Barista
Chapter 21 (302)- Microsoft, Starbucks and Boeing, Oh My!
Takes place after the events of Seth
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Seattle.
It feels strange to be back in the northwest after nearly 15 years of living in the
Rockies. I was been born in Portland, Oregon, but I don't remember too much of
those first 8 years of my life. I'm pretty certain coffee wasn't the end all-be all down
there like it is up here in Seattle. But then again, I was only in elementary school,
so what do I know?
When Victor asked me if I would like to head to Seattle for a coffee convention, I just
laughed. I mean, sure it makes sense to have a Starbucks convention in Seattle,
but an *independent* coffee convention? Isn't that just a little weird? Apparently
the organizers of INCA (Independent Coffee Organization of America) thought it
would be hysterical to flout their independence by gathering in the Mecca of all
coffee cities; Seattle. I have to admit- they were pretty much right.
Several hundred representatives (both baristas and owners) met in downtown
Seattle's convention center for a little knowledge sharing and general big business
bashing. We had fun tasting small house coffee roasts and strategizing how to make
the most of independent coffee houses. While it is true that I don't especially like
coffee, I do enjoy the smell and am perfectly capable of sampling different blends.
The best part came when we took breaks or went to lunch. We'd walk down the
streets of downtown Seattle wearing "Support Independent Coffee" buttons. I found
the whole thing hysterical, although Seattleites seemed to take our presence in
stride. We had several locals stop and talk with us about the importance of small
businesses and supporting local communities. They seemed earnest enough despite
the lingering scent of coffee on their breath. Who knows? Perhaps they had been
drinking their own homemade coffee? Yeah right! As if anyone in Seattle actually
owns a Mr. Coffee…. Still, it was kind of fun chatting with small-time coffee shop
owners and baristas from other parts of the country.
The weather had been a surprise though. I had brought a light raincoat and covered
shoes specifically for my visit and what do I get? 76 degrees and a light northerly
breeze; so much for the mythos of Seattle rain. I guess I should have known better.
I had spent yesterday walking around the touristy Pike Place market located in the
heart of downtown Seattle. The number of people was truly impressive and I
wondered if any of the strangers jostling my arms and legs were locals. I watched
the guys throwing fish and ate my lunch in a park along the waterfront. Mt. Rainier
hovered like a majestic guardian angel in the background as I enjoyed the warmth of
the sunshine as I watched the ferries cruise to and fro across the sound; I can see
why people might like to live here.
Today I decided to leave the crowded downtown area and head towards…the equally
crowded historic district. Unlike most of the other tourists about however, I had a
destination, Elliot Bay Books. Although not nearly as large as the prodigious Powell's
Books in Portland, Oregon, I had been told that Elliot Bay was a pretty cool
bookstore in its own right. And being the not so closeted bibliophile that I am, I had
to go check it out.
As I browsed the stacks I listened to the booksellers talk about the growing
popularity of Amazon books and what it might mean for independent booksellers; I
was beginning to see a theme here in Seattle. Although the city as a whole seemed
to attract mega corporations (anyone hear of a little computer company known as
Microsoft? How about Boeing?), the liberal-minded denizens tended to root for the
little guy. I had a feeling this winter's World Trade Organization meeting here would
be interesting.
I found myself in the ancient history section and was eyeing some books on
Mesopotamia. Eyeing being just about all I could do, as the books were a good
seven feet up. I glance to my right and spy one of the many little step stools located
throughout the store. Unfortunately, someone was actually sitting on the damn
thing so I couldn't actually use it. The left yielded only a couple of patrons browsing
similar shelves as I. With a sigh I carefully push several books on the lower shelf
towards the back and gingerly take a step higher as I reach for the still unattainable
Secrets of Early Civilization. Sometimes being short sucks.
"You know, I bet there are easier ways to get a book." A humorous voice says
behind me as a hand reaches blithely past my shoulder and grabs the book I want.
Instantly I freeze; I know that voice.
I slowly take a step down and turn around to face the smiling man holding my book.
"Daniel?" I ask doing a really excellent impression of a puffer fish. I know it has to
be him, but it just isn't everyday you see a friend from home. At least not when
your home is several thousand miles away.
"Kira?" Daniel's eyes widen in shock and surprise and we stare at each other for
several long moments before Daniel's face breaks into a grin and he reaches down to
give me a long hug. Daniel hug number four!
Not that I'm counting or anything.
"What are you doing in Seattle?" He asks releasing me from the hug and handing
over the book I was having problems reaching.
"Coffee convention." I reply grinning. "You?"
"Business." Daniel says matter-of-factly. Hmm. Not much of an answer, but this is
Daniel after all; enigma is his middle name.
"Colonel Jack and Sam with you?" I ask looking around the crowded store.
"Not in the store, no. But Jack's here in Seattle as well." I shake my head in
disbelief and smile. What are the odds?
"And Sam? What about your friend Murray?"
"Sam and her dad are in San Diego and Murray.."
"She's with her dad?" I interrupt as my mind instantly flashed back to last winter
and his illness. "Is he doing all right?
"He's doing fine Kira." I start worrying my lower lip between my teeth. "You sure?"
"I spoke to him just yesterday." Daniel says giving me a reassuring smile. "He's
doing great." I catch a little hesitation in his voice.
"But…?" I prompt.
Daniel shakes his head and chuckles. "Is there anything you don't catch Kira?"
"Not really." I say shrugging. I don't think Daniel needs to know that I only really
pay attention to people and subjects I like. Confused the hell out of my parents. A's
in history and social studies, while the "easier" courses of PE and home economics
usually meant a low C. Well it did until I realized I needed a good GPA in order to
get into college. After that, I forced myself to pay attention to the boring classes as
well.
I notice that Daniel still hasn't explained about Jacob, and I shoot him a look usually
reserved for Stefan or one of my other friends. The look that says 'Stop being so
pig-headed and spill it!'
"Well?" I prompt.
"Jacob was slightly injured two days ago." Daniel said as he unsuccessfully tried to
hide a grimace. *Slightly* injured? Catching himself, Daniel backpedaled. "Honest
Kira, I spoke to he and Sam this morning. Both of them are doing great; they're in
San Diego visiting Sam's brother."
I nod. I could see he was telling me the truth. Although with Daniel it never is
really the *whole* truth, but as long as I know that Jacob Carter is all right, I'm
content to let it be. "So Daniel," I say with a playful smile on my lips. "Want to grab
a cup of coffee?"
"I have a better idea Kira." Daniel says slyly as he smiles and nods his head
knowingly. Grabbing my books, he heads to the registers.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"You are a sneaky lit.." I pause considering my choice of words. I can't really be
calling a 6-foot tall guy little, can I? "You're sneaky Dr. Jackson." I say instead as
Daniel reaches into his pocket and takes out a white hotel card key.
Daniel holds one long tapered finger to his lips and motions me to be quiet. The
door opens with a soft click and Daniel steps inside. He waves me behind him as we
step into a decent sized living room. I had only been in a hotel suite once before and
still found the notion of anything besides the obligatory two queen size beds and a
small table extravagant.
Although it's 2 o'clock in the afternoon, the curtains are drawn and the lights are
dimmed. I can see the vague outline of a person sprawled out on a bed in the next
room. Daniel turns to me and grins even wider. I shake my head motioning him to
come back out. It's one thing to surprise Jack with my presence, it's something
completely different to wake the guy up!
"You do know I heard you come in, don't you Daniel?" A gravelly voice says from
the next room.
"Can't put anything past you, can I Jack?" Daniel says in return as he steps into the
bedroom. I remain behind in the shadows of the living room.
"Ops trained Daniel." Jack says as he flops over onto his back and pulls the pillow
over his head. "How come you don't have a damn headache?" He asks in an
accusing voice muffled by the pillow. "I can understand why Carter escaped this
joyful experience, but shouldn't you, Mr. Pollen/Grass/Dander, be having some side
effects?" He groans melodramatically as he took the pillow off his head and squinted
in the direction of Daniel.
Hangover? I frown slightly trying to think of what could make Jack O'Neill feel
obviously under the weather and not effect Daniel. From what I had seen last year,
Daniel can't really hold his liquor and I think Jack beat Sam in that silly drinking
contest of theirs.
Daniel just shrugs. "Janet thinks it has something to do with my antihistamines."
"I swear Daniel, Janet should just issue everyone who goes off.."
"Jack!" Daniel says loudly interrupting whatever Jack was going to say. He glances
back in my direction and waves me forward. "You'll never guess what I found at the
bookstore." Apparently Daniels loud shout had left Jack hurting once again. His
pillow was back over his face and all I can see was a couple fingers twirling around in
a 'la-di-da' loop.
"Just as long as it doesn't weigh over our allotment of 80 pounds Daniel." Jack
replies in a muffled voice.
Daniel grins as he looks back in my direction. "I think she weighs a little more than
that Jack."
"She?" Jack says as he slowly removes his pillow and turns his head towards
Daniel's direction. I'm pretty sure he could see me skulking in the shadows behind
Daniel. "Picking up strays again Dr. Jackson?" Jack asks as he carefully eases
himself up into a sitting position.
"Hi Jack." I say stepping out from behind Daniel and giving the Colonel a little wave.
"Kira." Jack says casually as he takes in my presence. "Aren't you a little far from
home?"
"No further than you." I say impishly in return.
"Smart ass." He mumbles as he grabs a bottle of aspirin next to the bed and pours a
couple of the tablets into his hand. "Thanks for giving me the advanced notice
Daniel." Jack says as he swallows the pills dry. Ew! He must really be hurting if he
doesn't even feel the need for water. Either that or his taste buds are all out of
whack.
"Quit being a grouch Jack." Daniel says as he steps over to the vanity area and
pours Jack a glass of water. "You didn't betray any deep dark Air Force secret or
anything."
"No thanks to you." Jack says pointedly accepting the water with a small thank you
nod.
"Give me a little credit Jack!" Daniel says sounding several years younger than he
actually is.
"Maybe I should just leave?" I ask meekly from the edge of the room. Once again I
feel like Jack and Daniel are having some hugely significant conversation disguised
as idiotic banter. They remind me of my twin cousins; they're 14.
"No!" They both say simultaneously.
"Ouch." Jack mutters as he closes his eyes briefly.
"You ok?" I ask knowing full well I would never be told exactly why Jack feels like
crap.
"I will be." Jack says simply. He gives Daniel another private look.
"Selmak has theories as to why you were affected so adversely when neither Sam
nor I were Jack."
"Dr. Jackson," Jack answers tiredly. "Does national security mean nothing to you?"
"What are you talking about Jack?" Daniel says with feigned innocence. "Dr. Selmak
had some really interesting ideas. You were too busy being pig-headed about
staying in Seattle to listen."
"Dr. Selmak?" Jack repeats raising an eyebrow slightly. Both he and Daniel seem to
like doing the eyebrow thing. Come to think of it, didn't Murray do it as well?
"Yep." Daniel says smugly.
"Jacob's gonna love that." Jack says smirking.
"Jacob Carter?" I ask. Jack nods.
"Jacob's doing loads better Kira." Jack says as he sets down his glass and slowly
stands up. Quickly he reaches a hand out to steady himself. "Head rush." He
explains as Daniel takes a step towards him. Jack just waves him away.
"I don't know about you kids, but I could so use a cup of coffee right about now.
"Coffee sounds great." I say nodding enthusiastically. I needed to get out of this
Jackson/O'Neill fun house.
"You sure that's a good idea Jack?" Daniel asks once again sounding like a mother
hen.
"Daniel," Jack says wagging a finger in Daniel's direction. "Think about how many
times Frasier has you on caffeine restriction and think about how many times that
happens to me." Daniel opens his mouth, but before he can say anything Jack
continues. "Now think about how many times I have smuggled you in bootlegged
coffee." Again Daniel opens his mouth to reply and again Jack beats him to the
punch.
"Now consider just who might be willing to go against Doc's orders the next time
you go and touch something you're not supposed to."
"Actually Jack, you were the one who touched…"
"Caffeine Daniel." Jack says interrupting Daniel's latest rant. "Just remember who
keeps you endlessly supplied with caffeine."
"I thought that was Kira, Jack."
"Kira doesn't have access to level 28." Jack concludes triumphantly.
"You guys should really take this act on the road." I mutter as I follow the pair back
towards the suite's living room.
"Think I should suggest that to Hammond?" Jack says as he lowers himself onto the
couch and begins to put on a pair of shoes.
"I don't think so." Daniel says as he hands Jack his sunglasses.
"Can I buy you a cup of coffee Ms. Meyers?" Jack asks as he bows slightly and walks
me towards the door.
"Absolutely Colonel." I say in return.
"Torre Fazione!" Daniel says from behind us.
"Daniel, it's too early for pizza." Jack sighs as the hotel room door clicks behind us.
"Coffee Jack. It's a brand of coffee."
"Kira?" Jack says turning towards me for confirmation.
"Yep, it's coffee." I say nodding. "Actually I agree with Daniel, its pretty good stuff."
"If you happen to drink coffee." Jack finishes.
"If you happen to drink coffee." I confirm.
"Kira," Jack says as we reach the elevator. "Can I buy you a cup of tea?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A/N: Hee hee hee. That was fun! Hope you enjoyed this light and fluffy little Barista
tale. I'm afraid the next few are going to be a little on the heavy side. Daniel
drugged to the gills and put in an insane asylum? Shar'e dying? Oh yeah- we're
talking some serious angst ahead.
I just made up the bit about INCA. If there really is an independent coffee
organization (and I'm sure there is) it probably isn't called my little made-up
acronym. And did everyone catch the subtle little jab at the WTO? The Seattle WTO
riots happened in December 1999.
As always, feedback adored and appreciated.
Chapter 21 (302)- Microsoft, Starbucks and Boeing, Oh My!
Takes place after the events of Seth
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Seattle.
It feels strange to be back in the northwest after nearly 15 years of living in the
Rockies. I was been born in Portland, Oregon, but I don't remember too much of
those first 8 years of my life. I'm pretty certain coffee wasn't the end all-be all down
there like it is up here in Seattle. But then again, I was only in elementary school,
so what do I know?
When Victor asked me if I would like to head to Seattle for a coffee convention, I just
laughed. I mean, sure it makes sense to have a Starbucks convention in Seattle,
but an *independent* coffee convention? Isn't that just a little weird? Apparently
the organizers of INCA (Independent Coffee Organization of America) thought it
would be hysterical to flout their independence by gathering in the Mecca of all
coffee cities; Seattle. I have to admit- they were pretty much right.
Several hundred representatives (both baristas and owners) met in downtown
Seattle's convention center for a little knowledge sharing and general big business
bashing. We had fun tasting small house coffee roasts and strategizing how to make
the most of independent coffee houses. While it is true that I don't especially like
coffee, I do enjoy the smell and am perfectly capable of sampling different blends.
The best part came when we took breaks or went to lunch. We'd walk down the
streets of downtown Seattle wearing "Support Independent Coffee" buttons. I found
the whole thing hysterical, although Seattleites seemed to take our presence in
stride. We had several locals stop and talk with us about the importance of small
businesses and supporting local communities. They seemed earnest enough despite
the lingering scent of coffee on their breath. Who knows? Perhaps they had been
drinking their own homemade coffee? Yeah right! As if anyone in Seattle actually
owns a Mr. Coffee…. Still, it was kind of fun chatting with small-time coffee shop
owners and baristas from other parts of the country.
The weather had been a surprise though. I had brought a light raincoat and covered
shoes specifically for my visit and what do I get? 76 degrees and a light northerly
breeze; so much for the mythos of Seattle rain. I guess I should have known better.
I had spent yesterday walking around the touristy Pike Place market located in the
heart of downtown Seattle. The number of people was truly impressive and I
wondered if any of the strangers jostling my arms and legs were locals. I watched
the guys throwing fish and ate my lunch in a park along the waterfront. Mt. Rainier
hovered like a majestic guardian angel in the background as I enjoyed the warmth of
the sunshine as I watched the ferries cruise to and fro across the sound; I can see
why people might like to live here.
Today I decided to leave the crowded downtown area and head towards…the equally
crowded historic district. Unlike most of the other tourists about however, I had a
destination, Elliot Bay Books. Although not nearly as large as the prodigious Powell's
Books in Portland, Oregon, I had been told that Elliot Bay was a pretty cool
bookstore in its own right. And being the not so closeted bibliophile that I am, I had
to go check it out.
As I browsed the stacks I listened to the booksellers talk about the growing
popularity of Amazon books and what it might mean for independent booksellers; I
was beginning to see a theme here in Seattle. Although the city as a whole seemed
to attract mega corporations (anyone hear of a little computer company known as
Microsoft? How about Boeing?), the liberal-minded denizens tended to root for the
little guy. I had a feeling this winter's World Trade Organization meeting here would
be interesting.
I found myself in the ancient history section and was eyeing some books on
Mesopotamia. Eyeing being just about all I could do, as the books were a good
seven feet up. I glance to my right and spy one of the many little step stools located
throughout the store. Unfortunately, someone was actually sitting on the damn
thing so I couldn't actually use it. The left yielded only a couple of patrons browsing
similar shelves as I. With a sigh I carefully push several books on the lower shelf
towards the back and gingerly take a step higher as I reach for the still unattainable
Secrets of Early Civilization. Sometimes being short sucks.
"You know, I bet there are easier ways to get a book." A humorous voice says
behind me as a hand reaches blithely past my shoulder and grabs the book I want.
Instantly I freeze; I know that voice.
I slowly take a step down and turn around to face the smiling man holding my book.
"Daniel?" I ask doing a really excellent impression of a puffer fish. I know it has to
be him, but it just isn't everyday you see a friend from home. At least not when
your home is several thousand miles away.
"Kira?" Daniel's eyes widen in shock and surprise and we stare at each other for
several long moments before Daniel's face breaks into a grin and he reaches down to
give me a long hug. Daniel hug number four!
Not that I'm counting or anything.
"What are you doing in Seattle?" He asks releasing me from the hug and handing
over the book I was having problems reaching.
"Coffee convention." I reply grinning. "You?"
"Business." Daniel says matter-of-factly. Hmm. Not much of an answer, but this is
Daniel after all; enigma is his middle name.
"Colonel Jack and Sam with you?" I ask looking around the crowded store.
"Not in the store, no. But Jack's here in Seattle as well." I shake my head in
disbelief and smile. What are the odds?
"And Sam? What about your friend Murray?"
"Sam and her dad are in San Diego and Murray.."
"She's with her dad?" I interrupt as my mind instantly flashed back to last winter
and his illness. "Is he doing all right?
"He's doing fine Kira." I start worrying my lower lip between my teeth. "You sure?"
"I spoke to him just yesterday." Daniel says giving me a reassuring smile. "He's
doing great." I catch a little hesitation in his voice.
"But…?" I prompt.
Daniel shakes his head and chuckles. "Is there anything you don't catch Kira?"
"Not really." I say shrugging. I don't think Daniel needs to know that I only really
pay attention to people and subjects I like. Confused the hell out of my parents. A's
in history and social studies, while the "easier" courses of PE and home economics
usually meant a low C. Well it did until I realized I needed a good GPA in order to
get into college. After that, I forced myself to pay attention to the boring classes as
well.
I notice that Daniel still hasn't explained about Jacob, and I shoot him a look usually
reserved for Stefan or one of my other friends. The look that says 'Stop being so
pig-headed and spill it!'
"Well?" I prompt.
"Jacob was slightly injured two days ago." Daniel said as he unsuccessfully tried to
hide a grimace. *Slightly* injured? Catching himself, Daniel backpedaled. "Honest
Kira, I spoke to he and Sam this morning. Both of them are doing great; they're in
San Diego visiting Sam's brother."
I nod. I could see he was telling me the truth. Although with Daniel it never is
really the *whole* truth, but as long as I know that Jacob Carter is all right, I'm
content to let it be. "So Daniel," I say with a playful smile on my lips. "Want to grab
a cup of coffee?"
"I have a better idea Kira." Daniel says slyly as he smiles and nods his head
knowingly. Grabbing my books, he heads to the registers.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"You are a sneaky lit.." I pause considering my choice of words. I can't really be
calling a 6-foot tall guy little, can I? "You're sneaky Dr. Jackson." I say instead as
Daniel reaches into his pocket and takes out a white hotel card key.
Daniel holds one long tapered finger to his lips and motions me to be quiet. The
door opens with a soft click and Daniel steps inside. He waves me behind him as we
step into a decent sized living room. I had only been in a hotel suite once before and
still found the notion of anything besides the obligatory two queen size beds and a
small table extravagant.
Although it's 2 o'clock in the afternoon, the curtains are drawn and the lights are
dimmed. I can see the vague outline of a person sprawled out on a bed in the next
room. Daniel turns to me and grins even wider. I shake my head motioning him to
come back out. It's one thing to surprise Jack with my presence, it's something
completely different to wake the guy up!
"You do know I heard you come in, don't you Daniel?" A gravelly voice says from
the next room.
"Can't put anything past you, can I Jack?" Daniel says in return as he steps into the
bedroom. I remain behind in the shadows of the living room.
"Ops trained Daniel." Jack says as he flops over onto his back and pulls the pillow
over his head. "How come you don't have a damn headache?" He asks in an
accusing voice muffled by the pillow. "I can understand why Carter escaped this
joyful experience, but shouldn't you, Mr. Pollen/Grass/Dander, be having some side
effects?" He groans melodramatically as he took the pillow off his head and squinted
in the direction of Daniel.
Hangover? I frown slightly trying to think of what could make Jack O'Neill feel
obviously under the weather and not effect Daniel. From what I had seen last year,
Daniel can't really hold his liquor and I think Jack beat Sam in that silly drinking
contest of theirs.
Daniel just shrugs. "Janet thinks it has something to do with my antihistamines."
"I swear Daniel, Janet should just issue everyone who goes off.."
"Jack!" Daniel says loudly interrupting whatever Jack was going to say. He glances
back in my direction and waves me forward. "You'll never guess what I found at the
bookstore." Apparently Daniels loud shout had left Jack hurting once again. His
pillow was back over his face and all I can see was a couple fingers twirling around in
a 'la-di-da' loop.
"Just as long as it doesn't weigh over our allotment of 80 pounds Daniel." Jack
replies in a muffled voice.
Daniel grins as he looks back in my direction. "I think she weighs a little more than
that Jack."
"She?" Jack says as he slowly removes his pillow and turns his head towards
Daniel's direction. I'm pretty sure he could see me skulking in the shadows behind
Daniel. "Picking up strays again Dr. Jackson?" Jack asks as he carefully eases
himself up into a sitting position.
"Hi Jack." I say stepping out from behind Daniel and giving the Colonel a little wave.
"Kira." Jack says casually as he takes in my presence. "Aren't you a little far from
home?"
"No further than you." I say impishly in return.
"Smart ass." He mumbles as he grabs a bottle of aspirin next to the bed and pours a
couple of the tablets into his hand. "Thanks for giving me the advanced notice
Daniel." Jack says as he swallows the pills dry. Ew! He must really be hurting if he
doesn't even feel the need for water. Either that or his taste buds are all out of
whack.
"Quit being a grouch Jack." Daniel says as he steps over to the vanity area and
pours Jack a glass of water. "You didn't betray any deep dark Air Force secret or
anything."
"No thanks to you." Jack says pointedly accepting the water with a small thank you
nod.
"Give me a little credit Jack!" Daniel says sounding several years younger than he
actually is.
"Maybe I should just leave?" I ask meekly from the edge of the room. Once again I
feel like Jack and Daniel are having some hugely significant conversation disguised
as idiotic banter. They remind me of my twin cousins; they're 14.
"No!" They both say simultaneously.
"Ouch." Jack mutters as he closes his eyes briefly.
"You ok?" I ask knowing full well I would never be told exactly why Jack feels like
crap.
"I will be." Jack says simply. He gives Daniel another private look.
"Selmak has theories as to why you were affected so adversely when neither Sam
nor I were Jack."
"Dr. Jackson," Jack answers tiredly. "Does national security mean nothing to you?"
"What are you talking about Jack?" Daniel says with feigned innocence. "Dr. Selmak
had some really interesting ideas. You were too busy being pig-headed about
staying in Seattle to listen."
"Dr. Selmak?" Jack repeats raising an eyebrow slightly. Both he and Daniel seem to
like doing the eyebrow thing. Come to think of it, didn't Murray do it as well?
"Yep." Daniel says smugly.
"Jacob's gonna love that." Jack says smirking.
"Jacob Carter?" I ask. Jack nods.
"Jacob's doing loads better Kira." Jack says as he sets down his glass and slowly
stands up. Quickly he reaches a hand out to steady himself. "Head rush." He
explains as Daniel takes a step towards him. Jack just waves him away.
"I don't know about you kids, but I could so use a cup of coffee right about now.
"Coffee sounds great." I say nodding enthusiastically. I needed to get out of this
Jackson/O'Neill fun house.
"You sure that's a good idea Jack?" Daniel asks once again sounding like a mother
hen.
"Daniel," Jack says wagging a finger in Daniel's direction. "Think about how many
times Frasier has you on caffeine restriction and think about how many times that
happens to me." Daniel opens his mouth, but before he can say anything Jack
continues. "Now think about how many times I have smuggled you in bootlegged
coffee." Again Daniel opens his mouth to reply and again Jack beats him to the
punch.
"Now consider just who might be willing to go against Doc's orders the next time
you go and touch something you're not supposed to."
"Actually Jack, you were the one who touched…"
"Caffeine Daniel." Jack says interrupting Daniel's latest rant. "Just remember who
keeps you endlessly supplied with caffeine."
"I thought that was Kira, Jack."
"Kira doesn't have access to level 28." Jack concludes triumphantly.
"You guys should really take this act on the road." I mutter as I follow the pair back
towards the suite's living room.
"Think I should suggest that to Hammond?" Jack says as he lowers himself onto the
couch and begins to put on a pair of shoes.
"I don't think so." Daniel says as he hands Jack his sunglasses.
"Can I buy you a cup of coffee Ms. Meyers?" Jack asks as he bows slightly and walks
me towards the door.
"Absolutely Colonel." I say in return.
"Torre Fazione!" Daniel says from behind us.
"Daniel, it's too early for pizza." Jack sighs as the hotel room door clicks behind us.
"Coffee Jack. It's a brand of coffee."
"Kira?" Jack says turning towards me for confirmation.
"Yep, it's coffee." I say nodding. "Actually I agree with Daniel, its pretty good stuff."
"If you happen to drink coffee." Jack finishes.
"If you happen to drink coffee." I confirm.
"Kira," Jack says as we reach the elevator. "Can I buy you a cup of tea?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A/N: Hee hee hee. That was fun! Hope you enjoyed this light and fluffy little Barista
tale. I'm afraid the next few are going to be a little on the heavy side. Daniel
drugged to the gills and put in an insane asylum? Shar'e dying? Oh yeah- we're
talking some serious angst ahead.
I just made up the bit about INCA. If there really is an independent coffee
organization (and I'm sure there is) it probably isn't called my little made-up
acronym. And did everyone catch the subtle little jab at the WTO? The Seattle WTO
riots happened in December 1999.
As always, feedback adored and appreciated.