Author Notes: Thank you for letting me play with this. It was fun! Oh, and if there are any mistakes, sorry. I had a kitten mauling me while I was making the final edit. :D
LIZZINGTON
Glancing up at the haze of the purple moon hovering off above the horizon, Red restrained himself, just barely, from reaching across the counter and choking the life from the vendor, whose smirking face reminded him of another creature he knew.
"Calm down...calm down." The thing had just managed to elude Red's grasping clutch. "You humans have health issues. You must keep calm at all times, as I understand it."
"Are you related to a sniveling; incredulous insect known as Glen Carter?" Red found both equally irritating, he discovered. "He's dead. Would you like to join him in his eternal resting place?"
"If you only knew how many times a day I hear such things." Puffing his chest out like a peacock, Gelfin laughed jovially. "Now, Reddington, you have to understand it from my prospective. What with supply and demand as it is now–"
"Stop blathering on and give me what I paid for, or I will gleefully strangle the very life from your misshapen, myopic body." Red interrupted the despicable excuse of a being. "I paid good credits for the merchandise. The delivery date was agreed to. I want it now! This instant, you little weasel of a... whatever the hell it is you are!"
"I do not know what a weasel is."
"It's you, incarnate." Red once again lunged at what substituted for the throat of the goblin. "You fucking twirp!"
"Which is it? Am I a twirp or a weasel? I surely cannot be both. Earthers are so impatient and often rude." The being shook a woeful head. "How does anything of import get done on your planet?"
"With expediency and dispatch." Red snapped. "Something your civilization has yet to practice. Let me put this another way." The man reached inside his cloak, producing a lethal-looking weapon. "You want this shoved up your ass? I've got it set for, annihilate." He smiled pleasantly at the startled features staring back at the barrel of the weapon. "Perhaps that's something else you've heard about humans? We expect others to stick to their word once given."
"There is never a need to resort to such tactics, Red." Baz sauntered on scene, having surmised the transaction was not going as expected, cause he was an observant sort of guy. "Why don't I just beat it out of him? We can cut our losses and go have a glass of cheer afterwards."
The large man glared at the vendor in his most intimidating manner.
"A-Alright...alright." The product was hastily brought out from behind the stall's interior section. "I suppose I can make up the loss elsewhere."
Red relaxed, looking over the items with a critical eye. "Things are the same the Galaxy over, huh, Baz." He cast the little troll a look. "There are hucksters everywhere, it seems. All that changes is their appearance."
"We've been out here over a year now and it's just like being home." The large guard nodded, fingering some trinkets hanging on display. "You've met one shyster; you've met them all."
The little alien was confused over all the new terms he was learning, clearly.
"Next time? I won't do business with you, but your competition." Red jerked his thumb to the stall across the way. "Maybe that will teach you not to try to swindle an Earther."
The guy didn't seem too intimidated by the threat, to be truthful.
"He doesn't care about you, but I bet he does about...your consort." Baz knew Liz's reputation was well-known among the vendors on several planets. "She spends like a drunken sailor on leave."
Red gave over his attention. "I'm sure you mean that kindly."
"You know the Earth female? Elizabeth Reddington?" Baz was at his most charming when being overly intimidating. "Well...that's his woman."
The green tinged features paled considerably. "...Lady Elizabeth?"
"Yeah, Lady Elizabeth." Baz nodded amiably. "You remember her, don't you? She was in here just this morning, if I recall."
"Oh, yes!" The little being's manner changed instantly to charm and lightness. "The good Lady is held in the highest of regard for her cheerful demeanor, her overwhelming charity and..."
"Her very, very loose purse strings?" Baz filled in the rest with a bemused look Red's way.
"You know how women get when they're nesting." Red defended himself and his tendency to give Lizzy whatever she wished. "It will slack off once the baby arrives, I'm sure."
"Sure it will." Baz rolled knowledgeable eyes. "And if it doesn't...oh, well, right?"
"I've got more credits than God, Baz...and so do you." Red felt a little guilty, sure. "You'd do the same for your woman, if you actually would go out and find one."
"Why just one?" Baz was confused. "The supply and demand out here? It's on a man's side, or haven't you noticed?"
"That type of life won't make you happy in the long run."
"Well, I'm just going to see, if it's all the same to you." The guard's mind was clearly set on the matter.
"All I'm saying is our time out here has been profitable, very much so." Red reminded of their exploits. "Why quibble over a small–"
"Fortune?" Baz supplied the correct word.
"Lizzy wishes to spend. She loves buying gifts for her friends, as you and the men know."
"I told her to stop buying gifts, especially for me and my men, or I'd turn her ass over my knee and give her an attitude adjustment, which is exactly what you should be doing."
Red grinned. "She enjoys a good spanking. Wouldn't be a deterrent."
"It would be the way I do it." Baz promised. "You're pussy whipped."
"I live for the day a woman brings you to your knees." Red shook a woeful head. "It's on the horizon, son. Mark my words."
"When hell freezes over." The large man turned, motioning. "Here comes your lovely, blushing bride even as we speak."
Red turned in the needed direction, his smile softening at the sight of his wife and daughter crossing the brown grasses of this planet's tundra.
"Oh, look, her arms are loaded down with...gifts." Baz sighed heavily. "What a shocker."
Red didn't think it possible for Lizzy to be any more stunning than she was on their wedding day but watching her near him now... he didn't think he had ever seen anyone more exquisite.
Scanning her body, he lowered his eyes to the full swell of Lizzy's belly as the silk of her outfit flowed aside with certain steps. His pride swelled as well, as did his smile. Pregnancy suited her quite well, in his opinion.
"Isn't she beautiful." Red sighed happily, then smothered a laugh when the woman haphazardly juggled her packages as she stuffed a bite of muffin in her mouth. Rushing to her aid, Dembe began taking the parcels in hand, reliving her of the precarious tower.
Red shook his head when she hastily reached for a basket, taking it from Dembe's grasp with an apologetic grimace. Digging inside, she pulled what looked to be a drumstick from its contents before happily snacking away on the salty treat.
"Give my most sincere apologies to Lady Elizabeth for this most unfortunate misunderstanding." Gelfin pleaded, interrupting Red's private thoughts. "Here, give her this," he held aloft a bag of candies she loved, "as a token of my sincere apology."
Scowling at the distraction, Red absently took the bag, immediately returning his interest to Lizzy and Agnes' approach.
Agnes looked so grown up in that medieval looking outfit. She was much more mature than most kids on Earth her age, Red knew. This meeting with other cultures and societies surely was good for her.
She held her head high, smiling pleasantly at those she passed. Lizzy would lean occasionally, and the facade would break because something shared would make Agnes giggle and flush with happiness, but then the mood would pass and that determined grown-up stance would return.
The girl saw her father and took off at a clipped pace, running full force into his waiting arms.
Red chuckled at such exuberance. He returned her hug enthusiastically. "Hello, princess."
"Hello, daddy!" She hurriedly transferred a hug to Baz's massive shoulders. "Baz, did you see me ride the animal? I stayed on a long time!"
"Excuse me?" Red was alarmed. "What animal?"
"It's their version of a horse, I suppose." Baz had witnessed the incident. Actually, he had incited it. "She's fine. Let her have some fun."
"I'm fine, daddy." Agnes assured. "Mom wanted to buy me one of those things, but they smell." She wrinkled her nose.
"Mom wants to buy everything she sees." Was Baz's opinion.
Agnes giggled for the surly remark.
"I can't see Ba'al approving a simulated horse on his ship, honey, can you?" Red quickly made some excuse, just in case. "He barely tolerates kids, as you know."
"As long as I stay out of his chair, he seems okay with me." Agnes grinned over, a mischievous look in those green eyes. "Which most times...I do."
Red gave her a dad look. "You behave." He scolded superficially, his heart certainly not in the admonishment. "We are guests, remember."
Here of late, Agnes' entertainment centered around Ba'al, and how she could go about pestering the man. Oddly, Ba'al truly didn't seem to mind the abuse inflicted, though he put on a good enough show he was disturbed by events.
If Red didn't know any better, he would think Ba'al was encouraging Agnes to continue the game. Maybe he was? Since their arrival on board, Ba'al had thawed considerably, at least in the privacy of their own spaceship.
"Speaking of his high and mighty." Baz motioned discreetly to the rapidly parting crowd of visitors and craftsmen.
Ba'al approached, his bearing a regally superior one, Cassandra on his arm. He held his hand beneath her small one as they strolled amongst the lesser beings.
Those beings showed proper respect, bowing as the royal couple passed, which seemed to put Ba'al in a good mood for a change. Red suspected the being enjoyed showing off his consort for Cassandra was a very lovely female and was taking to her role with remarkable agility and grace... even amusement.
Even Red managed a small bow of his head, to allow a respect of sorts as well.
Ba'al's smile was a benevolent one. "What a lovely day, yes? To be out among the peasants is always so..." he searched for the word, "well, tedious, actually." A small frown marred the ridiculously handsome features for a beat. "But here we are, I suppose."
He glanced about his surroundings with a disdainful arrogance.
Agnes rushed forward, hugging the being with forced exuberance, just out of the blue, as it were.
Ba'al gasped sharply, his body stiffening, his hands held high away from any return gesture. "A child touches me!" His tone suggested the thought was a rather disturbing one. "...Why?!"
Red held his amusement, for he could see Agnes' grin of pure malice as she held on tightly to the being's muscular body.
"Why, I say!" Ba'al pulled back as far as he could, a disparaging look on his face. "I am somewhat alarmed here! Step away, creature! One must not dare denigrate our godly presence!"
The being's eyes blinked their growing horror at a befuddled Red Reddington, who shrugged helpless shoulders. "She just really likes you."
Agnes held tight.
"This simply is not allowed." Ba'al glanced about furtively. "Explain as much to this thing which has attached itself to me!"
Liz finally arrived on scene, rolling her eyes for the dramatics.
Cassandra smiled benignly down to Agnes. "What a charming little girl."
"Charming?" Ba'al was aghast. "Charming? It is a leech, certainly nothing more, but decidedly nothing less."
Agnes lifted an innocently benign expression, tiptoeing to kiss the being's cheek. "I like you, too." She whispered secretively, holding her amusement admirably.
"Get it off!" Ba'al swiped at his cheek, his tone a rather hysterical one. "Get it off! Germs! Children germs!"
Agnes moved back, joining her parents demurely, her smile a rather impish one suddenly.
The being hastily leaned, and Cassandra dutifully wiped the area with a lace handkerchief that she daintily spat upon to ensure the germs would be cleansed properly. "There, there...all better now."
Ba'al breathed easier, swallowing the horror of such a dramatic incident as best he could. "I told you nothing good could come of such an outing! Did I not say as much?"
"It is good your subjects get to actually see and experience you, Lord." Cassandra cast amused eyes Agnes' way, keeping her tone respectful, of course. "What a treat for the small, insignificant beings, yes?"
"Well..." Ba'al cast Agnes a baleful glare, "for the most part, I suppose you are right." His eyes narrowed. "Keep that reproduction away from me, however." He sought out Red. "It cannot be healthy to be in such close proximity to so many...germs."
"So's your mother." Liz snapped her pique. "Back off my kid, or I'll rip that–"
"Lizzy." Red lovingly smoothed his hand around her belly, cradling the swell. "It's okay. Tell her it's okay, Aggie." He sent the kid a scolding glance. One that said, you started it, now finish it, please.
"It's cool, mom." Agnes giggled happily. "I really do like him, and he smells so good."
Ba'al lifted bored eyes. "Of course, I do." He could only agree. "But if you must like me...do so from afar in the future."
"I can't smell you from afar," Agnes reminded innocently, which brought yet another dad look in her direction.
"Well...that is true." The being could see her point. "Very well. You may approach me if you wish to bask in my scent, which is only understandable." He scowled. "But–"
The conversation was interrupted by a loud, grinding sound from the not-too-distant parcel of land on which the impressive structure stood.
An ancient Stargate stood imposingly posed upon its sacred place on a hill overlooking the rather bustling township this planet offered.
All activity stopped...all eyes turned expectantly.
Red turned and watched as a wormhole shot from the massive stone ring, then settled into a hypnotic pool of shimmering liquid. Being witness to the event horizon was something that never failed to fascinate, even after he had stepped through the apparatus numerous times in the past year.
Though he arrived by ship today, Red enjoyed making use of the Stargate whenever the opportunity presented itself. To say traveling through the spiraling blackness of space was a wild ride was an understatement.
Several species and cultures used the mode of transportation this day, as it was an annual gathering most knew about and utilized for trade and connections to more prosperous ventures.
But the group which stepped from the crystalline pool surprised even Red Reddington for once.
"U.S Military." Baz leaned, his tone carefully neutral. "What the hell could they want here, and how did they know about the Stargate?"
"Oh, Colonel Jack O'Neill knows much about the Stargate." Ba'al sighed heavily, his expression totally annoyed. "Not much else, mind you, but the Stargate? Sure, why not." He closed weary eyes, quoting one of the infamous human's favorite sayings. "As if this day could not get any worse." The being muttered under his breath.
The humans hoisted their weapons at the ready, standing for a long beat, getting the lay of the land. Calm gazes swept the terrain and its inhabitants.
Baz exchanged glances with Red. "Do you know what they want, Ba'al?"
"To make my existence a living hell?" He offered over cheerfully.
The obvious leader of the group of military elite motioned, and the unit moved as one down the stairs of the structure, slowly making their way amongst the visitors gathered.
Caution was clearly the order of the day, although the men moved with a practiced ease of effort, Red noted, which meant they neither feared their surroundings nor felt uncomfortable with the growing situation.
Ba'al lifted a regal head as he watched the approach, clearly readying himself for some test which was about to be forthcoming.
"Imagine our surprise." The leader halted his steps slowly, his gaze for the being to Red's right. "We come visitin' some 'P' planet and we meet up with our old buddy, Ba'al...hey, folks?" He clearly was sharing his thoughts with his men. "The day don't get no better than this."
"Colonel Jack O'Neill, as I live and breathe." Ba'al smiled pleasantly. "What one could wonder, does this particular 'P' planet have which might interest your military leaders? It is a rather nondescript, insignificant little place which has no rich ores or really anything of value to such a mercenary society as your own, I assure you. So..." his eyes hardened, "why are you here?"
"I can be where ever I want." Jack O'Neill checked with his contemporaries who seemed to agree with such a statement. "You're not my boss, fella."
"And how is General Hammond faring these days?" Ba'al was charm exemplified. "I do not believe he likes me very much, which is sad, really. I hold a high regard for any being who can stomach you for any real length of time, as you know."
"Yeah, I'm an acquired taste alright." Jack had been observing his surroundings. "...Don't I know you?" He asked Red, a suspicious look on the handsome face. "Teal'c, do I know that guy?"
"You do not, O'Neill."
"No?" Jack's suspicion did not abate. "Maybe in another life."
"You do not believe in such theories, O'Neill." The mammoth black man reminded respectfully. "Though you have experienced them many times."
"I don't?" Jack seemed puzzled by the fact. "I didn't believe in little grey men, but you know how that one turned out, right?"
Teal'c inclined his head regally.
Jack glanced around. "What is this, your version of the state fair?" He motioned to the atmosphere and the people.
"In a nutshell." Ba'al nodded regally.
Jack turned his interest elsewhere. "Nice costume." He looked Baz's form over. "Is it from the gothic romance line?"
"Erotic...gothic romance line." Baz corrected surlily. "You like it?"
Jack ran his gaze down the clothing again. He motioned to the jet black linen shirt and cloak. "You gotta have balls, pun intended, to wear it. I'll give you that." He would. "Looks comfortable to an extent." He shrugged. "Maybe too fancy for fishing though..."
The shirt was of an interesting design. Soft leather strips wove about the front, holding the lapels together. Dark blue glass beads dangled from the leather, drawing attention to the soft pelt of chest hair laying behind the deep 'V' neck.
Baz never failed to remind everyone the ladies loved his chiseled pectoral, so why not give them a peak was his philosophy. The cloak was just added embellishment to draw a lady's eye to a closer inspection. As were the tight pants which showcased the guy's package to perfection, care anyone look.
Jack O'Neill didn't care to look.
"Too Wuthering Heights for me." He placed his cap in a more comfortable position. "Not that I've ever watched that movie. It's a chick flick."
"How do you know it's a chick flick if you haven't watched it." Baz challenged.
"Reader's Digest." Jack shot back instantly. "Course no one can match this guy's sartorial splendor... right, Bocci?"
"How very right you are, O'Neill." Ba'al smiled benignly down. "Must be a refreshing change for you."
"I rather enjoy the diversity of fashion beyond Earth." Red defused the growing tension as best he could.
Red had adopted his own fashion sense to whatever planet he was visiting. Long gone were the tailor-made suits and fedora. Although he sometimes missed the hat and the feeling of power it gave, he found his new wardrobe made him more approachable.
Not to mention, the soft-hewn clothing was comfortable as hell.
He often wore a cloak, as they were multi-functional. More often than not, he had needed to use it as a makeshift blanket or to share warmth with Lizzy. On more than one occasion, it had also been used as a barrier from unexpected rains.
An added benefit he hadn't expected... they turned Lizzy on.
"And how did you get out here, away from Earth, as it were?" Jack was quick to pounce on the subject. "Being as how people on Earth haven't really been let in on our little secret society, but here you are. With your new homeboy."
Red glanced at Ba'al. "Things just sorta fell together for me." He smiled to lessen any misunderstandings. "I'm grateful to Ba'al for his assistance, to be honest. Are we breaking any interplanetary laws here?"
"Probably." Jack granted. "But we're not the Goa'uld police. More's the pity."
One of his men leaned, whispering discreetly.
"Oh." The tall man straightened, his face comically askew. "I've just been informed we are actually, in effect, the Goa'uld police, of a sort." He grimaced. "So, yeah, what are you two guys up to, out here in the Cosmos? Anything detrimental to say, hundreds of societies or even entire civilizations, maybe?"
Ba'al and Red exchanged looks.
"I'm not, are you?" Red asked his host.
"My Goa'uld days are dwindling to a precious few," Ba'al told the truth. "There is more profit in interplanetary trade routes these days. One should move with the times, O'Neill."
"We're just going to look around." Jack motioned with his weapon. "Get the lay of the land... see what's cookin'... see which way the crow flies."
Ba'al breathed in a steadying breath.
"If you don't mind, or even if you do." Jack finished.
"Yes, why not grab the bull by the horns, as it were." Ba'al could cliché with the best of them. He had been studying hard for this encounter, truth known. He did, however, incline his head apologetically for mentioning bulls in Reddington's presence.
"While you are out there, O'Neill," Ba'al smiled pleasantly, "I know it will be an uphill battle for you, for you seldom think outside the box. But one can never judge a book by its cover, so I trust you will read between the lines...keep an open mind? And judge not, least ye be judged?"
O'Neill's eyes narrowed. "At least you didn't end your sentence with a preposition. You forgot my favorite one." The human lifted a finger, thankfully not the middle one, Red philosophized. "Two birds in a bush do not a bee in the bonnet make."
Red had to think that one through. Ba'al just seemed more exasperated.
"How many warriors you got hiding down here? Wanna give a head's up so there aren't nasty surprises in store for any unsuspecting, peacefully searching military types like me and my men here?" Jack glanced about superficially. "Not that we can't take care of a few snake-heads, mind you. Always prepared for that eventuality."
"My men are not here." Ba'al told the truth. "I saw no danger until your arrival, human."
"How you paint me." Jack seemed bothered by the insult.
"With P-90s and staff weapons." Ba'al motioned.
"But you're a god," Jack managed surprise. "You should pooh-pooh such measly efforts on we lowly human's part."
"Yes." Ba'al's patience was coming to an end, clearly. "Thank you for reminding me." His eyes glowed threateningly and his voice altered to that of his host.
"Whoa, Nelly." Jack held up a restraining hand. "Back up there." His 'P-90 was raised. "We were jovially shooting the breeze, and suddenly, old Skippy comes out with the kaleidoscope eyes? Is that a friendly gesture? I think not."
Red put a calming hand on Ba'al's forearm. "There is no need for any sort of hostilities here." He warned the Goa'uld more than O'Neill. "We have a perfect right to be here. As do you." He made mention. "Why don't you go about your way, and we will go about ours. You don't really want to start anything with all these people about? They could get hurt."
"So could you and your little glowing friend." Jack stated quietly.
"Ba'al has made no threatening advances, Colonel." Red said. "By what authority do you come here and instigate a confrontation?"
"This gives me a lot of authority." Jack motioned to his weapon. "I remember where I saw you now. You were on the news. I don't watch the news, it's depressing, but I saw your wanted poster. They splashed it on the screen between car warranty commercials."
"Let me guess, you thought I was dead."
"That was the rumor." Jack dismissed such things, however. Glancing at the woman to Red's right, the man's eyes squinted. "You, on the other hand," he motioned to Elizabeth, "are dead."
"Rumors of my death..." Liz shrugged carelessly, "are obviously greatly exaggerated."
Stepping before his wife and daughter, Red leveled his eyes with Jack's. "It is also none of your concern."
Baz, too, placed himself before the mother and daughter, alert to the movement of O'Neill's men.
Regardless, they were on another planet, in an entirely different solar system, didn't mean O'Neill's people couldn't cause problems for his family.
Who knew the havoc Cooper caused after their departure, all due to Red's assistance. He was sure there were hundreds of people on Earth who wished him and Elizabeth dead for the chaos that ensued once the files were released.
"I ask again," Red's tone sharpened, "what is your purpose here?"
Sensing Reddington felt he was a threat to the woman and child, Jack grimaced inwardly, disliking the sensation immensely. Provoking Ba'al was one thing, but unintentionally making a man feel his family's safety was threatened was another.
More unsettling, and bizarre, it felt odd to experience animosity with this man for reasons Jack couldn't understand.
He leaned over again, seeking Teal'c's advice. "You sure I don't know this guy? There's something familiar about him."
"No, you do not," Teal'c assured, "and no, there is not."
"You asked about my authority to be on this charming wormhole of a place." Taking a subtle step back, Jack casually cleaned his sunglasses, defusing the situation. "We were asked here by the governing body. Were you?"
"...Yes." Red sighed, realizing the situation as it now stood. "Actually, we are your counterparts. We were asked to act as an intermediary and represent the planet's interests."
"A Goa'uld." Jack nodded sagely.
"I have nothing to do with this planet or your insignificant policies... or Reddington's hobbies." Ba'al disdained. "I just came for the kettle corn."
Jack looked at his right-hand man. "They have kettle corn here?"
An official-looking ensemble came on scene, with all due pomp and ceremony, for which Red was grateful.
The representatives of the planet emerged from a pavilion tent, hurriedly approaching.
Jack O'Neill just managed not to roll his eyes, for he had met and sparred with many such peoples in his day, something he hated beyond clichés, but it was his job. A part of it, at least. One which he was good at, despite his straight-forward way of stating things...or perhaps because of it.
He sighed loudly, mentally preparing himself. "Teal'c," he leaned, not even bothering to lower his voice, "when I give you the old, cut throat sign, get me out of whatever shit is on the horizon, are we simpatico here? You know the routine, right?"
"I do, O'Neill." Assurances were forthcoming, which made Jack less tense.
Red held his amusement, for he had given Dembe similar instructions prior to the planned meeting, but more privately.
"Did anyone think to bring a good bottle of booze?" Jack sought an answer. "Lubrication is key to a successful venture, as everyone knows."
"I did not, O'Neill." Teal'c smiled benignly.
Jack appeared acutely disappointed.
"If you don't cross me and deliver everything promised, Colonel." Red stepped closer. "You'll find me an excellent man to have in your corner, I promise. You won't need the booze. Everything should go smoothly without it."
"Go smoother with it." O'Neill was certain.
Jack was moving on. "This lady is with child. I noted the fact immediately because I am a highly trained observer." He tipped his hat to Elizabeth. "Please tell me Goa'uld's haven't progressed to the point where they can impregnate a female. You aren't attached to this here," he jerked a thumb, "objectionable demi-god, Lady."
There was a weariness to the question Red did not miss.
"I do not see Samantha Carter amongst your midst, O'Neill. Where is the lovely lady in question, one could ask." Ba'al had to ask for the simple fact he already knew. His knowledgeable eyes saying as much. He made it a rule: always keep your enemies close. "She sat this mission out, did she? For what reason, one could wonder."
"She's doing scientific things." Jack was quick to reply. "Just looking through microscopes and putting innocent species into impossible mazes. Heating up a few test tubes."
"Really." Ba'al lifted a noble brow. "Is that correct, Prime?" He asked O'Neill's right-hand man, knowing Teal'c would not lie, as the human did. "I was given to understand, she is on maternity leave."
"How would I know anything about that...or Teal'c." Jack was quick to jump in.
"I could be mistaken. You are correct." Ba'al mused quietly. "The rumor merely mentioned military personnel and that Major Dixon already has five children. What is one more, correct?" He gently provoked the Colonel.
"Yeah, right." Jack scoffed openly. "Like Carter would give him the time of day. Besides, your informants are wrong...as usual. Dave only has four kids."
"Not if you count this one." Ba'al reasoned, enjoying Jack's annoyance to the fullest measure.
"Discussion about Carter is off the table." Jack snapped. "So, shut the hell up, or I'll stick this P-90 up your Goa'uld ass."
Ba'al held his smile.
"This is my wife." Red halted all the commotion, once again playing peacemaker. He held his hand aloft, which Lizzy took. He brought her forth. "And my daughter." Introductions were made. "And my new child."
"Oh." Jack settled, clearly disappointed they had shelved the argument. "Ma'am." He nodded politely. "...Kid." He included Agnes in the gesture. "Congratulations."
"And you too, Colonel." Red politely returned.
"Carter is doing scientific shit... stuff." He corrected hastily, having caught Agnes' eyes. "Ma'am." He nodded briskly to Elizabeth. "Can't we get this stupid meeting underway. I gotta get back for the hockey play-offs."
"Stanley Cup time, is it, Colonel?" Red asked. "I'm a Bruins fan myself."
"Colorado Avalanche... hello." Jack bristled.
Red lifted his hand to signify to the patiently waiting dignitaries from the planet...matters could now proceed in their official capacity.
This life was so much more preferable to the one he had been leading.
The man marveled at his good fortune. He was good at his new assignment, taking to the diplomatic side of the ventures like a fish in his environment. Include his ability to learn languages and customs at the drop of a hat, it was no wonder he quickly established a respectable status.
He was now very slow to anger, his patience rarely tested beyond endurance. Of course, there were those times, as in the past, and Red did not hesitate to eliminate any threats to his family or way of life. That part was the same. He did exercise caution and due diligence if possible.
His reputation was growing. He could be vicious and vengeful, yes. But he was more famous for being a charismatic man who could prevent all-out wars between rivals.
He preceded the military types into the pavilion, Lizzy on his arm. Baz took charge of Agnes, and Red noted they were headed back to the games and festivities of the Fair. Which seemed to suit Agnes just fine.
"Are you hungry, sweetheart?" Red asked, though he already knew the answer. Just as he knew Lizzy was ravenous these days. He knew it was his greatest joy in life taking care of his wife.
"Are there clouds in the sky?" Liz quirked her lip at the corner.
"The banquet is set to start the moment we arrive," Red promised, "and... I asked the Chef to prepare a special treat, just for you." He made mention before laying a gentle kiss on her mouth.
Wrapping an arm about Lizzy's extended waist, Red pulled her to his side as they walked the short distance.
"Red?" Liz was pensive. "I've been thinking. With all the travels we've done lately through the Stargate," those blue eyes were shifted, a concerned glint in their depths, "do you think our son will have two heads?"
"I was thinking more along the lines of tentacles...but does it really matter? We'll love him anyway, right?" All Red knew with absolute certainty, he was eagerly counting down the days until he could hold his son.
Lizzy lay her head on his shoulder. "One must take the good with the bad, I suppose." Her smile was a benevolent one. "Of course, we'll love it and spoil it and give it a sibling to grow up with."
"Lady, must you end your sentences with prepositions?" Jack O'Neill was blatantly listening in on the conversation, not bothering to even attempt to hide the fact.
"Oh, will we?" Red's interest was caught. He ignored the Colonel.
"Well, Agnes will have her own interests, of course. A little one needs a playmate. I am of that opinion, aren't you?"
"Let's just see how it turns out. I can handle a couple of heads and some tentacles," Red mused playfully, rubbing the swell affectionately, "but the lizard tongues, I'm not all that comfortable around that just yet."
Lizzy's giggle delighted the man.
"There's something terribly wrong with you people, just saying." Jack O'Neill had an opinion about most things under the sun, nor was he shy about stating the fact. "My kid's gonna be strong and healthy and grow up to be a Air Force fighter pilot...or a Noble Peace Prize winner, knowing its mom."
"Thought you didn't have kids, Colonel." Red caught the slip.
"Well..." Jack glanced around, seeking the Goa'uld who had gone about its business looking for kettle corn, "just between you and me? Carter isn't doing scientific things. She's painting the nursery a color I dislike intensely."
Red nodded thoughtfully. "Guys don't have any say in things like that."
"I have a say, I'm a Colonel. I outrank her sweet ass," Jack reminded. "Sorry, Ma'am...butt. I out-rank her sweet butt."
"And yet, here you are, Colonel." Elizabeth smiled sweetly over. "And your Carter is home, painting the color she wants... which she should not be doing."
"Hey, she's a scientist. She knows all about ventilation." Jack fell into a brooding mode, his handsome face pulled into asullen pout, hoping beyond hope the color wasn't too cutesy. "What's wrong with camouflage, anyway, I ask you?"
Straightening his frame and mood, Red took Lizzy's hand, guiding her to their proper place in the assembly hall, with but one commiserate glance to his counter-part.
It was going to be a long but fruitful day, he imagined.
Red Reddington was looking forward to it.
The End
