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Suggested
Rating: for teen and
older readers
Category: Daniel/Janet friendship
Setting: Missing scene at the end of Torment of Tantalus
Synopsis: Janet reflects on her developing friendship
with the members of SG-1.
Author’s
Comments: Part 2 in The Journey series. Thanks as always to Sonia, my editor
in crime. These things are so
much more fun with you.
DISCLAIMER: All
publicly recognizable characters and places (the Stargate SG-1 stuff)
are the property of MGM, World Gekko Corp and Double Secret Productions. This piece of fan fiction was created
for entertainment only and no infringement on copyrights or trademarks was
intended. Previously unrecognized
characters and places, and this story, are copyrighted to the author. Any similarity to real persons, living
or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.
NO SMALL THING
- by Michelle Lunsford (January
2005)
Doctor
Janet Frasier looked at the clock on her office wall. About
two minutes later than the last time I checked, she noted with some
annoyance. Aren’t those evaluations ever going to get finished?
For the
past half hour she’d been attempting to ignore her anticipation by
concentrating on some of the paperwork on her desk. But it seemed the effort had done
little to mollify her impatience.
Sighing in frustration, Janet dropped her pen on the desk, resolutely
closed the file, and reached for her mug. Her nose crinkled slightly as she
peered inside; the remnants from her coffee that morning had developed a
rather unpleasant looking skim.
Maybe I better wash this before
heading to the commissary for a refill.
Exiting
her office, Janet went to the infirmary washroom. As she rinsed her mug, her thoughts
again turned to the expectant test results, and why she was more anxious than
normal to receive them.
I can’t imagine living on an
alien planet, entirely alone for more than fifty years, she reflected. It was a wonder Ernest Littlefield
hadn’t gone insane. Of course, that’s exactly what
MacKenzie’s assessment will verify or deny, her inner voice
reminded her.
All the
regular medical tests had results within normal parameters. Professor Littlefield had no
infectious diseases, or any other medical condition that would require
quarantine. Yes, he’d have
to remain on base for a few days, while officials conducted full debriefings
and helped prepare him for reintegration into society. But under the circumstances, Doctor MacKenzie
had insisted on doing some preliminary consultations with Ernest, to rule out
the possibility of mental instability.
It made sense, of course, but Janet couldn’t help being
apprehensive about it.
I just don’t think I could
be the one to tell him that, after all this time, he can’t return to
normal life just yet, Janet silently admitted as she stepped out into the hall. Although,
I suppose even if it comes to that, he will have Catherine to help him.
A tiny
smile pulled at the corner of her mouth.
She’d only met Doctor Langford briefly, but had liked the woman
instantly. And the story of how
SG-1 had managed to reunite Catherine with the long lost love of her life had
already made its rounds through the SGC rumor mill. Janet had never considered herself to
be the extremely romantic type, but
it certainly was a nice change of pace from the Goa’uld scenarios they
usually faced.
Stepping
off the elevator onto level 22 Janet headed toward the mess hall and silently
affirmed, of course, with SG-1, you
never know what’s going to happen on a mission.
That was
one of many things Janet had learned while being at the SGC. The flagship team was undeniably
unique. Certainly they’d
had their share of difficulties and failures, but it also seemed that of all
the teams, SG-1 had a knack for encountering extreme situations, and for
often finding rather unorthodox ways out of those situations. In just a few short months SG-1 had
developed quite a reputation, managing to endear themselves to nearly
everyone on the base in one way or another. And Janet couldn’t deny that,
despite her tendency to prefer a predominantly professional relationship with
her patients, the members of SG-1 were quickly becoming what she associated
as her inner circle of friends.
Taking a
cautious sip of the steaming liquid she’d just poured in her mug, Janet
considered how that had happened.
Sam was clearly the first one I
connected with,
she thought as she carefully maneuvered her way back to the elevator. A few months ago, when SG-1 returned
from their mission to find the missing SG-9, she’d noticed that Captain
Carter was much more subdued than normal. But what had surprised her was the way
Sam had dropped by her office later that night. The situation with Captain Hansen had
troubled Carter, but in the end she’d simply needed someone to talk
to. Janet never was entirely
certain why Sam had sought her out, but the result had been the beginning of
what she instinctively knew was going to be a close and long-standing
friendship.
Teal’c…
well, he was still something of an enigma, with his alien understandings and
customs. In order to be capable
in her job, Janet had felt compelled to learn as much as she could about the
Goa’uld. She could still
remember the morning she’d approached the Jaffa, to inquire it she might ask him a
few things about Goa’uld symbiotes. Not only had he graciously agreed,
he’d also offered to allow her to run any manner of tests she felt
might be helpful. They’d
worked off and on for weeks, and while she suspected she’d only
uncovered the tip of the iceberg, Janet felt a lot more confident dealing
with Goa’uld physiology now.
And, she’d gotten to know Teal’c a little better in the
process.
As for
Colonel O’Neill, her prediction proved true – he did require
unique attention. He was
sarcastic, brash, and extremely stubborn. But she’d also seen other hints
of his character, such as honor and trustworthiness. And after SG-1’s mission to
P3X-562, when that crystal entity had impersonated O’Neill, she realized
the man was much more complex, and with more capacity of emotion, than he
ever let on. In fact, he reminded
Janet a lot of herself. And there
was no denying how his team felt about him. They’d proven their loyalty
during the incident on Argos.
And to think I can be focused in
my work, she
mused, remembering how tirelessly all three of them had endeavored to find an
answer to that situation. She
clearly recalled how vehemently Doctor Jackson had argued against General
Hammond’s order to cease their research with the colonel’s blood
samples, and prohibit all further travel to Argos.
Back in
her office now, Janet settled in her chair and took another drink of
coffee. Yes, and then there’s Doctor Jackson.
Nothing
had altered her original impression of him, but whereas she’d gotten to
know the other members of SG-1 over the past several weeks, it seemed
she’d really only gotten to know more about Doctor Jackson.
He was just as friendly towards her as the others had been, but they
simply hadn’t had as much opportunity to interact directly with one
another.
Still,
what she had learned impressed her very much. It appeared he had an almost
insatiable curiosity and love of learning. She could tell he’d taken to Sam
like she was the long-lost sister he never had. His faithfulness to O’Neill
spoke volumes about the depth of their friendship, despite the inane
bantering she often overheard from them.
But perhaps the most compelling event, what spoke to her about Doctor
Jackson’s true character, was what happened when SG-1 went to Cimmeria
and discovered Thor’s Hammer.
The device was a potential means of saving Jackson’s wife, should they be able
to find her. And yet, he’d
chosen to destroy the Hammer, in order to free Teal’c.
Janet
shook her head, silently marveling once again at the sacrifice he’d
made. And she’d never
forget the words Teal’c had shared with her, after SG-1 had returned
and she was running tests to make sure his symbiote hadn’t been
seriously damaged. I do not know what I have done to deserve
the honor of Daniel Jackson’s friendship, especially in light of the
role I’ve played in Sha’re’s fate. But I will live the rest of my life
striving to be worthy of that friendship. I feel I owe him more than I can ever
possibly repay.
Janet
stared at her half-empty mug and lightly ran the tip of one finger along the
rim. I don’t think I’ve ever experienced a friendship quite
like that, she thought. The
seconds ticked past as she wordlessly continued to trace the small, circular
path. I wonder what it might be like… could I ever have the honor of being considered among Doctor
Jackson’s closest friends?
A loud
rapping pulled at her attention then, and Janet looked up to find one of the
medical staff standing in the doorway.
“Doctor
MacKenzie asked me to bring this to you.” The young woman stepped inside and
handed a file across her desk.
“Thank
you,” Janet replied, immediately opening the file and scanning the
contents. She felt a broad smile
forming as she read the report.
MacKenzie’s assessment was that Mr. Littleford exhibited no
undue signs of mental stress or instability. By his recommendation, with standard
military debriefing, Ernest would be able to fully reintegrate into society
again.
She could
hardly wait to share the good news.
Quickly gathering her own file on Professor Littleford, Janet
practically ran out the door.
^ * ^ * ^ * ^ * ^ * ^ * ^ * ^ *
Both
Ernest and Catherine had been in General Hammond’s office when Janet arrived,
so she’d had the pleasure of passing on the results personally. It was always a distinct joy being
allowed to participate in her patient’s celebrations – one of the
aspects of her job of which she was particularly fond – but it had
startled her a little when Professor Littleford had thrown his arms around
her in a bear hug. She was still
smiling inwardly about the exuberant display of his appreciation as she
headed down the steps exiting the briefing room. But as she passed near the control
room, her attention was caught by the sound of familiar voices.
“You’re
not going to keep sulking about this all day, are you?” Colonel
O’Neill’s voice was slightly accusatory.
“I
am not sulking.” Janet didn’t think that Doctor
Jackson’s tone necessarily confirmed his assertion, and the
colonel’s next comment declared he agreed with her.
“Yeah,
sure you’re not.”
“Jack--” But whatever he was going to say was
left unfinished as O’Neill walked out of the room.
She
didn’t make eye contact with the colonel as he exited, but a brief
glimpse of his unguarded expression told her he was more concerned about the archaeologist than irritated with him. She bit at her lower lip, considering
what to do. Stepping forward she
casually peered inside.
He was
standing, gazing out the window towards the Gate. From her angle in the doorway, she
could just make out his profile.
It looked as if his thoughts were somewhere far away, but clearly
something was bothering him.
“Doctor
Frasier?”
Janet started,
realizing one of the technicians had noticed her.
“Can
we help you?” the tech asked.
Suddenly
feeling awkward, she was unsure how to respond. Reflexively she glanced back to Doctor
Jackson and found him continuing to stare out the window.
“Um,
I just wanted to have a word with Doctor Jackson,” she said.
Apparently
hearing his name was enough to break his trance, because he turned to face
her. “What? Oh, hello Doctor Frasier.” He stepped forward, closing the
distance between them. “Did
you say you needed to see me?”
Offering what she hoped was a lighthearted smile she replied, “I just
thought you might like to hear the good news. All of Professor Littlefield’s
test results came back normal.
Once he’s been properly debriefed, he’ll be allowed to
leave the base.”
Daniel’s
answering smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. “That is good news. Thanks for letting me know. Have Catherine and Ernest been
told?”
“Yes. They were with General Hammond when I
went to his office to deliver the report. I just came from there.”
“Ah.” He nodded and thrust his hands into
his pockets as the silence lingered.
“Well,
just thought I’d let you know,” Janet said. Pointing over her shoulder she went
on, “I should get back to work now.”
“Yeah,
thanks again.” The reply
was congenial enough, but his gaze was being drawn back to the window, and
the Stargate below.
As Janet
left she couldn’t shake the nagging sensation that Doctor Jackson had
been preoccupied about something.
I wish there was some way I
could offer help, she thought, but
I just don’t know him that well… I’m sure he’d feel more
comfortable seeking out Sam or Teal’c if he truly wanted to talk about
whatever is on his mind. She
was waiting at the elevator, still mulling over her decision, when she became
aware that someone had stepped up behind her.
“Um,
I actually need to get back to work too,” Doctor Jackson said, offering
a somewhat sheepish half-grin.
The
elevator doors opened and Janet stepped inside. Reaching toward the buttons she asked,
“You’re on level 18, right?”
“Yeah.”
The doors
slid shut and the car began its ascent.
Each reflexively looked down as an awkward silence prevailed.
Unable to
fight the compulsion to say something,
Janet blurted, “That really was a wonderful thing you did, reuniting
Doctor Langford and Professor Littlefield.”
“Thanks,”
he replied, but his shrug was noncommittal.
She eased
her hands into the pockets of her lab coat in an effort to screw up her
courage. “I
don’t… I couldn’t help but overhear part of your
conversation with Colonel O’Neill.
Did something not go well with the mission?”
He was
quiet for so long that Janet feared she’d offended him. Her apprehension intensified when the
elevator halted on her floor, the doors opened, and still he said nothing. Not knowing what else to say, she
simply moved to exit.
Suddenly
his hand shot forward, holding the door open. “I’m sorry,” he
said. “I wasn’t
trying to be rude or anything, it’s just that…” He sighed heavily. “It’s a long story.”
Janet
nodded. “It’s okay, I
understand.”
He ran
his free hand over his face.
“But maybe I can give you the short version.” Propping himself against the open
elevator doorway he continued, “we just found out the Stargate
won’t get a lock back to Ernest’s planet.”
She
didn’t understand the full significance of this, but obviously it was
of great concern to him.
“I’m sorry,” she said sincerely.
“We
found something… something amazing there – a repository of
knowledge from four different alien races. It was – it was phenomenal.” For a moment a hint of sparkle lit his
eyes. Then his expression became
downcast again. “And now we
can never go back.”
Janet
wasn’t sure what to say, so she simply waited, listening attentively in
patient silence.
“The
Stargate on the planet must have been buried in the rubble, or simply fallen
into the ocean when the structure collapsed.” He shook his head sadly. “I wanted to stay behind, to
study the device. I would have stayed behind…”
Janet
blinked, not quite sure she’d heard him correctly. That simply didn’t make sense.
Meeting
his eyes, she tried to make her voice as even and friendly as possible. “Doctor Jackson, forgive me if
I’m speaking out of turn, but why would you want to do that? Surely no discovery, no matter how
considerable, is worth the risk of being stranded off-world or worse yet,
killed? What value is there in
studying something if you’re never able to share that knowledge with
someone else?”
He stared
at her, his expression blank for several seconds, before the barest glimpse
of a smile shone. “You
know, that’s pretty much the same thing Ernest tried to tell
me.” He took a deep breath
and let it out slowly. “In
fact, if it hadn’t been for Ernest, I probably wouldn’t have come
back.”
Janet
recognized that he was genuinely glad to be back on earth, safe and
alive. But she’d also heard
the trace of regret in his voice.
“I think I understand that what you had to leave behind
was… well, it was a great loss for you. But, for what it’s worth,
I’m glad Professor Littlefield was able to convince you to
return.”
His
glimpse of smile broadened.
“Yeah, me too.”
They stood in companionable silence for several more seconds before he
finally went on, “Well, I guess I should let you get back to work
now.”
She
nodded, easing past him as he moved back into the elevator.
“And
Doctor Frasier?”
Janet
paused in the hallway, turning to face him. “Yes?”
“Thanks,
for… well, just thanks.”
“You’re
welcome,” she replied.
She
watched as he pulled his hand back inside the elevator, and the doors slid
quietly shut. Crossing her arms
Janet considered what he’d meant by his words of appreciation. What specifically had he intended to
thank her for? Not that it really matters, I suppose,
she reflected. The point was
he’d expressed his gratitude.
Inwardly smiling she added, and
a word of thanks from Daniel Jackson is no small thing. Dropping her arms to her side, she
turned and headed down the hall toward the infirmary.
~ FINIS ~
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