Episode Seventeen: Protocol and Deceit

[Adam "Sly" Collier]

1810

Having slipped into the conference room relatively unnoticed, Adam saw several people he recognized. This type of event was one he had always enjoyed, particularly when it involved a tough son of a gun like Karl Biggio. Sure, he was a mechanic essentially, but the man didn't get the nickname 'Bear' from the hair on his chest. Looking around the crowd, he spotted several cadets, mainly from SGA-2 so far. Despite being in orbit, the security for the event was still exquisitely tight, which Collier could understand. Several governments were represented here on this ship, and each had brought their own trophy personnel to tango and impress the others. An attack here would be stupid for one, and incredibly damaging for two. His eyes picked out the standard security personnel, but no doubt there were some embedded in the crowd and not as conspicuous.

He also spied Shannon Meyers. Remembering their 'game' on the rooftop of the Frasier building, the Cadet Major's eye twinkled a little. He had told himself he would not let himself become involved with someone under his command ... and for now it would remain that way. His relationship with the Navy officer cadet was unique; each of them treated it as almost a hateful relationship to begin with, always trying to outdo each other. Now, however, it seemed to be developing into something different. Perhaps the one-ups on each other were to prove their superiority over the other for reasons other than petty competition; they'd gone from mission and job-related challenges to straight-out physical daring, with the peak of said dares that night a few weeks back. Yes, they had both crossed a line. But they could both handle it as well.

Shuffling through the crowds to the two cadets, Adam smiled and greeted them, "Beck ... Shannon. Glad to see you could make it!" He used their first names to indicate formalities should be dropped for now; there would be plenty of time for that later. The idea was for the SGA students to get a first-hand look at military ceremony of the highest caliber, and Adam doubted the Generals would disappoint. "I miss any excitement yet?" he inquired.

<Tag Beck, Shannon, Anyone>

OOC: I'm going to get the ceremony going later on tonight hopefully

[Shannon "Angel" Meyers]

1810
Conference Room

Eyes remained staring straight ahead as the word “bed” just kept popping up even after the correction was stirred around the room. Shannon was absolutely positive that everyone could hear the thumping of her heart as the young woman could offer no response. Composure was nearly impossible to maintain as the Texan rolled the first line off like it was dead on serious. Images were creeping in like a horror movie picture show, but yet it wasn’t so scary to look at. At the uttering of the second shoe, it finally dawned on the cadet to try and make light of the situation. But how could she look him in the eye when her face probably looked more like a freshly cooked lobster than a normal human being. And for some reason, Beck made her feel different.

And that could bring out a whole new Shannon Meyers, especially after trying miserably to save the day.

”I prefer flannel sheets over satin ones.”

Where the hell did that come from? Check please.

It was then, a familiar voice came from one side. Which one, Shannon still couldn’t tell through the immense fog building up around her (even though it was completely imaginary). Oh, sh….. ”Adam, how nice of you to join us” retorted the young cadet very quickly trying to divert any…no all of the previous conversation away from the seemingly uncomfortable position Shannon was now placed in.

<Tag: Beck, Adam and Anyone>

[Samantha "Thumper" Armstrong]

1810
Conference Room

Samantha remained seated quietly near the back of the room. Everyone seemed preoccupied with others and it didn’t bother the warrant officer too greatly. Sure, it was nice to have friends to talk to, but in time, she was sure that possibly there would be those she would “hang” out with. Right now, observation was the only thing keeping the sanity balls rolling inside the computer geek’s mind. Having a little interaction inside the bar was enough for now. Someone must have placed a drink in front, but Sam didn’t see who it was because when she turned to thank them, they had already left. Maybe it’s been poisoned. Why that thought even attempted it’s arrival was beyond her, but hey, get rid of the nerd and possibly be able to infiltrate the entire ship.

”Now you know you’ve been watching too many sci-fi movies” mumbled the dark haired officer followed by a small snicker and another comment. ”And I’ve already resorted to talking to myself. Great, wonderful start there Sam” she finished raising the glass and taking in a sip. It was nearly spat out when the diet taste slammed the taste buds making her want to vomit on the spot. Diet drinks were just wrong in the young woman’s opinion and whoever invented that should have been shot on the spot. But still, taking in the grotesque bitterness, she decided to continue on drinking.

Can’t be rude even if it feels like the world will come to an end if she takes another sip.

<Tag: Anyone>

[Beck "Tucker" Carlson]

1811
Conference Room

"Flannel. That's...that's useful to know."

Oh, GOD, Beck Carlson, could you put your stupid size elevens in it any more if you actually tried?

"I'll remember that."

Yes. Yes, apparently, you can.

He was almost unbelievably delighted when Adam turned up to save him from drowning in a quagmire of unintended sexual innuendo. For some reason, though, instead of feeling red-hot embarrassed, he felt an almost insatiable urge to start laughing. But he didn't dare, for fear of offending Shannon.

When Adam spoke using their names, he relaxed a little more, glad to be able to refer to his fellow cadet by name instead of 'sir' as he would normally have done.

"Adam," he said, politely. "No excitement happening here, not for want of trying, oh my God, did I just say that out loud?"

Yes, Beck, you did.

He stared at Shannon helplessly and then he gave into his base instincts and began to laugh. Gently at first, a light chuckle - but within moments he was doubled over with helpless laughter. "I'm so sorry," he said, between giggles. "I just can't get anything right tonight!"

It felt damn good to laugh - and indeed, it wasn't something that his fellow cadets saw very often. Beck Carlson was almost notoriously serious, whose fellow students at college had taken the rip out of him almost ceaselessly without him noticing. It had been, of course, the source of his original call sign - 'Muffin Man', when he had delivered, with all seriousness, a thirty minute presentation on the mathematical formula required to calculate the distribution of blueberries in a standard sized Starbucks blueberry muffin.

Wiping his eyes, but still giggling, he stood up straight again. "M'sorry," he apologised. "Just having a nervous breakdown."

<Tag: Sane people>

[Shannon "Angel" Meyers]

1811
Conference Room

Stunned....awed....confused....heck no words could describe how Shannon Meyers was feeling at this point in time. Beck's obvious embarssment about the entire situation seemed to have gone to his head. Or maybe it was due to the abduction or the prison time. There was no describing how Shannon was feeling. She did manage to squeeze out a small giggle. Then, like an addictive drug, the naval officer found herself bellowing over in a long drawn laugh. It was enough of a start for her to wind up flat on her behind holding her stomach.

Thank god she didn't start snorting. Dear lord, that would have made an impact. People were certainly watching over her from above. But, the men in white coats could arrive at any moment.

<Tag: Yes, Sane people...pwease >< >

[Samantha "Thumper" Armstrong]

1810
Conference Room

The buzzing in her pocket, at first, seemed almost enjoyable. It was just about as enjoyable as the bland diet drink of death she was consuming until the warrant officer decided to take it out and finally answer it. Text message. ”Oh wonderful, I get to type back while grabbing myself something useful to drink, like life instead of death?” Getting up from her seat, the young woman began walking clicking the top portion of the phone to automatically pop up for the keypad below. No matter how long you’ve had a phone, that never gets uncool to see. A smile strained the lips as feet began the motion. Fingers were clicking away before one small aspect was remembered. Other people were in the room and by walking blindly not knowing someone was in the middle of the floor nearly peeing her pants, makes for a good piece of human carpet to trip over.

With a loud thump and tumble, a body was over the other with a bit of grace before the phone went sputtering through the air and on its way to becoming a shattered piece of junk. The word “crap” was literally coming in slow motion as a body seemed to catch the female in mid air before becoming another adjoining ceramic statue you see at the doorways to exquisite homes. Gargoyles, I believe they look like. It wasn’t until she was placed on her feet, did she notice that a strapping young man had saved her from sheer disaster, or embarrassment. ”I’m terribly sorry” began mumbling but looking around for the shattered mess. ”I really do need to look where I’m going”, she continued tiptoeing over the shoulder to peak then under his legs to continue the hard search…for nothing.

<Tag: Beck and Anyone>

OOC: Should have named her Gracie

[Beck "Tucker" Carlson]

1811
Conference Room

Wiping his eyes with the back of his hands, Beck did find himself wondering if, in fact, he was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. He'd been there once before, after all - and some of the telling signs were already starting to kick in. He ran through the symptoms that had heralded his near-breakdown two years ago in his mind.

Locking self in physics lab and only coming out when told to. Check.

Increasingly, Beck had spent more and more time on research projects, thrilled by the isolation they provided him with. His tutors, whilst pleased to have his quite unique mind on their team, had noticed his borderline obsession, however, and monitored him with care, almost indulgently so, making sure that he took breaks and did all those basic little things that Beck was so fond of forgetting. Like eating, sleeping, that sort of thing.

Finding everything insanely funny. Sort of check.

Well, OK, not everything - but certainly something as inane as getting tongue-tied in a conversation. But then, Beck rationalised, Shannon was laughing too. In fact, as he watched her laugh, some of the barrier that he had naturally put between them began to break down and he was even able to lay a friendly hand on her shoulder as he chuckled.

Catching falling brunettes as they trip through the air? Hang on, I'm almost certain that never happened before...

Beck snapped back into the here-and-now with a flash when the woman crossing the room tripped over Shannon and began to fall. The phone she was carrying went to the ground with a resounding 'smash', but for once in his life, Beck Carlson, renowned klutz and clumsy oaf, judged himself just right and caught the woman in his arms. He carefully righted her

"No need to apologise," he said in his soft voice. "Are you OK? Here, let me help you with that..." And having so said, all the hilarity melted away and he dropped to his knees to start scrabbling around for bits of shattered mobile phone. He glanced up at the woman, still on all fours and gave her a wry grin. "It should probably be me apologising, I was just..."

You were just what, exactly, Beck? Laughing because you're so socially inept?

"I was just caught up in a fit of giggles and unfortunately infected my friend," he said, surprising himself with the ease of the reply and for once in his life not feeling at all embarrassed. Then he dropped his head again and began to collect bits of the phone.

He got to his feet again and stretched out to his full six feet four before offering her the pieces of phone that he had found. "I...uh...I don't think that you'll be getting any crank calls on that, I'm sorry to say."

<Tag: Samantha, all>

[Shannon "Angel" Meyers]

OOC: Joint point post between Shannon and Samantha

1812
Conference Room

Before Samantha hit the floor, she smiled almost warm to the stranger. ”Just hurt my pride” came out quickly trying to find the phone and see if anything was salvageable. She was a computer geek, not a mechanic but maybe it wasn’t in ten billion little pieces and maybe the message was sent back to the government before she decided to destroy the phone. This phone will self-destruct in five seconds….[/insert Mission Impossible theme]

The kick to her thigh was so light that Shannon didn’t even notice another body come hurling over until the other woman was practically implanted as a third boob in Beck’s chest. That raised concern and a small amount of jealousy. But should it have? Damn straight, he was an incredible catch and the woman he would possibly call his own would be the luckiest girl alive. In that speckled moment, something whizzed by the cadet’s ear and splattered next to the hip. The laughter then ceased as survival instincts immediately kicked in thinking it was shrapnel. For a split second, Shannon went from happy-go-lucky girl to rogue-fighting soldier. Her hand reached around to look for the blood and impact to the skin, but only found a small piece of plastic, the remnants of a keypad without the keys. Picking it up, she saw that the other two were on the floor looking for pieces to whatever it was that Shannon was holding.

Being polite, the naval officer decided to help and found herself on the floor as well looking around for plastic. Three bodies wondering the floor looking like misfits at a Eukanuba Tournament, where’s the camera when you need one? YouTube would have had a field day watching as a dark haired brunette and a tall brunette were looking on the ground facing one another. Everyone else could see what was about to happen yet no one screamed out a warning. The collision happened quickly placing both women back on their behinds rubbing heads. Shannon a little miffed now said something. ”You really do need to watch where you’re going.” Samantha was feeling defensive, upset about her phone, and not exactly the best welcomed greeting to total strangers on her part. Softly, she spoke ”I’m a computer geek, but a klutz. I’m very sorry, are you ok?” Shannon looked up at her and Sam looked back. "I'm fine, you?" came a more subtle reply from the feisty cadet. "Me too", returned Sam still upset with herself. The warrant officer held, oh about, twenty pieces to what may have appeared to have once been a phone while Shannon still held the keyless pad.

They both looked at Beck who was still scavenging around apologizing for the entire ordeal. Then they looked back to each other both with a raised brow wondering why in the hell was he apologizing in the first place? And both girls thought his review image was incredibly sexy and cute all rolled into one. That must have triggered something because both girls found themselves in another round of giggling.

Samantha, however, had other thoughts. Oh yes, I’m having a nervous breakdown.

<Tag: Beck and Anyone>

[Beck "Tucker" Carlson]

1812
Conference Room

Beck was surprised and even a little hurt by the fact that both women now appeared to be laughing at him. A faint blush tinged his cheeks as he straighted his back out. He reached down both arms simultaneously to help the pair to their feet and found himself wondering when he had suddenly become so gallant.

"Are you both OK?" he asked, anxiety overriding the sense of being the object of ridicule. "Shannon, you dropped your drink...should I go get a cloth and clear up the floor, do you think?" He was so little-boyish in his fretful concern over a spilled drink that it was endearing.

Then he looked at the other woman, the one who had fallen over and broken her phone and found himself gradually returning to normal. By which, he discovered that his tongue was knotting in his mouth and an inability to form a coherent sentence was his once more. Punctuation disappeared from his vocabulary and his words fell out in a barely comprehensible tumble.

"Uh...did you drop your drink too? And do you want another one or could I get you one or maybe that's a bit cheeky of me and I know, I'll just go get that cloth now I'm Beck, by the way."

Then, the young cadet fled to the bar, cheeks flaming, to get a cloth to clean the floor with. Anything to escape the situation.

<Tag: Shannon, Samantha, everyone else who must be thinking these cadets are crazypeople>

[Robert "Scarecrow" Cromin]

1812
Conference Room

As it was, they were in the conference room, Des, Nolen and Cromin were standing in the same vicinity when Cromin whispered in her ear so that no one else could hear:

"Des, you look beautiful, just thought I'd let you know" Captain Cromin straightened himself up after he finished whispering to Des and he smiled and let out a quiet laugh.

<Tag all>

[Destiny "Silverwing" Andre]

1812
Conference Room

Destiny stood there with Serenity by her side watching people mingle with different people. The mind wandered thinking about the different people represented here. Cadets learning not only about military life and getting training in the different military aspects, but learning about this secret program everyone here was involved with. The SIU were mainly stationed on earth to protect all the civilians from the aliens that tried to escape through the stargate. Then you have the rest of the Icarus crew that just came back from the Ida galaxy to help protect their allies. Everyone here had a different story, a different past, about they got here to joined this program. Though they all were under the same program, each had something different to contribute. It was amazing to see that.

Though while the mind was wandering, the captain caught hold of what one of her fellow teammates was commenting. After a few minutes, it finally registered that that comment was addressed to her. With eyes growing wide, the female pilot slowly looked over at Cromin. Words were fading away trying to think of a reply. No one had really made a comment like that since Kevin. Kevin always commented about her beauty; no matter if she was dressed up, in civilians clothes, or uniform. It didn't matter what she was wearing, he would always remind her of how beautiful she was. An ached filled the empty heart remembering the love that use to be. Though it was only a few months ago that they ended their relationship, it still felt like yesterday.

With a shake of the head, the young woman regained herself then looked over at Cromin. "Thank you," replied not knowing what else to say. Looking back at the crowd, Destiny saw a familiar red hair woman across the way. "Excuse me Robert," said gently leaving everyone else and heading over to Tullia. This was the temple guardian they had picked up on the way back to the Milky Way galaxy when the planet had gotten destroyed. General Ronson had assigned Destiny to teaching this young woman to read, write, and learn social skills before they got to the SGC. It had proved to be a difficult task but finally the skilled warrior finally opened up to the pilot and was slowly learning to trust at least her. This was the first time Tullia was in public like this. So it was important for Destiny to be around her. With Serenity trailing behind her, the captain smiled softly at the warrior woman. "Hello Tullia, how are you?" asked gently knowing that anything could set her off.

< Tag Tullia, anyone >

[Tullia]

1813

Conference room

Tullia had been watching all of the people in here, moving and talking. she felt confused and alone, the alone thing didn't really bother her that much, but being confused was something that didn't sit well with the strong woman. She was so used to be sure of herself, of her mission and her life. Now everything was turned up side down and back to front. Being on this ship with all of these people made her feel vulnerable. She hadn't been allowed to have her spear with her it was stored somewhere on the ship, Destiny had told her it was against regulations since Tullia was not military personnel. She had accepted it after a while and now it just made her feel uncomfortable. She had watched Destiny approach her. She spoke and Tullia listened carefully, the way the people here spoke was strange to her, since her people had been less advanced their language skills had been less advanced and simpler too.

"Hello Captain Destiny, I am fine"

She spoke slowly to make sure the spoke clearly. She looked at the child and smiled, it was clear it took a lot of effort. Children were not something Tullia had been around much, being in the Temple and never around the villagers, her exposure to most things had been limited.

<Tag Destiny and anyone else>

[Azalea "De" Andre]

1812
Conference Room

Azalea listened to what Michael said and nodded. It was true. The last thing that this cadet wanted or needed was people flooding her with questions about dieing and coming back to life. The last thing that this young woman wanted to talk about was dieing and coming back to life. That was an experience that the young adult wanted to forget about; though it was kind of hard with Sean standing just off to the side, with Sean being in the place as her period. Though the cadet knew that it was something that the two would need to talk about if he knew what happened.

Standing with Shannon, Beck, and Adam, Azalea just observed, chuckling at the conversation that was going on between all of them. The cadets were definitely interesting people when you got them all relaxed and off the training field. The female cadet wondered if the last experience brought them all closer in some way. It had to because after losing so many close friends and nearly losing countless others, how could it not? Normally the young woman would engage in the conversation but was just content with standing there, listening and watching everything that was going on around. Feeling the eyes of Sean on her back, the female cadet know she couldn't ignore him to too much longer. Eventually they would have to talk, but Azalea was hoping that would come after the ceremony. Maybe come at the next leave when they were back on earth, not here with others. But Azalea knew Sean and knew that would want to talk now with how she was ignoring him.

< tag Sea, others >

[Shannon "Angel" Meyers]

Joint post between Shannon and Samantha….again.

1812
Conference Room

A hand reached down to help up both Shannon and Samantha and both readily took the offer allowing for the embarrassed cadet to bring them back to their feet. Now, Beck looked like Hugh Hefner displaying is bunny girls on either side of him probably enhancing the moment of red cheeks and nervous behavior. He began to rant again quickly giving Shannon a subtle giggle. She began to understand the quirks and demeanor of her new friend and found that possibly Samantha was spurring those same thoughts that must have been protruding through his mind. Poor thing, needs a good woman to settle him down.

”You sure you can handle three drinks. I’m sure my commanding officer here” Shannon stated giving Adam a nudge, ”will be more than willing to help…” Before she finished her statement, however, Beck was already on his way over to the bar probably thankful to get away from the precarious situation. There didn’t seem to be any mess on the floor, but maybe the cloth was a good idea as well. Samantha leaned over to Shannon standing next to Adam and talked softly for only her ears. ”He’s kind of the nervous type isn’t he” the warrant officer stated giving out a small chuckle. ”Yeah, just don’t mention sheets to him.” An awkward questionable look was returned when Shannon leaned in laughing a bit more adding, ”private joke.”

Samantha stood there realizing that the entire event that just unfolded was all her fault. First of all they were on a large space ship. So how in the world could she have answered a text message back to the government? The computer geek was still used to be grounded and not flying like Princess Leia in space and then realized that her now shattered phone wouldn’t do any good. The table behind them was a good place as any to place all the contents found on the floor. ”Doesn’t look like I’ll be needing that anyways” she mumbled waiting for Beck to return with the drinks. Hopefully, he wouldn’t bring back one of those death drinks and it would actually contain some caffeine and much needed sugar.

Shannon looked over to Azalea. The girl looked very uncomfortable and even with Sean standing right there, the naval officer could tell something was wrong. Right now wouldn’t be the appropriate time to say anything but possibly later she would pull the younger cadet aside and have a sisterly talk to the woman who saved her life. It was the least she could offer.

<Tag: Adam, Beck, Azalea, and everyone else>

[Sean "Mantis" Connolly]

Joint Post Between Adam Collier and Sean Connolly

1811

Connolly almost laughed at Azalea's formality. "Nice touch ... " he began. "Mind if I take you aside to talk about what happened?" They both knew what he was referring to. Being in the SIU, Sean read over all the reports of injuries or deaths in the line of duty, and was well aware of the situation. He wanted her side though, and to make sure she was doing alright.

<Tag Azalea>

Sean shook his head at Azalea's typical carried-away stubbornness. As much as he wanted to know her side of what happened with the other cadets, he was preoccupied with his protection detail at the present time. No, personal issues would have to be dealt with at another time. Setting a hand on her shoulder, Sean said quietly to her, "I'll be back later ... " With that, he nodded to the others and moved into the crowd again to observe the party.

Next to Beck and Shannon, Adam smiled and replied, "That's good to hear, in this case I suppo--" He stopped mid-sentence as Beck cut him off ... and began laughing. All-out, uncontrolled laughter. The Cadet Major raised a brow and was about to say something when Shannon Meyers began to follow suit. What the frak ... he thought to himself. Then on top of all that - literally - another woman came up and slammed full-tilt into Shannon. Bewildered, Adam observed Carlson barely catch the older lady, and Shannon fell to the floor.

1812

The shattering phone surprised everyone, but Adam recovered quickly. The search for the pieces resulted in another collision, and soon the two women looked slightly annoyed with each other. They stood up, but Beck remained down on the floor searching and mumbling apologies. More giggling ensued, and Adam watched in amusement as the Cadet First Lieutenant hurried off to the bar for a cloth. "Excuse me ladies ... " Adam said to the three women and followed Beck.

1813

Catching Beck at the bar, Adam tapped him on the shoulder, and the jittery cadet jumped a little. Chuckling, Adam said, "Relax, Carlson ... take it easy. Watch this." Waving over an attendant, Adam said to him when he came over, "I spilled my drink over near those three ladies, would you mind picking it up? Sor sorry .. " The attendant grabbed a mop from behind the counter and hurried over to it. To the barkeep, Adam said, "Long Island Iced Tea." Turning back to the other cadet, Adam grinned and said, "For Shannon ... now for Sam. She's agitated ... she needs caffeine. Sure you could handle that ... or just give her a stiff one."

<Tag Beck>