Vala and Carolyn found a parking space as Vala parked with a little trepidation. She confessed to Carolyn that she needed more practice in parking and took up two spaces. Carolyn was relieved that Vala had stopped finally as she weaved in and out of lanes while still chattering away. They found the restaurant that served Chicken Curry and a few other spicy dishes that Carolyn ordered and Vala ordered the same. After ordering Vala relaxed into getting Carolyn to relax.
"Carolyn how come your not married yet? Vala asked with casual ease.
Carolyn was taken aback by the question and knew Vala's reputation of being up front without everyone without being intrusive.
"Well, I kinda move around a lot Vala. My father was the same way. It's seems our professions incur the same motivation. We both enjoy our work and sometimes relationships take a back seat. Especially now that I see how secretative our jobs must be."
"That's not what I mean Carolyn. I mean that you are a very beautiful and intelligent woman and any man would be crazy not to approach you and ask you out and then marry you." Said Vala bubbly.
"You are strange Vala. Anyway, I don't know. No one has really asked me out and everyone is so careful not to say the wrong thing around me. I think being the General's daughter intimidates them."
"Well, I know a certain Col would love to ask you out if he could get beyond the bosses daughter faze. I would be more than willing to ask him you know."
"No, No Vala, that's ok. I'm sure a certain Col will make his move when the time comes. I don't want to push anyone in dating me. I'm not use to the ideal that someone actually likes me."
"Carolyn; you sell yourself too short; no pun intended." Vala was referring to Dr. Lam's height. She was small and petite and Vala thought that was an adorable quality in a woman.
"I remember when I first saw Daniel and his people the Tau'ri. They were a strange group. Samantha was always doing reports or working on some technical project that no one knew was even possible to work, Daniel was always researching, researching and endlessly researching. Col Mitchell well, I still don't know exactly what he does darling, I just know he does it well, and then there's Teal'c. Big, strong, intelligent and an honorable and formidable warrior. No one messes with muscles and he comes in handy when I want Jell-O. But they are all wonderful individuals that I would give my life for and becoming friends was almost unthinkable. I've been traveling and surviving for a long time Carolyn and believe me I like having friends who I can trust and rely on. I think of you as one of them, I mean friends Carolyn. You always made sure we were taken care of and made extra sure if one of us was injured or sick you looked after us with special attention to our well being."
Carolyn was touched that Vala mentioned her as a friend and let her into her life with SG1. She knew somewhat of Vala's past but did not think of her as an outsider or alien. Vala seemed comfortable with letting her know how much she cared for these people and paid more attention to her ministration as a doctor who cared. She would have to ask Vala about the muscles nickname for Teal'c. She thought Vala must be a real special person to care so much of those who were not of her planet or home.
"Vala, can I ask you something?"
"Anything, Carolyn."
"I wondered if maybe that I could go out with you guys sometimes, just to get a breath of fresh air once in awhile?"
"Carolyn consider this my invite. We know that you're always busy and Sam and I would love to have an extra girl for our girl's night out without the boys. Believe me, I know you have some juicy tidbits about men's foibles and shortcomings."
Carolyn had to laugh out loud at Vala's description of men. She felt more and more comfortable with Vala and looking forward in just enjoying the day away from SGC infirmary.
Their food arrived and both women delved into their delicious dishes. Carolyn was enjoying the quiet atmosphere and the window view of the mountains it was mesmerizing. Carolyn had not really had a chance to city or the countryside and seeing it from Vala's perspective made it most enjoyable.
"Vala, I think the next time SG1 goes out on a reconissaince mission, I would like to join you."
"Oh good, I'm sure the General would not refuse your request, especially if he knew his daughter was in safe hands. But I'm sure you are more than capable of taking care of yourself." Stated Vala.
"Being a soldiers brat has it's advantages. I took a lot of training in self defense while dad was on base. I know of potentially every weapon or wound and can handle any one if it was necessary. But I have sworn to heal rather than take a life, so a Zat Gun would be right up my ally."
"Well, I think that would go nicely with your med kit. So compact and not restraining and it folds up too."
Carolyn again couldn't help but laugh at Vala and her expression of certain details of combat ready weapons.
From a distance two men casually ate lunch and watched the two women eat their own lunch. It was to their advantage that both women were important to SGC and there was plenty of information that could be extracted from them both with a little persuassion. The team leader stayed in contact with the men from the hidden van and waited for his orders on any necessary move on the two women.