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.
Something Old, Something New
Part Seven
By: Victoria F.
"Well, what do you think?"
"I think it's the fifth apartment we've looked at and you're not going to take this one either, are you?"
Daniel looked at John and sighed. No, the doctor wasn't going to take this apartment. He'd find some fault like he'd found in the last four. Too small. Too large. Not enough closets. Not enough windows. Daniel was beginning to suspect that the doctor was purposely finding things wrong with each apartment. What, so he wouldn't have to leave the base? Even Daniel looked forward to escaping back to his own place every once and a while.
"Just let me look around. I haven't decided yet. This isn't something you just rush into you know. I mean, if it's going to be my home for the next who knows how long, I want it to be right."
John walked into the kitchen and pulled open the door to the fridge. A bit small. Shrugging indifferently, he moved on to the stove. Gas. Could be a problem. No garbage disposal. But at least there was a dishwasher! Moving on, John pushed open a narrow door off the kitchen and stepped into a small laundry room. Nice touch. No laundromats to deal with. John turned and crossed through the kitchen and back into the living room. Not exactly Gamma's sitting room, but it was nice enough. John walked over to the large patio doors and peered out. Decent balcony. Room enough for a barbecue and a few chairs. John tried the blinds. They worked.
Daniel watched as John poked into every corner of the apartment, opening doors, checking windows, pushing the smoke alarm until it emitted a high pitched beep. Watched as he headed into the bathroom and could hear as the cabinets opened and closed. The shower was turned on, then the sink. Then the toilet went through its own set of tortures. Finally John emerged, not looking as happy as a man should upon learning that his throne was top of the line. Silently, he drifted into the bedroom.
Daniel waited patiently for John to come back and make his decision. Minutes passed with no sign of John emerging from the bedroom. Daniel's patience began to wear thin as his mind drifted back to his office on base and the awaiting artifacts within.
"Doctor Carter? Done yet?" No answer. "Doctor Carter? John?"
With growing concern, Daniel pushed himself off the floor where he had settled down to wait and walked towards the bedroom. He could see John standing with his back to the door, unmoving.
"John?" Again, no answer. Disturbed by the doctor's silence, Daniel walked up to the still man and gently touched his shoulder. Big mistake. Before he could utter John's name again, Daniel felt a quick yank on his arm before his body launched off the ground in a dizzying arc, slamming into the ground below. Dazed, he found himself looking up at one very frightened doctor.
"John? You okay? I didn't mean to scare you. Could you let me up please?"
John stared down at the man he had pinned on the floor. Daniel. John stared at the wide eyed scientist for a moment more before releasing him and slowly standing. His heart raced as he backed away. What did I do? I just attacked a member of my own team. I shouldn't be here. I can't do this. John stumbled out of the bedroom and across the living room. Pulling the blinds aside, he slid the patio door open and stepped out. Fresh air washed over him and he could feel his nerves begin to settle. Reaching into his pockets in a desperate search, his fingers finally wrapped around their prize. John withdrew the packet of cigarettes and pulled one out. His fingers fumbled with the green bic lighter until a flame suddenly burst forth. With shaking hands, John raised the small torch 'til it washed over the tip of the cigarette and drew a deep breath. Leaning over the railing, he exhaled slowly and dropped his head onto his clenched hands.
Once released from John's grip, Daniel quickly got to his feet and followed John from the bedroom. He stopped at the patio door, unsure of how to proceed. He didn't want to risk a repeat incident. He was already sore from his little visit with the bedroom floor. It was obvious the self-defense lessons were paying off. Teal'c would be proud. From the safety of the living room, Daniel watched as John lit a cigarette, his body slumping forward against the railing.
Daniel knew fear well and the look was unmistakable as it emanated from the doctor's face when he looked down at Daniel. Something had triggered that fear, but Daniel knew that if John didn't want to talk about it, asking would only result in John putting up all his defenses. No, asking was no good. He would wait. Sooner or later John would talk. They all did.
"Hey John. You know what? I'm starving. Let's get some dinner and you can decide if you want this apartment while we're eating."
John's eyes opened as the words floated out to the patio. Dinner? No comment on the fact that I just introduced you to the carpet in the most indelicate way possible? You're not even going to ask if I'm 'okay'? Or, do I need a straight jacket? Just, let's go get some dinner. Hmm, sounds good.
"Yeah. Dinner," John paused, "I don't think I'm going to take this apartment."
"I figured. Carpet was a bit scratchy. Pizza? Chinese? Italian? Buffet?"
John smashed the butt of his cigarette onto the railing and flicked it over the edge. "Pizza sounds good."
*****
"Smell that fresh air. It's too bad Daniel had to miss this. His allergies would love this place!"
"Very funny Colonel. What project do you think General Hammond had for Daniel that was so important he couldn't come with us?" Sam looked questioningly at Jack.
"I don't know Major. Probably some exciting new rock or piece of playdough with little squiggles all over it. Or maybe it's a top secret mission and we were sent here to keep us out of the way. Either way, he's stuck on base, and we're out here on vacation. It doesn't get better than this. And the bonus is, no playing hide and go seek with Daniel." Jack grinned at his sudden revelation. Yeah, Daniel was his friend, his best friend. But even on this gentle planet, Daniel for sure would have fallen into a hole or gotten swept away by hidden Goa'uld by now. That was just Danny-luck. No ill feelings intended. Just reality. Reality tended to suck where Daniel was concerned.
Teal'c, who had been walking behind the two Earth military officers, bobbed up along side of Jack. "It is unfortunate that Daniel Jackson was unable to join this mission. I believe he would have enjoyed this planet. As would Doctor Carter. There appear to be no threatening creatures nearby and no anomalies to the terrain. Perhaps we can return for Doctor Carter's first trip through the stargate."
Jack's grin grew even wider as he slapped his hand down on Teal'c's shoulder. "Teal'c! You're a genius! That's the perfect excuse to come back to this little vacation spot."
Sam rolled her eyes as she took point and continued her steady trek across the grassy plain. She could see a grove of trees in the distance and figured they could break camp when they reached that point. It looked like it was a good two hours away. Turning her face upwards, Sam enjoyed the sensation of feeling the two suns warming her face. Feeling like a little girl, she stooped down and picked a white flower resembling a daisy. This could only get better if I had a kite. The blue sky was clear and the wind was gentle, little more than a breeze. It tousled Sam's hair as it carried along the smell of spring.
"Let's move it Major!" Sam snapped to attention and realized that Jack and Teal'c had passed her and were now several meters ahead. Straightening her pack, Sam quickened her pace and settled in behind the others. Feeling her body go into autopilot, Sam's mind began to drift again. Memories of a childhood long gone welcomed the soldier. Images of dolls were crowded out by toy guns and plastic hand grenades. Rescue missions to save her kidnapped dollies soon took precedence over tea parties. All her tea parties usually ended up in the middle of a war anyway. At first her father had tried to coax her brother into playing the little soldier, but when it became obvious he wasn't about to play the part, Sam stepped up. Used to being ignored or cast aside as useless, Sam quickly learned that sweetness and spice would do her no good to earn her father's graces. He wanted a soldier, and Sam was determined to give him one.
Underneath the military facade, still lie the little girl with blond pigtails. The little girl who took the time to pick the flowers, to fling her arms wide and breath in the fresh scents of nature. The little girl who's heart ached when her friends were hurt or when the years of sadness overwhelmed them. The little girl who kept Sam from taking that final step forward and becoming the perfect little soldier. The little girl who missed her friend Danny when he couldn't come out to play. The little girl who held the new doctor's hand when he destroyed her visions of love and candy hearts on Valentine's Day.
Sam felt a chill and rubbed her arms. Looking forward, she realized they were near the site she had scouted earlier. The suns were setting and deep shadows stretched out across the ground.
"Sir! We should probably set up camp once we reach those trees!"
"Agreed!" Jack fell back and walked along side of Sam. "When we get there, you and Teal'c set up camp while I secure the area."
"Yes Sir."
"So, what's on your mind Major? Or doesn't my and Teal'c's company appeal to you anymore?"
"It's not that Sir. This planet just brings back a lot of memories."
"Good memories I hope."
"Mostly Sir." Sam fell silent again and walked the rest of the way mute. Unfazed, Jack increased his pace until he was walking with Teal'c. Sam watched as the two talked and wondered what the Jaffa could possibly have to converse with Jack about. But oddly enough, they always found something to go on about. If only Daniel were here, Sam mused.
*****
"So who gets the last piece?"
Daniel pushed the pizza tin towards John. "It's yours. I can't eat another bite."
John grabbed the final piece and caught a gob of cheese and green peppers that had tumbled over the side. Piling the toppings back on top of the pizza, John took a bite.
"This is really good. I thought we had good pizza back in Chicago, but this. . . this is great. I'm in pizza heaven."
Daniel sat back and watched the doctor eat. Unbelievable. The man had an insatiable appetite. He'd better watch it or Janet will have him counting calories.
"So, Doctor Carter, why weren't any of the apartments we saw good enough?"
"J..aw...w..n."
"I'm sorry, what?"
John swallowed his mouthful of pizza and repeated himself. "John. My name is John. I'm sorry, I just can't get used to people calling me Doctor Carter. It just doesn't sound right."
"What? No one called you Doctor Carter in Chicago?"
John shifted uncomfortably. "No, actually. It was usually just 'Carter'. Started when I was in med school and stuck."
"Oh. Well, Daniel's fine too."
"You sure? Three doctorates. That's a tough one to ignore." John looked over at Daniel and wondered how he had managed to obtain three Ph.D.s and he was only a few years older than John.
Now it was Daniel's turn to look uncomfortable. "I'm sure. So, back to my question. What was wrong with those apartments?"
John shrugged and looked down. "Nothing. I just. . . haven't been on my own in a while. I guess I'm not looking forward to going home and being alone every time I step off the base."
"Were you living with someone back in Chicago? Girlfriend? Roommate?"
John's face flushed as he answered. "My grandparents. I. . . had an accident, and was staying with them while I recuperated. Before that, I usually had roommates." Images of Kerry and of Dennis Gant flickered in his mind before receding back to their hiding places.
"You can't really live on base. It will get crowded. You should take one of the apartments while you have the chance."
John sighed and rubbed his face before dropping his head into his hands. Then came the muffled reply, "I know."
Daniel watched John for a moment in silence. Then he grabbed his jacket and stood up. "Let's go."
John looked up, startled. "Go where?"
"I have the perfect apartment for you." Daniel walked out of the restaurant with John trailing behind.
Twenty minutes later, John followed Daniel down a long hallway before they finally stopped in front of an apartment door. Daniel reached into his pocket and pulled out a set of keys.
"Why do you have the keys?"
"Because it's my apartment," Daniel said as he pushed the door open and walked in. Once inside, he began to walk from room to room, pushing open doors and gesturing inside. "Living room, kitchen, bathroom, my bedroom, your bedroom, computer room or den, library, whatever you prefer to call it."
John followed him, stunned at the offer. "You don't have to do this. I can find my own place."
"You can move out when you're ready. A friend did this for me and now I'm just passing on the favor. I won't mind having someone around as long as you don't mind me prowling around in the middle of the night."
John laughed. "You might have company. I have trouble sleeping sometimes."
"See? Compatible already. So, are you interested? I can clear some room on the shelves here. You can use the computer as long as you promise not to delete anything. I'm not a heavy drinker, so you'll have to get your own if you are."
John shook his head. "Don't drink, at least, not anymore." After looking around the apartment for a minute, John already knew his answer. Yes. He already felt at home and could feel himself relaxing.
"Thanks."
"Let's head back to the base and you can grab whatever you've got. Tomorrow, I guess we shop. A man can't live in fatigues alone. And no offense, that suit you had on your first day wasn't much better. Not to mention you'll have to get sheets, towels, pizza . . .."
Chuckling to himself, John silently agreed. The day hadn't turned out quite like he expected, but it had turned out to be a good day never the less.
Something Old, Something New
Part Seven
By: Victoria F.
"Well, what do you think?"
"I think it's the fifth apartment we've looked at and you're not going to take this one either, are you?"
Daniel looked at John and sighed. No, the doctor wasn't going to take this apartment. He'd find some fault like he'd found in the last four. Too small. Too large. Not enough closets. Not enough windows. Daniel was beginning to suspect that the doctor was purposely finding things wrong with each apartment. What, so he wouldn't have to leave the base? Even Daniel looked forward to escaping back to his own place every once and a while.
"Just let me look around. I haven't decided yet. This isn't something you just rush into you know. I mean, if it's going to be my home for the next who knows how long, I want it to be right."
John walked into the kitchen and pulled open the door to the fridge. A bit small. Shrugging indifferently, he moved on to the stove. Gas. Could be a problem. No garbage disposal. But at least there was a dishwasher! Moving on, John pushed open a narrow door off the kitchen and stepped into a small laundry room. Nice touch. No laundromats to deal with. John turned and crossed through the kitchen and back into the living room. Not exactly Gamma's sitting room, but it was nice enough. John walked over to the large patio doors and peered out. Decent balcony. Room enough for a barbecue and a few chairs. John tried the blinds. They worked.
Daniel watched as John poked into every corner of the apartment, opening doors, checking windows, pushing the smoke alarm until it emitted a high pitched beep. Watched as he headed into the bathroom and could hear as the cabinets opened and closed. The shower was turned on, then the sink. Then the toilet went through its own set of tortures. Finally John emerged, not looking as happy as a man should upon learning that his throne was top of the line. Silently, he drifted into the bedroom.
Daniel waited patiently for John to come back and make his decision. Minutes passed with no sign of John emerging from the bedroom. Daniel's patience began to wear thin as his mind drifted back to his office on base and the awaiting artifacts within.
"Doctor Carter? Done yet?" No answer. "Doctor Carter? John?"
With growing concern, Daniel pushed himself off the floor where he had settled down to wait and walked towards the bedroom. He could see John standing with his back to the door, unmoving.
"John?" Again, no answer. Disturbed by the doctor's silence, Daniel walked up to the still man and gently touched his shoulder. Big mistake. Before he could utter John's name again, Daniel felt a quick yank on his arm before his body launched off the ground in a dizzying arc, slamming into the ground below. Dazed, he found himself looking up at one very frightened doctor.
"John? You okay? I didn't mean to scare you. Could you let me up please?"
John stared down at the man he had pinned on the floor. Daniel. John stared at the wide eyed scientist for a moment more before releasing him and slowly standing. His heart raced as he backed away. What did I do? I just attacked a member of my own team. I shouldn't be here. I can't do this. John stumbled out of the bedroom and across the living room. Pulling the blinds aside, he slid the patio door open and stepped out. Fresh air washed over him and he could feel his nerves begin to settle. Reaching into his pockets in a desperate search, his fingers finally wrapped around their prize. John withdrew the packet of cigarettes and pulled one out. His fingers fumbled with the green bic lighter until a flame suddenly burst forth. With shaking hands, John raised the small torch 'til it washed over the tip of the cigarette and drew a deep breath. Leaning over the railing, he exhaled slowly and dropped his head onto his clenched hands.
Once released from John's grip, Daniel quickly got to his feet and followed John from the bedroom. He stopped at the patio door, unsure of how to proceed. He didn't want to risk a repeat incident. He was already sore from his little visit with the bedroom floor. It was obvious the self-defense lessons were paying off. Teal'c would be proud. From the safety of the living room, Daniel watched as John lit a cigarette, his body slumping forward against the railing.
Daniel knew fear well and the look was unmistakable as it emanated from the doctor's face when he looked down at Daniel. Something had triggered that fear, but Daniel knew that if John didn't want to talk about it, asking would only result in John putting up all his defenses. No, asking was no good. He would wait. Sooner or later John would talk. They all did.
"Hey John. You know what? I'm starving. Let's get some dinner and you can decide if you want this apartment while we're eating."
John's eyes opened as the words floated out to the patio. Dinner? No comment on the fact that I just introduced you to the carpet in the most indelicate way possible? You're not even going to ask if I'm 'okay'? Or, do I need a straight jacket? Just, let's go get some dinner. Hmm, sounds good.
"Yeah. Dinner," John paused, "I don't think I'm going to take this apartment."
"I figured. Carpet was a bit scratchy. Pizza? Chinese? Italian? Buffet?"
John smashed the butt of his cigarette onto the railing and flicked it over the edge. "Pizza sounds good."
*****
"Smell that fresh air. It's too bad Daniel had to miss this. His allergies would love this place!"
"Very funny Colonel. What project do you think General Hammond had for Daniel that was so important he couldn't come with us?" Sam looked questioningly at Jack.
"I don't know Major. Probably some exciting new rock or piece of playdough with little squiggles all over it. Or maybe it's a top secret mission and we were sent here to keep us out of the way. Either way, he's stuck on base, and we're out here on vacation. It doesn't get better than this. And the bonus is, no playing hide and go seek with Daniel." Jack grinned at his sudden revelation. Yeah, Daniel was his friend, his best friend. But even on this gentle planet, Daniel for sure would have fallen into a hole or gotten swept away by hidden Goa'uld by now. That was just Danny-luck. No ill feelings intended. Just reality. Reality tended to suck where Daniel was concerned.
Teal'c, who had been walking behind the two Earth military officers, bobbed up along side of Jack. "It is unfortunate that Daniel Jackson was unable to join this mission. I believe he would have enjoyed this planet. As would Doctor Carter. There appear to be no threatening creatures nearby and no anomalies to the terrain. Perhaps we can return for Doctor Carter's first trip through the stargate."
Jack's grin grew even wider as he slapped his hand down on Teal'c's shoulder. "Teal'c! You're a genius! That's the perfect excuse to come back to this little vacation spot."
Sam rolled her eyes as she took point and continued her steady trek across the grassy plain. She could see a grove of trees in the distance and figured they could break camp when they reached that point. It looked like it was a good two hours away. Turning her face upwards, Sam enjoyed the sensation of feeling the two suns warming her face. Feeling like a little girl, she stooped down and picked a white flower resembling a daisy. This could only get better if I had a kite. The blue sky was clear and the wind was gentle, little more than a breeze. It tousled Sam's hair as it carried along the smell of spring.
"Let's move it Major!" Sam snapped to attention and realized that Jack and Teal'c had passed her and were now several meters ahead. Straightening her pack, Sam quickened her pace and settled in behind the others. Feeling her body go into autopilot, Sam's mind began to drift again. Memories of a childhood long gone welcomed the soldier. Images of dolls were crowded out by toy guns and plastic hand grenades. Rescue missions to save her kidnapped dollies soon took precedence over tea parties. All her tea parties usually ended up in the middle of a war anyway. At first her father had tried to coax her brother into playing the little soldier, but when it became obvious he wasn't about to play the part, Sam stepped up. Used to being ignored or cast aside as useless, Sam quickly learned that sweetness and spice would do her no good to earn her father's graces. He wanted a soldier, and Sam was determined to give him one.
Underneath the military facade, still lie the little girl with blond pigtails. The little girl who took the time to pick the flowers, to fling her arms wide and breath in the fresh scents of nature. The little girl who's heart ached when her friends were hurt or when the years of sadness overwhelmed them. The little girl who kept Sam from taking that final step forward and becoming the perfect little soldier. The little girl who missed her friend Danny when he couldn't come out to play. The little girl who held the new doctor's hand when he destroyed her visions of love and candy hearts on Valentine's Day.
Sam felt a chill and rubbed her arms. Looking forward, she realized they were near the site she had scouted earlier. The suns were setting and deep shadows stretched out across the ground.
"Sir! We should probably set up camp once we reach those trees!"
"Agreed!" Jack fell back and walked along side of Sam. "When we get there, you and Teal'c set up camp while I secure the area."
"Yes Sir."
"So, what's on your mind Major? Or doesn't my and Teal'c's company appeal to you anymore?"
"It's not that Sir. This planet just brings back a lot of memories."
"Good memories I hope."
"Mostly Sir." Sam fell silent again and walked the rest of the way mute. Unfazed, Jack increased his pace until he was walking with Teal'c. Sam watched as the two talked and wondered what the Jaffa could possibly have to converse with Jack about. But oddly enough, they always found something to go on about. If only Daniel were here, Sam mused.
*****
"So who gets the last piece?"
Daniel pushed the pizza tin towards John. "It's yours. I can't eat another bite."
John grabbed the final piece and caught a gob of cheese and green peppers that had tumbled over the side. Piling the toppings back on top of the pizza, John took a bite.
"This is really good. I thought we had good pizza back in Chicago, but this. . . this is great. I'm in pizza heaven."
Daniel sat back and watched the doctor eat. Unbelievable. The man had an insatiable appetite. He'd better watch it or Janet will have him counting calories.
"So, Doctor Carter, why weren't any of the apartments we saw good enough?"
"J..aw...w..n."
"I'm sorry, what?"
John swallowed his mouthful of pizza and repeated himself. "John. My name is John. I'm sorry, I just can't get used to people calling me Doctor Carter. It just doesn't sound right."
"What? No one called you Doctor Carter in Chicago?"
John shifted uncomfortably. "No, actually. It was usually just 'Carter'. Started when I was in med school and stuck."
"Oh. Well, Daniel's fine too."
"You sure? Three doctorates. That's a tough one to ignore." John looked over at Daniel and wondered how he had managed to obtain three Ph.D.s and he was only a few years older than John.
Now it was Daniel's turn to look uncomfortable. "I'm sure. So, back to my question. What was wrong with those apartments?"
John shrugged and looked down. "Nothing. I just. . . haven't been on my own in a while. I guess I'm not looking forward to going home and being alone every time I step off the base."
"Were you living with someone back in Chicago? Girlfriend? Roommate?"
John's face flushed as he answered. "My grandparents. I. . . had an accident, and was staying with them while I recuperated. Before that, I usually had roommates." Images of Kerry and of Dennis Gant flickered in his mind before receding back to their hiding places.
"You can't really live on base. It will get crowded. You should take one of the apartments while you have the chance."
John sighed and rubbed his face before dropping his head into his hands. Then came the muffled reply, "I know."
Daniel watched John for a moment in silence. Then he grabbed his jacket and stood up. "Let's go."
John looked up, startled. "Go where?"
"I have the perfect apartment for you." Daniel walked out of the restaurant with John trailing behind.
Twenty minutes later, John followed Daniel down a long hallway before they finally stopped in front of an apartment door. Daniel reached into his pocket and pulled out a set of keys.
"Why do you have the keys?"
"Because it's my apartment," Daniel said as he pushed the door open and walked in. Once inside, he began to walk from room to room, pushing open doors and gesturing inside. "Living room, kitchen, bathroom, my bedroom, your bedroom, computer room or den, library, whatever you prefer to call it."
John followed him, stunned at the offer. "You don't have to do this. I can find my own place."
"You can move out when you're ready. A friend did this for me and now I'm just passing on the favor. I won't mind having someone around as long as you don't mind me prowling around in the middle of the night."
John laughed. "You might have company. I have trouble sleeping sometimes."
"See? Compatible already. So, are you interested? I can clear some room on the shelves here. You can use the computer as long as you promise not to delete anything. I'm not a heavy drinker, so you'll have to get your own if you are."
John shook his head. "Don't drink, at least, not anymore." After looking around the apartment for a minute, John already knew his answer. Yes. He already felt at home and could feel himself relaxing.
"Thanks."
"Let's head back to the base and you can grab whatever you've got. Tomorrow, I guess we shop. A man can't live in fatigues alone. And no offense, that suit you had on your first day wasn't much better. Not to mention you'll have to get sheets, towels, pizza . . .."
Chuckling to himself, John silently agreed. The day hadn't turned out quite like he expected, but it had turned out to be a good day never the less.