Summery: A routine trip off-world has long-lasting effects for SG-1. Meanwhile, Jack has terrestrial trouble too, when his half-sister is recruited to the SGC and his worlds threaten to collide and all his secrets are in danger of being exposed.
Disclaimer: I do not own "Stargate SG-1" the series. I believe it is owned by MGM. No copyright infringement is intended. No disrespect is intended. I am merely intrigued by the possibilities.
A Matter of Degrees
by: Visions2share a.k.a. Vi
"So, where do you report for your intake interview?" Jack asked his younger sister as he placed her cup of coffee next to her arm on the breakfast table in his kitchen.
"NORAD at Cheyenne Mountain – which is weird – right? I mean, why wouldn't they have me go to the hospital where I'm going to work?"
"Could be any number of reasons," he hedged. "Did they tell you how long they thought the meeting would take?" wondering if he'd have time to sneak onto base either during her meeting or after she finished to spend some time keeping the paperwork monster at bay.
"Most of the day, apparently. I guess several people are involved or something – it sounded very convoluted to me."
"Well, that's probably the answer," Jack offered, lying through his teeth. It sounded as if he'd have to wait to fight the paperwork monster until another day – he hadn't been exaggerating when he'd told General Hammond that Susan shouldn't know he was involved until she'd learned and accepted the truth. "If lots of people are involved, your meeting is probably scheduled around some senior officers' schedules. I mean, it's not like they're keeping you away from patients today, right?"
"I suppose that makes sense," Susan nibbled absentmindedly on her toast. "I don't mind admitting to you I'm pretty nervous about this whole thing."
"Your meeting? Are you sure you don't want some eggs or sausage? Even some cereal? Dry toast and coffee isn't a very nutritious breakfast, you know, doctor."
"No, I couldn't possibly keep anything more down. And no, not the meeting, or, at least, not just the meeting. This whole new gig terrifies me."
"Why?" Jack cracked a couple of eggs into the frying pan, already holding three sausage links – even though he felt guilty for eating when Susan wasn't
"I don't really know what I've gotten myself into. I'm excited about the possible implications for furthering my research – but what am I doing getting messed up with a classified military project? The President said I'd still run my study but I'm obviously going to be answering to somebody from the military – and even if this person, likely a man – which won't help either – is a doctor I'll still be seen as a weakling waste of space."
"Don't let your father's voice in your head poison you against these people or this situation before you even meet them."
"Shouldn't I be prepared for the worst? Like Mom says – 'if you expect the worst – the bad'll seem pretty good'."
"Pessimistic much? And no, I think you'll meet with mostly good people – if you let them have the opportunity to treat you well. If you go in with a chip on your shoulder, it'll make it harder for anyone to accept you, which'll just make everything more difficult than it needs to be."
"I suppose so."
"What would you tell Leah? To give it a chance and try her best? Or to understand that failure is likely?" sometimes boiling things down to super simple terms helped overthinking scientists get some perspective.
Susan sent Jack an evil eye – like she didn't appreciate him talking down to her – or maybe it was invoking her child's name – and thus her maternal instincts she didn't like.
"Okay, okay – I'll adjust my attitude."
"Good." Jack plated his breakfast and joined her at the table.
"No coffee?" Susan asked, gesturing to his glass of orange juice.
"I'll grab some on base – but the commissary only has the made from concentrate stuff so …" Jack let any further explanation fade away as unneeded. And ignored the fact that he had other plans for the day besides being on any military base.
"So, tell me, mister military man, how do I make a positive impression today?"
"Just be respectful," such a simple answer – but then knowing who she was likely to face added, "and keep in mind how much you've 'loved' being judged on your appearance, your gender, and others biased impressions in the past – and make sure you don't treat these people that way. If you can do that and keep an open mind, I think everything will work out just fine."
Jack sincerely hoped Susan would be able to keep an open enough mind to accept the world shifting information she'd receive. He knew she was capable of that level of understanding. Unfortunately, he was also aware she could, especially when stressed, take after her father – and he was the exact opposite of open-minded. Or understanding. Jack prayed that for her sake that on this occasion she would manage to stand outside the legacy of her father's intolerance.
Author's Note: The site seems to be having an issue letting me see the reviews in a timely manner – so if you've left one and I haven't responded, please know I will get back to you as soon as I am able. Thanks for reading! ~ Vi