Random Insanity

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 “So what do you think, sir?” Sam watched his expression as she guided him through the labyrinth-like corridors of Atlantis. She’d been the expedition commander for six months now, and this was his first visit while she was in charge. She felt a nervous flutter of her stomach and wondered why. She’d felt less anxious going up for her first promotion review. This was General O’Neill after all.

After a moment, he turned to her, hands clasped behind his back. “Looks good, Colonel. Any problems since you’ve taken over.”

Relief swelled in her, and she shook away the cobwebs of doubt that invaded her head. “Not really. Just your typical disgruntled personnel.”

“There’s always a few that don’t adapt well to a regime change.”

She snorted. “I’d hardly call it a regime change, sir.”

“Going from a civilian command to military is a lot to take. Especially with a science expedition like this.”

“It hasn’t been that bad. And I think things have smoothed out rather nicely.”

He must have noticed her defensiveness because his expression softened with a smile. “I’m sure it has, Carter. I wasn’t trying to imply otherwise. I just know it’s... hard. Being in charge.”

She regarded him for several beats but found his words sincere. He knew from experience. She nodded in agreement. “It’s different here, though. We’re so far from home that we rely on each other a great amount so we’re all kind of like-”

“Family?”

She smiled up at him. “Yeah, family.”

“That’s good, Carter. You deserve to have family close.”

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The diner at the edge of town—a rundown place with torn vinyl, cracked Formica, and peeling paint—was mostly empty this time of day. Jack preferred it that way. His patience with people was wearing a little thin lately. He slid off his shades, slipping them into the pocket of his shirt. It took a moment for his eyes to adjust.

The waitress, Glenna, waved at him with a laminated menu. “Coffee, General?”

Jack nodded, settling on a well-worn stool at the counter. A second later, Glenna set a mug down, filling it with efficiency born of experience. She smiled sweetly, and he was taken back forty years. She was still a looker even in her seventies.

“Haven’t seen you around much,” she said, her tone casual but tinged with admonishment.

Jack grimaced as the hot liquid burned the inside of his mouth. “I don’t get back much.”

“Uh-huh. Where you stationed now? Do generals even get ‘stationed?’”

“Washington,” he murmured, hoping she wouldn’t pry further. He didn’t want to think about work.

Glenna harrumphed. “Sounds dreadful.”

“You have no idea.”

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