bike."
"Very funny, Tegan." The blonde looked up.
There was something about the way Sam said her first name that sent a shiver down her back. She didn't need any more complications in her life. Being assigned to the SGC was excitement enough, for now. Besides she was straight, wasn't she? Tegan tucked that question into the back of her mind.
Tegan was impressed with the crowd the small restaurant drew for a weeknight. Most places like this were dead, unless it was dinnertime on a weekend. She picked up her menu as Sam sat down in the booth beside Janet. "Any suggestions?"
"The lasagna is great." Janet mentioned as the waiter arrived to take their drink orders. "I'll have a diet coke."
"Um…" Sam scanned the drink list. "Lemonade."
"Ice water with lemon." Tegan closed her menu having decided.
"Would you like me to take your food orders now?"
"That would be fine." Janet answered as Tegan nodded she was ready. "I'll take the lasagna with meat sauce and a house salad with thousand island on the side."
"Caesar Salad, and the pasta primavera." Sam tapped her short nails on the table.
"I'll take the vegetarian lasagna, and a house salad. Lemon, no dressing." Tegan handed her menu to the waiter.
Tegan was fairly quiet for the majority of the evening, mainly speaking when directly asked questions. Janet attributed it to her not knowing them very well, and maybe a little shyness. Sam on the other hand thought it had something to do with her superior knowledge. She reasoned it wasn't a fair assessment since she was often guarded herself. In fact she really didn't have any friends out side the SGC, and inside there were only a few she trusted completely without question.
As they headed back to the mountain, Sam threw a question over her shoulder to the redhead. "So are you ready for your first jump tomorrow?"
"Actually, I haven't been cleared medically yet."
"I thought you had your physical today. Or did I mishear General Hammond?"
"I had my physical." Tegan answered, grateful that despite the duo's closeness Janet hadn't mentioned her appointment with Sam. Not that she'd expected her to be anything less than professional. Then again hearing the Colonel's earlier comments, she was learning not to expect too much of anyone here. "My blood pressure was a little elevated during my physical."
Sam made a face. "Guess you already found out the CMO rules with an iron fist."
The comment earned a playful swat from Janet. Sam rubbed her thigh.
"Actually, I can't say I would let someone go off world who didn't check out physically."
"Great, just what Janet needs, someone to give her a big head."
"You can always walk back to base Sam." Janet grinned.
"Good morning Tegan." Janet looked up as the lissome Major stepped into the infirmary. "Did you sleep well last night?"
"Yes, thank you Doctor." Tegan answered automatically. There was no need to explain that she never slept well in a new environment. Not to mention the possibility of being medically grounded for her first jump.
"If you just want to have a seat, I'll check that blood pressure for you."
Tegan slipped her field jacket off before sitting down and offering her arm to Janet's awaiting cuff. Janet slipped her stethoscope into her ears and listened to the steady thump. "Looks like you're cleared to jump, Major."
"Thank you, Doctor." Tegan gave a sigh of relief.
"I'll let General Hammond know."
SG1 stepped back into the gate room exactly six and a half hours after they had departed. Despite the particularly boring mission itself, Tegan had enjoyed gate travel, and the thrill of being on a planet that was 2 million light years from earth. She and Sam had decided to forget the entire hallway incident, at least as far as Sam's involvement was concerned. Tegan really hadn't held Jack's comments against the other woman.
Sam apologized once or twice for the dullness of her first mission. She apologized even more for O'Neill's off the wall comments and strange sense of humor, explaining to Tegan she would get used to them just about the time she would be ready to transfer to SG4.
"Newbie gets Doc Fraiser for post." Jack pointed out.
"Actually you all get Warner." Janet glared briefly at Jack before looking Sam and Tegan over. "I just wanted to make sure Major Kiser made it back alright from her first jump before I headed home."
"You worry too much." Jack rolled his eyes.
"When it comes to SG1, it is rare that I worry needlessly."
"We brought her back in one piece Janet." Sam smiled.
"I can see that."
General Hammond cleared his throat having allowed enough friendly chatter to take place. Tegan snapped to attention at the sound, earning a chuckle from Jack. "SG1, report to the infirmary. We'll debrief at 0800 tomorrow."
"Sir?" Jack questioned.
"My granddaughters are in a school play tonight. I promised I would be there if you all came back in one piece."
Tegan was the first one in and out of the infirmary. Jack was the last, and he quickly tracked Sam down. "Carter, let's go grab some grub in the mess."
"I'm really not that hungry, sir."
"Humor me?" Jack raised his eyebrows.
"Yes, sir." She followed him down the hall giving up on a nice hot shower for a little while longer. She grabbed a cup of green Jell-o before joining Jack at a table.
"That kind of reminds me of Kiser's eyes." Jack joked, although he was sure he'd seen that exact same color float through her irises today. Although her eyes were normally more of a subdued yellow-green, that almost glowed.
"You didn't invite me to dinner to talk about Tegan's eyes, did you sir?"
"No, but I did want to talk to you about her."
"Ok."
Jack stuck his fork into the mystery meat lying on his tray. Usually the mess hall served pretty good food, but here lately it left a lot to be desired. "What are your impressions of her?"
"Aside from knowing she doesn't like you too much? From what I've read, she's a heck of a lot smarter than I am."
"I don't think they come smarter than you Sam."
Sam blushed. "Obviously they do."
"I want your opinion, not what you've read." He clarified.
"She owns a Ducati, how bad can she be?"
"Funny." Jack rolled his eyes. "I'm not sure she's a team player."
"In what way?"
"She's too stiff, too quiet and reserved. You saw her when we returned. As soon as Hammond cleared his throat she was standing ramrod, ready to salute. If I hadn't laughed, I'm sure she would have."
"She's career military sir, and this is an intimidating place to be." Sam wrinkled up her face, as she tasted the watered down jell-o. The new cook couldn't even get jell-o right. "Give her some time sir."
"I don't have a choice. General Hammond says she will go on every jump SG1 makes for the next month, unless Fraiser grounds her on medical status."
"Don't hold Hammond's position against her."
"Don't you even wonder why he issued that order?"
"No sir, I think he just knows how opposed you are to change. I also think you'd better be careful about suggesting she's gotten where she is by any other means than her own merit." Sam reminded him. "Can I go now?"
"Do you have a naquada reactor calling your name?"
"More like a hot shower."
"Mmmm. Sounds inviting."
"I wasn't offering."
"I… I didn't mean it that way." For once Jack hadn't had his mind in the gutter.
"Come in." Tegan called from her perch on the bed, when she heard a firm knock on her door.
"Hey." Sam stuck her head of wet hair through the doorway. Tegan had her nose buried deep in some medical text or other.
"Hi, Sam." She responded before she glanced up, green orbs locking on blue.
"Has anyone ever told you how different your eyes are?" Sam wasn't sure where the question had come from, or even how it managed to make it past her lips.
"All the time." Tegan smiled. "And not just from drunk jerks using it as their only pick up line."
"They don't look…"
"Human." Tegan picked up the sentence for her. "I wish I could tell you why my eyes are like this, but I can't. I've done all sorts of DNA and genetic testing, and I still don't know how or why my eyes are this color."
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean…"
"Don't worry about it." Tegan looked back down at the text she'd been immersed in.
"I really just stopped by to see how you were doing after today's jump?"
"I'm doing fine." Tegan yawned. "Actually, I think I am going to finish this chapter and call it a night."
"I'll see you at 0800 then." Sam threw her one of those smiles that melted everyone's heart, straight, gay, male, female, marble statue.
"G'night." Tegan nodded before the door settled back in its frame.
"SG1 report to the Intel room. SG1 report to the Intel room." Tegan glanced at the red glow of her alarm clock. 0110. She jumped out of bed and threw on a pair of BDUs before heading down the hall. Sam was right behind her. Both women reached the Intel room a full ten minutes before the rest of the team arrived.
"General?" O'Neill yawned while trying to tuck his shirt in.
"SG3 is under heavy fire and I am sending you and SG6 in to cover. Dr. Fraiser is on her way in now. I am told there are possible critical injuries."
"I thought PX2-688 was deemed friendly, sir?" Sam glanced to Daniel and Teal'c.
"As did I Major," General Hammond turned to Tegan. "Major Kiser, I will need you to assess any medical needs as soon as possible when you arrive on the planet. I will send SG12 as soon as conditions allow."
"Yes, sir."
"I want you all to be ready to jump in 20 minutes. Dismissed."
SG1 was the first to step on to the planet and under the direct fire of arrows. "You've got to be kidding me."
"Sir?" Sam turned to O'Neill as they took cover.
"They couldn't defend themselves against a few Indians?" He groaned.
"Duck sir!" Kiser yelled as an arrow came flying directly towards O'Neill's head.
"Whoa, that was close." Jack straightened back up.
"Yes, and no offense sir, but I don't want to have to suture my CO's head up if I don't have to."
"Point taken, Major." O'Neill rolled his eyes. He knew how to do his job.
Within twenty minutes they had the situation under control. Well, primitive arrowheads and spears were still bombarding them, but they had managed to gather SG3's injured and were dialing home. Jack stood up when the barrage of projectiles ceased, and started yelling orders as Sam entered SG1's transmitter code. She looked back just in time to see Major Kiser tackle the Jack to the ground, the spear that had been careening towards his chest ripping into her upper arm. She let out a quiet yelp that only she heard.
"You've wanted to jump me since you got here." Jack laughed, not thinking about how inappropriate his joke had been.
"Hardly." Tegan pushed to her feet, ignoring the burn in her upper arm. She pulled the dangling spear free and threw it on the ground beside Colonel O'Neill.
Sam reported their status to SGC, requesting that the medical team be on stand by for four maybe five injured, and began pushing the injured and others back through. She watched as Tegan marched past her and through the gate. Then she and the Jack followed.
Tegan was reporting the status of the injured to Janet as the wormhole deactivated. She glanced back at O'Neill before continuing.
"You're bleeding." Janet pointed to the gash in her field jacket. She hadn't noticed the injury earlier.
"I was just getting to that." She glanced to her upper arm and somehow Janet doubted she was going to mention it. "The others' wounds are more pressing, this can wait."
"Don't know if you need this or not doc." O'Neill held up the spear that had lacerated Kiser's arm.
"I've got one of the arrow heads."
"As far as we know, Kiser here was the only one hit with a big stick." He held up the spear to make his point.
"Thank you Colonel. I'll have the lab analyze it." She took the spear and turned to leave.
"Major, I'd like you to report to the infirmary. Unless there is anything else you'd like to add to what you've already reported, we're going to debrief with out you."
Tegan looked at Jack for a fleeting moment, before addressing Hammond. "No sir."
"Very well." He watched as she headed for the door. "Major Kiser."
"Sir?" She turned to face him.
"How did you get hit?"
"I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. It won't happen again sir."
Tegan was cleaning her own wound out when O'Neill appeared in the doorway. "Ouch!"
She looked up and smiled at his green tint.
"I heard the spear came back clean, where the arrowheads had some kind of poison on them?"
Tegan nodded. "The arrow heads had been dipped in a neurotoxin derived from blow fish, or something very similar. Luckily it wasn't in large enough quantities to cause problems in adults. The natives of the planet used the weapons to hunt."
"That's good to know."
"Do we know why they attacked SG3, sir?"
"We do." Jack smiled. "It appears one of the officer's refused to take one of the women to bed with him. They took it as an insult, and attacked."
Tegan nodded, as she open up the materials needed to suture her arm.
"Could you hold off a minute, before you do anything that would make me pass out?" Jack asked.
"Sir?"
"I wanted to ask for clarification on what you told Hammond."
"I'm not sure I follow."
"You told him you were at the wrong place at the wrong time. And it wouldn't happen again. Truth be told, you weren't at the wrong place, you were saving my life."
"Sir, you can rest assured I will protect my team mates at all cost. No matter who my CO is, or what kind of sexual comments he may make."
"About that," Jack suddenly found his boots very interesting. "I didn't mean for that comment to come out the way it did. Or anything else I've said since you've been assigned here."
"Apology accepted, sir. Now if you don't mind, I have a wound that needs suturing."
"Please tell me you're not serious." Jack raised his eyebrows.
Tegan picked up the suturing needle and silk thread, and O'Neill made a quick exit. She was half way through with the task when she heard someone clear her throat. She looked up to find Janet's dark brown eyes gazing intently at her, from no more then two feet away. "Dr. Fraiser."
"Dr. Kiser." Janet returned the salutation rather than using her rank. "What are you doing?"
Tegan grinned sheepishly at Janet's raised eyebrows. "Suturing a wound."
Janet surveyed the area. "Without Lidocaine?"
Tegan nodded as she went back to work on her right arm.
"I thought you were right handed?"
"Technically yes, but I'm ambidextrous." Tegan growled. "But if you're not busy, I can't get the last few sutures in."
"Well, considering you should have waited for me." Janet reprimanded the Major lightly. "I guess, I could give you a hand."
"Ouch!" Sam winced from the doorway, seeing Tegan pulling the needle through before handing it off to Janet. "I thought O'Neill was pulling my leg."
"Nope."
"I'm impressed." Janet looked at the job she'd done. Until the last suture they were perfect. The last one had been a struggle for Tegan to put in herself and was a little crooked, but better then Warner would have done.
Tegan blushed. "Could we get this over with? I've got a bed calling my name."
"Sure." Janet finished up the suturing while Sam looked on.
"General Hammond has given us down time till 0800 Tuesday, so a four day weekend. We already briefed him on yesterday's mission. Colonel O'Neill is going to track down your movers and give them until 1700 tomorrow to arrive with you're stuff before he has them reassigned to scrubbing toilets in Alaska."
"He needn't worry about me or my belongings."
"He figures while we've got the down time, it's best for you to get unpacked. Considering your injury, SG1 has volunteered to help. Saturday night there is going to be a cookout." Sam put her hand up silencing any forthcoming argument. "He planned this when he heard we were getting a trainee. His way of a welcoming party."
"As long as that's all it is."
"That's all it is. Trust me, you'll be lucky to get much more than a thank you for saving his life tonight."
"He's already thanked me in his own way, and I didn't save his life."
"I saw it." Sam reassured. "He'd have an un-repairable hole in his heart right now if you hadn't intervened."
"I didn't do anything anyone else would not have done." Tegan responded with genuine modesty.
"Never the less, you're a hero."
Tegan blushed. "Are we done Janet?"
"We are. Do you need anything for pain?"
"No, I think all I need right now is sleep." Tegan hopped off the table.
"You know, I should put you on limited duty until those sutures come out."
"I'm fine. I don't need my duties limited over a couple sutures."
"Sixteen sutures, and you did do some muscle damage."
"I'm aware of the damage done." Tegan responded tersely. "You do what you have to do Doctor. I personally am going to bed."
Janet nodded.
"Good night Janet, Sam."
Tegan opened the door to her quarters with her hair a tangled mess on her head. "What?"
Jack stood there staring at her for a minute. It was the first time he'd seen her with her hair in anything but a bun. The red silk, although tangled hung loosely on her shoulders. "It's 1015, the movers are going to be at your place at noon. Daniel and Teal'c have been enlisted to help move furniture. Sam and Janet are going to help you unpack, and I'm bringing the beer."
"I don't drink Colonel." She rubbed her eyes.
"That explains a lot." He grinned. "Ok, so what's your beverage of choice?"
"Water."
"Oh come on, live a little."
"I am…" She mumbled. "Crap."
"What?"
"I was going to get my hair trimmed at noon."
"That's fine, you can give your keys to Sam and she'll meet the movers."
Tegan picked her keys up from the desk and pulled off the house key. "It's your idea, you give her the key."
Tegan pulled into the driveway at 1230 on her yellow rocket. She was wearing a pair of well-loved leather chaps, and a black leather jacket. She pulled the helmet off, and shook her hair out. The new cut was a drastic change. "I thought you were just getting it trimmed."
"Changed my mind, Colonel. Woman's prerogative." Tegan ran her thin fingers through the shorter tresses. Now she wouldn't have to fool with pulling it up any more. It was short enough it would stay off her collar, and she could still tuck a little behind her ears.
Jack smiled at her. "Glad you could make it. And it's Jack when we're off duty."
"Thanks."
He thought the cut gave her an added sex appeal, but he wasn't about to tell her that. "I parked your baby in the garage."
"They better not have scratched her."
"No, they didn't." Sam had already admired the mint condition '85 Porsche.
"Good afternoon Major Kiser." Teal'c greeted.
"It's Tegan." She corrected him for the millionth time.
"Indeed."
Tegan entered the house to see someone had already arranged the furniture.
"The movers got here early." Sam pointed out. "Janet and I tried to put stuff were we thought it might go?"
"Actually it looks pretty good, aside from the boxes."
In no time at all they had all of her boxes unpacked and things put in their new places, even if they would be later moved to better suit Tegan's taste. The guy's crashed on the couch, while Tegan ordered pizza. Sam pulled out a beer, handing Janet a grape Nehi. "What can I get you to drink Tegan?"
"Water."
"Catch." Sam tossed her a bottle of water.
"Pizza will be here in twenty." She announced as they re-entered the living room.
The month seemed to pass in the blink of an eye, and for the most part everyone was surprised at how well things were going. Tegan turned out to be more sociable then even she thought she could be; At least when it came to SG1, especially Sam, and for some reason Janet. She actually felt like she could trust someone for the first time in her life, even if she still hadn't shared much about herself. It was those thoughts that left her feeling so depressed moments before stepping through the gate to return to SGC after what would undoubtedly be her last jump as a member of SG1.
"It's not like we won't still see each other." Sam patted Tegan on her shoulder.
"Shhh!" Tegan hushed the group before anyone else could talk, her eyes scanning the tree line. She pointed to an area of movement, seconds before a staff blast came from the same area.
"Daniel dial us home." O'Neill ordered as they scrambled for cover.
When the gate was active and Daniel was sure the transmitter code had gone through he and Sam proceeded through the gate. Tegan was the furthest away and told O'Neill she would cover their six, as a small army of Jaffa closed in. That was five minutes ago, and SG1 stood in the gate room anxiously watching the shimmering horizon.
"Come on." O'Neill muttered.
"The gate's going to automatically shut down in another minute or two." Sam announced needlessly, glancing nervously at Janet who had come assuming SG1 might need medical attention. That, and she was bored for once.
A body came flying through the gate and collided with the mesh ramp half a second before the event horizon closed.
"That was close." The body announced as it lay uncomfortably on the ramp, mentally assessing her bruised shoulder.
"Major, are you alright?"
"Fine sir." She reached for Carter's outstretched hand to pull her to her feet. Wincing visibly at the movement.
"SG1 report to the infirmary, we'll debrief in one hour."
"What happened?" Jack turned to Tegan.
"I was under heavy fire, and had to wait for the best possible moment." She pointed to the melted sole of her boot. "As it was, that staff blast was a little too close for comfort."
"So was your trip through the worm hole." Sam pointed out looking at the melted rubber in awe.
"I'm in one piece Major." Tegan checked her self over.
Tegan started to step through the doorway to the debriefing room as she heard O'Neill's voice. "I don't think she should go with SG4, sir."
"We'll discuss it after the debriefing."
Tegan took a deep breath and pulled her mask of stone on, before stepping across the threshold. She wasn't going to let them know how badly what she'd inadvertently overheard had hurt. "Sirs."
"Major, how's the shoulder?" General Hammond inquired, having already gotten a report from Fraiser.
"It's fine sir. A little bruised, but nothing I can't handle."
"That's good to know Major." General Hammond greeted the rest of SG1 as they filed in. The meeting went by quickly, despite the fact Sam could tell Tegan was distracted. She seemed more depressed than she had on the planet. It wasn't noticeable except in the darkening greens in her eyes. Something Sam was getting a little better at reading with each passing day.
"Major Kiser, you're dismissed. I need to speak with SG1 regarding an upcoming mission."
"Thank you, sir."
An hour later Sam showed up at her quarters. "General Hammond has requested that you report to his office in an hour, in your dress blues."
"That's just wrong." Tegan mumbled before acknowledging the request. "I'll be there."
Ok, whose idea of a twisted joke was this? She'd never had to get into her dress uniform to be given a reassignment before. She'd rather resign her commission than spend from now till eternity working in a lab day in and day out. She braced herself for the worst, as she knocked on the door to General Hammond's office. "Come in Major."
"Sir." She saluted General Hammond and Colonel O'Neill.
"At ease Major. So you know why you are here?"
"No sir." She swallowed against the lump in her throat.
"You are being reassigned."
Major Kiser fought against the lightheadedness she suddenly felt. Reassignment? Was the last month so bad they were going to escort her off base? Scrubbing toilets in Alaska? And just why did they have her put on her dress blues to fly out?
"Colonel O'Neill would like to take you to your new assignment." General Hammond was slightly concerned with the new shade of paleness Tegan took on. She was already fair skinned, but now she looked pasty.
"Of course, sir." He just wants to rub it in. She left the last comment unspoken, knowing Jack had disliked her from day one. Although she had thought things were improving.
"If you'll follow me Major." Jack led the way out of the General's office.
"Sir, do you mind telling me where we are going?"
"The briefing room."
"Sir?"
"You're new assignment, Major."
Tegan took the hint to not ask any more questions, and followed O'Neill quietly. She didn't understand dress blues for meeting lab staff, if he wasn't taking her off base. He opened the door. "Major Kiser, say hello to your new team."
Sam stood in the conference room wearing her dress blues, which only managed to accent her eyes even more. Teal'c and Daniel were dressed in suits. "Sir?"
"Welcome to SG1 Tegan."
"You've never called me by my first name before." She blinked at Jack for a moment. "Not even off base."
"You'll get over it Kiser." He smiled.
Sam held up a new field jacket with the SG1 patch on the sleeve.
"You will still float with SG12 for any medical jumps when we're home. That hasn't changed."
Tegan nodded. "I don't understand."
"In the past thirty days you have become an irreplaceable asset to SG1."
"And it's not just because you saved the Colonel's butt on almost every mission we've been on."
"I was just doing my job." Tegan blushed with sincere embarrassment.
"Yeah well out of six missions you've saved my life four times."
"It was five O'Neill." Teal'c corrected the way only a Jaffa could.
"Four."
"She saved your life twice on one mission, O'Neill."
"Oh, yeah. Ok, five times."
"I…"
"Sir?" Sam interrupted pointing to her watch.
Jack watched as she motioned towards her apparel. "Right, we've got an unscheduled awards ceremony to attend."
"I don't think…"
"No arguments, Major. This isn't optional."
"Yes sir." She did the dutiful part and resigned herself to face whatever torture lay ahead.
Could things get any worse? Tegan had just dropped onto her bunk still clothed from the ceremony when there was a knock on the door. "Come in."
"Hey." Janet stepped in. "I just wanted to congratulate you on your assignment to SG1. And thank you again for saving Colonel O'Neill's butt countless times."
Tegan let out a groan and ran her fingers through tousled hair. "I'm beginning to wish I'd let that first spear hit him."
"Yeah, he tends to make people feel that way from time to time."
"If I knew my actions would eventually lead to the torture I went through today, I would have turned my back on him. Scrubbing toilets, with a toothbrush in the Antarctic while wearing a bikini would be more bearable."
"I thought you'd done the lecture circuit before."
"I do lectures. I don't do awards, commendations, praise or anything of the like. I do not feel my actions were any different than anyone else's in the same situation. Therefore they do not need to be praised."
"But if the tables were reversed."
"Don't try reverse psychology on me Janet."
"Sorry, I was just…"
"Point taken." Tegan sat up and looked at Janet.
"Do you want to come over for dinner tonight?" Janet offered.
"I don't want to impose."
"You wouldn't be. Sam's coming over, and Cassie would love to see you again."
"Well, since you put it that way. What can I bring?"
"Just yourself."
"I always bring myself."
"You'll be lucky to have time to do more than change, let lone fix anything. I'll let you bring something next time."
"Promise?"
"Yeah, I do." Janet smiled.