Chapter 9–Intermezzo
The making of friends, who are real friends,
is the best token we have of a man's success in life.
- Edward Everett Hale
* * *
Jack Harkness ambled into his first officer's office with two cups of coffee, finding his friend reviewing crew efficiencies on his pad. Placing Smeed's coffee on the desk by his right hand, the Captain relaxed into the comfortable chair across from Smeed.
"Just a sec, Jackie," Smeed said absently, not looking up.
"Take your time, Jim." He lounged comfortably, waiting. After a few minutes, Smeed put the pad aside.
"Decent shift, Jack?"
"Same old, same old. What do you think, Jimmy? Another week?"
"Maybe a week to get to the area, three or four days to pick up the signal, another to find the ship."
Jack nodded.
"And then, who knows, eh, Jim?"
Smeed shrugged and took a large draught of his coffee.
"Kam have any idea about the party?"
"I don't think so. Hasn't even mentioned that it's his birthday. He was still sleeping when I left, but he should be up soon. Otherwise, I'll have to wake him."
Smeed eyed him carefully, thoughtfully.
"You know, Jackie, when you told me this relationship was different, I didn't believe you."
Jack's lips curled up into a small smile.
"I noticed."
"But I was wrong. It is obviously different. You're different. I've never seen you like this, not even when we were together. Not even when you're around Henry. And it's nice. Anyhow, I apologize. I should have believed you."
"You know, Jim, even though you didn't believe it was going to be different, you stuck around, helped me, supported me, tried to make sure I wasn't going to hurt Kam. And it seems to me giving your friend the benefit of the doubt is worth a lot more than going along when you think he's right. So thank you."
"S'all right. I seem to remember you backing my plays a time or two." He glanced at the time piece on the wall.
"You better get going, Jackie. Can't have the guest of honor late to his own dinner."
