Chapter 7 – Learning the rules
Someone wrote to me that my story or character – I didn't really get which, as the review was sharp and carried a great amount of hatred and disdain – had and I quote "all the earmarks and stench of a Mary Sue." That it was badly written...
I appreciate constructive criticism (the one that will allow me to live and learn) but certainly not the spiteful kind as it brings nothing, especially not to the writer of that review who will appear as a fool at best.
This being said, I have reread my story carefully. I might not be a professional literary critic, editor or writer but I have studied literature in college. My story is not perfect and if you find mistakes or wish me to improve it, do tell me. My character is not perfect either nor is she completely flawed. She is indeed mysterious but what would storytelling be without a little bit of mystery?
Last but not least, I write for myself, first and foremost. I only post my stories to share them with others as they do too, not expecting anything in return. So, I will keep posting that story as long as the inspiration keeps flowing my way. Now, on with the show!
They get back with crates of fruit, almond-like nuts and baskets of vegetables offered to them by the village as a promise of alliance. They've offered them basic medicine for fever and infections in return, as well as blueprints for improvements to their mills and irrigation systems made by Rodney. She feels relieved to return to her kitchen, sorting out the gifts they've received, excited to get to work and experiment on new recipes.
"Ms Léger, this is Dr Weir. When you have a minute, can you drop by my office, please?" she hears on the intercom and sighs. Her hands are already buried in dough for her fruit pies so she taps her intercom with her wrist and relunctantly answers. "Yes, Ma'am, will do as soon as I'm finished here."
Elizabeth bites on her lower lip, making John's eyes twinkle. She's adorable when pissed. He tilts his head at her from the other side of her desk, begging her to be patient. She rolls her eyes at him. "That would be very nice of you. Thank you. And remind me when you get here to tell you the protocole when anyone returns from an off-world mission," she says curtly, ignoring John's glare.
Louise cringes and stops kneading the dough. She knows she's normally supposed to check in the infirmary but Beckett was with her and said she needn't do it this time so what? And suddenly it dawns on her they normally have a defriefing right after that. It's her first time off-world and she already screwed it up! She removes the last from the dough clinging to her hands and motions to one of the cooks to take her place while she washes her hands and discards her apron.
John stands from his chair and pouts. "What did you say before we left, Ma'am?" he taunts Elizabeth. "Oh yeah, right! That we should make her feel more comfortable! Or was it less? I don't really remember," he mocks her.
She glares at him. "John," she warns him.
He leans on her desk with both hands and looks her in the eyes. "I swear, Dr Weir, if you spooked her..."
"Please, don't,"he hears a small voice plead behind him. He straightens and turns. She's standing in the doorway, her arms wrapped around her middle. "I'm sorry, Dr Weir, I am, and it's all my fault. Please don't fight because of me." Her bottom lip is trembling. "I got over-excited and headed for my kitchen, forgetting the protocole. I promise never to forget, ever again," she offers sheepishly.
John approaches her and takes her arm gently making her enter the office. "Don't worry. She growls a lot but never bites, not even me," he says, winking at his boss who shakes her head and chuckles. "John, you're the most infuriating 2IC in two galaxies," she chides him playfully. "Now I'm sure you have plenty of things to do so get out," she orders him.
"If you promise not to chew on our cook here, I will," he replies cockily.
She raises her right hand. "I swear. And John," she adds, seeing him leave, "bring me dinner tonight, will you? I'm anxious to see what you've brought back from Elisia."
She motions for Louise to sit. "John is right, I was too harsh on you and I apologize for that," she says, smiling at her.
"It's OK, really, Ma'am, I should have respected protocole and I understand you need to show an impartial and strict front. I do, really," Louise replies with a shy smile then falls silent. Uncomfortable silence settles between them. "So," Elizabeth finally says,trying to break the ice, "I asked you to come because I want you to tell me about your visit to Elisia."
Louise looks at her surprised. "I don't see what I could tell you that isn't already in my report."
"Your impressions, Ms Léger. Feelings are not something we usually write in reports but since I wasn't there, I need you to be my eyes and ears. Is this a sound alliance?" she elaborates.
"I'm flattered you're asking for my opinion, Ma'am, but really, apart from telling you we now have access to an extraordinary variety of fruit, vegetables and even cereals, I can't tell you more, I'm afraid."
"Let me explain. I just saw Dr Beckett and Dr McKay. To meet the terms of the treaty, we're going to need to send quite a few of our scientists and marines to help them improve their manufactures. As for medicine, we will have to part with quite an amount of medical supplies. I need to know that it will be worth it, that's all."
Louise ponders her answer. "Well, if you need my personal opinion, I'll tell you this. I had no real experience in feeding that amount of people before I came here. I was hired by General O'Neill and Dr McKay and when they did, I was open about it. I worked for a few weeks with the SGC's cook before leaving but nothing had prepared me for the issues we have here. We are cut off from Earth and need to be self-sufficient in everything but I can imagine the most pressing issue is food. I have tried to manage it as best I could and please people in those first crucial weeks when we arrived. Now I have the benefit of hindsight, I have to say we cannot go on like we've done until now. If we want to keep the same diet we've given the two hundred plus members of the expedition, and I'm not even including the Athosians now they've become self-sufficient, I'd say we do need Elisia as our allies. You won't make an omelette without breaking a few eggs, Ma'am," she adds, frowning.
Elizabeth is dwindling on her pad, thinking hard about what she's just heard. She knew of course but being told in not some many words is another thing. "Will that be sufficient?" she asks.
Louise shakes her head. "No, Ma'am, not by a far cry. One, as I've understood, no planet in the galaxy can claim to be free from the Wraith so we shouldn't count on only one source of supply and two, it won't be enough anyway. Those people have a much simpler diet than ours, made of fruit, vegetables, bread and cheese for the most part. They hunt and fish, yes, but reserve the meat and fish for those who need them the most or for exceptional occasions," she explains and Elizabeth realizes that, though she seems to be a very reserved, even shy person, she must have had her ears wide open.
She nods. "Quite like the Athosians," she answers and Louise nods too.
"Yes, Ma'am. Quite like most societies on Earth before the advent of modern society. If you allow me, I intend to slightly shift our diet in the weeks to come to introduce more simpler and healthier items. I know it sounds harsh but very soon, anyway, we won't have processed food left at our disposal." She lifts her hand, seeing Elizabeth ready to intervene. "But I want you to know that I will do my best to serve wholesome and savory meals."
Elizabeth chuckles. "Rodney is going to have a fit," she remarks.
Louise shakes her head, chuckling too. "Don't worry, Ma'am. I don't intend to starve anyone, neither do I wish to frustrate them. With what I found on Elisia, I promise to make desserts that melt in your mouth, if only I have the time to experiment on them."
"Well, shoo then," Elizabeth tells her playfully. "You have a go, Ms Léger. And don't beat yourself over it. You might not have a lot of experience as you said but you have already proven very ressourceful to the expedition." Louise nods silently and stands, relieved the interview is over. "Oh, and, Ms Léger, next time you feel like flirting with an alien eligible man, make sure you tell Major Sheppard first. You gave him a fright," she adds wickedly.
Louise blushes. "He told you?" It's not a question.
Elizabeth laughs. "He tells me everything," she says, smiling fondly and Louise smiles back. She knows those two might not know it yet but she knows. There's much more than meets the eye, something that in spite of all she's been through or maybe because of it, warms her heart.
TBC