Ch. 63

(Daedalus, Commissary)

Stacey entered the commissary after she had unpacked for the three week journey back to Atlantis. John and Jeff were in briefings all morning, discussing things that makes Stacey's glad she doesn't have to participate. Allison sat at one of the tables, coloring.

Stacey ruffled Allison's hair as she poured herself a cup of coffee. Stacey sat down across from Allison. She placed Adam's baby monitor on the table in front of her, Adam was sleeping a floor below them. They were sitting at one of the table next to the window. Allison was so immersed in her drawing that she didn't even look up when Colonel Caldwell walked in, absolutely enraged.

Stacey watched him. She remembered how angry he was when General Landry, not so happy either with this order, informed him that Allie and Adam would be returning. When Caldwell poured his cup of coffee Stacey commented:

"I hope that's de-caffeinated, Colonel."

Caldwell looked up and turned around in surprise. Apparently, he hadn't realized that Stacey and Allison were there. To Caldwell's and Stacey's surprise he sat down in between the girls.

"I can use all the caffeine I can get, Doctor," He told her.

"From a MD's point of view, that's the last thing you need," Stacey told him knowingly. "I can hear your heart racing."

"Is it that . . . Darn feral thing General O' Neill and Hammond warned me about?" he asked.

"You bet," Stacey grinned.

Colonel Caldwell gazed over at Allison and noticed what she was drawing.

"Is that who I think it is?" he asked the girl.

"Hermiod," Allison answered, distractedly. "But, with clothes."

"Oh, he'll get a kick out of that," Stacey told her daughter when she showed the drawing of the Asgard. "We should send a copy of it to Uncle Jack," Stacey suggested.

"This will be the best of his collection. I think he has room next to General Hammond and Walter," Allison told her knowingly.

"I'm surprised there's room still," Stacey smirked.

Adam's baby monitor came to life. Adam was awake from his nap. He wasn't crying however, he was baby talking loudly. Stacey grabbed the monitor and got up.

"Come on, Allie. You can finish your drawing in the room," Stacey extended her hand.

Allison hastily collected her things and took her mother's hand.

(Daedalus, Sheppard's Quarter's)

Stacey was now reading to Allison and Adam. After a page she would hand the book to Allison for her to read out loud. With some help from her mother Allison managed to get through the first chapter. By then John stepped into the room, yawning, and holding two cups of coffee.

John kissed his wife on the lips and gave her, her cup of coffee. He then kissed Adam and Allison on the forehead.

"How was your day?" Stacey asked him.

"Boring. Dad went on and on about new security measures and Caldwell kissing Dad's ass all day," he told her.

Stacey choked on her coffee.

"John Sheppard, do not give me those kinds of visuals again," Stacey recovered and pointed a scolding finger at him.

"Sorry," John sipped his coffee. "What about your day? Anything exciting happen?"

"Allison made Uncle Jack a drawing of Hermiod to add to his collection on his fridge,"

"What, no drawings for me?" he asked mockingly.

"She'll have plenty of tie to draw you things. This trip is gonna take us at least another three weeks," Stacey assured him.

To be continued . . .