Note: Takes place between Ch. 15 and 16 in Language of Love.
-Year 1 of Settlement-
A scientific instrument registers a sudden enormous burst of energy, the core of a strange device beginning to collapse in on itself-
-a wave of energy radiates outwards, striking down the scientists surrounding it before they can do anything to stop the implosion-
-a klaxon wails an alarm, a man crying out a warning about radiation even as the instruments in the outer lab begin sparking-
-the scientists are trapped on the other side, their lives are in danger, the device about to go off any minute-
-hurrying to the other door, tugging helplessly at the handle, pulling out the sidearm and shooting at the observation window-
-diving through shattered glass, intending to remove the unstable core from the device before it's too late-
-a bright flare of light, a wave of almost unbearable heat and pain, everything going black-
"No!" Becky lunges upright, heart pounding, gasping for breath.
Unbelievable. Eight months since the Memorial and she's still prone to the occasional nightmare. When will this end?
Fortunately she doesn't sleep alone anymore.
Beside her Daniel stirs, muttering indistinctly before falling back into deeper slumber. She wishes she could do the same. The dream's fading fast, but not fast enough.
Though the night is warm she shivers as a wave of dread passes through her.
Because the reflection in the observation window, seconds before it shattered from impact-
-belonged to him.
With a soft cry she burrows against her beloved, breathing deep of his masculine scent, seeking both denial and reassurance in his solid, comforting presence.
She won't lose him tonight, at least.
By late morning she's managed to convince herself the dream was nothing more than a result of her overactive imagination. Most likely inspired by Mac describing to Sam the other day how he averted a meltdown at a nuclear power plant using a bad guy's disassembled revolver as a wrench.
Then Hammond calls SG-1 in for a briefing. A simple fact-finding mission to P9Y-4C3, called by the locals Kelowna.
The name fills her with a sudden chilling certainty. Something awful is going to happen, and soon. What she'd dismissed as merely her imagination is in truth a premonition.
She's about to lose Daniel. And her intuition's never wrong.
Never.
"The planet's dominated by three major nations, the politics akin to during the Cold War on Old Earth," Daniel explains as he stuffs books and notes in his backpack. "Archaeologists from the country that contacted us unearthed their planet's Stargate approximately fifteen years ago, similar to when Catherine and her father found the one at Giza. They recently uncovered a Goa'uld temple containing all manner of artifacts, including a device Sam suspects is powered by naquadria. We've been invited to attend a demonstration of its capabilities as a prelude to a formal alliance. Really, it's an honor to be consulting for such an important archaeological and scientific find."
"That's fine, only I don't see why it has to be you. Alex is between projects, can't Hammond send her team instead?"
"Um, because SG-1's the flagship team and he ordered us to find out first hand if their intentions are honorable." He gives her a funny look. "You know we do this sort of thing all the time, right? Despite what Jack says they don't always end in disaster."
"I do, it's just that-" She swallows and stares down at the table, fiddling with a book on top of the stack.
She can't tell him. Not now. He won't believe it.
"Hey-" A hand gently rests on her arm. Daniel's staring down at her, brow furrowed. "You've been preoccupied all morning, even before the briefing. Did you have another nightmare?"
She bites her lip and looks away, too ashamed to confirm.
He sighs, rubbing the back of his neck. "I thought so. I can spare some time if you want to talk."
"It's nothing, really. Just my imagination running away with me as usual."
"Becky, tell me, you know I'll listen. The well-being of my beautiful and indispensable assistant is important to me, after all." She cracks a weak smile at the familiar joke. "Seriously, I trust your intuition. If there's something I should know-"
"There isn't, it's not important," she cuts in. "Really, you don't need to worry." She says it firmly, trying to convince herself in the process.
He studies her for a while then shrugs, continuing his pre-mission check. Fastening his backpack then pulling out his sidearm, checking it and tucking it back into the holster.
The same one from her dream.
Sudden flash of memory, glass shattering, klaxons wailing. Intense heat and pain followed by darkness-
The book slips from her hands as she sways, grasping the table, the room tilting under her feet.
Daniel's by her side in an instant, supporting her. "You've gone white as a sheet. Here," leading her to a nearby chair, "sit down and catch your breath."
She leans forward, resting her head on her hands, taking deep shuddering breaths until the dizziness clears. Accepting the hot wet washcloth he brings her from the restroom and wiping her face. "Sorry about that."
"I'm worried more about you. Should I call Janet?"
"Nah, don't bother. I'm fine."
The look in his eyes tells her he's not buying it. He squats down beside her, lightly stroking her arm. "Please, let me help. If you feel that strongly about my going I can ask Alex to sub for me. I'll make Jack understand, somehow."
She doesn't deny it's tempting. Might even go a long way in easing her anxiety, removing the dread lingering in the back of her mind.
On the other hand it could make things worse. Now that they're in a relationship he's probably worrying she'll get weird every time he has to go offworld without her, too emotionally fixated on his presence to function independently at a normal level-
God. Enough second-guessing already. Sometimes she really hates channeling her mom's lessons in psychology.
As his assistant her duty is to ensure his well-being, making sure he can carry out his appointed tasks. He can't do his job if he's more preoccupied than usual, and she doesn't want the mission to fail because he's thinking about her and not paying attention to matters at hand.
"No, that's all right. I'm sorry for distracting you. Please, forget I said anything."
He looks dubious. "If you're sure-"
"I'm sure. Go, amaze everyone with your mad archaeology skills, you can tell me all about it when you get back. It's a diplomatic mission, right? Surely nothing bad will happen."
He grimaces. "Don't say that, you might jinx us."
She realizes her error and flushes. She's been in the SGC long enough to know trouble of one sort or another always follows the team offworld, including the times she's accompanied them.
His radio chirps for attention. "Danny? Time to get your butt over to the Gateroom. It's not fair to Teal'c when you dawdle like this, ya know."
"On my way, Jack." Yet he stays where he is, love and concern clearly showing in his eyes.
Time to get a grip. She takes a deep breath and stands up, putting as brave a face on it as possible. "Raven," touching his cheek, "don't worry about me. Just be careful over there, okay?"
For a moment he hesitates, like he still wants to argue. But the moment passes and he sighs, nodding assent. "Okay. Come see me off?"
"Of course."
In the doorway he pauses, cradling her face in his hands, bending to touch his lips to hers. "I love you, hummingbird," he whispers, "I'm glad you're here. I'm glad we're together."
She swallows, too stunned to reply. Early on they agreed public displays of affection during working hours would be unprofessional, even if it's just the two of them alone in the lab.
The fact he's disregarding that rule now sends a chill down her spine.
And not in a good way.
The dialing sequence is already in progress when they arrive at what everyone calls the Gateroom despite being located in a relatively small section of the giant hangar. Jack's fidgeting by the control area with Sam and Teal'c, suited up and ready for action.
He quirks an eyebrow in their direction. "Not like you to be late for dial-out, Danny. Hope I wasn't interrupting anything between you two lovebirds."
Daniel shoots him a glare and Becky feels her cheeks warming. Though everyone else has accepted their relationship with surprising aplomb her uncle's never stopped teasing them. With his tendency to keep things close to the vest she has no idea how he really feels about his teammate and friend in a love affair with his niece.
The wormhole activates with the usual sound and fury. "SG-1, you have a go," Hammond says formally. "Good luck."
Jack salutes in acknowledgement. "Let's go campers, time's a wastin' and I got fishing plans for the afternoon." Without further ado striding up the ramp, Sam and Teal'c following.
Daniel lingers long enough to take Becky's hand in his, giving it a quick squeeze. "See you later." The even horizon winks out behind him.
She's halfway across the compound before realizing she forgot to say she loves him too.
With a frown Becky realizes she's been staring at the same paragraph for the past fifteen minutes without reading it. Hours have passed and no one's heard from SG-1, which is not unusual yet unnerving nonetheless.
Sam's talked about Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle, not knowing whether the hypothetical cat (poor thing) is alive or dead until the box is opened. What happens on the other side of the wormhole remains unknown until someone steps through the event horizon to tell the tale.
To make matters worse that damned dream keeps repeating in her mind's eye, particularly Daniel's determined reflection before the window shatters, precursor to a doubtless heroic- and fatal- deed.
God, she needs a distraction. Take a break in the scientists' lounge, go for a jog around the base, bring a book to the refectory for lunch. Anything more productive than sitting here brooding, right?
Besides, as Mom used to say idle speculation is useless when there's no information to be had one way or another. Better to focus on here-and-now instead of what-if.
She really should be used to this by now, considering the hours she used to spend waiting for Mac to return from a Phoenix assignment, worrying about his well-being. At least Nikki had been around then to watch his back though it had taken them a while to get past the bickering and become lovers, in a rather haphazard fashion due to their mutual problems with commitment. Becky's secretly glad Janet's been much more assertive in that respect, otherwise it would've taken Mac forever to act on his feelings.
Not that Becky herself has had much luck with real relationships of her own, all prematurely doomed by poor timing and her reluctance to offer true intimacy without any sense of connection. More than once she despaired of ever finding someone to love, and be loved by in return.
Then she met Daniel in Seattle, instantly clicking together on an intellectual and emotional level she's never experienced with anyone else. Reuniting under the Mountain felt like a piece she didn't even know had been missing just slotted itself back into place. In retrospect becoming lovers after the Memorial had been fairly inevitable, two introverts finding refuge in one another's company.
She's heard countless stories of the times he's returned injured, unconscious, under an alien influence or (temporarily) dead. often enough that an ongoing betting pool has been in place since the program's beginning, mostly focused on whatever weirdness is likely to befall him and the rest of SG-1 with every mission. General Hammond looks the other way but Becky finds it disturbing.
Before Zero Hour Jack jokingly designated her as Daniel's keeper when not on missions, making sure he's not lost in the labyrinth of passages and citations and obscure languages when his feet should be firmly on the ground.
Who would do the same for her, if he doesn't come back?
She staggers a bit as the floor suddenly lurches to one side, clutching the edge of the nearest desk, disoriented and dizzy.
Pneuma is the ancient Greek word for breath, also the vital spirit or soul of a person. Part of hers has been missing since Daniel walked through the event horizon. She fears it may be lost for good before the day is over.
"Becky? Are you all right?" Janet's standing in the doorway, hands in the pockets of her white coat.
Becky straightens and takes a deep breath, turning to face her with a smile. "Just fine, thanks. What are you doing here?"
"Infirmary's quiet for now so I thought I'd take my afternoon break and grab a snack. Care to join me?"
"Afternoon? But I thought it was still morning-" She glances at the clock, surprised to learn she's missed lunch by a lot. "Oh."
Janet gives her a wry smile. "Thought so. Come with me and eat something, doctor's orders. I'll even prescribe a piece of cake for dessert."
The refectory is quiet when they enter, the afternoon lull between lunch and dinner. A handful of scientists and military are scattered at tables around the room, nursing drinks or chatting quietly in small groups. After grabbing cups of klah, premade sandwiches and cookies from the self-serve counter (no cake remaining, alas) she and Janet claim a table by a window.
Good thing Alvarez and his crew decided not to replicate the claustrophobic atmosphere of under the Mountain, Becky muses, in favor of windows letting in light and a central compound open to the sky. Early spring outside, the week after the equinox celebration some call Awakening. The day scrubbed bright and clean, clear with a few wispy clouds drifting overhead.
Twenty-eight hours ago it had been raining, perfect for spending a long, lazy restday in bed together. Reading and trading idle caresses until finally setting their books aside, giving in to their desires-
A hand waves in front of her face. "Becky? You okay?"
"Huh?" She blinks at Janet sitting opposite her. "Oh, right. Sorry."
"Thinking about Daniel?" with a knowing twinkle in her wide-set brown eyes.
She flushes. "It's that obvious?"
"You could say. God knows my mind tends to wander whenever I think about Mac lately."
"I'm glad you two are together, I really am. You're so good for him."
Janet looks smug. "I know." Then she sobers. "You're good for Daniel, too. I can tell how much he's changed with you in his life."
"Yeah, but I don't want him to change. Not for my sake anyway."
"It's a good thing, trust me. These days I rarely see him or the others injured in the infirmary after a mission because he wasn't paying attention to his surroundings. He's more aware of things, acts less impulsively. Most of the time at least. You keep him grounded."
"If you say so." Might as well confide in her, she and Sam are the closest Becky has to surrogate aunts after all. "I've had boyfriends but I've never fallen this deeply in love before. No one understands me like Daniel, not even Mac and Jack for all their sympathy. Sometimes our passion for each other gets so intense it frightens me. Yet I need him so much, I don't know what I'll do if I lose him-" The room starts spinning. She clutches the table edge, panting. "Oh, god, I can't breathe-"
"You're hyperventilating. Cup your hands over your mouth and nose, take deep breaths...Easy now, nice and slow, relax. That's it."
Soon she gets herself under control again, thanks to Janet's patient coaching. "Okay, I'm better now. Thanks."
"You're welcome," patting her hand. "What brought it on?"
"I guess it started with a dream I had last night. More like a nightmare, to be honest."
Janet frowns. "But I thought Thor had unblocked your memory."
"He did. I still have them anyway, sometimes. And not just about bearing Witness, either. I've always been sensitive, picking up things on an unconscious level and working out my fears through my dreams."
"Does Daniel know you had one last night?"
"Janet-"
"Does he?"
Becky sighs and stares up at the ceiling, suddenly wanting to be light years away from this conversation. "He suspects, but I didn't want to burden him with my wacko dreams just before a mission. Unfortunately I think I convinced him I'll freak out every time he goes offworld without me, that I'm not strong enough to handle things by myself."
"I doubt that very much, Becky. You were Witness to the literal end of the world and came out the other side with your sanity intact, which would've been a challenge for even the toughest marine on base. I think Daniel understands that. He won't give up on you because you're having bad dreams- in fact, I rather think he likes having someone to help. You're lucky to have him in your corner."
"Along with you and everyone else." Becky slumps in her seat, unaccountably weary of the whole thing. "Honestly I don't even know what I want out of the relationship."
"Sure you do. You've known ever since you reunited with him under the Mountain. On a subconscious level if nothing else."
"And what's that?"
"Everything. Mind and body and all the years of life together, knowing you'll never be alone. Daniel wants the same. Committing to each other is a pretty big step, but neither of you take relationships lightly and you already care for each other deeply. That's why I think you'll make it."
"You want the same with Mac, don't you?"
Janet cocks her head, considering. "Yeah. I do."
"I'm glad." Becky sincerely hopes they get there, though knowing her uncle it'll be a long while before he works up the courage to propose without some sort of impetus. Odds are Janet will have to go first if he drags his heels for too long.
In the meantime she has her own problems. Being in love scares her more than anything else she's seen or done, including bearing Witness.
"Believe me, I understand what you're going through," Janet's saying. "You're feeling vulnerable, all sorts of emotions are being brought up to the surface. You're afraid life will get messy if things fall apart."
"Yeah. That's it exactly. So what do I do?"
"I'm hardly the relationship expert, you realize. My degree's in medicine, not psychology. Kate Heightmeyer at Alpha Base is the one to see for advice."
"I know, but I value yours more. Please, help me."
Janet purses her lips, staring into her drink. "Okay. There's one thing my dad used to tell me, a pragmatic Scot if ever there was one. Worrying about what might or might not happen doesn't help in the long run. The best we can do is take life as it comes and deal with the consequences, for good or ill. That applies for relationships as well. You've heard that dying is easy, comedy is hard?" Becky nods. "Well, there's more to it than that.
"Living is easy. Dying is easy. But loving and being in love- that's a lot harder for some. See, anyone can choose to live or die. But choosing to stay in love has to be made every day, consciously or unconsciously. A risky decision to be sure, but the most worthwhile things in life often are. Besides, the benefits are definitely worth it, don't ya think?" accompanied by a saucy wink.
Becky can't help but chuckle. "Okay, I see your point. But does it get any easier, making that choice in the face of such uncertainty?"
Janet's smile is oddly sad, even wistful. "Nope. Just one of the joys of being an adult, I'm afraid. My break's almost over," checking the time on her watch. "I have to go but you can stay here as long as you need, no one will mind. I'm sure we'll be notified once the Gateroom hears anything."
"I will. Thanks for the pep talk, I really appreciate it."
"My pleasure," giving her hand a light squeeze. "Hey, don't worry about a thing. Mac's told me how strong you are in spirit. You're not a quitter, and neither is Daniel. The two of you are definitely up to the challenge of being in love, along with everything else that comes your way."
"I wish I could believe you."
"You will, in time. I have faith." She stands up, winking as she tucks the last of the cookies in a pocket of her white coat. "See you later."
Back in the lab, well past zero hundred hours. The passage of time is relative in the waiting game, both quick and slow.
Becky still can't shake off her misgivings, despite Janet's encouraging words. It's hard to stop her imagination from going into overdrive, spinning out one worst-case scenario after another. Takes less practice than Jack claims.
The thought of facing a cold and empty house is too terrible to contemplate, so she decides to visit the Gateroom. Some of the night shift personnel are huddling in a corner when she arrives, conversation muted as favs surreptitiously change hands. Fellow Gate techs and SFs take pains not to notice.
"Dr. Grahme?" Sergeant Choi in the control area pipes up. "Is there something I can do for you?"
"Just wondering if there's any word regarding SG-1."
"Nothing yet, ma'am. Sorry."
"It's okay. Thanks anyway."
Hammond emerges from a side door. "Dr. Grahme," nodding at her in greeting. "You're here late."
"Could say the same for yourself, sir."
A rueful smile. "Force of habit, I suppose. Particularly when SG-1's on the loose."
One of the techs in the huddle glances his way and blanches. The members of the clandestine betting pool quickly break up with shamefaced salutes in his direction.
He returns them with a wry smile. "I see one tradition from under the Mountain hasn't changed."
"I wish it had," she mutters under her breath.
"What was that, Dr. Grahme?"
"Nothing, sir." She staggers a bit as her stomach churns, the gut feeling back in full force. "Ohh-"
Hammond quickly steps in to support her, brow furrowed in concern. "Are you all right? Do you need to go to the infirmary?"
She takes a deep breath, trying to regain some self-control. Not good to have a panic attack in front of the General. "No, sir. I'll be fine. I should stay here in case there's news."
"I think you're better off waiting someplace more comfortable, such as my office. I'm sure we'll be informed the minute anything happens," with a significant look at Choi, who nods quick assent.
Not exactly phrased as an order, but it comes close. Becky obediently follows him through a door in the hangar attached to the adjoining administration building. She sits gingerly on the couch as he pours water from the sweating carafe on the credenza into a glass and hands it to her. "Are you sure Dr. Fraiser shouldn't be called? I believe she's on duty tonight."
"Thank you sir, but I'm fine right here."
"Very well. If you don't mind I have some reports that need reviewing. Feel free to stay here as long as you need." A companionable silence follows, the rasping of pen on paper the only sound.
It dawns on Becky that she likes Hammond. He's pretty compassionate- even avuncular for career military- and always a gentleman. She's certain her dad's father would've been a lot like him, though his parents died long before she or Chris were even born.
"Um, sir? May I ask you something?" she finally ventures.
"Go ahead." He caps the pen and sets it down, giving her his full attention.
"How do you do it? Giving orders, sending people through the Gate without knowing-"
"-If they'll come back alive or not?" He fixes her with a perceptive look. "Are you asking in general or about SG-1 in particular?"
"Both, I guess."
He leans back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "There's a phrase called the Burden of Command that in the military means the authority conferred to make decisions, carrying with it both responsibility and accountability for any that are made in the line of duty. When I was assigned to the base under Cheyenne Mountain I was assured my burden would be light, an easy transition into retirement. When I abruptly found myself on the front line of a secret interstellar war the burden became much heavier, once I became responsible not only for the lives of those directly under my command, but ultimately everyone on the planet. That hasn't changed now that we're here on New Earth. Of course back then I had no idea that something the Air Force had used once and mothballed would reactivate and stir things up, though I once had an encounter as a lieutenant that made me ponder my future for a while."
"Was that when SG-1 went back in time to 1969?"
"Yes, but that's a story for later. Your uncle understands that burden, being an officer himself. Off the record I admit to having a certain fondness and respect for him and his team, as eclectic and wayward as they are. Though he's smart enough to know when he should defer to Major Carter and Dr. Jackson in matters of science Colonel O'Neill does have his own unique approach to thinking outside of the box, as proven by all the times SG-1's managed to overcome whatever dire situations they encounter."
"Creative problem-solving does run in the family," Becky dryly agrees. "Do you think they're all right, sir?"
"Let's just say I have gained sufficient faith in SG-1 not to rule anything out. By the way, I'm glad both you and MacGyver have found a place among us. Your efforts have contributed greatly to our survival as a community."
"Thank you. I only wish I could do more to help."
"It's enough you're assisting Dr. Jackson for now. Though one day you'll make your own unique mark on the settlement."
"You really think so, sir?"
"Call it an educated guess. If there's anything I've learned from working in the SGC it's to expect the unexpected."
Silence stretches between them. She takes a long drink of water to conceal her awkwardness. The glass tumbler is heavy in her hand, part of possibly the last set of Waterford cut crystal remaining in the known universe.
The klaxon sounds and the PA system crackles to life. "Unscheduled offworld activation. Repeat, unscheduled offworld activation."
Hammond rises from his seat, smiling faintly. "I believe that's our cue. Dr. Grahme, if you're ready we should see what's going on."
"Four IDCs, General," Choi says as they arrive. "Confirmed as belonging to SG-1."
"About time. Open the iris."
Tightly-curled petals of trinium and titanium unfurl, revealing the shimmering blue-white pool. Four familiar faces in field gear step through, three a trifle worse for wear and all undeniably alive. Jack's sporting a black eye, Sam's gingerly cradling her right wrist in the opposite hand and Daniel has a darkening bruise on his cheek. Only Teal'c appears to be unharmed, as serene as ever.
Becky sighs in relief. She's never been happier to have her usually reliable intuition proven wrong for once.
"SG-1, I expect you have a good reason for missing your check-in," Hammond says sternly. "Any difficulties with the Kelownans?"
"No and yes, General," Jack says, looking disappointed. "The demonstration turned out to be a bust. No fun big explosions to be had."
"Sir, it seems our guide Jonas Quinn had a premonition the night before that trying it out would be a bad idea without further study," Sam quickly explains. "He managed to convince his government that the device was too unstable to use in its current state, and so they canceled the demonstration."
"We did get to visit the temple anyway," Daniel says, adjusting his crooked glasses. "Teal'c and I found and translated what proved to be further instructions and warnings in Goa'uld script concerning its use, which greatly pleased their scientists. As a thank-you we were invited to a local tavern afterwards. Jack just couldn't turn down the offer of free beer."
Jack shoots him a glare. "Hey, I was doing my part for interstellar diplomacy. Not to mention picking up some brewing tips from the owner 'cause the beer was fantastic. Wasn't my fault we got caught in a tavern brawl."
"Indeed it was not," Teal'c agrees. "A male customer had become inebriated and made improper advances towards one of the female scientists. Jonas Quinn intervened on her behalf and was struck down for his trouble. O'Neill stepped in to defend both valiantly but was soon hit by the elbow of the offending patron. Major Carter, Daniel Jackson and I were obligated to participate at that point, and he called on his allies in the tavern to assist even as others came to our aid."
"The fight eventually included all the other patrons, and spilled onto the street," Daniel adds.
"The owner called in the city watch, who arrived and rounded up everyone in the room regardless of participation," Sam continues with a rueful expression. "The four of us spent the night in a private cell in the detention center. We would've had to appear in front of the magistrate this morning but the government's representative stepped in and sorted everything out, offering apologies and an escort to the Gate. Honestly by that point I think they were as glad to see us off as we were to leave."
"Okay guys, enough," Jack grumbles. "No need to give the General a play-by-play."
Hammond conceals a smile behind a hand. Just his flagship team and secret favorites stumbling upon trouble as usual. "No further explanation is needed, SG-1. Dr. Fraiser is waiting for you in the infirmary. Feel free to expand on this later in the debrief day after tomorrow. Welcome back."
Daniel comes down off the ramp, mind already on the next thing, paying no attention to his surroundings.
Janet spoke of taking a chance, choosing to love. Hammond reminded her thinking outside the box is a family trait.
Time to get her raven's feet back on the ground.
Becky steps right in his path, grabbing his tac vest. Tugging him down to her level, taking a long, starved drink of her beloved.
Her head clears, anxiety melting away as their pneuma mingles, soulmates reunited. She feels restored to herself.
Jack snickers as he and Sam pass by. "Sweet, Siler and Harriman owe me twenty favs each. How come you don't kiss me like that after a mission, Carter?"
"Another time, sir," she replies after a furtive glance around the room. They're keeping their relationship secret until Hammond gets around to relaxing the fraternization regs. "Colonel, did you really place a bet on them kissing in the Gateroom?"
"Ah Major, now that would be telling..."
Teal'c merely smiles and nods, as if he'd been expecting this all along.
Daniel blinks in confusion when she lets go, cheeks flushed and breathing hard. "Um, I guess that means you're happy to see me?"
"Uh-huh. How did that happen?" indicating the bruise on his cheek. "The temple, or the brawl?"
He touches the spot, wincing. "The brawl, I guess. Nothing unusual happened in the temple save for finding the inscriptions. Jack thinks I'm losing my touch."
"He would. I'm glad you're okay otherwise."
"So am I."
They share another kiss until Hammond clears his throat, looking distinctly amused. "Dr. Grahme, please escort Dr. Jackson to the infirmary."
They quickly pull apart, a touch of flush coloring their cheeks. "Of course, sir. Sorry."
The applause from assembled personnel follows them even away from the Gateroom, to their chagrin.
Janet's already aware of the incident when they arrive in the infirmary, judging by twinkle in her eyes. Gossip tends to travel at near wormhole speed, ironic for a formerly top-secret operation. Or most likely Jack filled her in, if the size of his smirk is any indication.
No doubt this will be the talk of the base for days to come, but Becky no longer cares. She and her raven are together again and nothing else matters.
Jack shares a meaningful look with Sam. "I promise not to snore too loudly, Carter."
"That would be appreciated, sir," she quips right back with a straight face.
"I think a private room can be arranged for you both," Janet says evenly, being in on their secret from the beginning. "Though certain others would be more comfortable recovering at home."
Becky counters the saucy wink tossed her way with a wicked grin of her own. Daniel's a little befuddled but she isn't. She has plans for him.
With a moan of deep satisfaction she shudders through the final exquisite aftershocks, leaning down to share a slow, sweet kiss with her beloved before stretching out beside him.
Both are warm, clean and fed. Also pleasantly tired, fully satiated and completely loved.
"Um, well, that was..." Daniel begins, then lapses into a stunned silence.
Becky snickers. "Finally I've managed to render you speechless. Jack would consider this a red-letter day."
"He would." He props himself up on an elbow, smirking down at her. "I've never seen you this take-charge when it comes to our love life before, though I have to wonder if what happened in the Gateroom was related to how you were acting before I left. You didn't just decide to kiss me out of the blue, right?"
"That's partly the reason," she admits with a faint blush. "I know we agreed against public displays of affection at work but when I saw you emerge alive and well from the event horizon I was so relieved that I couldn't help myself, and-"
A gentle finger on her lips silences her babbling. "No need to say more. Some rules are made to be broken, don't you think?" with a teasing wink. "Actually, I found you being in charge a real turn-on. Feel free to do that again anytime."
She groans. "I've created a monster."
"And you love it," scooping her up in his arms and settling her on top of him. "Good thing your intuition was wrong this time, huh?"
"Yeah, as it turns out." She tucks her head into the crook of his neck, nuzzling into his soft skin. Every breath fills her lungs with his scent, his essence. "The universe is unpredictable, I know that. Most of the time I can accept the risk that I might never see you again on this side of the Gate. But because of that nightmare-" she swallows. "I feared for your safety as I never have for anyone else, including my uncles. I don't know what I'd do if I ever lost you."
"I feel the same about you," he admits softly, stroking her hair. "I know I don't always have my feet on the ground, Jack's berated me often enough. But I'm trying hard to change that. You're my incentive for coming home safe and sound. The example you set- your integrity, your keen awareness, your care and attention to detail- all of it inspires me to be a better man."
"You know you don't have to change for my sake."
"I know, but I want to anyway. And if you can accept the risk of losing me," he adds with a wry smile, "then I can accept you needing to freak out sometimes."
"I guess I can live with that. Does this mean you forgive me for having my way with you?"
"Oh, I think by the second round we were having our way with each other."
"Good point." They shift onto their sides, foreheads just touching. "I love you too. I never got the chance to say it before you left. So I'm saying it now, and for always."
"And I love you. Now, and for always." Their lips meet, warm and comforting. "Sweet dreams, hummingbird."
"You too, raven," closing her eyes, utterly content. Their breaths mingle, sharing their pneuma. Completely at peace.
Uncertainty exists in the universe. Nothing is set in stone. What seems predestined can change overnight, if the right conditions exist.
And it's okay if her gut feelings are wrong once in a while.
Which is more of a relief than she'll ever mention to anyone. Especially Daniel.
Notes:
As already mentioned in Language of Love, this is what happens instead of S5 E21, "Meridian" in my 'verse.
Also brief references to S2 E21, "1969" and two episodes of classic MacGyver, S1 E13 "Flame's End" and S3 E05 "Fire and Ice."
