Analyze This!! (OPEN to all!)

[Dr. Roger Harrison]

1025
Roger's Office
Meropis

Roger listened to Tom; he noted the changes in the man's tones, body language and behaviors. Those things were important to him; he could more, oftentimes, by how someone acted than by the words they said. Tom's ran the gamut from annoyed to determined to resigned. Good. Emotions were GOOD; it meant that the person wasn't a total sociopath. Which, of course, was unlikely with Tom, as Roger was fairly confident that even the Australian military would ferret out the crazy.

Tom didn't help himself to anything to drink, but that was OK with Roger. He found that sometimes people relied on distractions TOO much; on the other hand, it was a little interesting that he didn't partake in social norms. That became evident as he spoke.

It's alright, nothing bad nothing particularly extra great. Tom went right on to the description of Australia, ignoring the other questions. To this assessment, Roger nodded once.

Hmm. Luce will be disappointed...maybe we should check out Fiji, then. He said this. It had no bearing on Tom, other than small talk. Roger needed him to open up a little. And sit the hell down; he was making Roger nervous (well, more than usual). Roger let Tom go on.

Tom is fine, is there anything you would prefer to be or not to be called Doctor Harrison? Roger smiled lightly.

Doc is fine, or Roger. Some people call me Doc H, even. I will respond to most things except "yo." Roger hated that word. He went on a moment.

Tom, then. Nice to meet you formally; I know we were on the Sun-Tzu during the last mission, but we didn't get a chance to meet. Roger paused to let Tom go on.

I'm not as bound by the US UJMC as you might think, but I doubt Flight Lieutenant Decker would think much of what you told him from this, I'm sure he would understand. Roger looked thoughtful.

I've yet to meet him formally, but from what I understand, he seems like a reasonable bloke. Roger would reserve further comment for the occassion he would.

that would depend on who you asked, as for me, I followed instructions, and Doctor Kells overreacted..."She asked why I was apparently so unwelcoming to British and Americans, so I answered.Truthfuly. Roger chuckled lightly. He was BOTH British and American; well, technically, he was Scottish, but that was neither here nor there. He'd lived in London long enough, and besides Scotland was still under British rule, so therefore he was British as much he liked it or not. He started.

You must understand, to the casual observer, your tone was hostile. While you might'nt have meant that, it WAS. While I understand your feelings, you must also understand that not all Brits-nor Americans-are bad. I am Scottish, by birth, but British by both law and location, and moved to America during Uni. There are some wonderful people there, my wife among them, for example. I believe Ms. Kells was concerned because the Irish, like the Scots, and the Welsh, are British subjects, and while they're not the SAME, they're alike, and it's important that you can put aside your personal feelings to work as a team. That's what will keep you alive out here, not national pride or any other nonsense. He paused again for a moment. Will you tell me a bit about your interactions with British and Americans that have caused you to think this way? If Roger could understand where Tom was coming from, it would help him to help Tom to maybe overcome that. Then, Tom said something that piqued Roger's interest.

And I still don't have my answer to the question I wanted to ask, but that isn't why we are here, is it? Roger raised an eyebrow.

Or maybe it is. Perhaps I can tell you?! What is it that you would like to know? He figured that he could at least take a stab in the dark at it. There wasn't much that Roger hadn't heard yet.

Tag:Tom Chambers

[Tom Chambers]

1026
Roger's Office
Meropis

"Hmm. Luce will be disappointed...maybe we should check out Fiji, then." Tom just looked back at the man. "Don't get me wrong it can be nice, I've just seen a lot of it, My father was an Army officer, I've seen most of Australia, particularly the north. as for Fiji, I'd pass, I'm convinced military officers wouldn't be great at running countries." He hoped Roger knew a little bit, he was sure Fiji was beautiful to look at, but on a Lance Corporals Dollar, you took in the sights where they sent you on the governments money.

"Doc is fine, or Roger. Some people call me Doc H, even. I will respond to most things except "yo." Tom thought for a second, this was probably looking like he was a bit over the place, which he had to admit he was only here as a means to and end, that end though was still to be decided, to be decided in fact by Roger. "I might use Doc, Your last name is too long, and well, I prefer short words, then again I think that is a military thing?" He listened, still clearly tense and still slightly agitated.

"Tom, then. Nice to meet you formally; I know we were on the Sun-Tzu during the last mission, but we didn't get a chance to meet." Tom's expression cahnged from a hard slightly anoyed looking hardness to a mix of those and confusion.

"I Haven't been on the Sun Tzu, at least as far as I can remember." Roger then went on with more about the Australian commander.

"I've yet to meet him formally, but from what I understand, he seems like a reasonable bloke." Well, for an officer and for an Air force guy, maybe. Tom looked down befor elooking back up at the Dr Harrison. "He's certainly one of the better ones, then again his position as the Australian CO is mainly for awards and Decorations." Tom explained, he wouldn't go too indepth, but he wanted to explain what he could to Harrison. 

The doc then Chuckled as the combat engineer explained what he felt had happened. 

"You must understand, to the casual observer, your tone was hostile. While you might'nt have meant that, it WAS. While I understand your feelings, you must also understand that not all Brits-nor Americans-are bad. I am Scottish, by birth, but British by both law and location, and moved to America during Uni. There are some wonderful people there, my wife among them, for example. I believe Ms. Kells was concerned because the Irish, like the Scots, and the Welsh, are British subjects, and while they're not the SAME, they're alike, and it's important that you can put aside your personal feelings to work as a team. That's what will keep you alive out here, not national pride or any other nonsense. He paused again for a moment. Will you tell me a bit about your interactions with British and Americans that have caused you to think this way?"

Tom ground his teeth. "I'll need a moment to work this properly, I tend to speak as I think, well when It wont hurt me, I obviously didn't think that through too well with Doctor Kells did I?"He was trying and was genuinely being self critical, he wasn't the best person in the universe by a long shot, and he was confident he wasn't the worst, but that was to be determined by Roger accross the table.

Roger then responded to his question. "Or maybe it is. Perhaps I can tell you?! What is it that you would like to know?
"

Tom looked at Roger then the man's desk. "I'd like to Clarify what I meant about what I said to Dr Kells first." He hadn't meant it as a question even if some of the words betrayed that.

"I'm Canadian by birth and rdecent, and Australian by decent and upbringing, I have dual Citizenship but I'm sure you knew that." He needed to Clarify, he had met plenty of friendly Brits and Americans, it was more there establishments and well their governments and militaires we had been well... to put it simply, whinging about. "I hadn't meant Individuals, well one or two are included but I was more in reference to them as whole nation states." He paused again his mind jumped filled by some things he couldn't get rid of that his Mother had taught him. "Well you realise as an Australian or Canadian Citizen I am essentially a non vote holding British subject, and am in all two and a bit ways a subject of the same person, you know The Queen." He hoped that made sense. "I have put my personal feels beside, mostly, but we, Australia, has more than pulled it's weight in my opinion in world History since at least our federation, we were sent into the botched Gallipoli campaign, the most important and dangarous parts of the western front of WW1, we were expendable, the colonials, we had to prove ourselves, and we haven't stopped." He paused to take a breath and think. "We inflicted the first operational defeat on the IJA in WW2, we withstood Rommel at Tobruk, we went to Korea, Vietnam, and pretty much every where else, We haven't been self dependant for our security, ever. We are expected to follow the Americans around like a loyal dog... and we do, we did it for the Empire before 1942, we've done it for the Americans since then, And I know we don't contribute as much, but we contribue a lot more proportionally, I feel. Yet we are still treated as the little guy, we might not be as big, but if there is something about Australian Culture, the underdog is always way better supported than top dog, beleive me, against the odds is character trait we try to have and celebrate." He took a deep breath, he had felt some of his frustration slip away, all he needed was a pub and roger to get a skip accent and this would be much easier. "As for my feelings I expressed about officers, have you ever met some? I bet you have, what about Captain Jones and what ever that... symbiote in his head is called, he didn't even flinch as we lost a couple of people, I watched as this poor young woman's life drained out onto my hands, and he didn't even look." Tom looked at his open hands before he rested them down to begin, clenching them into tight fists.

Chambers relaxed his hands, bu chose not to hold his own hands, his right hand moving a little up and down on the arm rest. "I understand there will be casaulties, but we had a chance, a chance to stop for just a second or two. In my line of work. Every extra second you get is generally only good." He paused again. "I've spent a lot of time around explosive devices that kill and maim thousands of people a year. I have to sometimes crawl up to them, with nothing more than what I can carry, one false move and not only am I most likely dead, someone near by is dead or injured." He moved uncomfortably, his father wouldn't be happy about this, to bad his mother had taught him to empathize maybe a little too much for a military man. "Officers make orders, I carry them out or directly watch over as someone does them. I understand, but I HAVE to get to know these people to work effieciently, otherwise I'm just another Lance giving out commands, I don't want to be that." He looked down. "Maybe I chose the wrong job, Mum said I should have been a sparkie..." He mumbled, thinking aloud. This was going far away from plan, then again the saying goes, no plan survives contact with the enemy. He had never even been hit before going into the Ancient lab. It seemed it had gotten to him, but he was sure it was a lack of pub and whinge.

He was going to ask that question now. "What do you know of the Ancient Gene, I have it, naturally, and fromw hat I;ve been able to get, I'm one of a minority of people not created entirley by technology, I also don't know what It means beyond being able to use their technology with my mind and activing others, I don't know if it means I'm more or less likely to have this or that, but do we even know? or are we just going to see what happens to us?" Tom didn't know if Roger was a carrier or not, but he probably had a better idea than the Lance Corporal.

<TAG: Dr. Roger Harrison>

[Dr. Roger Harrison]

1026
Roger's Office
Meropis

Roger internally sighed as Tom backtracked on his assessment on Australia.

Don't get me wrong it can be nice, I've just seen a lot of it, My father was an Army officer, I've seen most of Australia, particularly the north. as for Fiji, I'd pass, I'm convinced military officers wouldn't be great at running countries. Roger raised an eyebrow. More expressions of disdain against the military, and governments at that. Roger waited on that point, though, for a moment.

Just because one's government is corrupt doesn't make it any less of a breathtaking place to visit... Roger noted, lightly. He refreshed his coffee; by the early afternoon, he was going to be flying off the walls, but that was OK-Roger didn't sleep much anymore; carrying other people's darkest deeds usually did a number on his subconcious, plus he was homesick and frankly needed a day off, but he didn't foresee that happening in the near future, so coffee would have to be the cure for what ailed him for the time being.

He let Tom get it all out. That was his job-to sit and listen. He wasn't going to judge someone for holding thier ideas, but he might try to disabuse of them of the WRONG ones. However, the person also had to WANT to change for the better, or at least for the moment for that to even matter.

I'll need a moment to work this properly, I tend to speak as I think, well when It wont hurt me, I obviously didn't think that through too well with Doctor Kells did I? Roger just shrugged noncomittally; he preferred if people DIDN'T censor themselves, but whatever Tom would feel most comfortable with. "I'd like to Clarify what I meant about what I said to Dr Kells first. I'm Canadian by birth and rdecent, and Australian by decent and upbringing, I have dual Citizenship but I'm sure you knew that. Roger didn't say anything, he DID know, but that didn't matter. I hadn't meant Individuals, well one or two are included but I was more in reference to them as whole nation states. It was here that Roger decided to interject.

What happened in your life, Coporal, to cause you to have such distrust of the government?! I mean, in your opinion. Based on his personnel file, Roger had his OWN idea, but the point was to look inside one's self, not for Roger to sthingyfeed things, though there were a few instances where there were times it was necessary.

Well you realise as an Australian or Canadian Citizen I am essentially a non vote holding British subject, and am in all two and a bit ways a subject of the same person, you know The Queen." He hoped that made sense. "I have put my personal feels beside, mostly, but we, Australia, has more than pulled it's weight in my opinion in world History since at least our federation, we were sent into the botched Gallipoli campaign, the most important and dangarous parts of the western front of WW1, we were expendable, the colonials, we had to prove ourselves, and we haven't stopped....We inflicted the first operational defeat on the IJA in WW2, we withstood Rommel at Tobruk, we went to Korea, Vietnam, and pretty much every where else, We haven't been self dependant for our security, ever. We are expected to follow the Americans around like a loyal dog... and we do, we did it for the Empire before 1942, we've done it for the Americans since then, And I know we don't contribute as much, but we contribue a lot more proportionally, I feel. Yet we are still treated as the little guy, we might not be as big, but if there is something about Australian Culture, the underdog is always way better supported than top dog, beleive me, against the odds is character trait we try to have and celebrate. Roger nodded thoughtfully; this made sense.

I understand what you're saing, Corporal. But why did you feel the need to take it out on Dr. Kells? Because she was there, was it? Roger was trying to be kind, but he was also trying to make sense of it. Dr. Kells might not be his most favorite woman ever, and he was sure she felt the same about him, but he DID respect her for her achievements, and as a peer, so it was hard for him to see her treated this way. Plus, Roger was a humanitarian at the heart of things, and he just wanted people to be treated fairly.

"As for my feelings I expressed about officers, have you ever met some? I bet you have, what about Captain Jones and what ever that... symbiote in his head is called, he didn't even flinch as we lost a couple of people, I watched as this poor young woman's life drained out onto my hands, and he didn't even look. Roger nodded.

That is certainly alarming, for sure. Unfortunately, there isn't much that can be done about Mr. Jones or whatever he prefers to be called, at least not from your end, and I have no authority to order anyone into treatment. But between us, that is the behavior that I would classify as sociopathic, but without a full psychological assessment, I can't tell you how much is the man and how much is the monster running the show. My advice is to avoid him as much as is possible; if you'd like, I can ask Decker or Booth to keep you two separated for medical reasons...an allergy, perhaps? He offered this. It was as well as he could think of without suggesting an all-out boxing match, which actually might be a good treatment for later on, but without a sparring partner other than a boxing bag. Roger was all for non-violent solutions, but sometimes a guy just had to beat the proverbial crap out of something in order to be right with the world again. For most men, that was non-living things, like basketballs, or punching bags, or even, like himself, video game baddies, but for a less-intelligent few, it was actual people. He was hoping to avoid that, though.

Tom finished up.

I understand there will be casaulties, but we had a chance, a chance to stop for just a second or two. In my line of work. Every extra second you get is generally only good. I've spent a lot of time around explosive devices that kill and maim thousands of people a year. I have to sometimes crawl up to them, with nothing more than what I can carry, one false move and not only am I most likely dead, someone near by is dead or injured....Officers make orders, I carry them out or directly watch over as someone does them. I understand, but I HAVE to get to know these people to work effieciently, otherwise I'm just another Lance giving out commands, I don't want to be that.Maybe I chose the wrong job, Mum said I should have been a sparkie...

Roger smiled lightly.

Those are excellent things, Corporal. I can see that you really DON'T just want to be another drill sargeant; and I trust that in time, you can overcome the anger. That's what I see...if I may expand on that, anger is the most easily accessible of human emotions. It's also the most sinister; it will eat you alive if you let it. The good thing is that it is also the easiest to overcome-there are very many tools at our disposable. I don't think you'll need much intensive work, but I think it would make, AND Dr. Kells, feel better if you're willing to see me once or twice more after today. And if you will agree to me to let me help you, I think we can get your...weapons back and you reassigned. I am not going to beat around the bush, Mr. Chambers. You are a person with some issues, both anger and PTSD, but I feel that you're willing to help yourself. He let his words sink in for a moment.

Finally, the moved on to the point at hand.

What do you know of the Ancient Gene, I have it, naturally, and fromw hat I;ve been able to get, I'm one of a minority of people not created entirley by technology, I also don't know what It means beyond being able to use their technology with my mind and activing others, I don't know if it means I'm more or less likely to have this or that, but do we even know? or are we just going to see what happens to us? He sighed. This mission had laid open the genetic secrets of a few team members; Fiona had discovered hers, as well, and while the woman wasn't displaying the anger part of the feelings like Tom was, Roger knew that she was feeling conflicted about it, too . He thought for a moment before replying.

Truthfully, I don't know much. BUT...I know this. The fact that you've faced your shortcomings, and owned your mistakes, THAT proves to me that you're no monster. I was thinking of setting up a bit of a support group...a few others on the crew are discovering their own abilities; would that be of interest to you?! Also, I will coordinate with Drs. Kells and West; would it help if I offered to be your medical doctor as well?! I have medical training, as well as medical combat training, whilst Dr. Kells and West are more traidtionally trained. I can arrange it, if it's more comfortable for you. He paused a moment, and then put forth his treatment plan.

Will you be OK if we left you unarmed for the remainder of the day? I want you to relax. I will arrange your schedule for leave; one day only. I need you to find something to occupy your mind, and I want you to report back to me first thing in the morning on how you feel. I feel comfortable clearing you from duty and returning your weapons; I will let Hurley or Captain Miller or whomever is in charge handle the paperwork with Dr. Kells, but I will speak to the woman momentarily about our treatment plan; only to let her know that I think you're OK, it was a one off, and that I find you fit for duty. But if you let me down, I will pull you from duty and park you in my office so fast your head will spin, ok? If Roger was going to put his neck on the line, he wasn't going to do it blindly. Finally, I think you'd benefit from some physical therapy, so to speak. Your mental health "medicine", if you will, is to go to the gym, and work it out with a boxing bag, or on the Elliptical, or whatever you fancy. Finally, if this support group thing happens, you will show up occassionally, and if not, at least get together with Miss Maccafferty, and possibly Dominic Evans and do your OWN support group. Does that work for you? He let out a breath. It was a lot to take in, but he felt like it was a happy medium, a good compromise, and both soldier and doctor could walk away happy.

Tag:Tom Chambers.

[Tom Chambers]

1027
Rogers Office
Meropis

The doctor seemed disapointed when he clarified his statement on Australia. However the slight pause Roger gave after he mentioned he didn't think Military Officers were good at running countries, well he was pretty confidant he was right, none the less the Doctor still had a point.

"Just because one's government is corrupt doesn't make it any less of a breathtaking place to visit..." Tom hadn't meant that, he had meant more he had no interest in going there and likely wouldn't be allowed in, until that was resolved one way or another.

Tom took a moment to form his works. "I never said that, but getting into a country like that with my job probably not possible or too easy and I get taken or something, but you are right." Tom then went on to explain what he had said before and it seemed to just go past him, perhaps it wasn't important? he didn't know.

"What happened in your life, Coporal, to cause you to have such distrust of the government?! I mean, in your opinion." Tom Thought for a moment, nothing personally, it was more a collection of history and events. 

"I don't think it was anyone one thing, and well... I'm not really sure, they just seem to do a lot of nothing and arguing and I know that politics, but politics are part of elected governance right?" He Took a pause before letting outh is first big chuck on thoughts, it was freeing in a way and terrifying to tell this man his feelings, he was used to doing this over a could of pots and a parma after a deployment, but here it was different, you were kind of at home in the city, but not really, it was confusing.

"I understand what you're saing, Corporal. But why did you feel the need to take it out on Dr. Kells? Because she was there, was it?" Tom didn't take much time, but would soon wish he had.

"I think so... maybe... she told me it was okay for me to say anything... I... I needed to get it out... and I wasn't going to come here, it... it looks really bad, and well.. I thought I was better, stronger... I never meant to hurt or frighen her." His voice got angrier as he went along his hands were soon tight fists. He took a few breaths and uncurled his fists before going on to talka bout officers.

"That is certainly alarming, for sure. Unfortunately, there isn't much that can be done about Mr. Jones or whatever he prefers to be called, at least not from your end, and I have no authority to order anyone into treatment. But between us, that is the behavior that I would classify as sociopathic, but without a full psychological assessment, I can't tell you how much is the man and how much is the monster running the show. My advice is to avoid him as much as is possible; if you'd like, I can ask Decker or Booth to keep you two separated for medical reasons...an allergy, perhaps?"

Tom just looked back at Roger, no he needed to pass this, get on with it, but he had to express something, how he felt, if he was Decker, it might mean somethine, but he was Lance Coropal Tom Jack Chambers and he was just another combat engineer at the moment.

"Doctor.. Roger... I have to say something, it really bothers me, not the exact fact he shares his body, but the fact that said organism that cohabits it... can at any time without out any of us just take control, and we wouldn't know the difference would we? But I'll have to just move on and... learn to accept it... or atleast pretend too." Tom sighed. "I just... I can't trust... I just can't, I can't possibly know if it is the man or the symbiote and that is what worries me... along with all this other new stuff... I guess this why it hasen't gone public huh?" He thought aloud towards the end.

The combat engineer then went on too, explain further, that he knew there were unpleasent things in soldiering, but that he wanted to do everything he could to reduce those, at least for those around him.

"Those are excellent things, Corporal. I can see that you really DON'T just want to be another drill sargeant; and I trust that in time, you can overcome the anger. That's what I see...if I may expand on that, anger is the most easily accessible of human emotions. It's also the most sinister; it will eat you alive if you let it. The good thing is that it is also the easiest to overcome-there are very many tools at our disposable. I don't think you'll need much intensive work, but I think it would make, AND Dr. Kells, feel better if you're willing to see me once or twice more after today. And if you will agree to me to let me help you, I think we can get your...weapons back and you reassigned. I am not going to beat around the bush, Mr. Chambers. You are a person with some issues, both anger and PTSD, but I feel that you're willing to help yourself."

Chambers looked at Roger blinking rapidly before looking down, looking between his two hands. He wasn't the dependable, unbreakalbe but flexible Lance any more... he was as other might say a broken individual and was certainly a broken soldier, but maybe it would make him better, he just hoped it wouldn't make him worse.

"I-I'll see you any time you want me too... provided I'm not appropriately otherwise occupied..." He meant if they were udner attack or something other extreme was going on. "I knew I was angry... I knew why... somewhat... I feel I needed to jsut say something... get it out of my head, I just... I couldn't stay quiet anymore, I didn't mean to scare her." He took a deep breath and a few normal ones. "its not about the weapons themselves... It's about what being removed from duty and everything ment... I wanted to prove to everyone else and myself, we, us Australia's a bunch of 23 million people alone of a continent, could do. Along with prove to myself how far I could go." 

Tom then after a moment or two went on to explain his reservations about the Acient Technology Activation Gene and what it meant and what it meant to him, personally.

"Truthfully, I don't know much. BUT...I know this. The fact that you've faced your shortcomings, and owned your mistakes, THAT proves to me that you're no monster. I was thinking of setting up a bit of a support group...a few others on the crew are discovering their own abilities; would that be of interest to you?! Also, I will coordinate with Drs. Kells and West; would it help if I offered to be your medical doctor as well?! I have medical training, as well as medical combat training, whilst Dr. Kells and West are more traidtionally trained. I can arrange it, if it's more comfortable for you."

The Lance Corporal Noded slowly. "I don't think I have much of a choice of being interested or not, I just want to know more, would you be able to find out for me? As for you being my full on everything Doctor... I'm not sure I'm capable of making that kind of decision... I don't know what would be best for me in that regard... I'll leave it up to you." Tom had an incling he might regret saying that last part, but it was the truth, give him a trench system or a well or repair the structure of Meropis, he knew what to do, his own medical benefits, he was hopeless, probably more so than normal people.

Dr Harrison then went on to explain what he was going to do.

"Will you be OK if we left you unarmed for the remainder of the day? I want you to relax. I will arrange your schedule for leave; one day only. I need you to find something to occupy your mind, and I want you to report back to me first thing in the morning on how you feel. I feel comfortable clearing you from duty and returning your weapons; I will let Hurley or Captain Miller or whomever is in charge handle the paperwork with Dr. Kells, but I will speak to the woman momentarily about our treatment plan; only to let her know that I think you're OK, it was a one off, and that I find you fit for duty. But if you let me down, I will pull you from duty and park you in my office so fast your head will spin, ok?
"

Tom felt like it was his first day at kapooka, he was a recruit all over again, it showed with a grimmace on his face. HE had to stop himself from quickly replying as habbit almost overwhelmed him, luckily, anger and realisation was still fresh. "Got it." 

Roger Continued. "Finally, I think you'd benefit from some physical therapy, so to speak. Your mental health "medicine", if you will, is to go to the gym, and work it out with a boxing bag, or on the Elliptical, or whatever you fancy. Finally, if this support group thing happens, you will show up occassionally, and if not, at least get together with Miss Maccafferty, and possibly Dominic Evans and do your OWN support group. Does that work for you?"

He almost smiled. "I think my furniture would appreciate me using a boxing bag, And my brain, it doesn't like being up until the early morning fixing it all. I'll also show up to the meetings, when I can, If not, feel free to remind Decker of the punishment he said he'd give." HE blinked, he'd just admitted to smshing voernment property, he sure hoped this confidentialty thing with Roger was more than what Dr Kells' had been, and hinted that Decker was going to punish him, unconventionally.


<TAG:Dr. Roger Harrison, I think Tom would benefit and appreciate a second session, just not on his own iniative.>

[Dr. Roger Harrison]

1027
Rogers Office
Meropis

Roger chuckled inwardly. He'd thought that Aear was going to be his most difficult patient today, but actually, Lance Corporal Tom Chambers was proving himself to be a hard egg to crack. He was full of contridiction-well, everyone was, but this man more than most, and Roger was at once amused and frustrated by it. The man spoke, seemingly correcting himself, though Roger wasn't sure why-Roger was probably the only person on this planet NOT looking for the "right" answer...there really were no right or wrong answers when it came to the psyche.

I never said that, but getting into a country like that with my job probably not possible or too easy and I get taken or something, but you are right. Roger sighed. He hadn't explained himself well.

I am not sure why you think that, Tom. Can you explain it? Roger waited for the man to go on.

I don't think it was anyone one thing, and well... I'm not really sure, they just seem to do a lot of nothing and arguing and I know that politics, but politics are part of elected governance right? Amongst other things.

There's politics in everything; in academia, in medicine, in the military. It's not a good thing to keep yourself down just because you don't want or understand to be engaged in politics. It has a place. It's necessary, though. Roger left it there; if Tom wanted, he could ask Roger more, but there were topics that one simply didn't discuss in general company.

I-I'll see you any time you want me too... provided I'm not appropriately otherwise occupied...I knew I was angry... I knew why... somewhat... I feel I needed to jsut say something... get it out of my head, I just... I couldn't stay quiet anymore, I didn't mean to scare her." "its not about the weapons themselves... It's about what being removed from duty and everything ment... I wanted to prove to everyone else and myself, we, us Australia's a bunch of 23 million people alone of a continent, could do. Along with prove to myself how far I could go.

I understand that sentiment, Tom, I really do. Of my family, I am the only of my siblings to "make it," you know. We grew up comfortably, but we weren't taught to work hard...just that things would APPEAR, you know?! So I admire that, that you can kind of, to borrow a phrase from the American's, "pull yourself up by the boots and get stuff done." And, actually, I DO prefer it to be your choice, really, but how does Wednesday sound? I'll check your duty schedule, and arrange it with your CO; I am sure that it won't be an issue. We'll make sure you don't need to miss duty. I don't want that, either.

I don't think I have much of a choice of being interested or not, I just want to know more, would you be able to find out for me? As for you being my full on everything Doctor... I'm not sure I'm capable of making that kind of decision... I don't know what would be best for me in that regard... I'll leave it up to you. Roger smiled then.

Everyone's got a choice, Tom, but I am pleased that you are interested. I will set something up, and let you know. I will send a note off to Dr. Kells, as I said, just as soon as we're done here.

He let Tom finish up.

I think my furniture would appreciate me using a boxing bag, And my brain, it doesn't like being up until the early morning fixing it all. I'll also show up to the meetings, when I can, If not, feel free to remind Decker of the punishment he said he'd give. Roger laughed.

Well, then, an excellent treatment plan. I expect to see you Wednesday; I will email you a time, all right? Anything else, or would you rather go now? Roger left it up to Tom; feeling better that they had a plan in place.

Tag:Tom Chambers. Tom can decide if he wants to tell Roger more, or go back to work!!

[Tom Chambers]

1028
Roger's Office
Meropis

It was hard to try and be in control of what you thought and how you expressed yourself in this situation for Tom, his mind was going everywhere at the moment, it was both pleasing and terrifying, but his mind had been a little out of wach since he learnt of all this, especially the fact he was related to the Ancients.

"I am not sure why you think that, Tom. Can you explain it?" Tom had to think of a way to express it to Roger in a way the man could understand, something he had as yet failed in.

"I'm just saying, It's probably not easy to get into a country yours is activly trying to change, and restricting it economically, diplomatically being an 'agent' if you will, of the government telling you what to do, might not be seen as good thing, I'm just not sure it would be safe for someone like me to go there." He hoped he had finally made some sense to the Doctor about that.

The Lance Corporal listened then nodded to rogers comments on politics, it was an area he tried to avoid, though not strictly possible In Australia with compulsory voting, it was something he only ever delt with when it came up.

His comments about why he had 'gone off' at Kells were some of the most diffcult for him to say. Rogers response, was a bit out of left field he felt atleast at first. 

"I understand that sentiment, Tom, I really do. Of my family, I am the only of my siblings to "make it," you know. We grew up comfortably, but we weren't taught to work hard...just that things would APPEAR, you know?! So I admire that, that you can kind of, to borrow a phrase from the American's, "pull yourself up by the boots and get stuff done." And, actually, I DO prefer it to be your choice, really, but how does Wednesday sound? I'll check your duty schedule, and arrange it with your CO; I am sure that it won't be an issue. We'll make sure you don't need to miss duty. I don't want that, either."

Tom understood, opportunities did sometimes appear, as the one to come here had for him... atleast that was the way he thought of it, then again they could have tested him for the Anceint gene and decided to send him here, he was most likely to never know.

It was Rogers next comment Tom had to tell him something, something important.

"Everyone's got a choice, Tom, but I am pleased that you are interested. I will set something up, and let you know. I will send a note off to Dr. Kells, as I said, just as soon as we're done here." Tom look down then back up.

"You are correct, but I made a choice, a choice to give up making choices, so others might make them, the classical I'm doing it for everyone else kind of thing, I gave up quite a few of my personal freedoms, to be a soldier, I am now legally bound to follow our peoples choices, and then make a few but not many at my level about how best to carry out those, as for Dr Kells, I Might just.... write a ltter or go see her, what ever makes her more comfortable, apologising, I really didn't mean to freighten her... that was probably the worst, part I took it out on her..." His voice cracked. "I might need a little while though..." TOm breathed in deeply then looked back at Roger.

"Well, then, an excellent treatment plan. I expect to see you Wednesday; I will email you a time, all right? Anything else, or would you rather go now?
" The combat engineer nodded gently. "I'll be there, um... if you could find out all you can about the ancient gene, maybe email it too me or we could discuss it next time? As for going... I might just go write a letter to Doctor Kells and maybe, I might just... go, for now... have a think." He then stood up and began to leave. "If you ever need stuff built... I'll get it for you, least I can do."

<TAG: Dr. Roger Harrison, End Tom>

[Dr. Roger Harrison]

1030
Roger's Office
Meropis

Roger was pleased that they had a semblence of a plan ready to go, but Tom wasn't QUITE done, which was OK with Roger; he'd scheduled the whole day for these evals, so he wasn't really going to go anywhere.

I'm just saying, It's probably not easy to get into a country yours is activly trying to change, and restricting it economically, diplomatically being an 'agent' if you will, of the government telling you what to do, might not be seen as good thing, I'm just not sure it would be safe for someone like me to go there... Roger simply nodded; he understood what Tom was trying to get across, and he didn't disagree.

You are correct, but I made a choice, a choice to give up making choices, so others might make them, the classical I'm doing it for everyone else kind of thing, I gave up quite a few of my personal freedoms, to be a soldier, I am now legally bound to follow our peoples choices, and then make a few but not many at my level about how best to carry out those, as for Dr Kells, I Might just.... write a ltter or go see her, what ever makes her more comfortable, apologising, I really didn't mean to freighten her... that was probably the worst, part I took it out on her...I might need a little while though... Roger nodded again; he needed a new schtick, but he replied in the affirmative.

Yes, you probably should, but waiting a bit would be wise, I agree. Or maybe write it out, and deliver it?! Either way, you DO need to take some responsibility, and it's good you recognize that. Roger would also speak to Kells; even if the woman refused a full-blown session, as he suspected she might, it was wise to check in with her, to find out what went wrong on HER end.

Tom wrapped up his thoughts.

I'll be there, um... if you could find out all you can about the ancient gene, maybe email it too me or we could discuss it next time? As for going... I might just go write a letter to Doctor Kells and maybe, I might just... go, for now... have a think...If you ever need stuff built... I'll get it for you, least I can do. Roger smiled lightly.

I will see what I can do for you; it might take me a few days, but I will do my very best to find out what I can. I will see if one of the scientists might also know something-expect an email in a few days time, ok? Also, when I figure out when and where we can meet, and get duty schedules to jive, we will have a support group.

Tag:Tom Chambers, @open (Tom and I are finished, he just needs to read it!!)

[John Callaghan]

1030
Roger's Office
Meropis

Callaghan was not exactly looking forward to this meeting. It had been schedualed ny the higher-ups after his last mission because of the traumatical effects it could have on a person if he was a sole survivor of a mission. Especially so if said survivor was the Commanding Officer of the casualties, and therefore had been resposible for their well-being.

No matter how much people would tell him it wasn't his fault, and that there was nothing he could have done about it, he still blamed himself. As he walked to the office, and saw Chambers just stepping out. "Hey, Chambers. Don't forget the tryouts. I want to see if you're Gate Team material." he said as he passed him.

Stepping into the office, John wasn't really sure what to do. "Err, Mornin' Doc" he said. This seemed to be his usual greeting to Doctors, as demonstrated earlier during his physical.

[Dr. Roger Harrison]

1030
Roger's Office
Meropis

Roger glanced up from his computer after sending off a message to Dr. Kells. Another of the pilots; great. He'd been assigned to the Sun Tzu when things had gone south, but he hadn't had a chance to do much for morale before he'd gotten thrown into base ops. Not that he MINDED terribly-he'd saved a life or two, but still...it would've been nice to have a chance to do this THEN instead of letting things fester. Maybe the scenario he'd just finished dealing with wouldn't have happened. He smiled lightly at the man's greeting.

Err, Mornin' Doc, Roger nodded, switched off his laptop again, and gathered his things as he headed for his chair again. He was surprised that his butt wasn't numb.

Good morning, Brevet Major...Major. Brevet's sort of a mouth full, isn't it? As he grew more and more tired, his accent was slowly going from upper-crust Kensington to Ayrshire, Scottish-rougher around the vowels, and slightly louder. He sighed internally, and then forced himself to calm down and speed up. It was not a time to give in to the exhaustion.

Coffee? Tea? Water?! What brings you here today, Callaghan? Roger KNEW, but of course, he didn't say that. If he had had all the answers, after all, what was the point?! He indicated the couch for John. Please, sit. Be comfortable. Before we begin anything serious, I just need to let you know that whatever you tell me today will be kept inside of these walls. I am not bound by the same rules as military doctors; I don't have to tell anyone anything unless you're an immediate danger to yourself or others, ok? He wanted each patient to feel like it was a safe place in his office...that they could say anything, which was so, and that Roger wouldn't judge...just offer his insights.

Tag:John Callaghan

[John Callaghan]

1030
Roger's Office
Meropis

John heard the Doctor talk about his rank. "Aye. It's just Major, though. It's only 'Brevet Major' during ceremonial stuff, or in commendation recommendations and/or recitals. But since I'm off duty, my first name would be acceptable as well" he said.

The Major declined the offer of a drink by shaking his head lightly. He wasn't thirsty. And regarding the Doc's question, John replied in courtesy. After all, the Doctor would know why he was here. "I'm here on orders, Doc. I gotta have my head checked after the Hinthial fiasco." he said.

After he was told to take a seat, John straightened his cammies and sat down. He nodded along with the Doctor as he went on about the confidentiality, and when he was done he had but one question. "Look, Doc, can we please get on with it? I don't think either of us enjoys being here at the moment. I imagine you'll have seen a busload of people by now, and I want to start on a letter to my daughter..." he said, calmly but with a slightly agitated tone.

[Dr. Roger Harrison]

1035
Roger's Office
Meropis

Roger settled in to begin his usual listen-and-note taking.

Aye. It's just Major, though. It's only 'Brevet Major' during ceremonial stuff, or in commendation recommendations and/or recitals. But since I'm off duty, my first name would be acceptable as well Roger nodded once.

Of course. He would never understand why every military person he saw that day felt the need to remind him of thier name, rank, and serial number. He assumed it was because it was drilled into him, but if John wanted to be called "ding dong the dinosaur," Roger figured that there wasn't much harm. He replied. Feel free to call me anything you like, except "yo." Roger sometimes found that people were more comfortable with titles, like "Doc" or "Doctor", than names, and hardly any patients ever called him "Roger," usually just Harrison. Just so long as no one ever called him by his middle name-he HATED that name. Bernard. It sounded like someone's pet dog, though it had been after his grandfather, whom Roger hadn't met.

I'm here on orders, Doc. I gotta have my head checked after the Hinthial fiasco. Roger raised an eyebrow; he wondered why John had chosen to word it that day. Roger chose a different track, though.

Ah, yes...the death of almost an entire squadron. Say, Major, did you...did you lose anyone particularly close in that...fiasco? Roger started gently to scratch the surface of the issue at hand...then Callaghan said something he didn't expect.

Look, Doc, can we please get on with it? I don't think either of us enjoys being here at the moment. I imagine you'll have seen a busload of people by now, and I want to start on a letter to my daughter... Roger gave him a LOOK but replied kindly.

I am afraid that this will take as long as it takes, but I understand your reasons for wanting to push this along; I try to write my daughter and my wife regularly, as well. Mine is Minnie; she'd be about 10 months old now. My wife is Lucy. I will do my best to not waste any more time than is absolutely necessary to make a report for fitness for duty, ok? Tell me about your daughter-you must miss her a lot. He was glad to ahve met another family man amongst them; sometimes., he felt like the only one who knew the heartache of not being able to just be "daddy" and "honey." He missed it, but of course, he also knew that these men and women needed him, as well. Hopefully, they could get down to brass tacks and John would be forthcoming; it took more time to wheedle it out of people, but he noticed that the military blokes needed quite a bit of prodding.

Tag:John Callaghan.

[John Callaghan]

1036
Roger's Office
Meropis

Anyone he lost that he was particularly close to. Yes. "Me and Captain Oliver. We were chummies going way back to our time at the SGC. Sergeant McManus too. Though we were less close, breaking out of a prison together creates a bond." he said. It was a little painful to talk about. It wasn't the first time he'd lost subordinates, but this time it was different. Back in Afghanistan, he was an officer and those he lost were Enlisted men. They weren't friends, nor did they want to be friends. Gate teams were small, much like Special Forces. You know the people you fight with. You know their lives, and in some cases even their families. That's what made it hard.

"Tell me, Doc. What am I going to tell their families? Oliver's parents. I know them. Hell, I spent a Christmas with them not too long ago." he said. He was trying to stay strong, but thinking about it. Oliver was 'only' wounded, but he'd never walk again. And they hadn't even found McManus' remains. It made him angry and sad at the same time. He was powerless.

"Her mother and I, we were dating back when I was a Midshipman at the Academy. She was a LEFF-tenant in the Royal Navy there to observe the way we train our officers." John said, putting the emphasis on the way the Brits said Lieuteant. He continued "She broke it off shortly after I was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. She knew I was to be deployed almost immediately, and imagined that cost of breaking up was lower than the cost of losing me. I didn't get it at the time, and though mad, I never stopped sending a letter to her every month to show her I was still breathing. Anyway, at the time, neither of us knew she was pregnant. She sent letters, but they never arrived. I guess there are more than one Callaghans in the Corps. Moving on, I finally got a letter from her during my last shoreleave. This letter had arrived the day after I embarked on the expedition, and it said I had a daugther. Catherine Danielle Callaghan. She gave her my last name. She is both Scottish and American. Attached to the letter were a lot of pictures. Here, take a look" John gave the doctor the complete story and then proceeded to take the latest picture out of his breast pocket.

The girl looked a lot like John's sister when she was that age, and his mother would not stop saying how she had John's eyes.

[Dr. Roger Harrison]

1038
Roger's Office
Meropis Clinic

Roger listened carefully; they were getting into the "personal" side of things, and away from the professional. That was more critical to him; when someone felt secure enough to share their personal lives with him, he appreciated it, and so, he made it a point to remember those things in particulary while maintaining the treatment plan.

Me and Captain Oliver. We were chummies going way back to our time at the SGC. Sergeant McManus too. Though we were less close, breaking out of a prison together creates a bond. Roger raised an eyebrow. Did he hear that...breaking out of prison?! He gestured.

Please elaborate, Major... He was sure it was in his file; Roger usually just read the old psych reports, but scanning them had been all he had time for and frankly, it was late and he was exhausted. People thought that psychology was either fluffy and stupid, or else easy, but really, it was quite difficult-and you could NEVER allow yourself to become too personally invested, which was the most difficult part for Roger-he cared about people, and it was hard to be objective sometimes.

Tell me, Doc. What am I going to tell their families? Oliver's parents. I know them. Hell, I spent a Christmas with them not too long ago... Roger nodded once.

Well, I suppose you tell them that their son died a hero. That he was culled to save the world, and he died doing that....Their son died protecting our Planet from an inconcievable evil. He died doing what he liked to do, and while you wish it were another way, you did the best you could. There will be fall out, but the families will be given counseling... Words were shallow, but they were the only tools that Roger really had for the moment; a normal therapy session would allow him to indulge the Major in some primoridal scream therapy or something, but these quick overviews allowed them no time for anything intensive. Reassuring words would have to suffice. He'd said basically the same thing to the General, hadn't he?! He went on, completing his idea. I am not sure when or who will tell the families; yes, you will do it, I am sure, but wether guided by the IOA or not, that remains to be seen. If you wish, I can be on hand to assist, though the military usually provides at least a Chaplain to do that. Chaplains weren't the same; they didn't have years and years of instensive grief counseling. Sure, SOME did, but usually, it was just "give it over to a God, and it will be ok." If only it were that easy...

He let John go on, veer the conversation to a lighter topic.

Her mother and I, we were dating back when I was a Midshipman at the Academy. She was a LEFF-tenant in the Royal Navy there to observe the way we train our officers...She broke it off shortly after I was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. She knew I was to be deployed almost immediately, and imagined that cost of breaking up was lower than the cost of losing me. I didn't get it at the time, and though mad, I never stopped sending a letter to her every month to show her I was still breathing. Anyway, at the time, neither of us knew she was pregnant. She sent letters, but they never arrived. I guess there are more than one Callaghans in the Corps. Moving on, I finally got a letter from her during my last shoreleave. This letter had arrived the day after I embarked on the expedition, and it said I had a daugther. Catherine Danielle Callaghan. She gave her my last name. She is both Scottish and American. Attached to the letter were a lot of pictures. Here, take a look. Roger chuckled at the man's pronounciation. She was maybe from the southern part of Scotland; he was from the Mainland, but grew up in Britian, so his accent was something unique, really. He took the photo, though, and smiled.

She's lovely, truly. You must be very proud. He handed the photograph back, and then showed John the framed one on his desk. That's my girl, there, Philomenia-Minnie-and my wife, Lucy... He paused, and then turned the tables on John for a moment.

Tell me, does it get easier, being away so long?! I miss them terribly... He sighed. Yeah, he was the psych, but he was just as messed up as the rest.

Tag:John Callaghan.

Roger's wife/family: Memories on the Mantelpiece

[John Callaghan]

1038
Roger's Office
Meropis Clinic

"You mean the breakout? Well, we were confronted the leader of the people of one of our allies. She captured the Sergeant and myself. They took all our weapons, but my bootknife which we used to kill two guards. We took their weapons, recovered our own weapons, took the ZPM and got out of the palace. This is where we found Sergeant Koizumi and the Corporal. We carried them for several kilometers back to the Gate. Here we found a barely alive Captain Oliver and a squad of Marines. We took the dead and Oliver through the gate, but McManus didn't arrive. I wanted to go back, but I couldn't." John said with visible grief on his face.

"Nah, it's fine... I'll do it... Eventually. During the next shoreleave, most likely." he said. He didn't feel very comfortable talking about it, and went on to the next subject as quickly as possible.

"Your girls a pretty little things, Doc. I'm afraid I have no photos of Jennifer handy. I may or may not have burned them several years ago, in a blind rage." John chuckled. He'd been so angry with her at that time, and he had decided he didn't want to keep anything that was related to her at the time.

"To be honest, I don't know. I've never seen my girl in person, so I guess that makes it a bit easier. Ever since I found out, though, it's been harder than usual." John had never felt like that before. It was new to him. He just hoped he'd do alright.

[Dr. Roger Harrison]

1040
Roger's Office
Meropis Clinic

Roger took a few notes as the Major recounted the events of his prison break.

"You mean the breakout? Well, we were confronted the leader of the people of one of our allies. She captured the Sergeant and myself. They took all our weapons, but my bootknife which we used to kill two guards. We took their weapons, recovered our own weapons, took the ZPM and got out of the palace. This is where we found Sergeant Koizumi and the Corporal. We carried them for several kilometers back to the Gate. Here we found a barely alive Captain Oliver and a squad of Marines. We took the dead and Oliver through the gate, but McManus didn't arrive. I wanted to go back, but I couldn't. Roger nodded gravely.

I understand. That's quite the tale, Major. What happened to the allied race?! I assume you killed some, but surely some survived. I am still trying to understand the structure of the program. He sighed. Even for a psychatrist, Roger was still kind of having issues with the whole Alien beings thing. He supposed that it was because it messed up his views of the world, things were no longer what they once were, and would never be again.

Callaghan continued, seemingly understanding that it was going to be up to him to tell the parents of the fallen solider.

Nah, it's fine... I'll do it... Eventually. During the next shoreleave, most likely. Roger understood that it was difficult, so he only mentioned it in passing.

I am sure it will be difficult, but the sooner, the better, for sure. I will be here for after, if you need to. He sipped some coffee so that the awkward silence would pass and Callaghan could move on to the next topic.

Your girls a pretty little things, Doc. I'm afraid I have no photos of Jennifer handy. I may or may not have burned them several years ago, in a blind rage. At that, Roger chuckled. To be honest, I don't know. I've never seen my girl in person, so I guess that makes it a bit easier. Ever since I found out, though, it's been harder than usual. Roger took a breath.

I hope that you get to meet her someday, John. If you'd rather push the issue, Captain Miller is a JAG and could likely help you to arrange some kind of custody thing. And what I've learned in the past 18 months is that it sort of is like you make it up as you go along; raising a child isn't something that comes with a pre-set standard of rules-I am a doctor and my wife is a Federal agent, and we still struggle on the best ways to do things...cloth nappies instead of regular ones, breastfeeding instead of bottles, and so on. But the life part of it-that's the amazing thing. It's a reminder that YOU made this little person who needs you, to guide the way, and she's so cute and tiny and all you want for her is to be safe and to grow up to be amazing. It's a kick in the arse, actually. He smiled lightly. They were getting kind of off topic, but it was nice to speak of lighter things occassionally.

Is there anything else you'd like to discuss? I won't recommend continuing treatment, Major, because I think you have a good grip on things, but just remember I am always here, even if you just need a quiet place to lie about. Even at lunch time or some such, I am here for a chat. He offered.

Tag:John Callaghan