Worming into some books

Posted on Sat Aug 14th, 2021 @ 2:44am by Gunnery Sergeant Simon Haversham & Captain Jennifer Simms

Mission: Jumping Right In
Location: Library - SGC
Timeline: MD2 - 0900 hrs
5207 words - 10.4 OF Standard Post Measure

Wandering into the library, Simon didn't really know what he was supposed to be doing. He'd been shown to his bunk, sure, but no one had really told him anything else, and since he assumed that meant his time was his own, he had decided to make the most of it. It didn't seem that likely that he would find many classic cars or sailing opportunities around this particular base, and since he didn't really want to invade someone's armoury and workshop without permission, that meant sating his more intellectually curiosities.

Deciding to take advantage of his new position, he prowled around the stacks, doing his best to put the oppressive dinginess of the underground base out of his mind as he scoured the place for information on the Goa'uld, grabbing every single piece of literature he could find before occupying a reading table and starting to devour it.

Jennifer made her way to the library as well mostly out of boredom. She had exercised at the earlier, with Ivan of all people, so she needed to do something less intensive physically to stave off boredom. A lazy mind invites only mischief and trouble after all. Why she had chosen the library was rather easy. Yesterday she had made two new friends, or so she hoped, Scarlett and Hannah. And Jennifer did not like feeling like the uncultured fifth wheel of a group.

Thus, the library was a clear destination to keep herself occupied. Finding books to read upon the Goa'uld would be a good place to start. Especially since she had to stop trashing the name. Maybe something on the Tok'ra too, get a feel about the politics of these factions, maybe learn a few words of their language.

Once she arrived however, she found that most of the books that she could read, the ones with less of a high knowledge requirement, had already been taken. The librarian on duty pointed her towards soldier at a reading table with a stack of them in front. Thanking the librarian she approached the table and took a place vis a vis of the man and smiled at him. "Hey there. Care to share some of these books for a bit?"

To say Simon was a little surprised at the interruption would be an understatement, but he kept his cool. His eyes couldn't help flitting to her rank insignia, and while he wasn't yet entirely familiar with the American system, it didn't take much to realize what he was getting himself in for. Still, she'd been much more polite than some of the officers he'd known, which was a good start.

"Of course, help yourself, Ma'am," He replied, looking up from his reading and gesturing over the mess of books scattered across his table. "I suppose I have rather monopolized the information."

Looking a bit disheartened Jennifer sighed, but still kept her smile. "Damn... I look that old? Have I reached ma'am territory? Relax Gunny, I was a Sergeant for a few years, I wasn't born with two stripes on my shoulders." She spoke in a amused tone, trying to keep things light.

Picking one of the books on top 'Known Goa'uld and their relationships to Earth religions' she opened it and nodded. "Yeah Gunny, you kinda did. I see I am not the only one eager to get some info on the snakes. Name's Jennifer Simms by the way. You can call me Jen, no need for rank."

"I'm sure I couldn't possibly say, ma'am," Came the reply, delivered with just the hint of an amused smile. "But since I've only been a Gunnery Sergeant for, what, twelve hours now? It seems just as appropriate as 'Gunny'"

"Simon Haversham," He added, extending a hand across the table. "I've been learning everything I can about them since you know what; now that I have access to all this information, it seems prudent to use it. It's all quite interesting, I have to admit."

"Twelve hours? Congratulations, you've survived so far, you'll get used to it in no time. I never made it past Sergeant. Fine. I'll bear the horror of being called ma'am then, Gunny." Jen chuckled softly and shook her head before acceping the offered hand.

"Nice to meet you Simon... I can't pronounce your last name so I won't try. You think the Goa'uld are interesting? Hm, that's one way to put it, mad dictators and tyrants would be more fitting in my opinion. Kinda makes all those stories I learned when I was a child about ancient Egypt and Greek feel, wrong somehow." Sighing she opened the book she picked up. "Honestly I am just trying to get a feel for how they think, if that is even possible from these books. They seem to have a interesting political system."

"Oh, I probably will. I just need to get used to the chevrons being the wrong way up, I suppose." Simon chuckled, too, shaking with a firm grip before releasing the captain's hand. "But if you agree to call me Simon, or Si if you really want to, I think I could probably stretch to Jen. When I'm off duty."

With a shrug, he nodded, returning to a passage in his book. "I do know what you mean. it leaves our history feeling a little tainted, doesn't it? Even if I would just as soon wipe them all out, that doesn't mean I can't find their effects interesting, though. I'm not sure the books are much use for how they think, though... They just make them seem like you say, mad dictators. I think you'd probably have to meet one to really understand how they think. From a safe distance, for preference. Maybe with a gun in your hand."

"Hehe, are you by chance from the British Army? Your accent is rather... intense Simon. Si feels like you wanna be called after a musical note. Next you're gonna say your father is called Sol and your brother is La." Jennifer chuckled softly, trying not to make too much noise. "Fine, I will go for Si if you go for Jen."

Sighing and nodding, her smile dwindling down to a smirk, Jennifer nodded. "Yeah, tainted is a understatement. It puts into question a lot of our achievements as a species if you ask me. Damn, fucking, parasite worms."

"If I ever do meet one, I am hoping for a FGM-148 Javelin on my shoulder or a M320 GLM. And the meeting hopefully will be a really short one as a result. From what I understood from talking to others on the base, the parasites are rather fragmented politically. And they have a sort of rebel faction too, Tok'ra. Quite interesting."

"Close. Royal Marines. I was a Colour Sergeant, before they decided that would make things too confusing and swapped me over. It would've been nice if someone had explained to me exactly what 'Gunnery Sergeant' is supposed to mean, but I suppose that's just the way things go. Jen it is, anyway, though I would recommend you don't go singing my name. People might get the wrong idea."

"I know what you mean," He replied, with a nod. "I like to think we made those achievements in spite of them, but being entirely honest I think that's just my optimism shining through."

He seemed a little impressed by her response, and as a chuckle parted his lips, he nodded again. "I think that ought to do the job. Personally I'd prefer an AXMC. Maybe even an AX50, but I think I'd try to keep the meeting just as short. I've never heard about any rebels, though; the information I've been able to get my hands on has been pretty fragmentary at best. That's why I'm here."

Royal Marines?" Jennifer perked up smiling form ear to ear. "US Spec Ops Marine myself! Semper fidelis!" She proudly offers a fist to bump to the fellow marine on the other side of the table. "What is the motto of the Royal Marines? Rather curious."

Making herself more comfortable in her chair, which was rather utilitarian and not designed for comfort. "Gunnery Sergeant, Gunny, it's in the name Si. You're in charge of weapons or weapon systems, depending on the unit you are in. Since we're all gonna be infantry here, this means you're in charge of a team's firepower and logistics." She gave the basic short version of what she knew a Gunny was in responsible for.

Nodding with understanding she sighs, still smirking. "I doubt command will let us bring heavy weaponry through the gate. There is no such thing as overkill. AX50 ? Wait? You're a sniper? Oh that is rather cool, you need some really mad skills and focus to be proficient with those."

"As for the parasites. Yeah... apparently there is a really small faction called the Tok'ra, that are seen as rebels and traitors. They believe in some goombah yah crap about hosts being willing participants. Like the Trill in Star Trek. And they fight and try to subvert the Goa'uld."

"Oh, really?" Simon replied, looking rather pleased himself, and met her fist with his own, even if it did look completely ridiculous coming from someone who looks like him. "Raider or recon? You've got two separate ones, right?" He seemed genuinely interested, cracking a much wider smile as he added, "Per Mare, Per Terram. Not quite as catchy, maybe, but it does the job."

"Well, I suppose that makes sense. A colour sergeant is supposed to look after the regimental colours, but I haven't seen many regiments around here. Just a load of Ruperts all floating about and mixing together, if you don't mind the expression. Still, I think I can probably manage that... I do have a bit of a soft spot for weapons."

"No heavy weaponry? Where's the fun in that?" He sighed, shaking his head with a wry smile. "Good to see that command staff ruin the fun everywhere, I suppose. But yes, I'm a marksman, when I'm not being a combat engineer. I couldn't possibly comment on my 'mad skills', but I certainly appreciate the sentiment."

"I suppose it's good that some of them aren't bastards, at least. I've never liked dealing with rebels. You can get a lot of help from them, but it's impossible to tell whether you can trust them properly. Or if they won't turn out even worse when they win."

"Yeah, we have them separate. But I am a raider. Amphibious assault, got the fancy ride and everything." She replied and nodded. "On sea, on land? Quite fitting if you ask me. As you said, it does the job and it also describes the job."

"Ruperts? Well you are right there, I saw a lot of those here are airforce. So us marines might be in a shorter number. Plus, from what I heard we will be going out in teams of four. So you know, not that many guns to look after."

Chuckling and nodding she offered a wide grin. "If you ask me, we should be rolling out in tanks, but they don't fit through the gate. Command I believe might be concerned about leaving a good first impression. Still, marksman and combat engineer? The team that gets you will be lucky indeed. And I tried sniper rifles, my aim isn't that great over long distances."

"As for rebels, I think for now these ones are our allies. We have a former host on board, the chief of the Archeology department. She seems to have a good opinion on them, even she has been a host for only a little while."

"Nice. I used a few of those boats in my time, though it was never my specialty. I'm sure you know how it is when you're special forces, you end up doing all sorts of unusual things. Quite a lot by sea, and a fair few by land, too," He said, with a slight chuckle.

The chuckle only continued as he nodded, replying, "Officers. Affectionate or not, depending on the context and the officer in question. I'm surprised there's such a big airforce presence, though. The ones I knew weren't particularly interested in anything they couldn't crash or drop bombs on. I like small teams, though... It's much better when you know the people who've got your back, and really learn to function like a unit, don't you think?"

Though he didn't quite match the grin, he did break out in a short laugh. "I think I could get behind that. Not sure you can make much better of an impression than waving from the cupola of an MBT. Even without a gun that big to take care of, though, I like to think I'd be able to improve any team I were assigned to. Everyone likes to have a properly seen to firearm."

"Maybe so, but it wouldn't be the first time allies have turned against one another... I'm not suggesting we should kill them all, but we definitely should be wary of who we trust. Even with the best of intentions, things can go wrong. Trust, but verify, as I think the saying goes."

Nodding Jennifer grinned. "Yeah, I know. Any job, anywhere. Though when you think about it, we are talking aliens with space crafts. So having the airforce get a hold on this op makes sense. They'll be the ones handling future ships and such. Plus research is usually something the airforce really loves to do."

"As for functioning like a unit, I know. I ran my own unit in amphibious assault. We've been through enough ops and trouble together and I have to admit, I was saddened to leave them behind. They are good soldiers."

Nodding again Jennifer exhaled. "Yeah, properly seen to firearms are a must on any team. Allies wise, if you ask me, I'd have all the snakes wiped out. Not sure how to feel actually about these rebels, but it is not my place to judge the orders of command."

"Exactly," He agreed, with a matching smile. "You do make an excellent point there, though I would imagine in that case, personnel from NASA or ESA or similar would be more appropriate. Or Navy, if you want to get pedantic... After all, ship *is* in the name." Letting out a slight chuckle, he shook his head, slightly bemused at the strangeness of it all.

Getting a little more somber, he nodded, in full agreement. "Exactly. I already miss the boys and girls back home. Still, they threw me a smashing party, and I'm sure they can handle themselves well enough without me. I'm sure yours will do just as well, and we'll probably have new units before too long. Even if this base does have a serious Yank infestation." He couldn't resist finishing things off with a little teasing, having judged that this particular captain probably wouldn't be too offended.

"A woman after my own heart, I see. I'd just as soon shoot every last one of them, but orders are orders. Even if I *do* think they're stupid orders."

"You are not wrong. Honestly I think if we ever do somehow manage real space ships, submarine crews would make the best people to crew one. Think about it, you cannot rely on sight out in space, only sensors, basically a submarine in space. However you still need the airforce to pilot the alien fighters. And NASA is not a military organization." Jennifer pointed out smiling, rather excited about the conversation so far.

"And I know, my squad will do just fine, though I pity the poor sod that steps in as their new team lead. I might have spoiled them a bit too much and they have very high expectations now. But, oh well. As for yanks, since you were so kind to bring that up, care to explain what yank means? Never did actually understand where that term comes from. I like to think it means revolutionary, because we did kick you guys so hard you never came back again." She teases back, rather proud of her ancestors. She's had family who fought both in the civil war and the independence one. Her family was obsessed with keeping a very detailed genealogic tree.

"I guess everyone here has a reason to hate the parasites. But as you said, our duty is to execute orders, not to question them. Have to trust command that they know what they are doing. And keep a bit of hope and optimism alive, right?"

"NASA might not be military, but they do recruit their astronauts mostly from the air force... Which, I suppose, is another reason to let the airforce handle it. I would agree with you about submariners if it weren't for the fact that ever single one I've met had a few screws loose, if you know what I mean. I'm not sure how I'd feel about trusting them with a spaceship."

After raising an eyebrow and chuckling slightly at the implied boasting, Simon replied, "I'm sure you did. Still, it does officers good to have high expectations set on them." Then he chuckled, smiling a wry smile, and said, "Well, I couldn't tell you the exacxt etymology... I'm just a grunt, you remember? But in general I think it refers to someone who tries to take credit for those dastardly French and their successful support of an otherwise doomed rebellion." Despite the potentially acerbic words, though, there wasn't anything more than playfulness about his tone; he certainly didn't mean anything more by it than fun banter.

"Well, trust is relative... But we do have to follow their orders. Hope and optimism, though, those I can certainly get behind. It's going to take more than a few little worms to stop me, that's for sure."

"Yeeep, you got around the logic circle to get to the point where yeah, you need the airforce if you want to have space ships. Also remember, if we are sending people into space, into the infinite void... you kinda do need folks with screws loose." Jennifer chuckled and leaned in to rest her face on her fist.

"Heck, I was a grunt too once as well. That's not an excuse to pretend you don't know stuff Si!" Giggling she shook her head. "You know, all I hear is sad British crying noises over getting their butts kicked by rednecks with sticks." Jennifer smiled widely and amused.

"I am curious what our first missions will be like to be honest. Dealing with worms from the get go or something peaceful. I hope it's something interesting."

"You know, you might be onto something there... If we have to send someone into space to get depressurised, it might as well be someone who'll enjoy the process. I wouldn't mind a bit of a trip, but we can let the airforce test the waters first."

"I never claimed to study linguistics! Just... Well, Classical, medieval and modern history, mathematics, a little physics and engineering. I was a real nerd," He replied with a little self-deprecating chuckle before his eyes lit up with goodnatured competetiveness. "Well, what I'm hearing is a yank thinking it mattered... Remember, when the traitors rebelled so they could evade taxes, their little country really didn't matter... It was really just a little cluster of farmers, religious nuts and criminals, you know? Probably why they got along with the French so well, come to think of it."

"You and me, both. I was looking at an impending promotion when I took this post... I wouldn't like to have given that up for guard duty, even if it is guarding some strange alien technology."

"Exactly, plus we're infantry, so in the end we don't really care who mans the ships. All we care is that they get us where we have to fight safely!" Jennifer tipped a invisible at proudly at that, proud to being infantry.

"Still... think about how much those farmers, religious nuts and criminals achieved in just three centuries or so. Took you guys like what? Over a thousand years? Tsk tsk tsk... kinda feels us yank colonials outdid our dear homeland." She laughed silently, greatly enjoying this back and forth. Jennifer liked poking fun at the British troops she had the honor of serving with during her deployments. "Though seriously now, that much history, math, physics and engineering? Why are you a jarhead instead of being with the nerd department?"

"Guard duty? Heh, that thought occurred me too when I landed here. Was afraid I'd get assigned to guarding the surface base, freezing my bum off. Nah, we're marines, it would be a waste to put us on guard duty."

Chuckling gently, Simon mirrored the gesture, sharing her pride in the profession he excelled at. "Exactly! Well, that and that they point the missiles and drop the bombs where we tell them to, and let us get on with the real work."

"I don't know," He mused, thoughtfully. "With that economy, and that enormous population poached from the most talented minds of however many other countries, you would sort of expect that they'd be doing a little better. They got off to such a good start, too... But here they are, asking the UK to lend them some special forces and teach them how it's done." He grinned at that, having just as much fun... After all, what better sign of respect could there be than sharing some choice banter with his allies from across the pond? "Well... It's a bit of a long story. But, if I'm being honest, it mostly comes down to stubborness. Daddy dearest wanted me to be an officer, so naturally I had to get myself enlisted. I suppose I'll eventually have to give in and get command anyway, if I keep going the way I have, but at least then it won't be because he pulled strings for me."

"Bloody right, it would be a waste. That's what the army's for, after all. They're supposed to be the ones who guard the base while we get the proper work done."

Raising an eyebrow, Jennifer grinned. "Really now? Teaching us how it's done? You know, for once I am happy to be a Captain. Have to admit, really tempted to order you to drop down and give me a hundred pushups. Just to, you know, show me how it's done."

Snickering amused she pulled down on her right cheek to show her eye and poked her tongue out, in a very childish manner. "You guys are just jealous you couldn't brain drain everyone as good as we did. I bet you guys are still wearing those silly white wigs everywhere and still drive on the wrong side of the road. Tsk tsk tsk..."

"Wait? You actually refused to go for officer out of ambition to prove your father wrong?" Jennifer looked shocked a bit, with a bit of a dumb smile before shaking her head and grinned. "Wow, alright, interesting. Well I come from a family with a military tradition as well, but they never put that pressure on me. It was just, kind of assumed I would enroll. But I enlisted at first because honestly I was not in a good head space to do the college."

With a shrug of his shoulders and in incorrigible smile, Simon replied, "Well, I'm sorry, Captain, but those exact words were in my official orders. 'Teach the Yanks how it's done,' they said. But if you want to take it up with the Captain General and Admiral Haversham, I'm sure I can get them on the line for you."

"We do still drive on the correct side of the road, yes, but the only people who wear the wigs now are judges, lawyers and lords. Well, and mayors, and people like that, but only really on special occasions. It's because we have a rich tradition, rather than... Well, whatever you've got." He, it turns out, wasn't particularly above being childish either, and stuck his own tongue right back out with aplomb.

After letting those words hang in the air for a moment, he shrugged, and added, "Essentially, yes. I don't have any problems with my dad, he made the best of a bad situation, but the way he just assumed I would join the navy and follow in his footsteps... It rankled. So here I am." He left a brief pause, then after a short moment added, "In my experience, going up through the ranks makes you a better officer. But is that something you're comfortable talking about, or should I not pry?"

"Tell the yanks how it's done? Wooow, yeah, I can see why we threw you off the continent now. Yeeep, it all makes sense." Jennifer snickered and grinned. "Correct side you say? I think the world would like to point out to the contrary! As for that rich wig wearing tradition, isn't it because you folks were suffering from chronic boldness for several centuries? We just use normal clothes, like normal people you know."

Smiling she raised an eyebrow at him. "Really? Rankled? Oh well, to each his own. And you can pry, I do not mind. Yeah, I admit, starting off as enlisted did help keep me rooted. I know what it is to be part of the rank and file, so the officer grade doesn't change whom I was before. Really, maybe I should have gone straight for officer but, honestly I did not feel ready. My eldest brother is a Staff Sergeant and he's happy to stay there, my other brother was also a Captain before retiring after loosing his foot. So I have seen both sides of the coin so to speak."

"I'm afraid so," The sergeant replied, nodding with exaggerated graveness. "I suppose technically the orders should be classified, but I'm sure they wouldn't mind my breaching the official secrets act a little in order to have a bit of fun with our valued allies. I'm afraid they rather think of you as a gaggle of gung-ho cowboys, and they hope I'll serve as something of a temper to your more rambunctious urges." Another chuckle followed before he added, "Not the whole world, I think you'll find... But it can't be helped if some poor misguided souls get it wrong. As for the wigs, well, I couldn't possibly comment. It would be most improper."

"Yes, rankled. It was always, 'When you have a ship' this, and 'Your subordinates' that. So very tiresome. It sounds to me like you probably had a rather better reason for starting your career by enlisting, though. I've seen a fair few officers who weren't ready, and they don't tend to last all that long, so, if you trust the opinion of a not so humble NCO, I think you probably made the right choice. After all, you clearly made it here in the end, didn't you?"

"Now those are some interesting orders to say the least. Sheesh your commanders are really full of themselves. Well, no matter now, right? It's us versus the worms after all, with Humanity's survival on the line!" Jennifer made a small salute gesture smirking. "Though they are right, we do tend to get rambunctious."

"Wow, that does sound tiresome. Poor little baby officer." She chuckled and teased him. "In any case, being enlisted is not so bad. Not when you're young at least. It is hard work, thankless most of the time, but it is rewarding in its own way. Though I am happy to have reached Captain to be honest. Always keep trying to evolve, to always move forward."

"I wouldn't say full of themselves, as such... They just like to have a bit of fun. Strictly speaking the orders were top secret anyway, so they probably assumed I wouldn't go and tell the first American I had a conversation with." He shrugged, chuckling again, wry smile still covering his lips. "Clearly one of their more short-sighted lapses in judgement. The way things are now, though, a little rambunctious is probably just what we need... Especially when you've got me there with a rifle to cover your back."

"Look, I can't help being a sensitive little lamb! I was born that way, there isn't anything I can do!" He protested, good-naturedly. "I don't regret it, though. I've had some good times, made some good friends, and saved quite a few lives... None of that would have happened if I'd done what he wanted. If I get offered a promotion, I'll take it, but it'll be nice to feel like I've earned it rather than had it handed to me."

"Yeah, apparently they did. You are really bad at keeping secret orders secret." This conversation surely was interesting, Jennifer found herself chuckling or laughing quite a bit. "Really short sighted, but I am glad to have you here at least. You are right, once we go through the ring, you only have your team to rely on to stay alive. No chance for evac or anything."

"Sensitive you say? Well, I was expecting a true, self respecting Englishman such as yourself to have been eager for tea and biscuits. I assume that is what your officers do all day, drink a lot of tea and fancy tiny tables and talk with posh accents and praising the Queen all day long. But yes, I can attest that there is very big difference between serving as a Enlisted and as a Officer."

"Ah, but that's where you're wrong! I just took a considered decision to reveal some of their contents in the interests of fulfilling the rest." He was rather enjoying himself too, finding this particular captain to be rather the cream of the crop. "I suppose that's why they want special forces, so we're used to going in without a safety net. It makes a certain amount of sense."

"Actually, from my experience it tends to be expensive drinks and extravagant meals. I'm afraid tea and biscuits isn't just the officers. In fact, it's probably the enlisted even more so. The accents, though, you aren't far wrong. There were a few scotsmen, too, but it was mostly received English. A little like me, in fact."

"Hehe, you know what Si? I like you. Didn't think Royal Marines had it them to enjoy humor, but you proved me wrong. So, how about we check out these books and go get a bite at the cantina? I feel like the librarian on duty is throwing us dagger eyes." Jennifer grinned and nodded towards the librarian behind her.

Simon's eyes flashed as his smile turned a little mischievous and he replied, "A regular bunch of jokers, that's us. The feeling's certainly mutual, though." He followed her gaze to the librarian and winced theatrically as he saw their expression, then started to sort through his pile of books. "Sounds like a plan to me. I wasn't planning to be bludgeoned to death with a book today." With his books selected, he stood and let her lead the way out... After returning the rest to their proper place, of course.