Charlie#2: Revelations

AUTHOR: Demon Faith
EMAIL: rosabeth@hotmail.com
CATEGORY: Romance, a little drama, Series
SPOILERS: "Charlie" is a must! This is the sequel after all! Other minor references to: Cold Lazarus, Serpent's Lair, There but for the Grace of God, Need, Hathor, Thor's Hammer, Thor's Chariot, Brief Candle, Fire and Water, Tok'ra. A general knowledge is also helpful.
SEASON / SEQUEL: After Season three, and almost directly after Charlie
RATING: PG
CONTENT WARNINGS: A little whumping, and a Gourld. Nothing scary! m/f
SUMMARY: Well, Jack is supposed to be holding a dinner party but is 'unavoidably detained'...
STATUS: Completed
DISCLAIMER: Stargate SG-1 and its characters are the property of Showtime/Viacom, MGM/UA, Double Secret Productions, and Gekko Productions. We have written this story for entertainment purposes only and no money whatsoever has exchanged hands. No copyright infringement is intended. The original characters, situations, and story are the property of the authors. Not to be archived without permission of the authors. By the way, Charlie is mine; so don't steal her!
AUTHOR'S NOTES: Thanks for the e-mails! Keep them coming! This is the sequel to Charlie and there's more coming!

Stargate Command. The first line of defence for Earth, though very few people were aware of it. And SG1 was the best in the SGC. Quite surprising really, considering SG1 wasn’t exactly your regular USAF team.  Sure, it had your typical Colonel in command and his 2IC was an Airforce Major. But the other two members were…slightly unusual. Dr Daniel Jackson, their rather accident-prone archaeologist/anthropologist/linguist, who Jack thought was more trouble then he was worth, and Teal’c, an alien to Earth with an even stranger alien housed in his stomach, which just happened to be Earth’s deadliest enemy. Not your run-of-the-mill team but the best, none the less. The very best.

~

“Get the door Charlie!”

Charlie sighed. She navigated her way across the floor, leaving soggy wet patches as she went. She brushed her hair again and then threw the brush across the room. It landed in the plant pot. Sighing again, she swung the door open.

“Jack!”

Charlie clung to her towel as she faced a very red-faced colonel standing on the doorstep.

“Uh…hi Charlie. Is your…dad in?”

Charlie just stood there for several seconds before gesturing for him to come in.

“Dad! Jack’s here to see you!”

And, with that, she walked over to a little screened-off section of the room, dripping water as she went. Jack shook his head and looked around Daniel’s usually tidy apartment. The floor was strewn with CDs and books and there were a couple of large cardboard boxes hanging around. Daniel wandered out of the kitchen, holding the ever-present cup of coffee and a piece of half-eaten toast. Then, much to Jack’s astonishment, Sam walked out of the bathroom, humming to herself. She didn’t even register Jack, as she kissed Daniel on the cheek and went straight into the kitchen. Daniel just waved it off and made room for Jack and himself on the cluttered sofa.

“Welcome to the mad house!”

Jack raised an eyebrow and lifted a hand to the kitchen where Sam was banging around with a kettle.

“Since when is Sam living here?”

Daniel straightened his glasses nervously.

“Oh, she moved in yesterday. She wanted to be near Charlie.”

Jack kept his own council as to who he thought Sam wanted to be near to. Instead, he held his most innocent expression.

“I see. So, where is she sleeping?”

Daniel started turning a deep crimson. Luckily, Charlie chose that moment to make her entrance.

“Is this okay, Dad?”

Jack’s jaw dropped. Charlie was decked out in plain black hipsters and a white blouse with an open neck. Her hair was half clipped back and she had a pair of gold-rimmed spectacles balanced precariously on her nose. She looked stunning.

“Sure Charlie. That’s fine.”

Jack was too busy staring at Charlie to notice Sam walking in.

“Has Charlie got her pass yet, Daniel? Did it arrive…Holy Hannah!”

Sam dropped her toast but managed to keep a grip on her coffee.

“Sir, what are you doing here?”

Jack dragged his eyes away from Charlie to stare politely at Sam.

“I might ask you the same question.”

A warm red glow started to appear on Sam’s cheeks as she tried to clear away a space on one of the chairs. Giving it up as a bad job, she sat on Daniel’s knee, who in turn put his arm around her waist. Now Jack felt like the intruder.

“So, what did you come for Jack?”

Jack cleared his throat and made his request.

“I was wondering if you guys were free for dinner. That’s you too Charlie.”

He turned to look at the girl who was running around the room picking up various books and sheets of paper, trying to fit them all in one small bag.

“Why didn’t you just tell us at work?”

Jack couldn’t believe this. He was getting the third degree because he had dropped in on Daniel. Damn scientists!

“Wake up people! It’s our day off, remember?”

Sam and Daniel looked at each other, then turned back to Jack.

“Day off?”

They spoke together, in exactly the same voice: the perfect picture of unity. Jack envied them, especially Daniel.

“Yes, day off. So are you free for dinner?”

“Yeah sure. What time?”

That was more like it!

“Seven-ish, I s’pose.”

“Right see you then!”

They were getting rid of him! Well, he wasn’t going.

“So, Charlie, where are you off to?”

“Job interview. Dad, can you drive me?”

Five minutes in the country and she was already picking up the slang. Thatta girl!

“Don’t pester Daniel, Charlie. I’ll take you. Where is it?”

Charlie suddenly found the floor very interesting.

“Um…well…Cheyenne Mountain.”

Jack’s eyes popped out of his head.

“You’re gonna work at the SGC?”

“Shhh! Keep it down!”

There they go again! Same words, same tone, same voice! They must’ve practised.

“Yeah I am. So can you take me?”

“Okay. You ready?”

Charlie nodded. Jack held the door open, letting her through first. He gave Sam and Daniel a sarcastic little wave and then closed the door behind him.

“Ha! We got him!”

“Sure freaked him out.”

And they sat laughing together, unaware that the joke was slowly becoming a reality.

~

“So, what are you doing at the SGC?”

Charlie smiled. She felt so at ease with Jack. Sure, he was her parent’s good friend but she felt something stronger, something she had hoped never to feel again. Her fiancé, a soldier betrothed to her from birth, had been killed in the same raid that had killed her parents. But it was not for him that she pined. She had fallen for a dashing resistant fighter, Anja. She had watched him be executed in her place and the image had haunted her ever since. She hadn’t even told her mum about it. It was the one thing that kept her resolve, kept her emotions in check; the knowledge that love could put people at risk. But this love would not be held.

“I’m going to be an archaeologist.”

Jack raised an eyebrow.

“Lifelong ambition?”

Charlie chuckled softly. Jack’s sarcasm made her heart lighter, just like the man himself.

“Not quite. Dad’s been talking about it a lot. I’m supposed to have a degree but General Hammond thinks Dad is a good enough teacher. I might even get to go through the Gate!”

Jack laughed silently at the youthful enthusiasm in her voice. What was he thinking? This girl, this kid, was fifteen! He was three times her age, and some. The thought that she could ever fall for him was totally absurd, especially with Sam and Daniel as parents. If they had any sense, they would keep the two apart. But, as Jack had often thought, Sam and Daniel didn’t possess much actual common sense. Jack flicked on the radio and classical music began to flow.

“Spring, from The Four Seasons, by Vivaldi.”

Jack turned to her in astonishment, almost crashing into the car in front.

“You like classical music?”

“It’s all we had. I love the rhythm.”

Charlie closed her eyes and lightly began to sway. Jack looked at her sculpted form, admiring the perfectly formed lines and clearly defined features. He tried to concentrate on driving but she started to hum, her voice melodious and sweet. Jack turned back to the road, and tried to push the angel from his mind.

~

“So, this is the mountain.”

Charlie shut the door with a smart click. Jack walked with her to the gate, and got her signed in. She flashed her pass, and with one of her lovely smiles, got them in all on her own. They took the lift to sub-level 28, the home of the Stargate. Jack showed her to General Hammond’s office.

“Colonel! Isn’t it your day off?”

“Yes it is sir. I’ve just brought Charlie.”

General frowned.

“Charlie? Oh, you mean Charlene Jackson?”

“Uh…yeah. Well, here she is.”

Jack ushered her in. She approached quite shyly. The general pulled himself straight.

“I don’t often let civilians into the SGC, but with your…parents being on SG1 and your outstanding performance from last month, you have the position.”

Charlie smiled with one of her glowing smiles.

“I won’t let you down, sir.”

“Right…Colonel O’Neill will show you to your post.”

“Yeah, come with me Charlie.”

  General Hammond couldn’t believe his eyes. Jack kept well away from the base on his off-days, yet here he was showing around a fifteen-year-old girl. Make that a pretty girl, and by the way Jack was looking at her, maybe the next Mrs O’Neill? General Hammond shook his head. Even if Jack did feel something for this girl, he would never let it show. He was too proud, and his heart was still scarred with memories of Sara, and of Charlie. No; the pain was still too strong.

~

“And this is Daniel’s office. Seeing as you don’t have a room yet, we’ll set you up in here. That alright?”

He was going to so much trouble. Jack had a team of marines moving a second desk into Daniel’s office for her, and had even cleared up most of the mess, something he usually left well alone. Charlie was so grateful. She needed some work to get on with, a task to focus on.

“It’s fine. Thanks Jack…I mean, Colonel!”

Jack smiled. The kid was so eager to impress, so full of life. Yet again, she reminded him of Daniel.

“So, you ready for your first assignment?”

Charlie nodded and Jack set a tablet down in front of her.

“SG8 found it. Think you can translate it?”

Charlie looked over the curved symbols, then nodded. Cuneiform: a simple language, in fact, the first Daniel had taught her. He wanted her to be an archaeologist but linguistics were an added bonus, especially at the SGC. She was a fast learner and had soon picked most of it up.

“Hmm…it says; ‘Sunsets and moonshine, shadows and light; My fairest and dearest, queen of the night.’ Well, it’s a poem; maybe an offering to a goddess, or a love poem for a partner. Where exactly did they find it?”

Jack stared at her in utter amazement. Within ten seconds she had translated the obscure symbols into romantic poetry. Daniel couldn’t do better!

“How did you do that?”

Charlie looked at him quizzically.

“What? The translation? It’s really quite simple, sir.”

Jack nodded, dumbstruck.

“I…see. So, you’re a pro…”

The base alarms sounded. The hallways were filled with the wails of the klaxons, as the computer announced a Gate room security breach.

“Follow me, Charlie!”

Charlie stood up and ran after Jack, dodging smoke streams and soldiers as she went. They finally reached the Armoury and grabbed some rifles. The door wouldn’t open! The heavy metal door had no power and Jack and Charlie were on the wrong side of it. With a sigh, Jack collapsed against the wall.

“Looks like we’re gonna be here a while…”

~

They sat in silence for a while, looking around their metal prison. It was Charlie who struck up conversation.

“So, this happen often?”

Jack smiled tightly.

“Base emergencies, yes. Getting locked in the Armoury, no.”

“Right. Jack…I don’t know…much about you. Could you tell me…anything?”

Jack paused for a moment. Which parts of his life weren’t classified? Which parts could he share? Using that process of elimination, he couldn’t tell her anything. But he could try.

“Well, I’m Colonel Jack O’Neill and I’m in the USAF. Most of my time is spent in this GODFORSAKEN building and off world. The rest of the time I’m either asleep OR WORRYING. THAT DO YA?”

Jack immediately felt guilty. Charlie’s eyes were wide and Jack could see fear in those dark brown circles. He had lost his temper and snapped. He walked slowly over to her and laid a hand on her shoulder.

“Gee, I’m sorry. It’s just…my life’s so difficult to explain.”

 “I know how you feel.”

Charlie’s voice was soft and quiet, reflecting a hidden sorrow that Jack could understand, could relate to. This girl had a demon in her past and Jack had to get it out of her. But first he had to exorcise his own.

“My son…died when he was very young. It was…my gun that killed him.”

Charlie looked straight up at him, a wise understanding in her youthful eyes.

“Your gun?”

“I left it on the kitchen table. He…shot himself with it. He was called…Charlie.”

“I understand now.”

“Understand?”

“When you first met me, you asked Mum why I was called Charlie. You were very angry about it. I…would be too.”

Charlie fell silent and stared off into space. Jack sat down beside her, a gentle arm across her back.

“Something you want to tell me?”

“His name was Anja. He was my…best friend. We had a…forbidden love. The elders found out. He was…executed in my place.”

Charlie broke down into tears, leaning against Jack. He stroked her hair gently and pulled her close to him. Make that a big demon. She cried softly, her tears soaking his jacket. The floodgates had opened.

“Shh Charlie. It’s alright, it’s alright…”

Jack trailed off as she pulled herself up and away from him. She seemed almost embarrassed.

“I’m sorry, Colonel.”

“Oh no, no, no, Charlie. Please don’t be sorry. The best thing I ever did, apart from saving Earth, was telling someone my troubles.”

But Charlie wasn’t interested in that anymore.

“Saved Earth! Wow, Dad didn’t tell me about that!”

Yeah, well he wouldn’t. Daniel wouldn’t want to be reminded of the whole alternate reality thing, never mind the fact that he had almost lost his life yet again. He probably hadn’t told her about the sarcophagus incident either. Or about Hathor. Not that Jack wanted to talk about HER, but Daniel had obviously left gaps in ‘the story’.

“Well, I don’t think your dad told you absolutely everything. Not all our Stargate memories are…happy ones.

“I know about…Amonette, and Hathor; Mum told me that. Dad told me about Thor and Samaria. Other than that, I only know some basic facts.”

Bingo! Jack had hit the jackpot. A topic they could both talk about, which carefully avoided all the painful memories. Well, most of them.

“Did your parents tell you about…Nem?”

Charlie shook her head. Jack began his tale…

~

“Then Sam did this hypnosis thing and we found out we’d left Danny behind. Sam was quite worried at that point and…”

“Please continue.”

A truly captive audience. Even better, a willing captive audience.

“Anyway, we went back to the planet and Daniel swam towards us. He wasn’t exactly pleased about us going in his apartment but he lived with it.”

Charlie nodded sleepily. That was the second time she had heard that particular story. In between was the Princess Shyla ‘adventure’, the Tok’ra stories and all the various alien cultures they had met. It all sounded like a fairytale, a happy-ever-after dream. But it was real, oh so real, and many people had died along the way.

When Charlie had first met Jack, she had thought of him as a pure soldier, someone to be respected, and feared. But beneath the military bravado was a very sensitive man, a very proud man, who wouldn’t let his weaknesses show. Very much like Charlie herself. Her own personal philosophy was: ‘Emotion is a curse: hide it all away. Tears are often shed; but not from your eyes’. Her ‘parents’ thought totally differently. They believed that emotion was a benefit and that you must never hide anything away. Still, she had managed to keep her ideals intact, until she had met Jack. Now, all of a sudden, she had confessed, broke down in front of him and trusted him so deeply, as she had never trusted anyone before. What was it about him that made her trust him? She had no idea, but she was glad of it.

“You want me to tell another?”

Jack was looking tired. My call, thought Charlie.

“How about I tell you some stories?”

Jack smiled.

“Yeah sure.”

~

“We tried to defend to few buildings we had left. Then Anja catapulted a massive rock into the fighter. It exploded straight away! We kept them back for another day.”

“Some story! How did you do it?”

Jack was as excited as a kid at the fairground. Charlie shook her head sadly and tears pricked her eyes.

“We didn’t. They captured us all the following week.”

“Still a great story.”

Charlie smiled faintly. They had been there ten hours now. She shivered. With the heating off, the inside of Cheyenne Mountain was pretty cold. She leaned against Jack, hoping he was warmer. He enveloped her in his arms and brought her close to him. She could her his heart beating solidly in his chest and the steady rhythm soothed her to sleep.

~

“Where is he?”

Janet paced up and down the driveway outside Jack’s house. Teal’c observed her calmly.

“Pacing will not bring O’Neill to us, Doctor Frasier. It will only waste energy.”

This didn’t stop her pacing. If anything, it quickened it. Eventually, Teal’c stepped out in front of her, placing his hands on his shoulders. Janet looked at the impassive face and giggled. She leaned against him and he wove his arms around her back.

“Oh I’m hungry, Teal’c!”

“As am I, Doctor Frasier.”

“For heaven’s sake, Teal’c! Call me Janet.”

“As you wish, Janet.”

Just then, Sam and Daniel came down the road, hand in hand. They broke apart as they approached Jack’s house, stopping altogether when they saw Janet and Teal’c.

“Holy Hannah!”

Sam muttered her astonishment, as Daniel just stood there, dumbstruck.

“When did that happen?”

“Goodness knows.”

Slowly they walked up, not wishing to disturb the couple but also unwilling to completely sneak up on them. Janet disentangled herself from Teal’c when she caught sight of Sam.

“Sam! Daniel! What a pleasant surprise! Just trying to keep warm, you know?”

Sam smiled nervously and Daniel adjusted his glasses. They didn’t believe a word of it.

“So, where’s Jack?”

Sam and Daniel looked at each other.

“You don’t know?”

They all stared at each other blankly.

“We thought he was out shopping.”

“We thought he was here, with Charlie.”

“Charlie’s missing too?”

“And where exactly is Cassie?”

Janet stared at Sam in shock.

“Argh! I left her at the base!”

“The base?”

“No, not the mountain. The ambulance base!”

“Then go get her, Janet!”

“I will accompany Janet.”

Janet and Teal’c ran to the car, hurrying to find Cassie, leaving Sam and Daniel standing in Jack’s driveway, getting colder by the minute.

“The base! Let’s ring Cheyenne and see if they ever left.”

“Ring the base, Sam? From where?”

Sam slapped him playfully.

“Cell phone, Daniel!”

“Oh…you can ring the base.”

Sam smiled sympathetically. The last time Daniel had used a cell phone was just before a great honking statue had fallen on top of him and he had yet another encounter with Hathor. Not the most pleasant set of memories. He still had nightmares about the first time they had met Hathor. But then Daniel Jackson’s sleep was always filled with painful memories; of Sha’re, Hathor, Princess Shyla. Poor Daniel had his fair share of nightmarish memories and Sam, yet again, couldn’t do a thing about it. It was very strange between them. Daniel seemed to do so much for her, and she seemed forever in his debt, but he wouldn’t hear a word of it. He would just say: well, what are husbands for? And, when he did have a problem, Sam could never help him with it. She felt so useless.

“Sure. I’ll phone.”

Sam fished the phone out of her pocket and quickly dialled up the base.

“This is Lieutenant Graham Simmons. This is a base emergency! Help us, please help us!”

The phone was slammed down and the line went dead. Sam bit her lip and put the phone back. Daniel gave her a look of concern.

“Come on, Daniel. We have to get to base.”

~

Jack gazed down at the beautiful figure lying across him. Her peaceful sleep erased the deep worry lines that usually creased her soft skin. Jack stroked back a strand of black hair, trailing his fingers across her delicate features. Pure unblemished skin and smooth silky skin, a fallen angel in his lap.

It had been thirteen hours since the power cut, and Jack was getting hungry. Oh no; dinner! Jack glanced at his watch again. Eight o’clock!

Charlie shifted at his movement and drifted into consciousness.

“Jack?”

“Right here, Charlie. How are you feeling?”

“Hungry.”

Charlie pulled herself up and her hair clip clattered to the floor. The thick mass of black curls bounced slightly as she moved, catching the dim light. Jack bent down to pick up the clip and turned her away from him. He ran his fingers through her hair, before pulling the top strands together and into the shiny metal clasp.

“Thank you.”

Charlie turned to him and placed a hand to his cheek. Jack put his hand over hers, keeping it pressed to his face.

Click! The lights brightened and the door started to power up. Charlie stood up, gently pulling away her hand. Then all hell broke lose.

~

“Okay; first stop-Armoury.”

Daniel nodded. They were still in their casual clothes but Sam had assumed her military aura. That made him the archaeology geek. How he wished that wouldn’t keep happening!

~

Jack reacted first, grabbing a rifle and firing a spray at the Jaffa. Charlie stood dumb for a few seconds before Jack pushed her into the cupboard. That woke her up! Jack had found a good cover spot behind a gun rack but to use her liberated handgun (ironically, Daniel’s) she needed to leave the relative safety of her cupboard. Oh, what the hell! Charlie jumped practically through the doors and fired her full round. Bad move! A Zat blast hit her, jerking her to the floor. Then she felt something explode above her. Her back was on fire! She felt a cool rush of water, before the shooting started again. Then Charlie found her advantage. In all the confusion, a single grenade had rolled towards her. Summoning all her reserve strength, she released the pin and threw…

~

Sam and Daniel were blasted against the wall. Sam fell to her feet, undamaged. But Daniel, being Daniel, had got his arm trapped behind him. Sam eased him off the wall and he fell into her arms, limp as a rag doll. Damn! Sam checked his pulse. Faint, but steady. Sam had heard Jack shout, seen the grenade explode. Making a rash decision, she left Daniel by the wall and ran for the Armoury. Oh no! Remains of Jaffa and Horus guards splattered against the wall and Jack leaning against the gun rack, unconscious. But Charlie, sweet Charlie, lay on the floor with the grenade pin still tightly clutched in her hand. Her back was badly burned and she was floating in a pool of water that was growing by the minute.

“Oh hell!”

Jack stood over them now, and Sam was surprised to see tears in his eyes.

“Is she…dead?”

Sam presses a finger to her neck.

“No, she’s alive. She’s not in any danger, Colonel. Most of these wounds are superficial.”

Jack fell to his knees, muttering fervent apologies. Sam had never seen him so distraught. She ran to the wall and knocked the gushing water pipe back in place before it caused a flood.

“Uh…sir, what happened?”

“I have no idea, Carter. Charlie and I have been locked in this room for thirteen straight hours. We had no idea the Jaffa were coming.

“You mean there could still be Jaffa loose on base?”

Jack’s eyes widened in shock. Why hadn’t he considered that? His hand moved unconsciously to Charlie and settled protectively on her shoulder. Sam’s eyes also went wide, but she leapt up and ran screaming for…

~

“Daniel!”

Hathor looked up at the intruder; the annoying captain that always seemed to wreck her plans. And it was all going so well. Hathor’s hand pinned Daniel helplessly to the wall, the life draining out of him inch be inch. She would take great pleasure in watching him die. Slowly the Tau’ri started to lift her hands in surrender but, instead, pulled out a strange piece of metal and threw it at Hathor. It went straight through her personal screen, causing her to shriek and run, flinging Daniel hard against the wall. Sam ran forward to catch him before he hit the floor, sinking to her knees under his weight. She cradled him in her arms, whispering soft reassurances in his ear. And, just down the corridor, Jack said the same, gentle words to Charlie, his fallen angel.

~

“I have such a headache!”

Sam chuckled. Janet and Teal’c had soon arrived at the summons of General Hammond and were now tending to the many wounds inflicted on SGC personnel. Hathor had wrecked havoc with the place. She had caught then on a graveyard shift and her Jaffa had blasted the place to pieces. Luckily, they were only aiming to stun. In fact, the worst injury was Daniel’s broken arm; and he hadn’t even been there for most of it!  Jack was feeling a little guilty, but was wearing it off by playing games with Cassie, as they sat on the edge of the Briefing Room table, the only piece of furniture still intact. Charlie was still unconscious but Daniel was making his presence felt. Loudly.

 “Aw, come on Doc! We’ve got dinner!”

Jack looked up at that comment. Hmm; dinner? Well, he was certainly hungry. Anyway, why was the infirmary…in the Briefing Room?

“Um…Doc? Why have you set up shop in a…warzone?”

Janet blushed slightly.

“My infirmary…was raided. It’s quite…damaged. Okay then, it’s a wreck but I’m attempting to get over it, okay?”

Jack smiled. Not that an annoyed doctor was going to get him anywhere, but at least he was having fun. He registered a low moan from behind him.

“Well, hello Sleeping Beauty!”

Charlie mumbled something obscure in Abydonian, causing both Sam and Daniel to stifle giggles.

“So, how are you feeling?”

“Fine. Let me get up.”

She levered herself off the table in one swift movement. Then the headache set in and she started to sway. Jack leapt off his perch and grabbed her firmly round the waist, causing her to wince. Janet was just about to protest when she remembered the numerous occasions she had tried to keep Daniel in the infirmary. Her latest medical report read something like: If there’s one thing I’ve learned from working here, it’s how you just can’t get an archaeologist to stay put. Daniel had forced himself up, despite suffering from oxygen deprivation and a broken arm, as well as two separate concussions in the space of ten minutes. Charlie was hampered by her IV, which Jack quickly removed, and then started asking for her glasses, which Daniel promptly handed to her. Neither of them looked too happy.

“So, is dinner still on?”

It took a moment for Jack to realise the question was directed at him. He scratched his head.

“Actually, no. I’m not really much of a cook anyway.”

“I’ll cook.”

Everyone turned to face Charlie, staring at her in disbelief. She shrugged.

“I’d love to cook. What have you got in the larder?”

~

“That smells great Charlie!”

Charlie smiled as she stirred the thick stew. She had learned to cook quite well since coming to America. Her parents were rarely in, and if they were, they were usually totally exhausted. It was Charlie’s small way of saying thank you; cooking for them when they were half-asleep.

“Hey! That’s red wine! Remember Cassie? And you’re underage too!”

Charlie squirmed under Daniel’s glare.

“Aw, give the kid a break, will ya?”

Jack placed an arm on her shoulder as she continued to add ingredients to her stew. Daniel had to admit it smelt delicious and Jack did have a point; although, Charlie didn’t take well to being called “the kid”.

“I think it’s ready.”

Charlie lifted the pot off the stove and brought it into the main room. Everyone was seated around the table, all very hungry. General Hammond couldn’t make it, and secretly they were all quite glad of the fact. There were a few cheers as Charlie carried the pot through and placed it in the centre of the table. There was a rush for the ladle but Charlie pushed their hands away.

“I’ll serve!”

Charlie dished out stew to everyone and nobody waited on ceremony. They were all famished and tucked in readily. It didn’t take long for the giant pot of stew to disappear and then everyone collapsed on chairs around the TV. Charlie went to make coffee and Cassie fell asleep almost instantly. Sam leaned against Daniel and Teal’c had his arms around Janet. When Charlie came in, there were no comfortable chairs left, so she settled herself on Jack’s lap, snuggling against his soft jacket. They stayed like that for a couple of hours before they drifted off to sleep.

But something kept Charlie awake. She pulled herself around to look at the peaceful figure beneath her. What if he didn’t love her? What if he didn’t like her at all? Charlie had to be certain. Slowly she leaned forward and gently presses her lips to his. And she felt him kissing back! They stood up, lips still locked; his fingers were entwined in her hair and she slipped her hands up his shirt to dance across the sensually hot skin. They moved around the room, dancing to a silent beat. They swayed towards a doorway and fell through. Charlie hit the soft bed with a thud, laughing lightly. Jack’s finger brushed her lips and she fell silent, enraptured in his presence. They settled there together, content to just be in each other’s arms. Jack felt a great reluctance to lead this young girl into something too strong to go back on. She was too pure, too innocent, too trusting. Jack wouldn’t be a man if he took advantage of his best friends’ child. So they lay in silence, sleeping in a peaceful security only love can give.

~

Jack stumbled out of his room, rubbing his eyes. Still half-asleep, he made his way into the kitchen, where his blurry vision suddenly cleared. He crept up behind her and wrapped his arms around her slender waist.

“Mornin’ Charlie.”

“Mornin’ Jack.”

“Whatcha doing?”

“Making coffee.”

Jack nodded in approval. Then he saw the tray. Six cups! Charlie followed his gaze and chuckled.

“Yep, they’re still all here. Come see!”

Charlie playfully took his hand and led him into the lounge. Daniel was lying across the sofa, Sam’s head on his chest. Teal’c was in the armchair, with Janet relaxed against him. They all looked so happy; it seemed a shame to wake them. But Jack had a sinister streak and he wanted to see their faces.

“Alright folks, rise and shine!”

Sam’s eyes snapped open, as did Teal’c’s. Daniel and Janet were a little slower to wake up and Sam had to give Daniel a gentle slap before he would even open his eyes.

“Do we have work today?”

“ ‘Fraid so. Charlie’s first mission.”

 “Whose team?”

Even at eight in the morning, they were speaking in unison!

“SG8. We’re revisiting the ruins.”

“Oh, we have to go back to Kynthia’s planet. Not that Jack’s upset at the prospect.”

An instant flame of jealously fired in Charlie’s eyes and Jack stared at the floor. Sam nudged Daniel so hard that his glasses fell to the floor. Wordlessly, Charlie passed him hers.

“Clumsy klutz!”

While all the supposedly mature adults stifled giggles, even Teal’c (!), Charlie went to get the coffee. They all straightened themselves on the chairs, Daniel complaining about his arm, which Sam had been laying on all night. Charlie plonked the tray on the table and everyone scrambled for cups.

“So, when will be seeing you again, Charlie?”

“Oh, somewhen.”

Daniel choked on his coffee at Charlie’s pure disregard for the English language.