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Jack's Immortal 7

Season Of Change

by Admiral Q O 

 

Methos lay in his bed, stretching his legs, adjusting his boxer shorts, as his inner alarm clock woke him long before the one on his nightstand was set to go off. Sleeping alone meant no distractions, so he was able to wake up on his own, the mechanical alarm a mere precaution. If he'd been with Jack, the obnoxious noisemaker would have been a necessity. For some reason, being snuggled up with the man he loved caused Methos to lose all sense of time, both consciously and subconsciously, and while that was a wonderful state to be in, it hardly accommodated his work schedule.

He made a visual check on his sword, confirming it was in close proximity, just as he'd left it, then he reached over to his nightstand and turned off the alarm clock, and then powered up his laptop. A quick check of their usual chat room revealed that Jack was not yet logged in, so Methos padded off to the kitchen, set up his coffee pot, and then went through his initial morning bathroom ritual, arriving back in the kitchen just in time for the pot to be gurgling to the end of its brewing cycle.

He stared at the toaster for a prolonged moment, debating if he would use it and decided, no, opting for the microwave instead. Within minutes, his leftover Thai food from the previous evening was on a plate, steaming and ready for his consumption. He breathed in the aroma, letting out a tiny sigh of appreciation, then replenished his mug of coffee and headed back to his bedroom. By the time he was halfway through his breakfast, he noticed Jack entering their chat room.

Jack smiled as he saw Methos waiting online for him and set down his coffee while he settled in behind his home computer then he positively beamed as he opened their dialogue.

SCARECROW: Good morning, Doctor O'Neill. How'd you sleep?

OZ: Good morning, Handsome. Well, you?

SCARECROW: Not bad.

OZ: Yes, well at least it's Friday.

SCARECROW: Yeah...good for you.

OZ: Me? I'll be in the lab all weekend.

SCARECROW: And I'll be stuck in the Mountain.

OZ: Why? What happened?

SCARECROW: Some big shot's coming out from The Pentagon.

OZ: On a weekend?

SCARECROW: Guess he figures if he can't have a life...

OZ: Typical bureaucrats.

SCARECROW: Don't get me started.

OZ: LOL

SCARECROW: Tell me about your plans.

OZ: Not much to tell...time to have all the test subjects come in for their periodic exams today...then cataloging everything tomorrow...doing the initial analysis, that kind of thing.

SCARECROW: Getting anything there?

OZ: Developing a baseline...not much else. No one has readings similar to yours...or mine...although, I did find a few new subjects whose bloodlines are descended from the Etruscans. I'll be seeing those three for the first time this afternoon.

SCARECROW: So you're going to pursue the 'alien-immortal' theory?

OZ: Yes.

According to an artifact that had been recovered off world, Ani, known on Earth as an Etruscan god, had rescued at least one group of people from Earth, relocating them to said other planet using beams of light, which naturally had led Daniel to the conclusion that Ani was not truly a god, but, rather, an alien, who had employed advanced technology, and Methos, along with most others at the S.G.C. concurred. Furthermore, nowhere in the writings on the artifact had rings been mentioned, nor slavery, so the assumption was that Ani had not been a Goa'uld, but a member of some benevolent race, possibly potential allies.

Given that Methos could loosely connect Ani to at least one immortal he'd known in the past, had caused him to wonder if the two had been related. If possibly immortals were the result of interracial mating on a galactic scale between Ani's race and humans. Thus he'd sought out test subjects with Etruscan bloodlines in the hopes of finding any similarities between their readings and his own.

SCARECROW: And you found direct descendants?

OZ: Not all three are, but the one is, I'll be seeing her last.

SCARECROW: That's encouraging then.

OZ: We'll see.

SCARECROW: Yeah...well at least you'll have pleasant faces to look at...I'll most likely get stuck with some old sourpuss.

OZ: I suppose.

Jack stared at the monitor for an extended moment and pursed his lips. 'We'll see.' 'I suppose.' Methos' usage of the two curt phrases in succession triggered Jack's inner warning system.

SCARECROW: What's wrong?

OZ: Nothing. Why do you ask?

SCARECROW: I know you. Remember?

Methos let out a tiny sigh and consumed the last morsel on his plate, waiting for Jack to type again, hoping he would go on to something else. He then downed a nice big swallow of his coffee and waited further, but to no avail.

OZ: It's stupid.

SCARECROW: Tell me.

Jack's response had come back so rapidly that he must have had it typed and ready to go before Methos had typed his last statement. Damn him, but he could be so stubborn at times. This really wasn't something that Methos wanted to discuss. In the grand scheme of things it was a tiny, trivial matter, and he was angry with himself for even allowing it to bother him.

OZ: Some of the female students...they try to flirt with me...it's flattering, but they're so young...far too young for me, even if I were available.

SCARECROW: LOL. Everyone is too young for you.

That was a relief. For a moment there, Jack had thought that Methos had a serious problem brewing, not merely a bunch of young co-eds making eyes at him.

OZ: Harrumph.

SCARECROW: Stealing my lines now?

OZ: Well, you do have a way of rubbing off on a person.

SCARECROW: Especially you. Come down early...have dinner with me Sunday night.

OZ: Okay. It is your week to host me after all.

SCARECROW: Yeah...about that...I had a dream last night...we stopped all this shuffling back and forth...

OZ: My love, that's my dream, too. You know that, but for now it can only be a dream.

SCARECROW: I know, but I don't have to like it.

OZ: Neither do I, but we agreed it's best that I split my time there between your place and Daniel's...to keep your het credentials firmly in place.

SCARECROW: To hell with that...

OZ: Jack...

SCARECROW: When we set this up we were dating...now you're my husband. I want you spending your nights in bed with me, not all alone in Daniel's living room.

Jack's anger and frustration was evident, and in a way, Methos shared it, but someone had to be reasonable and keep the 'big picture' in mind. Over the past two plus years, Jack had become a critical component of Earth's defenses, whether he was willing to own up to it or not. There was too much at stake for him to be court-martialed and pushed out of the S.G.C.

OZ: We've been through this.

OZ: We're pushing our luck as it is.

OZ: We have to sweep your place for bugs all the time...

OZ: The Air Force, the SGC, the NID...

SCARECROW: Enough.

Jack knew all too well the laundry list of reasons that he and Methos couldn't live together as the married couple that they were. He didn't need them enumerated yet again. They'd spoken at length about the matter on more than one occasion, and the conclusion was always the same – Jack's work was too important, thus Methos was not going to move in with him. Damn the Air Force for sending him off world on that initial mission to Abydos. If he'd never stepped through the Gate, he could afford to risk his career, living with his husband, hoping to avoid detection by the powers that be. But then he wouldn't have become second-in-command of the S.G.C., wouldn't have met Sam, and she wouldn't have conned him into going to that Academy function where he and Methos had met.

Methos stared at the computer screen, relatively certain of the thoughts crossing Jack's mind, and knew he had to get his mind elsewhere before they got into another discussion on causality and both ended up with a raging headache.

OZ: Any word from Thor?

SCARECROW: None. You?

OZ: No.

SCARECROW: Well, he's supposed to be popping by any day now to do his scans...suppose it'll be next

Jack's fingers jerked, striking the enter key prematurely, and then stilled as a bright light appeared in the room off to his left, transporting Thor to within mere feet of him.

"Greetings, Colonel O'Neill," Thor said, standing in his typical relaxed manner, holding a small case in his right hand.

"Thor, we were just talking about you."

"We?" Thor opened his eyes wide and glanced around the room. "I detected no other life signs in your residence."

"Doctor O'Neill," Jack said waving at the computer. "We're chatting online." He then looked back at the screen and let out a tiny chuckle as he read the messages from Methos.

OZ: Next what?

OZ: Jack?

OZ: Don't be a pain in the mik'ta.

"Just a minute," Jack said, raising his right index finger towards Thor.

OZ: Jonathan O'Neill

SCARECROW: Sorry...Thor just dropped in.

OZ: You could have said so.

SCARECROW: Mik'ta?

OZ: Ass.

SCARECROW: Ah...

Jack felt Thor breathing on his shoulder and gave a sideways glance in his direction. He was going to develop a headache attempting to have a conversation with both Methos and Thor at the same time.

OZ: Ask him about the data.

"Inform Doctor O'Neill that it is in my possession," Thor said, having joined Jack in reading Methos' comments as they appeared on the screen.

SCARECROW: He has it with him.

OZ: Superb. He'll bring it to me here, or do I need to come there?

"My presence is required elsewhere," Thor said and handed the small case to Jack. "I arranged for the data to be transferred to a storage medium compatible with your primitive technology."

"Thanks," Jack grumbled. Having any alien referring to anything or anyone of Earth as primitive rubbed him the wrong way, even if it was a fair comparison in some cases.

"You are welcome," Thor said and tilted his head to one side, as he stared at the computer, scanning the conversation backwards. He couldn't see the entire discussion, but he could see enough to realize that it was of an extremely private nature, something that would cause both O'Neills difficulties if discovered by their government. Knowing how cautious they were, Thor concluded that some sort of subterfuge must be in play, and his scientific curiosity got the better of him. "How is it your conversation is not detected?"

"Long story...involving primitive security protocols," Jack said, not really wanting to get into a drawn out discussion on the matter. Knowing Thor, answering the one question would undoubtedly lead to another, then another, then another, and on and on. It was simply too early in the morning to start down that path.

OZ: Jack?

SCARECROW: He just gave it to me. He's got to go...be somewhere.

OZ: Ah...safe journeys, Thor.

"And to you as well, O'Neills," Thor said and took a few steps back, putting a safe distance between him and Jack.

SCARECROW: brb

"Wait," Jack called out, stopping Thor from leaving. "You've done your scans of us already?" he asked curiously.

"I completed my scans of you and Doctor O'Neill two Earth days ago."

"And it took two days to get the data transferred over?" Jack asked and opened the small case, seeing six small discs inside. "All these?"

"Those are my initial readings of Doctor O'Neill and his interactions with you during my prior visit. The data collected during this visit will first require analysis and review by my peers."

"Right," Jack said with a nod. He could sense the little gray alien was hiding something, and that didn't set well with him. After all, he and Methos had been brought into 'The House of Thor' upon their marriage under Asgard Law. He was expecting to be let in the loop a bit more as a consequence. "Uh, Thor, what have you been doing the past two days?"

"Conducting research."

"Research," Jack echoed, raising his eyebrows and giving Thor the full weight of his 'colonel' glare, which was enough to send most junior officers into a babbling frenzy, spilling out the information that Jack was after. Unfortunately, his technique had no effect whatsoever on Thor.

"I must depart. Be well," Thor said then a bright light appeared and he was gone.

Jack stared at the spot where Thor had stood then glanced up at the ceiling as if doing so would somehow answer his question. Damn the Asgard. If it weren't for them the System Lords would have wiped out Earth by now, but Protected Planets Treaty aside, they were still aliens with their own agenda and their own interests. True, they had become allies with the humans of Earth, sharing intelligence, but there remained vast amounts of information that they concealed from their 'junior partners'. One of these days, Jack was going to force Thor to start coughing it up.

Methos watched his computer screen and checked the clock, wondering what was taking Jack so long. Perhaps he and Thor were having a tκte-ΰ-tκte, a little bonding chat?

SCARECROW: Sorry...he's gone now.

OZ: NP...I should be going.

SCARECROW: Me too.

OZ: I'll be there for lunch Sunday. Think you can get out in time?

SCARECROW: I'll do my best. I love you.

OZ: And I you.

Jack and Methos then fell into their parallel logging off routine, not knowing that they mirrored one another so very closely. Chat room closed, browser closed, web trails cleared, computer powered down, and then the long, lingering look at the screen as they each ran their fingers across it and blew a tiny kiss.

~ ~ ~

Jack parked his truck a couple of spots over from Methos' car and took a few minutes to stretch as he got out. He glanced at the horizon, watching the sun beaming gloriously as it made its descent, soft purple hues mixed with golden ones – positively breathtaking, and let the gentle evening breeze brush his face with a tender caress. Damn, but he loved the mountain air. When Jack had reached the outer limits of Denver, he'd debated if he should check the University first or just head over to Methos' apartment; either way, his appearance was going to be a surprise. Of course, that being the case, Methos could very well keep him waiting for hours at the apartment while he catalogued readings or some similar thing. Jack preferred to not risk waiting for an unspecified amount of time, thus he strolled to the front door of the domed hall wherein laid the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, DCB for short, and slipped inside.

The central corridor was quiet, a handful of doors open, most closed. After all, it was Friday, and classes for the day were long ago ended. The only people sticking around during these early evening hours were typically those with projects to work on and no social life. Unfortunately, Methos fit that mold, getting so wrapped up in his doctoral research, not to mention his side studies into what might be causing the Aftershocks. On occasion, Jack could convince him to join him for a poker night at Andy's house, but, usually, Methos spent his Friday evenings in his office – alone.

As Jack neared Methos' office, he noted that the door to it was closed, but that the door to the adjacent lab was wide open with the light on inside and noises coming from within. Methos most probably had someone with him then, and most likely a female student. Given the litigious society they lived in, the University had policies in place to avoid professors and students getting into compromising situations, and keeping the door open while a student was present was one of the cardinal rules.

Of course, this air of paranoia made finding test subjects a touch more problematic than it had been in past generations, since many preferred to remain anonymous. To that end, Methos had arranged a series of tall partitions in the lab, creating a large cubicle in the far corner near the door that led into his office. The opening was toward the main door, which led to the corridor, but the identity of the person or persons inside the cubicle remained hidden from anyone entering the room, and whenever someone came in, a small chime sounded, similar to the ones used in convenience stores to alert clerks to the presence of customers. That gave Methos ample time to greet the person before he or she was close enough to see who might be inside the cubicle. All in all, the system worked quite well, serving the needs of all parties.

Jack carefully raised his left leg then his right one, stepping over the simple security beam that crossed the entry in order to keep his approach a surprise then he stealthily inched his way to the edge of the cubicle and glanced inside. As suspected, a female student was seated in the exam chair, not unlike a dentist's chair, with electrodes attached to her in strategic places to monitor her pulse and brainwaves, which appeared on a monitor on the far side of the cubicle.

From his vantage point, Jack could discern the young woman's profile – black hair, olive complexion, large nose, and saw the top of Methos' head as he observed her readings on the monitor from behind the table on which it sat. Not getting Methos' attention, Jack then turned his focus to the color TV on which the young woman was watching a video of young, handsome men in tight, skimpy swimsuits playing beach volleyball. They'd been at it for a while, and vigorously, too, as evidenced by the amount of sweat dripping off of them and their heavy breathing and occasional grunts. Talk about your soft porn. Jack took a deep breath and adjusted his jeans slightly, hoping that he didn't end up with too large a bulge.

"How are you doing, Nicole?" Methos asked, glancing over to the young woman.

"Fine, Doctor Pierson," she replied and licked her lips. "Keep watching?"

"If you like, or I can turn it off now. I need you to stay hooked up for a little longer, though."

"Oh...uh..."

"Off?" Methos asked, giving the young woman a tender smile.

"Sure," she said with hesitation in her voice, uncertain of what she wanted. She could feel her panties were wetted, and her jeans were feeling very warm between her legs. Maybe she should have worn a dress instead for better ventilation. She'd known up front that they were going to be conducting an experiment involving the study of human sexuality, but she hadn't expected their session to be anywhere near this stimulating.

"Very well," Methos said, his tone remaining professional. He aimed the remote control at the TV, stopping the video then killing the power to both the TV and the VCR. Her moment of hesitation and the resulting peak in her readings were typical, based on Methos' previous observations of other women Nicole's age, although her readings in certain areas were higher than the established norm.

Jack made a tiny pout as Methos stopped the video and then made a mental note to have Methos bring it home with him so he could see how the game ended, not to mention getting to ogle those young, buff bodies some more. Damn, but he was turning into a dirty old man.

"Doctor Pierson?"

"Yes, Nicole?" Her pulse was quickening, she was obviously nervous. Oh shit, it was going to happen again, wasn't it?

"I really enjoy working with you," she said, her voice soft and alluring. She licked her lips, staring in his direction, trying to make eye contact, but he wouldn't look up from the damn monitor.

"That's nice of you to say," Methos said, his voice steady, his eyes focused on Nicole's readings. In a way, this was his own doing, showing her that video to get her aroused so that he could record her brainwaves in this state. Now it was time to bring her back down – gently.

"Will all our sessions be this...uh...interesting?" she asked, her eyes drifting back to the TV screen.

"Not necessarily," Methos said and glanced in her direction with the most uptight, serious expression he could muster. "Our work will involve study of the entire spectrum of human emotions – anger, terror, remorse...." He spied her readings as he purposely let his voice trail off; her pulse was lowering, good.

"Oh," she said and licked her lips again as she looked to the floor then slid her eyes upward slowly, shyly, but she took too long doing so. His eyes were back on the damn monitor by the time hers were up high enough to attempt contact. Damn frustrating bastard. Why show her this video then leave her wanting for more?

Jack heard the tiny sigh of frustration escape from between Nicole's lips and grinned. The poor thing, she obviously wanted Methos' attention, but she wasn't going to get it no matter how badly she tried – or would she?

"Can I remove this?" Nicole asked, holding up her left hand with the electrodes attached to it.

"Sure," Methos said, giving her the briefest of glances.

"Thanks," Nicole said, her voice dripping with sweetness. She removed the wires from her fingers then proceeded to undo the top three buttons of her blouse, getting Jack's immediate attention. Hell, she was no more than nineteen and behaving this way – so forward? What was wrong with the young women nowadays? Scrub that. Why couldn't they have been this way when Jack had been their age? Maybe some had been, but none of the ones that Jack had encountered.

Methos noticed a spike on his monitor then saw the one line of readings disappear as the electrodes were removed. He made a note in his log then a flash of white cotton bra caught the corner of his eye. Intriguing...he'd never had a student go this far before; that coupled with Nicole's readings meant that he definitely had to take her along this vein of observation again.

From Methos' readings of his own brainwaves, he'd noticed that his were higher in certain key areas than any mortal he'd studied, including Jack. Consequently, he'd postulated a working theory, which Jack had labeled the 'sex-drive' theory; basically, that those particular readings explained in part why immortals had a seemingly higher sex drive than most mortals. Nicole's readings in those areas weren't as high as Methos', but they were definitely closer than anyone else's he'd studied. Perhaps there was a genetic factor at work, something he could trace back along Nicole's lineage to the Etruscans....

Methos spied Nicole fidgeting nervously in the chair, but ignored her, his mind launching down a path of speculation. What if pursuit of the 'sex-drive' theory did in fact reveal a link to the Etruscans? That, in turn, could provide circumstantial evidence for his 'alien-immortal' theory. The mere thought of actually linking the two theories had Methos nearly salivating. Of course, it was possible that Nicole was just lonelier and hornier than any of his previous subjects, and that his speculations were all incorrect, but, whatever the case, Nicole definitely warranted further 'special' study.

"I have all I need for today, you can leave," Methos said, keeping his eyes focused anywhere but in her direction.

"Are you sure?" Nicole asked tenderly as she removed the other wires, laying them gently down. "Ow!"

"What?" Methos asked, his head automatically popping up. He looked to the chair and saw Nicole struggling with a wire that was caught in her long hair.

"Help?" she called out softly then gave a tiny smile and leaned forward slightly as he approached her. Finally, she had his attention. "I'm sorry, Doctor Pierson, I don't know how I could have been so clumsy."

"Don't let it bother you," Methos said and took a deep breath as he ran his fingers into her hair in search of the tiny clip, which was caught up. Damn, but she'd wedged it in but good.

Jack bit his lip to keep from laughing as Nicole leaned into Methos. She was practically throwing her breasts at him and undoubtedly getting pissed off that he was completely ignoring them, keeping his focus solely on her hair. It was time for Jack to enact a plan to rescue his poor husband, who was beginning to turn an adorable shade of pink.

"Got it," Methos said as he finally had the clip between his fingers, free of hair. The next moment they heard the chime sound, indicating that someone was entering the room, and Nicole instantly backed away from him, buttoning up her blouse.

"Adam? You in here?" Jack called out, purposely using Methos' pseudonym and lingering out of sight.

"In here, just a moment," Methos called back, relieved and surprised at the same time. Jack was supposed to be in Colorado Springs, but his showing up just now...the timing was most welcome and fortuitous. "Uh, Nicole, this is a friend of mine. Would you mind if he joins us?"

"No," Nicole said, her arousal deflated.

"Come in," Methos called out and watched Nicole as Jack entered the cubicle. Her interest seemed to have waned sufficiently, as she glanced only briefly at him then returned to straightening her shirt. "Jack O'Neill, Nicole Telecles."

"Nice to meet you," Jack said, giving her a courteous smile.

"You, too," Nicole said, mirroring his smile. She noted his sprinkling of gray hairs and instantly classified him as too old for her. She liked older men, but she had her limits and he was obviously over the line. "If there's nothing else, Doctor Pierson?" she asked, taking up her shoulder bag.

"That's all for today. Thank you, Nicole. I'll be in touch."

"You know where to find me," she said, rising to her feet and giving him a beaming smile, her eyes twinkling. She then turned to leave and gave Jack a forced smile that looked more like a pout.

"Close the door behind you, please," Methos called out.

"Sure," Nicole called back then she made her way into the hall, just managing to not slam the door behind her. This had only been her first visit with the Doctor; next time, she was going to be better prepared. It was time to go shopping for the perfect dress to insure that she didn't leave his lab alone again.

"Thank you," Methos said, breathing a sigh of relief as he heard the door shut.

"You're welcome," Jack said and began to laugh.

"How long were you here before you sounded the chime?" Methos asked suspiciously.

"Long enough to see that volleyball game...uh, by the way, how does it end?" Jack chuckled.

"In the locker room," Methos said, joining Jack in his laughter. "Can't show that part in mixed company," he said with a wink.

"I thought as much," Jack said with a nod. "Since when do professional volleyball players wear such form-fitting Speedos?"

"Yes, well, they're professionals of a different sort," Methos said and ran his fingers along the collar of Jack's shirt. He wasn't wearing a t-shirt underneath – scrumptious. "What are you doing here?"

"I brought Thor's data," Jack said, producing the small CD case from his jacket.

"Ah, thanks," Methos said with a nod as he took the case with one hand and slid his other one inside the top of Jack's shirt just enough to finger his chest hairs. "You need to be back at what time in the morning?"

"Not until Monday...Pentagon decided at the last moment not to come out after all," Jack said, moving his hands to take hold of Methos' hips. "Nicole rather likes you."

"Yes. I noticed that." He stepped forward just enough to get Jack's hands to slide back to his ass. "Occupational hazard...but I needed her readings when aroused."

"Thus the video."

"Yes."

"And you have to suffer so, working so hard," Jack teased, a tiny pout crossing his face as he caressed Methos' buttocks through his trousers.

"I make do," Methos said and pressed his growing bulge into Jack's. "Of course, with you showing up before I've had a chance to calm down completely...."

"Hmm," Jack purred and leaned in giving Methos a brief kiss on the lips. "Your office?"

"Splendid idea. Go ahead. Let me secure things in here. I'll be right there."

"Yes, sir," Jack said playfully then relinquished his hold and stepped around the far side of the cubicle, finding the door to Methos' office slightly ajar. He stepped inside, drew the blinds shut then heard the door closing and locking, so he turned around. "You're sure we won't be interrupted?" Jack asked to be safe since Methos shared his office with another part-time professor/graduate student.

"Yes...until the cleaning crew comes 'round...gives us an hour or so," Methos said and undid his belt and trousers as he stepped toward Jack. "Professor Matthews is gone to Aspen for the weekend...and the lab is officially closed until morning," he whispered then stopped just in front of Jack.

"Sweet," Jack purred and took hold of Methos' trousers and boxers, pushing them both down over his hips, leaving them to careen to the floor as their lips came together for a deep kiss.

Methos gave Jack's tongue supremacy, focusing his efforts on getting Jack's jeans and shorts down then they shifted, pressing bared hips together as their hands made their way to one another's arousal, starting to stroke, and falling into a synchronized rhythm that they both relished so. Methos' tongue then pressed in harder, taking control of the kiss as their breathing kicked up a notch. After a while, Jack was gasping slightly, so Methos eased up on his mouth, switching over to a series of tiny, passionate kisses, as the pace of his stroking increased.

"Too fast," Jack panted. He wasn't going to last very long the way Methos was working him over.

"I want you fast," Methos growled in response and ran his tongue along Jack's chin up to his left ear.

"Oh...damn," Jack grunted as he suddenly lost control, his seed spilling over Methos' hand. They held each other gently, then the Aftershock hit and Jack's hand reflexively squeezed, clamping down on Methos' cock with a fury that caused him to cry out.

"Jack," Methos pleaded, the pressure on his cock hurting more than helping then Jack's grip eased and Methos placed his lips back at his left ear, nibbling on the lobe. "That's better."

"Sorry," Jack whispered and began to feast on Methos' neck, a rush of passion coursing throughout his body as the Aftershock subsided.

"It's okay," Methos said and kissed Jack's left cheek. "Let me get your readings."

"What?" Jack asked, freezing all movement.

"Now's the perfect time," Methos said backing away a couple of steps.

"But...you...." Jack was dumbfounded. Here they were, standing half naked before each other, Methos still clearly aroused, and he wanted to stop everything to hook Jack up to some machine? "Carrying devotion to your work a little too far, aren't you?"

"Let me take your readings, quickly, I promise, then we'll take mine while you finish me off," Methos said and picked up his boxers and trousers, slipping them into place.

"You mean go down on you in that chair in the lab?" Jack asked, a mischievous grin crossing his face.

"You said you wanted to some time," Methos said coyly, his nose twitching just so.

"Sweet," Jack said and grabbed some tissue from Methos' desk and wiped himself off then quickly covered his bottom half and followed Methos back out to the cubicle.

~ ~ ~

Jack woke with Methos spooned in behind him and rubbed his forehead, wondering why the mattress felt so hard then he remembered that they'd fallen asleep on the living room floor and let out a tiny laugh. Once they'd reached Methos' apartment, they'd settled in the living room and watched the rest of the 'volleyball video' and after seeing the four guys going down on each other in the locker room, they'd done likewise in a sixty-nine, then another Aftershock had hit and the rest of Friday, well into Saturday had turned into a sexual frenzy – the master bedroom, the guest room, the shower – Jack had brought Methos to orgasm in each of them, and he, naturally, had returned the favor then they'd had a quick snack and passed out by the coffee table, not bothering to attempt to make it to one of the beds.

"Good morning, Handsome," Methos purred as he felt Jack stirring in his arms.

"Afternoon, I think," Jack whispered and rolled onto his back as Methos slid, allowing him room.

"I believe you're right," Methos smirked and pressed in for a series of tender kisses. After a bit, he lifted up, taking in some air, gazing down upon his handsome husband then he saw Jack's eyes narrow and narrowed his as well.

"Jack?" Methos whispered with a touch of concern in his tone. How could he possibly sense what Methos was sensing? He couldn't, but he must since his reaction had been a split second before Methos' own.

"Another immortal is coming," Jack whispered back. He could sense a unique presence was nearby, could feel the weight of all the years that the person carried with him.

"Yes," Methos said and made for his sword. "You can feel it?" he asked, wanting to be sure.

"Not anymore," Jack said, shaking his head. He knew that immortals could sense one another's presence, but they couldn't sense mortals and mortals weren't supposed to be able to sense them. "What's the plan?" he asked, knowing that they needed to deal with the other immortal before they could bother to puzzle over Jack's momentary ability to sense him.

"Get dressed," Methos said and slipped into his boxers while Jack slipped into his. "And stay here," he said then made his way cautiously toward his front door.

Normally when an immortal approached him, Methos would be somewhere out in the open and looking to get the hell out the way. He abhorred taking challenges, playing 'The Game' by dueling with other immortals to the death, and avoided it, not due to cowardice, but simply out of fatigue. The Game and all who pursued it with great vigor, traveling the globe seeking other immortals in a quest to take their heads and gain their power; the whole bloody thing seemed positively adolescent to him at this point in his life. Methos wanted no part of it; he hadn't for quite some time. His motto was: 'live, grow stronger, fight another day', but this was his residence, a private place worth defending, and with Jack there, protecting him automatically outweighed any other thoughts or concerns.

As Methos neared the door, he heard a knock. That was unusual. If this were someone after his head, he'd expect them to bust down the door and rush him, hoping to take advantage. Of course, it could be one of those immortals who felt the need to explain who they were and why they were going to take someone's head before attempting to do so. Many times, they lost theirs instead, unless they were damn lucky.

"Adam, it's Duncan," their friend's voice came through the door.

Methos glanced back and saw Jack putting the safety back on his gun as they shared a sigh of relief.

"I told you to stay in the other room," Methos snapped. "What if it wasn't Duncan? Then what? You're mortal; you don't come back from a fatal wound."

"You expect me to hide while someone tries to take your head?" Jack snapped back.

"No interference, that's the rule...you know that."

"Fuck that! I'm not one of you. I don't need to follow your stupid-ass rules. You're my husband, damn it, and I'm gonna protect you."

"Or die trying."

"Damn right."

"Are you two going to argue all day, or are you going to let me in?" Duncan shouted through the door, having had his ear pressed against it, allowing him to hear what was being said inside.

"Fine," Methos said into the air and unlocked the door. "Come on in," he said then followed Jack into the bedroom where they retrieved their robes.

"Good day to you, too," Duncan chuckled as he entered then closed and locked the door behind him. "Damn, but it's warm in here. Leaving the heater on 24/7?" He took off his coat and headed down the short corridor, seeing Jack and Methos emerging from the bedroom, clad in bathrobes, barefoot. "Maybe I should have called first?"

"Might have been a good idea," Methos grumbled as he joined him. Of course, with all the times he'd shown up unannounced at Duncan's place, well, suffice to say, he had no business complaining too adamantly.

"What's up?" Jack asked, following the other two into the living room where Methos was hastily tidying up.

"A surprise," Duncan said with a broad smile while he laid his overcoat carefully across the center of the coffee table. "I brought a gift from Joe and me...since we didn't know ahead of time about the wedding...it's a little late," he said, sitting down in the center of the sofa.

"You came out from New York to deliver a wedding present?" Jack asked, wondering if there was more to it than that.

"In part," Duncan said. "To be honest, things are a little too hot back home just now."

"So, you decided to lead your trouble to me?" Methos chimed in, tossing some magazines haphazardly into the basket at the one end of the couch. "Thanks, MacLeod, you're all heart."

"I wasn't followed. I promise."

"Who's after you this time?" Methos asked, taking one corner of the sofa while Jack took the other, effectively sandwiching Duncan between them.

"No one," Duncan said, causing Methos to roll his eyes. "Honest...there is no immortal chasing me."

"Then who is?" Jack asked, hearing the deliberately measured tone in Duncan's voice. He wasn't lying, but he damn sure wasn't telling them the whole truth.

Duncan glanced at Jack then at Methos and felt nearly suffocated by the weight of their combined stare. Maybe he shouldn't have come here, but he needed a place to lie low for a while and Joe had suggested he come here, so he had.

"MacLeod," Methos said firmly, nudging him with his tone of voice.

"A few days ago, I was helping Joe close up the club and these guys came in and tried to rob the place. Joe was in the back...they didn't know...he called the police...I stalled...kept them there until the cavalry arrived."

"And?" Jack prompted, leaning against the sofa arm behind him.

"One of them panicked when the police arrived...shot me...emptied his entire clip into my chest...then they ran off...next thing I knew, I was waking up with a medical examiner hovering over me...nearly gave the poor thing a heart attack."

"I hate it when that happens," Methos sympathized. "So, back to Paris for a while?"

"Thought about it, but one of the cops on the case knows me...we've...uh...had a few run-ins before. He's a good cop, an honest cop, suspicious as hell, and with my resurrection, he started nosing around...."

"And he found out about the barge," Jack said, catching on to the problem at hand. Under the circumstances, how could Duncan possibly go back to Paris if his residence there was known to the NYPD?

"Yes," Duncan sighed. "He went to Joe, trying to pump him for information and mentioned contacting the French authorities. Joe didn't tell him anything, and then after he left, Joe came to me and told me about it. He's gone off to Paris to do some damage control for me."

"Well, things are in good hands then," Methos said and rose to his feet. "Coffee? Or should we clean up and let Duncan take us to lunch?" he asked, looking at Jack.

"Lunch?" Duncan asked, feigning surprise.

"First, I want our present," Jack said and took hold of Methos' right hand, guiding him to sit on his lap.

"Right, first, he can give us our present then he can buy our lunch. Splendid," Methos said, as if Duncan's agreement was a forgone conclusion.

"Sure," Duncan chuckled and pulled a ring of keys out of his pocket and handed them to Jack. "Two sets of keys for a villa on Kauai complete with a private beach and a hot tub. Only slightly used for the odd vacation now and then," he said with a grin.

"Beach front property in Hawaii?" Jack asked, feeling as though he were in a dream. He hadn't been to Hawaii in years, and he'd certainly never stayed in a private villa on one of the quieter islands.

"Thank you," Methos said with a beaming smile. "Once we've broken it in properly, we'll have to invite you and Joe to visit for a few days."

"Yeah...uh...thanks. It's a wonderful gift, but we can't accept it," Jack said, handing the keys back to Duncan only to have Methos snatch them away.

"Why not?" Duncan and Methos asked in unison.

"Why not? What do you mean, 'why not'? It's far too extravagant a gift. It must have cost a fortune," Jack protested.

"Tsk...tsk," Methos said. "Bad form to discuss the amount of money spent on a gift, my love."

"Ours is a different world, Jack," Duncan said, waving his hand between Methos and himself, while barely holding back a laugh. "I've owned the place for some time. Trust me. It was well within my means."

"What about Joe?" Jack asked, raising his eyebrows. "Maybe you've had centuries to compound interest on your savings, but what about him?"

"Not to worry," Duncan chuckled. "Joe's part is purely on paper. I put the place in his name a few years ago. Now, he'll transfer title over to you."

"Yeah...well...that could be a problem," Jack sighed.

"Why?" Methos asked, turning to look Jack in the eyes. "You can't accept property?"

"Inheriting property is explainable, like when I got my grandfather's cabin. But to have a friend, who's also an old friend of my C.O. suddenly sign property over to me...." Jack shook his head. "It'll show up on someone's radar as suspicious, and I'm sure you don't want some agent snooping into the matter."

"True," Methos said, pursing his lips. "We'll transfer it to one of my aliases for now, worry about turning it over to you at some later date," he said and joined Duncan in glancing at Jack, waiting patiently as he considered the plan.

"Okay. I've been meaning to get back to The Islands some day," Jack smirked.

"Superb," Methos said and rose to his feet, slipping the keys into the pocket of his bathrobe. "Let's go shower," he said, holding his hand out for Jack.

"Sounds good," Jack said and took Methos' hand, following him into the bathroom. Once inside, Methos started the water then turned around and gave Jack a most serious look.

"Do you sense Duncan now?" Methos asked, his tone a mixture of concern and curiosity.

"No. Only for that brief moment...when he got just close enough? That's when you first felt him, right?"

"Yes," Methos sighed and gently caressed Jack's cheek. "What the hell is happening? First the Aftershocks, now this...and only since you met me..."

"Hey," Jack whispered, cutting him off. "Don't you dare start blaming yourself. For all we know, these things could have happened without you in my life, I mean, who knows what all I've been exposed to at work?"

"But why are these things only happening to you?"

"We only know about me," Jack said and rubbed Methos' shoulders. "This isn't the kind of thing that someone would report...I sure as hell don't plan to."

"Perhaps you're right, but it's a damn odd coincidence."

"Listen, I'm more inclined to believe all this has something to do with being run through that Asgard thing-y..."

"Thor's Hammer."

"Yes. Remember, my brainwave readings weren't elevated until after that, and Janet thinks it's a possibility."

"Yes, but we slept together and felt the first Aftershock between the time of your encounter with The Hammer and when Janet discovered your elevated readings," Methos countered, but was cut off as Jack gave him a tender kiss.

"We have no way to know that they're even related. Besides, this sensing an immortal thing has only happened the one time," Jack said as he undressed Methos. "And with someone I already know. It could be a sixth sense...totally natural," he said, dropping his robe and shorts to join Methos' on the floor. "I have highly-trained senses from my special-ops days...long before I met you. Could be all there is to it."

"I suppose," Methos said, allowing Jack to guide him into the shower.

"Don't worry your gorgeous head over it," Jack said playfully and handed Methos the soap.

"You'll tell me if you feel it again?" Methos whispered as he made a nice lather in his hands.

"Of course," Jack said with a tiny smile and kissed Methos' forehead before turning away to wet his front, leaving his dampened back for Methos to scrub.

"And maybe you could have Janet give you some new scans this week...a little ahead of schedule?" Methos asked, his tone making it more of a request than a suggestion.

"Sure...when we get back from this survey mission coming up...since I'll be seeing her for the post-mission exam anyway...she won't think twice about running them for me."

"Thanks," Methos whispered and kissed the back of Jack's neck as he put the soap back in place then he took to seriously scrubbing him down, all the while his mind racing, wondering if Janet was right. If Asgard technology was the reason behind Jack's elevated brain activity, and if that was somehow connected to the Aftershocks and/or Jack's sensing Duncan's approach, possibly, there were clues to be found in Thor's research data.

"So," Jack sighed as Methos scrubbed his buttocks. "After lunch, you want me to take Duncan home with me, give you a chance to play around with Thor's data?"

"You know me too well," Methos chuckled. "I was just thinking of how I might get him out of the way."

"I'm sure," Jack said and turned to face him. He loved Methos so very much, and when he got that twinkle of excitement in his eyes as he had at that moment, he was positively irresistible.

"What?" Methos asked, seeing the hint of a smirk on Jack's face.

"Nothin'," Jack whispered and leaned in for a passionate kiss then took a tiny step back. "You have until tomorrow at noon then I want you at home where you belong. We'll take him for some sparring."

"Agreed," Methos said with a grin, understanding that by home Jack meant his house in Colorado Springs. He was always touched at how Jack considered it to be their home now, although Methos didn't actually live there. They switched places, Methos getting under the water to wet down then the next moment, Jack's hands were lathered and reaching around to Methos' groin, fingering his pubic hair, rubbing, starting to stroke him. "Jack?" Another stroke and Methos felt Jack's half-hardened cock pressing up against his ass. "We don't have time."

"He's been around for hundreds of years," Jack whispered, intensifying his attentions to Methos' cock. "He can wait a little longer." He ran his nose through Methos' soft brown hair. "Besides, after last night, I'm not gonna get any further than I already am...this one's just for you. Without an Aftershock, we won't take too long."

"Okay," Methos sighed and melted into Jack's warm embrace, closing his eyes and getting lost in the sensations as Jack lovingly took him for a most pleasurable ride.

~ ~ ~

Methos stepped up to the front door of Jack's house and felt the presence of another immortal, presumably Duncan, and paused out of habit while he adjusted to the sensation. From inside he could hear opera playing, one of Duncan's favorites if he recalled correctly, and shook his head. It was almost as if he were showing up at Duncan's place instead of Jack's.

"Back here!" Duncan shouted from the deck.

Methos smiled and strolled around to the deck, coming upon Duncan, who was pretending to mind the grill. There was no way that Jack could have possibly left Duncan in charge of searing their lunch – that was Jack's job, and his alone.

"MacLeod," Methos said calmly as he came to stand near him. "Where's Jack?"

"Here," Jack said, emerging from the house. He glanced at his watch and gazed back at Methos. "You're early."

"Yes, well, I didn't want to get caught in traffic."

"Ah," Jack said with a nod and snatched his grilling fork away from Duncan before the older man could touch it to any of the sausages. "I got it. You were gonna make a salad, remember?"

"Right," Duncan chuckled and headed in to the kitchen. He knew when he was being dismissed.

"Welcome home," Jack whispered once he and Methos were alone and gave Methos' left shoulder a brief and gentle rub.

"Thanks," Methos replied and watched as Jack poked at the sausages on the grill. "Did you sense me coming?"

"No."

"Good," Methos said with a nod. Perhaps Jack's sensing Duncan's approach had been a one-time fluke and nothing more. "You weren't letting him grill just now, were you?"

"Hell, no," Jack chuckled. "He felt someone...told me to go inside just in case."

"And you listened to him?"

"Yes."

"Then why wouldn't you listen to me yesterday and stay put like I told you?"

"Because you're my husband," Jack sighed and placed the fork down to one side of the grill. "I've told you...I won't stand by and watch while you fight someone to the death."

Methos reached out and took hold of Jack's left hand, while gazing into his deep brown eyes, feeling the connection between them, the incredible love that they had for each other. Damn him. Methos couldn't argue with him over this anymore. Jack's lifespan was too short to waste precious time quibbling over matters that could not be changed. The bottom line was that Jack loved him and was going to protect him whether he wanted him to or not and Methos felt the same about him in return. It was time to accept the matter and move on.

"You win," Methos said quietly and gave Jack's hand a gentle squeeze before letting it go. "But no unnecessary risks. Your swordplay has improved incredibly, but...."

"I know," Jack said, interrupting him. "Contrary to popular belief, I *do* know my limitations," he said with a smirk.

"And you push them anyway."

"Well...you know how it goes out in the field...heat of the moment," Jack said with a shrug.

"Yes, I do," Methos said with a tiny grin. "I'm going for a beer. Need a fresh one?"

"No, I'm good," Jack said and returned to minding his grill while Methos went inside.

An hour later, the sausages were history and the opera had been long ago replaced with some nice, soothing jazz. The sound of tenor saxophone filled the air all alone as Jack and Methos sat together on the sofa, snuggled up comfortably with Duncan sitting across from them in Jack's favorite overstuffed armchair. The three of them were so relaxed that they were nearly falling asleep as they let the music flow over them.

"Relaxed, MacLeod?" Methos asked.

"Yeah," Duncan sighed.

"Good," Methos said and moved away from Jack's shoulder, receiving a tiny sigh of protest in response. "Since you're in the area, I'm thinking this would be an excellent opportunity..."

"No," Duncan said flatly, knowing where Methos was heading. He'd been after him for months to come out to Colorado so that he could include Duncan in his doctoral research.

"But I haven't..."

"No," Duncan repeated, cutting him off again as he sat upright in the chair. "I will not subject myself to your poking and prodding."

"There won't be any prodding, and only minimal poking," Methos countered. "I need readings from another immortal. I can't base my results solely on mine."

"Not my problem," Duncan said and downed the last of his beer. "Let me help with this, Jack," he said as he rose to his feet and leaned over to pick up his plate.

"Sure, I'll come with you," Jack said and gave Methos a sly wink as he picked up their plates from the near side of the coffee table. "It's time we started getting things cleaned up so we can head out to the gym."

"Gym?" Duncan asked, his eyes gleaming as they reached the kitchen. He always enjoyed a good workout and with recent events he hadn't been able to avail himself of one for nearly a month. "As in a public gym?"

"No," Jack said, shaking his head as he loaded the dishes into the dishwasher. "There's a dance studio not far from here, leased by a friend of mine. We use it for sparring practice, weight training, basic calisthenics...."

"Does your friend ever join you?" Duncan asked as he opened the refrigerator.

"Oh, no...he hasn't used the place in years...keeps it for a tax write-off of some sort," Jack said with a shrug. "The place was filthy when we first got there, but a few visits and some elbow grease, it cleaned up quite nicely."

"Sounds good. Want one?" Duncan asked, holding out a bottle of beer.

"No, I'm good." Jack let out a tiny sigh as he watched Duncan helping himself to a fresh bottle. "So, uh..." Jack began then paused for effect. "Never mind," he said, shaking his head. He then closed the dishwasher and rinsed his hands in the sink while he waited for Duncan to step into the trap he was laying out.

"What?" Duncan asked with a touch of concern in his voice.

"It's nothing," Jack said while drying his hands.

"Jack?" Duncan pressed with a nudge in his tone. Even though Jack wasn't his lover, and therefore not his responsibility, Duncan did count him as a friend and felt drawn to look after him just the same.

"It's Methos," Jack whispered in a conspiratorial tone of voice. "I don't have the heart to tell him that he's starting to bore me."

"Bore you?" Duncan looked puzzled. "In bed?" he guessed.

"Oh, no," Jack chuckled. "Things are terrific in that department." He paused once more for effect, allowing his eyes to glaze over slightly as he recalled in exquisite detail the most recent time that Methos had made love to him.

"What then?"

"His sparring...I don't know...it seems kinda stale...you know?"

"Same moves, same drills, no creativity?" Duncan asked, knowingly.

"Bingo," Jack said with a nod.

"That happens a lot when an immortal is training someone. We get set in our ways...establish a regimen that works and we stick to it."

"I suppose," Jack sighed and went into the refrigerator for a soda while waiting for Duncan to go for the bait. For his plan to work, Duncan had to think he was the one making the proposal. After a long moment, Duncan opened his mouth and Jack could sense he had his prey about to nibble.

"I have an idea."

"Yeah?"

"I'll spar with him, get him to change things up a bit with me, and maybe it'll carry over to you."

"You think that would work?" This wasn't exactly what Jack had in mind, but it would get Duncan to the studio and sparring, and that was a move in the right direction.

"Can't hurt to try."

"Okay," Jack said with a tiny grin and patted Duncan on the shoulder. "Let's go get him off the couch before he falls asleep on us," Jack ordered and led Duncan out to the living room.

"Having fun you two?" Methos asked as he saw them enter the room, each sporting a grin.

"Yes," Duncan said. "Jack was telling me about your workout studio. I was thinking you and I could go a few rounds this afternoon."

"Really," Methos said and glanced at Jack for a signal of some sort. He could tell his husband was up to something, but he wasn't quite sure what is was or what his part to play in this sting might be.

"I could use some loosening up before tomorrow...got that thing coming up in the morning...." Jack drifted off as he moved to turn off the stereo. He removed the jazz CD from the player and put it away then the sight of his opera collection gave him an idea of how to further his plan for Duncan along. "Should we bring some music?"

"Great idea. How about one of your rare operas?" Duncan suggested sounding excited at the prospect.

"More opera? Haven't we had enough of that for one day?" Methos complained.

"He's the guest," Jack said and moved a step over to peruse his collection. As he'd hoped, Duncan moved to look over his shoulder. He'd been nearly salivating over it when they'd first reached the house the evening before. Obviously, something in Jack's plethora of albums and CDs had caught Duncan's attention.

"Right," Duncan said and pointed toward one of the albums. "Can we play vinyl there?"

"No," Methos said, standing to join them, keeping his eyes on Jack. He was playing Duncan, but Methos was still at a loss as to what Jack's ultimate goal was.

"You're interested in one of these old things?" Jack asked, playing his dumb act for all its worth.

"Aye," Duncan said, reverting to his old dialect. "You have some valuable records here. Do you not realize that?"

"Really?" Jack asked and glanced over to Methos. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"You didn't ask," Methos said and shook his head. "If I recall correctly, I have told you on numerous occasions that you should lock your front door when you leave."

"Who's gonna wanna steal anything in here?" Jack countered with his typical protest. Truth be told, all his truly valuable, irreplaceable items were under lock and key. But his neighborhood was quiet and he enjoyed the freedom he felt leaving his door unlocked. In a way, it gave Jack a welcome sense of being out in the country, so, much of the time his house was easily accessible to anyone who cared to try the doorknob.

"Someone who knows opera," Duncan answered.

"Bah...no one around here then," Jack scoffed.

"I wouldn't be so sure," Duncan said and pointed past Jack at one of the albums. "That one for instance, someone may not want to take it to listen to, but they could sell it to the right buyer for a few hundred dollars."

"That much?" Methos asked, keeping himself in the conversation.

"Easily, perhaps even thousands depending on the buyer," Duncan said. "May I?"

Jack stepped aside and nodded then Duncan pulled the album from the shelf and launched into a lecture on the history of the arrangements, the composer, the orchestra, the vocalists, and on and on until Jack was beginning to develop a headache. It was like having Daniel there explaining some arcane artifact to him. He simply didn't care, but it fueled Duncan's enthusiasm and that was right where Jack wanted him – excited and distracted.

"Fascinating," Methos said sarcastically with a tiny yawn once Duncan seemed to have finished his lengthy speech.

"Yeah...so, you're saying that you'd be willing to pay an arm and a leg for that album?" Jack asked, looking Duncan in the eyes.

"Maybe not that much, but a fair amount, yes," Duncan said with a nod.

"Make you a deal then," Jack said and glanced ever so briefly at Methos before returning his focus to Duncan. "You spar with me this afternoon. If you knock me down first, sword-to-throat, the album's yours."

"Jack?" Methos jumped in with a tone of concern.

"Not now," Jack said quietly and continued to stare at Duncan. "Well?"

"I do not want to hurt you," Duncan said finally.

"You won't. I have protective gear and I trust you to control your sword," Jack replied without missing a beat.

"Methos?" Duncan said, looking to his friend.

"He's a grown man...and it's his album...I'm not going to stand in his way," Methos said wisely.

"Deal," Duncan said and shook Jack's hand to seal the deal.

"Good," Jack said and took the album from Duncan and put it back in place. "And if I knock you down first, you'll submit to Methos for his experiments."

"What?" Duncan said dumbfounded then he saw Methos beaming from ear-to-ear. "You can't be serious."

"What?" Jack said with a shrug. "You agreed to spar for the album."

"The album, yes, but not...." Duncan glanced at the two of them as they came together to join hands and let out a grunt of frustration. "You two set me up."

"I had nothing to do with it," Methos said and kissed Jack's cheek. "Brilliant, my love."

"I did not agree to those terms," Duncan protested.

"Fine," Jack said and took a step forward, putting himself directly in front of Duncan. "Those are my terms. Take them or leave them. If you're afraid that you'll lose, I understand...you don't want to take the risk, no problem. But you yourself said that the album isn't available anymore. Good luck ever getting another chance to have your own copy of it, let alone for such a bargain price."

"Fine," Duncan said and watched Jack leave the room. "You sure as hell know how to pick 'em," he said to Methos.

"Yes, I do," Methos smirked and headed off toward the guest room to get his gear. This was going to be one hell of an interesting workout and Methos could hardly wait for it to get started.

~ ~ ~

Methos stood back, just off the matted area and watched as Duncan and Jack did their last bit of preparations. He'd warmed up both of them, Jack first, then Duncan, being a bit harder on him than he had Jack. Duncan was grinning, nearly chuckling, as he realized that Methos had been trying to wear him down a bit to help Jack out. He'd have done the same had their positions been reversed. That was part of their friendship, taunting each other, but another, more important, aspect of their friendship was showing itself as well, that being trust. Duncan didn't doubt for a moment that Methos would take his head if he purposely, seriously hurt Jack, but he also knew that Methos would never allow the two to spar with their swords if he felt that such action would be necessary.

"Ready when you are," Jack said, taking a balanced stance, knees gently bent, with his feet shoulder-width apart, his left foot slightly forward placing his body at a slight angle, the dagger Methos had given him in his left hand and the sword he'd given him in his right.

"Just about," Duncan said and squatted once more, stretching his thighs, coming up to his starting position, keeping his knees slightly bent, and holding his sword in both hands above his head as he squared off, facing Jack straight on.

"Okay...first one to down the other, sword-to-throat, wins," Methos said and took another step backwards as the two men began their dance.

Duncan mirrored Jack's footwork, left then right then two steps left, another right, toying with him, letting him think he stood a chance. Jack was no slouch, he'd seen the man in action, fighting in a back alley against three thugs, but they had been nothing more than hired muscle, mere street punks who'd been outmatched when it came to strategy, given Jack's years of military training. Duncan, however, had been in the military, several different militaries throughout the course of his life. In fact, he'd helped to develop some of the classic strategies that were employed by the world's armies even to this day. He was confident that he could take Jack and do so easily, but he didn't want to embarrass him too badly. After all, he was currently visiting as a guest in the man's home.

Patronizing him...that's what Duncan was doing, letting him lead as he was. Jack could see it clearly, but wasn't insulted. Quite to the contrary, he'd been counting on it. Duncan was a nice enough guy, and a true friend in times of trouble, but he had an arrogance about him that needed to be checked. Jack had noticed that months earlier when they'd first spent time together and shortly thereafter he'd started training seriously with Methos with two specific goals in mind. First, Jack was going to take Duncan down and wipe that smug look off his face, and then he would be ready to go after his other target – Teal'c.

Jack took one more sidestep left then did a rapid step forward with his left foot and bounced right back, drawing Duncan into lowering his sword with a swoosh from his right to his left. As it came down, Jack leaned in his left shoulder and pushed up with his dagger, catching Duncan's sword with it, effectively using it as a shield, and followed immediately with a lunge forward with his sword, shifting his weight from his left to his right foot as smoothly as melted butter trickling down an ear of steaming hot corn-on-the-cob.

Duncan easily averted being hit by backing off, smiling all the while. "Impressive," he said jovially then he came at Jack again from Jack's left, his sword level with their waists moving across the width of his body, forcing Jack to pivot back to his left so that he could block the sword once more with his dagger.

"Glad you're amused," Jack said with a mischievous grin then he began his true offensive. First, he gave a thrust of his sword, suspecting how Duncan would react based on what Methos had taught him of Duncan's fighting habits, and Duncan cooperated beautifully just as if he were following a script. Duncan took a half step back and turned his body a touch to the right, placing his sword on Jack's right side just where Jack wanted it then Duncan made his counterstrike, bringing his blade across, and then when it clashed with Jack's sword, he swung them both upward, in hopes of breaking Jack's hold and disarming him. Instead, Jack quickly spun around counter-clockwise, leaning to his left and swiping his dagger underneath Duncan's sword, connecting with Duncan's abdomen, slicing his vest as he passed, then finished his follow through, using his sword to block Duncan's next counter-offensive, locking their swords together at mid-thigh.

"You're fast," Duncan said, truly impressed this time then he got down to serious business. He went after Jack with thrust after thrust from the right, their swords clanging together as Jack successfully countered each move then Duncan doubled back with an underhanded swipe from the left, catching Jack off guard and sending him reeling backwards, as he just barely avoided contact with the end of Duncan's blade.

Methos winced slightly as Jack nearly fell, but as he bounced back, lunging at Duncan, raising both his blades overhead and locking them with Duncan's sword and then pushing him back, Methos beamed with pride. Jack's next move, however, took even Methos by surprise.

"Give up?" Jack asked tauntingly as he pressed the hard steel of his two blades against Duncan's one with even more force and shifted his right foot forward so that it was between Duncan's feet.

"You're joking," Duncan laughed, not noticing that Jack had shifted his body weight. He was far too focused on Jack's face as he spoke. "You don't stand a chance. Look at you sweating," he said and leaned forward to push Jack back again, but as he did so, Jack lifted his right leg and Duncan's momentum carried him faster than he could react. The result was Duncan's groin slamming into Jack's kneecap.

"That had to hurt," Methos said calmly, getting in a bit of taunting of his own.

Jack however didn't take time to savor the blow. Instead, he quickly regained his balance, coming upright, and then head-butted Duncan square on, knocking him backwards. As he stumbled, Duncan tried to raise his sword, but the pain coursing through him was too great and with one solid hit to the hand, Jack had him dropping it. Jack then pivoted ninety degrees to his left and raised his right foot with such speed that the kick to Duncan's ribs barely registered in his brain before he was halfway to the floor. The next thing he knew, Jack had both his dagger and his sword, crossed over one another, and brushing against Duncan's Adam's apple.

"You cheated," Duncan protested.

"How so?" Methos asked, stepping to just above Duncan's head. "Just because he bested you?"

"Gentlemen don't make blows below the belt like that," Duncan said, wincing slightly, as the pain was still very real and fresh.

"Whoever said I was a gentleman?" Jack said with a laugh and rose to his feet, giving Duncan room to breathe. He shifted his dagger to his right hand with his sword then held out his left to Duncan. "No hard feelings?"

"Probably not for a while anyway," Methos said, unable to resist the opening.

Duncan let out a tiny harrumph and accepted Jack's offer, taking his hand and letting the younger man assist him to his feet. It wasn't often that someone got the better of him, but Jack had done so handily. Of course, Duncan would exact his revenge at some point in the future, but Jack was smart enough to realize that before doing what he'd done. As he watched Jack and Methos step off together to stow their gear, Duncan smiled and shook his head. He wasn't quite sure which was going to be the most fun, planning the revenge, watching Jack sweat while waiting for the revenge, or the actual act of revenge itself. However it turned out, Duncan knew one thing for sure – Jack had just launched the first attack in an ongoing battle of wits, and Duncan, for one, couldn't have been more pleased to be engaged by such a worthy opponent.

"So that's it, knock me down, and then leave? You planning on taking me straight to the lab?" Duncan asked as he took off his vest and examined the damage to the front of it. "This is going to need some mending."

"I've got a lady friend who'll take care of it," Jack said and took the vest from Duncan then stowed it in his large duffle bag.

"Carter?" Methos guessed, not sure of whom Jack was referring to.

"No, Cassie...Janet's daughter. She'll do anything for her Uncle Jack," Jack said with a tiny smirk.

"Haven't met her yet," Methos drawled.

"She'll be at the Academy Hospital with her mom later in the week, I'm sure. She drops by after school...usually on Fridays, though sometimes Janet's over there on Thursdays, kinda depends on the way things go at the Mountain," Jack said and finished with his gear as Methos finished with his and Duncan moved to place his sword inside his coat.

"Air Force Academy?" Duncan asked curiously.

"Yep," Jack said with a nod.

"Keeping things in-house?" Duncan continued.

"I guess," Jack said with a shrug. "Don't think of it that way...more like an extended family."

"Ah," Duncan said with a nod. "So, where are we off to? The lab?"

"No," Methos said, shaking his head. "Not until Friday. I want Jack there too and a guarantee of privacy."

"Friday?" Duncan asked. "Who says I'll still be here?"

"You will," Methos said confidently. "You won't disappear until Joe gets things settled in Paris and that won't be until next week at least. He's too thorough to move more quickly than that."

"I have a cell phone. He can reach me anywhere," Duncan countered.

"Right," Methos said facetiously. "And, where prey tell do you plan to go?"

"I was thinking Tibet this time..." Duncan began, but was silenced as Methos slapped him hard in the shoulder.

"Tibet? You can't be serious. The indigestion from the yak butter alone would have you scurrying elsewhere in less than a week," Methos said knowingly.

"Can we take this home?" Jack asked, checking his watch. "I need to report in early tomorrow...for that thing...remember?" he said, nudging Methos with his tone of voice.

"Right, so you do," Methos said and fell into step at Jack's left side with Duncan taking up position slightly behind them. "So, MacLeod, seriously, you can't go to Tibet."

"Why not?" Duncan asked with an indignant tone of voice.

"I've got a whole list," Methos began and launched into his 'Why I will never again live in Tibet' diatribe. Jack glanced back at Duncan briefly, the two sharing a tiny smile. They'd both heard this speech before on more than one occasion, but with the intensity of Methos' voice, they knew it was pointless to try to stop him from giving his oration yet again. At least they knew it wouldn't last any longer than the ride back to Jack's house.

~ ~ ~

What a colossal waste of time and energy, P3X-564 had been a bust. According to the preliminary energy readings from the M.A.L.P., Sam had speculated that the planet might be a source of some as yet unknown mineral that could provide the S.G.C. with a new power source, but she couldn't have been more wrong.

They'd gotten to the planet on Monday, mid-morning Earth time, and started the long trek to the source of the energy readings. Sam had been beside herself with excitement when the energy had registered at even higher levels on her handheld device than it had on either the M.A.L.P. or the U.A.V., which had provided them with its location. Looking back, that should have been a warning sign to her, or to Jack, or to Teal'c, hell even to Daniel, but none of them had given it a second thought.

As they'd gotten nearer to their target, the readings had increased, no surprise, but as they'd started to close in, Sam's readings had gone off the scale and, not coincidentally, all animal life in their immediate vicinity had begun to stampede in all directions – except toward the energy source. Fortunately, none of the wildlife had been large enough to harm SG-1 as they'd rushed by. Unfortunately, an airborne probe, for lack of a better term had followed the animals and had opened fire, emitting some sort of laser and sending SG-1 ducking for cover. They'd been pinned down by the damn thing and had ended up incinerating it with three blasts from Daniel's zat – so much for recovering anything of use from that planet.

"Jack, I had no choice, it kept coming at me," Daniel explained yet again as he and the rest of the team sat on beds in the infirmary waiting for their post-mission exams.

"You could have tried your 9mm," Jack grumbled. Only Daniel had been close enough to get a clear shot at the thing, having been separated from the others when they'd scattered into the forest for cover.

"I tried. I emptied an entire clip," Daniel replied, raising his voice in frustration. "It kept coming anyway."

"Sir, I don't think our conventional weapons would have had any effect," Sam said, coming to her teammate's aid. Daniel's aim wasn't the greatest, but from Sam's vantage point she'd seen that a number of his shots had been on target. "The outer casing appeared to be constructed of a material too hard for bullets to penetrate."

"I agree with Major Carter, O'Neill," Teal'c said in his typical stoic manner. He had been next to Sam at the time of the incident and the two of them had been closer to Daniel than Jack had, giving them a better understanding of what had transpired. "Given the restricted time in which to act and the limited resources at his disposal, I believe that Daniel Jackson acted appropriately. Perhaps if he were allowed to carry a P-90...."

"Enough," Jack sighed, seeing that he was outnumbered three to one. "Put it all in your reports, including any recommendations." Deep down his gut told him that they were right, but he absolutely hated returning from any planet empty-handed. They expended far too many resources every time they went on a mission to not glean at least some useful soil samples or something.

"Maybe whoever left it there will return someday and make contact," Sam offered.

"Yeah, and maybe when they figure out who destroyed their device, they'll decide to seek revenge," Jack said, hoping like hell he was wrong.

"Well, there's nothing we can do about it now," Daniel sighed. "The M.A.L.P. is still there...and the energy readings are gone...there seems to have been only the one device. I'm going to recommend to General Hammond that an archaeological team be sent in as a follow-up. Maybe they can find some ruins or writings or something to explain what that thing was and..."

"It was a weapon designed to keep people away," Jack said cutting him off, stating what he thought was the obvious. "That's why the readings increased when we first got there. It was on to us the second we stepped through the Gate. Unless you have some better explanation," he said and looked to each of his teammates in turn. Sam and Teal'c wisely chose to return his gaze with a courteous glance and silence, but Daniel, well, he was being the Daniel that Jack had come to know and in an odd way even love.

"Perhaps...." Daniel bit his lip as Jack's eyes drifted back to him. "But, what if that wasn't its primary function? I mean, think about it, maybe it was supposed to communicate with us, but something we had on us...our weapons maybe...it perceived as a threat and acted accordingly."

"Always the optimist," Methos said, entering the infirmary in time to hear the latter part of Jack and Daniel's exchange.

"Doctor Pierson," Teal'c greeted him with a nod.

Methos returned the Jaffa's nod and waved at Jack and Sam as they gave him a simple "Hey".

"Well, it could have been," Daniel said with a tiny pout.

"Could have been what?" Janet asked as she strolled past the lot of them, heading for Jack, who was seated on the farthest bed.

"Tell her later," Jack said, not wanting to continue the discussion any longer. He noticed Methos and Janet trading a tiny smile and cleared his throat. "So, Docs, what's up? You both gonna exam us today?" he asked, flashing a quick glance in Methos' direction.

"Oh, no," Janet said with a tiny laugh. "I was picking Adam's brain a bit...Biochemistry. Hope you don't mind, Daniel."

"Not at all," Daniel said graciously. "He spends so much time in our office...I'm sure it did him good to have a change of scenery."

"Yes, uh, Doctor Fraiser and I have been studying some of that rosha you got from that bounty hunter," Methos added in clarification, responding to Jack's brief, curious glance his way. He didn't think for a moment that Jack was jealous, but he was certain that he'd picked up on Janet's smile, which Methos had returned out of habit. She was an accomplished flirt, subtle and enticing, leaving her prey wondering if she was actually flirting or not. Methos had seen such before in his thousands of years and knew how to play her game without getting caught in her snare, and they both seemed to be enjoying the interchange, so, 'no harm no foul'. Unless, of course, she asked him out, then he'd have to dissuade her accordingly.

"Aris Boch," Teal'c stated, naming the bounty hunter being referred to.

"Ah, that," Jack said with a nod. Being caught by a bounty hunter was an experience that Jack didn't want to relive anytime soon. Thankfully, due to Teal'c and Sam's persuasiveness, Boch had turned against his client, the Goa'uld Sokar, and had allowed them to escape, so in return, they had brought back some of the substance that the Goa'ulds used to force Boch and others of his kind into their service, having introduced it into their lives generations earlier and making their entire race dependent on it for survival. Such lovely snakehead bastards they were.

"Any progress?" Sam asked curiously.

"Ack!" Jack cried out. "Save the scientist babble for after my exam. I've already got a headache."

"We'll have to get you some aspirin then," Janet said, exchanging a tiny smirk with Sam and signaling one of her nurses to retrieve the required medication. "Adam and I will tell you all about it later," she promised then moved to close the curtain around Jack's bed. "First your exams. You can drop by the lab after your debriefing, Sam."

"Will do," Sam said with a tiny chuckle in her voice.

"I'd best get out of the way," Methos said, trading smiles with the nurse who was bringing some aspirin for Jack. "Back to the lab, see you there, Doctor?" he asked, tilting his head to make one last bit of eye contact with Janet, who nodded her agreement.

"Good idea," Jack said. "Wouldn't want the Doc to start poking and prodding you, too," he joked as Janet finished closing the curtain.

"Indeed," Teal'c said, hating the whole examination process, which he only tolerated for security reasons.

"Right," Methos said with a tiny shrug then he waved good-bye to Daniel and Sam and headed back toward the lab. With any luck he could sneak in some of his own private research while Janet examined Jack and the others. If he were really lucky, Hammond would have her join them for the debriefing, thus giving him even more time alone in the lab. That was highly unlikely, but there was no harm in hoping.

A moment later, the nurse emerged from behind the curtain, giggling after Jack had cracked another joke. He did his best to keep the air as light as possible on base. With the serious nature of their work and the very real threats they faced on an ongoing basis, humor was essential, and Jack did better than most at using his sharp tongue to provide relief as appropriate, even if he did say so himself.

"Janet," he whispered once they were alone.

"Yes, Colonel?" Janet whispered in return as she felt the back of Jack's neck for any signs of a fresh Goa'uld entry wound.

"Can we do those extra tests this evening? I know we're not due, but it's close enough and since I was supposed to still be off world, my calendar's free," he said with a tiny grin.

"Sure...after your debriefing."

"Thanks," Jack said with a boyish grin.

"Uh-huh," Janet replied, ignoring the hint of flirtation in Jack's tone. Getting romantically involved with a superior officer was high on Janet's 'Never Do' list. Of course, she realized that he wasn't serious, but still, why tempt fate? Especially when there were ample choices among the civilians, who worked at the base. "Open," she said then flashed her penlight into Jack's mouth, searching for any signs of trauma. "Looks good," she sighed and motioned for him to remove his shirt as she readied her stethoscope.

"You heated it this time?" Jack asked hopefully, his voice returning to a normal level then he shivered as the cold instrument made contact with his bare skin. And people had the nerve to question how he could possibly detest the infirmary as much as he did.

~ ~ ~

Methos sat on a stool in front of his workstation in the medical lab he currently shared with Janet and stared at the personnel files slowly crossing his screen. So far, not even one of them had shown potential for being a subject for his studies. Perhaps he was wasting his time, taking an unnecessary risk by perusing the medical records as he was, but he needed to broaden his research base as much as possible. One record caught his eye and he paused briefly to examine the record summary more carefully – a scientist, newly stationed at the Nevada facility, a.k.a. Area 51. Something about the man seemed familiar, but Methos couldn't place him, and he didn't have time to ponder the matter just then, since Janet was due to join him at any moment.

He resumed his scanning, upping the pace slightly and nearly finished getting through the newest of the personnel assigned to the two bases, but didn't quite make it. He heard Janet's steps in the hall, a near skip in her stride. She was approaching quickly and in a rather good mood from the sound of it.

"Adam, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting. SG-1 wasn't expected back until tomorrow."

"I know," Methos said with a smile and finished logging out of the personnel files so that by the time Janet was standing at his left side the monitor before him displayed a sketchy diagram of the molecular structure of the rosha they'd been studying. "It's no problem. As Daniel always says, 'Make no plans, expect the unexpected, and then if you get to go home on time, you can enjoy the pleasant surprise.'"

"Does he really say that?" Janet asked and glanced at the screen.

"Not exactly, but that's the basic gist of it."

"Ah," she said with a nod and waved her right hand at the screen. "You've been busy. Looks good."

"Thanks. You know what they say: busy hands..."

"Don't start up with the clichιs again," Janet interrupted him. "My ribs aren't recovered from this afternoon's round," she said letting out a tiny laugh as she recalled their exchange earlier in the day, one clichι after another, bouncing back and forth, until they'd both been laughing so hard that they'd started to cough.

"Ah, well, we could limit ourselves to dark, dreary clichιs this time...get you all depressed instead of giggling, although that would be a shame."

"How so?" She might regret it, but she just had to ask.

"Your nose...it squishes so delightfully when you get into a giggling fit," Methos said, squishing his nose to imitate the goofy expression that he was referring to.

"Maybe another time," Janet said, laughing one last little bit then she took a deep breath. "We need to get a move on here. We have until SG-1 is finished debriefing then we'll be calling it a day."

"Oh?" Methos asked then he snapped his fingers and gave a nod of acknowledgement. "Right, Major Carter's dropping by for a status report on what we've discovered thus far."

"Huh?" Janet asked, narrowing her eyes then she let out a tiny sigh of frustration. "Damn, I forgot about that."

"Other plans? Hot date?" Methos asked, teasingly.

"No...uh...I need to go over something with Colonel O'Neill."

"You do?" Methos asked cautiously, keeping his tone of voice controlled so as to not appear overly concerned. "Did something show up during his post-mission exam? Is it contagious?" he asked, giving a tiny shudder. "This is his week to host me, and I wouldn't..."

"Not to worry," Janet interrupted him, beginning to giggle again. "It's strictly a personal matter...nothing for you to be concerned about," she said resuming a more professional tone. "Maybe I'll have the two of them flip a coin to decide who goes first," she joked.

"Yes, well, don't use Jack's. His coins always favor the house, just like his cards," Methos quipped.

"Thanks for the warning," Janet said with a smile. She so enjoyed the banter between them. She was going to have to discretely thank Daniel someday for having brought such a delightful addition into their work lives.

"Of course, there is a better option," Methos said, his tone returning to one more professional. "I can give the Major her update while you tend to the Colonel."

"You wouldn't mind?"

"Not at all," Methos said with a wave of the hand to downplay the matter. "What are friends for? Besides, I can't very well leave for Jack's house until he's ready to go home, now can I?"

"I suppose...but if he was scheduled to be off world overnight, how were you going to get in?"

"Oh, I have a key," Methos said casually. "Have one for Daniel's, too. Just so I can let myself in when they're gone, but I don't want to abuse their trust. When they're around, I wait for them to be home before going over." He shrugged. "Just the way I am," he lied, but did so convincingly enough that Janet moved on without any hint of being suspicious.

"Okay...now that that's settled," Janet said as she crossed behind Methos and took up her spot to his right. "Shall we?" she asked, adjusting the laptop before her for use.

"Yes, ma'am," Methos said and took a deep swallow as they started in on the work before them. Jack had said that he would ask Janet to run her special series of tests on him once SG-1 were back from their mission, and apparently he'd done just that. Jack might not be a gentleman, but he was true to his word.

Janet took a few minutes to become familiar with the diagramming that had been done in her absence, leaning back and forth between the screens, and then she prepared a fresh slide of rosha and slipped it into the imaging chamber. She adjusted the settings accordingly then uploaded a picture onto the laptop for comparison to the diagram. It wasn't perfect, but it was damn close.

"Wow. And you did this purely from observation?" she asked, impressed by the sight before her.

"Yes, well, I find it easier to understand what I'm studying if I use less technology...a more hands-on approach has always been my style," Methos said, watching Janet as she continued to study the screens. "It's like with languages, I guess, I look for patterns then..." he drifted off as he realized that she wasn't hearing a word he was saying. Now, he understood how Daniel felt. If his fellows at the S.G.C. had been similarly tuning him out all these years, it was no small wonder that he found Methos such a refreshing change of pace. The two of them could go on for hours with their discussions, taking time to let each finish his thought completely before progressing to the next one. Unless one of them got overly excited, but still, they seemed more receptive to what each other had to say than anyone else at the base did.

Methos waited patiently for a long moment, just in case Janet wanted to speak with him then she started typing on the laptop and he knew it was pointless to wait any longer. He cracked his knuckles and rolled his shoulders and neck, stretching it slightly, and then he took to examining the computer-generated diagram. He revised his diagram accordingly until they were in sync then he started labeling things, making side notes as to what he thought might be the function of each component. It was pure guesswork at this point, but he had to start somewhere.

They continued on, each conducting independent analysis in silence then Methos heard steps out in the corridor, which grabbed his attention. The stride was distinctly non-military, feet shuffling along, scraping the floor. The steps got louder; the person was definitely heading their way, perhaps another scientist? Wait. Was that popping Methos heard?

"Hey, Mom." The perky, young, female voice took Methos by surprise. Mom? He looked toward the door to see the young lady, who was entering the room.

"Hey," Janet said turning around then gave a disapproving glance. "What have I told you about popping gum on the base, Cassie?"

"Sorry."

"Uh-huh," Janet said with a nod and waved her closer.

"Cassie? Your daughter?" Methos said with curiosity in his tone, looking at Janet. "Daniel's mentioned her," he said then realized he was being rude to speak of her in the third person. "It's nice to meet you, Doctor Adam Pierson," he said, extending his right hand toward Cassie and giving her a gentle smile.

"You're Doctor Pierson?" Cassie asked, looking him up and down.

"Yes, uh," Methos stumbled. Something about the way Cassie was scrutinizing him made him feel suddenly ill at ease.

"I thought you'd be taller," Cassie said, her expression morphing into a girlish smile.

"Oh," Methos said and took a deep swallow. This girl was only in Junior High, but she carried a most formidable presence. "So, Daniel's mentioned me to you?" he guessed.

"No," Cassie said, starting to giggle and glanced at Janet. "Uh...Mom..."

"I may have mentioned you in passing during dinner one night," Janet said, cutting Cassie off and giving her the 'shut up now, young lady' look. "What happened? I didn't expect you to come by today?" she asked, her motherly concern kicking in.

"Yeah, uh," Cassie said quietly and stared at the floor. "I kind of locked myself out of the house."

"Again?" Janet asked in disbelief. Given the frequency of such happening, Janet was nearly tempted to do something drastic – like Crazy-gluing the key ring to Cassie's body.

"Perhaps I should go see if Major Carter is ready for that update," Methos said, not wanting to get in the middle of a mother-daughter squabble.

"She's not," Cassie spoke up. "I saw her on the way here. She said to tell you she can't make it by this evening. Some dork from M.I.T. has been playing around with a generator or something." She shrugged. "Hope he didn't break Aunt Sam's prototype. She might just shoot him if he did that."

"Cassie," Janet sighed, feeling a bit embarrassed by Cassie's brash tone.

"What?" Cassie asked innocently.

"The prototype? The naquadah generator?" Methos asked.

"Uh-huh," Cassie replied and popped her gum out of habit. "Sorry."

"Did you happen to see Colonel O'Neill with her?" Janet asked while glancing at her watch.

"Nope just her and the geek wearing the bottle of aftershave."

"I'm sure he'll be along," Methos said. "Perhaps it's best we pack it in for the evening."

"Yes," Janet agreed. "We'll be ready in a few minutes. Don't touch anything," she said to Cassie.

Cassie nodded her understanding and stepped off to the perimeter of the room, scanning the computer panels housed along the one wall without touching any of the buttons or dials. She was fascinated by the sights and sounds of the labs, and hoped that someday, once she got into High School and through a few basic science courses, maybe her mom would let her assist with her research. Part of her could hardly wait for an opportunity to present itself, while hormones reigned supreme over the rest of her. After all, she was a teenager.

She stood at a ninety-degree angle to the nearest panel and let her eyes drift to the handsome doctor standing at her mom's left side. In Cassie's opinion, he was simply drop-dead gorgeous. Maybe his nose was a tad too big, but it wasn't in visual range just then with his back to her, and the view that she was currently afforded was enticing enough to raise her pulse. And there was something different about him, something invigorating that she couldn't explain. Perhaps she should invite him to their house for dinner, play matchmaker for her mom....

Methos felt Cassie's eyes on him and smiled as he went about securing things for the night. He pondered her gaze from earlier and wondered if it had been an attraction, or suspicion on her part then his thoughts were distracted by a humming noise. He looked up, over his left shoulder, above Cassie's head, and past her to the camera stationed above the door. The next second, his heart skipped a beat as events began to unfold. The hum grew louder, catching Cassie's attention as well, causing her to glance up at the camera just as the lens came shooting out of it and sparks flew from the backside of it.

"Get down," Methos shouted and rushed with split-second reflexes, pushing Cassie to the floor and shielding her body with his own. The next few seconds seemed a short eternity flowing in slow motion as Methos heard the hum continuing, rippling through the room. He heard the panels on the wall begin to vibrate, and then Janet came to his left side, calling out for Cassie. Methos rose up and grabbed Janet's right arm, pulling her to the floor with a fury as the panels began to explode, sending debris raining down on the three of them.

"Mom?" Cassie cried out as bits of glass hit them.

"I'm here, Cassie. Stay still," Janet instructed then she heard a groan of pain. "Cassie?"

"I'm okay," Cassie whispered and took a deep breath as things stilled in the room and the alarm rang throughout the entire base. "What happened?"

"I'm not sure," Janet said. "Adam?"

"I think it's over," Methos said, gritting his teeth as he rose to his knees, affording Cassie and Janet room to do likewise. Pain was shooting down his right arm and the warmth under his shirt was his own blood gushing out, he was certain of it. Damn it. He hated getting injured with witnesses around. He had to get away from them and cover the wounded area before they saw it begin to heal.

"You're hit," Janet said and moved to take hold of his arm, seeing the tear on the outer part of his sleeve, blood seeping out from it, trickling down from his upper arm to his elbow.

"It's nothing, Methos said, pulling away from her. "I can take care of it. You should report to the infirmary...the alarm..." he said in protest then silenced as the alarm ceased. One of the sergeants made an announcement over the intercom, code something or other, but Methos couldn't make it out with the sudden ringing in his ears. He reached up across his body with his left hand and felt above his right ear. He was bleeding there as well. Crap. He had to remain calm, not panic. He had to find a way to get away from them before it was too late. He glanced across the room, trying to focus, but couldn't. Then he felt dizzy and looked at Janet, attempting to get her into focus and failed to do so. The only thing he could see clearly at that moment was a vision of his life with Jack flashing before his eyes and going down in flames.

"Adam?" Janet said and pulled her penlight out of her pocket. She cupped his chin and flashed the light into his eyes. "Possible concussion," she said, slipping into 'triage mode'. She then took hold of his right arm and ripped the sleeve off his shirt so she could examine his injury. She cleared the chunk of metal out of the wound and shook her head as she saw the gash. "This is going to need stitches. Cassie, get the first aid kit out of the cabinet," she ordered.

"Got it," Cassie said and moved to the cabinet, grabbed the kit and returned, kneeling across from Janet, who immediately dove into the kit for gauze so she could stop the wound's bleeding.

"Janet," Methos said quietly and glanced out to the hall, as his mind was beginning to clear, his ability to focus returning. He saw figures rushing by, but none coming inside. Thank God for small favors. "I..." he began, but was cut off.

"Oh, my God," Janet said as she could hardly believe her eyes. "You've stopped bleeding already."

"That's not normal, is it?" Cassie asked warily. She seemed to recall from her basic first aid class that a bleeding wound usually needed to have pressure applied to it before the bleeding slowed up, let alone stopped completely.

"I've always been a quick healer," Methos quipped then his expression turned direly serious. "I can explain this, Janet, but in private...doctor-patient confidentiality," he said with a nudge in his voice.

"What?" Janet asked.

"Dress the wound, take me to your office, and, please, promise you won't say a word about any of this to anyone until you've heard me out."

"Okay," Cassie said without hesitation and took up some gauze to wipe the drying blood from above Methos' right ear.

"I don't..."

"Mom, he just saved my life," Cassie said with ferocity in her tone and a glare to match it.

"Janet, please," Methos said again and made eye contact with her, doing his best to will her into agreement.

"This better be good," Janet said with frustration apparent in her voice. She started to dress the wound, while her years of military training screamed from within her to step away from this man and call the SFs to have him carried away and placed under lock and key.

"Thank you," Methos said sincerely.

"You're welcome," Cassie said and gave him a tender smile.

"Better be damn good," Janet sighed and finished binding the wound then closed the first aid kit and rose to her feet.

"Everyone all right in here?" Walter asked as he entered the room.

"Yes, just a few scratches, Sergeant," Methos said as he and Cassie rose to their feet off to Janet's right.

"We're fine," Janet agreed, though she wasn't quite sure why. "What happened?"

"A pulse from some experimental generator. General Hammond's reading the guy the riot act right now," Walter said with a tiny grin, glad to not be on the receiving end of Hammond's ire. He'd been working with him since practically Day One of the S.G.C., and he never ceased to appreciate just how forceful his benevolent C.O. could be when circumstances warranted a strong hand.

"Right, well, someone will be along to catalog the damage?" Methos asked.

"Yes, Doctor...uh, Doctors," Walter said and gave a tiny nod before he left them.

"Thanks again," Methos whispered to Janet, not wanting her to think he took her silence for granted – not for even a second.

"Thank me later. I can still revise my prognosis," Janet said and waved toward the door. "After you."

"Me, too," Cassie spoke up.

"Of course," Methos said with a tiny smile and took two steps forward then turned to offer his left arm for Cassie to hold. Once her hand was in place, Methos gave Janet another tiny smile and headed out of the room.

~ ~ ~

Janet sat behind her desk, staring at the medical file for 'Doctor Adam Pierson', wondering just who the hell the man truly was. After what he'd just told her, it was a given that he was using an alias, that his entire file was a carefully executed faηade. He'd done a damn good job of it, too, up to and including dental work within the last two years, obviously for appearances. He'd fooled her, all these months working together at the base, today, literally side-by-side. Hell, she'd even been considering taking him into her bed, thinking that he was another normal human being like the rest of the people of Earth.

Of Earth – that was the part she found most disturbing. She'd seen a lot of 'weird shit' as many described the goings on at the S.G.C. and she was accustomed to the strange and unusual, but the source had always been alien in nature, something brought back from off world by one of the SG teams. This man had been born on Earth, lived on Earth for who knew how long. If he'd landed here from another world, it would have been easier for her to handle, but no – it couldn't be that easy. Instead of dealing with an 'X-File' she found herself faced with someone akin to the 'X-Men' and her military training was screaming even more loudly than before to get the SFs and chastising her for not having done so already.

"Mom?" Cassie whispered. She didn't like the solemn look on Janet's face, and she couldn't stand the heaviness in the air caused by the silence any longer.

"Not now," Methos whispered gently and ran his fingers across the back of Cassie's right hand to soothe her. "Give her a moment."

Janet looked up and glanced over at the two of them seated in the chairs on the opposite side of her desk, Cassie to her right. She noticed the contact between them and stared at her daughter's hand as her mothering instinct kicked in full bore.

"Cassie," she said simply and shook her head slightly.

Methos understood Janet's message and sat back in his seat, placing some distance between them. He really was screwed, wasn't he? He started the process of reviewing his various aliases and the options open to him for relocation, creating a short list for further consideration. How was he going to break the news to Jack? They were still newlyweds, and he was going to have to disappear. It was a conversation that he'd hoped would never be necessary with Jack, and now it was looming on the horizon under circumstances far more troubling than Methos had anticipated when he and Jack had become lovers. Fate was royally screwing him over this time, and he was going to find a way to pay the bitch back if it took him his entire life and beyond to do so.

"So, how old are you?" Cassie asked, unable to remain silent.

"I stopped counting after a hundred," Methos quipped, trying to lighten the air a bit.

"Master Bra'tac is over a hundred," Cassie replied, welcoming a chance to have some conversation.

"Master Bra'tac is a Jaffa," Janet said, joining in and taking over. "Let me be sure I've got this straight, Adam, or whatever your name really is. You are what is known as an immortal, and you have regenerative capabilities that allow for you to remain alive indefinitely without aging past a certain point."

"Not exactly," Methos said and sat up straight in his chair. "When we are born, we are as normal as anyone else, except we don't suffer from disease. Then one day we eventually die for the first time, and after we revive from that we cease to age any further."

"So, how long ago did you die for the first time?" Cassie asked.

"Not now, Cassie," Janet said, keeping charge of the conversation. "Does Daniel know?"

"No, and neither does General Hammond," Methos said before she could ask and took a brief pause, formulating in his mind how best to proceed. "Janet, all that matters right now is that you know, and what you intend to do about it. I see no reason for anything to change..."

"Really," Janet said, interrupting him. "I am a Major in the United States Air Force. I have a responsibility to report security threats to my superiors. The fact that you have managed to subvert your way into the most secure facility on the face of the planet is something that I simply cannot ignore."

"I thought Area 51 was the most secure facility on the face of the planet," Cassie said.

"Not now, Cassie," Janet and Methos said in unison then stared at each other. Methos gave Janet a tiny grin and that sent her over the edge as her nose scrunched up and she began to giggle. Damn him. How could he get to her so easily?

"Janet," Methos sighed, his expression turning more serious. "I admit that I lied by omission about my true nature, but everything stated in the vetting process to get in here was the truth. I have lived as Adam Pierson for so long that it is who I am, and all the things he is recorded as doing actually did happen. I was cleared by The Pentagon to work here and given a top-level security clearance. None of that has to change as far as I am concerned. I am quite happy to continue on in my capacity here, working with Daniel part time and with you on occasion, but if you don't see your way to keeping my immortal nature a secret then I'll be off the radar by morning and you'll never hear of me again. Is that what you really want?"

"No," Cassie said, jumping back in. "Mom, this is all my fault. If I hadn't locked myself out...I wouldn't have been here and he wouldn't have had to protect me like he did, and then he wouldn't have been injured."

"Cassie," Methos sighed, shaking his head.

"Don't tell me to shut up," Cassie snapped at him and then looked Janet straight in the eye. "If Doctor Pierson was a real threat to security, don't you think he would have done something before now to hurt The Program? For cryin' out loud, Mom, he's your friend, how can you even think of turning him in? Can you imagine what the N.I.D. would do if they got wind of this? Colonel Maybourne would have his men all over the base, carrying Doctor Pierson off to some dark room somewhere for experiments. They almost did that with me when I came to this planet...but you and Aunt Sam and the others stopped them. You explained that I was human and that I couldn't be treated differently just because I wasn't born on this planet. Well, Doctor Pierson *was* born on this planet, and he's just as human as any of us...he just has a special gift..." she drifted off to catch her breath.

"Cassie, don't," Methos said quietly and took hold of her hand, not caring what Janet might think. "None of this is your fault. I appreciate what you're trying to do, but your mom is right. She has her duty to consider. She has to be comfortable with whatever it is that she decides to do. She's the one who has to live with it."

"But you will, too," Cassie said, her voice hushed. "This is so not fair."

"Enough," Janet said and let out a deep breath. "I..." she began then heard her door opening and caught herself. "I said I wasn't to be disturbed," she stated with the full weight of her authority as Chief Medical Officer resounding in her tone.

"Sorry, Doc," Jack said as he peered inside. He smiled gently at Cassie then saw Methos sitting to her right, with his shirt torn and arm bandaged, and felt his heart leap up into his throat. "We were gonna have that talk," he said, looking to Janet with his best poker face.

"Colonel," Janet said rising to her feet. "My apologies. I'll be with you in just a moment."

"Sure thing," Jack said with a tiny smile. "Is everything okay?"

"That pulse from the generator hit the lab we were in," Cassie said. "If Doctor Pierson hadn't been there, I could have been killed."

"Really?" Jack asked and stepped into the room slightly. He knew about the accident and that some of the labs had suffered damage, but he hadn't been aware that Methos had been in one of them at the time.

"She's exaggerating," Methos said as he sat back in his seat, trying to downplay the matter.

"I was standing right next to one of the panels when it blew it up," Cassie countered. "If you hadn't gotten me down on the floor and covered me...." She shuddered.

"Me, too," Janet spoke up, getting the eyes of everyone in the room. She smiled tenderly at Cassie then looked at Jack. "Adam's a hero, and a lucky one at that. Walked away from the whole thing with only a couple of scratches."

Methos welled up with joy inside and sent up a silent apology to Fate for all the horrid things he'd thought of her over the past few minutes. He wasn't screwed after all and couldn't have felt more relieved, although, something about the look in Janet's eyes told him that he wasn't going to get off Scot-free.

"Well, if the Doc says you're a hero then so you are," Jack said with a grin. "Guess that means I'll have to buy the beer tonight."

"Buy the beer?" Cassie asked. "Are you having a party, Uncle Jack?"

"Cassie, why don't you go out to the exam area with the Colonel? He can explain what he means while I finish up my business with Adam," Janet ordered.

"Okay," Cassie said, getting up out of her chair. "Thanks again, Doctor." She leaned over him and gave him a hug. "I won't say a word," she whispered in his right ear and gave a tiny peck to his lobe.

"You're welcome," Methos whispered and gave her a gentle squeeze. She was so young, so very precious, with so much of life ahead of her. "We'll be out in a minute then you and I can go to the commissary for a bite while the Colonel speaks with your mom," he said while nudging her away.

"Okay," Cassie said with a smile and took hold of Jack's left hand, launching into a rambling prattle about the latest happenings at school as they left the room, Jack closing the door behind them.

Janet came around her desk and fussed with the bandage on Methos' arm and let out a tiny sigh. "You'll need to leave this on for a couple of days then switch to a regular band-aid for about a week to make it look good."

"Yes, uh, I'm familiar with the drill," Methos said, trying to not sound condescending.

"Right."

"Right," Methos echoed her and waited for the inevitable, proverbial 'other shoe' to drop.

"Why did you tell us? If you can disappear by morning, then why didn't you? What's here that's so important for you to risk sharing your secret with Cassie and me?"

Methos took a moment to swallow, his throat suddenly feeling dry. He looked into Janet's eyes and licked his lips. He couldn't tell her the whole truth, but he could tell her part, and hopefully that would be enough.

"I have been a wanderer for the majority of my lifetime, traveling from one town to another, one country to another," he sighed. "I have something here that I haven't experienced in a very long time, something I had begun to think impossible – a family, and a true sense of purpose. For the first time in decades I feel like I can make a real difference, put my knowledge gained over time to worthwhile use. I can't walk away from that without a fight – I won't."

"Yes." She cupped his chin and gave him a tender smile. "I can see that," she said and drew him into a gentle embrace. "Welcome to the family."

"Thanks," Methos said as he backed away slightly to break her hold. "Janet, now that you know what I am, I need to impose on you for another favor, in addition to your silence."

"What?" she asked warily.

"The Goa'uld cannot be allowed to gain my knowledge or that of any other immortal. If the worst should ever happen, and I get taken for a host, I want your word that you'll have me killed, no matter what it takes, by your own hand if need be."

"Kill you? But you just told me you can't die," she said, a bit flustered.

"I didn't want to explain that part in front of Cassie. She shows great wisdom for her age, but she is only a child."

"Alright," she said with a nod. "What do I have to do?"

"Sever my head from my body then get as far away from me as you can."

"Why?" she asked squinting at him.

"That part...even you are too young to hear. Trust me on this. Okay?"

"Do I have a choice?" she asked and squished her nose as she felt a giggle coming over her. "Never mind. I know the answer to that one."

"So, I have your word?"

"Yes. Now, my turn."

"Yes?"

"I want to learn everything I can about immortals...from a physiological standpoint. If we could deduce the key to your regenerative abilities, think of the possibilities, the diseases we could cure, the ones we could prevent..." she drifted off, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"You'll only have the one test subject, not what I'd call a sufficient sampling," Methos said with a tease in his voice.

"Maybe not, but it's a start. And who knows, in time, maybe others of your kind..."

"Let's not get too far ahead of ourselves," Methos said gently. "Immortals aren't exactly forthcoming concerning their true natures."

"So I noticed," Janet smirked then she straightened out her lab coat. "We should go rescue Colonel O'Neill. I'm sure he's had his fill of Cassie by now."

"Quite," Methos agreed and moved to the door. He opened it and waited for Janet to walk through then he paused and ran his fingers along his bandage. Damn, but he'd gotten lucky. No doubt Jack was anxious to know the details of what had transpired, but that would have to wait. For now, he'd give him a smile as he passed him, hopefully that would convey enough to keep him from worrying too much.

~ ~ ~

Jack drove through the front gate of the base and onto the road headed for home with Methos in the passenger seat, his trench coat and sword in the cab behind them, as he'd opted to leave his car parked, so he and Jack could ride together and talk. Once they were away from most traffic, Jack reached over and took hold of Methos' left hand, drawing it onto his lap and giving it a firm squeeze.

"You scared the hell out of me in there," Jack said, keeping his eyes on the road.

"Me, too," Methos chuckled. "It was touch and go there for a while, but things worked out."

"Tell me," Jack ordered then let loose of Methos' hand, returning his hand to the steering wheel.

As Jack drove, Methos recounted events, starting with Cassie's arrival in the lab, but didn't get to finish before his cell phone rang.

"Better take it, might be important," Jack said.

"Right," Methos grudgingly agreed and answered the phone using the speaker feature. "Pierson"

"Adam, it's Duncan. I wanted to give you a quick call...let you know I won't be at the house when you get there."

"Oh?" Jack chimed in. "You're not trying to duck out of town before Friday are you? It won't work. I have friends, ya know? I'll track you down and make you pay up eventually."

"Oh no, I'll be back late tonight, or maybe tomorrow morning...uh...weren't you supposed to be gone overnight?" Duncan asked, his voice trailing off.

"Brunette or blonde?" Methos asked knowingly.

"Brunette," Duncan answered not missing a beat.

"Have fun," Jack said, understanding that Duncan had a date. Why hadn't he just said so?

"Always," Duncan drawled. "Bye," he said then hung up.

"Good thing you guys don't have to worry about catching any diseases," Jack said.

"True," Methos replied as he turned off the phone and placed it back in his pocket.

"Or getting someone pregnant," Jack chuckled then the sudden silence from the other side of the truck gave him reason for pause. It was one thing to choose to not have children and get a vasectomy, but it was quite a different thing for immortals. They were incapable of having children, even before they died the initial time. "Sorry, I..."

"I know," Methos said and ran his left hand along Jack's right thigh. "Children were never to be...I accepted that long ago."

"Right...so...you were up to the part where Cassie and I went into the other room."

"Yes. Basically, Janet and I made a deal. If I get taken as a host, she'll be sure I'm killed."

"I thought that was my job."

"Yes, well, think of her as backup...a Plan B, if you will."

"But she thinks she's Plan A."

"Correct. As far as she knows, she and Cassie are the only ones connected with the S.G.C. that know my true nature."

"Got it, and what does she get in return?"

"My cooperation for a physiological study of immortals."

"She wants to see how you tick, huh?" Jack smirked.

"Yes," Methos sighed. "It's a charming predicament I find myself in. When Thor's not scanning me Janet will be poking and prodding me. I tell you, I feel like a bloody pincushion already."

"It won't be that bad. She'll have to be discrete so she won't be able to have you in too often."

"One can hope. So, how did the extra tests go? Anything unusual?"

"Nope, brain level's elevated, but same as before."

"That's good, I suppose," Methos said and leaned his head back on his seat, closing his eyes as he pondered what could have possibly caused Jack to momentarily sense Duncan's approach. He must have drifted off because the next thing he knew Jack was turning off the engine.

"Your turn to sweep. I'll set up the grill," Jack ordered then he got out of the truck and entered the house.

Methos obediently followed him, retrieved the equipment from the hall closet, and had the house swept for bugs in no time flat. "Clear," he called out.

"Good," Jack said and waited behind Methos until he'd put the equipment away and then drew him in for a passionate kiss.

"No grill?" Methos made an educated guess.

"Maybe later," Jack whispered and gently caressed Methos' left cheek. "When I saw you sitting in Janet's office with a bandage on your arm...I thought I was going to lose you."

"No, my love," Methos said with a tiny smile and took hold of Jack's hand, pressing it to his cheek. "You will never lose me. Even if one day I need to disappear, I will still be yours. Nothing will change that."

"If that day comes, I'm going with you."

Methos stared into Jack's eyes and felt his own moistening. Jack would literally follow him anywhere and Methos knew there was no way he would ever be able to talk him out of it, so he didn't even try. "My chateau, where we spent our wedding night. If I'm not able to come for you, meet me there once things have cooled down."

"I will," Jack whispered and slid his hand to the back of Methos' head, pulling him in for another lingering kiss. When Jack finally let his lips go, he took Methos by the hand and led him in silence to the master bedroom. Once inside, they undressed each other slowly with gentle kisses and caresses to one another's flesh as it was revealed, getting lost in each other's scent and feel.

With their clothes lying in a heap on the floor, Jack guided Methos until he was lying in the middle of bed then took the briefest of moments to retrieve the lube from the nightstand and placed it under one of the pillows, nudging Methos to lay his head gently on top to let the small tube warm a little. Jack then closed his eyes as he leaned in over top of Methos, focusing on his scent, the feel of his smooth skin against his lips as he placed kiss after kiss upon him. He made his way leisurely across Methos' right shoulder, and then down his upper arm to where the bandage still remained. He kissed across the cloth then doubled back for another pass, this time tugging at it with his teeth, loosening it until it fell away.

Methos rose up slightly as the spot where he'd been injured was exposed to the open air. He glanced toward it and saw Jack moving in, tracing the area with his tongue, and then suckling it. Jack was marking him, claiming him, and the action sent a shiver straight down Methos' spine, settling in his groin and causing his cock to twitch as it hardened even more. "Oh, Jack."

"Hmm," Jack purred and lingered on the spot, knowing that like the injury from earlier, his mark would disappear within a short time, but it didn't matter if the mark remained visible or not. This wasn't about letting others see that Methos was his, this was about Jack taking what was his, and pity anyone who tried to stop him.

Once Jack was finished with Methos' arm, he aligned their bodies so that their groins pressed together, feeling Methos' velvety hardness against his own, rubbing ever so gently. "Lube," he whispered and held his right hand out to the side, palm up, while shifting his torso down slightly so he could nibble at Methos' nipples.

"Yes," Methos whispered back, giving his consent as he reached up for the tube. He fumbled with it a bit before he managed to get it open, and then spilled a tiny bit on the sheet as he missed Jack's palm, hitting the side of his hand instead.

"Butterfingers," Jack teased and shifted his hand, placing it over the wetted spot.

"I've been called worse," Methos said with a tiny chuckle and squeezed some lube into Jack's hand then tossed the tube toward the edge of the bed, not bothering to try to find the cap.

"On your side, leg up," Jack instructed then rolled off to the left, stroking himself with a bit of the lube while Methos got into position. "You've got such a damn fine ass, Doctor O'Neill," Jack growled and shoved two lube-coated fingers inside Methos to start prepping him.

Methos pressed down on Jack's fingers each time they probed in, making sure that they connected with his sweet spot. Damn, but Jack's touch was exquisite, no matter where he was touching him. After a few passes, Jack added a third finger and Methos shuddered at the fullness inside of him.

"Okay?" Jack asked quietly, while running his nose along Methos' right ear and received a nod in response. Methos was gone, lost in the pleasure that Jack was giving him, and it turned Jack on all the more. He kissed along Methos' right cheek as he probed in a few more times then he drew his fingers out slowly, playing with Methos' entrance, causing him to shudder once again. Two heartbeats later, the tip of Jack's cock broke through the first ring of muscle, two more and he was fully in. He paused for a moment allowing their bodies to adjust then he started the slow, rhythmic, in and out motion, finding a good angle so that he didn't strain his knees. He wanted this to last for as long as possible.

Making love to Methos was the single most wonderful thing that Jack had ever experienced. Each time was unique, and yet the same. Feeling the bond between them physically as well as emotionally gave Jack such a high that he never wanted to come back down. But as with all good things, this too had to come to an end. Jack eased up slightly, slowing his movements, trying to will his body to hold out, but it was no use. With the next thrust, Jack exploded, squirting deep inside Methos.

"Hmm," Methos purred and gave up his control, letting his orgasm rip through him.

Jack let out a moan as Methos' ass tightened on his cock, forcing the last of his cum out then the Aftershock hit and they let out a shared moan as the sensation passed through them. Jack placed his head down, cheek-to-cheek with Methos and let out a contented sigh.

"You always feel so damn good," Jack cooed and gave Methos' right ear lobe a tiny peck.

"As do you," Methos replied and lowered his right leg as Jack's hand slid along it, caressing him.

"So damn good," Jack repeated and slipped out of his husband then moved toward the edge a bit and guided Methos onto his back. "I love you so much."

"I love you, too," Methos whispered then he reached up and drew Jack in for a kiss, while their hands began to roam freely over one another, starting Round Two.

~ ~ ~

Jack arrived at the University, parked his truck next to Methos' car, and then took a few minutes to stretch as he got out, surveying the immediate surroundings as he did so. On the lawn adjacent to the parking lot was a family of birds, which were apparently setting up a new home, bouncing around, picking up tiny sticks, testing the balance, and then once they found a good one they flew up into one of the nearby trees. As Jack watched their tiny bodies springing around, oh so busy, he smiled and let out a tiny sigh. He simply loved nature, enjoyed taking entire days just to sit and observe. It was one of the few pleasures he kept to himself, masking it with his fishing. He couldn't care less if never caught a fish in his life, to him it was the act of fishing, and the accompanying observation of nature that interested him. If Daniel ever truly understood that, he'd want to join Jack on every fishing trip instead of artfully dodging his invitations.

A sudden breeze blew by, enough to brush Jack's cheek and to send the birds up into the tree to regroup. With them out of sight, Jack double-checked his truck to make sure it was secure then he strolled to the front door of the domed hall of the DCB, and found Duncan nervously standing just inside the entry. Oh, crap. If he was already this agitated, how was he going to respond to Methos 'special' experiment? They hadn't told Duncan about that part of the evening.

"Hey," Jack said with a wave of his hand.

"Hey." Duncan fidgeted from foot-to-foot, looking terribly ill at ease.

"What's up? I thought you'd be in the lab."

"I was. He's still in there. I needed a breath of air."

"Ah," Jack said with a nod. "I don't care much for exams either. The doc at the base is pure evil, chases us around with her penlight in one hand and a tongue depressor in the other," he joked with a tiny shudder, while scrunching his face.

"Remind me never to visit," Duncan said, relaxing his stance a bit. Did he really look so tense that Jack felt it necessary to invoke humor? True, he hadn't been comfortable being in the lab, but he hadn't thought it was that obvious to the casual observer. Then again, Jack was a trained observer, wasn't he?

"So, how long before your break is over?"

"When you show up."

"Ah," Jack said and nodded again, pursing his lips, wondering how much more time he should give Duncan before escorting him back into the lab.

"It wasn't the wires that got to me," Duncan said quietly, reasoning that it was best to talk about his 'issue' rather than try to hide it from the likes of Colonel Jack O'Neill.

"Oh?" Jack raised his eyebrows and gave Duncan what he hoped was a look of comfort. "Chair hurts your back?" he guessed, keeping his tone of voice light.

"No," Duncan said shaking his head. "The chair's comfortable enough."

"What then?"

"The blood work," Duncan said with a tiny sigh, his cheeks turning a light shade of pink. "You would think that after four hundred years, I could overcome this squeamishness over needles."

"That's a tall order. That phobia is genetic," Jack said not missing a beat, taking on his 'colonel' voice, speaking with authority. "Take my word for it."

"It is?" Duncan asked, surprised to hear Jack's words. What did this forty-something mortal know that he hadn't gleaned in his hundreds of years? "How do you know that?" he drawled, his Scotch accent noticeably coming out.

"Classified," Jack said with his best poker face. Truth was, he was making the whole thing up, but it had always worked on his late son, Charlie, so it was worth trying on Duncan. Years before, Jack had convinced Charlie that his fear of getting shots was due to a genetic fear of needles he'd inherited from his mom's side of the family, and therefore in order to break the vicious cycle of fear, Charlie had to draw on his 'O'Neill' blood to combat it. The entire thing was bullshit, but it had gotten the boy to take his shots annually without launching into a temper tantrum. A slight modification to the shtick and Jack would have Duncan buying into it, too.

"Classified," Duncan echoed and looked into Jack's eyes, trying to read the man but couldn't. Damn, but he was good. "So, you learned this inside that Mountain of yours?"

"Oh, no...long time ago," Jack said with a tiny grin. "The only way to fight it is to take it head-on, declare that you're master of your own body and that you're not gonna let any stupid genome rule your life."

"Sounds like a bunch of psychological poppycock, if you ask me."

"Maybe, but it works," Jack said and patted Duncan on the shoulder. "Try it next time, meanwhile..." he drifted off with a wave of his hand toward Methos' lab.

Duncan turned and dutifully fell into step at Jack's left side, allowing the younger man to escort him down the corridor, all the while pondering his advice. Perhaps it was nothing more than psychobabble, but it was an approach that Duncan had never taken, hadn't even thought of. By the time they reached the lab, Duncan had resolved to use Jack's tactic and sent an internal message, announcing his decision to whatever gene it was that was the source of his phobia, putting it on notice that its days of control were over. Maybe he was being foolish, but no one could possibly hear his internal dialogue, so only he would ever know it had occurred, and if it worked, well, it would have been well worth the exercise.

Methos heard the chime sound as Jack and Duncan entered the lab and turned on the power to the VCR and TV, but left the screen blank for the moment. He and Jack had discussed how best to approach Duncan concerning the next phase of Methos' study and had agreed that they would spring it on him at the last possible moment. Now, the time was upon them, and Methos could only hope that they'd chosen wisely.

"Hey," Jack said with a smile as he entered the cubicle. He walked past the chair and around the table then gave Methos a warm, tender kiss. "Door's locked, hall's clear. You ready for us?"

"Dim the lights."

"Yes, sir," Jack said teasingly and did as told, ducking out of the cubicle then back.

"Good," Methos said, acknowledging Jack's action. He'd killed the power to half the lights, but had left enough for Methos to still be able to see his log and equipment. "Duncan, back on the chair. Jack, help him with the wires, would you, please?"

"Sure," Jack said with a nod and stepped over to the one side of the chair, while Duncan sat down, approaching from the other. "Alright, stay still," Jack said and took up the wires, leaning in over Duncan as closely as possible while he hooked him up, far closer than was actually necessary.

"Aftershave?" Duncan asked curiously, getting a good whiff of Jack's scent.

"Yeah," Jack simply replied and took hold of Duncan's left hand, gently caressing his forearm before slipping the electrodes into place at the proper fingertips.

"Smells nice," Duncan said and took a deep breath, drinking it in.

"My favorite," Methos said from the distance. "It blends exquisitely with Jack's natural scent...makes quite the erotic mix, don't you think?"

"Uh...yeah," Duncan agreed and took a deep swallow, as Jack backed away from him.

"He's set," Jack announced and stepped over to Methos' left side, being sure to stay within Duncan's sight.

"Very well. Mac, just watch the video and do what comes naturally," Methos instructed then he turned on the infamous 'volleyball video' and began his observations.

Duncan watched as the players bounced around on the sand, all sweaty, their swimsuits so tight that their testicles were threatening to pop out the sides of the crotch with each lunge at the ball. Do what comes naturally? What the hell was Methos up to? Duncan glanced over at Methos and saw him watching the monitor before him rather than the TV, making some sort of note in his log. Man, but he had incredible focus if he could tune this out.

He then glanced at Jack and saw that he was intently watching the video, and, seemingly getting very into it. The next thing Duncan knew, Jack was opening the fly of his trousers and reaching inside to stroke himself. Damn, but that was hot. Duncan took a deep breath as he felt his pulse rise and a bulge forming under his own trousers. He decided it would be better to watch the screen and turned his eyes back to it just as the volleyball players were ending their game. The video then cut to the locker room where the players were paired off into two couples, pawing at each other, their suits miraculously gone.

"Duncan." Jack's voice was soft and sultry and just at his right ear. He could smell his magnificent scent again and feel his breath on his cheek.

"You set me up, again," Duncan accused, but his tone was breathy, not angry as the sight of Jack stroking himself directly in front of his face caused a stirring in his groin that he didn't have a prayer of controlling.

"We want to try something," Jack whispered and pushed his trousers and boxers down over his hips and stepped out of them, having already ditched his boots before stepping over to the chair.

"I..." This was insane. Duncan's brain told him that he should push Jack away, get out of the chair, and leave the room. His body, however, was definitely with the program and told his mind to go fuck itself as his eyes became fixated on Jack's arousal.

"Relax, Mac," Methos said from the distance. "Jack, the wires."

"Right," Jack said with a nod and took up a second set of wires in his left hand then he began to undo Duncan's trousers with his right.

"What the hell? You're not hooking anything up down there," Duncan protested, rising up in the chair.

"Of course not," Jack said with a tiny laugh and gently guided Duncan's torso down until he was once more reclined in the seat. "These are for me," he said and leaned over Duncan's groin, running the tip of his nose along Duncan's arousal, brushing it through his briefs. "Never figured you for a tight-y-whitey guy."

"What?" Duncan's head was spinning. "Is this a joke?"

"No joke," Methos said and watched as Jack's readings came up in a second window on his monitor. "Alright, Jack, into position."

"Position?" Duncan echoed then felt Jack's fingertips on his lips to silence him as Jack straddled him, pressing their erections together, and sending a shiver throughout Duncan's entire body.

"We have our readings together...we want something to compare them to," Methos said, watching Jack subtly rubbing himself into Duncan, his firm ass exposed for Methos' viewing pleasure. Damn, but it was hot as hell.

"I'm not gonna do anything you don't agree to," Jack whispered while tracing Duncan's jaw line with his fingers. "A simple hand job between friends...just this once..." he added and took hold of Duncan's right hand, bringing it up and placing it on his hardness, somewhat surprised that Duncan had actually let him do it.

"Uh." Duncan wasn't sure what was the best thing to do. If they'd asked him about this ahead of time he would have refused, but now, feeling Jack's cock in his hand, having the younger man over top of him.... "Just this once."

"Just this once," Jack said again and reached under the waistband of Duncan's briefs, pushing them down just enough to expose his erection then he began to stroke, nudging his own cock in Duncan's hand, encouraging him to do the same.

Methos watched as Jack and Duncan's eyes closed, each lost in whatever world they needed to be in to make this work. Jack undoubtedly was picturing Methos in his mind, while Duncan was picturing whomever. That didn't matter. Methos reached into his own trousers and adjusted his bulge as he watched them, scanning between their readings and the action taking place on the chair. After a bit, Jack and Duncan started to breath even more heavily, their hands moving faster on one another and Methos found the heat from his own groin intolerable, so he opened his trousers, letting in some welcome air and turned off the video, since it had served its purpose and was no longer needed. He made some more notes then glanced back at Jack and Duncan and caught his breath as his cock jerked in reaction to the sight. They were getting close, Jack was beginning to sweat, and their readings were peaking. Any moment now, they were going to explode.

Jack felt himself getting so very close to the edge that he couldn't stand it anymore. He hoped Methos had gotten all the readings he needed, because he wasn't going to be able to hold out much longer. He increased his strokes to Duncan yet again and started to move his hips, thrusting himself in Duncan's hand, taking control and setting the rhythm for both of them.

"Come on," Jack growled and felt himself erupting all over Duncan's hand.

"Oh," Duncan sighed and bucked upwards, pushing himself the last bit he needed to be able to join him. "A little tighter."

Jack squeezed his hand around Duncan's cock and brushed his thumb across the tip of it, playing with the slit. That did it. Duncan's orgasm ripped through him, making Jack's hand all sticky with cum just as Duncan's was.

Methos eyed his monitor carefully, his arousal waning as his focus turned solely to the readings before him. As he heard Jack's breathing ebb, he counted silently to ten, but the expected spike on the screen didn't occur. There was no Aftershock? But Jack had come and Duncan was an immortal....

"You're getting heavy," Duncan said as he'd spent his lot.

"Right," Jack said and moved off the chair to the left, feeling a bit awkward as he removed his wires. The Aftershock should have hit by now, but it hadn't. This didn't make sense.

"Got a towel or something?" Duncan asked, seeing the mess on his hand and the tail of his shirt.

"Yeah," Jack said and grabbed some tissue from the table, handing it over to Duncan then he moved to Methos' side while grabbing some tissue and wiping himself. "What happened?" Jack whispered into Methos' left ear.

"I'm not sure," Methos whispered back, staring at the monitor.

"What?" Duncan asked as he unhooked himself from the machine.

"Nothing," Jack and Methos said in unison.

"Don't give me that shit," Duncan said and rose to his feet while fixing his pants back into place. "There's something you two aren't telling me."

Jack and Methos traded a glance but remained silent, as their minds were preoccupied with the puzzle before them. They had thought that the Aftershocks they experienced were the result of Jack being intimate with an immortal, and that having sex with Duncan would produce one, thus confirming their theory, but now, that theory was blown away. Apparently, they were the result of Jack being intimate with Methos in particular, for some reason that neither of them could even hazard a guess as how to explain.

"Methos," Duncan said, stepping toward them. "Jack," he said coming to the younger man's side and taking hold of his upper arm.

"We expected something to happen...it didn't," Jack said.

"What?" Duncan demanded.

"In my office," Methos said as he fixed his trousers back in place. "We'll secure things here then go in there and I'll explain."

"Okay," Duncan agreed, letting loose his hold on Jack. He waited for Jack to get dressed, while Methos tidied up and closed down the lab, and then they all went into the adjacent office.

Duncan sat down behind Methos' desk, taking the high-back, cushioned chair as his own, leaving Jack and Methos to sit in the wooden chairs reserved for students. He cleared his throat and glanced at them with his eyebrows raised then he leaned back and enjoyed the feel of the fine leather under his palms as he listened to Methos' explanation. Energy that coursed through their bodies shortly after Jack's orgasm, energy that felt like a small quickening, yet was invigorating not draining. Even Methos couldn't make up something so outrageous. Duncan looked him in the eye and pursed his lips.

"You know me. I wouldn't lie about this," Methos said as he could tell that Duncan was sizing him up.

"It's all true...every word," Jack said and took hold of Methos' hand. "Maybe we should have told you up front."

"It would have been nice," Duncan sighed and shook his head. "And this kind of thing has never been recorded? Not anywhere?" he asked, looking at Methos.

"No. I've checked the entire Watcher database. There's nothing. Perhaps someone has noted something similar in a journal somewhere along the way, but The Watchers haven't gotten wind of it."

"Yet," Jack said and looked Duncan in the eye. "Joe can't be allowed to find out about this. If you record it in your journal, he will. We need you..."

"Wait a minute," Duncan interrupted him. "You know that Joe's a Watcher?" he asked, obviously surprised. He knew that Jack was aware of The Watchers, but the fact that he knew the specific identity of one was news to Duncan.

"He caught me hacking into the database one morning," Methos said.

"And traced it back to Joe," Jack added. "Sure explains why you two got so close."

"Right." Duncan let out a tiny sigh. Joe had been his Watcher for years without Duncan being any the wiser given that Watchers observed and recorded immortals, but never interfered. That had all changed one day when a group of renegade Watchers had taken the head of one of Duncan's dearest friends. In the melee that had followed, Duncan and Joe had worked together to restore peace and order between the two groups, and had been good friends ever since. "He won't find out from me. But anything you two figure out about it, I want to know."

"Fair enough," Jack said and rose to his feet, holding his right hand out to Methos. "I'm hungry. Let's go. I'll buy dinner."

"Yes, it's the least you could do," Duncan said, standing as well. "Worked up an appetite myself in there," he chuckled.

"Quite," Methos said, allowing Jack to guide him to his feet. "So, any more thoughts on where you're going to relocate?" he asked, looking to Duncan, wanting to change the subject.

"Still debating."

"Ah," Methos said with a nod and removed his lab coat so he could trade it for his overcoat.

"What happened to your arm?" Duncan asked, noticing the oversized band-aid on Methos' upper right arm.

"Oh...that...forgot it was on there," Methos said with a chuckle as he removed it. "Accident at the office...nearly had to relocate with you."

"My luck you don't," Duncan joked in return and followed Methos out the door. Three steps down the hall they realized that Jack wasn't with them and doubled back.

"Jack?" Methos called out, peering back into the office. His husband was lost in thought; some scheme hatching in that fertile mind of his, Methos could see it in his eyes.

"Relocate together...." Jack let the words hang on the air. "That could work."

"Huh?" Duncan asked dumbfounded and looked to Methos, who merely shrugged. Even he wasn't following Jack this time.

"Duncan relocates to Colorado Springs," Jack said.

"Not an option...I need a different country," Duncan immediately responded.

"No, you don't," Jack said with a gleam in his eye. "I can fix you up."

"How?" Duncan asked cautiously.

"I know people," Jack said with a tiny grin. "Trust me."

"Okay," Methos drawled. "But, where are you heading with this, my love?"

"Officially, Adam Pierson buys a house in Colorado Springs, and has his friend Duncan look after it for him, help out with the mortgage payments so that it appears kosher without Duncan's name needing to be on any of the papers."

"And then, officially, I can stay there when I'm working at the Mountain," Methos said, catching on.

"But in reality, you'll be at home with me where you belong," Jack finished painting the picture.

"Do you really think it would work?" Methos asked, excitement creeping across his face. It was the first viable option either of them had come up with for how they could live together without too high a degree of risk.

"It's worth a try," Jack said with a wink and looked to Duncan. "So, how do you feel about mountain air?"

"That depends. Will I actually need to help with the mortgage payments?" Duncan asked, pursing his lips as he considered the idea.

"Only on paper," Jack said. "We can funnel the money back into one of your off-shore accounts so you don't end up paying a penny."

Duncan nodded his head and gave his friends a mischievous grin. "Let's talk details over dinner. We'll order in at your place."

"Splendid," Methos said with a beaming smile and gave Jack a tiny kiss on the lips before escorting the two men out of the room.

Later that night, Jack barricaded himself in his guest room with his computer for nearly an hour before emerging with a triumphant smile on his face.

"We should be set by tomorrow night," Jack said then took Methos by the hand and led him off to bed before either Duncan or Methos could say a word.

The next morning, two men in dark suits arrived at NYPD headquarters. By that evening when Jack went to check the NYPD database, all record of Duncan MacLeod was gone. Jack then checked for Duncan's New York driver's license. It didn't exist. He checked Duncan's credit cards, his domestic bank accounts, property records – and found nothing.

"You have a clean slate," Jack said with a smile. "I take it you can handle a minor background check without my assistance?"

"In my sleep," Duncan chuckled and patted Jack on the shoulder. "Thanks."

"Hey, it's the least I could do to thank you for that villa on Kauai," Jack said with a sly grin then he left his computer on for Duncan's use and headed off to the living room to join Methos. Jack had done his part, now it was time for him to get his hands out of it and let Duncan and Methos take care of the rest.

~ ~ ~

Joe walked slowly through the airport terminal, his cane in one hand and the handle for his rolling suitcase in the other, and scanned the area before him, wondering whom Methos had sent to pick him up. Their last conversation had been brief, not much more than Methos relaying to Joe the pertinent information for his e-ticket that was waiting for him. It had been a long trip from Paris to Colorado Springs, but Methos had arranged for first-class accommodations all the way and Joe had gotten some good quality sleep, so he wasn't going to complain. Besides, Methos had been just as busy over the past month as Joe had.

Using his power of attorney, which Duncan had granted him, Joe had sold the barge in Paris to one of Duncan's pseudonyms, cleared everything out, storing it, and then moved all new furnishings in for the new owner. The tricky part had been doing so slowly enough so as to not raise the suspicion of the French authorities.

Meanwhile, Methos had found a modest, yet comfortable, three-bedroom, two-bath ranch-style house for sale within a mile of Jack's and had pounced on the opportunity like a starving cheetah after its evening meal. Within a few short weeks, Methos had arranged financing, closed escrow, and moved himself and Duncan into the house, complete with all new furnishings, and today was the official housewarming party. Why it was so terribly important to Methos that Joe was there for the event eluded him, but so much about Methos did, Duncan too for that matter. So, as usual, he was just going to go with the flow and see where it led him. At the very least, he was going to get a few relaxing days in the crisp mountain air to rest up before working on his own relocation to Colorado Springs, for wherever Duncan resided, Joe, as his Watcher was sure to follow.

"Joe Dawson, as I live and breath." The drawl of the man's voice hit his ears before his eyes registered on him. He barely recognized him out of uniform these days.

"George," Joe called back with a smile and made his way in his old friend's direction, meeting up with him within a few steps. "Let me guess, you got tired of running things at that base of yours and resigned your commission so you could become a chauffeur," he chuckled.

"No. Just going incognito today," Hammond replied. "It's good to see you again."

"Same here. So, Adam sent you?"

"Not exactly. Colonel O'Neill was going to meet you, but when I found out you were coming into town, I ordered him to stand down. I wanted a chance for us to spend some time alone together before we get to the barbeque."

"Catch up on old times?" Joe asked with a smile.

"Yes. And without having to keep my air of command," Hammond said, taking hold of Joe's suitcase and receiving a tiny nod of thanks in return. "I'll have to keep up appearances once we arrive at Doctor Pierson's."

"I understand," Joe said with a nod. "A little reminiscing before the housewarming."

"Precisely," Hammond said and began walking toward the parking lot with Joe falling into step at his side. "So, been keeping busy?"

"Yes. How about you? And Colonel O'Neill and Captain Carter? It's been a while since I've seen any of you," Joe said, pretending that he hadn't seen Jack in France, and hadn't found out about Sam's promotion. As far as Hammond was concerned, the last time Joe had been face-to-face with Jack had been during his visit to New York months before Duncan and Joe had celebrated with Jack and Methos just after their wedding, which he officially didn't know anything about either. Hammond was aware that Jack and Joe kept in touch, but just how close they'd gotten, Joe wanted to keep a mystery.

"Well, first off, Captain Carter is now Major Carter."

"Really? Good for her. Bet that's more responsibility," Joe said feigning surprise.

"You could say that. She's been rather busy lately, we all have," Hammond said as they reached his car.

That was an understatement. In addition to going off world once a week, SG-1 had been pulling long hours at the Mountain in recent weeks. Jack and Teal'c had been conducting special weapons and hand-to-hand training for some of the new recruits, while Daniel had been buried in a sudden tidal wave of artifacts from three off-world digs. And Sam had been overseeing the repairs and improvements to the labs damaged during the 'generator incident' as it had been dubbed, while Hammond had been busy lobbying Washington for money to pay for it all.

Hammond hadn't received all the funding he'd wanted, but had gotten the bulk of it, and had also received The President's personal guarantee that Professor Felger was safely back at M.I.T. working on his doctorate and wouldn't be allowed back on the base until he'd completed it. With any luck, Hammond would be retired by then. He'd nearly ripped the man's head off for having sidestepped certain protocols when testing his experimental naquadah generator, the result being an energy surge that had destroyed substantial portions of three different labs. He didn't care how brilliant the man was, so far as Hammond was concerned, the man should never be allowed near anything even remotely resembling a generator ever again.

"So, straight there or do we stop for a beer first to loosen up?" Joe asked as Hammond joined him inside the car.

"A beer sounds really good," Hammond said with a smile and pulled out of the parking lot, headed toward a bar he knew of along the way.

~ ~ ~

Jack scanned the living room of Methos' new house and let out a tiny sigh. Everyone had arrived except for Hammond and Joe. Cassie had Daniel, Janet, and Sam monopolized in one corner of the room as she told them about the play she was preparing to audition for at school. As usual, Teal'c was standing off to one side alone, his cap on his head to cover the golden tattoo on his forehead, as was routine when he traveled off the base, and Duncan was busy helping Methos with the final touches on the food table. So far, things were working out perfectly.

By the end of the afternoon, the official story should be firmly established with those at the S.G.C. concerning Duncan's arrival in town and 'Doctor Pierson's' new accommodations. Once that was done and the housewarming party was over with, Jack would then take Methos home with him and leave Duncan to mind things here. Just a few more hours and Jack and Methos would be living together as the married couple that they were, their dream was coming true.

"Yes, Jack?" Daniel called out as he strolled over, leaving Cassie to continue on with only Janet and Sam to listen. He arrived at Jack's side and took a sip of his soda as he fell into scanning the room as well.

"I didn't call you over," Jack said.

"I know, but I didn't want to be rude."

"Ah, gotcha," Jack said with a nod. Cassie could be a bit much after a while, even for those who loved her as if she were their own.

"So, what's the story with MacLeod? I hear his background check was a whirlwind affair," Daniel said quietly, keeping his eyes on Duncan as he finished at the table and started across the room.

"Yeah, well, he's only a roommate," Jack said with a shrug. "Don't stare. He'll notice."

"Right," Daniel whispered and glanced around the room a bit, his eyes falling back on Duncan as he approached Teal'c. "So, what's the deal? Is he Interpol like Amanda?"

"Interpol?" Jack said and took a sip of beer, neither confirming nor denying Daniel's suspicion.

"Well, that would certainly explain a lot," Daniel said, his expression growing more nervous. "Is it safe to leave those two alone? What if Teal'c says something off color?"

"Good point," Jack said with a sigh. Having Duncan and Teal'c alone was more dangerous than Daniel realized. Not only was Duncan astute enough to potentially discover that Teal'c was an alien, but, also, Teal'c was observant enough to possibly perceive that Duncan was concealing his true nature as well. "I'll go."

"No, I'll do it," Daniel said and headed off toward the two men before Jack could say a word to dissuade him.

Jack drained the last of his beer and watched as Daniel joined the two men. After a few moments, Duncan gave a glance in Jack's direction, rolling his eyes, Daniel undoubtedly launching into one of his long-winded orations. Good, that would keep both men occupied and distracted from each other sufficiently, and with that under control, Jack scanned for Methos, but couldn't find him. The next moment, he saw the front door opening and strolled over to greet the arriving guests, as he was closer to them than anyone else.

Methos stood just outside on the patio and glanced back in, watching Duncan as he left Daniel's side, and headed toward the ladies. Things were going well, the bringing together of Methos' old 'family' with his new one. He smiled as he saw Cassie taking hold of Duncan's arm, welcoming him into their conversation and thought of the secrets that the two were hiding from each other, wondering how Duncan would react if he knew that he was being held onto by an alien.

He let out a tiny laugh as he imagined the look Duncan would have on his face then his expression grew serious as Methos saw Jack greeting Hammond and Joe. So many secrets were present in that room, some which were shared with a few, most not. Methos and Jack were in the envious and burdensome position of knowing them all. If they could make it through this afternoon without anyone becoming the wiser about anyone else, then Methos felt comfortable that he and Jack could manage living together without anyone finding out. The whole party was nothing more than an elaborate test, a way for Jack and Methos to establish their 'official' story and make certain that it would stick.

Methos let out a deep breath and closed his eyes as he mentally prepared himself to go back inside where he would resume his required role. With time so fleeting, Methos wished in his heart of hearts that none of the pretense was necessary. If he could, he would get everyone's attention, share the secret of his immortality with all of those he knew from the S.G.C., and then share their secret of the Stargate with Duncan and Joe. But that was a utopia he knew was not possible, unless, maybe, if one day The Stargate Program went public. Perhaps once the people of Earth knew that they weren't alone in the Universe and that there was a real enemy out in the Cosmos, the immortals would no longer need to keep their true nature hidden for fear of witch-hunts or other similar nastiness. Maybe then immortals and mortals alike could join forces openly to battle against the Goa'uld....

"Whatcha thinkin'?" Jack asked with a coy smile as he came to stand at Methos' side, feeling the wind kicking up a bit.

"Another dream," Methos said, his voice distant, as were his eyes.

"Ah, well...one dream at a time," Jack whispered and waved toward the living room. "The General and Joe are here."

"I noticed," Methos whispered back with a nod, snapping his mind completely back to his host duties.

"Wrap things up at 19:00?" Jack asked as he stepped toward the grill.

"Agreed," Methos said, taking on the proper demeanor then he strolled back inside, leaving Jack to tend the barbeque portion of their little party.

As Jack and Methos focused on their respective tasks, each took a brief moment to set in his mind the time they were going to persuade the others to leave and initiated a silent, mental countdown. After months of marriage and weeks of preparations, in just a few short hours they would finally be able to leave all pretenses at the office, as it were, and truly go home, and they could hardly wait.

FIN