Spirit Guides, Tribe, and a Courtesy Call
Christine Booth had been waiting patiently to speak with Dr. Sandburg. She held her treasure book close to her as she cautiously approached the adult. Her parents and the other adults had been "read into" something after General O'Neill had given another General a long list of names. It sounded like they might all be moving to either a ship of some sort or a bunker. It also sounded like there were a bunch of bad guys that General O'Neill and his people were fighting in secret and now they wanted all of the adults here to help. Things had finally settled so she was sizing the opportunity to ask Dr. Sandburg a few questions.
Blair looked down at the gentle tug on his sleeve and a polite, "Excuse me, Dr. Sandburg, can I ask you some questions?" Christine Booth was looking up at him with eyes full of curiosity. Smiling, he knelt down to her level and said, "Sure, I can try to answer them at least." One determined nod and Christine asked her first question. "Mr. Ellison called you a Shaman, that means you're a spiritual leader like the priest at church, right?" Blair nodded, not sure where this was going. "Can you see Spirit Guides?" she asked, holding up her book. "Sometimes if I focus really hard I can," the Shaman replied. "Do you know what yours and Mr. Ellison's are?" "Yes, we took a Spirit Walk together several years ago and found them. They live in a blue tinted jungle, much like the one we lived in at the time. What do you see when you look at us?" Christine looked thoughtful before replying, "I keep seeing a big Black Panther over Mr. Ellison and a Gray Wolf when I look at you. I see a Snowy Owl over my mom and a Timber Wolf over my dad. Parker is a Red Fox and Hank's is just a ball of light because it doesn't know what shape to take yet. Mine is an Owlbear Cublet." Silence met this revelation before Dr. Brennan spoke. "Christine, why didn't you tell us you could see this? I thought you just read about what the animals represent and made a determination based off of that." "Because I didn't know if it was real or just part of how I processed everything. Uncle Sweets and Aunt Daisy gave me the book on Spirit Guides a week before Uncle Sweets died. He's the one who suggested my Spirit Guide could be a fantasy creature since none of the animals in the book felt right to me. Was I wrong, Mommy? Did I do something wrong?" Temperance knelt down and embraced her daughter. "No, sweetheart, you've done nothing wrong. Even if it is just your imagination, there's nothing wrong with seeing Spirit Guides or spirits. Remember Aunt Angela's friend that says she can talk to spirits? It could be something like that."
"Dr. Brennan, she nailed it. Jim's Spirit Guide is a Panther and mine is a Gray Wolf. She's probably right about what yours is as well as Agent Booth's and her brothers'," Blair said softly. At the look of surprise on Dr. Brennan's face, he continued, "Ask her what she sees when she looks at other people. Start with those of us in the room and maybe have her look at pictures. She may be coming into some Sentinel or Guide abilities early." Temperance nodded and asked, "Christine, what about Agent Gibbs and his team? What are their Spirit Guides?"
Christine looked around the group, focusing on Gibbs and his team before smiling. "Agent Gibbs is a Grizzly Bear and Dr. Ducky is a Great Horned Owl. Agent DiNozzo is a Panther like Mr. Ellison but younger and more mischievous. Agent McGee is a Badger, Agent David is an Egyptian Cobra and Ms. Sciuto is a Raven. General O'Neill is a Bald Eagle while Colonel Sheppard is a Golden Eagle. Dr. Jackson is an Ibis and Dr. McKay is a Silver Fox." She paused and looked around a second time before continuing. "Sheriff Carter is a Black Bear and Agent Lattimer is a Sloth Bear. Dr. Blake is a Swan, Dr. Donovan is a Weasel, and Dr. Deacon is a Great Gray Owl. Agent Bering is a Mongoose, Ms. Lupo is a Jaguar, and Ms. Webber is a Coral Snake. Ms. Donovan is a Hummingbird and Dr. Fargo is an Opossum. Agent Callen is a Lone Gray Wolf, similar to Dr. Sandburg's but not the same. Agent Hanna is a Lion, Agent Blye is a Lynx and Agent Deeks is a Coyote. Mr. Dalton is a Wolverine and Mr. Mac is an Otter. Mr. Bozer is a Tortoise and Ms. Davis is a Falcon. Zoe is an Arctic Fox, Lucas is a Hawk, and Kevin is a Badger like Agent McGee. Jenna's like Hank just a ball for light for now," Christine concluded. There was stunned silence before Jack Dalton exclaimed, "That is freaking awesome! My Spirit Guide is a Wolverine? He is the most badass of all the X-Men. Plus the animal itself is pretty badass."
A knock at the door and a woman's loud Australian voice interrupted. "Oi, Jimbo, Sandy, we're here, call off your hunk of a bodyguard, yeah?" Blair hurried to the door confused, Daniel trailing behind out of curiosity. Opening the door, Blair replied, "We don't have a bodyguard, Megs. And you don't have to yell." "Teal'c, what are you doing here and how long have you been guarding the door?" Daniel asked the hulking caramel skinned man. Teal'c answered, "I followed you and O'Neill because it is my place to serve you and I have stood guard since yout Alpha Prime Pair entered." Turning to Blair, Teal'c inclined his head in respect, "I apologize if I have caused a problem, Shaman. I only wish to stay close to those who have shown me much kindness and proved themselves far superior to those I once served." "OK, whoever's coming in, come in. General O'Neill, may I present the former captain of the Major Crimes Unit, Simon Banks, former captain of the bomb squad, Joel Taggert, Detectives Brian Rafe and Henri 'H' Brown, and Inspector Megan Connor, on loan from Australia. Also the lovely and talented Rhonda, Simon's secretary, Daryl Banks, Simon's son, and Dan Wolf, one of our M.E.s," Blair announced the newcomers.
Before the door fully closed, a commotion down the hall drew everyone's attention. Chancellor Edwards was hurrying after an elderly gentleman striding purposefully towards them apparently trying in vain to placate him. "Dr. Stoddard, there really is no need to go this far. I only let Sandburg go to protect our reputation. And while I understand you favor him, there was never any guarantee that Dr. Sandburg would be able to replace you as a tenured professor," she gasped as the pair came to a halt in front of the door. "Madam, you have done far more damage to Rainier's reputation than Blair ever did. Do you not realize you have most likely cost the university a valued and generous donor? Who did Jim say the press was to address any further questions to?" Dr. Stoddard replied sharply. "Some legal department, I know it wasn't ours so probably the police department's," the Chancellor snapped. "The legal department of Ellison Enterprises, the company owned and operated by William Ellison, one of our most prolific donors. Now ask yourself why would a mere police detective and lowly anthropologist be able to utilize the legal department of such a prominent company?" Dr. Stoddard asked. "Also why would the head of this same company, who up until 10 or 11 years ago, only contributed to the school of business, suddenly begin donating to the anthropology department at that time? And insisted on paying for anyone who signed up to go on an expedition to attend a wilderness survival training course? Have you put the pieces together yet, Chancellor?" At her confused expression, he sighed. "Jim Ellison is William Ellison's oldest son and you just fired his son-in-law. Jim and Blair have been together in a committed monogamous relationship for approximately 12 to 13 years. Do you understand now? This is why I'll be taking my retirement now," Dr. Stoddard explained before turning to the door. "Got room in there for one more, Blair?" "Yeah, Eli, come on in." And the door shut firmly behind him.
Dr. Eli Stoddard stood with his back to the door and observed the assembly. He nodded to Simon and the rest of the members of Major Crimes. He recognized Dr. Brennan and Dr. Jackson by face but the rest were strangers. Turning to Blair, he said, "Well I didn't expect this big of a crowd. Introduce me to your friends?" "Everyone, this is my mentor, Dr. Eli Stoddard. Eli, first I would like to introduce to you my Heart Brothers: NCIS Special Agent Tony DiNozzo, Dr. Rodney McKay, and Dr. Daniel Jackson," Blair said, beaming with pride. "Dr. McKay is the one who, how did you put it, 'specializes in kinetic disassembly, thermal shock and thermal reconfiguration', correct?" Rodney grinned, "Yep, that's me." "And Tony is clearly the athlete, which leaves Daniel to be the bookworm linguist, correct?" "Yes, sir, it sounds like Blair did a good job of describing us," Daniel smiled. Tony just threw his head back and laughed. "Love how you described Rodney, baby brother, hit the nail on the head with that one." "It's accurate. Thankfully the vast majority of the damage was confined to the science lab," Blair said, trying to keep the blush at bay. Jim stepped forward and introduced the others with one exception. "O'Neill, this is one of your men, you introduce him." Jack O'Neill just smiled. "This is Teal'c. He's a member of my team at the Mountain and loyal to a fault." "That tattoo on your forehead, it appears to be Egyptian in origin. May I take a closer look?" Eli asked. Teal'c looked to O'Neill and Daniel for direction. "Teal'c, you're standing in a room with three anthropologists, two of which have been read in. It's up to you how you interact with everyone," O'Neill told him.
"Before you go any farther, I just stopped by to wish Jim and Blair good luck, I'm sure you boys will land on your feet. Now I believe I have some secretaries to rally and bureaucrats to harass," Rhonda stated as she took her leave. All eyes turned to Simon who wore a pitying look. "Never underestimate or insult the secretarial staff. They can and will bring everything to a screeching halt if they so much as think you've done anything wrong," he explained with a shudder.
As Teal'c explained how his people, the Jaffa, had been bred to serve cruel masters for centuries, Jim informed the gang from Major Crimes that he and Blair had already procured alternate employment. Simon turned to O'Neill and asked, "Got room in your outfit for a few more?" "I'll have to run it by my boss but there is a high probability we can acquire your talents," came the cautious reply. "General, I am most intrigued by Teal'c's description of his tribe and their circumstances. As I am now a retired academic, would it be possible for me to assist as well?" Eli asked. Before he could reply, O'Neill's tablet rang with a video call.
Major General George Hammond was very surprised when as soon as Jack O'Neill answered the video call, a little girl of about 6 or 7 years old popped up beside him. She looked at him, smiled and said, "His is a bison." "Jack, do I even want to know?" he asked. O'Neill just laughed, "Sorry sir, Christine was told to try to see what someone's Spirit Guide is by looking at their picture once she had covered everyone in the room. My guess is a video call counts." "So my Spirit Guide is a bison. Miss Christine, in a few minutes I'll be adding a few more people to this video conference. Would you like to tell them what their Spirit Guides are?" The girl's smile told him yes as he added, "If that's all right with your parents." After their confirmation, Hammond continued, "Now before I start gathering various heads of various organizations, I need to confirm a few things. First, Mr. MacGyver, if your father starts having a fit will you be able to shut him down?" Mac nodded firmly as he replied, "I'll issue the same ultimatum Ms. David did and will take it as far as she did if I have to, sir." "Good. Second, Ms. David, you have been granted asylum aboard the international base. Third, I took care of Chancellor Edwards so you have the room for as long as you need it. Are there more people there now?" Hammond asked. "Yes, sir. Two former police captains, two more detectives, an exchange inspector from Australia, a second M.E., and Dr. Sandburg's mentor have requested to join up sir. There's also a young man, old enough to enlist but not to drink, who is on the fence," O'Neill replied. "Also Teal'c goes wherever Daniel and I go now and yes it's a Jaffa thing." "Ellison, I take it the majority of these newcomers are former colleagues who resigned over you getting fired?" "Yes, sir." "Can they handle it?" "Simon Banks and Joel Taggert can for certain. Joel was captain of the bomb squad before he transferred to Major Crimes. Rafe and H are solid detectives that can hold their own when it comes to a shootout. Megan Connor is a force to be reckoned with regardless. Dan Wolf has seen the worst humanity can do to itself as a police M.E. so he can stomach it. As for Daryl I don't know how well he'd handle it but the kid's tough. You have to be when your dad's a cop. And as for Dr. Stoddard, the man's been on more expeditions than I can count and knows how to properly interact with indigenous peoples." "Read them in. Jack, once this video conference is over, I want you to take over as the civilian lead on Atlantis, understood? Daniel goes with you and I'll transfer Teal'c over as well." "Thank you for understanding, George. What will my role be in this video conference?" "I need you and Sheppard on screen as civilian and military leads, just in case someone needs to see who their people will be reporting to directly."
Shortly after everything had been squared away and it was determined that at least Dr. Stoddard would be assigned to the Mountain, Hammond began adding people to the conference. Irene Frederic and Hetty Lange answered at the same time. "George, Hetty, it's good to see you. I take it this isn't a social call," Mrs. Frederic greeted them. "Hetty, you look lovely as ever. Irene, you haven't aged a day," Hammond replied with a smile. "Oh, cut the crap, George. We all know you only flatter us because you know how much damage we're actually capable of," Hetty scolded playfully. "Once the others join us, I'll let you know what's going on. And yes, Irene, it has to do with the… artifact we discussed several years ago." "Who else is joining us, George?" Hetty asked. "Director Vance from NCIS, General Mansfield from the Joint Chiefs, and Oversight." A bark of laughter drew attention to the fourth part of the screen. "Ladies, this is General Jack O'Neill and Colonel John Sheppard. They're under my command. Anything you want to share with the class, Jack?" Hammond asked with a mischievous look in his eye. "Christine has her report for you, sir," O'Neill laughed. A 6 or 7 year old then spoke, "Ms. Irene's Spirit Guide is a Honey Badger and Ms. Hetty's is a Grizzly Bear like Agent Gibbs and Mr. Banks." "An icebreaker, George? Expecting fireworks?" Irene inquired slyly. "Yes and yes. With Oversight I fully expect some sort of drama," came the disgruntled reply. At this moment, Leon Vance joined the video call. "Snapping Turtle," Christine chirped. "I'm sorry, did I join the wrong group?" Vance asked. Hetty laughed, "No, Leon, this young lady was just telling us what your Spirit Guide is." "Oh. Sir," he greeted Hammond. "Mansfield here, what's going on, Hammond?" another man asked as Christine sang, "He's a Hawk." At Mansfield's confused look, Vance said, "Your Spirit Guide is a Hawk, sir." "Ah." "Hammond, you rarely call, is there a problem?" the last man asked as he joined the group. "Ssssssidewinder," hissed the little girl. "Your Spirit Guide apparently," came the explanation. Oversight looked unimpressed.
"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining me on such short notice. For those of you who aren't aware or don't recall, I'm Major General George Hammond, head of Homeworld Security and this is a courtesy call. I have already had several of your people transferred to my command and will not apologize for it," Hammond addressed the group. "We'll start with introductions just so everyone knows who everyone else is and you all realize this is much bigger than any one agency or department or committee. My subordinates, General Jack O'Neill and Colonel John Sheppard. O'Neill will be retiring at the end of this conference and taking over civilian lead for the international base Sheppard is C.O. of. From the Warehouse, Mrs. Irene Frederic. From NCIS, Director Leon Vance and Ms. Hetty Lange. From the Joint Chiefs, General Mansfield. And from Phoenix Foundation, James 'Oversight' MacGyver. Irene, I'm taking Agents Bering, Lattimer and Donovan so Arthur will be solo until you can replace them." "Understood, keep me apprised of any issues." "Vance, I'll be taking Gibbs and his team, Dr. Mallard and Ms. Sciuto." "Fair enough and good luck, General, they're a handful… and a headache." "Hetty, from you I'm acquiring Agents Callen, Hanna, Blye and Deeks." "Understood, take care of my kids, George." "Mansfield, I'm taking Drs. Fargo, Blake, Donovan and Deacon as well as Ms. Lupo and Sheriff Carter." "Good riddance, although I'm loath to lose Dr. Deacon." "Oversight, the following have been transferred: Webber, Davis, Bozer, Dalton and MacGyver."
The expected explosion was immediate. "No no no no no. You can have everyone but Angus. My son does NOT leave Phoenix Foundation," Oversight began to rant only to be cut off. "Sorry, dad, you kinda lost the right to any say when you chose work over me. I'm going to tell you what Ziva David told her dad earlier. I resign and if you don't back off I'll disown you. And don't expect any biological grandkids until science can give two men a child that is genetically theirs," Mac stated before turning to his partner and kissing Jack quite soundly. Sputtering was the only thing heard from Oversight for two minutes until Sentinel and Guide came up for air. Jack Dalton had the biggest, goofiest grin on his face as he said, "Didn't see that one comn', huh? You assigned me to be Mac's bodyguard and partner and we decided to be life partners." And flipped his former boss off.
The video conference ended shortly after with well wishes and promises of continued cooperation and support coming from most quarters. Several people were now calling friends, family, or moving companies to start getting personal items either shipped to Cascade or put into storage. Jim and Blair sat off to one side snuggled together and softly discussing what to do with the loft. Suddenly they and several others looked up and instinctively turned to face the harbor. Something was calling, a siren song of sorts singing in their veins. Blair turned to Jim and said, "Remember what Incacha said about how Cascade was a great city but not The Great City to which we belonged?" "Yeah, he also said to listen for her to call us home," Jim answered. "Now she's here and she's calling. Our Great City, Atlantis, is finally calling us home."