[Deleted]

2010-2015
Colorado Springs
Earth

Fee sat in the bar, her Croc-clad feet banging softly against the bar stool she was perched on. This particular pub was one she knew, one she frequented. The bar tender, an older man she knew only as "Drake", which she was pretty sure was NOT his real name, was counted among her few friends. She smiled tiredly at him, and he smiled back.

Rough day, Maccafferty?!

Fee nodded. The man's soft Cockney accent was a comforting, soothing reminder of home. TH
his pub was meant to be an English pub, and she could find all the comforts of home here. She decided on her order, and replied.

The worst. I need a Bushmills, two fingers. And the one-and-one. Extra peas?" The man nodded, and a few minutes later, a highball of Irish whiskey was in front of her, and the smells of fish, chips, and mushy peas were wafting from the kitchen behind the bar. She sipped her drink and glanced around. She'd invited the others-sort of (she'd more or less said she was going to Murphy's Pub on the Beltway), but no one from the mission-or NASA-was here. Good. She liked when she could be anonymous.

A bit later, she was running a soggy fry through her mushy peas, and then a familiar voice interrupted her blissful silence. She whipped around, her red hair falling around her face and shoulders. She pulled it out of her mouth, and nodded to the person who stood there.

Alloa!

Tagged: Open

[Robert "Bobby" Oxford Jr]

2015
Colorado Springs
Earth

Since they were really doing this, Bobby had dragged Matt along - more or less- to the local bar for the last time; for now. A gate that was a vehicle for light years journey in matter of seconds was nevertheless might blowing. They had to be crazy to consider taking this assignment and since they had. There was no going back now. Picking up his drink he eyed the door as the red-head entered and ordered. His own was whiskey on rocks. "How did you do it?" he asked Matt as the question was nagging for hours now.

"Do what?" Matt asked popping a handful of mixed nuts into his mouth. He damm well knew what Bobby was asking him. He wanted to hear out the Captain's mouth personally.

"Leave the kids behind?" he was being blunt.

Sighing the Navy Officer leaned on the table, "Not by choice," he admitted, "Wasn't easy either. Sure Mom and Dad were around, but..." he let the unspoken say alot.

When military said jump, Bobby got the idea, nodded, and picked up his drink, "I don't..." he wondered if he even had to voice what he was asking. Matt knew very well.

Lifting the glass to his lips, "I know." then took a dose of the amber liquid, "It's not easy; wasn't meant to be. We just have to make the best of what we have." That including making this project a success. "And you said yourself, I need someone to pick my butt when it falls."

"A$$hole," he muttered, then bit the bread stick that was on the table, "don't b!tch when you get shot at."


Tag: Anyone who is jumping in

[Koren Telion]

2015
Colorado Springs
Earth

Koren hit the end button on the screen of his iPhone and put his head in his hands. Katie couldn't have taken the news of his new assignment any worse, and what made it worse than that was that he was off-base 'celebrating' the new assignment with his colleagues. He could have invited Katie (he should have invited Katie), but Koren tried to keep his sister out of the SGC's crazy, contagious, alien-filled world as much as possible. The last thing Koren needed was Katie becoming possessed by a Goa'uld or attacked by Wraiths or used against him in any way. Koren needed her at arms length on these missions or he would become far too emotionally compromised.

So it was just him. Just him, an air force credit card with no spending limit, a bar and great guilt. This is a recipe for disaster, Koren thought, but he knew better than to stay out in the car where his thoughts could wander and make things worse. He needed to escape reality for a bit.

Sighing, Koren opened the door to the car and walked into Murphy's. Koren scoped out the joint, looking for familiar faces. Koren caught the eye of Captain Oxford, but he knew better than to give himself permission to join them. Just then, his eyes caught a glimpse of something familiar and Koren almost smiled in spite of himself.

Koren stopped behind Miss Maccafferty and spoke up, trying not to startle her, "Hello, Fiona."

She whipped around, her red hair falling around her face and shoulders. She pulled it out of her mouth, and nodded to Koren. "Allo!"

"Mind if I join you?" Koren said, gesturing to the spot to her immediate right. 

<TAG Fee>

[Deleted]

Fiona saw the blonde Army man, and nodded once. She felt a familiar warm sensation creep across her face. She often blushed when singled out, even in a good way. Most especially by males, wether she fancied them or not. She was also feeling a bit guilty, as if she'd been caught doing something not entirely nerdy. She knew it was silly, but she felt it. However, the Irish parts of her would never die, and when Irish people were upset, they drank their cares away. 

Hello, Fiona...Mind if I join you? She shook her head. She didn't mind. 

No. Tis open. How are you, Lt. Telion? She chose his rank and last name as address. It was respectful, even if he'd called her "Fiona." Her official title was Technical Analyst, but that was a mouthful, and TA sounded horrible. So she supposed Fiona would do, though she had the inital reaction of shrinking as though in trouble, for she was only called Fiona by her family when she was bad. 

She glanced sideways at him. She had so many questions, and, with another highball of icy amber liquid, they would tumble out, but for now she was in full command of her factulties. Fee never drank enough to lose control. She had seen that in her uncles, and some of her aunts, and it was a dirty life, and one sh didn't wish for. But one more would suffice to calm her. The carbs and fat of the fish and chips would help, too. Already, she was feeling better. 

What brings you here today? She blushed. What a stupid question. Why else did people go to pubs but to drink?! Well, in Uni, Fee had done a paper on the amount of germs found in bars, but most normal people didn't go to bars to put litmus paper on the bar stools. She was sure that Koren wasn't here for that reason. She glanced around, and spotted the Oxfords. In the back of her mind, the manners she'd been taught rang out. She must go and say hello sometime tonight. She looked back at the other man. 

Advice, if I may. Avoid the blood pudding. The one here is very salty. She brought her glass to her lips. A sip more, and she relaxed just a little. She was getting more comfortable with interacting with others, but it was still not easy. Her therapy had helped some, as did her father's reminders that she was meant for brilliant things. He was SUPPOSED to say that, though. He was her da, and the only parent she really had. Her stepmum was fine, but not the same. 

One more surruptious glance over the horn frame of her glasses. She cleared her throat, and poked at her peas with the side of one of her pieces of fried fish. 

When you said that we will be safe, what did you mean? What is out there? Fee was blunt, sometimes to the point of rudeness, but she believed firmly in full disclosure. It was easier and less painful. 

[Koren Telion]

"No. Tis open." Koren squeezed in between the redhead and flat drunk, burly man to her right. "How are you, Lt. Telion?" She asked as he sat down.

Koren sighed, a very sad, pained look crossing his eyes, "Do you really want to know?" He left it at that. He'd been to hell and back (almost literally) and still his one weakness was when his sister got upset with him. But Fee didn't need the extra weight of Koren's emotional struggles on her already strained psyche right now, Koren mused. He turned his head and just looked into her eyes, trying to read where she was at, how she was really doing; the poor girl must have be extremely overwhelmed.

"I never ask a question that I don't mean," She said, holding the eye contact, "Likewise, I also say nothing I never mean. I always speak of things directly. My therapist says I am blunt, and don't understand rhetoric. I am working on that, though. It's a coping mechanism."

Koren nodded in reverance, "I can respect that. I always try to be as honest as possible, and people often say I'm far too frank and deep in my conversations, so it's nice to find someone as blunt as me," He said with levity.

"What brings you here today?" She said, blushing and turning away. Caught drifting into his own attempts to understand this girl he'd just met, Koren started and said "Oh! ...well, your impromptu invitation actually. You said you were headed here and I thought it sounded like a good idea, last night before the mission and all. I think some of the other members of the team thought it was a good idea too."

Koren turned to the bartender, "Drake! Last night before a mission!"

Drake, looking over his shoulder at Koren, smiled a big, wicked smile and said in a low voice, "Bourbon?"

Koren chuckled a little, "Bourbon," He replied.

"Oh, you know Drake?!" She said, a slight bite in her voice. Koren turned to her again, very sensative to the change in tone, "Do you come here often? I've never seen you about"

"Only before missions with the other teams, which I've been having a lot of lately," Koren said, accepting the glass from Drake, "But we usually leave midday, so we're happy hour folks generally. But this'll be the last drink I'll have for awhile, I think. I act in accordance to on-duty regulations while off-base because of...personal experience with some badly handled situations."

"Advice, if I may," said Fiona, bringing her glass to her lips, "Avoid the blood pudding. The one here is very salty."

"Noted!" Koren said, the grin he had intended refusing to cross his face. He also noted the significant lack of alcohol in the female glass. She's worse off than I thought, Koren thought, but then again...shes Irish, so...

Suddenly she turned full on towards Koren, "When you said that we will be safe, what did you mean?" She said, intently searching his eyes for the answer, "What is out there?" Koren was speechless for a moment, examining her eyes again. How much should I tell her? 

Koren's mouth found words before his brain was ready for them, "There's a lot of races out there that would love to see us earth-folk dead," He said in a hushed tone, turning back towards the bar, as to not be overheard. This was all extremely classified after all, "and many of them have tried to eliminate us through the Stargate or from orbit. Do you remember Antarctica? That was not the first nor the last time we've been attacked by aliens on this planet alone.

Koren turned again to face the lass, "What I mean by safe is that we have some of the most experienced SG personnel on this mission. Many of us have lived in offworld colonies for the past many years and have seen things and been through things that-"

Koren broke off for a moment, looking quickly down at the floor to cover the tears coming to his eyes. Koren tried not to remember, but it was no use...

Koren couldn't tell what was going on. The intense flashes of light, the turbulence rocking his yoke and shaking his body and the intense flood of cries and battle reports coming across his still amped comm threatened to completely disorient him. Koren focussed on one thing: Not letting anything get in the way of the black of space he was streaming towards at full throttle. Multiple impacts caused Koren to counter with not-so-subtle inputs in the yoke, and Koren all the while kept his hand pushed hard into the throttle.

As the initial shock of the sudden engagement wore off, Koren's mind cleared up enough that he could take in the situation; Shields were holding but at most %50. All the targeting sensors were still going crazy, and Koren took his hand off the throttle for a moment to switch off the overcrowded HUD. He was just trying to get out of the cross-fire, and he didn't need firing solutions and weak-points for that, and furthermore Koren's overactive brain was doing that for him, but it didn't take him long to figure out his next course of action; get out of the Titan's jamming signal and radio back to the Illiad.

Koren couldn't help but think that he was doing in real life what Han Solo did in Star Wars V; the debris from exploding ships, the insanity of fighters and the flurry of projectiles he was dodging was quite reminiscent of the asteroid field in said film. It was by sheer luck (or the force) that Koren was maneuvering this moving minefield. All Koren could do was aim for open space and fly his heart out.

Finally, Koren broke free, took his F-302 about a click out, and spun his fighter around to analyze the battle. Koren's heart jumped into his throat. Two or three F-302's had escaped as well, but the bulk of his and Cromin's flights were stuck in the fray, and Koren could make out a few signature pieces of debris from some already eliminated fighters. They were losing pilots fast in this mess.

Koren opened his comm, which was still boosted. "Illiad, Aeneid, this is Eagle 1 reporting in." Koren said with urgency, "Both enemy forces have engaged each other. Eagle and Ghost are caught in the crossfire. Please respond!"

Koren caught himself looking back up at Fee, her expectant face waiting for the end of a sentence Koren didn't even have any recollection of beginning. Koren locked eyes with her and simply said, "Good men will lay down their lives before ever letting any of those things touch you." Koren looked away and brought his glass to his mouth to cover wiping away a tear. Katie, and now this?

"That's what I meant by safe." He knew he had just been far too intense for the poor girl and had probably scared her quite a bit more than she was already, but what was done was done; he couldn't take it back now. He just hoped she wouldn't clam up, even though she had every right too; he liked her quirky shyness, and he could see she was a very intelligent woman, and on top of all that Koren had a strange feeling ever since he met her that there was a possibility of a deep friendship there. Koren just hoped he hadn't ruined it right then and there.

<TAG Fee>

(This flashback is copyrighted by Stargate Delta)

[Deleted]

Do you really want to know? She nodded. 

I never ask a question that I don't mean...likewise, I also say nothing I never mean. I always speak of things directly. My therapist says I am blunt, and don't understand rhetoric. I am working on that, though. It's a coping mechanism. She returned to her drink. She had learned young to always be precise-if you misspoke, people got hurt. Like when her father said her mummy had to go away. What he didn't say was that she was abandoning them and never returning. He had said it as though she was simply running out to get some cream. 

Fee shut her eyes momentarily. She didn't wish to revisit that now. It was a memory that haunted her, late at night, on those rare occassions that she could drift off into sleep. Fee never slept much. Her mind was too active, and flipping the switch was uncomfortable for her. When Fiona wasn't actively solving probles, her subconcious led her to think of things better forgotten. 

Koren continued. She wondered if she'd ever be able to refer to him as anything but "Lt. Telion." Perhaps. Fee never had many friends, and she had been taught deep respect-many years of Catholic girls' school had taught that-it'd almost been the Rosemeade School for Girls' motto. 

Oh! ...well, your impromptu invitation actually. You said you were headed here and I thought it sounded like a good idea, last night before the mission and all. I think some of the other members of the team thought it was a good idea too. Fee nodded. 

Oh, yes. I spotted Captain and Admiral Oxford on me way in...do you suppose I shall go and say hello?! 'Twould only be polite. She sighed. In her head, her Aunt Maura was wagging a short, stubby finger at her, yelling in Celtic about good girls and manners and getting ahead. She focused instead on the man next to her. He seemed tense, though Fee was never good at reading people. Most people got highly agitated and acted out before she realized that there was a problem. She was making progess, though. Sammy, her boss, had helped, as had her sessions with Dr. Kliengeld, the government psych that Nasa forced her to see once a week. 

Drake! Last night before a mission...Bourbon Fee gave him a LOOK. Drake was HER friend. Whoa, possesiveness was never good, Fiona, she reminded herself. Instead, this gave her an opportunity. 

Oh, you know Drake?! Do you come here often? I've never seen you about... Not that Fee paid much attention-she was usually working as she ate/drank, or was in one of her introspective, introverted moods. Hell, today had been a total drain on her personal resources. Fee was unused to having to be perky and up, and it exhausted her. 

The mood turned darker, as she ate in silence, listening to Koren's voice. 

There's a lot of races out there that would love to see us earth-folk dead...and many of them have tried to eliminate us through the Stargate or from orbit. Do you remember Antarctica? That was not the first nor the last time we've been attacked by aliens on this planet alone. She nodded. She'd been on the team from NASA that had been observing the interaction. She'd been only an intern then, not allowed to actually SEE anything, but from her comm station, she'd HEARD enough. She'd been warned-in the US government way-to keep her mouth shut, and she had. The only "person" she'd told was Jacques, and sice he was a dog, she felt comfortable he wasn't about to repeat it. 

What I mean by safe is that we have some of the most experienced SG personnel on this mission. Many of us have lived in offworld colonies for the past many years and have seen things and been through things that...Good men will lay down their lives before ever letting any of those things touch you.That's what I meant by safe. She gazed at him intensely for a moment. Men who cried weren't to be judged...he'd obviously been deeply changed by whatever horror he saw, and she was but a child playing at an adult's game in comparasion. She handed him her napkin. Her voice was soft, but her accent thicker from the revelations of the day. She needed to recharge soon. 

I fear that, during my life, I've been very sheltered. I have seen some terrible things, but nothing compared to war, to death, to fear. And at NASA-we don't see the evil of war. We only see the math of it...we know the stats-that one in three soldiers will die. That our rockets are 20 times more likely to malfunction against those of advanced cultures. I know those things...but it seems as if I don't know much....and. I appreciate the honesty. 'Tis important to me to know.... Fee's exposure to evil was it happening TO her, but not as a witness, knowing it full on. Fee was a victim of sexual violence, but beyond that, she had never experienced the loss of a friend, or the maiming of a fellow colleague, or destruction of people's homes and lives. She'd read about them, sure, but..it was never the same. She raised her eyes to his once more. 

My intel says we are safe to cross the Gate, though...I got an eyes only clearance for this mission. She sighed. She tried a different track to change the subject. 

How long have you been with the Stargate Programme?! Is it difficult for you to tell people? Me da thinks that  I am going to India to start their space exploration program. I can't tell him what I am doing...it wold kill him. Does it ever get easier?? Fee was close to her father, and thus, she worried constantly about his approval. She needed it, she lived for it, but she had a sinking feeling that she had made a mistake in not telling him where she was really going. That part wasn't classified, after all. But Liam had been acting out lately, so she hadn't wanted to stress him more. Me da, me stepmum, and my brother are my only family, save extended ones in Ireland...does it get easier to cope with leaving them behind? Fee shut up so she wouldn't say too much-Koren didn't need to know any more.

[Koren Telion]

Koren took the napkin, his heart warmed a bit with the care Fee was showing him. "I fear that, during my life, I've been very sheltered." She said in a soft tone, clearly not trying to impress anymore as her accent thickened. "I have seen some terrible things, but nothing compared to war, to death, to fear. And at NASA-we don't see the evil of war. We only see the math of it...we know the stats-that one in three soldiers will die. That our rockets are 20 times more likely to malfunction against those of advanced cultures. I know those things...but it seems as if I don't know much....and. I appreciate the honesty. 'Tis important to me to know...."

Koren's eyes betrayed the sadness and empathy his heart was feeling towards the civilian; she was about to receive a rude wake-up call. There was no doubt a good reason why the base they were about to investigate and it's extremely useful and advanced technology hadn't been touched in a couple thousand years, and it was probably something they'd have to overcome.

But Koren didn't have the heart to say it...not yet. He'd warn her before she went through the gate sometime, but right now, he didn't know how much more his heart could take. "Always," is all Koren could manage in a nearly inaudible voice.

Fiona's eyes met his once more, "My intel says we are safe to cross the Gate, though," she said, her eyes pleading with the reality that Koren knew, "I got an eyes only clearance for this mission."

"Of course," Koren said matter-of-factly, "Gate travel is the safest way between two points ever devised, and is the safest part of our job in the Stargate program." Koren knew that wasn't the response she was looking for, but Koren didn't know what else to say...he found himself feeling very protective of Fiona; he wanted to keep her from the truth of gate exploration as long as possible. She'd read mission reports, but it's not the same thing as realizing you're about to forge the front line yourself.

Fiona sighed and looked down for a moment before returning with a question. "How long have you been with the Stargate Programme?! Is it difficult for you to tell people? Me da thinks that I am going to India to start their space exploration program. I can't tell him what I am doing...it wold kill him. Does it ever get easier??," She paused for a moment, searching the floor for her words, "Me da, me stepmum, and my brother are my only family, save extended ones in Ireland...does it get easier to cope with leaving them behind?"

Koren looked down, another tear falling down his cheek. Katie...

"Fee..." he said, looking back up at her, "I'm sorry...but it only gets harder. My sister-" he broke off; he couldn't bare looking into Fee's expectant eyes, eyes that were asking for comfort that Koren couldn't in good conscience give; not when the truth was so much harder to say. But the truth is what she spoke, and what she needed to hear. Facing the bar, Koren continued.

"My sister, Katie...she lost her husband- my best friend, Connor, who got shot down right next to me in Afghanistan. Katie...she was lost, broken, inconsolable. It was all I could do to be by her side as she grieved, but she needed support, and I couldn't support her from home, not while I was employed. I started looking for some way to move up in the air force, maybe get better benefits. The SGC heard I was looking for advancement and gave me an offer I couldn't refuse.

Koren took a deep breath, "They said they take care of Katie's every need if I agreed to sign on to the SGC, site-unseen. So I did it; it was what Katie needed. Every expense paid, every need tended too, counseling, psychology, therapy paid for, house looked after. They followed through on their word.

Koren turned to Fee, "But through my 8 years of service to the Stargate program, there was one need the air force could never fill;" Koren choked up a bit and fought to keep control of emotions that were surfacing against his will, "Katie's need for her brother to be home."

Koren looked away again, fighting back the tears, his jaw setting as it did when he became overcome with emotion. It looked like anger, but it was just a feeble attempt to hold on to what was left on his dignity, "This is my last off-world deployment, Fee. It's time I come back home for good after this...however long this is...I owe her that much."

Koren was hurting, all of his emotions coming to the surface for the first time since Connor died. Why now? Why with someone he didn't know at all? Then Koren realized the reason, a reason he'd never seen before, and a reason that put even more sadness on his heart; Fee was the first person since Connor who truly listened to him and who at least seemed like she cared about what he was going through, even though she didn't have much of an idea what it was, and for Koren and his lonely past, it meant more to him than it really should have. Or at least that's what Koren thought.

Koren met Fee's eyes again, "Fee, I think you should tell your dad as much of where you're going, what you're doing, as you can. Fee," Koren put his hand on top of one of hers, "I'm lucky to be here. Most of us who've stepped through that gate owe our lives to a soldier or civilian who laid down theirs to save us. I think you owe it to your dad to let him know that you're going to be out of contact for awhile. If something were to happen, you don't want the first time he'd learn about it to be when one of us, maybe even me, comes to his door and tells him that his daughter's gone to be with God."

Koren knew this was heavy, but he also knew that they'd be stepping through the gate tomorrow and the chances of being able to phone home again were at best 50/50; Offworld events never went as planned, at least not in Koren's experience, and Koren's quick attachment to Fee led him to feel the need to warn her of the truth that lies beyond the gate. Koren could feel Fee's tension through the heat of her hand...

Koren suddenly realized he may have crossed a line and moved to take his hand away.

<TAG Fee>

[Deleted]

Fiona brought her glass to her lips. This was her last drink of the evening, if she was going to call her da. She should. She knew this. So she would need all of her faculties intact for that adventure. She would surely upset him, and that was the worst thing. Her father's opinions mattered to her. She hadn't socially matured much past 13. Not that it was totally her fault, but she knew she needed to grow up. 

Always Good. They understood each other. Fee was finally feeling safe enough to relax. She ate some as Koren continued his story.

Of course, Gate travel is the safest way between two points ever devised, and is the safest part of our job in the Stargate program. SHe nodded. It made sense. She could tell that Koren was trying to censor himself for her. She gazed at him, her brown eyes reflecting his sadness. It made her ache for him..what was his secret? What was he leaving behind? SHe couldn't imagine if she had a child or husband or boyfriend to tell the news to. 

I see...I suppose I am lucky. I don't know-not really-what is out there. I don't feel the fear of the known. Just the unknown...if that makes sense. She sighed. Sometimes things that made perfect sense to her didn't to others. 

Koren's food came, and Drake set it in front of him, giving the duo a strange look. Fee's tired mind registered it, but didn't analyze it. She was too overwhelmed. 

Fee...I'm sorry...but it only gets harder. My sister...My sister, Katie...she lost her husband- my best friend, Connor, who got shot down right next to me in Afghanistan. Katie...she was lost, broken, inconsolable. It was all I could do to be by her side as she grieved, but she needed support, and I couldn't support her from home, not while I was employed. I started looking for some way to move up in the air force, maybe get better benefits. The SGC heard I was looking for advancement and gave me an offer I couldn't refuse. Fee felt her heart beat faster. She felt sorry for his sister-not pity, but a shared sense of loss. She smiled a tight, sad smile, but waited, because she sensed he wasn't finished. He was gazing intently at the bar top. 

They said they take care of Katie's every need if I agreed to sign on to the SGC, site-unseen. So I did it; it was what Katie needed. Every expense paid, every need tended too, counseling, psychology, therapy paid for, house looked after. They followed through on their word. She filed this bit of info away for future reference. In case something happend to her...out there. He faced her, and continued. 

But through my 8 years of service to the Stargate program, there was one need the air force could never fill...Katie's need for her brother to be home. Fee wiped her face with her sleeve, as a child might. She hadn't realized that she, too, had teared up, but she had. Nothing had fallen-Fee wasn't a crier by nature, but his story was unnerving. She couldn't think of anything to say that didn't sound pitying.So she looked to the ground for a moment. 

I have a kid half-brother. Liam. If something happened to me, I imaigne it would kill him. We're close...Katie is lucky to have you, I think. How is she now?! I understand the pain of loss...you never really get over it. She looked at him, held his gaze. It was nice to interact with someone on a similar plane to you. Drake quietly placed a Coke in front of her. Good old Drake. 

This is my last off-world deployment, Fee. It's time I come back home for good after this...however long this is...I owe her that much. Fee nodded. She agreed. 

That's probably a good idea. Fee could see the other opportunites that it might present, as well. Is there anyone else? A Mrs. Telion? Babbys? Fee was trying to make small talk. She was too tired anymore to care if it was appropriate or not. Koren wasn't finished, though. 

Fee, I think you should tell your dad where you're going, what you're doing, as much as you can. Fee...I'm lucky to be here. Most of us who've stepped through that gate owe our lives to a soldier or civilian who laid down theirs to save us. I think you owe it to your dad to let him know where you're going. If something were to happen, you don't want the first time he'd learn about it to be when one of us, maybe even me, comes to his door and tells him that his daughter's gone to be with God. She felt his hand on hers. She could feel the heat of her own emotions, and the weight of his. SHe blushed. IT was nice though-the first time in a while that man not related to her had touched her without hurting her. He realized his touch, and pulled away. SHe wanted to stop him, but didn't want to seem forward. 

I will. Thank you...and it's OK... She reached for her Coke, the hand he'd touch still tingling. She turned to him. 

Would it bother you if I phoned him now? I could use some support..me dad can be a bit tough... 

[Koren Telion]

"I will. Thank you...and-" she looked straight at him, into him it felt like, "-it's OK..." Koren knew she was referring to the hand contact. Koren turned away, blushing a bit himself, unsure of what to say. Fee reached for her Coke and turning towards him said, "Would it bother you if I phoned him now? I could use some support..me dad can be a bit tough..."

The unusual nature of the question surprised him, and while his brain tried to analyze why Fee trusted him so much so quickly, his heart was quicker to answer "It wouldn't bother me at all," he said placing his almost untouched glass of Bourbon on the bar and resting his arm next to it. As Fee began searching for her phone, Koren continued, "And to answer your question, there's never been a Mrs. Telion. To be completely honest, women don't find me that interesting, and my job makes it hard to have relationships that are within regulation and aren't stranding someone here on earth. Not to mention that with the death rate so high..."

Koren trailed off, his mind coming back to rest on Connor, his best friend, his brother-in-law. Koren was the only one to see his ashes, and they were burning in the white-hot fire of jet and rocket fuel on in the desert floor of Afghanistan. He remembered Katie's face when he told her the news, and he could feel each punch to his gut delivered by her in her sorrow-filled anger like they were tearing holes in his heart. He'd never let go of the feeling that it was his fault that Connor was dead, and to be honest, Koren wasn't even sure if Katie had forgiven him...

"...I could never do that..." Koren said, coming back to earth, "Not to someone I care about..."

Koren could see the tears welling up in her eyes and felt terrible for making her cry. The last thing he wanted to do was make her sorry for joining the program, but she continued the eye contact and said tenderly, "I understand that. Still, it must get lonely, having no one to call. What if your sister isn't home when you get a chance to phone?!"

"To be honest, she doesn't do much these days," Koren admitted, sighing a bit, "She doesn't have a social life...or a family, not with me gone..." Koren left it at that. If Fee wanted to know more about his terrible family situation, she would ask; it still held a bitter spot in his heart for him. But one thing she said did get to him; the loneliness. It got very lonely through the gate, but through all of Koren's years of service, nobody had ever cared enough to see how lonely he truly was, and to be honest, he was afraid to admit it. But there was something about Fee that made her look that deep into him, something that struck home for Koren.

Koren watched in silence as Fee pulled out her phone, in awe of how such a simple looking woman could be so complex; how such a brilliant mind could be so fragile; how such a gentle soul could have so much fire. Fee was a dozen contradictions at once, but at the same time, put together it all made sense, and the more Koren spoke with her and the more she slowly revealed, the more Koren's heart went out to her. It was clear to Koren that she was struggling with her past as well, and even though Koren had no idea what it was she was struggling with, Koren knew undeniably that he cared for her. He wasn't sure what that meant or in what way, but he knew he deeply cared about her, and this was not all to unusual for Koren, but within him was the tiniest sliver of hope that maybe this time something would be different. Maybe this time everything would line up.

But Koren put those thoughts away quickly; they would not help Fee, not now as she began to dial. Koren gently touched her shoulder and looked very intently into her eyes, trying to reach the deepest part of her heart; if this message set there, Koren hoped it would comfort her enough to deliver the hard news she was about to impart to her father: "I'm here for you, ok?"

<TAG Fee>

[Deleted]

Fiona fished around in her bag, searching for her mobile as she listened for Koren's answers. It was strange, how deeply they were connecting, as if they'd needed to find each other. Fiona wasn't sure if she believed in fate, and Protestantism had been so deeply entrenched into her mind that she knew all the books of the Bible alaphebetically, and could recall verses as she could her own name. But she didn't know if she possessed the ability to suspend logic required to be a true believer. Sometimes she felt as she dabbled in it-her father hadn't been religious, but her mother was devout, and the aunt and uncle who raised her during her early childhood were Catholic. 

It wouldn't bother me at all...And to answer your question, there's never been a Mrs. Telion. To be completely honest, women don't find me that interesting, and my job makes it hard to have relationships that are within regulation and aren't stranding someone here on earth. Not to mention that with the death rate so high... Fiona fixed a gaze on him, and nodded. Of course. She'd forgotten that there were rules about miitary personnel interacting on an intimate level. She could understand how it would be awkward. Especially if things went south. She thought for a moment of Sammy. She'd slept with him...he said he loved her. But he was married. So how could he love two women at once?! He was in the Air Force. She was just a civillian, so it wasn't against protocol. Just immoral. Fee had been forced, though-he threatened to fire her if she didn't. Did morals really count in blackmail?! She didn't know. She knew it hadn't mattered when the Professor attacked her, either. Morals were loose when it came to intimacy and Americans. Particularly those in power. 

I could never do that...Not to someone I care about... Except his sister. But it sounded as if he had no choice. She knew if something happened to her father and Syd, that she'd move heaven and Earth for Liam. She'd join the Merchant Marines. She'd sell her hair for wigs. She'd do whatever it took to ensure him a good life. So Fee just nodded. 

I understand that. Still, it must get lonely, having no one to call. What if your sister isn't home when you get a chance to phone?! Fee hadn't meant that to sound harsh. She meant it truly. She took a deep inhale as she dialed  Boston. It seemed so far away. She'd dialed her father's desk, knowing she'd find him there. He always did work in the evenings on the books. She used to do them for him before she went to college. They'd spend thier evening teatime looking over the numbers and revamping the budget. 

[bi]Daidí! Tá sé dom, Fiona ..-Daidí! Tis dom, Fiona. Tá mé ag iarraidh a insint duit ... go maith. Cuimhnigh conas a dúirt mé go raibh mé ag dul go dtí an India?! Dealraíonn sé Bainim athshannadh go dtí an Rúis ... Fágaim le haghaidh Moscó amárach .... Tá mé leithscéal as nach insint duit níos luaithe, ach tá sé saghas nóiméad deireanach.[/b] Simon Maccafferty was used to his daughter's directness. She could hear his labored breathing down the line. He was upset. She tried a different tack. He replied in Irish, as well, telling her he was disappointed that she told him on the phone. She tried not to cry as she thought of something to say to reassure him. 

Tuigim....Daddy. It was last minute. Sammy was supposed to come, but our boss switched us last minute.. It wasn't entirely a lie. Sammy WAS supposed to come. But she'd known about the switch for a few weeks. 

Her father told her he understood that it was for work but that he wished she'd told him sooner. She nodded. She hated disappointig her father. She always felt like she had to succeed more than others to please him. To make up for her mother leaving. That he wouldn't love her unless she was perfect. ANd it was bloody exhausting being perfect all the time. She was the good child, the one who did as she was told, and still called her old oun nightly, whilst Liam was more feckless. Now, she was letting him down. She was behaving like her brother. SHe glanced at Koren, and raised an eyebrow, pleading for help. What shall she say??

She tried one more time. 

Da. Geallaim agam go mbeidh mé ag glaoch nuair is féidir liom ... agus r-phost laethúil. Beidh mé a bheith díreach fíneáil. Is é mo oifigeach ceannais an-iontach, agus an blokes míleata a chinntiú go mbíonn dom beidh mé a bheith sábháilte. That seemed to assauge him*. She smiled. Is breá liom tú. Labhair leat níos déanaí, yeah?Mo is fearr chun Syd. Agus póg Liam dom.She hung up, with a sigh, and turned to Koren. 

Well, he's not happy. I messed that up, didn't I?! Brilliant, Fee. She said the last part more to herself. Then she picked up her Coke and drained it. Looking back at Koren, she smiled a bit. 

Thanks for your help. I appreciate it...you should eat. 

*Translation 1--Daddy! Tis me, Fiona. I am calling to tell you...well. Remember how I said I was going to India?! It appears I've been reassigned to Russia...I leave for Moscow tomorrow....I am sorry for not telling you sooner, but it's sort of last minute.

*translation 2-Da. I promise I will call when I can...and email daily. I will be JUST fine. My commanding officer is very brilliant, and the military blokes assure me I will be safe.

*translation 3-I love you. Talk to you later, yeah? My best to Syd. And kiss Liam for me.

[Koren Telion]

Fee's face changed as she registered the phone picking up, and she began to speak, "Daddy! Tis dom, Fiona. Tá mé ag iarraidh a insint duit ... go maith. Chuir NASA dom an Clár Stargate. Fág mé ar na bhárach ... 08:00 géar. Tá mé leithscéal as nach insint duit roimh ..."

Koren had absolutely no clue what she was saying to her father, but Koren also knew that him knowing didn't matter. What did matter was that he was there for her if something were to happen. As Fee listened to her father speak, more tears came to her eyes and Koren placed him hand once again on hers to comfort her, and he closed his eyes and began to pray; nothing in specifics, just that Fee would be comforted and would find the strength to carry on the conversation.

Koren could feel Fee's hand warm as she spoke again to her father, this time in english, "Tuigim....Daddy. It was last minute. Sammy was supposed to come, but our boss switched us last minute.." Koren could tell she was lying, but lying to protect family was almost as much a way of life in the Stargate program as walking through the event horizon was, but Koren knew that such things were new to Fee and that military secrecy and partial truths were something she was going to have to learn, even if she wasn't happy about it.

Fee's hand winced suddenly, and Koren looked up to find Fee looking at him intently, pleading with her eyes for something to say, an answer that would get her out of having to do this. Instead, Koren took her hand in both of his and squeezed it gently, Keeping eye contact with her, speaking as loudly as he could within his head You'll be ok; He'll be ok. This is what he needs. Just say what you need to say; he will still love you.

She tried one more time, looking away to find her father in a dark corner of the bar, "Da. Geallaim agam go mbeidh mé ag glaoch nuair is féidir liom ... agus r-phost laethúil. Beidh mé a bheith díreach fíneáil. Is é mo oifigeach ceannais an-iontach, agus an blokes míleata a chinntiú go mbíonn dom beidh mé a bheith sábháilte."

Something she said must have gotten through to him and she smiled. Koren breathed a sigh of relief and smiled himself and she continued, "Is breá liom tú. Labhair leat níos déanaí, yeah?Mo is fearr chun Syd. Agus póg Liam dom." She hung up, with a sigh, and turned to Koren.

"Well, he's not happy."
"Clearly."
"I messed that up, didn't I?! Brilliant, Fee." Her sarcastic grin and self-deprecating language pulled Koren's heartstrings.
"You did the best you could given what you could tell him." Koren answered honestly, "There's a reason you're here; you're needed here. The fact that his daughter is needed, really truly needed, should give him some comfort. And he'll always love you, regardless of what you end up doing or where you end up going, regardless of whether or not he approves. He wouldn't be so upset if he didn't care about you."

Koren squeezed her hand again, "He clearly cares about you a lot."

Koren let go of her hand, and she picked up her Coke and drained it. Looking back at Koren, she smiled a bit. "Thanks for your help. I appreciate it..." She looked away for a moment, "You should eat."

Koren looked at his stone-cold food and chuckled, "To be honest, I wasn't really hungry when I ordered this. It was really just starch for the Bourbon." Koren looked back at Fee with a mischievous look on his face, "I was planning on getting totally snockered tonight and just passing out on the floor, but-" Koren looked to the bar, then smiled at Fee, "-you've kept me sober, and...I think that's a good thing. So...thank you," He said genuinely.

Koren told Drake he was finished and jumped off the stool, grabbing his coat. "Thank you, Fee, for listening to me, and for talking to me at all. It really means a lot." Koren turned to go, but then stopped in his tracks and turned back around to face Fee; might as well ask. Koren held out his hand to her;

"Would you want to go on a walk?"

<TAG Fee>

[Deleted]

Fee was grateful for Koren's presence. Just having someone THERE, even if they weren't actively DOING anything, was helpful. Kind of like how she relied on her therapist to guide her through things. Or, when she was in Junior School, like Maura. Maura was the closest thing to a best friend Fee had ever had, and Maura had been there for Fiona. She listened. She held her hand when Fee gave speeches to the class-and the mean kids would make fun of her. Maura had even shared her food with Fee when things were tight and her dad could only send her with soup. Thank goodness he'd met Syd when he had, or else Fee would've died of starvation by now. 

She hoped that Koren wasn't frightened by her sudden neediness. Fee never realized that she behaved the same way, wether in public or private, and that he'd been warned during their breifing. Fee was unaware of things that most women were-she wasn't aware that she was pretty, not aware that she dressed badly, unaware of her tendencies to talk too much. She just was. She exsisted as the person inside, with little regard to properness or what other people thought. It wasn't healthy self-esteem. It was a simple combination of being raised almost solely by a man, her family's very Irishness, and her natural introversion. So having deep conversations with perfect strangers wasn't totally odd to the young woman. But it might be odd to her companion. SHe'd lived long enough in the "real world" to figure out subtle clues. But so far, if Koren minded, he wasn't acting so. 

Somewhere during the course of their conversation, Koren had taken back hold of her hand. She wasn't sure what to think of this, but it was nice. He was warm, and since she was so small, it was hard for her to warm up externally, as well as internally.  He was still holding it. He spoke to her, soothingly. 

Clearly.... She gave him a LOOK. Not helpful. You did the best you could given what you could tell him. There's a reason you're here; you're needed here. The fact that his daughter is needed, really truly needed, should give him some comfort. And he'll always love you, regardless of what you end up doing or where you end up going, regardless of whether or not he approves. He wouldn't be so upset if he didn't care about you. He clearly cares about you a lot. She set er jaw. She wasn't convinced. 

I don't know...I COULD have told him last week, when I went to Boston to ask him to subleas my flat whilst I was in India....And I am not sure he loves me. He NEEDED me, though. My mum left us when I was six, so...he needed me to help him. I suppose he does love me...most other people would've put me in hospital by now, I think. I have depression. Sometimes it gets out of hand. She sighed. She wasn't sure why she had told him that. What about you? Besides your sister, what does your family say? 

Finally, he dropped her hand and she finished her Coke. He said he wasn't hungry. 

To be honest, I wasn't really hungry when I ordered this. It was really just starch for the Bourbon...I was planning on getting totally snockered tonight and just passing out on the floor, but-you've kept me sober, and...I think that's a good thing. So...thank you... She nodded. 

I was planning on getting...snockered, too, but if me da calls back...he doesn't like it when I drink too much. Says it's unbecoming for a lady. I hate to tell him we're Irish, and I don't think it counts...it takes a lot for me to be too drunk. I mean, a LOT. But yes...being sober right now is good. The food is nice, though. You should take t to go, at least. Might be your last real meal for awhile, right? She hadn't even thought about the food on the Stargate. The minor details always escaped her. 

Koren continued, standing up. 

Thank you, Fee, for listening to me, and for talking to me at all. It really means a lot. She smiled. It had helped her, too. 

You're welcome. I think I am finished, as well.She tossed some money on the bar. It helped me, too...anytime, ok? She looked around. It was early still, and she was all ready to go, so she might as well head back to her temporary quarters and get a jump-start on comms. But Koren interrupted her thoughts. 

Would you want to go on a walk? She thought for a moment. She didn't really HAVE to get a start on the comms-no one would use them for a bit, anyway. Plus, she was overanaylizing again. And talking more with this man might be nice. She nodded. 

Sure. She picked up her tote, and slipped her cardigan over her t-shirt, and took his hand. Maybe this mission wouldn't be so bad.

[Koren Telion]

"Sure," Fee said, picking up her tote. She slipped her cardigan over her t-shirt and took Koren's hand. The warmth of her hand told Koren that she was a bit nervous or excited or both, so Koren tightened his grip a little to assure her she was safe and led her outside.

As Koren walked out, he took a deep breath of the fresh Colorado air and looked around. Northeast Colorado Springs was always lit up at night, though it was pretty quiet.

"It's a gorgeous night, isn't it?!" Fee said, taking a deep breath of the mountain air as well, "Reminds me a bit of Rosemeade...that's where I am from in Ireland. It's a suburb of Dublin, lots of farms. That's what we do-the Maccafferty's. We raise sheep, and make cheese and things to sell at market" Koren smiled a bit, imagining a younger Fee tending to a farm. True, Koren had never been to Ireland, but the mental picture of her talking to the animals in what Koren imagined were some pretty foggy, rainy, green hills made Koren wish a little more for the rainy, lushly green climate of Washington state once more. 

Koren tried to rack his brain for a good place to walk to. Koren then remembered it: Boddington Park. Less of a park than a little spot of green within the suburb, but it was nice a quiet and, at this time of night, private.

But, Koren reminded himself, It's not the destination that matters, but the journey. He mentally scolded himself for the use of the cliche, but he knew it was true. "Mind if we walk for a bit?" Koren asked Fee.

"No. I dont mind..I could use a walk." She said, "I did a lot of sitting today. Are all briefings so bloody long?"

Koren gave her a smile. "Most of them. We don't do much unless we're on a mission; just paperwork, so the guys get a little socially starved. The briefing is the most talking many of them will do in a day."

He led her south along CanAm Highway. Koren couldn't help but be reminded of the walks he and Katie used to take when his parents were getting unreasonable. Walking down to marina park, sitting on the shore just looking out at lake washington, seeing the lights of Seattle glittering on the waters. Koren longed for those simpler days.

Koren snapped himself from his reverie; he knew he couldn't keep thinking of Fee as he thought of his sister. Fee was very different from Katie in many ways, but one of the biggest ways was that she was in the SGC and part of that family. But the more Koren thought about Fee being in the SGC, the more questions kept popping into his mind.

After walking for a few minutes in silence, Koren turned to Fee again, "So what brought you to the SGC? Why is a civilian contractor like yourself being brought into the most top secret program in the military? And why do you think you were chosen for an offworld assignment like this?"

<Tag Fee>

[Deleted]

It was a lovely night in Colorado Springs. She'd spent a bit of time here-NASA's military business was mostly with the Air Force, and sometimes the Navy, and the Air Force had a base here, along with the Academy. She had come to do some training, and to write computer simulation applications for the Air Force. But it was different than Pasadena, where she spent most of her carreer, at the Linear Accelator, or even DC, where she was currently assigned. She followed Koren, and felt his hand tighten around hers. She smiled as the pure mountain air hit her lungs. 

It's a gorgeous night, isn't it?! Reminds me a bit of Rosemeade...that's where I am from in IReland. It's a suburb of Dublin, lots of farms. That's what we do-the Maccafferty's. We raise sheep, and make cheese and things to sell at market. It had been an interesting childhood. Fee was a bit of a tomboy, and she'd loved to ride horses through the pastures-much to her uncles' chagrin, and to nap in hay bushels with the sounds of baby sheep cooing around her. They'd had a few other animals-two horses, a few cows, some chickens, duck, and some turkeys her uncle had bought from America, and rabbits. Lots of cats, as well, and a few farm dogs. No pigs. Fee hated pigs. They were mean, and dirty. But she'd had a pet chicken-Colleen-that nested in the sink in the carriage house where Fee slept. Her aunt had hated it, said that Fee would catch disease. She hadn't-not from the chicken, anyway. Instead, she'd caught Scarlet Fever from school once. But Colleen was always her friend. It had hurt deeply when it was time for the old hen to be put to pasture-and served for Sunday dinner. To this day, Fee couldn't eat chicken. 

Koren had seemed far away, but he spoke to her once more. SHe wouldn't pry as to why he was quiet..she figured he would tell her if it was pertaintent. Still, she wanted to know more about him. He turned to her, a look in his eye that she took as reflection, as she was now. 

Mind if we walk for a bit? SHe shook her head. She did not. 

No. I dont mind..I could use a walk. I did a lot of sitting today. Are all briefings so bloody long? Even at NASA, staff meetings never lasted more than an hour. People had actual jobs to do, and the government frowned at their employees sitting idly. THey began a short trek, which was no problem...Fee was physically fit, and she wore comfortable shoes. 

The duo walked in some silence for a bit before Koren turned to her. He seemed to have a destination in mind, and Fee was surprised to find that she wasn't afraid of where he would lead her. She instnctvely felt safe-not exactly trustful, but safe, nonetheless. He spoke to her, his questions direct. She appreciated his frankness. 

o what brought you to the SGC? Why is a civilian contractor like yourself being brought into the most top secret program in the military? And why do you think you were chosen for an offworld assignment like this? She sighed. How much could she tell him? Since she operated on a truth-is-the-best kind of motto, she spoke. 

Mostly, because someone needs to keep the systems running, and Stargate would rather you men fight and let me handle the technical stuff...but also....NASA sent me to gather Intel. There are rumors of other countries, even other worlds, developing deep space exploration tools, and NASA is interested. I volunteered...didn't know what it entailed, though. THey honestly told me it was more or less like Star Trek-I would be on a ship, safe, and just running data most days... She had finally come to terms with the fact that her employer had lied. She didn't understand the WHY of it, but she gathered a few things along the way today. So here I am. Plus, I think they considered me an expendable assest, in case things go south. I am without a family, and a thorn in their side...some things happned to me during the course of my tenure with NASA, and so if I disappear, so do those issues... She was purposefully vague about the situation. She would tell him one day...just not now. No reason to bring up horrible things when the night was nice 

They stopped outside the entrance to a park that Fee didn't recognize. She grew just a little weary. She had a choice-run now. OR stay, attempt to trust Koren, and see what happened. She chose the latter. She just hoped she wouldn't regret it later. 

So is this it?! 

[Koren Telion]

"Mostly, because someone needs to keep the systems running," Fee said, "and Stargate would rather you men fight and let me handle the technical stuff...but also....NASA sent me to gather Intel. There are rumors of other countries, even other worlds, developing deep space exploration tools, and NASA is interested."
Developing? Koren said, scoffing a little bit under his breath, WE'RE the ones behind on deep space exploration...

Koren let her continue, "I volunteered...didn't know what it entailed, though. They honestly told me it was more or less like Star Trek-I would be on a ship, safe, and just running data most days... So here I am. Plus, I think they considered me an expendable asset, in case things go south. I am without a family, and a thorn in their side...some things happened to me during the course of my tenure with NASA, and so if I disappear, so do those issues..." Koren knew better than to ask what it was that had happened from the way she avoided eye contact as she said it, and the way her hand pulled a little away from his at that moment. Koren knew that, if she ever told him, it require a lot of trust first, trust that he could not expect to earn on the first day having met her. But whatever it was, it had hurt a lot more than just her pride...it had cut deep; Koren could see it in her eyes.

But something else caught his attention more, "Fee," He said, looking at her as they walked, "Don't think of yourself as expendable. You're definitely not expendable to your father-" Or to me, he wanted to say. Koren's heart's affinity to form quick bonds with deep commitments was surprising him again, but Koren knew that saying that much might scare her. Koren knew that his deep care for her meant nothing more than that, at least at this stage. Koren often found himself taking people under his wing if they made a strong interpersonal connection, and him and Fee had to quite a large degree in Koren's mind. 

Koren would not let Fee get away with devaluing herself like that, not without being told that she was wanted her as well, "In my experience, the Stargate program only enlists the best of the best. If you weren't good at what you did, really, REALLY good, you wouldn't be here, Fee. And that's the truth." Koren had a feeling that this little nerd's true colors had yet to shine, and Koren was looking forward to the day that they did. Seeing Fee on Fire would be an amazing sight. "So don't think for a second that you weren't hand picked for this mission; the SGC does it no other way. And don't think for a second that you aren't cared about here," Koren caught himself before he went into more depth; he didn't want to scare her. Koren knew that his care for her was as harmless as it was strong. He didn't want her thinking Koren was aiming for a one-night stand; Koren doubted he'd be able to pull that blind-fold over her eyes even if he'd wanted to. Fee was quite sharp.

The two crossed one last street and stopped at the entrance to the park. Fee started, and Koren could feel her hand pulling away from his, so he let it go and turned to her, waiting for her reaction. Koren realized that in a sad way this was a test of the trust they'd already built. Way to go, Koren thought to himself, Already testing the trust of someone you met today...sheesh... Koren looked down sheepishly, a little ashamed.

"So is this it?!" Fee said, looking around the park, or what served for a park in suburban America, looking less than impressed. They were nothing like the sprawling arboretums of P7J-989, or the expansive oceans of Atlantis (Koren missed being able to sit by the shore. Maybe there was a shore where they were going), but it would have to do for now; Koren had no idea why he had brought her here, but Koren trusted his heart and his instincts.

Koren tucked his hands in his pockets, swaying from side to side, a bit like a schoolboy who was just caught doing something embarrassing, "Yeah...I know it's not much, but it's the nicest park without having to walk for 45 minutes, and it's generally pretty quiet, " Koren was speaking straight from the heart with no filter, and found himself surprised by what was coming out as much as he knew Fee probably was as well, "You've been under a lot of pressure today, under a lot of scrutiny. I thought you might just want to take a load off-" Koren reached for her tote, and slinging it over his shoulder, he led her towards a park bench at the center of the park and continued, "-and just rest a little bit."

Realizing what this looked like, Koren quickly qualified as he sat down, "No pressure, no expectations. We can talk about whatever's on your mind, or we can just sit quietly and do nothing."

Koren turned to her once more, "I know the Stargate Program is a lot to take in in a day, so I just wanted to give you a chance to process a bit..." Koren looked down, trying to find the right words, then looked back up at her "...and let you know that you have friends here who care about you." Koren knew he could only speak for himself, but he hoped that would be enough to make her feel comfortable

<TAG Fee>