Hi everyone,

I hope you're well. Sorry for not updating earlier : I was on holidays.

So here I am with the next chapter.

We stopped just before a team night, a very special one as it will be the first one with the fifth member of SG-1 (way of speaking) and not an innocent one.

So let's spend the night with our favorite team.

Enjoy!

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Chapter 7

- I'm not comfortable with what we're going to do, Jack., Daniel said, taking the beer Jack was holding out to him.

O'Neill looked at him and nodded his understanding. You could trust Daniel to see things on the bright side even after everything that had happened to him. He was not naive but he tended to see people's good side. His growing friendship with the lieutenant was not helping and he hoped he would not let her know about their plan.

- I know and you don't have to do anything, Daniel. Just listen and tell us what you think after she goes away. You can take the time to think it through but we want your opinion., the colonel told him patiently.

- If you have doubts about her, why don't you ask for her reassignment?, the younger man asked, pushing his glasses up on his nose.

- Because we have a mole in the SGC and we have to stop them. We can't be too forthright about it and you know it., his friend replied, running his fingers through his hair., Look, Daniel, I would love to ask her if she's the one who's stealing artifacts and erasing files from our network but what do you think she'll tell me?

- She didn't do it!, Daniel answered immediately.

- And do you think I should trust her just because she says so?, O'Neill insisted, feeling Teal'c and Carter's eyes on them.

- No…, the archaeologist sighed defeated., but I don't have to like it.

- I don't ask you to. Just play along., O'Neill asked him, hearing the knock on the door.

He waited a few seconds for Daniel to nod before going to open the door. The show could begin now, he thought, seeing Charlotte on his doorstep.

- Come in, Lieutenant. Last but not least., he invited her with a warm smile.

- Thank you, Sir. Am I late?, she asked, checking her watch, worried when she saw the others were already there.

- No, you're not. You're just right on time. They…, he said, pointing at the others., didn't know what to do with themselves on base. They just came here early., he lied to her.

He had asked them to come half an hour earlier to be prepared. It hadn't been useless as Daniel had needed some pep talk to go through with the plan.

- I didn't know what to bring you so I took this., she told him, holding him a bottle of wine.

- Thanks but you didn't need to bring something. Carter, care to help the lieutenant out of her things?, he asked her.

Sam took her coat and put it on a hanger, showing her to the living room after that.

- Do you want a beer?, O'Neill offered her, holding out a chilled bottle.

- No thanks, sir. I don't drink alcohol., she refused, blushing a little.

- I'll take it., Carter said to diffuse the embarrassment.

- So water, coke, Xanax maybe., he teased the younger woman.

It would be harder than he had first thought. Alcohol often helped to loosen tongues but it wouldn't work this time. He had to find something else but first and foremost, he had to make her feel at ease, have her guard down. She looked at him befuddled for a moment and then she smiled and laughed a little.

- I'm sorry. I'm not used to hanging around with teammates and I'm a little nervous., she admitted.

- Just a little?, he replied, raising an eyebrow.

- Okay… a lot., she corrected., I'll take a coke, please.

- Is it too much to ask you if you want a normal or diet coke?, he quipped playfully.

- The first one you find. I don't really care., she shrugged., May I help you?, she asked, seeing him getting few bottles out of the fridge.

- It's okay. Years of practice. Go and make yourself at ease., he told her with a little movement of his chin.

She looked around her and then joined the three other members of the team in the living room. She stood there, taking in the atmosphere, looking at the pictures on the walls, family, friends maybe, military or civilians… It was weird to be here and see another side of the man who seemed really reluctant to accept her at first and still had some trouble being around her. She couldn't even recall if he had once pronounced her first name…

- Come, Charlotte., Daniel called her out., Come have a seat., he insisted, patting on the couch next to him.

Both armchairs were taken by Sam and Teal'c. That left only the possibility for her to sit on the couch and she didn't want to offend Daniel by going on the other end whether than next to him on the middle place… Either way, she would have colonel O'Neill next to her. So better have someone she was used to talking to on one side at least.

- So did you read the book I gave you?, Daniel asked, leaning on the backrest.

- I began but I'm not done yet., she said, sitting stiffly on the border of the couch., It's hard to imagine how these old civilizations worked compared to today's ones. I still can't go over the fact the Egyptians were marrying their siblings with all the genetic problems we know of now.

- Well, they had the idea that…

- For crying out loud! Don't tell me they're talking about work., Jack shouted, exasperated, giving them their drinks.

- We aren't., the younger man protested., We're talking about the book I lent to her.

- It's just the same., O'Neill cut him.

- It's not.

- It is.

- It's not.

- What do you talk about usually?, Charlie asked, ill at ease between the two of them.

There was silence for a few seconds before Sam quipped:

- Work…

- We listen to O'Neill and Daniel Jackson as they have futile arguments., Teal'c offered, matter-of-factly.

- We don't!, both men chorused.

- We watch movies., Daniel intervened.

- Or we fall asleep on documentaries… when Danny-Boy gets to choose what we watch., Jack quipped while seating next to Charlie.

They started bickering again even with the young woman between them, obviously embarrassed.

- Sir, Daniel…, Sam intervened., Someone's new here. You could behave, couldn't you?

- I… I think I'd better go and leave you alone., Charlie said, getting to her feet., It was nice of you to invite me but you have your habits and I'm not here for good so… no problem. Go on with your team night.

As she was heading to the front door, she didn't see the looks they exchanged nor O'Neill jumping on his feet and following her quickly. She took her coat from the hanger but it was snatched from her hands right away.

- No one gets out of a team night just after they arrive. Sorry if we made you feel estranged: we have our habits but you're a part of the team. We need to get to know you and you to know us. Please come back, sit and enjoy the night., he asked her seriously, seeming repentant.

He couldn't let her go away now. They hadn't even begun to interrogate her. He saw her look back where the rest of the team was, probably think of her options for a few seconds and then nod.

- Good. Daniel, get the light out. We can proceed to the interrogation now., he joked and he saw her smile a little at his remark.

- He's kidding… a little. We'd really like to know you better., Daniel said, patting the couch next to him, which just helped Charlotte work up the nerve to take another chance.

- So what? You've got a list of questions?, the younger woman asked mischievously, sitting down next to his friend.

- A big list… that long., O'Neill gestured, taking his place next to her and stretching his legs.

She gave it a thought and then smiled lightly.

- Okay, shoot., she offered.

- We do not use projectile weapons during team night, Lieutenant O'Neill., Teal'c told her calmly.

- It's just…, she began before raising her head and looking at him…, It's a joke, right?, she asked him and he bowed his head with a slight smile, proud of his newly acquired ability.

- No kidding, Teal'c… You're joking now?, O'Neill exclaimed himself.

- I am indeed.

- Next year, he'll swear., Jack warned them, making them chuckle.

- No alcohol means never ever or just when you're nervous?, Sam asked her, thinking it was a pretty safe matter to talk about.

- I stopped about a year ago. I didn't drink a lot before but I learned it was already too much. Better safe than sorry., her assistant answered.

They all wondered what the lesson was about but as she lowered her somber gaze on her can, they decided against asking more… for the moment at least. Maybe they'll try later.

- So it's not a problem of addiction in your family or else?, Daniel said.

- No, no way… we were a normal family. Alcohol was not a problem., she replied, making a small hand gesture as if shoving the question away.

- You know, you can also ask us some questions if you wish., Sam suggested with a friendly smile.

- I wouldn't know where to begin with…, the lieutenant replied sheepishly.

- Carter would probably say the beginning., O'Neill quipped.

- I would., the major agreed, lifting slightly her beer bottle.

- Are you military brat?, Daniel asked her.

- No way., she laughed wholeheartedly., My mother was one of those flower power advocates. She couldn't believe I really decided to join the Air Force until she saw me with my first uniform. Are you?, she dared to asked them.

Daniel and colonel O'Neill just denied it and Sam and Teal'c nodded.

- My father was a jaffa as I am., he told her.

- Mine was a two-star general. Retired now., Carter replied, pride shining in her eyes.

- Doesn't he ask questions about your work? I doubt someone of his rank buys the cover of Deep Space Radar Telemetry, knowing how smart you are., Charlie questioned, curious.

- Don't tell her that. She could actually believe you and, you know, she'll just be full of herself., O'Neill teased her.

He saw how the light talk was beginning to relax her and they had to keep it this way. Just small talk for the moment and later on, they would breach on the matter at hand discreetly.

- He doesn't., Sam simply said, not willing to tell her that her father knew about the program and was even a Tok'ra now.

- And your parents, do they believe it?, Daniel said.

- My parents…, Charlie whispered, a look of sadness on her face.

- They're dead, aren't they?, he understood immediately., I'm sorry., he apologized sincerely, sharing the same sense of grief even if Charlie's one seemed more recent.

- No need. How could you have known it?, she evaded.

- So, any family left?, Jack asked before taking a swig of beer.

- No., she sighed, looking down at her hands., What about you?, she asked, wanting to diverting their attention from her.

- Same here. Parents dead decades ago, widow., Daniel said., you couldn't know., he told the young woman when he saw her open her mouth to apologize.

- I have a wife and a son. They live far away though., Teal'c told her.

Their gazes turned to Sam who sighed lightly and Charlie realized family was not the best thing to discuss in this team.

- I still have my dad and a brother with a family. Otherwise, I'm married with my job., Carter joked mischievously.

As he knew he should answer next, Jack got on his feet suddenly, not really willing to share his family status with someone he didn't really trust.

- Everyone's ready for a refill?, he asked them but he didn't wait for their answers to leave the room.

- I guess it's better to drop the matter., Charlie suggested.

- Indeed., Teal'c confirmed.

As the silence settled in, Daniel looked for something else to talk about.

- What are the three qualities the most important for you?, he asked her, making her laugh.

- Feels like a job interview., she joked but then she turned serious., I guess loyalty comes first, then honesty and… dedication as a third one.

Jack was coming back when he heard her answer and he just kept his cool demeanor, handing them their drinks. He couldn't miss the opportunity to probe her.

- You must be angry with what's happening at the SGC., he quipped, giving her another coke.

- Yes, I am. I can't believe someone could try to undermine the whole project stealing things and data or compromising the security., she muttered through gritted teeth before sighing., In fact, this is not true…, she whispered.

They all tensed up while waiting for her to go on with an explanation on the "not true" but she seemed lost in her thoughts.

- How so?, O'Neill asked her, taking a gulp of his drink.

- What?, Charlie quipped, coming back to reality.

- You say "It's not true". How so?, he repeated patiently.

- Ah… er… I can understand the reasons for doing so. I guess whatever is brought back through the Stargate might be of great value, some things more than others, whether they are real things or just knowledge. What I do not understand is how money, power or personal interests can outrank the importance of the fight for survival or the global benefit that could result from them., she explained., I don't know if I'm clear enough.

- I think you are., Daniel sighed, doubting even more she could be the rogue agent they were looking for.

- Sometimes, people don't have the choice. Sometimes, you can be forced in doing something against your will., O'Neill said, glancing at her sideways.

- Yeah, maybe. I don't believe in that too. Maybe I'm just too young and naive., she offered, laughing at herself as she felt nothing like that., So what's the next question? My favorite color?, she teased them.

- How can a color make itself preferred? It has no way to communicate., Teal'c asked.

They looked at one another and Daniel tried to explain it was just something you could ask for small talk… as if the concept of small talk was even familiar to the jaffa. For a moment, the conversation just went on on various matters.

- So Danny-Boy, how has love life been recently?, Jack suddenly asked.

- Wh… What?, Daniel shouted bewildered, straightening on the couch., Why are you asking me that?

- Why not?, O'Neill just shrugged.

- Why not? Why don't you ask Sam?, the archaeologist pointed out, a finger directed at his female friend.

- She said she was married to her job, so pointless to ask, and Teal'c is married and living on base. You know about the grapevine there. Faster than a F-16., the colonel explained, looking slightly annoyed.

- So it has to be me? I'm quite as much on base as Teal'c and Sam. When do you think I would have time to have a love life?, Daniel retorted passionately., Ask Charlie. I'm sure she has a bigger one than mine.

Way to go, Daniel, Jack thought. That was exactly the overture he had been waiting for.

- So as Danny-Boy here doesn't want to entertain us, would you care to do it and remind us what life is outside the mountain?, O'Neill asked the young lieutenant.

They all witnessed the blush that crept on her neck then her face and how she wished she could get as small as a mouse to hide in a very small hole.

- I guess I won't be of any use, sir., she quipped., When I go home, my only relationship is with my books. I go out only for the basics. I can't even remember when I last went to the movies., she replied.

- So right from the lab to topside and then home…, he summarized, keeping his thoughts at bay.

He couldn't forget the place where he'd seen her make a stop and that was not on her way home nor a place for basic things. So as she nodded, he couldn't avoid to wonder what else she had been lying about. He cast a look sideways at his 2IC and saw how doubtful she was too. Sam just thought of the day she had seen Charlie leaving the base after her although she had been minutes ahead of her. What had she been doing during that time lapse? Seeing an accomplice? Searching through the artifacts the one she wanted? Finding a way to get an item out?

- You sure you don't hide a boyfriend somewhere?, he teased Charlie mockingly.

- Oh boy, I'm sure of that. I don't have time nor the energy for that., she answered honestly, laughing lightly.

- You should try. That could get you some things out of your mind., he joked.

His friends noticed the cynical touch in his voice but Charlie seemed oblivious to it. She just grimaced and emptied her can.

- For the moment, I'll just concentrate on my PhDs and my job. That's good enough for me., she said, somewhat bitterly, before rising., If you'll excuse me, sir, I will call it a night. I need my beauty sleep in case I find some time to have a love life., she sneered., Have a good evening., she wished them.

Then she went away, picking her coat before leaving.

- Well, that went well…, O'Neill quipped., What do you think?, he asked them, turning to Daniel first.

- I… I don't know. I need to think it through., he answered nervously, getting up., I'm going too.

His leaving surprised them all, mostly because he made a quick exit, which was completely unusual for him.

- The experience must have moved him more than we thought, sir., Carter said, understanding her friend.

Even if she was suspicious, she couldn't say interrogating Charlie as they had done without being outright about it had been a piece of cake.

- I know. Teal'c, what do you think?, O'Neill asked him.

- I believe she did not tell us the whole truth but I do not believe she is the one you are looking for, O'Neill., the jaffa answered honestly.

- Carter?, the colonel turned to her.

- I… I can't make up my mind, Sir, either way., she admitted, shrugging.

- Okay… so we'll have to dig more., O'Neill whispered, nursing his bottle.

- I guess so., Sam agreed.