SG1/SGA: General, Maj. Davis and Dr. Weir
Title: Change in Command
Author: caroly_214
Rating: PG
Length: 2762 words
Characters: Maj. Paul Davis, Dr. Elizabeth Weir
Summary: Maj. Davis briefs the new head of the SGC.
Spoilers: Lost City
Notes: This is for the minor character challenge at gate_haven that was posted ages and ages ago. Nothing slow about me. :-) There may be sequels, assuming I can ever find the time. Huge thanks to control_freak80 for beta-ing.
It was a beautiful day - far too beautiful to spend locked inside the forbidding Pentagon in his windowless office. That it was a Saturday only made it worse, as did the reason he had to work on this particular Saturday.
It wasn’t that Davis wasn’t used to working beyond the normal forty-hour week. Invariably, interstellar emergencies occurred outside normal working hours. But there was something galling about having to give up what precious little free time he had to brief someone who by all rights shouldn’t be stepping foot into the Pentagon - someone who was replacing a great man and didn’t deserve it.
He had heard of Elizabeth Weir, of course. He’d lived in Washington for almost ten years, and had learned his way around the movers and shakers - or at least, around those who thought they were movers and shakers. She was well thought of in certain circles; however, those circles did not include the military. A few years ago, Davis had been witness to a rant by one of the Joint Chiefs (he’d never say which) about how naïve, childish, and simplistic Elizabeth Weir was.
Which is why he was surprised by the poised, elegant woman he found in the lobby outside the security checkpoint. It wasn’t that she looked the cool professional; as a matter of fact, she looked as though she’d been up all night, rumpled and red-eyed with tousled brown curls. She had the familiar shell-shocked look he’d seen many times before on those who had just learned of the Stargate’s existence, though she was covering it better than most.
“Dr. Weir,” he asked, pasting a polite smile on his face. She turned to face him, giving him a tired but stunning smile. It was a politician’s smile, courteous and rehearsed, but knowing that didn’t dim its brightness.
“You must be Major Davis. It’s a pleasure to meet you,” she said, shaking his hand.
She was the consummate politician. He’d come across thousands in his time in Washington, though something told him Elizabeth Weir wasn’t your typical Washington politician.
“If you’ll come with me, ma’am, we can conduct the briefing in my office, if that’s all right with you.”
She smiled again, but Davis could see the tension and apprehension underlying it. He got her through security as quickly as he could, but, despite it being Saturday, it took several minutes. Dr. Weir stayed quiet throughout the entire process, but had a polite smile for everyone.
Navigating the maze that was the Pentagon, they soon found themselves in his office, which was appropriately at the end of a hall, far from the most populated parts of the building. His office was small but neat, and he directed her to the chair in front of his desk.
As he sat down across from her, arranging the folders on his desk, he surreptitiously studied Dr. Weir a little more closely. She was tall for a woman, but slender, reminding him of the ballerinas in all those ballets his mother had dragged the whole family to see when he was a kid. Her features were delicate and her eyes a stunning green. Her curls, which he imagined were usually fluffier and less tangled than they were now, were a dark, reddish brown. Overall, she was stunning, despite her obvious fatigue.
Finishing his inspection, he looked up to meet her gaze. Not surprisingly, she was also studying him, but she obviously didn’t feel the need to be surreptitious. She was frankly assessing him, her green eyes narrowed. Despite himself, he was nervous, wondering what she thought of him. Dr. Weir may look delicate, but he knew in that instant that she was as tough as nails. He wondered just how many people had underestimated her and lived to regret it.
He looked at her expectantly. “We have a lot of material to cover. Shall we begin?”
She smiled at him again, and he decided he liked her smile - though he would never admit to such an unprofessional thought.
She answered, “I read quite a few files yesterday and last night, but if you don’t mind, I think I’ll understand it better if I hear it all from you. I hear you have a bit of experience briefing people on the Stargate program, including representatives from other countries.”
Davis briefly closed his eyes as he brought up memories of that miserable experience. The only bright spot had been the appearance of Thor. The expressions on everyone’s faces - especially Kinsey’s - had been priceless. It had taken all his willpower not to crack a smile, and he hadn’t been able to keep from looking slightly smug.
“Yes, ma’am, I have, but I imagine this will be a lot easier.”
The side of her mouth quirked, but her expression quickly regained its professional demeanor. “I imagine it will, as well. Please begin, Major.”
***
He felt as if he had been talking forever. Although he summarized everything, it took a long time to go through seven years’ worth of material. Throughout the entire process, she had been quiet, taking copious notes, only asking the occasional pointed question. She was smart, very smart. Perhaps even Major Carter smart, though in a very different way. All her questions had shown how far ahead she was thinking, about the long-term implications. Finally, he got a point where he could stop talking.
She nodded distractedly, obviously preoccupied, apparently not even noticing that he’d stopped talking. Slowly, she stopped nodding, and her gaze became fixed at a point somewhere above his head.
Despite himself, Davis was impressed. She was taking this a hell of a lot better than most of the people he had briefed - and none of them had been about to take the weight of the security of the planet on their shoulders.
Figuring she needed the time to think, he focused his attention on some of the endless paperwork that covered his desk. As long as he was here, he might as well get something accomplished.
“Have you ever gone through?” she asked abruptly, turning to face him.
He knew what she wanted to know, but he asked nonetheless, “Through the Stargate?”
She nodded, her eyes locked with his, the intensity of her stare surprising him. Davis was beginning to understand just why this woman was so well respected, and he began to feel sympathy for anyone who had had the misfortune to go up against her.
“I have. Several times.” He kept his voice controlled and his expression neutral as he answered her. It wouldn’t do for him to show the secret thrill he’d felt each time he’d gone through the Stargate. He was a professional, and a professional didn’t act like a giddy sci-fi junkie - even if he was giddy sci-fi junkie.
She leaned back but kept her intense focus on him. “What was it like?”
Although he had been expecting the question, Davis was still unprepared for it. He had been working with the Stargate program for nearly seven years, but no one had ever asked him what it was like, probably because there were so many others who were better qualified to answer the question. They were the explorers; he was a glorified desk jockey, but a desk jockey nonetheless.
“I don’t really know if I’m the best person to answer that question, Dr. Weir. It’s not part of my normal duties. I’m sure the members of SG-1 would be happy to tell you about their experiences when you get to Cheyenne Mountain.”
She was looking at him curiously, with an expression that made him suddenly feel exposed. If he had been standing, he would have checked his fly.
“I realize that, which is one of the reasons I’m asking you. I doubt it will be part of my normal duties, either, so that’s something we have in common. I intend to ask SG-1 and all the other teams about their experiences when I meet them, but right now I’m asking you: What’s it like?”
It took him a moment to phrase his response as he thought back to the few times he had stepped into the shimmering puddle. “It’s…like nothing else I’ve ever experienced. It’s like a roller-coaster ride or flying on a jet, but so much better. And when you get through to the other side, and there are two moons, or the sky is a different color, and it smells different and you just know you’re no longer on Earth, and it’s so….” He trailed off as he realized he’d been babbling. He blushed and ducked his gaze, glancing up to see Dr. Weir’s reaction.
To his surprise, she was giving him an understanding smile. “It sounds amazing,” she said softly.
“It is,” he agreed. She nodded and looked down at the papers in front of her, and he did the same. For several minutes, the only sounds were those of papers rustling.
“All right.” He looked up at the sound of her voice and was surprised to see the slightest hint of - mischief - in her eye.
“I think I’ve got the basics, though something tells me I’m going to be reading top-secret files for the rest of my life. But now, Major,” and she leaned forward, an unmistakable conspiratorial gleam in her eye, “if I’m going to take command of the SGC, I’m going to need to know my way around. You’ve been working with these people for years. You know the tricks I’m going to need. Fess up, Major.”
Who knew Elizabeth Weir, diplomat extraordinaire, bane of the military, had a wicked sense of humor? Davis knew he was gaping, because it seemed to amuse her even more. This was not at all how he expected this briefing would go. In fact, it was becoming far more enjoyable than any briefing had a right to be. Her smile didn’t lessen, and he found himself involuntarily matching it with one of his own.
“Well - and this is completely in confidence - if you really want to know who runs the SGC,” he started as he leaned forward to mirror her position, “talk to Sgt. Walter Harriman. He knows everything. Of course, I’ll deny telling you this if anyone ever finds out.”
She affected an innocent expression that was so good he almost believed it. “What? I don’t remember you telling me anything at all.”
He shook his head, grinning, happy to see a grin blossom on her face. Her presence was calming and relaxing, and he considered asking what he’d been dying to know. He’d given her information, now he hoped she’d do the same.
“Do you know what’s going to happen to General Hammond?”
Her smile faded and she shook her head. “No, I’m afraid I don’t. I do know the President wants to create a new government department to oversee the Stargate program. Perhaps General Hammond will be involved in that.” She paused and looked at him critically. “You respect General Hammond, don’t you?”
Davis thought back on all his encounters with the big teddy bear of a general - a teddy bear whose claws came out when those he loved were threatened. He’d been on the receiving end of those claws once, but he hoped he’d redeemed himself in the general’s eyes over the past several years.
“Yes, I do. He’s a great man. General Hammond and those under his command have saved this planet so many times and no one knows about it. He’s had to make decisions that the rest of the planet couldn’t ever conceive would be necessary. He’s been threatened, politically and personally, but he’s never backed down. So, yes, I respect him, just as everyone who knows him respects him.” There was an implicit challenge in his speech, and he wondered how she would respond.
She didn’t back down. She narrowed her gaze and raised an eyebrow at him (and he was amused to discover she did an eyebrow-raise that would have made Teal’c proud. Idly, he wondered which of the two would win an eyebrow-raising contest - and how much he’d have to pay to see it). She said, “And now I’m taking over those responsibilities. Do you think I can do it?”
Davis met her gaze and held it. It was intense but also exhilarating. He hadn’t been this outclassed by anyone in a long time, and he was proud that he had been able to hold his own thus far.
He thought about her question for several moments before reaching a decision, and looked her straight in the eye as he answered. “Honestly, I’m not sure. But you come closer than anyone else I’ve ever met, so I’m hoping that’s enough.”
Weir continued to hold his gaze, her eyes searching his. Finally, she nodded. “Fair enough. Thank you for being honest with me, Major.”
“You’re welcome, Dr. Weir.”
She returned her attention to her notes, looking down so he didn’t have a clear view of her face. After a few moments, he heard her speak again, but her voice was softer. “I’m not as sure as you are.”
He frowned. “What do you mean?”
She raised her head and he could see the slightest hint of anxiety in her eyes. “I’m not sure I can do this. I’ve not trained for anything like this. I don’t know anything about the military except that I’ve dedicated my entire career to render it obsolete. This is not even remotely close to how I imagined my career would go.”
Davis felt uncomfortable at seeing her vulnerability, but also privileged that she would show it to him. He realized, of course, that it was probably the stress and he was a convenient target; but still, he felt pride over her trust in him.
“I’m sure you’ll do just fine.” It was a meaningless platitude and they both knew it. But he couldn’t think of anything better to say. Despite his pride about being her temporary confidant, his expertise didn’t extend to comforting vulnerable women. Was it his fault the nature of his job meant he had no social life, and thus, little recent experience with women, vulnerable or otherwise?
His platitude helped, but not in the way he would have expected. That amazing eyebrow quirked up, followed by the corner of her mouth. “Weren’t you just telling me you weren’t sure I could do this job?”
Note to self, Davis thought, next time you offer a meaningless platitude, make sure it doesn’t directly contradict something else you just said.
“Well, yes, but I also said you were more likely than anyone else I’ve met to pull it off.” He felt like a fool, but the anxiety was gone from her eyes and had been replaced with amusement, and if accomplishing that required him being a fool, so be it.
She smiled at him and shook her head, glancing down at her watch. As she did so, she gasped.
Davis jumped up. Never let it be said he didn’t rush to the assistance of a lady in need. “What’s wrong?”
Dr. Weir looked back over at him, chagrined. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you. It’s just that I saw the time and realized how late it is. I’m supposed to be meeting my boyfriend for a late lunch, and I’m already late.”
He nodded and told her they were done, ignoring the slight pang he felt that she had a boyfriend. He didn’t know why he felt the pang; it wasn’t as if anything could or would happen between them. But still . . . .
He helped her gather her things and together they walked out of his office into the stark, utilitarian hall.
“Thank you for you help today, Major. I appreciate it.”
“It’s been my pleasure, Dr. Weir. I’m glad I could be of service.”
She smiled at him as he opened a door for her. “I’m sure we’ll have the opportunity to work together again.”
“Yes, ma’am, I’m sure we will. I’m scheduled to go out to Cheyenne Mountain in about three weeks.”
They had reached the main lobby and stopped. Dr. Weir turned to face him and held out her hand.
“It’s been a pleasure, Major. I look forward to seeing you in three weeks.”
“As do I, Dr. Weir. Good luck.”
Flashing one last bright smile, she turned and walked away. Davis watched until he could no longer see her, thinking about how the day had gone. Perhaps, he thought, this change in command might not be such a bad thing after all.
End
Author: caroly_214
Rating: PG
Length: 2762 words
Characters: Maj. Paul Davis, Dr. Elizabeth Weir
Summary: Maj. Davis briefs the new head of the SGC.
Spoilers: Lost City
Notes: This is for the minor character challenge at gate_haven that was posted ages and ages ago. Nothing slow about me. :-) There may be sequels, assuming I can ever find the time. Huge thanks to control_freak80 for beta-ing.
It was a beautiful day - far too beautiful to spend locked inside the forbidding Pentagon in his windowless office. That it was a Saturday only made it worse, as did the reason he had to work on this particular Saturday.
It wasn’t that Davis wasn’t used to working beyond the normal forty-hour week. Invariably, interstellar emergencies occurred outside normal working hours. But there was something galling about having to give up what precious little free time he had to brief someone who by all rights shouldn’t be stepping foot into the Pentagon - someone who was replacing a great man and didn’t deserve it.
He had heard of Elizabeth Weir, of course. He’d lived in Washington for almost ten years, and had learned his way around the movers and shakers - or at least, around those who thought they were movers and shakers. She was well thought of in certain circles; however, those circles did not include the military. A few years ago, Davis had been witness to a rant by one of the Joint Chiefs (he’d never say which) about how naïve, childish, and simplistic Elizabeth Weir was.
Which is why he was surprised by the poised, elegant woman he found in the lobby outside the security checkpoint. It wasn’t that she looked the cool professional; as a matter of fact, she looked as though she’d been up all night, rumpled and red-eyed with tousled brown curls. She had the familiar shell-shocked look he’d seen many times before on those who had just learned of the Stargate’s existence, though she was covering it better than most.
“Dr. Weir,” he asked, pasting a polite smile on his face. She turned to face him, giving him a tired but stunning smile. It was a politician’s smile, courteous and rehearsed, but knowing that didn’t dim its brightness.
“You must be Major Davis. It’s a pleasure to meet you,” she said, shaking his hand.
She was the consummate politician. He’d come across thousands in his time in Washington, though something told him Elizabeth Weir wasn’t your typical Washington politician.
“If you’ll come with me, ma’am, we can conduct the briefing in my office, if that’s all right with you.”
She smiled again, but Davis could see the tension and apprehension underlying it. He got her through security as quickly as he could, but, despite it being Saturday, it took several minutes. Dr. Weir stayed quiet throughout the entire process, but had a polite smile for everyone.
Navigating the maze that was the Pentagon, they soon found themselves in his office, which was appropriately at the end of a hall, far from the most populated parts of the building. His office was small but neat, and he directed her to the chair in front of his desk.
As he sat down across from her, arranging the folders on his desk, he surreptitiously studied Dr. Weir a little more closely. She was tall for a woman, but slender, reminding him of the ballerinas in all those ballets his mother had dragged the whole family to see when he was a kid. Her features were delicate and her eyes a stunning green. Her curls, which he imagined were usually fluffier and less tangled than they were now, were a dark, reddish brown. Overall, she was stunning, despite her obvious fatigue.
Finishing his inspection, he looked up to meet her gaze. Not surprisingly, she was also studying him, but she obviously didn’t feel the need to be surreptitious. She was frankly assessing him, her green eyes narrowed. Despite himself, he was nervous, wondering what she thought of him. Dr. Weir may look delicate, but he knew in that instant that she was as tough as nails. He wondered just how many people had underestimated her and lived to regret it.
He looked at her expectantly. “We have a lot of material to cover. Shall we begin?”
She smiled at him again, and he decided he liked her smile - though he would never admit to such an unprofessional thought.
She answered, “I read quite a few files yesterday and last night, but if you don’t mind, I think I’ll understand it better if I hear it all from you. I hear you have a bit of experience briefing people on the Stargate program, including representatives from other countries.”
Davis briefly closed his eyes as he brought up memories of that miserable experience. The only bright spot had been the appearance of Thor. The expressions on everyone’s faces - especially Kinsey’s - had been priceless. It had taken all his willpower not to crack a smile, and he hadn’t been able to keep from looking slightly smug.
“Yes, ma’am, I have, but I imagine this will be a lot easier.”
The side of her mouth quirked, but her expression quickly regained its professional demeanor. “I imagine it will, as well. Please begin, Major.”
***
He felt as if he had been talking forever. Although he summarized everything, it took a long time to go through seven years’ worth of material. Throughout the entire process, she had been quiet, taking copious notes, only asking the occasional pointed question. She was smart, very smart. Perhaps even Major Carter smart, though in a very different way. All her questions had shown how far ahead she was thinking, about the long-term implications. Finally, he got a point where he could stop talking.
She nodded distractedly, obviously preoccupied, apparently not even noticing that he’d stopped talking. Slowly, she stopped nodding, and her gaze became fixed at a point somewhere above his head.
Despite himself, Davis was impressed. She was taking this a hell of a lot better than most of the people he had briefed - and none of them had been about to take the weight of the security of the planet on their shoulders.
Figuring she needed the time to think, he focused his attention on some of the endless paperwork that covered his desk. As long as he was here, he might as well get something accomplished.
“Have you ever gone through?” she asked abruptly, turning to face him.
He knew what she wanted to know, but he asked nonetheless, “Through the Stargate?”
She nodded, her eyes locked with his, the intensity of her stare surprising him. Davis was beginning to understand just why this woman was so well respected, and he began to feel sympathy for anyone who had had the misfortune to go up against her.
“I have. Several times.” He kept his voice controlled and his expression neutral as he answered her. It wouldn’t do for him to show the secret thrill he’d felt each time he’d gone through the Stargate. He was a professional, and a professional didn’t act like a giddy sci-fi junkie - even if he was giddy sci-fi junkie.
She leaned back but kept her intense focus on him. “What was it like?”
Although he had been expecting the question, Davis was still unprepared for it. He had been working with the Stargate program for nearly seven years, but no one had ever asked him what it was like, probably because there were so many others who were better qualified to answer the question. They were the explorers; he was a glorified desk jockey, but a desk jockey nonetheless.
“I don’t really know if I’m the best person to answer that question, Dr. Weir. It’s not part of my normal duties. I’m sure the members of SG-1 would be happy to tell you about their experiences when you get to Cheyenne Mountain.”
She was looking at him curiously, with an expression that made him suddenly feel exposed. If he had been standing, he would have checked his fly.
“I realize that, which is one of the reasons I’m asking you. I doubt it will be part of my normal duties, either, so that’s something we have in common. I intend to ask SG-1 and all the other teams about their experiences when I meet them, but right now I’m asking you: What’s it like?”
It took him a moment to phrase his response as he thought back to the few times he had stepped into the shimmering puddle. “It’s…like nothing else I’ve ever experienced. It’s like a roller-coaster ride or flying on a jet, but so much better. And when you get through to the other side, and there are two moons, or the sky is a different color, and it smells different and you just know you’re no longer on Earth, and it’s so….” He trailed off as he realized he’d been babbling. He blushed and ducked his gaze, glancing up to see Dr. Weir’s reaction.
To his surprise, she was giving him an understanding smile. “It sounds amazing,” she said softly.
“It is,” he agreed. She nodded and looked down at the papers in front of her, and he did the same. For several minutes, the only sounds were those of papers rustling.
“All right.” He looked up at the sound of her voice and was surprised to see the slightest hint of - mischief - in her eye.
“I think I’ve got the basics, though something tells me I’m going to be reading top-secret files for the rest of my life. But now, Major,” and she leaned forward, an unmistakable conspiratorial gleam in her eye, “if I’m going to take command of the SGC, I’m going to need to know my way around. You’ve been working with these people for years. You know the tricks I’m going to need. Fess up, Major.”
Who knew Elizabeth Weir, diplomat extraordinaire, bane of the military, had a wicked sense of humor? Davis knew he was gaping, because it seemed to amuse her even more. This was not at all how he expected this briefing would go. In fact, it was becoming far more enjoyable than any briefing had a right to be. Her smile didn’t lessen, and he found himself involuntarily matching it with one of his own.
“Well - and this is completely in confidence - if you really want to know who runs the SGC,” he started as he leaned forward to mirror her position, “talk to Sgt. Walter Harriman. He knows everything. Of course, I’ll deny telling you this if anyone ever finds out.”
She affected an innocent expression that was so good he almost believed it. “What? I don’t remember you telling me anything at all.”
He shook his head, grinning, happy to see a grin blossom on her face. Her presence was calming and relaxing, and he considered asking what he’d been dying to know. He’d given her information, now he hoped she’d do the same.
“Do you know what’s going to happen to General Hammond?”
Her smile faded and she shook her head. “No, I’m afraid I don’t. I do know the President wants to create a new government department to oversee the Stargate program. Perhaps General Hammond will be involved in that.” She paused and looked at him critically. “You respect General Hammond, don’t you?”
Davis thought back on all his encounters with the big teddy bear of a general - a teddy bear whose claws came out when those he loved were threatened. He’d been on the receiving end of those claws once, but he hoped he’d redeemed himself in the general’s eyes over the past several years.
“Yes, I do. He’s a great man. General Hammond and those under his command have saved this planet so many times and no one knows about it. He’s had to make decisions that the rest of the planet couldn’t ever conceive would be necessary. He’s been threatened, politically and personally, but he’s never backed down. So, yes, I respect him, just as everyone who knows him respects him.” There was an implicit challenge in his speech, and he wondered how she would respond.
She didn’t back down. She narrowed her gaze and raised an eyebrow at him (and he was amused to discover she did an eyebrow-raise that would have made Teal’c proud. Idly, he wondered which of the two would win an eyebrow-raising contest - and how much he’d have to pay to see it). She said, “And now I’m taking over those responsibilities. Do you think I can do it?”
Davis met her gaze and held it. It was intense but also exhilarating. He hadn’t been this outclassed by anyone in a long time, and he was proud that he had been able to hold his own thus far.
He thought about her question for several moments before reaching a decision, and looked her straight in the eye as he answered. “Honestly, I’m not sure. But you come closer than anyone else I’ve ever met, so I’m hoping that’s enough.”
Weir continued to hold his gaze, her eyes searching his. Finally, she nodded. “Fair enough. Thank you for being honest with me, Major.”
“You’re welcome, Dr. Weir.”
She returned her attention to her notes, looking down so he didn’t have a clear view of her face. After a few moments, he heard her speak again, but her voice was softer. “I’m not as sure as you are.”
He frowned. “What do you mean?”
She raised her head and he could see the slightest hint of anxiety in her eyes. “I’m not sure I can do this. I’ve not trained for anything like this. I don’t know anything about the military except that I’ve dedicated my entire career to render it obsolete. This is not even remotely close to how I imagined my career would go.”
Davis felt uncomfortable at seeing her vulnerability, but also privileged that she would show it to him. He realized, of course, that it was probably the stress and he was a convenient target; but still, he felt pride over her trust in him.
“I’m sure you’ll do just fine.” It was a meaningless platitude and they both knew it. But he couldn’t think of anything better to say. Despite his pride about being her temporary confidant, his expertise didn’t extend to comforting vulnerable women. Was it his fault the nature of his job meant he had no social life, and thus, little recent experience with women, vulnerable or otherwise?
His platitude helped, but not in the way he would have expected. That amazing eyebrow quirked up, followed by the corner of her mouth. “Weren’t you just telling me you weren’t sure I could do this job?”
Note to self, Davis thought, next time you offer a meaningless platitude, make sure it doesn’t directly contradict something else you just said.
“Well, yes, but I also said you were more likely than anyone else I’ve met to pull it off.” He felt like a fool, but the anxiety was gone from her eyes and had been replaced with amusement, and if accomplishing that required him being a fool, so be it.
She smiled at him and shook her head, glancing down at her watch. As she did so, she gasped.
Davis jumped up. Never let it be said he didn’t rush to the assistance of a lady in need. “What’s wrong?”
Dr. Weir looked back over at him, chagrined. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you. It’s just that I saw the time and realized how late it is. I’m supposed to be meeting my boyfriend for a late lunch, and I’m already late.”
He nodded and told her they were done, ignoring the slight pang he felt that she had a boyfriend. He didn’t know why he felt the pang; it wasn’t as if anything could or would happen between them. But still . . . .
He helped her gather her things and together they walked out of his office into the stark, utilitarian hall.
“Thank you for you help today, Major. I appreciate it.”
“It’s been my pleasure, Dr. Weir. I’m glad I could be of service.”
She smiled at him as he opened a door for her. “I’m sure we’ll have the opportunity to work together again.”
“Yes, ma’am, I’m sure we will. I’m scheduled to go out to Cheyenne Mountain in about three weeks.”
They had reached the main lobby and stopped. Dr. Weir turned to face him and held out her hand.
“It’s been a pleasure, Major. I look forward to seeing you in three weeks.”
“As do I, Dr. Weir. Good luck.”
Flashing one last bright smile, she turned and walked away. Davis watched until he could no longer see her, thinking about how the day had gone. Perhaps, he thought, this change in command might not be such a bad thing after all.
End