Disclaimer: ER/ characters are property of nbc, warner bros, constant c, amblin, etc. Stargate SG1/ characters are property of showtime/ viacom, mgm/ua, double secret productions, gekko productions. This story is for entertainment purposes only-no profit involved.
SPOILERS: ER: Be Still My Heart, All In the Family, May Day.
Stargate SG1: Stargate the Movie, Need, general references to season 1-3.
NOTES: This is an ER/ Stargate SG1 crossover featuring John Carter and the crew of SG1. Enjoy!
Something Old, Something New
Part Two
By: Victoria F.
Colonel Jack O'Neill sat back in his chair and surveyed his team seated around the large conference table. The General's words still rung in his ears.
'Colonel, call your team together and meet me in the briefing room at 1300 sharp! I'm going to be making some changes to your team and I plan on announcing those changes today.' The general had dismissed him then, a raised hand silencing Jack's unanswered question poised on his lips. What changes?
The conference room was silent. All four members of SG1 shared the same thought. Who was going to be removed from the team? Jack glanced at his second in command, Major Samantha Carter. Sam sat with her back straight and head up, the perfect soldier-a picture of bravery and strength. But her eyes, looking everywhere but at her team-her friends-revealed something else. Fear. Jack doubted that she would be the one to go. Hell, she was one of the best military officers Stargate Command had in its ranks. She complimented Jack's command abilities, almost acting before Jack had time to utter the order. Sam's common sense, logical scientist side counteracted Jack's sarcastic wit and at times harsh words, usually directed towards the team's archeologist and linguist, Daniel.
Daniel. Geek, nerd, wimp, naive, weathered, doctor, scientist, genius, friend. Of all the words that could be used to describe Daniel, that was the one that had the most impact. Friend. Jack could live with losing his team's history buff if it weren't for that one little complication. From the day he laid eyes on 'Dr. Jackson' four years ago, he could feel the admiration, respect, awe, and finally friendship grow into the relationship they shared today. Sure, Jackson still got under his skin, especially when he went wandering off, getting captured by beautiful aliens with glowing eyes or falling prey to some deadly trap, barely escaping with his life. But his perseverance that usually won out in the end, his insistence that there was a peaceful way to settle the confrontations they often found themselves in, and his marked intelligence that saved Jack's butt more than once overshadowed all the negatives.
It would hurt to lose him.
Jack looked over at Te'alc and noted the calm exterior the large Jaffa displayed. He had to wonder what Te'alc was thinking. Was he worried that this might be what they'd all feared since they day he joined their team? Was his new assignment to report to Area 51 under the command of Colonel Maybourne? Jack shuddered at the thought of losing Te'alc to such a frightening end. He knew that once in Maybourne's hands, they would never see or hear from the Jaffa again. Jack knew it was only due to his own insistence, supported by General Hammond, that Te'alc had not been sent to Area 51 in the beginning.
Jack's thoughts suddenly turned to himself, and he remembered the countless times his team arrived back at the base battered and bloody. Far too many times. Perhaps his leadership abilities were being questioned. Perhaps he was the team member about to receive the boot. Hell, he couldn't argue that his team worked well together, maybe he was the weak link. It was hard to forget the state of mind he was in when he was first called back to active duty. He remembered sitting, alone in his dead son's room, fingering the same gun that had killed Charlie. Fingering the gun that was to have killed him, had it not been for the sudden arrival of two soldiers calling him back for one final mission. A suicide mission.
Jack's head snapped up and at attention as the briefing room door opened and General Hammond entered, followed by Dr. Janet Frasier. Oh, that wasn't good. Had to be Daniel. Were they questioning his mental health again? Or was it the most recent trip to the infirmary to treat another concussion and lapse of memory? Jack glanced over at Daniel and realized Daniel had snuck a look in his direction. Jack tried to smile, to encourage the doctor, and Daniel gave a slight shrug in return. Figures Daniel wouldn't realize he was the most likely candidate for dismissal.
Jack turned his attention to General Hammond who had by now seated himself at the head of the long table. The General cleared his throat, his own discomfort with the following task was obvious. This rare glimpse at the General's own vulnerability was fleeting and suddenly he was the all-business, no nonsense General he always was.
"SG1, I have been reviewing mission reports from all SG teams, and am rather appalled by the number of injuries sustained by your team. Colonel O'Neill, your team has by far the most incidents of mission related injuries, many of them near fatal. It is by sheer luck that you are all alive today. As well as some fancy handiwork by our good doctor here. I have also noticed an increase in the number of serious injuries as of late. Therefore, I find myself with only one option with which to combat this disturbing trend. As of this moment, I am assigning a fifth member to your team."
General Hammond watched the looks almost immediately shared by the four members of Stargate Command's most illustrious team. It unnerved him to no end when they did this-the General almost suspected they could read each other's minds, the unspoken communication was so clear. They wanted no part of this.
Colonel O'Neill was the first one to object. "General, with all due respect, I already have my team. We don't need a fifth member. I mean, what would they do? I've already got my scientist, my archeologist and linguist, and my very own alien bodyguard. What more can one team ask for?"
Major Carter was next. "Sir, I agree with Colonel O'Neill. I don't see how adding another member to our team is going to make much of a difference, except maybe to increase those statistics with his own injuries."
Before Daniel or Te'alc could add further objection, General Hammond motioned for the team to be silent. "If you would allow me to finish, I will explain what role your new team member is to have. After discussing several options with Dr. Frasier, we have come to the agreement that this is not only the best option, but a necessary one if we are to continue to allow your team the range of freedom it has been allotted. Therefore, you have been assigned one Doctor John Carter to join your team." The General was interrupted again by Jack.
"A doctor? As in medical? Don't you mean a babysitter? Please, General, we've all had training in first aid. We've come through all our missions in one piece. Don't you think this is a little drastic? I can see it now-Daniel here's going to wander off towards some ruins, fall into a hole, and as soon as we know it, our very own guardian angel will have dragged all our butts back through the Stargate. No thank you." Jack avoided looking at Daniel, knowing the young archeologist was probably giving him the look of death after that comment.
"Actually Colonel, what I had pictured was more along the lines of the doctor patching up Daniel on the spot, thereby avoiding the infections you all are so familiar with that usually come from lack of proper and timely treatment. After that, you are all on your merry way, without the worry of how loud Dr. Frasier will scream when you come back with a raging infection. And the doctor's responsibilities will not be limited to treating your team. I will expect a full report of medical conditions on each planet visited, as well as collection of any data which might be useful in treating our diseases and ailments that plague the Earth. Any medical tools which can be acquired and used will be of all the more value to us. Finally, our good doctor will be able to assess and treat any ailments we may unwillingly spread to the new cultures we encounter. Any other questions?"
Jack raised his hand and the General nodded in his direction, feeling his exasperation grow with each sarcastic comment and look from this team.
"Sir, is this Doctor Carter military or civilian? How much experience does he have? What makes you think he'll fit in with our team?"
General Hammond leaned back in his chair as an image of the new doctor entered his mind. Young, enthusiastic, highly talented, recovering addict, victim of brutal attack at the hands of his own patient. Of course when the General agreed to look over the data about the doctor, these last two items weren't yet a factor. Dr. Frasier assured him that despite what may have occurred recently most certainly would not interfere with this doctor's abilities to become a top physician in the secret war they fought every day. General Hammond quietly suspected that this doctor would fit into the team like a long lost brother. His history shadowed those of his new team-mates. While he had a family out there in the 'real world', they had distanced themselves from Dr. Carter. This need for 'family' would most certainly aid in adhering him to his new team. His addiction would help him deal with Dr. Jackson and his own lingering effects of too frequent sarcophagus use. And his social upbringing assured that Dr. Carter could follow orders, show appropriate respect towards authority, and he would most definitely have the proper manners necessary when encountering new races. As for this attack he suffered last Valentine's Day, well, the General knew he wouldn't be a stranger to what this team faced every time they left through the Stargate.
Turning to face SG1, he replied, "Doctor Carter is a civilian emergency medicine physician from Chicago. Yes, he'll need some training in the area of weaponry and self-defense, but I think he'll hold his own. As for fitting in, I can't guarantee that it will happen. I can only say there will be hell to pay if anyone goes out of their way to ensure that this doesn't happen. Am I making myself clear?" The General cast a stern gaze over SG1, daring them to challenge his decision once again.
"Yes Sir," in unison from three team members. That's better.
"Colonel O'Neill? As Commanding Officer of this unit, it will be your duty to make sure that your man is trained and mission ready in three months. At that time, he will begin to accompany your team on peaceful missions. By six months, I want him ready for battle. Understood?"
"Yes Sir!" Much better. "Dismissed!"
"Sir, one last question please." Major Carter.
"Yes Major."
"Sir, when will Doctor Carter arrive on base?"
"He's already here Major."
"Oh. Yes Sir."
"Major?"
"Yes Sir?"
"I would like it if you could begin briefing Doctor Carter on SGC's history and mission first thing tomorrow. And Doctor Jackson-why don't you join them and share your knowledge of the races we've contacted and what Doctor Carter should expect on that front. Colonel O'Neill, schedule time for the weaponry lessons. Te'alc, self-defense. All clear team?"
"Yes Sir!" With that SG1 filed out of the briefing room, leaving General Hammond alone with Janet.
"Doctor Fraiser? Are we doing the right thing here? Can Doctor Carter find a niche in this team? And is it wise to try, after all, he's not the same man you saw three years ago."
Doctor Janet Frasier, who had been silent throughout the meeting, finally spoke. "Yes Sir. I think this will work out. I think it will take time, especially since SG1 is so reluctant to open their ranks to a fifth member. As for Doctor Carter's recent brush with death and his addiction to painkillers, I think he will bounce back. I have spoken with several of Doctor Carter's colleagues and family members and all had the same thing to say about him. He's resilient. He's no stranger to pain General, and to his credit, he has used it to make him into the man he is today. No he's not the same young doctor I had the pleasure of seeing in action, but he's not as naive either. I'm confident this will be a successful amalgamation."
"Anything else Doctor?"
"Only that I will begin working with Doctor Carter immediately on the diseases and injuries he will be seeing most frequently. I will also be overseeing his own healthcare and will be enacting a pain management plan to battle the lingering after-affects of his stabbing."
"Thank you Doctor." General Hammond watched as Janet exited the room, and prayed that this was as good of an idea as Doctor Fraiser made it sound. Time would tell.
*****
John Carter sat on the hard bunk and looked around his small quarters. The walls were starched white-almost blinding underneath the bright light from the overhead lamp. Besides the small bunk, the room contained only a plain wood dresser and a small desk. The quarters were really to be used when he had to stay over at the base. He would be expected in time to find an apartment in town. Until then, this was his new home.
Tired from his long flight and the events of the day, John lay back on the bunk and closed his eyes. He could still see Benton's face, his jaw set in anger, his eyes cold. He didn't believe John should take this job, and told John as much. John didn't know if this was because Benton didn't believe in him enough to think he could handle such a job, or if it was something more than that. Was he afraid for John? John had been angry then too, angry that the one person who he had hoped could share his excitement had been the one to rain on the parade. John regretted his words, spoken out of pain and his own fear of the unknown.
'I don't need your permission or your blessing! I was hoping that you could be happy for me. I'm finally doing something for myself. I'm not out to gain anyone's approval. Not anymore. I don't need you, I never needed you. After all, Peter Benton only has time for number one. I can't believe I wasted so many years chasing after you, waiting for that one time when you had something good to say. Something that meant I was worthwhile. Well, you know what? Screw you Peter! You can go to hell for all I care!'
John hadn't wanted to leave things like that, but he had to pack, had to be on the plane in three hours. Had to say goodbye to his grandparents. That hadn't taken long. His grandfather had hardly looked at him. Just nodded and walked off. Gamma had hugged him, told him to be careful. Told him she loved him. He's called his parents and that went over the way their conversations usually did. Why did he need their blessing? He was going to do whatever he wanted no matter what. Just why was he calling? To tell them he had just signed his life away to the military? Didn't he know just how much he was hurting his family with decisions? Then his mother had started crying, telling him how much she loved him, not to go. She couldn't lose another son. That had hurt. He wasn't trying to hurt his family. This was something he knew he had to do. He had to regain some control over his life. He's hung up wishing he had never called. A letter would have been better. But too late now. And then he boarded the plane.
Arriving at the base was another story. He'd been retrieved from the airport by some airman, even younger than himself. Luckily Doctor Frasier, Janet, he had to remember to call her Janet, met him on the way in. Saved him from the embarrassment of a full body search. She assured the guards she would know if he had any weapons on his body by the time she was through with him. Then they had gone to the infirmary where he had his first ever military physical. And he'd thought his stay at County was bad. Janet had poked and prodded in places he blushed to even think about. They'd discussed his recovery from February's stabbing and pain management options. He was honest with her about his addiction and his previous unwillingness to speak up when he was in pain. Janet had warned him that if he was going to be working on this base, he'd better be forthcoming because she wasn't going to have any of the personnel put in danger because he wasn't one hundred percent. When Janet was through with him, she introduced him to the oh so charming Doctor who proceeded to prod John's mind as thoroughly as Janet had prodded his body. Exhausted didn't even come close to describing how he felt when he was through. And then he met the General.
General Hammond was all military. John felt like a child standing near him, his 'civilian' status all the more remarkable. He had looked John up and down, sizing him up. The scrutiny went on for some time before the General spoke.
'Doctor Carter. Let me start off by saying that I agreed to your services on the recommendation of Doctor Frasier, and that was before I even knew about the ordeal you went through in February or your consequent addiction to painkillers. I expect all of my teams to be at their best. Now is the time to speak up if you have changed your mind and wish to leave. You have seen nothing here yet that makes you a security risk. What'll it be son?'
John was ready to leap up and run from that room, from the base, and never look back. But something in the General's eyes made him stand rooted to his spot. And then he knew. The General's eyes were warm, welcoming. He would be accepted into the folds if he chose to stay. Forcing himself to speak calmly, John had answered.
'I'd like to stay Sir.'
What the General told him after that made his skin crawl. Aliens? Travel to other worlds through a 'Stargate'? Battle for control of the universe? It was pure science fiction, and it was all true. John would have liked to believe it was a dream, but his dreams were nothing like this. They were usually replays of the bloody Valentine's Day, or the 'intervention' or his time in rehab-alone. No, nothing like this. Then the General briefed him on his role at Stargate Control, as a type of field medic, as well as explorer and historian of sorts. He would be trained in battle tactics, self-defense, and weapons handling. The last made him think of Maggie Doyle and his failure at handling himself on the gun range-shooting across the range wildly. He was lucky he hadn't shot anyone. Maggie had taken the gun away then and they found other ways to spend time together.
He would meet his team soon, after the General briefed them on their new team mate. The General warned him that they were a tightknit bunch, and might need a while to warm up to him. But rest assured, once they accepted him as one of their own, it was suffice to say there would be hell to pay to anyone who dared hurt him in any way.
John was escorted to his tiny quarters after that meeting. John's stomach rumbled and he realized that he hadn't eaten anything substantial since last night's farewell dinner at Kerry's. The steak had been delicious and he had been pleasantly surprised to see so many of his colleagues from County there to see him off. Almost everyone but Peter. No, Peter waited 'til this morning to jump on him about leaving. John forced his mind away from his former teacher, the man who had saved his life in the operating room. He slowly rolled off the bunk and went in search of food.
It hadn't taken him long to find the cafeteria. There were guards posted everywhere and they all stopped the stranger who obviously didn't belong there. Once they realized who he was, they would smirk, a few laughed outright, patted him on the back and pointed him in the right direction. One of them had wished him good luck. John wasn't sure what to make of their strange behavior, but he assumed it must just be a military thing.
John filled a tray full of food and sat down at one of the tables alone. He didn't know anyone yet, and hadn't been introduced to his team. He hoped that someone would come over and introduce themselves. A group of soldiers entered the cafeteria and the lead soldier swept his gaze over the room, letting it fall on John for a moment. Then the rest of the group all looked at him for a moment and then turned to face each other. It was obvious to John that this was his 'team'. The lead soldier was older the himself, with graying hair. There was a woman, blond hair, quite pretty. Another man, about John's age, probably a little older, and finally a large African American man with a gold tattoo on his forehead. John remembered some of what the General had told him about his team. Only two were military. A Colonel Neil? He hoped that was right, and the woman, Major Carter. He remembered her because of the shared surname. The younger man was an archeologist and the large African American-well, he wasn't really African American now was he?-was from another world.
John watched as his team filled their trays with food and began walking toward him, and then sat at a table in the middle of the room. The Major and the alien seemed as though they were about to come his way, until the Colonel pulled the Major's arm and planted her down at the table they now sat around. John felt his appetite disappear, but forced himself to eat a few more bites of the military food. G_d, he hoped this freeze out wouldn't last long. He didn't know how long he could endure being alone in a such a foreign place. He wished for a friend, anyone-even Peter Benton right about now.
SPOILERS: ER: Be Still My Heart, All In the Family, May Day.
Stargate SG1: Stargate the Movie, Need, general references to season 1-3.
NOTES: This is an ER/ Stargate SG1 crossover featuring John Carter and the crew of SG1. Enjoy!
Something Old, Something New
Part Two
By: Victoria F.
Colonel Jack O'Neill sat back in his chair and surveyed his team seated around the large conference table. The General's words still rung in his ears.
'Colonel, call your team together and meet me in the briefing room at 1300 sharp! I'm going to be making some changes to your team and I plan on announcing those changes today.' The general had dismissed him then, a raised hand silencing Jack's unanswered question poised on his lips. What changes?
The conference room was silent. All four members of SG1 shared the same thought. Who was going to be removed from the team? Jack glanced at his second in command, Major Samantha Carter. Sam sat with her back straight and head up, the perfect soldier-a picture of bravery and strength. But her eyes, looking everywhere but at her team-her friends-revealed something else. Fear. Jack doubted that she would be the one to go. Hell, she was one of the best military officers Stargate Command had in its ranks. She complimented Jack's command abilities, almost acting before Jack had time to utter the order. Sam's common sense, logical scientist side counteracted Jack's sarcastic wit and at times harsh words, usually directed towards the team's archeologist and linguist, Daniel.
Daniel. Geek, nerd, wimp, naive, weathered, doctor, scientist, genius, friend. Of all the words that could be used to describe Daniel, that was the one that had the most impact. Friend. Jack could live with losing his team's history buff if it weren't for that one little complication. From the day he laid eyes on 'Dr. Jackson' four years ago, he could feel the admiration, respect, awe, and finally friendship grow into the relationship they shared today. Sure, Jackson still got under his skin, especially when he went wandering off, getting captured by beautiful aliens with glowing eyes or falling prey to some deadly trap, barely escaping with his life. But his perseverance that usually won out in the end, his insistence that there was a peaceful way to settle the confrontations they often found themselves in, and his marked intelligence that saved Jack's butt more than once overshadowed all the negatives.
It would hurt to lose him.
Jack looked over at Te'alc and noted the calm exterior the large Jaffa displayed. He had to wonder what Te'alc was thinking. Was he worried that this might be what they'd all feared since they day he joined their team? Was his new assignment to report to Area 51 under the command of Colonel Maybourne? Jack shuddered at the thought of losing Te'alc to such a frightening end. He knew that once in Maybourne's hands, they would never see or hear from the Jaffa again. Jack knew it was only due to his own insistence, supported by General Hammond, that Te'alc had not been sent to Area 51 in the beginning.
Jack's thoughts suddenly turned to himself, and he remembered the countless times his team arrived back at the base battered and bloody. Far too many times. Perhaps his leadership abilities were being questioned. Perhaps he was the team member about to receive the boot. Hell, he couldn't argue that his team worked well together, maybe he was the weak link. It was hard to forget the state of mind he was in when he was first called back to active duty. He remembered sitting, alone in his dead son's room, fingering the same gun that had killed Charlie. Fingering the gun that was to have killed him, had it not been for the sudden arrival of two soldiers calling him back for one final mission. A suicide mission.
Jack's head snapped up and at attention as the briefing room door opened and General Hammond entered, followed by Dr. Janet Frasier. Oh, that wasn't good. Had to be Daniel. Were they questioning his mental health again? Or was it the most recent trip to the infirmary to treat another concussion and lapse of memory? Jack glanced over at Daniel and realized Daniel had snuck a look in his direction. Jack tried to smile, to encourage the doctor, and Daniel gave a slight shrug in return. Figures Daniel wouldn't realize he was the most likely candidate for dismissal.
Jack turned his attention to General Hammond who had by now seated himself at the head of the long table. The General cleared his throat, his own discomfort with the following task was obvious. This rare glimpse at the General's own vulnerability was fleeting and suddenly he was the all-business, no nonsense General he always was.
"SG1, I have been reviewing mission reports from all SG teams, and am rather appalled by the number of injuries sustained by your team. Colonel O'Neill, your team has by far the most incidents of mission related injuries, many of them near fatal. It is by sheer luck that you are all alive today. As well as some fancy handiwork by our good doctor here. I have also noticed an increase in the number of serious injuries as of late. Therefore, I find myself with only one option with which to combat this disturbing trend. As of this moment, I am assigning a fifth member to your team."
General Hammond watched the looks almost immediately shared by the four members of Stargate Command's most illustrious team. It unnerved him to no end when they did this-the General almost suspected they could read each other's minds, the unspoken communication was so clear. They wanted no part of this.
Colonel O'Neill was the first one to object. "General, with all due respect, I already have my team. We don't need a fifth member. I mean, what would they do? I've already got my scientist, my archeologist and linguist, and my very own alien bodyguard. What more can one team ask for?"
Major Carter was next. "Sir, I agree with Colonel O'Neill. I don't see how adding another member to our team is going to make much of a difference, except maybe to increase those statistics with his own injuries."
Before Daniel or Te'alc could add further objection, General Hammond motioned for the team to be silent. "If you would allow me to finish, I will explain what role your new team member is to have. After discussing several options with Dr. Frasier, we have come to the agreement that this is not only the best option, but a necessary one if we are to continue to allow your team the range of freedom it has been allotted. Therefore, you have been assigned one Doctor John Carter to join your team." The General was interrupted again by Jack.
"A doctor? As in medical? Don't you mean a babysitter? Please, General, we've all had training in first aid. We've come through all our missions in one piece. Don't you think this is a little drastic? I can see it now-Daniel here's going to wander off towards some ruins, fall into a hole, and as soon as we know it, our very own guardian angel will have dragged all our butts back through the Stargate. No thank you." Jack avoided looking at Daniel, knowing the young archeologist was probably giving him the look of death after that comment.
"Actually Colonel, what I had pictured was more along the lines of the doctor patching up Daniel on the spot, thereby avoiding the infections you all are so familiar with that usually come from lack of proper and timely treatment. After that, you are all on your merry way, without the worry of how loud Dr. Frasier will scream when you come back with a raging infection. And the doctor's responsibilities will not be limited to treating your team. I will expect a full report of medical conditions on each planet visited, as well as collection of any data which might be useful in treating our diseases and ailments that plague the Earth. Any medical tools which can be acquired and used will be of all the more value to us. Finally, our good doctor will be able to assess and treat any ailments we may unwillingly spread to the new cultures we encounter. Any other questions?"
Jack raised his hand and the General nodded in his direction, feeling his exasperation grow with each sarcastic comment and look from this team.
"Sir, is this Doctor Carter military or civilian? How much experience does he have? What makes you think he'll fit in with our team?"
General Hammond leaned back in his chair as an image of the new doctor entered his mind. Young, enthusiastic, highly talented, recovering addict, victim of brutal attack at the hands of his own patient. Of course when the General agreed to look over the data about the doctor, these last two items weren't yet a factor. Dr. Frasier assured him that despite what may have occurred recently most certainly would not interfere with this doctor's abilities to become a top physician in the secret war they fought every day. General Hammond quietly suspected that this doctor would fit into the team like a long lost brother. His history shadowed those of his new team-mates. While he had a family out there in the 'real world', they had distanced themselves from Dr. Carter. This need for 'family' would most certainly aid in adhering him to his new team. His addiction would help him deal with Dr. Jackson and his own lingering effects of too frequent sarcophagus use. And his social upbringing assured that Dr. Carter could follow orders, show appropriate respect towards authority, and he would most definitely have the proper manners necessary when encountering new races. As for this attack he suffered last Valentine's Day, well, the General knew he wouldn't be a stranger to what this team faced every time they left through the Stargate.
Turning to face SG1, he replied, "Doctor Carter is a civilian emergency medicine physician from Chicago. Yes, he'll need some training in the area of weaponry and self-defense, but I think he'll hold his own. As for fitting in, I can't guarantee that it will happen. I can only say there will be hell to pay if anyone goes out of their way to ensure that this doesn't happen. Am I making myself clear?" The General cast a stern gaze over SG1, daring them to challenge his decision once again.
"Yes Sir," in unison from three team members. That's better.
"Colonel O'Neill? As Commanding Officer of this unit, it will be your duty to make sure that your man is trained and mission ready in three months. At that time, he will begin to accompany your team on peaceful missions. By six months, I want him ready for battle. Understood?"
"Yes Sir!" Much better. "Dismissed!"
"Sir, one last question please." Major Carter.
"Yes Major."
"Sir, when will Doctor Carter arrive on base?"
"He's already here Major."
"Oh. Yes Sir."
"Major?"
"Yes Sir?"
"I would like it if you could begin briefing Doctor Carter on SGC's history and mission first thing tomorrow. And Doctor Jackson-why don't you join them and share your knowledge of the races we've contacted and what Doctor Carter should expect on that front. Colonel O'Neill, schedule time for the weaponry lessons. Te'alc, self-defense. All clear team?"
"Yes Sir!" With that SG1 filed out of the briefing room, leaving General Hammond alone with Janet.
"Doctor Fraiser? Are we doing the right thing here? Can Doctor Carter find a niche in this team? And is it wise to try, after all, he's not the same man you saw three years ago."
Doctor Janet Frasier, who had been silent throughout the meeting, finally spoke. "Yes Sir. I think this will work out. I think it will take time, especially since SG1 is so reluctant to open their ranks to a fifth member. As for Doctor Carter's recent brush with death and his addiction to painkillers, I think he will bounce back. I have spoken with several of Doctor Carter's colleagues and family members and all had the same thing to say about him. He's resilient. He's no stranger to pain General, and to his credit, he has used it to make him into the man he is today. No he's not the same young doctor I had the pleasure of seeing in action, but he's not as naive either. I'm confident this will be a successful amalgamation."
"Anything else Doctor?"
"Only that I will begin working with Doctor Carter immediately on the diseases and injuries he will be seeing most frequently. I will also be overseeing his own healthcare and will be enacting a pain management plan to battle the lingering after-affects of his stabbing."
"Thank you Doctor." General Hammond watched as Janet exited the room, and prayed that this was as good of an idea as Doctor Fraiser made it sound. Time would tell.
*****
John Carter sat on the hard bunk and looked around his small quarters. The walls were starched white-almost blinding underneath the bright light from the overhead lamp. Besides the small bunk, the room contained only a plain wood dresser and a small desk. The quarters were really to be used when he had to stay over at the base. He would be expected in time to find an apartment in town. Until then, this was his new home.
Tired from his long flight and the events of the day, John lay back on the bunk and closed his eyes. He could still see Benton's face, his jaw set in anger, his eyes cold. He didn't believe John should take this job, and told John as much. John didn't know if this was because Benton didn't believe in him enough to think he could handle such a job, or if it was something more than that. Was he afraid for John? John had been angry then too, angry that the one person who he had hoped could share his excitement had been the one to rain on the parade. John regretted his words, spoken out of pain and his own fear of the unknown.
'I don't need your permission or your blessing! I was hoping that you could be happy for me. I'm finally doing something for myself. I'm not out to gain anyone's approval. Not anymore. I don't need you, I never needed you. After all, Peter Benton only has time for number one. I can't believe I wasted so many years chasing after you, waiting for that one time when you had something good to say. Something that meant I was worthwhile. Well, you know what? Screw you Peter! You can go to hell for all I care!'
John hadn't wanted to leave things like that, but he had to pack, had to be on the plane in three hours. Had to say goodbye to his grandparents. That hadn't taken long. His grandfather had hardly looked at him. Just nodded and walked off. Gamma had hugged him, told him to be careful. Told him she loved him. He's called his parents and that went over the way their conversations usually did. Why did he need their blessing? He was going to do whatever he wanted no matter what. Just why was he calling? To tell them he had just signed his life away to the military? Didn't he know just how much he was hurting his family with decisions? Then his mother had started crying, telling him how much she loved him, not to go. She couldn't lose another son. That had hurt. He wasn't trying to hurt his family. This was something he knew he had to do. He had to regain some control over his life. He's hung up wishing he had never called. A letter would have been better. But too late now. And then he boarded the plane.
Arriving at the base was another story. He'd been retrieved from the airport by some airman, even younger than himself. Luckily Doctor Frasier, Janet, he had to remember to call her Janet, met him on the way in. Saved him from the embarrassment of a full body search. She assured the guards she would know if he had any weapons on his body by the time she was through with him. Then they had gone to the infirmary where he had his first ever military physical. And he'd thought his stay at County was bad. Janet had poked and prodded in places he blushed to even think about. They'd discussed his recovery from February's stabbing and pain management options. He was honest with her about his addiction and his previous unwillingness to speak up when he was in pain. Janet had warned him that if he was going to be working on this base, he'd better be forthcoming because she wasn't going to have any of the personnel put in danger because he wasn't one hundred percent. When Janet was through with him, she introduced him to the oh so charming Doctor who proceeded to prod John's mind as thoroughly as Janet had prodded his body. Exhausted didn't even come close to describing how he felt when he was through. And then he met the General.
General Hammond was all military. John felt like a child standing near him, his 'civilian' status all the more remarkable. He had looked John up and down, sizing him up. The scrutiny went on for some time before the General spoke.
'Doctor Carter. Let me start off by saying that I agreed to your services on the recommendation of Doctor Frasier, and that was before I even knew about the ordeal you went through in February or your consequent addiction to painkillers. I expect all of my teams to be at their best. Now is the time to speak up if you have changed your mind and wish to leave. You have seen nothing here yet that makes you a security risk. What'll it be son?'
John was ready to leap up and run from that room, from the base, and never look back. But something in the General's eyes made him stand rooted to his spot. And then he knew. The General's eyes were warm, welcoming. He would be accepted into the folds if he chose to stay. Forcing himself to speak calmly, John had answered.
'I'd like to stay Sir.'
What the General told him after that made his skin crawl. Aliens? Travel to other worlds through a 'Stargate'? Battle for control of the universe? It was pure science fiction, and it was all true. John would have liked to believe it was a dream, but his dreams were nothing like this. They were usually replays of the bloody Valentine's Day, or the 'intervention' or his time in rehab-alone. No, nothing like this. Then the General briefed him on his role at Stargate Control, as a type of field medic, as well as explorer and historian of sorts. He would be trained in battle tactics, self-defense, and weapons handling. The last made him think of Maggie Doyle and his failure at handling himself on the gun range-shooting across the range wildly. He was lucky he hadn't shot anyone. Maggie had taken the gun away then and they found other ways to spend time together.
He would meet his team soon, after the General briefed them on their new team mate. The General warned him that they were a tightknit bunch, and might need a while to warm up to him. But rest assured, once they accepted him as one of their own, it was suffice to say there would be hell to pay to anyone who dared hurt him in any way.
John was escorted to his tiny quarters after that meeting. John's stomach rumbled and he realized that he hadn't eaten anything substantial since last night's farewell dinner at Kerry's. The steak had been delicious and he had been pleasantly surprised to see so many of his colleagues from County there to see him off. Almost everyone but Peter. No, Peter waited 'til this morning to jump on him about leaving. John forced his mind away from his former teacher, the man who had saved his life in the operating room. He slowly rolled off the bunk and went in search of food.
It hadn't taken him long to find the cafeteria. There were guards posted everywhere and they all stopped the stranger who obviously didn't belong there. Once they realized who he was, they would smirk, a few laughed outright, patted him on the back and pointed him in the right direction. One of them had wished him good luck. John wasn't sure what to make of their strange behavior, but he assumed it must just be a military thing.
John filled a tray full of food and sat down at one of the tables alone. He didn't know anyone yet, and hadn't been introduced to his team. He hoped that someone would come over and introduce themselves. A group of soldiers entered the cafeteria and the lead soldier swept his gaze over the room, letting it fall on John for a moment. Then the rest of the group all looked at him for a moment and then turned to face each other. It was obvious to John that this was his 'team'. The lead soldier was older the himself, with graying hair. There was a woman, blond hair, quite pretty. Another man, about John's age, probably a little older, and finally a large African American man with a gold tattoo on his forehead. John remembered some of what the General had told him about his team. Only two were military. A Colonel Neil? He hoped that was right, and the woman, Major Carter. He remembered her because of the shared surname. The younger man was an archeologist and the large African American-well, he wasn't really African American now was he?-was from another world.
John watched as his team filled their trays with food and began walking toward him, and then sat at a table in the middle of the room. The Major and the alien seemed as though they were about to come his way, until the Colonel pulled the Major's arm and planted her down at the table they now sat around. John felt his appetite disappear, but forced himself to eat a few more bites of the military food. G_d, he hoped this freeze out wouldn't last long. He didn't know how long he could endure being alone in a such a foreign place. He wished for a friend, anyone-even Peter Benton right about now.
