General Hammond sat in his office staring at the papers on his desk (consisting mostly of mission reports), knowing he really should be reading them, but his mind was stuck on the instructions he'd received not twenty minutes ago. Sometimes he really hated being a General. Of course, that was why he'd been chosen, and why he'd accepted. Someone had to make the hard decisions, and it may as well be someone who could take a step back and keep every side in mind. This case in particular was no different.
In light of meeting the other-worldly being called Orion and learning about Kylee's status as a dimensional refugee, Hammond made arrangements for more permanent accommodations. To start, a larger guest quarters and a requisition allowance for clothes and any other item within reason.
It wasn't going to be an easy transition for any party involved. All he could do was hope that his people would act professionally, and that they could stave off any outside interference. It may yet be an uphill battle to keep her on the base, but he still had a few tricks up his sleeve.
A knock on the door sounded, drawing him out of his thoughts. He blinked and looked up.
"Come in."
Major Carter, followed by Colonel O'Neill, walked into the room, each holding the reports and evaluations from their excursion to Alpha site. He had waved the debrief since he'd been included in the proceedings with Orion, their reports being more important in the interim.
"Anything that I should keep an eye on when I look these over?" he asked Jack.
"Well sir, she can thoroughly kick our collective asses if she wanted and hasn't. Which I take to be a good sign." Colonel O'Neill was not an easy man to win over, though he had historically had a soft spot for the younger, more vulnerable people who have come through that gate. As such he was able to connect with them in ways many soldiers could not. It granted him a unique perspective in this case, as apparently the two of them had done some bonding. He seemed more than willing to give the kid a fair shot and Hammond couldn't see a reason not to as of yet.
"It's certainly a mark in her favor," the General said to O'Neill's snark. He turned to Sam and nodded to her. "What about her powers?"
"She easily compares and exceeds the kind of speeds we reached with the Tok'ra arm bands. She doesn't have the kind of super strength we did because her powers work differently, but there are definite signs of her body gaining resistance to extreme friction and pressure."
Gen. Hammond raised an eyebrow, inviting her to continue on.
"She said she can reach up to Mach 5, and the kind of pressure that would place on a human body is..."
O'neill looked to Carter, then to Hammond.
"It's enough to make Carter pause for dramatic effect, Sir. Not to mention the little lightshow she put on for us. It's not just her speed. She could do some serious damage if she wanted to and I think it'd be stupid to get on her bad side for no reason.
"Truth is, General, she's an absurdly powerful kid, but we need to keep in mind that she is still just a kid. " Too true, Colonel, too true.
"We haven't had a chance to really test her electrical abilities yet," Sam offered.
"Which is why we probably shouldn't be giving any open door access to the the NID any time soon," the Colonel said.
Hammond secretly agreed with Colonel O'Neill, but he was nothing if not professional, so he sent a disapproving look at Jack (which the man would undoubtedly ignore) before turning back to the Major.
"Aren't these powers putting her body at risk?"
Sam shook her head again, looking decidedly incredulous.
"I don't know, sir. I'm not seeing anything immediate, but she seems to be able to absorb kinetic energy. That could have something to do with how well her body is holding up as it's more than likely she can absorb impacts as well as any other kinetic motion around her. Testing will probably need to be ongoing until we fully understand them. For starters, I'd like to take some X-rays and an MRI to get a closer look at her bones and joints."
"That shouldn't be difficult to arrange," Hammond said, looking to her to continue.
"If we can understand how her body has been modified we might be able to revolutionize the medical field," she added, seeming more optimistic about that.
Hammond looked surprised. "You think we could transfer some of her powers?" Well, he never thought he'd say that in a serious conversation.
"I don't know, sir. But being able to better understand her biology couldn't hurt."
Hammond nodded in agreement.
"Well, since you're here I'll inform you now. Kylee has been given refugee status, and will remain confined to base until further notice. We'll schedule regular outings to the alpha site for testing but I've been ordered to maintain the same security protocols as before." The decision came from the top, given the news of her permanent residency.
"Ah. Testing. Because that's the highlight of any young girl's day."
Sam tightened her lips at that one, glancing up at the Colonel and raising an eyebrow.
"Sir, don't you think it would be wise to start planning ahead? She's got something the military obviously wants, which means now that they know she's staying they'll probably be wanting results," O'Neill took his chance to continue, and he had a point. It was only a matter of time.
"I'm open to suggestions," Hammond said curtly.
"The kid's running around in a costume trying to save people. While not particularly sane, her values align with ours. Give her a shot at joining the SGC down the line. " O'Neill said, though Hammond wasn't sure that was entirely objective. As much as Jack relished in the thought of having a real superhero watching his six, the whole caped crusader thing wasn't going to fly with the top brass.
Gen. Hammond thought about that for a few moments. "At some point in the future, it's more than possible we could incorporate her into the SGC, but for now it's best to give her time to settle into life on the base. As for joining the military, that's currently over my head, unless you meant as a civilian consult."
"If she's still considered a foreign entity I'm not sure how likely that would work given all the red tape. Even then I don't think she'd be thrilled about that idea," Carter replied.
"We have Teal'c on SG1, you can't get more foreign than that," O'neil pointed out. "Aand before he joined the team, Teal'c was Apophis' first prime." Hammond had to admit that Teal'c had been an indispensable asset, hence why he'd been assigned to their flagship team. That was no small feat, and like Kylee, he was highly sought after by military interest to be studied like a lab rat.
"What else have you found out about her? Aspirations? Was she in school?" The General asked, his attention squarely on Carter now.
"I think so," she said, though she didn't seem certain. "She told me about her school and that it was similar to MIT, although I don't think it exists in our reality, but that implies engineering and technology." Major Carter couldn't entirely hide the look of pride that formed on her face when she mentioned that. The fact that she had that much in common with the young lady served to bring them together. Hammond couldn't help but approve.
"See? Engineering. We could always use those," O'Neill said.
"We do have plenty of engineers here in the SGC who could tutor her," Carter pointed out helpfully. "Plus she's already given us a piece of technology from her reality. It may be simple but it may advance digital technology by at least a decade."
Gen. Hammond nodded thoughtfully. He'd seen the item manifest from her personal belongings and was well aware of the little device she had brought along with her.
"Once we see how far along her studies are, we can talk about an internship. It wouldn't hurt to give her an allowance as well." After all, it would only benefit them to make her stay here as comfortable as possible.
"Aw c'mon General, you're really gonna keep her cooped up down here? Studies and work?" O'Neill said, cynical as ever.
Gen. Hammond shook his head, not liking to have to reiterate. "As of right now, she isn't allowed off base, with exception of the Alpha site, at all. Disobedience could land her in confinement."
That didn't exactly answer O'Neill's question, but it was Sam who spoke up.
"Sir, she's human. From Earth."
"Not our Earth, Major."
"What does that have to do with it?"
O'Neill was frowning at his 2IC, but he knew better than anyone how sensitive these things could be and how objective Hammond, as the General, had to be. He would find loopholes when he could but this was a direct order he would be defying.
"Major, you asked Orion about a way to turn off her powers. What did he tell you?" Hammond asked, and between the two of them they knew that was the only loophole they had where her leaving the base was concerned. It had to be under control. (Meaning, of course, the Government's control.)
Major Carter sighed softly, then nodded. "He gave me instructions, but it may take a few weeks to get something working."
"If you can get that up and running, her odds of getting clearance rise significantly," Hammond said, glancing up to the Major. "Until then we have our orders."
"And what if those orders change?" O'Neill asked. Hammond was glad to see the Colonel going up to bat for this one. The kid could use as many people in her corner as possible. Still, that did not necessarily make it any easier.
"We've been doing all we can on that front. She doesn't have any official documents and her only known ties to anyone on this planet are likely considered tenuous at best" Hammond said.
"You mean like Family," O'Neill said dryly, shaking his head. "How big of a sticking point is that?"
"About that, Sir…" Carter began, then paused.
"Yes, Major?" Hammond asked.
"If it would help her case, I could claim her. As family. Officially," the woman said, a return of that unusual uncertainty that Hammond was just simply not used to hearing.
"It may serve as an anchor to the SGC, which couldn't hurt even if she is technically an adult," General Hammond replied thoughtfully. "But only if you're sure, Major."
"It... may make me uncomfortable, sir, but she shouldn't have to be locked up for circumstances outside of her control. If I can help with that, I will."
Gen. Hammond conceded with a nod. "You have a point, Major. I'll have the paperwork drawn up for you. You may want to go and inform her of this yourselves. You have some leave that's well overdue as well, I suggest you make the best of it. Dismissed."
Sam sat at the briefing room table with her hands entwined and supporting her chin as she contemplated the past few days while it weighed heavily on her mind. .Specifically the words of her father, the way he opened his arms so willingly to take Kylee into their family despite her not really being her own daughter. And yet, Kylee might not be hers, but she'd been born to a woman who may as well have been her twin. It would be a lie if she said she didn't feel some kind of kinship with Ky, but the level of commitment she had just made was not an easy decision and she still wasn't completely sure she was ready for it.
Then again, who really ever was?
Granted, Ky was not a child in the way Cassie had been and independent enough to handle herself in most situations despite the questionable state of her emotional stability. she did need support, and possibly a mentor to help navigate through this new world and try to avoid some of the speed bumps along the way. And with the way these meetings were going, there would undoubtedly be plenty of speed bumps. That alone would make just about anyone back down , but, as intimidating as it was, it couldn't realistically be harder than fighting the goa'uld. Right?
Sam realized now that she'd been trying to keep herself from getting too invested. It was an instinctive response and a defense mechanism she'd relied on more than once. It had, , in a way, served her well - career wise mostly,. It made sense as she had, sometimes to her chagrin, always chosen her career. But this was different. This would be made official on paper. She would be adopting a child of her own…
She sighed, thinking again about her father, and how much he'd changed. She wouldn't say that his blending with Selmak had been the best thing that had ever happened to him, but it was close. She'd never really thought she'd be this happy to have him in her life again. Maybe having Kylee around would be good for both of them.
Maybe.
Biting her lip, she rose to her feet and walked towards the stairs. She nodded to SGT Harriman who was walking back to his post at the control panel,. The elevator took her the rest of the way, up to level 15 and Kylee's room. Upon reaching her destination, she could hear the vague sounds of cartoons playing on the television. Raising her hand towards the door, knuckles poised to knock she hesitated, wondering if now was really the best time. She shook off the feeling of doubt, and steeled herself, rapping on the door a couple of times and waiting.
When the girl answered the door, Sam couldn't help but take note of her hair, tangled and messy from lying in bed. That and the oversized air force hoodie gym shorts combo indicated that she hadn't been planning on leaving her room any time soon. As the girl ran a hand through her hair to tuck it behind her ears she gave a polite smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. Eyes that were wet and puffy from recently crying, but tears were replaced by that colder, measured gaze as she tried to keep herself together.
It was a familiar sight. Sam remembered the same look in her eyes when she'd lost her own mother.
"What's up?" Kylee said, tugging on a lock of her hair as she stood there looking at the Major. It struck her again how this kid has sure had a rough couple of weeks, and she was probably about as low as one could get, emotionally. They had to turn that around. Hopefully what she had to offer the girl now would help with that.
"I... " Sam pressed her lips together as she hesitated.. "I just want to talk to you for a little while. If that's okay." Kylee's eyes narrowed in confusion, but she stepped aside to let the older woman into her room. Out of habit, Sam scanned the space briefly. She saw the pile of books in the box that Daniel had brought her, the backpack Orion had given her on the desk unzipped and some t-shirts laying next to wasn't much else that even suggested anything personal.
"Are you holding up alright?" Sam asked, hopeful that Ky would be receptive. The girl took the remote to turn the TV onto mute, the show was some kind of strange japanese cartoon involving a man with spiky black hair fighting what looked like an obese pink alien. She didn't understand the appeal.
"I'm okay. So what do you want to talk about?" It was good that Ky wasn't shutting them out, which was a positive sign in Sam's estimation. Sam knew she felt trapped here, and that was to be expected given how she operated. They were going to accommodate her, it was just a matter of organizing that effort now the best they could.
"I just finished speaking with General Hammond. Due to your status as an off world refugee, and your powers, you're still going to be confined to base and the Alpha Site," Sam said, figuring Kylee wouldn't want her to sugar-coat it
Sam looked her over, thinking about how powerful that this girl really was. She could likely take the base faster than they could even hope to defend against. Hell, she probably had the power to destroy it if she wanted to without even breaking a sweat. The girl was angry and hurt but the fact that she wasn't lashing out said a lot about her personality and character. She was just acting like a normal girl who probably felt like a prisoner. With all that power she had, and all of the impulsive things she did, she had remarkable restraint.
Kylee spun around immediately, looking dejected - almost betrayed.
"I know it isn't ideal," she said, cutting off any protests from Kylee, "but we were discussing ways to integrate you into this world. Starting with continuing your college courses. You mentioned something about that, right? We can also get you an internship with some of the engineers here. And once you're finished with your degree, you'd have a job here whether you choose to join the military or not."
Kylee scoffed. "I get the sense they're gonna be pushing for the military option."
"It's possible. I didn't think you'd be too excited about that," Sam admitted, not exactly surprised at her grim tone. "We have plenty of civilian consults, and as an engineering student you'd have a lot of options even in a non combat capacity. Daniel isn't military, but he's a irreplaceable member of SG1. You should talk to him about that."
Kylee's eyes lit up a little, her entire expression shifting into something far more hopeful. Sam was glad that that caught her interest. It was like a veil was lifted and she could see the horizon, something beyond these four walls; a new door had opened. In fact, with the Stargate, the possibilities were endless. There were so many incredible things Sam could show her, she…
Sam sighed and gave a the girl a hesitant look.
"Beyond that, there's one other thing that we can do that would go a long way in protecting your interests.. And that's for me to… claim you as family. Officially," he said, looking to the girl for her response.
Kylee was stunned. It wasn't like they hadn't broached the topic before, after all, Jacob asked her to look to them like family and she'd accepted it in the same way one might accept an unfamiliar, distant family member at a reunion. This was far more personal. Kylee looked away, drawing in a shaky breath as she thought about it.
"How would that even work?" She asked earnestly, though Sam's facial response indicated she may have said it too brusquely.
"I mean… It wouldn't make sense for me to be your kid... And that would be awkward to explain... What… would we be to each other?" Kylee asked. A single, young adult woman in her thirties and a twenty year old? Math just didn't add up.
"I don't know. I can't say it's something I'm comfortable with, but you said before that your mom is more like a cosmic twin sister, which… " Sam paused thoughtfully. "I guess would make you more like a niece."
Silence fell as the younger girl continued to try and process the situation.
"I guess that wouldn't be so bad," Kylee finally said, letting out a heavy breath. She had to concede. What this woman was offering to do for her was so far beyond the call of duty, even for family. And while Kylee knew the other woman wasn't the most comfortable with this, she'd offered anyway. It was enough to make her catch voice in her throat.
"You're in luck. I've already got experience as an auntie," Sam quipped lightly, reaching over to pat the girl on the shoulder, this time without any hint of hesitation. It was trust, or really, more of an olive branch. Kylee wasn't sure she deserved it. "The truth is, this could circumvent a lot of political problems down the line. Nobody wants to see you get swept up in that."
"I get it," Kylee said, reaching up to wipe her eye briefly. She wasn't sure how to deal with this right then. It just brought those thoughts she was trying to push down back up to the surface.
"Something wrong?" Sam asked, clearly noticing the look of shame on the girl's face.
"I just… Don't…" She exhaled heavily and shook her head. "It's going to take a while before I don't see her when I look at you. You understand that, right?"
"I'm not trying to take her place," Sam said gently.
"I know... I just never got the chance to tell her about everything I was doing. What I was. Who I was. And she was picking up on that I was different and… Maybe I wasn't making the best choices. Last thing I did was argue with her and it's still pretty fresh. And then I disappeared. I don't know how much time passed or if she even knew I was gone.." She could feel her eyes welling up again as she replayed the last conversation with her mom in her mind. She looked back fo Sam, searching her eyes for understanding.
Sam met her eyes and nodded, almost like she'd gone through the same thing herself. She got that look in her gaze - the same matter-of-fact look of confidence. She'd made her decision and wasn't looking back, even if all of this wasn't exactly something she had planned for or really wanted. Ky felt bad about that, more or less intruding on Sam's life like this, but she couldn't help but feel grateful for all the woman had done (and was promising to do) for her.
"It's… It's just going to take a while," Kylee said again, probably looking as guilty as she felt. Her eyes met Sam's again.
"Well… C'mere," Sam said, pulling Ky into a hug. It caught her off guard, but she would be lying if she didn't think she needed it. The gesture was not unwelcome, and it managed to shut her up long enough to get the point across, they were family now. Whatever would come may come, through stormy weather, etc etc. Jacob had already decided that when they'd had met, she thought, but she guessed Sam just needed more time to process that. She did too.
She withdrew from the hug and reached back to rub her neck.
"So what comes next?" Kylee asked.
"The General gave us a few days leave, so I'll have some free time to help you figure that out. Or you could help me," Sam said, offering a smile.
"With what?" Ky asked, growing a bit curious.
"I've got a few side projects I think you might be interested in. Then there's looking into college and sorting that out," She paused, hesitating before adding. "And there's also the matter of the the power dampener that Orion told me about."
"...He told you about that, huh?" Kylee's lips tightened. Of course she knew she could tell Sam about that, but it wasn't usually something she wanted people to know.
"I'm sorry, it seemed like the only way they would authorize you to go off base in the foreseeable future," Sam added simply, offering a sympathetic gaze.
"It will take a while. I don't fully understand it," Kylee admitted. Sam was right, she was going to have to make that sacrifice eventually if she was going to live here.
"You're taking that a lot better than I thought," Sam said cautiously.
"I… Well. I guess I'm a realist. And Orion seems to trust you people, so I keep running out of reasons not to trust you," Kylee said, moving to sit on the edge of the bed, pulling on knee up to lean on and shooting a coy look at Sam.
"You're going to have to tell us the story behind that guy. Sounds like you guys have an interesting history," Sam said, ignoring Ky's snark on the matter of trust.
"Oh… Yeah. I bet Daniel's gonna geek out on that one," Ky said, pressing her cheek into her hands. She was beginning to like that guy. Hard not to.
"Oh, I'd take that bet," Sam said, sitting on the bed next to her. "I know this place can seem pretty cold. The military brass has never been in touch with their emotions. And Sometimes I have trouble with it too. You're not supposed to get emotionally invested. But in this line of work, at the SGC, sometimes things just aren't that easy. Basically what I'm trying to say is, as far as we're concerned you're the SGC's kid now. We'll look out for you," Sam explained, nudging her gently with her elbow.
"Y'know… I hear what you're saying but that sounds like you're just gonna line me up for drills any day now," Kylee snarked in reply, but then turned to smile at Sam. "But thank you."
"Maybe if you sass the Colonel a little too much. And he'd probably enjoy it too," Carter admitted, smiling softly.
"Oh, joy," Ky said, giving a soft sigh. It was in good humor, though they both knew it was partially true.
"What do you say we go get something to eat?" Sam suggested, like she knew that Ky wasn't about to turn down a meal. Half true, as she was hungry, she just didn't feel like she was in the mood to eat in the commissary. Bbut skipping meals was generally a bad idea, especially for her
"Uh, sure," Ky said and slid off the bed, reaching to slip on a fresh pair of BDU slacks over her shorts, guessing that those were not proper attire for walking around the base. Walking, not running. What a concept. "Think I'm gonna crash after that. Kinda been one hell of a day."
"Sure, kiddo." Sam said, smiling at her. Ky met her eyes, then turned her head down with a smirk. Sam would never really know how close she was to her mom, and even while it stung a bit that she wasn't really her, Kylee knew it was going to be alright. Maybe that woman in the glowing robes, the ascended person, sent her to Sam because she knew who she was and that it would be the best possible situation for her. She just had to have a little faith in that. Maybe she'd be able to thank the lady some day. She hoped so.