In A Galaxy...Far, far away

[Katrina Logan]

1000
Katrina’s Quarters

Meetings, upon meetings, upon reports, and more meetings. All the paperwork to get the files up to date as to her whereabouts seemed like a forever ending issue with the higher ups. Why couldn’t they just be thankful of her survival and leave her to sleep in a nice bed for a few hours before hounding for paperwork, physicals, and other tests? They wanted to make sure the real Logan came home, that’s why. But how could they tell? They never knew about the clone until it was too late. Kat could easily be another one in its place.

But she was real on the outside. Inside was a different story. Her mind was different as was her heart. So many questions as to her rescue and who rescued her and who didn’t rescue her plagued the mind and the soul. It plagued her entire being. Why wasn’t she swept away by the man she loved? Or was she and just needed to open her eyes? Too much to think about, but when would be the right time?

Maybe never.

The door to her quarters squeaked open like an old hinge. It seemed like forever the last time Katrina stepped foot inside her room. The night of her abduction was filled with things unanswered.

The shakes.

The ring.

The abduction.

I can’t take much more of this.

Tears could not fall with everything to absorb. Somehow as a comfort, she needed to see and touch something real. Eyes darted around the room looking for it. She knew that it was there before being snatched away. It had dropped from ivory fingers moments before blacking out. But where? Unusually, the Major’s bed was made and the room was clean. Who had come in here and did all this? Did they believe she was never coming back? Did that clone find the ring and it was gone forever? Did she make the room so spotless? It sent a chill down her spine. Arms wrapped around her body in utter loneliness, like the cell she had been placed in and out of for six months.

I don’t want to sleep in here, but I can’t go to him. I can’t go anywhere.

Something caught the medical officer’s attention on the desk. It was a red jewelry box. But wouldn’t the clone have seen that? With no regard to anything else, feet walked over to the box. No sound came from anywhere, but Kat kept her ears open. The slightest noise would have her flying around ready to kill this time. To make sure no one is around anyways, the scared woman turned and spoke softly to no one, “you are as paranoid as a cat in a room full of dogs, yet there’s no dogs.”

Seeing that there was no danger, Katrina spun slowly back to the box. The touch of the velvet was cold in her hand. But she had to know, was it there? The top peeled open with ease as the sparkle of the large sapphire and diamonds shown through. All Kat could do was stare at it.

Why? she screamed. Why didn’t you come for me?!

<Tag: Anyone interested>

[dales]

1000
Outside Katrina’s Quarters

Dom was the new guy on the team he hadn’t actually been with the rest of the team since day one but after going on the mission with the team on Babilla he got to know most of the team and even with his blindness he worked on their level so to speak. Dom had the chance to read some mission reports upon arriving in the Delian Galaxy, he had learned about the cloning facility where the Titians could clone someone, kidnap and throw the cloned person back to try and find out information. After hearing that Major Logan had returned and her clone had been on the delta site for quiet some time before anyone could recognize that she was the clone, Dom thought it would be best to stay away from SD2 before the next mission seeing as they were all teammates and maybe the team wanted that time to see to Major Logan. Now he wasn’t quiet sure about his original idea though maybe it would be best if he actually went to see how she was going even though he probably knew the answer but the thought counted for something right.

Dom hoped that Major Logan would be in the mood to talk after everything that has happened to the woman. Dom walked out of the mess hall that he was previously in and made his way towards the Major’s quarters wondering if she was actually there. Dom’s senses were sharp and he heard things better than what most people thought that he did, take away one sense and the others get more clearer and sharper then before. Dom turned the corner and walked down the corridor that would take him to the Major’s quarters. It didn’t take him long to find it, Dom knocked twice before taking a step back. “Major Logan? I’m Dominic Winston we haven’t met before but I’m the new guy on SD2 and heard about what happen. I hope I didn’t interrupt anything but thought you might want to talk but if you want to be alone I’ll understand.” Dom explained.

(Kat)

[Marcus Garret]

1001
Conference Room -> Marcus’s Quarters

The words of SGC’s commander still rang in his ears as he walked down the halls, still absorbing the full impact of the conference that he was coming from.

“While your actions cannot be excused by your reasons for them, your integrity and the results of your deeds speak for themselves. My decision in this matter is this: you are to forfeit three months of pay, and will not be promoted beyond the rank of Captain. The details of this incident will not be entered in your permanent record, though an LOR will be entered into record pertaining to your misuse of expedition materials.”

Entering his room, Marcus carefully takes off his service dress jacket and moves to the closet, hanging it up. With practiced speed, he is soon changed back into the ABUs that he typically wears when not on assignment, but still on-duty.

“You are also hereby ordered to assist with the rescue of Doctor Pooja Garcia. This is neither a punishment or a reward. Besides Major Logan, you have the most experience and knowledge concerning the facility, and you will be a major asset toward the rescue of any and all personnel remaining in Titan captivity. That is all.”

Marcus looks down at the gun case containing his personal rifle and the zat that he’d taken on his quest to find and free Kat. The zat had been given to him in acknowledgement of the achievement, especially since he still refused to use a normal pistol.

Going to the window of his room, he looks out over the landscape. Some greenery was slowly returning to the desolate landscape. Grasses, wildflowers, and other small plants that the horticulturalists had seeded were beginning to spread over the harsh scenery. His mind turned once more to his actions during the search. For weeks, he’d let the darkness within him loose, letting it have nearly free reign. In all honesty, he was scared of what he’d accomplished in that state. He hadn’t divulged to anyone the full extent of what he’d done, and for good reason. ‘Wraith’ was a necessity at the time, a side of his being that he hoped to never fully need again.

Like pandora’s box, however, letting it loose had lasting consequences, and he only hoped that he’d shut the container in time to keep hope alive. Tempering the dark destroyer within him would take time, time he wasn’t sure he had. Turning away from the scenery outside, he left his quarters. Now, more than ever, he had need of the garden that he’d found. The peace that the flowers and other growing things offered was something he needed in abundance. He needed to re-center himself, to find out who and what he was once more.

<Tag all>

(Bear with me, but I think Marcus needs this particular bit of character development.)

[Kimberly "Kim" McKinnon]

1000
Kim's Quarters --> Marcus's Quarters (enroute restrooms)

Even as she arrived at her quarters after a jog to take the edge of her own uneasiness, which never lessened once the news of Kat's return reached her ears. She had blinked in bafflement at the news, she hadn't paid attention since she had been keeping Jerry company most of the times. Leaving him alone didn't and hadn't been appealing to her. Due to he would not come out and interact with anyone. Just watching him staring at the chain, broke her heart.

Entering her room, she rubbed her face, knowing it was going to be a long day. And one of those days where she really felt like giving Loveridge a piece of her mind and not as a AF captain, but as a concerned friend of the man who was in pain. Her limits with any lack of progress in finding Pooja was going through the roof at best of times.Sitting on her bed, she knew even her own inability to help, didn't help. Fretting over the state Pooja would be in at the given moment, tore her. If the orders were given right this moment, she would no doubt be ready to leave and find her.

Moving around the taking what she needed to get freshened and change of garments, and left. As she made her way down the hallway, Kim decided to have chat with Marcus to see what he knew in regards to Pooja before clashing words with Jerry's other female former XO.

Reaching Garret's door, McKinnon gave a knock, if he wasn't in the room, she would hunt him down later.

<<Tag Marcus>>

((Don't mean to be rude by jumping in, If you have other plans, let me know I'll edit.))

[Marcus Garret]

1001
Marcus’s Quarters

As he was turning to his door for the short trip up to the garden, Marcus heard a knock at the door. A knock was not one of the things he was expecting right then. Not to mention the fact that much of his mind was still busily looking in a mirror to determine where exactly he was going to go from here.

As he walked to the door, his mind whirling, he was only half paying attention to what he was doing. It has been noted that the Lieutenant has a tendency to wax philosophical the more he thinks on a subject, and his spiritual, emotional, and mental state was a subject he’d been putting a lot of thought into since his return to Akrotiri.

Should he simply completely accept the darkness within him, letting the light become just a slight flicker? Or should he take a path of shadows, meandering through both the darkness and the light? Or could he survive taking a path that led to tempering the darkness, allowing the light to blaze forth with only a flicker of darkness, and how would he go about setting his feet on that path?

Opening the door, he sees Captain McKinnon. He blinks a couple times as the small part of his brain not woolgathering in philosophical debate processed who it was at the door, his expression still somewhat haunted by the inner conflict.

“Can I help you, ma’am?”

<Tag Kim>

[Katrina Logan]

1002
Katrina’s Quarters

A tornado could have burst through the door and Katrina would have never heard a thing. Her attention was so drawn to the ring and the unanswered questions of the heart that when the door did have noise, at first, Logan made no reply.

She continued to weep softly.

When a voice came through, the Major nearly jumped from her skin. The ring in its red velvet flew up into the air. As it came tumbling down it was like slow motion. Words and screams came from Katrina’s mind to Walker. But Dominic’s voice overcame her anger.

“I’m Dominic Winston we haven’t met before but I’m the new guy on SD2 and heard about what happen. I hope I didn’t interrupt anything but thought you might want to talk but if you want to be alone I’ll understand.

A part of her was going to ignore the visitor. Katrina was no longer a part of SD-2. This member of her former team probably had no idea of the new assignment waiting the medical officer. Because of her knowledge of the prison, it was decided that she would accompany Jerry as his second in command to retrieve Pooja. And Kat was determined to bring home her friend in one piece.

Logan never read about Winston. She hadn’t had time to go over anyone’s files especially new recruits. But, there is one aspect about the Major that was becoming. She was extremely nice to introducing new members to the Delta Expedition. Rudeness was not a part of her personality.

Luckily, Kat caught the ring in its case as it came crashing down. She quickly placed it back on the desk and wiped away the tears. Logan walked towards the door and opened it slowly. What if this is another trap? What if they’re here to take me away again? A small pistol was at the ready behind the Major’s back only revealing her head with a small grin.

”Can I help you?”

<Tag: Winston/Anyone>

[Kimberly "Kim" McKinnon]

1001
Marcus’s Quarters

She looked at Marcus when the Lieutenant came into view and gave him a small smile. If she honest, she really had no idea she was going to go on about this. This had been a spur of a moment choice to see him. She didn't really have anything planned. And really wasn't sure if he was up to telling her if he saw or at least had a slight idea of Pooja's whereabouts.

Tucking a loose strand of hair, behind her ears, "If this is a bad time I can come back later on," she spoke up, as she looked at him.

<<Ta Marcus>>

"Word has it that you have found her location, but weren't able to get her out." The idea of Doc Garcia being found, made her heart sore and her stomach in delight. The thought of her being so close yet so far way worried Kim. She for now couldn't imagine the state Jerry's wife would be in.

Shrugging a little, "I guess I just need to know." She owned alot to the woman, than Kim could ever repay in her lifetime. "Not just for me, but for Jerry as well."

<<Tag Marcus>>

[dales]

1002
Katrina’s Quarters

Dom stayed quiet after his words, he held onto the small device that helped him see it emitted a green light and the image of Major Logan’s front door came into view granted it was blurry though. Dom only ever saw things blurry now what he would give to see but the explosion made it impossible for him to do so only with the help from those smart people back in the SGC and alien tech. Dom waited in silence for the door to open, he even wondered if Kat was inside. Dom had to be honest with himself he didn’t know if Major Logan was even returning to SD2 but he thought that it couldn’t hurt to talk. Dom looked around the corridor for a moment or two.

Dom watched as the door finally opened slowly and the blurry figure of Major Logan came into view though granted it was only her face. Today Dom was wearing his black sunglasses which concealed his burned out eyes. “Hi wasn’t sure if you were in your quarters or not Major. I heard what happened with you and Doctor Garcia and that you were apart of SD2 and me being new and all thought I come and see how you were going and to introduce myself. This is probably not the ideal time to do this so I understand if you want to shoo me away.” Dom explained to Major Logan. Dom stayed quiet as he wondered what the Major was going to do next. Silence soon grew but Dom just stayed there not moving.

<Tag: Kat/Anyone>

[Marcus Garret]

1002
Marcus’s quarters

A bad time? Not really. Just a mental and spiritual struggle that was far from complete.

“It’s not a bad time, ma’am. I just… have a lot on my mind right now.”

At the indirect mention of Pooja, Marcus’s expression darkens slightly. Was no one going to let him get over the fact that he’d been forced to leave her behind? What did they think he was, Rambo?

“Not just for me, but for Jerry as well.”

Marcus took a calming breath. She wasn’t accusing him. She was of the other group, those that wanted to know where Pooja was and that she was alive and out there somewhere, awaiting rescue. He couldn’t blame them. Hell, he sympathized with them more than most people thought. He had gone AWOL to look for her and Kat, after all.

“Yes, ma’am, I found Dr Garcia. I’ll be part of the rescue, as well.”

He gave a wry smirk at that.

“They ordered me on the mission before I could volunteer.”

Meanwhile, the darkness and light within him continued their battle. Perhaps the struggle was evident in his eyes, the set of his face. Perhaps it wasn’t. All Marcus knew was that he had to resolve that issue before he stepped through the stargate again.

<Tag Kim>

[Katrina Logan]

1003
Katrina’s Quarters

His appearance was very appealing to the eyes, even though his eyes were covered in darkened sunglasses. Although his outward looks gave off a calm demeanor, it was hard to ascertain who was real and who was a manufactured copy for the Titan’s doing. Kat had to be careful now. The pistol behind her torso silently made its way to the back part of her pants to free hands for an oncoming battle. She had to be certain.

”I heard what happened with you and Doctor Garcia and that you were apart of SD2 and me being new and all thought I come and see how you were going and to introduce myself. This is probably not the ideal time to do this so I understand if you want to shoo me away.”

[/i]

His look was directed towards her but something wasn’t right. It was almost as though he was blind.

”I’m just tired Mr. Winston. I apologize for lack of hospitality right now”, she answered softly. Normally, the medical officer would invite a colleague into her room for a chat. But, this really wasn’t a good time. That and the paranoia of being taken again was just too overwhelming. Opening the door a bit more, Katrina decided to have her conversation there. It was safer and within earshot of someone hearing her scream if needed.

”I’ve been assigned to assist Commander Garcia to retrieve his wife so I won’t be a part of SD-2 as of now. But maybe in the future I’ll be returned to that team. Are you enjoying your visit to the Delta site so far?”[/blockquote]

<Tag: Winston/Anyone>

[dales]

1003
Katrina’s Quarters

Dom had wanted to see if he could do anything for the Major after hearing the awful thing she was put through but he gathered that there wasn’t much that he could do now like before. Dom was a pretty good field agent until that life changing event, even now he could still help and was glad that he could be transferred here to be able to make a difference. Dom wondered what Major Logan was thinking right about now though he meant well after all. Dom nodded in reply when Major Logan spoke to him explaining that she was tired and Dom didn’t blame her at all.

“That’s understandable Major. I know the feeling all to well, only came down to see you if you needed to talk to anyone instead of being alone and all.” Dom explained to the Major. “Don’t apologize there’s no harm done. When are you leaving for the rescue mission?” Dom asked. Dom listened to Major Logan as she asked her question out the Delta Site. “It’s beyond anything I’ve seen well been too actually.” Dom replied back to Kat’s question. Dom changed his words a little too quickly and he hopped that Major Logan didn’t see that as an insult or anything. “I hope you bring Doctor Garcia back to the Delta Site.” Dom added in.

<Tag: Kat/Anyone>

[Kimberly "Kim" McKinnon]

1002
Marcus’s quarters

Seeing his expression go dark, Kim wondered if leaving her behind was eating him up. Looking at him sympathetically, she understood the too much on the mind. It wouldn't be easy having more than one thing on the mind running like car gears or like a virus that would never go away. "If you like to unload, I have a good ear, or I can radio Vanessa."

“Yes, ma’am, I found Dr Garcia. I’ll be part of the rescue, as well.”

Hearing that he had found her, Kin could feel her throat tighten, and emotions swell nearly to surface. Struggling with the feelings as she fought for some control, McKinnon looked at him, "How..." she trailed when her voice was lost, inhaling she tried again, "how did you manage that?" More answers to more question would wait till later.

She looked at him with surprise at the news he gave her, before her features went soft, "I think the choice of having you there is a right one. After all you have been there, know the routes. An advantage to us, for the knowledge you have. Plus I know even she will appreciate this. I know I'm already in your debt, just by finding her location."

She knew what she said was honest. As much as she was in debt to Pooja for healing Jerry, in the same she was in debt to Marcus. Kim was not going lose the chance to find her sister-in-law, even if it costed her; her own life. Of course it had been weird to die in a game, but this was real life. She would be ready in a second to leave to the place were the good doctor was being held.

She wondered if Logan had more information on Pooja's welfare; since Marcus had brought Kat back and found Pooja, which meant that the two woman had been in the same place. But had they been in the same location.

<<Tag Marcus>>

[Marcus Garret]

1003
Marcus’s quarters

“How… how did you manage that?”

Marcus let out a sigh at the question. To answer it, truthfully, would be an interesting tale, and reveal just what was eating up so much of his thoughts. He steps back from the doorway, motioning around the room.

“Well, if you want to hear the story, perhaps we should sit down. It isn’t short.”

<Tag Kim>

Walking over to the bed, he sits down beside it, cross-legged. Leaning back against the bed, he closes his eyes a moment and takes a deep breath. Where to begin? When he first set out on his quest? When he first started becoming friends with Kat? Or was the beginning of the tale somewhere much earlier?

Opening his eyes, he begins.

“I know much of what I’m about to tell you about myself isn’t common knowledge, and everything before I went AWOL is mostly in public record. About what I did and where I went while searching, some of it has been reported.”

He pauses a moment, giving her a look of warning.

“I did not report everything I did, and for good reason. If you want the whole story, I’m trusting you to keep it confidential, and that the knowledge never leaves this room.”

Taking another deep breath to re-center his thoughts, he continues.

“To start, I’m sure you can tell from the accent that I’m from the southeast. My father served in the Air Force, and in some respects I’m following in his footsteps. Most people in the expedition only know me as either the Comm officer that’s on a team, or as the SERE instructor who earned a commission. Very few people on the base are aware of the fact that I also served in Intelligence before cross-training into SERE.”

Pausing for a moment, he smiles slightly.

“Lets just say that someone with both Intel and SERE training and experience can gather, analyze, and utilize various bits of information a great deal.”

Still with a slight smile, he continues.

“Major Logan and I have worked alongside each other for quite some time now. It wasn’t long after I joined the expedition that we started becoming friends. If you ever read the mission report for SD-3 from D7A-316, pay particular attention to the comments I made toward the end of the mission. If I had to hazard a guess, that’s probably the first sign of what some of my actions would be during the time leading up to Major Logan’s rescue.”

<Tag Kim>

(OOC: I don’t want to throw the whole story in one post, or this will probably take up the entire first page)

[James Calmara]

1003
Near Quarters

Calmara was back walking the corridors of the city again. The recent mission had been a reminder of the better side of being out here and a welcome brake from the current threat. But news had spread fast that Garret had partially succeeded in his ‘mission’ in that he’d brought back Maj. Logan from titan captivity. He’d decided when he knew of Garrets rescue attempt that he’d go and see those who returned, when they returned. It was building bridges and keeping trust time, which in light of the nature of the threat posed by the titans, Calmara knew would be all important in the weeks and months to come.

The decision now was who to see first, Garret or Logan. He had reason for visiting both, Garret to make a point that despite the brass’s dislike for his rescue, the people on the ground would back him all the way. However Logan had been missing for goodness knows how long and would most in need of support. Who better than a former teammate, granted he wasn’t the longest standing teammate and would never claim to be, but every little helps.

He wandered towards the section where the living quarters were housed, trying to work out how to start up a conversation without using the cliché ‘how are you’ question, something he mulled over as he walked. Coming up on Maj. Logan’s quarters, Calmara spied Winston all ready there talking to the Major, slowing down unsure if more than one person would put her off or if it would help in someway. He chose to believe the latter for the moment and carried on at a slow pace trying to judge the right point to drop in, no point rushing in.

<Tag any>

[Jerry Garcia]

1012
Quarters

Jerry had watched Kim leave his quarters without any sign that he had been aware that she had been in the room with him. Pooja's necklace sat on the table in front of him, a reminder of who was missing from his life. Rage and anger bubbled just below the surface as his mind wandered to thoughts of Pooja.

Kim had mentioned that Kat had been rescued and safely returned to the base. He hadn't gone to see her yet, and wasn't sure what he would say once he saw her. He took a look at his watch and made up his mind. He rose from the table , headed for the door and left.

<1015>

He headed toward Kats' quarters, the need to see her urgent. He pounded his way toward her quarters, a determined look across his face. People saw him coming and quickly moved out of his way. He wasn't sure he would be able to handle this visit, but he had made up his mind to do it, and there was no turning back.

He reached her door and stood for a minute, trying to get himself under control. Once he had calmed himself a bit he knocked, loudly. Garcia! He waited for a response from Kat.

The door finally opened. Kat stood in the doorway, a young GI stood in the room. If you're busy, I can come back later.

<Tag Kat>