Liz's thoughts were with her daughter.
Of course they were with her daughter. Which brought a smile. Her daughter was onboard this vessel. Right down the way, if Liz wanted to go check on her. Which the woman had a few minutes back.
Agnes was making new friends. Liz had stood and discreetly watched the interaction with some other children on the ship for some few moments. It was uncanny, really. How well the girl was adapting to the new set of circumstances Agnes found herself within.
It had taken Liz...well, certainly a longer time to accept what had to be accepted.
Agnes was just like her father in that aspect, Liz highly suspected. She also was very good at making new contacts. Liz had walked away, rather bemused and definitely more settled, leaving Agnes to her pastime. The girl's soft giggle echoed down the cavernous corridors of Ba'al's Mother Ship.
"What are those little cretins doing on my ship?" The being in question met the female coming down the way, pointing disdainfully to the rather clamorous sounds emanating from the direction Liz only just left. "When did they dare beam aboard? I gave no such commands."
"The children?" Liz's expression was appalled. "They've been here since I can remember. Are you serious?" She glanced back at the merriment. "They are the offspring of your service people. I imagine they've been here since their births."
Ba'al scowled slightly. "Oh." He considered the matter overly long. "Service people, you say? What service people?"
"The people you have in the service of your realm?" Liz compressed her lips thoughtfully. "The loyal followers who keep this ship running smoothly?"
"Oh, those service people." Ba'al sighed heavily. "And they have reproduced, you say?"
"Apparently."
"And I gave...permission for this activity?"
"...Apparently." Liz shrugged her shoulders.
"...I see." Ba'al went about his way, with but one shake of his head. "Well, I do not appreciate all this noise."
"It's children laughing." Liz pointed out the flaw in such thinking.
"Your point?" The being called back over his shoulder, continuing on his way.
Liz closed her eyes, shaking her head woefully, continuing on her way. Minutes later, she hummed absently, licking the white icing off her fingers as she artfully applied the sweet confection to the top of the chocolate cake she had just pulled from the oven.
"What the hell is this?"
The woman startled at another's presence, then smiled a welcome. "What do you mean, Baz?"
"What the hell are you doing, woman?"
"Icing a cake?" Liz replied haltingly, for it seemed obvious.
"In a spaceship."
"Well," Liz glanced around the ultra-modern galley, "yeah. I can't very likely ice it outside the ship, can I."
"A spaceship has a special place for icing cakes." The man was trying to wrap his head around things, for such things kept popping up continuously this day. Or was it night? It was impossible to tell out here, floating above the Earth...in a spaceship, with a modern galley. "And why a cake? Is it someone's birthday?"
"I know it's silly." Liz grinned, going back to her pastime. "I just thought it would be nice for everyone to get together. Sort of a celebration, as it were." Her smile softened. "I just felt like celebrating."
Baz relented. He sat down, running his finger inside the large bowl, subsequently licking the icing after a fashion. "I guess it won't kill anyone to set back and smell the roses for a beat. A lot has gone down in the past few hours, hasn't it."
Liz cut the guy a, you're damned right it has, look. "It's like a surreal dream. I hope I never wake up if that's the case."
"This ain't no damned dream." Baz had long accepted the fact. "I can guarantee that. It's about as real as it gets."
"I worry Agnes is going to crash, sooner or later." She bit her lip anxiously. "It's just...too much. It has to be wearing on her, Baz."
"Kids adapt a hell of sight better than adults." He shook his head. "I'm more worried about you and Red, if you want the truth."
Liz could see where the man's words might ring true. "It hits you about a month in." She recalled. "Knocks you for a loop, but I had Kiara to guide me through it. Red and Agnes...they don't have anything like that and I'm–"
"They have each other and they have you." Baz arose to his full height. "You just concentrate on that little girl and keeping her happy. In the end, it will all work out just fine, just wait and see."
"You know about trauma and kids." Liz knew. "I will trust your instincts, I think."
"I know about trauma and kids." He nodded quietly. "So, yeah...trust my instincts and trust in yourself. You have Agnes' best interests at heart, and nothing will stand in that path when it comes right down to it...will it."
Liz smiled brightly. "Thank you for making her room so special. With all she's left behind. I wanted at least that to be a safe haven, which you have made certain it is."
After two long years alone, it was wonderful to have her family and friends around again. Liz knew she had missed them terribly, but had not realized how desperately she ached for their presence.
Baz, Chuck, and the others in the security team had been a sight for sore eyes. They put the word security back into Liz's life when that life was all adrift and chaotic.
If only she hadn't wasted the last few years of that life and instead...
Shaking off the negative thoughts, Liz focused on the here and now. That was the past. It was over. Done.
It was time to live in the present. A present that consisted of getting icing slathered over these cakes. "I know your favorite is strawberry." Lizzy had pulled the last cake from the oven, presenting it with a flourish. "A special cake for a special guy."
Baz held his grin. "Damned straight." He smelled the delicious aroma wafting his way, closing his eyes. "I want extra icing on my piece."
"I remember." Liz chuckled. "What better way to welcome my family on this new, exciting adventure." She waved her hand over the confections. "It isn't a celebration without cake, right?"
Reaching for another tub of the sweet goo, Liz grimaced as her hands shook noticeably. Curving them into fists, she controlled her jittery nerves, taking a deep breath.
"What you're feeling?" Baz smiled, pushing off the doorframe upon which he had leaned his stocky, muscular frame. "It's natural, you realize."
"Oh, uh," Liz looked around, a little lost, "nothing feels natural if you want the truth." She forced a smile.
"Overwhelmed, huh?" Baz highly suspected. "Doing something normal will dispel that feeling. Why don't you go shave?" He kept a perfectly straight face. "It's what I do...carefully, cause I don't want to spoil the perfection of my beard, of course."
Liz chuckled at the absurd remark. "You're a nutcase."
Frowning, Liz smoothed the icing over the soft surface of the cake. "Agnes didn't... you don't think she noticed... how screwed up I am?"
"You've had some shitty things happen to you. Some bad people mess with your life." Baz pulled no punches. "They're out of the picture now." He shrugged. "My question to you is...are you going to allow them to ruin this new chance the Universe has given?"
The woman stopped her busywork, giving over her full attention.
"This isn't Agnes' first rodeo. She'll get through the ride just fine." Baz knew. "She's resilient... just like her mother."
"How do you know?" Liz murmured, her voice a husky whisper of doubt.
"Agnes knows everyone's on a high right now, and needs an adjustment period." The man stated the obvious in his world. "She's been down this road before."
Liz's brow furrowed, thinking about all her child had been through, all because of her selfishness.
"Hey," Baz ducked his head, "she's a tough kid. She's got the best of you and Red in her. She'll be alright. This isn't a mistake, so stop allowing them to put doubts in your mind."
Swiping at her eyes, Liz sniffled, but nodded. Clearing her throat, she smiled. "Have you always been this diabolically wise?"
"Oh, yeah." Baz nodded, then grinned. "Red couldn't function without me. Thought you knew that. Everyone else does."
"I thought Dembe was the one who kept him in line." Liz pushed away the doldrums, refocusing on her task.
"Yeah, well." Baz said, his eyes twinkling with merriment. "It's a team effort, keeping Red in line."
"No one keeps that man in line." Liz muttered as she placed the last candle in place. "We just try to keep him contained. Am I missing anything?" She waved a hand over her creation.
Holding up a couple canisters of brightly colored orbs, Baz' scowl was a serious one. "...Sprinkles." His rough baritone admonished such an oversight.
Chuckling, Liz playfully smacked her forehead. "What's a cake without sprinkles?"
"A piss-pour excuse for a cake." Baz shook some colorful tidbits over the cake. Replacing the tiny cannister into one of the many pockets on his cargo pants.
"I don't know what I was thinking." Liz held her grin. "Do you always carry cake sprinkles in your...eh...pants there?"
"Who doesn't?" Baz's stout scowl put the woman in her place. "Know a better way to attract chicks?"
LIZZINGTON
Red smiled as he listened to Agnes chatter on about her day as Lizzy took them on a tour of the ship.
It was amazing to think how much his life changed in only a few hours. Countless times now, he had to physically push the thought that this was not really happening far into the recesses of his brain.
He refused to think otherwise, and it was getting easier and easier to push the unsettling thoughts aside, the more time he spent with his little girl and Elizabeth.
This was just too good to be true. A human didn't get to have this much happiness in his life...did he? Especially someone like him.
It was simply unbelievable to know Raymond 'Red' Reddington would get a happy ending in his life.
The love of his life was here. He could look over anytime he wished and Lizzy would be sitting there, smiling...listening quietly to Agnes. His daughter was here, and she was thrilled by the news he was her father.
Which led to another nagging thought he had been unable to shake.
He couldn't help but feel concerned Agnes would miss out on so much in her life. The decision to bring her here. Had it really been right for the little girl? He tried to push that thought aside, but it didn't go so easily.
Considering both he and Lizzy were moderately intelligent, he knew Agnes would be well-versed in academic subjects. That wasn't an issue. But without the opportunity to attend school, how would she make friends?
It hurt to think she would miss out on so much he and Lizzy experienced, such as the excitement of winning a soccer championship, or another ballet recital, say.
By taking her, had they ruined Agnes' chances of ever meeting her very best, lifelong friend? Or the excitement of purchasing a dress for her first dance? How would she ever meet anyone to experience the thrill of her first kiss?
Had they erased any chance she would ever meet her soul mate and experience the joy of having children of her own?
Lizzy had listened to his concerns with a knowing smile before informing him that there were indeed other children onboard. Not to mention the fact they would be visiting other worlds, for goodness sake. What...or who awaited just around the next star for their little girl to meet and experience. Time would only tell.
It wasn't until Red actually watched Agnes interact with the other kids, that he felt especially relieved.
After the bullying she had to contend with at school, to see her playing and giggling so freely now, it made his heart sing as nothing had before.
He found himself once again excited by the prospect of teaching his child about life, to know she would be happy here...a contentment settled in his soul.
He wondered, too, if having Dembe, Baz and the rest of his men here in attendance would hamper their lives in some unseen way.
Baz had assured him, however, each man present had wished to be present. Each having been given the opportunity to decide for themselves just what future lay ahead individually.
Each man had chosen his own path.
Red had asked Ba'al if it was possible for Dembe to say a proper farewell to Isabella and her daughter. The request was granted, of course.
Surprisingly, Red learned Dembe decided not to inform Isabella of the present situation.
"I visit Earth frequently." Ba'al stated matter-of-factly. "If only to piss Colonel Jack O'Neill off." The being smiled benevolently. "Oh my, I ended my sentence with a preposition. How remiss of me. Will someone be certain to inform O'Neill of my oversight?"
Red felt better knowing Dembe could check in with his child in the future.
Why he had worried over the fate of his men was beyond him as he stood now, shaking his head, as those same men moved among the females of the ship's crew and staff...making tentative connections of another sort.
It was just another port to the seasoned, jaded individuals, Red realized, which made him smile.
Dembe and Baz, especially, had been rather amusing to watch. It had been years since Red witnessed this degree of unprofessional lack of vigilance on the guys' parts.
"I don't believe I've seen you two so... relaxed in a while." He had sauntered over to state hisbelief. Red smiled politely to both lovely women who wore the dress uniform of Ba'al's warriors well, in his humble opinion.
That Ba'al gave as much credence to his female warriors as he did the males, spoke well of the being's intellect, in Red's opinion.
"I'm not too worried." Baz cut the man a subdued glance. "If push comes to shove, I think I can take her."
The woman held her smile with difficulty. "Perhaps we should put that theory to the test." A pair of lovely aqua-green eyes were lifted to the challenge. "There are training facilities on deck seven. We could go a few rounds and see who triumphs, if you wish...Lord."
"Oh, I like this place." Baz sighed lightly. "Go a few rounds, you say?" He questioned leisurely. "Your place...or mine."
The female seemed a little perplexed by the question, but she was seasoned enough to grasp the meaning behind the veiled seduction attempt.
"I'm thinking about becoming a General." Baz stroked the woman's cheekline gently, removing a stray strand of blonde hair. "Our military always held me back." He brooded. "I was meant to be a high-ranking officer, as I'm sure you all will agree."
"The military didn't hold you back...it was your penchant for telling off higher ranking officers." Dembe reminded airily. "I am still undecided whether I am ready to share my consciousness with an alien entity. How can you sound confident about doing so early on?"
"Broaden your outlook," Baz suggested. "We're on a freakin' spaceship, man. Doesn't that blow your mind?" He wanted to know. "Look around you, Dembe. Our options just opened up big time...if we let go of our prejudices."
"I am simply not ready to, boldly go where no man has gone before." Dembe intoned.
Red held his smile.
"You're focused on the wrong damn show." Baz grumbled. "This isn't Star Trek...it's more like Farscape."
"What?" Red lifted a puzzled brow.
"No...I think it's more on the line of Wormhole Extreme." Dembe stated.
"Maybe it's like a crossover." Baz has pondered the possibilities.
"What the hell are you two talking about?" Red was completely lost.
"I'm just saying." Baz was. "Things have changed for us. Our futures are not preordained any longer." The man kicked back, his hands lacing behind his head, feet propped on a nearby table. "I'm liking this place more and more the longer I stay."
Dembe shifted his gaze to the beautiful woman beside him, who reached, massaging his shoulders tentatively.
"Does this please you, Lord?" The soft voice caressed the man's psyche.
"Yeah...Lord." Baz lifted amused brows. "Is she pleasing you or what?"
Dembe smiled pleasantly over at the female. "You do not have to do that." He smiled kindly. "My name is Dembe. I do not require a title."
"Dembe." The sound of the name and the delicious accent caused all men present to shiver their delight.
Shaking off the moment determinedly, Red scolded himself mentally. He was a man, after all though. He would roll with the punches, he decided.
Smiling at Lizzy across the way, Red cleared his voice discreetly. "Okay, then...on that note." He stepped away, going in search of something he should have taken care of much earlier than this. "Enjoy, gentlemen...ladies."
The man halted his steps just inside the massive gathering room used by some of the guests with which Ba'al constantly seemed to surround himself.
Cassandra looked like she belonged by the tall, elegant being's side. As if she had always been there, just off to the right, listening politely, but Red also noted, Ba'al constantly drew the woman into whatever conversation was taking place at the time.
Cassandra demurred to the guy, which amused Red. She was putting on an act, but a part of the woman seemed most content with the way of things in this strange new world they found themselves embroiled within.
He had found a few moments early on to ask about her well-being.
"I don't know." She had shrugged slender shoulders. "There's something to be said for this way of life. Oh, I know Ba'al can be a pain in the ass, but he can be other things as well." She mused openly. "Courtly and attentive in a way that's gone now. Men today, on Earth," the intelligent brow furrowed slightly, "they have lost some quality I greatly admire, which Ba'al has in spades. Nor is he afraid to show it."
"I'll take your word for that." Red grinned. "As long as you don't regret your decision?"
"I don't regret it in the least."
"Not even having another person inside your head twenty-four seven?"
"Kiara is hardly intrusive." Cassandra waved the issue aside. "I wasn't certain how I would take to that aspect of the whole, admittedly." Her eyes took on a wistful stare. "It's odd, but I get to share in a love story that's been an eternal one. Sounds corny, maybe." She chuckled slightly. "He really does think she's special and through her...that carries over to me in ways I never even imagined."
Red shook his head. "It sounds complicated."
"It isn't." The answer surprised him. "It actually adds a measure of clarity that I've never felt in my entire life." She mused openly. "I've been searching for something. I don't feel... empty any longer. It's hard to explain, I know."
Ba'al summoned and, without hesitation, the woman excused herself and went to the man's side.
Red blinked his shock, for Cassandra was a confident, accomplished woman who had never before been at a man's beck and call.
As he watched, however, Red realized the softness in Ba'al's eyes was only there when he glanced at the consort by his side.
Ba'al touched Cassandra in innocuous ways, but always it was as if Ba'al had to touch and be touched, which was allowed without any thought of reprimands or denials.
That much? Red got. He loved being able to touch Lizzy whenever he pleased, not that he allowed any transgressions the woman might find objectionable, of course. But to be allowed the privilege?
Considering his past dalliance with Cassandra, Red had been concerned his lady and Ba'al's new lady would not be comfortable in one another's presence. Thankfully, because of their shared experience with Kiara, any animosity that might have developed never came to pass.
He had dodged a bullet in that aspect. He breathed a sigh of relief.
A more amusing aspect of the entire development was Lizzy's fascination with Ba'al and Cassandra's budding romance, of course. Red was fast becoming accustomed to receiving play-by-play accounts of every encounter witnessed.
Apparently, it was an oddity to see Ba'al so smitten with anyone other than himself.
Red had to give it to the guy. Ba'al could indeed, be charming if the mood struck. The mood seemed upon the guy more and more as the evening wore on. There was a more harmonious vibe on the ship suddenly, of which Red approved.
"He usually just sits in that fancy chair of his and looks bored." Lizzy had told of the last great gathering Lord Ba'al had hosted.
Lizzy's mouth had dropped agape for at the celebration this evening, his Lordship not only got up and worked the room with his new consort in tow...the couple actually took to the floor on several occasions to enjoy the music provided.
"I didn't know he could dance!" She was speechless and agog.
"Close your mouth, baby." Red teased. "It's unseemly to gawk."
The sound of lyrical giggling brought both him and Liz back to their own reality. Lizzy's face softened with an enchanted glow as she joined in with Agnes' mood.
"What are you laughing at?" Red had not overheard any discernable joke or witnessed any amusing incident, but he, too, chuckled over at his daughter's obvious good humor.
"It all just feels so..." Liz could not keep the smile from her pretty features, her eyes soft on her daughter's bright face, "perfect, Red."
The woman hurried over, and was soon chatting away like a teenager with the flock of girls Agnes mingled with.
He didn't think there would ever come a time he would tire of the sound of Lizzy and Agnes' endless chatter. It truly was the best sound in the entire galaxy.
It had been so long since he heard their matched giggling; it made Red's heart ache with happiness.
He knew Lizzy felt excited, relieved, and blessed to have Agnes near her once again. There was a certain amount of trepidation and stress associated with the dynamics of mother and daughter's reuniting.
Whatever it was Baz said, Lizzy had finally been able to relax. She appeared to be having the time of her life tonight... and that's all that mattered.
"So, is there like a holodeck, like on Star Trek?" Red grinned at the hopeful tinge in Agnes' voice as he drifted closer to where he truly wished to be. He didn't want to intrude, of course, but it was imperative that he stay close to his girls.
It was just too damned soon to be apart from them for a very long period of time.
"Well, yeah, there is one of sorts." Liz said, gaining Agnes' interest, as well as Red's. "I forget where Ba'al said he got it from, but you can create a world with people and scenes of a sort. There are some pre-programmed settings as well."
"Can you talk to these people? Can you touch things?" Agnes rattled off, squirming about at the prospect of such a cool technology to explore. "Is it better than Call of Duty? Baz lets me play that at home." The girl's brow furrowed. "It's not my home anymore, of course. And that's okay. Really! At home, I would never get a party like this, or get to stay up late enough to attend! You guys are cool parents!"
"Not so cool." Red made mention. "This is a special night for us all, but on school nights, it's going to be different. Scout's honor."
Agnes giggled. "I'm a good student, daddy. Can you guess my favorite class?"
Red mused. "Boys 101?"
"...Daddy." The small cheeks blushed prettily.
Liz shifted amused eyes. "He's joking." She gave over a stern scowl. "Or he better be."
"I think you enjoy history." Red took a stab. "Or maybe art?"
"I didn't get art this semester, but I'm looking forward to it with mom."
"Really, Agnes? Why?" Liz was mystified.
"I've seen your sketches from when you were little."
"...You have?" Liz couldn't even remember where that sort of stuff would be located. "My goodness. I haven't thought of those things in decades. They must have been horrible." She chuckled ay such folly. "I'm a little better now, I promise."
"They were rudimentary, but they had good bones." Agnes nodded assuredly.
"Oh, did they?" The grown-up response amused Liz. "Good bones, you say."
Red shrugged nonchalantly, for he could see his influence in so many ways in that little girl standing next to him.
"The talent was there, mom." The girl was confident. "You love to sketch, don't you."
Red looked at the woman in a new light. "Do you, Lizzy?" He hadn't known that, and it bothered him.
Liz settled down, smiling contentedly. "I do actually." She nodded minutely. "I can't wait for us to have our first session. You know, there are some wonderful craftsmen on board. Their work is exquisite." She warmed to the notion. "If you're really interested, we could watch them work. I don't think they'd mind."
"All well and good, but I want to try out that holodeck contraption." Red felt a little left out, realizing the pettiness of such an emotion. "I'm a Star Trek fan, too, you know."
"Not a Star Wars one, though." Liz confided in a loud whisper to her daughter. "I don't even think he's seen one movie."
"I saw parts of one." The man crinkled his nose. "All techno-babble to me, until that pilot guy came on scene."
"Han Solo, daddy." Agnes rolled her eyes.
"Oh, yeah, little girl?" Red fought back, enjoying the exchange. "Do you know Mel Brooks? The Marx Brothers?"
Agnes blinked. "...No."
"Your education is sorely lacking, in which case."
"Here we go." Liz laughed.
"You're in for a treat, kid. I'll tell Baz to set up a film festival. The guys will love it!"
"I don't want her hanging around all those men and their coarse language, Red." Liz hurriedly warned, remembering Baz's colorful way of speech most days. "She's a little girl."
"Mom," Agnes sighed lightly, "men will be men, as you know. I know it's not proper for a young woman to say such things, and I don't."
"Unless you're really angry?" Red suspected, his eyes gleaming mischievously. "Just like your mom?"
"Red Reddington!" Liz gasped. "I do not use foul language...for the most part, I am proud to say."
"Okay." Red's look was a bemused one. "If you say so, baby."
"Oh, stop it." Liz smacked his shoulder playfully. "You'll have her believing you."
Agnes dissolved into a fit of giggles as she stared happily at her parents.
Noticing the overly bright smile on his daughter's face, Red chuckled. "What?"
"Nothing..." Agnes shrugged. "I just... I like that."
"Like, what?" Red asked.
"That you two laugh," Agnes shrugged once more. "That you call her baby and stuff... I don't know." She glanced down at her tennis shoes. "It makes me... happy."
Nodding his understanding, Red kissed the girl's temple. He remembered how happy it made him feel when his parents were playful and even affectionate. It didn't make sense then, but when he was older he realized... it made him feel safe and loved.
"It makes me happy, too." Red confessed. "You know what else makes me happy?"
Looking up at her father, Agnes canted her head quizzically. "What?"
"When you call me, daddy." Red confided before kissing the crown of her head. "It's the best feeling in the entire world."
"I like it, too." Agnes sniffled.
Wiping at her tear-stained cheeks, Liz snuggled herself against the two, sharing the quiet moment with her family.
"Now," Red cleared his throat, offering a smile, "you were telling us about the holodeck."
"Right," Liz smiled, too, getting everything back on an even keel. "They are really sophisticated. I think you'll be impressed."
"Is it like real life?" Agnes was curious, again...like her mother.
"Not real life, honey." Liz wistfully recalled using the technology to ease the pain of separation upon her arrival. "But darned near close." She hurriedly adopted a smile.
Red picked up on the melancholy, closing his eyes to the fact Lizzy must have felt so alone and isolated on her arrival here.
"I felt closer to you, baby." Liz touched Agnes' hair gently. "That was the best part."
Her smile waned before brightening once more at the needed distraction, pointing down the way.
"Now, this is our room." Liz hastily ran her hand over a panel. The door opened into what Red could only describe as a master suite that resembled an entire apartment. "It's impressive, isn't it."
Taking a moment to scan the area, he was surprised to see how enormous the space for their personal use was exactly. "We get all this?" He questioned their good fortune. "Just how big is this damned ship?"
"Darned ship, daddy." Agnes shifted those same mischievous eyes. She and Red shared instant communication. The man dimpled accordingly.
"Dibs on the right side of that king-sized monstrosity over there." Red hurried to the center of the room, playfully shoving the little girl aside as they raced to the bed.
He picked up one of the plush pillows, hitting Agnes with it. Agnes fought back.
Liz laughed at the frivolity. "You two are going to be fun to be around at two in the morning, I'm thinking."
"Let's go exploring." Red tugged the girl after him.
"Wow, dad! Look at this place."
"Must be an office or something," Red surmised. "I'm not going to have one of those here." He decided. "I'll turn this into a pool hall."
Liz shifted him a look.
"Let me guess." He shared the joke with his daughter. "She doesn't want you to start hanging out with disreputable riff-raff that might frequent such places."
"That would be you, daddy." Agnes laughed her delight.
"And Baz." Red reminded. "Look at this. Hieroglyphics behind all this new age furniture." He pulled a face. "Does it work for you?"
Agnes studied the effect carefully, her face studiously set.
"Let me guess, it has good bones, right?" Red teased, casting Liz a shared parent look, which felt damned good, to be honest. "If this room has a walk-in closet, I'm staying."
"Not only does it have one..." Liz waved her hand toward the entrance of a room off to the man's right.
Red stepped, glancing inside the area. He scowled, sensing when Agnes came up alongside him, peering into the space as well. "Daddy, there's clothes in here and everything."
Noticing something else of interest, Agnes rushed off, mindless of her parents' sudden silence.
"Are those...mine?" Red pointed, directing the question to an amused Lizzy.
"...Yes" Liz grimaced then, waiting on tenterhooks. "Was I out of line? Bringing them here?"
Red's heart softened. "Nowhere else they would rather be." He smiled at the woman. "Guess this really is our room, hum?"
"If you want it to be," Liz replied quietly.
"I do," Red murmured, clasping her hand in his, "very much."
"Mom, I remember this." Glancing at his daughter, he smiled as she ran reverent fingers over Lizzy's hope chest. The one sitting beside his own cedarchest.
"I always thought it was so pretty," the girl grinned fondly, "and that it held treasures from far away places."
"Well, you'd be right on that account." Liz laughed as she opened the chest, granting a look inside.
Red's breath caught when he noticed most of the things held inside... were gifts he got Lizzy in his travels.
The only thing he ever gave Elizabeth she ever put to use, that he saw, was a red scarf he purchased in Japan.
He always assumed she gave away, or tossed everything he got her in the trash... but here it all was, right before his very eyes.
A necklace from London, a silk blouse from Italy, a bracelet from France, a perfume he created in Dubai; she kept every single bit of it.
"I'll tell you the stories behind every item," Liz promised, "but after I show you your room."
"I have a room here, too!" Agnes grinned happily as she ran her fingers over a silk scarf, bouncing out of the room excitedly in the next second.
Gesturing Agnes to proceed them, Liz trailed after the little girl, her expression absolutely joyous.
Hastily reaching, Red caught Lizzy's arm, dragging her back. Placing a kiss to her lips, he pressed against the soft surface for a long moment before reluctantly pulling back.
Giving the woman a long, quiet look, he hoped he transmitted how touched he was by the explicit invitation to share her room, among other things, and how he longed to further discuss this development... in private.
Red's eyes softened as a charming flush swept across the woman's cheeks... message received.
Relinquishing his hold, Red ran a smoothing hand down her back, motioning Elizabeth forward. As she stepped past, he moved his hand down the slope of her ass, enjoying the blush that further reddened her cheeks.
Flustered, Liz took a steadying breath before hurrying to the door to join her daughter.
Taking a moment, Red urged his growing erection to recede, silently promising it relief in some manner later on down the way. It didn't help too awfully much, but he was able to lift his head and proceed with a faux smile of forced cheerfulness.
It helped he and Lizzy had stolen kisses throughout the evening. Smiling, he recalled after he initiated contact, Lizzy had easily fallen into the same pattern and snuck in more than a few of her own.
At that moment, he wanted very much to have some alone time with Elizabeth, truth told. But he also was enjoying his time with Agnes, for it was now unfettered by any restrictions.
The conundrum before him was something he realized he would cherish for all his days.
"Uhm," Liz cleared her throat, "...Agnes," she pointed to the door opposite their room, "see that opening there? This is your room."
Earlier, when Agnes had been distracted and playing with the other kids, Liz had rushed off to see to Agnes' room to make sure all would be perfect on her arrival.
Red made a mental note to thank Baz and the men for all their hard work today on his behalf, but he wasn't quite sure Baz was the perfect person to decorate a little girl's bedroom. He found himself a little anxious to see the results.
What he didn't know was, Cassandra had been on hand to lend the feminine touch. Thankfully.
Following the pair across the hall, Red's grin came to the fore when Agnes' squeal of delight echoed back across the space.
"Oh, daddy!" Agnes pointed excitedly. "Look what Baz did!"
Stepping in behind his girls, Red rested his hands on their shoulders, feeling his smile grow exponentially.
"Who knew Baz had a knack for decorating?" He quipped. "We'll have to razz him about it until the end of days. What'do you say, Sweet Pea?"
"Oh, no, daddy." The girl's eyes were large and innocent. "He did a wonderful job! He's not really as mean and nasty as he seems. He's just playing a part... I think."
"He plays it well." Liz grinned. "Well, look around! Tell us what you think." She urged with a gentle shove.
Luxurious fur rugs lay scattered about the floor and wispy fabric draped over the windows and the bed created a very whimsical, but homey, effect.
The cuckoo clock Red made chimed merrily from its secure position just to the right of Agnes' desk. Lizzy's badge framed in a shadow box, along with a couple pictures of the three of them posing happily in different settings, decorated a shelf to the left.
Agnes' most prized possessions were displayed perfectly on a shelf well within her reach.
"I've always wanted a canopy bed!" Agnes gushed, touching the delicate fabric draped around the object.
"You have?" Liz smiled her contentment. "The last time I saw you, you were all about princesses and fairytales. Now, you're older, of course." The woman grimaced slightly. "I was hoping we could maybe change anything you didn't like...together?"
"It's so pretty! Everything is perfect!" Agnes shared her enchantment with her parents.
"Oh, honey, do you mean that?" Liz bravely fought the urge to weep. "That means so much. It really does." Sensing Lizzy's relief, Red pulled the woman to his side, kissing her temple.
"Did..." Agnes hesitated, seeing the tears in her mom's eyes, "did I say something wrong?"
"No," Red smiled, "you said everything just right." He chuckled when Agnes' brow lifted into a confused tilt. "Your mom's just so happy right now that you're happy... she's about to explode."
"Oh!" Agnes giggled her understanding. Opening her arms, she rushed forward, hugging Liz hard. "I didn't know adults could explode, too."
"Oh, Agnes!" Liz wept openly, relieved for the outlet finally. "I'm so overwhelmed with excitement that you're here, I can't..." she trailed off, kissing the girl's long dark hair in open affection. "I'm sorry I'm such a mess!" She laughed through her tears.
"I'm happy I'm here, too, mom." Agnes cuddled closer, crying into her mom's shoulder.
Giving them a moment to just be, Red's eyes softened as he witnessed the emotional moment.
"Why don't I give you two some time," Red kissed both their foreheads, "to look around, and spend some quality time together, hum?"
Swiping at their cheeks. "You don't have to go, dad." Agnes was quick to reassure. "It's just a woman thing."
He held his smile. "Well, yeah, but..." he cupped the small face lovingly, "Agnes, can I have just a tiny minute with your mom, please." Red asked.
Nodding her understanding, Agnes sheepishly stepped back. "I'll check out my room. You two can go out there," she pointed to the connecting corridor, "and do your parental thing."
Red glanced at her meaning. "Okay. Sure, that's what we'll do then." He made the decision. "Come on, parent." He took Lizzy's hand, tugging playfully. "Let's go make some decisions that should bring a little disgruntlement and eye-rolling, not to mention, a couple of well-intended... as ifs!"
Agnes giggled. "Valley Girls are so out, dad."
"They are not." He snubbed her sagely, which brought another giggle.
He led Lizzy out of the room, turning a few meters down the way. "Look at me," He advised gently, which the woman did, expectantly.
"I'm so glad you're here, Red." Liz closed her eyes with relief. "I feel so out of my depth."
Pulling Lizzy into an embrace, Red kissed her forehead once more. "I know you're scared," he murmured. "I know you're overwhelmed, but I promise, everything will be incredible." He smiled softly. "Agnes is... beyond wonderful. She's everything you could ever hope for in a child, and more."
"I know, it's just..." Liz nodded, her mouth quivering, "what if I say the wrong thing," she shared her concerns, "or do something dumb or..."
"We're going to do all of that." Red bolstered her spirits. "We're gonna make mistakes, Lizzy. All of us." He said. "This time, however, we'll have the chance to work everything out. Without outside interference. Just like any other parent and child."
"I don't want you feeling left out," her eyes searched his methodically, "I'm afraid I'll do something or say something that might make you feel..."
"I can tell you with absolute certainty, I don't feel that one iota." He soothed her concern.
"I just... you're..." Liz exhaled a ragged breath, "...I need your input and advice and knowledge so much right now. More than I ever have before. Don't think I don't know that. I don't..." she shared her fears, "I don't know what I'm doing."
"I'll be here with you, each step of the way. I'm not going anywhere, I promise." Red vowed with all his heart. "I've had the pleasure of spending time with Agnes... you haven't." He rested his forehead against hers. "You need this time with her to become reacquainted, Lizzy. To find your balance and get your feet under you."
Blue eyes met his and Red felt his heart swell with what the woman allowed him to read in those amazing depths.
"You can kiss, you know." Agnes rolled her eyes. "I don't think it's like... gross or anything."
Sharing a quiet laugh at the interruption, Liz looked up at Red, biting her lip as he slowly swiveled his head towards his daughter, rolling his own eyes.
"Good to know," Red chuckled when Agnes shrugged careless shoulders.
"I'm just saying." Agnes said, then grinned. "I mean, I know you had to at some point, or I wouldn't be here, right?"
Snorting, Liz ducked her face against Red's chest, hiding her reddened features. Though she was mortified beyond belief to be having this conversation with her child, she took great comfort in seeing such camaraderie between Red and Agnes existed.
"We should have never signed the release to allow her into Sex-Ed." Red muttered to himself.
"Better to hear it in class," Agnes straightened her books, "than on the street... or from Baz, I'm sure."
Watching Red's head fall back, and his eyes close wearily, Liz muffled her laughter. "She is so your daughter..." she whispered aside teasingly.
"Uh huh." Red shook his head, then leaned to kiss Liz. Once again, he reluctantly pulled back before giving Agnes a pointed look. "On that note, I'm going to see how Dembe is settling in."
"You do that." Liz allowed the man his out, patting Red's chest consolingly.
Granted his reprieve, Red headed for the door, but turned back towards the two. "Maybe in a while, I can come back and read you a bedtime story... if you want?" He offered, unsure Agnes would be interested or not. "Or are you past such childish things."
"You know I'm not..." Agnes tsked, then gave her mother a look. "We read a book a week, if possible. We just finished Pippi Longstocking." She clarified, returning her attention to Red. "If you want... we can read some of the Secret Garden, maybe?"
"I always loved that book." Liz felt a tug on her heartstrings. It was so wonderful to hear Agnes did as well.
Sensing Lizzy's delight, and the reason for it, Red nodded. "We should." He agreed. "Once you get settled, let your mom get it started, and I'll come in and we'll take it from there." He halted on his way to the door. "You probably identify with Mary because you're such a brat, right?"
"I'm not the one who steals people's ice-cream." Agnes' brow lifted accusingly.
"You're going to hold that little incident over my head for life, aren't you." Red's eyes narrowed accusingly. He enjoyed Agnes' nod of acquiescence tremendously, without allowing her to know as much. "It's one little weakness...get over it."
With hope for the future, Red left the ladies to their devices.
LIZZINGTON
Red returned to the other room after a while, hearing the muffled laughter and mischief making coming from across the hall. He decided to allow the women some more time, going to check out his own space.
It didn't seem odd at all, this new place, which was odd in itself.
He automatically began making the room his own, which is what he learned in all his travels of before. A strange place wasn't strange if your stuff was in it. It became normal and familiar and cozy, if you allowed it to be.
The man arranged his toiletries and clothing how he preferred. Hooking his robe over a provided hook, he hesitated as Lizzy's robe settled beside his. Lifting the silk fabric, he inhaled the soft scent, feeling his heart calm.
Taking a step back, he nodded his approval that all seemed in place. It was strange, but comforting, how natural it felt to see Lizzy's things beside his, as if they always belonged there.
Moving off into the bedroom, he set about placing certain required items, such as his glasses and mints, in his bedside table.
There were some items missing, but he could obtain all of that in time.
Moving an easy chair towards the window, he set about arranging some chosen books within reach. Sitting his record player atop a shelf, he wondered if it were possible to even power the thing.
He would have to ask Lizzy later if modern electronics worked onboard. It would be nice to play music and have a dance with Lizzy, if at all possible.
Turning back the bed, he was astonished to feel luxurious sheets and blankets which had been made available. Ba'al was some kind of a host. No pun intended there; he didn't think.
Adjusting a couple framed photos to his satisfaction, Red stepped back, pleased with his efforts.
He glanced around at his meanderings, finding all he had ever truly wanted was right here in this room. Well...and across the hall, just there, outside that closed portal.
He sat, allowing the quiet of space and the room to filter into his psyche. The minutes ticked past. Red closed his eyes, listening to the hum of the powerful engines of this flying contraption. He couldn't ever remember feeling so tranquil.
It was strange to realize, here on this alien ship, he felt free and unencumbered by everything that had haunted him throughout his entire life.
Nothing that happened before one o'clock this afternoon meant a fucking thing, he realized with a clarity that was a little frightening.
Yes, when he first arrived here, he felt very discombobulated and uncertain, but now... he felt as if he always belonged here, and the universe had done everything in its power to make it happen.
Before he realized it, he poured himself a healthy amount of his favorite scotch and found himself wandering the halls of this floating sanctuary.
At length, he found himself back at the window, looking down on Earth, glowing in the near distance.
Hearing light footsteps approach, Red turned. He realized suddenly; his hand had not reached for a weapon.
"Having second thoughts, are we?" Ba'al asked as he came alongside the man, glancing at the revolving planet below.
"Not a one." Red replied, then sipped his drink.
"Did they kick you to the curb?" Ba'al enquired. "Females can be so capricious in their moods."
"A female's moods are one of my most favorite things to explore." Red held his smile.
"I would much rather explore my own." Ba'al sighed. "Or allow them to do so."
"That's because you're a selfish bastard."
"In all modesty...yes." The being bowed minutely. "Most gracious of you, having noted."
"What does Cassandra think of that aspect of you?"
"Females find me fascinating, if you wish the truth." It was pondered openly. "For the simple fact...I find them fascinating." Ba'al waved an imperial hand. "Nor do I have an issue with allowing them to know that weakness. I allow them much, thusly receiving much in return."
Red pondered such open honesty.
"...I am in your debt." Ba'al grew somber after a spell. "This new arrangement is beneficial to all concerned, I think. I find Cassandra witty and charming and refreshingly open in her opinions and beliefs. Kiara is much like her, in reality."
The silence came, each male to his own thoughts.
"I am in your debt." Red found he did not resent the fact. "And I repay my debts."
Ba'al shrugged. "You have done so." He cleared his voice slightly. "This conversation is getting too maudlin for my tastes. I shall go seek out my new consort." His eyes twinkled. "I am discovering all sorts of delicious tidbits about her sexual proclivities. Earth women are so open and experimental in such things. A delightful species, really."
"Cassandra hasn't been happy for many years now." Red sensed as much. "She's a remarkable woman. Treat her well and you will find exquisite delight in her presence." He said truthfully. "Treat her incorrectly... and we will have to revisit this conversation."
"How you paint me." Ba'al sighed heavily. "Why would I find any fault with a female who has no qualms or reservations about sharing her body with another female...and me."
Red hadn't thought of it like that. "I hadn't thought of the...dynamics of your situation."
"Well, do so." Ba'al suggested airily. "In the future, perhaps Elizabeth would be open to such an arrangement as well. Who is to say."
"I don't think like that."
"...Yet." Ba'al grinned impishly. "You are both in the infant stage of discovery." His eyes were sagely wise suddenly. "There is so much time ahead of you."
"Don't I know it." Red agreed wholeheartedly. "It's been a hell of a day of gift giving, hasn't it." He closed his eyes, recalling a few incidents. "And you tell me...it's only the beginning?"
"...Yes." Ba'al concurred. "Yes, human. It is only the beginning for you."
"Speaking of gifts," Red murmured, "there's one more thing I would like to do, if you don't mind."
"I am listening." Ba'al lifted his head, slightly interested. "For a change."
"I need you to send me back," Red gestured to the planet below, "but only for a brief moment and... please keep this on the down-low, hum?"
"Down-low." Ba'al repeated musingly. "Which is a redundant phrase if ever I heard one."
"Don't tell Lizzy." Red explained.
"Unfinished business." The being finally got it. "I feel the same about Jack O'Neill."
"Yeah, Jack can get under a person's skin alright." Red remembered the little annoying habits the Colonel could exhibit.
"I could not persuade you to..." Ba'al thought how to put it in polite company, "eliminate my problem along with yours?"
"Jack's a friend, of sorts." Red held his amusement, for the being seemed genuinely annoyed and frustrated by O'Neill's presence. "We didn't move in the same circles, but I always found the guy's politics...refreshing."
"I find them hideously objectionable." Ba'al scowled. "Never mind then. I will enjoy the moment when it comes. I can wait."
"I won't be long." Red promised. "I have no desire to leave this place, trust me."
"Should Elizabeth note your absence," Ba'al handed the man a communication device, "I will tell her you simply made a run for wine and prophylactics." A trouble scowl laced the ridiculously handsome features. "That is what you Terran males value most in a relationship, yes?"
"You'll have to tell me about your visit to Earth sometime." Red held his amusement. "It sounds as if you made good use of the time spent."
"There is always time for the finer things in life." Ba'al stated. "I, personally, never had need for those bothersome props. I could always provide the needed...lubrication a female might require on my own."
Red lifted a discerning brow. "It's like a fine wine." He recalled Lizzy's potency. "I cannot wait to taste the elixir again."
"You are making it respond." Ba'al quipped, glancing down at his equipment. "A male has never had that effect on me."
"I think what it is you're responding to...is the thought of being with your two ladies tonight."
"...Ah." Ba'al breathed easier. "I was beginning to worry...understandably." He motioned to his person. "To waste this on a male?" He crinkled his nose. "I think not!"
"Relax." Red chuckled. "You're okay...I'm okay."
Stepping back, Red nodded he was ready.
"Oh," Red pocketed the communication device, "I don't really mind if you refer to me as...Daniel Jackson. What is one more alias among friends, right?"
"It does get confusing." Ba'al admitted. "You look like him, you sound like him..." He lifted placating hands. "You dress better, of course."
"With all this time you claim I have been given." Red had been studying on the problem. "I might even take up archeology...it's always been a passion of mine, as you know."
"You have all the time in the world, Dr. Jackson." The hazel eyes measured Red meticulously.
"If you decide to take a symbiote. Your life span will be multiplied tenfold, as will your knowledge of every subject in the entire universe, but I digress." The being waved his hand airily. "I wish you good fortune in your pursuits."
Taking all said into consideration, Red nodded he was ready.
With that, he departed just as he arrived... in a beam of light.
LIZZINGTON
Author Notes:
Bad news, I screwed up the last part of the chapter. I'm fixing it and should post it in a few days. Good news, maybe? I created an epilogue. :)