Chapter 4:The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
20 minutes later everybody gathered at the lift. Teal'c was the last to arrive. Jack tapped his watch.
-You're late T'.
-I am sorry, O'Neill. I could not decide what to wear.
Katie laughed and looked around at the group. How very predictable they all were. Teal'c was wearing khaki dress pants, a white turtleneck, a dark blue suit jacket and a fedora. Jack was wearing jeans, a hunter green polo and a black leather jacket. Jonas was wearing khaki pants and a long sleeve black t-shirt. Sam was wearing jeans, a purple button up shirt and a black leather jacket. She was wearing khaki pants, an orange polo and a black leather jacket. Even though they were all in street clothes it was obvious they were a team. They say that when 2 people have been married a long time they start to act like each other. Well, I suppose the same was true in this case.
Jack stomped his foot impatiently and ushered them into the lift.
-Come on. Let's go.
The lift took them to the surface. As they were walking toward Jack's truck, the guards saluted. Jack saluted back. He unlocked the door and got in the driver's seat. Katie climbed in the back. Teal'c and Jonas climbed in after her. That left Sam the front seat. She turned to Jack.
-So, Colonel, are you going to tell us where we're going?
Jack sighed.
-Carter, we're on vacation. Can we drop the Colonel, please?
Before she could respond Katie burst out laughing. Everyone turned to stare at her.
-I'm sorry. I can't help it!
Jack turned to Sam.
-So?
-So what?
-So will you stop calling me Colonel? At least while we're on vacation?
-What am I supposed to call you?
-I dunno...maybe...Jack.
-Jack.
She said it hesitantly, as if testing out its taste on her lips.
-So, Jack...are you going to tell us where we're going?
-No.
As they were talking 3 small tears silently rolled down Katie's cheeks. She brushed them from her face. As she did so her eyes locked with Jonas'. He smiled as if reassuring her that eventually everything would be all right. Jack popped in a CD. The voices of 'The Monkees' filled the car.
-Aaaaaaaaaaah!!!! Make it stop!!!!!!
Jack turned around to look at Katie.
-Don't tell me you don't like The Monkees!
-I love monkeys, but I hate The Monkees!
Jonas and Jack exchanged looks of confusion.
Jack sighed with resignation and stopped the song right in the middle of "I'm a Believer". He put another CD in. Kenny G's saxophone graced their ears. Katie breathed a sigh of relief.
-Much better.
-I'm glad you approve.
Sam turned to Jack.
-If it makes you fell any better, I love The Monkees.
He smiled.
-Actually, it does help.
They went from Kenny G to Miles Davis to Louis Armstrong and still they hadn't arrived at wherever it was they were going.
-Uh, dad?
-Yah?
-Do you know how to get wherever it is we're going?
-Of course. Maybe. I think. I used to.
Katie slapped herself in the head.
-Dad.
-Relax. We'll find it eventual...hah!! We're here!
They pulled into the parking lot of the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.
Katie squealed with delight.
-The zoo! The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo! I've always wanted to visit here!
Teal'c tilted his head thoughtfully.
-A zoo. O'Neill, is that not the place where children of your species gather to learn?
Jack laughed.
-No, that would be a school, but I can see how you'd get them confused. Most kids belong in a zoo.
Katie slugged him as they got out of the truck.
-Ouch. Hey, I didn't say you belonged in a zoo, just most kids.
-I am not a kid.
-Oh, sorry, you're a teenager. Big difference.
Katie slugged him again.
-Ow. What was that for? How'd you get so strong anyway?
-That was to remind you that kids don't fight back, teenagers do. And to answer you second question, sparring with Jonas.
-Jonas? Our Jonas?
-Do you know any others?
-Um, no.
A moment passed.
-You got that strong by sparring with Jonas?
Katie and Jonas both laughed, but it was Teal'c who responded.
-Jonas Quinn is a formidable sparring partner. I myself found this out when he first arrived and have been practicing with him ever since to get into better form.
Jack's eyes widened.
-Jonas?
-Yes, sir?
-For the past year you and I have played pool, ping-pong, hockey and gone bowling and I'm just now finding out that you like to box?!?
Jonas looked away not knowing how to answer. Katie smiled.
-It's probably for your own good, dad. I bet he was afraid of hurting you.
Jack grimaced and turned to Jonas.
-All right, that's it!! When we get back to the base you and I are duking it out, you got it?
-Yes, sir.
Jack glared at Teal'c.
-To get into better form. Yah, right. It's physically impossible for you to get any better.
-On the contrary, O'Neill. Have you not noticed how of late I have been knocking you out much quicker?
-Yah, but I just thought I was getting worse.
Teal'c looked thoughtful.
-That too is possible.
They all laughed. Katie started walking toward the gate.
-Come on guys. Let's go.