Summer Vacation
by
CritterKid
TITLE: Summer Vacation
AUTHOR: CritterKid
CATEGORY: Hurt/Comfort, Drama
SPOILERS: 'Prodigy', 'The First Ones', general knowledge.
SEASON: Season 4 after 'Prodigy'
RATING: Teen
WARNINGS: Nothing explicit
SUMMARY: How do you spend your summer vacation knowing people are exploring other worlds?
STATUS: Complete.
ARCHIVE: Anywhere, just let me know.
DISCLAIMER: Stargate SG-1, it's characters, and all related entities are property of Stargate SG-1 Productions (II) Inc., MGM Worldwide Television Productions Inc., Double Secret Productions, Gekko Film Corp, and Showtime Networks Inc./ The SciFi Channel. No copyright infringement is intended. This story is for entertainment purposes only and not intended for commercial profit.
AUTHOR'S NOTES:
I started this story several years ago, and being foolish enough to think I could force my muse to work at my pace, began posting it even though it was not completely finished. I profoundly apologize to anyone who became interested only to have it remain incomplete. I did learn my lesson though, and now ensure my stories are completely finished before posting.
I rediscovered this story on my hard drive a few months back. With renewed inspiration I was able to complete their adventure. I also went back and rewrote much of the original story. I hope the finally finished product will be worth the wait. And I do hope you enjoy the story.
Sam
I must be out of my mind. I had this idea a few weeks ago and it just hasn't left me yet. I've been thinking it through and I think it could really work. I've ironed the wrinkles out and want to take it to the Colonel and then the General. It's not that I think either one of them will have a problem with it; it's just something the Colonel would be more inclined to throw on someone else. But I need to find him first.
I've already checked his office, the commissary, the gym, and the rec room. He's not in any of his usual places. Maybe he's down in the labs? We've been pretty slow around here, and when he's bored he usually comes down to the labs to talk to me or Daniel. Well, I guess there's only one thing to do now. Start working on something in my lab. Whenever I'm working on something he always shows up. As I expected, halfway done with my soil sample tests I can hear his footsteps coming. Never fails.
"Hey Carter, what's up?" he asks, leaning on the doorframe.
"Nothing much Sir," I finish putting in the data from the last test I ran and turn toward him. "Hey, have a minute?"
"Yeah sure. What's up? Daniel said you were looking for me earlier." He moves into the lab grabbing the stool next to me.
"I have a little... request to ask Sir."
"Request?"
"Yes Sir." I pause for a second, trying to figure out how to ask. "Do you remember Cadet Jennifer Hailey Sir?"
"Hailey. The cadet you brought through the Stargate to 862. Yeah, I remember her. Why?"
"Well Sir, I was thinking maybe she could join SG-1 for a while." There it is. That crazy look I was expecting.
"Carter! Are you crazy? A Cadet?"
"Sir," I hold out my hand to stop his rant. "Just hear me out, please Sir," I beg.
"Okay, but this better be good."
"Okay." I start holding up my fingers as I make my points. "In all probability she will join the Stargate program. She's already been through the Stargate and has the security clearance. This could be considered training, learn how the SGC operates so she'll be better prepared when she graduates from the Academy. Like an internship."
"So you want her to come hang out with us for the summer?" He looks like he's thinking it over.
"Something like that Sir."
"I'm still not convinced Major." I sigh, knowing I have to get him on my side before I take this to the General.
"Colonel, I'm not talking about having her go through the Stargate with us on every mission. I'm talking about having her help out here in the mountain; help out in the labs, train a little bit with Teal'c, and maybe spend some time in the Control room with the techs. Basically, let her learn the ropes so she's more prepared when it comes time for her to take her place here."
"No offworld travel?" he asks again.
"I won't deny I think it would be a good idea, but it's something you and General Hammond would eventually decide. Maybe a short scientific mission as a reward. She should earn it though." The flat out refusal in his eyes is gone now, replaced with some small amount of acceptance. Maybe he'll go for it after all.
"Correct me if I'm wrong Carter, but wasn't she having disciplinary problems back at the Academy?"
"According to General Kerrigan she's showing considerable improvement." I'm silent for a while, letting him think.
"Have you talked to General Hammond about this yet?" He stands up and starts heading for the door.
"No Sir," I admit. "I wanted to talk to you first."
"Well Major, I suggest that you go talk to General Hammond about it before you bring her in. I have no problem with it as long as the General agrees. And who knows, a training program before offworld travel might be a good idea." He flashes me a quick smile as he heads toward the door. "Now, I have to go find Danny and drag him away from those rocks for a quick lunch. Good luck Major."
"Thank you Sir." One down, one to go.
Jennifer
Summer is here again. Funny, I used to look forward to summer because it meant I could do whatever I wanted, use the lab whenever I wanted. I guess I'll be doing the same thing this year, but it's not nearly as fun now. Ever since Major Carter took me through the Stargate I've known that is what I want to do. I want to work at the SGC and visit new worlds and discover new things every day. I'm pretty sure I'll be able to do it too, that is if I'm good enough and don't get into trouble. I'm trying my best.
A few months after I got back, I had a review meeting with General Kerrigan. It was part of my punishment. He gave me a few months to shape up. If he didn't like what he saw, I would be kicked out of the Air Force. During the review, he commented, after my trip with Major Carter, he had seen marked improvements in my attitude, and if I continue to improve, I could anticipate graduating at the top of my class. He said whatever Major Carter did for me must have worked and started asking me questions about Cheyenne Mountain. The look on his face was priceless when I told him how fascinating her work was with deep space radar analysis. But my amusement only lasted for a few days before I focused on my goal again. When classes were in session it was easy to work toward my goal. How could I work on it during summer break?
Now it's summer again, and it looks like I'll be spending it in the lab again. A knock on the door brings me out of my thoughts. Who could it be? My roommate, along with nearly everyone else in the dorm, are back home for the summer. Opening the door I step back in shock when I see Major Carter there.
"Cadet."
"Ma'am." She's not in her military blues like she was when I first met her, but I immediately spring to attention. A quick nod and I relax my pose and really look at her. She's wearing jeans and a t-shirt. It looks like she might be on some down time, maybe they just got back from one of their missions. I wonder what she's doing here?
"Can I come in?"
"Of course ma'am." I move to let her enter the room staring around self consciously. It is pretty bare right now. My roommate was the one who was interested in decorating, but she left to be with her family for the summer, and she took all her things with her. "Major Carter. Don't take this the wrong way, but what are you doing here?"
"I'm on my way to visit my brother and thought I'd stop by and see how you were doing." Just in the neighborhood huh? Obviously my doubt was showing on my face. She sighs, shrugging her shoulders nonchalantly. "I was talking to General Kerrigan, getting a progress report on you. I understand that you're doing better. Congratulations."
"Thank you ma'am. I'm trying my best." She's checking up on me. Guess she really doesn't trust me. A few seconds of silence before I notice how she's looking at me. She's inspecting me. It's not enough that she asks General Kerrigan about me, but now she's in my room inspecting me like a drill sergeant. And I thought she was cool.
"He also mentioned something else."
"Ma'am?" I say it rather coolly, hoping she will get the hint and leave me alone. Can I never be good enough for her?
"Something about your summer plans, or lack thereof."
"Yes ma'am. During the summer I stay here and work in the lab."
"What if I offered you another option?" The faintest traces of a smile started showing on her face. "How would you like to come back to Cheyenne Mountain for the summer?"
"Are you serious?" I am shocked to say the least. A small smile began to form on my face as I tried to comprehend what she was telling me. Going back to the Stargate.
"Nothing quite as adventurous as last time. Mainly, it will be learning operating procedures. Help out in the labs. Learn about some of the different cultures we've met."
"Will I be able to go through the Stargate again?" Please say yes. Please say yes.
"Maybe towards the end of the summer. It will be Colonel O'Neill's decision and it will be based on your performance so you'll want to be your best. What do you say?"
"Yes ma'am. I'd love to ma'am. Thank you ma'am." I was babbling now, but I didn't care. A huge smile was plastered on my face.
"Slow down Cadet." She smiles at me before checking her watch. "I've got to go. I've got a plane to catch. Get everything squared away with General Kerrigan and take care of anything you need to. I'll be back in four days. If you're ready to go, you can come back with me." She stops at the door and turns around to look at me, her smile matching mine. "See you soon Cadet." I stand there as I watch her shut the door. I can't believe it. She's going to take me back to the SGC. She is so cool.
Jack
Well it's been a week since our last mission. A week of downtime. The strange thing is it was a pretty basic mission. Nobody even got hurt which is an accomplishment with this team. I guess Hammond just decided everyone needed a break. He actually ordered us to go away. Teal'c went to Chulak, Carter went to visit her brother, and I was finally able to drag Daniel to the cabin. He was less than enthused, because it meant he couldn't work on anything. I know it's kinda under-handed, but he needed to take a vacation. And he did relax, which was my goal. Now it's over, though, and time to go back to work. Time to meet SG-1's newest member.
"Cadet Hailey reporting as ordered Sir!" she yelled as she entered my office, standing at attention in front of my desk.
"At ease Cadet. How was your trip?" The faintest traces of a smile shows on her face as I ask her the familiar question.
"Fine Sir."
"Welcome to SG-1 Cadet. I don't think you've met everyone. You already know Major Carter and Teal'c from the planet."
Teal'c bows his head in recognition. "Teal'c it's nice to see you again."
"That just leaves our last member who you haven't met yet. Dr. Daniel Jackson meet Cadet Jennifer Hailey."
"It's a pleasure to meet you Dr. Jackson." I watch as Cadet Hailey goes and shakes his hand in greeting.
"Please, call me Daniel. It's nice to meet you too."
"With introductions out of the way let's get to work. Carter, why don't you show Hailey around the base and get her settled. Daniel, SG-6 wanted some help with some ruins they came across. The pictures are in your office waiting for you." My scientists had already started moving before I could finish my sentence. "Teal'c, why don't we go do whatever it is that we do." Hailey grinned at that last statement, which was what I intended. "Our official welcome back briefing is at 08:00 hours tomorrow. See you then." Hailey throws me a sharp salute which I return before joining the others by the doorway. I watch as our three scientists leave the room. Great, now they outnumber us. I turn back towards Teal'c. He's looking at me curiously. "What?"
"O'Neill, what is it exactly that we do?"
"We keep the scientists from working to death Teal'c. Come on. Let's head for the gym for a few hours then try to get them to come out for lunch."
Jennifer
I never knew it would be this tiring. After Teal'c came and got us for dinner, and the Colonel made us go to bed, I was out like a light. The next morning we had a briefing. General Hammond welcomed me back and told me exactly what to expect here. He then went on to explain SG-1's next mission which is scheduled to take place in three days. When he asked if there was anything else, Daniel started speaking. He explained to the General how he translated some stuff that SG-6 brought back from one of their missions, but it was missing a key part and he wanted to go back to the planet for a quick look around. Personally, it didn't make much sense. He was talking about Gods and revolts and abandoned ruins. I guess that's what Major Carter meant when she said I would be learning about all the different things around here.
Whatever Daniel was talking about, it seemed the General knew what was going on. When he asked the members of the team if they would be willing to go through on a quick recon, I was surprised to see that they all said yes without a moment of hesitation, no soldier wants to babysit scientists. General Hammond authorized a trip back to the planet for six hours. I was happy, thinking maybe I could go too. Unfortunately, Colonel O'Neill had other plans for me. He commented on how this would be the perfect opportunity for me to learn what the Control Room techs did while a team was offworld.
So now I'm sitting in the Control room, watching as they dial the Stargate. The rest of the team is waiting by the ramp, geared up and ready to go. God, I wish I was the one wearing those green BDU's. I would even be willing to carry the huge pack Teal'c has if it meant I could go offworld again. But no, I have to stay here, in the Control room, with some guy named Simmons, while they go through the Stargate. As the seventh chevron locks into place, I watch the Event Horizon woosh to life. General Hammond comes in and over the speakers he tells the team they have a go to proceed through the Stargate. He reminds them of their time limit and wishes them good luck. They then walk up the ramp and disappear through the Stargate. As the gate shuts down, I think let the fun begin.
