The Principle of Existence
Chapter 4
Daniel put his towel and water bottle on the small table provided and began stretching ignoring his teammates for the moment. When he finally joined them on the mat they were watching him…except for Laura who had her arms crossed and was looking at her feet. Cam already had a plan to help them work through this little bump in the road. He was just waiting for the right moment to implement it.
"Glad you could make it, Jackson. Let's pair up and do some basic hand-to-hand then switch partners."
Brackman took up a position on the far end of the mat to wait for his first partner. Patience was a virtue and his was rewarded when Daniel came to stand in front of him with just a little trepidation. The Gunnery Sergeant was only slightly taller but in much better physical shape than the archaeologist. "I'm ready when you are, Gunny."
"The idea is to defend against the unexpected, Doc. If I was the enemy, you wouldn't want to be announcing 'I'm ready' just before you attack." He watched him without blinking.
"Yeah. Sorry. I…" Daniel agreed taking a step forward only to find himself face down on the mat with one arm behind his back and the Gunnery Sergeant's knee in his lower back. The air burst from his lungs at the impact. "Ow!" The pressure disappeared and he rolled onto his back to see his "attacker" standing above him with a smug grin. "Point taken."
Brackman reached out a hand and just as quickly Daniel was on his feet again. "No offense, but you definitely need practice, Doc." Brackman took him through step by step how to defend against several different types of attacks.
Covered in perspiration and breathing heavily Daniel finally called a time-out and went straight for his water. While he hydrated he watched Laura and Cam. He had her in a choke hold from behind and was bending her back so she was off balance. She twisted to the left bringing her left leg back behind Cam's, bent her knees then with a yank on his arm Cam rolled over her back to land with a thump. Keeping hold of his right arm she used it to flip him onto his back. She planted a foot in his ribs and bent his hand back in a wrist lock. At this point Daniel made a mental note not to piss her off…ever!
Eventually they worked around to Daniel and Laura partnering up. They faced each other across the mat but made no move to engage until they heard Cam shout, "Come on, you two. We only have this room for another 30 max."
"Yes, sir." Laura answered then, while Daniel was distracted, she cocked her right arm and stepped into the punch. Daniel saw it coming out of the corner of his eye. He took a half step to the left bringing his right arm around and up to deflect the attack, his left hand coming up for a second deflection to keep her going in the new direction just long enough to get behind her. He got her in a bear hug, his head close to her ear.
"It wasn't what it looked like." His warm breath whispered over her ear and neck. "She was kissing me."
Laura had pulled one arm forward ready to deliver a sharp elbow to the ribs but paused. "Yeah?"
"Mm-hm." He purposely nuzzled her ear and was gratified to feel a little hitch in her breathing.
"You're not just-mmm-saying that?"
"Wouldn't dream of it. I try not to piss off people who can break me in half, especially if they're short and stubborn. I bruise easily."
Her stiff posture relaxed bringing her hands coming up to rest on his forearms. Her palms stroked him a few times, the fine hairs tickling just a little. "Yeah, I'm not exactly the tallest Marine in the service." She nodded in Brackman's direction. He laughed as she had meant for him to then used his inattention to raise her arms to the side to loosen his hold. She elbowed him in the solar plexus and his hands dropped away. She gripped his right arm with both hands, moved her hips in just the right way flipping him over her shoulder. He moaned as she lifted a foot to flip him onto his stomach but he was more on the ball than she gave him credit for.
He swung his leg and knocked her to the mat. With hardly a pause she rolled to her knees then dropped down behind him to get him in a head-lock, both legs wrapped around one of his. He struggled but she was stronger than she looked and he wasn't able to break free. With no idea of how to get out of it, Daniel sagged in defeat.
Laura kept him in place just long enough to get her point across then released him. Moaning he rolled fully onto his stomach and put his hands under his shoulders as if preparing for a pushup. She started to laugh at the noises he was making but gave a yelp when he launched himself on top of her.
They grappled, rolling back and forth across the mat. At one point they rolled close enough to Brackman and Cam that they had to jump out of the way or be knocked down. Grunts, groans and other inarticulate sounds came from both combatants until Daniel finally got the upper hand. They came to a stop with him on top, her arms pinned above her head and his body pressing her into the mat.
He looked down at her with a smile, released her wrists and drew her into an embrace before touching his lips to hers. She sighed, a long drawn out hum that came from the back of her throat. He touched the tip of his tongue to the crease of her soft lip and she allowed him entrance. Eventually they pulled apart and he said, "That was a kiss!"
Laura's arms had wrapped around his neck to pull him close. "Mmm. Yes, it was!"
They'd just touched their lips together again when they heard Cam's voice pierce their bubble. "Okay, okay. Break it up." He clapped his hands. "We gotta get out of here ASAP before SG-14 complains to the big Kahuna again."
"Aye, sir." Laura said with a light blush as Daniel helped her to her feet. The group gathered up their stuff and headed for the exit, Daniel walking close to Laura, his shoulder brushing hers.
True to her word, Vala did try to get to know Laura but her feelings for Daniel kept getting in the way. Every time they talked they ended up in a shouting match about something that had nothing yet everything to do with the archaeologist. More than once onlookers had to separate them before they came to blows. Finally, Sam had had enough and sent them to the base psychologist.
Doctor Reba Xavier, a light-skinned African-American in her mid-fifties with white hair and light brown eyes, had three children-a boy and two girls, and seven grandchildren-three boys and four girls-ranging in ages from six months to 13 (going on 30.) Her husband had passed away several years ago and she doted on the grands as much as possible with her work schedule.
Reba had an unconventional therapy style. For instance, several years ago an Army Captain had refused to open up about the sudden onset of anger issues. He'd been tested extensively by Doctor Fraiser and was found to be perfectly healthy except for slightly elevated blood pressure, which was understandable.
After two weeks of sessions with no progress she'd taken him to the fruitcake toss. The two of them had spent the day taking turns throwing fruitcake at a variety of targets, using the catapult and even eating a little. Afterwards, they took a walk through the center of town. He eventually opened up and told her his troubles. It turned out that his wife had been having an affair and had moved out of their home just under a month before. He hadn't told his teammates what was going on, just held it all in and started taking his frustrations out on whoever was handy when it built to the boiling point.
With her help he eventually found a more creative and less destructive outlet for his anger. The man had taken a teaching position at another base. He also coached a hockey team for disadvantaged teens in winter and a pee-wee soccer team in spring and summer, schedule permitting.
She'd also been known to have her charges get down on the floor with her to play Candyland or Chutes and Ladders or even build something with Legos. Sam was more than a little interested to find out how she would solve the problem of two women fighting over a man.
Inside the psychologist's office, Vala was already there pacing the room touching the doctor's knick-knacks and asking what they were worth. Reba followed in her wake taking them from her and replacing them on the shelves, credenza and tables. "Ms. Mal Doran, would you please leave my things alone? Come in! They have sentimental value."
Through the door Laura heard a voice telling her to enter and the sound of someone complaining. She rolled her eyes. Damn, she's already here!
"But I'm bored. I don't understand why I…" Vala stopped speaking when the door opened to admit Laura. The antagonism between them crossed the room catching the therapist in the middle. Trying to keep a sense of decorum Laura extended her hand to the doctor and made an attempt at a smile but her eyes were cold when they settled on the dark-haired woman.
The doctor gave her a hearty handshake and a bright smile. "Captain Cadman! I am so glad you could join us." There was a lilt to her voice indicating that she was most likely from the Bayou area of Louisiana.
"Am I late?"
"Of course not, Cherie. Ladies, please have a seat and we'll get started." The room contained a desk with a comfortable high-backed chair, one armchair, a sofa, bookshelves on every wall, a pile of bean bags in various colors and lots of floor space. Off in one corner were some kid's games and toys. Balls made of Nerf were mixed in with pool noodles, Lincoln Logs, Legos, cars, trucks, board games, dolls, stuffed animals and the like. A pile of bed pillows was stacked on a table just to the left of the door.
Vala and Laura did as she instructed in her no-nonsense voice taking opposite ends of the sofa. They shared a look that said they thought the therapist was crazier than they were. It was the first time they'd ever agreed on anything and the moment had not passed unnoticed by Reba.
Nearly an Hour Later
Laura and Vala were staring silently at Reba who just wrote in her PDA with an occasionally glance at the two women. They'd both refused to speak, to say what was on their minds, so the three of them just sat there in silence.
Reba glanced at the clock noting that their time was almost up. She laid her PDA aside preparing to stand when there was a knock on the door. It was opened without waiting for an invitation.
"Hey, Doc. Sorry I'm a little early. I…" Daniel stopped speaking when he saw who was there. "Am I…interrupting something?"
"Not at all. The ladies were just going."
"Yes, we are. Aren't we, Vala?" Vala looked at Laura like she'd suddenly grown a second head. The Captain used her eyes to indicate Daniel and, belatedly, she got the idea.
"Yes, we are. Going. Now. Good-bye, Reba."
Reba stood to walk the ladies out, shut the door softly behind them turned to see that Daniel had already made himself comfortable on the sofa. Picking up her PDA she began scanning. "Let's see, Daniel…" she always pronounced his name "Dan-yell", "…where did we end last time, Cherie? Ah, you were about to tell me about the time you died and ascended."
"Yes. Well…" He scratched his head behind one ear, "…we were on P9Y-4C3 in the country of Kelowna. At the time they were in a state of cold war with two other countries. They'd discovered a variant of Naquadah called Naquadria and were attempting to turn it into a weapon. There was an accident and I was exposed to dangerously high levels of radiation…"
A Week or So Later
It was late in the afternoon on a Sunday, a slow day at the SGC. After a long talk with Sam…well, Sam had talked while Vala had listened…sort of…the decision was made that she should apologize to Daniel, Laura, Walter and especially to Jack O'Neill.
The Major General had been the recipient of a drunken incoherent phone call in the middle of the night. He had contacted Sam immediately afterwards and she let him know in no uncertain terms that it would be taken care of ASAP. Her reason for waiting till the next day was quite valid and Jack had readily agreed. Vala was probably passed out by that time and it would have a much greater impact if she talked to her while she was suffering from a hangover.
Sam was indeed correct in her supposition. Vala was incredibly hung over and nearly in tears from the pain in her head made worse as Sam purposely slammed drawers, shuffled papers and squeaked her chair. She also received phone call after phone call during their little…talk.
The red phone rang and as soon as Sam said, "Hello, Mr. President" Vala had made her escape.
After a stop in the Infirmary for one of Doctor Lam's soon-to-be-patented hangover remedies Vala felt much better than she had when she'd awakened mid-afternoon still in her clothes and sleeping on the bathroom floor.
First on her list of people she had to apologize to was Walter. His door didn't look any different than any other door except it had his name beside it. Personally, she thought he was an absurd little man who followed Samantha around like a love-sick puppy. She didn't really understand that it was his job to be at the beck and call of the base's commander 24/7.
Her upraised hand hesitated. She knew she'd behaved poorly when she'd first returned to Earth but felt she'd been justified at the time and didn't feel she should have to make amends yet here she was about to do just that.
"Can I help you, Ms. Mal Doran?" Walter must have heard her because he opened the door before she could knock. He was in a t-shirt and khakis but no shoes. In his right hand he held a book, his forefinger holding his place. He did not look happy to see her.
"Yeah. You see I…" She shifted from one foot to the other glancing uneasily over her shoulder.
He stepped back to gesture her in. Taking just enough steps forward so the door could close Vala darted her eyes around the room. Straight ahead was the bed. The coverings on the double bed were rumpled with a pillow propped up against the headboard showing that he'd been sitting there reading. The comforter, bold stripes in shades of blue, was obviously not Air Force issue.
A small desk and chair was immediately to the left of the door and a built-in bookcase in the right wall facing the bed. There was a dresser and matching bedside table to complete the room. A boom box and a stack of CD's were on the dresser. The door off to the left was slightly ajar. A small throw rug had been placed in the center of the open area between the bed and the bathroom. The only light came from the lamp on the bedside table.
There were family photos on the walls, shelves and dresser. Most of them were of three children at various ages and a female who bore a slight resemblance to the Master Sergeant. The shelves were filled with books, both hard and paperbacked. Also on the walls were diplomas and awards that the Master Sergeant had received over the years as well as drawings in crayon signed with "love" in childish scrawl.
The room was warm and inviting instantly relaxing her. Walter pulled out the chair at the desk and she sat down while he perched on the side of the bed after replacing the bookmark and setting the book on the bed beside him.
"Um, Sergeant…"
"Walter, please."
"Then call me Vala."
"Yes, Ma'am." He grinned when she rolled her eyes. "Vala."
"So, Walter, I've been thinking…"
He interrupted her again, "Can I get you something to drink?"
She gulped and shook her head. "No, thank you. I woke up with the worst hangover and…"
Walter fought the grin that tried to take over his face again. "I meant water."
"Then yes, thank you." He went to the small refrigerator beside the desk, twisted the top loose for her then passed her the bottle. "I want to…apologize for all the horrid things I've ever said to you." She paused to take a drink. "It's probably best if I don't go into specifics." It was strange. She'd behaved badly toward him and here he was treating her like an honored guest in his home.
"Good idea." She returned the smile he gave her. "And thank you."
Uncomfortable sitting there with him just watching her but not quite ready to leave the comforting atmosphere, Vala stood to look at his photos. "Are these yours?"
He followed her and took one from the desk. "My sister's." He named them and pointed in turn, "Sally, Jeff, Darla. Eight, Twelve and Fifteen respectively. I don't get to see them as much as I'd like."
Vala resumed her seat, crossing her legs and clasping her hands around her knee. "Tell me about them…please."
Walter tried to hide his surprise as he began telling her about his nieces and nephew with great pride. She'd never seen the Sergeant so animated and enthusiastic. Obviously there was more to him than met the eye.
The Next Day
The phone rang and Sam glanced at it with a frown before picking it up. "Carter." Her annoyance changed to delight when she heard the voice on the other end. Smiling, she relaxed back in the chair making it squeak. "Oh, hey! …No, I'm not busy…Yes, really…would I lie to you? Oh, yeah, good point…so what's on your mind? …Me too…Sorry we missed each other when I was in DC last time…Ha-ha! …You are? Great! When? …Oh, uh, sure…Next Tuesday 1900? …what? Ha-ha!" A light tap on the door and Cam stuck his head in. She waved and pointed to the chair but he stayed standing. "Of course I have clothes to wear besides my uniform…Okay…I'm looking forward to it too…See you then…my favorite flower? Oh, uh…don't really have one…Ha-ha! Okay, you too…'Bye." She hung up the phone with a silly grin, saw Cam watching her and tried to stop.
"Who you makin' a date with, Sam? Anyone I know?" He gave her a meaningful smile.
"Actually, no." Her demeanor changed so he didn't ask any more questions. "You'll need to take Vala with you on this mission." Her tone said she was genuinely sorry.
"Do I have to?" Cam asked his commanding officer while he rested his hip on the corner of the desk and crossed his arms.
"The message we received this morning from our contact on P9C-343 said they wouldn't meet you unless she's there so yes, you have to. They'll take you to the Trinium."
Cam rubbed the side of his nose. It was obvious he didn't like the idea. "Okay, if you insist." Pushing off the desk he went to the door. "I'll make sure she doesn't shoot Cadman or Jackson."
Sam wrinkled her nose at him. "I'd appreciate the effort, Cam." The door closed on his response. She turned back to her workstation and began tapping rapidly at the keys quickly becoming immersed in work again.
Cam, Brackman, Vala and SG-7 were already in the Gate Room when Laura and Daniel arrived. Both were fully geared up as were the others. Cam looked over at them but Vala kept her eyes averted and Brackman remained stoic.
"Now that we're all here…Walter, would you please dial P9C-343?"
"Yes, Colonel. Dialing." Sam and Doctor Lee were working a program to streamline the dialing process but hadn't worked out all the glitches yet so every dialout was a big production.
The last chevron engaged, the wormhole whooshed out and back then Cam started forward with the others on his heels. They passed through the event horizon to emerge into bright sunshine and growing things as far as the eye could see. In the distance they could see a city. From the information brought back by the MALP, these people were at a technological level slightly behind Earth's.
Straight ahead an paved path wound its way into the forest. Squinting, Cam slipped on sunglasses then gave a few clipped orders. Smythe and Deever from SG-7 were left to guard the Stargate. "Okay, it's two klicks to the rendezvous point so let's head out. Brackman, on our six and everybody stay sharp."
As they neared the meeting place Cam lifted his right fist bringing the group to a halt. He had the sense that something wasn't quite kosher and was about to say so when shots rang out.
"Scatter!" He shouted as he dove for the cover of a stand of bushes to his left. Major Labonte and Doctor Jones tumbled down beside him. They ducked again when another volley of fire whizzed over their heads. "Oh, crap! Another welcoming committee. Why can't they just send a fruit basket like everyone else?"
TBC