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Comments Welcome. E-mail me at sfscarlet@centurytel.net

This is a crossover between Highlander and Stargate. The characters aren’t mine, wish they were, but… Okay to archive to 7^th Dimension, Area 52 and any other list, just let me know. No copyright infringement intended.

Thanks to Mamabeast for her wonderful beta. Dedicated to Leila- for giving me the idea for the story

Spoilers for Highlander Endgame and Deadly Medicine

Spoilers for Stargate the Movie, Gamekeeper, Frozen, Abyss, Paradise Lost, Evolution Part 2, and Lost City

This story continues the series Friends and Enemies. You need to read Akhenaten’s Legacy first before reading this section.

FRIENDS AND ENEMIES - FRIENDS AND LOVERS

Jack and Daniel walked to the locker room in companionable silence. They quickly changed into their civilian clothing, barely looking at each other. Oftentimes Jack would eye Daniel’s well-muscled body as they casually chatted about their day, but today Jack was eager to go home, wanting to relax and relieve some of Daniel’s tension. He’d noticed the fatigue of his lover and teammate had increased since Sam, Jacob and Teal’c had discovered Anubis’ super soldier. Daniel had been studying the text from Abydos but now felt the pressure to find a way to defeat the evil Goa’uld.

Jack drove while Daniel vacantly looked out the window. Several times Daniel nodded off, only to wake himself up as his head snapped from the awkward angel as it fell against the window. After arriving at Jack’s home, Jack opened the door, placing his keys on the hook. Daniel stretched his body, and then yawned.

Looking sheepishly at Jack, he said, “I’m sorry. Guess I’m more tired than I thought.”

“Dr. Jackson, this calls for an O’Neill special.” Jack grinned as he looked at Daniel.

Daniel scrunched his eyes and asked, “An O’Neill special? Do I want to know what that is?”

Grinning, Jack replied, “It is special back rub with accompanying kisses to the recipient.”

“Ahh. Sounds good. I think that is exactly what I need.”

Jack led Daniel to their bedroom and Daniel took off his shirt, lying face down on the bed. Pulling out the nightstand drawer, Jack eyed the assortment of oils lying there. Picking up the sandalwood oil, he unscrewed the top, inhaling the scent. He passed the bottle under Daniel’s nose, and Daniel sighed in contentment. Jack warmed his hands before he applied the oil to Daniel’s shoulders. The slick substance sliding across warm muscles released the scent into their bedroom as Jack’s ministrations to Daniel’s tight muscles eased his tension and stress from the day. Daniel’s moans and sighs of appreciation made Jack smile. The soft snore coming from the pillow told Jack that his O’Neill special was a success.

Jack loved Daniel and worried about him. Jack knew his lover would work non-stop, often into exhaustion, if not redirected. Understanding the importance of their work, Jack never chided Daniel over his perseverance and long hours. He often wished Daniel had other brilliant minds to help him decipher the many artifacts the SG teams brought back from their forays into the galaxies. He remembered Daniel’s comment about an old colleague from his early years.

‘Maybe this mysterious guy was someone that SGC could enlist. I’ll have to find out more about this man.’

He realized that he would have to get up in a few hours if they were to report to work on time. As the 2IC of the base he had some leeway, but it would not look good if he were late on a regular basis. It would look even more incriminating if he arrived at the same time as the chief archeologist. Rumors abounded on the base regarding their relationship and General Hammond had a very good idea about the truth, but he turned a blind eye. Jack and the General had an understanding; as long as Jack and Daniel’s relationship didn’t affect the team, the General would ignore it.

After too few hours of sleep the alarm went off. Jack turned the noise off, allowing Daniel to sleep. As a long time veteran of the military, Jack was used to functioning on only a few hours of sleep. Jack showered, dressed, brewed some coffee, and then went to wake his bed partner.

Kissing Daniel awake was one of Jack’s favorite activities. He started at Daniel’s forehead, and then trailed kisses down his face stopping at his eyes and nose. When he got to his mouth, he would lick the corners, and then gently bite the top lip as he sucked it into his mouth. By this time, Daniel would usually be waking up, moaning his appreciation of Jack’s technique. Today was no different then other countless times Jack had used his kissing wake up routine on Daniel. Daniel responded with moans, eventually kissing Jack back.

“Time to get up. We’ll be late. Coffee’s brewing. Go jump in the shower. When you get out, it’ll be ready.” Jack directed as he pulled the covers down and gave a playful slap to Daniel’s ass.

“Ow,” Daniel said. He got out of bed, following Jack’s requests.

After Daniel dressed, he poured himself some coffee, sniffing the aromatic brew. Jack was in the kitchen and handed him a bagel, spread with cream cheese, motioning toward the clock above the kitchen sink.

“Shit,” Daniel said as he rushed toward the living area gathering up papers he wanted to take to work. “Why did you let me sleep so long? We’ll be late again,” he called into the kitchen.

“Nah,” Jack answered as he placed a hand on Daniel’s shoulder. “Slow down. You’ll get indigestion. General called while I was getting dressed. Told me that there is some problem with the dialing computer and that our briefing is pushed back two hours,” Jack said as steered Daniel back to the kitchen table to finish his bagel.

Daniel finished his bagel as he glanced at his papers a final time. “Gee thanks for telling me,” Daniel said sarcastically. “The adrenaline rush almost makes me need another shower.”

“Really?” Jack asked as he eyed Daniel from head to toe, licking his lips. Jack shut off the coffee pot and put the cream cheese back in the refrigerator. “We need more cream cheese next time we go to the market, “ Jack said ignoring Daniel.

“Don’t get any ideas Jack. It’s so late now that the two-hour postponement means we’ll get to the base on time instead of being really, really late. You know we can’t keep doing this. Someone will notice.”

Nodding his head in agreement, Jack said, “Yeah I know, but you were so tired and you looked so cute just laying there.”

“Jack,” Daniel warned. “Don’t call me cute. Cute is for little babies, fuzzy slippers and bear cubs. I am none of those things. I am a grown man and grown men are not cute.”

“Yeah. Yeah. Okay, you’re not cute. How about adorable?”

”Jack” Daniel rubbed his eyes with his hands.

“Okay. I get the idea. You’re not adorable either.” Jack sighed in resignation. “We better go.”

Daniel swallowed the last bite of his bagel and poured another cup of coffee in his to go cup. They drove to the base.

CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN-

BRIEFING ROOM- SGC

“How’s the translation of the tablets from Abydos coming, Dr, Jackson?” General Hammond asked.

Putting down the pencil that he’d been twirling, Daniel answered, “Well, Sir. Not as well as I’d like. I’m having problems with some of the text.”

“I see. You know that all resources are at your disposal.”

“Well Sir. I was thinking the other day of an old colleague who might be invaluable to the project.” Daniel quickly spoke.

“I take it this person is not in the military?” General Hammond asked.

“No.”

“We’ve recruited from outside the military in the past. Why don’t you talk to Colonel O’Neill about this person and we’ll see what can be done.”

“I will.”

“Well, if there is no more information to share, you are dismissed.” General Hammond stated as he stood to leave the briefing room.

“Sir, I have an experiment in my lab to work on. If you don’t need me, I’ll be there,” Carter said quickly as she gathered her papers from the table.

“Go ahead, Carter. I know where to find you and your doohickeys.” Jack smiled as he ribbed his 2 IC. “What about you Teal’c? What great challenge do you have waiting in the wings?”

“There are no wings in this building, O’Neill. In fact as we are underground, there is no reason to have flying objects in our midst.” Teal’c replied, raising his eyebrow slightly.

“Its an expression, Teal’c, ” Jack sighed. “What are your plans?”

“An odd expression. I fear I will never understand you humans. I have been asked to train new recruits in the gym.”

“Okay. Gym it is. I will find you if I need pounding into the mat,” Jack replied.

Daniel picked up his papers, nodding to his teammates as he headed towards his office.

“Yoo. Daniel,” Jack called as he followed Daniel out of the briefing room. “The General said we could look up your friend. By chance is this the same old guy you were talking about yesterday?”

“Yeah,” Daniel answered as he started regretting his comment yesterday.

Daniel and Jack walked toward Daniel’s office, Jack saluting airmen and lower ranking officers in their path. “Care to tell me where I can find him?”

Daniel was having second thoughts about asking Adam to assist him. Adam and he were very close when he knew him. While he never understood why Adam left, he always knew Adam cared deeply for him. He didn’t know how Jack would handle meeting Adam. Jack tended to be the jealous type, even though he would deny it vehemently.

************************************************************************

SMALL FLAT LONDON- 1995

Adam packed the last of his books into his rucksack. Pretending to look around for any missed items, he walked to the door.

“Aren’t you even going to say goodbye? Or are you too callous to do so?” Daniel said in a stormy voice, from his seat on the bed.

Slowly Adam turned around, looking at Daniel, his eyes filled with tears that he refused to let fall down his cheeks. Adam hated to see Daniel upset, but he knew he had to leave. He wasn’t going to give him some platitude about returning, as he knew that once gone, he wouldn’t return.

He’d felt Immortal presence several times in the last few days, but every time he checked the area, there was no one there. He didn’t like fighting, hadn’t picked up a sword in almost two hundred years and wasn’t going to start now. Daniel didn’t need to know his secret, be brought into his world. He was a brilliant linguist, one of the best in his field of Egyptology, an area dear to his heart, and Adam knew he would go far.

“Daniel, I’m sorry. I told you I have to leave,” Adam said, genuine sadness in his voice. He walked over to Daniel, cupping his chin gently. “I will always remember you. Do not forget me. Maybe we will meet again in another life.” Adam kissed him, turning toward the door again.

Daniel had no time to return the gentle touch before Adam retreated. He stoically held his tears, refusing, as always, to allow his emotions to show.

**********************************************************************

SGC CORRIDOR – PRESENT DAY

Arriving at the elevator, Daniel pushed the down button. “No, not really. I haven’t talked to him in almost ten years. I knew him in my younger days, when I was still respected for my work.” Daniel wrapped his arms around his middle as he became more uncomfortable with the conversation. “Not sure if he’d even be interested in an offer, seeing how I’m ‘such an accomplished scholar’ and all,” Daniel said, not trying to hide the venom in his voice.

Jack saw the self-hug, wincing at the gesture. “Whoa. You’re an accomplished scholar. You just can’t tell anyone about it. I’m proud of you. You’ve saved my butt out there and I wouldn’t want anyone else watching my six,” Jack said as he slapped Daniel on the back.

“Thanks.” Daniel gave a shy smile. “That means a lot.”

Jack smiled at the comment, but didn’t elaborate. “So about this guy. What’s his name? How do I find him?

“His name is Adam Pierson,” Daniel said as they walked into the elevator. Pushing the button for his floor, Daniel looked at Jack, seeing the eagerness in his eyes. “Last time I saw him was in London, but I doubt he’s there any longer.” Daniel remembered Adam leaving their flat, rucksack in hand. He never saw or heard from him again after he walked out the door. His abrupt departure was always a mystery. “He always struck me as a wanderer. Never had a lot of possessions.”

“So you think he was in some kind of trouble? Running or something?”

They exited the elevator, never missing a beat of the conversation. “Or something? I never felt like he told me the whole truth.”

Raising his eyebrow at Daniel’s statement, Jack questioned, “You trust this guy? Sounds kind of shady to me. After all, you’re always the one who believes in the goodness of everyone.”

Daniel unlocked his office, turning on the light and putting his briefing papers on the desk. “With my life. I trust him with my life,” Daniel smiled as he answered.

Daniel needed something to distract Jack from delving into this line of questioning. He felt it was getting dangerous. “Coffee. It’s been at least two hours since I had any,” he said as he looked at his watch.

“Sounds good, but you are not changing the subject on me, Daniel.” Jack grabbed the coffee pot, filling it up with water. “Sounds like you knew him pretty well. Trusting him with your life is pretty serious stuff. Care to share.”

Danny busied himself with the coffee bag, carefully measuring out the beans and putting in the filter.

“Daniellll. Talk to me.”

Daniel continued to prepare the coffee, keeping his back toward Jack. “He treated me with respect, didn’t laugh at my ideas. I was just starting to work on the theory that the Egyptians didn’t build the pyramids and he didn’t laugh. He encouraged my studies. I think I owe him a huge debt. If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t be here today.”

Jack reached up to Daniel’s doorframe, switching the camera off. The next set of questions might get personal. “I see. So you spent a lot of time with him?” Jack stood watching the coffee brewing.

“Yes.”

“The kind of time we spend together?” Jack cocked his head, eyebrows furled.

Biting his lips Daniel responded with weary anger, “Dammit, Jack. Yes. We were lovers. Are you happy now?”

Jack reached out, placing his hand on Daniel’s shoulder. “Daniel, you’re here. I have you. He doesn’t. That’s all. End of story.”

“Really?” Daniel asked as he pulled Jack closer to him for a hug.

Jack kissed Daniel on the lips with a gentle touch. “Really. I love you and what you did before we met is history. Now if this Adam character goes to work for the SGC and you start ogling him, well that is another matter.”

“I love you.” Daniel kissed Jack back, licking the corners of his mouth.

‘Yeahyousurebetcha. Let’s go find this Adam. Have you seen his name anywhere in your journals?”

Daniel poured himself a cup of coffee and gave one to Jack as well. Rubbing his eyes he thought carefully. “No, I don’t think I’ve read anything of his, but we can always do a search for him. If he is working in the field, someone might know where to find him.”

“Go for it, Doctor. You’re the researcher. I’m just the muscle.” Jack motioned for Daniel to use his computer.

Daniel turned on the machine and began his search for his old friend and Jack left his office as he switched the camera back on.

PRESENT DAY- NEW YORK

Duncan and Methos sat on the couch; daylight waning outside while the two men discussed ancient history. Methos was pleased that Duncan appeared to believe him, but he knew having Duncan believe him was only a minor concern if the Goa’uld could come back to earth.

Duncan sat quietly listening to Methos’ story. “Methos, does anyone else know about these Goa’uld things?” Duncan asked his friend. “I suppose that is a silly question.”

Methos left the couch, finding it too difficult to sit still and talk about the past. “Actually it is not as silly as you think. I knew a man about ten years ago who might have figured it out,” Methos said as he thought of the last time he saw Daniel.

“Go on,” Duncan urged.

“His name is Daniel Jackson. Actually Dr. Daniel Jackson. We were living in London at the time and he was studying ancient Egypt. He had these theories about the Pyramids, that they were built by someone other than the Egyptians.” Methos stared far away for a moment, remembering holding his rucksack, leaving Daniel because an Immortal was following him. “He was very involved in his research and I think he may have figured it out. Fortunately no one would listen to his theories. He was right, but I couldn’t tell him so.”

Duncan saw the stare in his Methos’ eyes. “ So you knew him well?” He questioned his lover.

Methos saw the tight shoulders and drawn face of his lover, recognizing the glance. “Jealousy doesn’t become you MacLeod. And yes I knew him in every sense of the word, biblical and all.” Methos walked over to MacLeod and gave him a quick kiss on the lips. “Mac, that was over ten years ago.”

“I see. So why’d you leave him if he was so brilliant?”

Methos rolled his eyes, but answered anyway. Knowing MacLeod’s tendency to chew over even the smallest issue, he wanted the information in the open as quickly as possible. “Someone was stalking me. I didn’t want him in our world, even by accident. He was too brilliant an archeologist. Accidentally seeing a Quickening would have done great harm. Being a Watcher, even a researcher was not in his future. He had great potential.”

MacLeod’s mouth opened and closed several times before he responded. “That doesn’t sound like the Methos I know. It’s all about my survival and me. He must have really gotten under your skin.”

Methos paced the small room, finding it difficult to look at Mac while he tried to explain his actions. “Every now and then I come across someone who affects me. You affect me, Joe affects me, and sometimes even Amanda pushes my buttons. In my 5,000 years I have rarely worried about others that cross my path, but occasionally someone comes along that wakes up my caring instinct. Maybe Daniel was the start of something larger as I didn’t care too much until he came into my life.” Methos paused his pacing, going into the kitchen to grab a beer. After taking several swigs he continued. “Daniel was one of the most gifted men I had encountered in centuries. His intuitive leaps were oftentimes miraculous. Knowing languages like I do, it is always fascinating for me to watch the ‘so called experts’ try to translate ancient text.” Methos drank some more beer, pausing to look at MacLeod, hoping his explanation would make some sense to his lover. “Daniel would take a piece of text; study it and come up with some phenomenal translations. Oftentimes his work contradicted the accepted knowledge and that is where he came into difficulty.”

MacLeod went to Methos, gently kissing his lips. “He was special, wasn’t he?”

“Yes, he was.”

“So where is he now? I can imagine he is some big name in the field. Especially if he was so gifted,” Duncan asked as pulled Methos into a hug.

“I don’t know where he is. I followed his career for awhile after we parted, but then some Scottish Highlander came into my life and I kind of lost track.”

“Really? You don’t say?” MacLeod teased as he kissed Methos on the forehead and neck.

Methos responded to the gentle teasing, kissing and nipping Mac in return. Soon the discussion was forgotten and the two men spent the remainder of the evening in each other’s arms.

SGC- PRESENT DAY

It had been several hours since Daniel began his search and he was not making a lot of progress. He had this odd niggling at the back of his head that he was missing something very obvious. A knock at the door broke his concentration.

“Come in,” he yelled.

Jack popped his head in and smiled at Daniel. “See your still working hard. Find anything?”

“No. It’s like he disappeared off the face of the earth. Nobody can be that invisible.” Daniel sighed in frustration.

Jack gave a little laugh.

“What’s so funny? I don’t think this is humorous. You ask me to do something then laugh when I can’t complete the assignment. That’s cruel Jack.”

Jack walked into the room, placing his hand on Daniel’s shoulder. “Woa.. Slow down with the anger. Seems to me I’m looking at an archeologist that just vanished off the face of the earth. Say something like eight years ago. Hmm Danny.”

Daniel’s mouth opened to respond, but he closed it quickly. Daniel looked up from the computer screen. “You don’t think he’s military? Could you find out if he was? I mean that would explain a lot. And if he’s military already, well….”

“No I don’t think he’s military. Actually I know he’s not. Since you’ve been hunting him down your way, I’ve been hunting him using my own channels.”

Nodding Daniel asked, “And….. Any Dr. Adam Pierson?”

“Maybe.”

Daniel thought about Jack’s statement. “How did you find him? I haven’t located any information on him,” he said as he pointed to the computer.

“Danny, there is more than one meaning to the phrase 'Don’t ask. Don’t tell’. I’ll just pretend you didn’t ask, but I can tell you what I know without having to kill you.” Jack grinned as he took a seat next to Daniel.

“Okay. Do tell.”

“Say please with Jack on top and I’ll think about it.” Jack leered at Daniel.

“Jack….” Daniel said as he was losing his patience. “If you don’t give me information, I’ll go asking.”

“Seems that there is a Dr. Adam Pierson living in New York. He’s an occasional consultant to several museums up there, but doesn’t seem to have a 9-5 job.”

“What next? It may not be him and I would look really stupid going up to a complete stranger asking him questions.” Daniel bit his lower lip as he looked at Jack.

Jack gave Daniel a big grin.

“What’s that for?” Daniel asked. “You’re scaring me Jack.”

“That my dear Daniel is for continuing to keep your innocence despite your daily indoctrination into this man’s military.”

Daniel opened his mouth, “Oh…”

“Actually, we set up some surveillance for a few days and when we get the pictures back, you see if you think this guy is your Dr. Adam. If you think the guy’s is one and the same, then we move forward.”

Daniel walked over to the coffee pot to pour himself a fresh cup. Gesturing to Jack, he proceeded to fix both of them coffee. “I guess we don’t have any other choice, but I don’t like spying on people.”

Taking the offered cup of coffee, Jack drank some of the hot liquid before answering. “I don’t really like it either Daniel, but I promise he will never know. The U.S. Air Force has very talented Special Ops field operatives.”

PRESENT DAY NEW YORK

Methos knew he was being watched, had sensed the familiar feeling of someone lurking not quite in his space. He’d allowed the man to get close, trying to sense if he was one of them, but he wasn’t. He’d looked at his wrist too, no Watcher tattoo. It disturbed him that he should garner such close scrutiny. In this lifetime, he hadn’t done anything that would warrant someone’s time. Since the man hadn’t tried to get his attention or nab him, he didn’t think he was working for an Immortal, but he could never be too sure. He’d keep a close eye on him and a closer hand on his sword.

As he entered the apartment Duncan was cooking dinner.

“Honey I’m home,” he called out, always laughing at the familiar chant. Early in their relationship they had started this small familiar joke and had kept the tradition. It was comforting in its own right.

Mac turned toward Methos, giving him a hello kiss, returning to the dinner preparations. Methos lifted the pot top on the stove sniffing the Hungarian beef stew cooking.

“Smells good. What is it?”

“Nothing special, just some Hungarian Stew. I picked up some fresh vegetables and meat at the market. I’ve got class tonight, but wanted to cook you some dinner. You’ve seen out of sorts these last few days.”

“You noticed,” Methos remarked, no surprise in his voice.

Mac continued to mix the salad. “I may only be 410 years old, but I am a good judge of you. Anything you want to share? Been hunting lately or are you the prey?” Mac asked, trying to keep the conversation light.

Methos grabbed a beer from the refrigerator, leaning his back against the counter. “I’m being followed but its not one of us. He even let me get close to him and no Watcher tattoo. Nothing. If he wanted to grab me, he had plenty of opportunity. I can’t figure it out. The guy reeks of military.”

“You should be careful,” Mac urged. “Just because you’re aware doesn’t mean the other guy will play fair.”

Smiling and shaking his head, Methos said, “Always the boy scout. I will have you know I have been staying out of dark alleys and in crowds. No one is going to take me down unawares. I also know that not all of our kind play fair,” Methos commented.

“Okay, fair enough. I just like having you around and your head firmly attached,” Duncan said as he placed his hand on Methos’ arm. “Military. That’s odd. You sure, Methos? I mean I’ve served in more than my share of conflicts, but you stay out of things.”

After drinking some beer, Methos walked toward the cabinet, taking out the plates for dinner. “I’m sure he’s military, just reeks of it. I just don’t know why he’d follow me. If he’s still there tomorrow, I’ll follow him.”

“Why?”

“You know Mac, I don’t know why, but my gut says I should.”

“Okay, dinner’s ready. Grab me a beer too.”

The men ate dinner sharing information about their day and the topic of the follower was dropped. Mac left for his class and Methos pulled out a book on Ancient Egypt.

PRESENT DAY- SGC

“Yes.”

“Okay.”

“I’ll be waiting.”

“I’ll let you know.”

“Good job.”

Jack got off the phone with his Special Ops agent in New York. Walking to Daniel’s office, Jack felt the butterflies in his stomach. Chastising himself for his uneasiness, he tried to analyze his thoughts. He settled on his fears that Daniel and this unknown man might hit it off again. Daniel raved about this man, something Daniel rarely did and the fact that he told Jack that he trusted him with his life meant that he was very special to Daniel. Jack was secure in their relationship, but he always worried that Daniel would come to his senses one day and leave him. He didn’t like that feeling, didn’t want Daniel leaving for any reason and especially not for an old lover.

‘Get a grip, O’Neill. Daniel’s not leaving. He loves you.’ He silently chanted all the way to Daniel’s office.

Barely knocking on the door, Jack walked in, pausing to take in Daniel studiously working on a translation. He thought there was nothing more exciting in the world than Daniel watching and he indulged himself for a few moments before speaking.

“I just talked to Farmer in New York. He’s been watching a Dr. Pierson for several days. Got some pictures of him and he’s faxing them to us now. They should be there by the time we get to the briefing room.”

Daniel stopped his work, looking at Jack for the first time since he entered the room. “Hello Jack. Nice of you to stop by. Can I help you?” Daniel greeted Jack.

Jack walked out of the room and re-entered the office. “Hi Daniel. How’s things with you. I just talked to Farmer in New York and he thinks he found Dr. Pierson.”

“Better.” Daniel grinned at Jack’s attempt to be civil. “So you found him?”

“Possibly.”

Swallowing, Daniel said, “But Jack, it’s been ten years since I saw Adam. He might have changed a lot. I know I’m not the same guy I was ten years ago.”

Glancing up and down Daniel’s body, Jack licked his lips and smiled. “Nope, you’re not the same as you were ten years ago. Ten years ago, you were a geeky scientist with nothing to your name except a suitcase. Now…” Jack moved closer, stepping into Daniel’s space. “You’re my archeologist.”

“Jack…” Daniel protested as he removed himself from the pushed his chair back. “Let’s go take a look.”

“Okay.” Jack followed Daniel out of his office, making their way to the briefing room.

Daniel couldn’t sit still, his mind raced and a thousand different scenarios flashed through his head.

10 YEARS EARLIER- LONDON

“You know Adam. I really think there has to be some logical explanation for the Pyramids. They are older than Egypt. I just know it. So many inconsistencies. Here I’ll show you.” Daniel had gathered his books, eager to show his friend his latest discovery.

Adam looked at Daniel’s eyes; saw the excitement jumping from his friend. He knew Daniel was right, the Pyramids were older than the Egyptians; they were Goa’uld. No one could know about the Goa’uld. He could see the government wanting to contact them, learn from them, etc. He could not allow that to happen. The Goa’uld almost destroyed his world once; they would not be allowed to do so again. He had to discourage his friend, even though he knew him to be right.

“Later Daniel. Let’s discover some other ancient secrets right now. I’m sure we could reminisce about the Greeks.” He eyed his lover, licking his lips as he moved toward Daniel.

“I guess it can wait. After all the Pyramids have been here for a long time and I guess a few more hours won’t make a difference.” Daniel smiled as he returned the kiss, caressing his lover under his shirt.

“Bright boy. Now I think you have way to many clothes on. Let’s see about fixing that little problem and then I will help you with another problem you seem to have developed.” Adam said as he stroked Daniel through his denim jeans.

A few short weeks after their conversation, Adam had abruptly left, leaving Daniel lonely, confused and distraught.

CONTROL ROOM - SGC

“Daniel. Sit. You’re making me tired watching you and if you drink any more coffee, I know you will be on top of the Mountain without assistance of the elevator.” Jack urged his lover as he watched him pace the room in short, sharp steps.

Daniel looked at Jack, saw the concern in his eyes and smiled slightly at him. “I can’t Jack. Somehow I know that this man your guys have been following is Adam. My mind is all mixed up and I can’t relax.”

Walking toward Daniel, Jack put his hand on Daniel’s arm. “Okay. Wanna talk about it,” Jack asked.

“No. Not really, but I know you won’t leave me alone until I spill.” Daniel bit his lower lip as he put his hands in front of his body making a steeple like shape.

“So….” Jack encouraged, tilting his head and waving his arm in a small circular motion, encouraging conversation.

“I really think he knew about the Goa’uld, Jack.” Daniel remembered the many afternoon trysts when Adam diverted his attention.

“Every time I tried talking to him about my theories, he would always steer me to a different subject.” Daniel started to blush, but quickly thought of Maybourne and the pleasant thoughts left. “It was almost like he’d had first hand knowledge of them.”

Daniel paused; looking up to the observation window wishing the airmen would arrive quickly.

Jack saw the almost blush, but didn’t say anything. “Daniel, that’s impossible.”

“I know. But do you remember me telling you that he was one of the oldest souls I have ever encountered?”

“Yeah. And?”

“I think he has his own secrets Jack. Your guys found him, but you said he doesn’t have a lot of background.”

“Maybe he hasn’t done anything noteworthy,” Jack surmised.

“He’s got to support himself somehow. You said he wasn’t married and he doesn’t appear to have many assets.”

Jack got up to match the pacing of his friend. “Daniel, remember the conversation we had earlier? You dropped off the face of the earth, have no apparent job, come and go at odd hours, etc.”

“But you said he isn’t military. So your point is?”

“My point is you may be right. I trust your intuition. It’s saved my butt too many times and I think if you think this Adam character has secrets, he probably does. Now the question becomes are his secrets detrimental to the SGC? We will just have to wait and see.” Jack went to the credenza, poured Daniel some water and steered him toward the table.

“Here comes our pictures now,” he said as the airmen entered the room. “Just take a look and see what you think. All this worrying may be for nothing.”

The airmen handed Jack the pictures and Jack laid them on the table. Daniel took a quick glance at them; swallowing the water Jack gave him.

“Dismissed,” Jack commanded and the airmen left the area.

“Its him Jack. He hasn’t aged a day.” Daniel sat at the table, looking at the pictures. There were twenty pictures taken at various distances, but all seemed to capture the man in question. “Maybe his secret is he owns the fountain of youth. It’s been 10 years and he looks just the same.”

“Some people age really well, Daniel. I’m sure he’s changed some.” Jack joined Daniel at the table, eyeing the pictures. “So this is he?”

Daniel recognized Jack’s unspoken question. Laying the pictures down, he turned toward Jack, looking in his eyes. “No, he hasn’t aged, but I prefer you any day.”

Jack’s smile covered his entire face. “Cool.”

“Now what? I’m pretty sure that is Adam, but that doesn’t get us any closer to inviting him to help me.”

Jack pocketed the pictures. “I just happen to have two seats on an Air Force jet waiting to go to New York. You up for a nice vacation?”

Daniel frowned. “Really? I can’t just up and leave my work. I have a very important briefing in the morning with SG5.”

“Nope you don’t. Nyan will be doing the briefing for you. Leave him all your notes and you have 30 minutes to talk to him about any important facts. We leave the mountain in 45 minutes.”

Daniel rubbed his eyes, sudden fatigue hitting him. “Can’t it wait Jack?”

“Daniel as you said a few days ago, Anubis is breathing down our necks.” Jack touched Daniel on the shoulder, giving it a squeeze. Pointing to the door, he reminded Daniel, “We have to solve this puzzle before he annihilates Earth. If you are right and I think you are, we need Adam last week and the sooner we have him the better our chances of seeing next week.”

“Okay. I’ll go get my notes and talk to Nyan.” Daniel left the room, returning to his office, and then to speak with Nyan.

Jack sighed as he watched Daniel leave the room. ‘Daniel, this guy better be worth all the trouble we’re going through, but if I know you, he probably is. Lord, help us when we learn his secrets.’ Jack said to himself as he walked to his quarters to quickly pack his bags for the trip.

The trip across country would take some time; therefore Daniel gathered several books and texts hoping to get some work completed on the flight out. He went to his on base quarters, thankful he kept some clothes and toiletries on hand, packing him a small bag to take to New York. He hoped it was Adam and he would finally get to ask him why he left. He had a feeling that Adam’s secret would explain a lot about his departure.

NEW YORK- PRESENT DAY

Daniel was glad that he’d brought his work with him as Jack left him alone. He really didn’t want Jack questioning him about Adam. He owed Adam a huge debt. Adam was his first serious relationship with a man or woman and he had taught him a lot, about love, give and take, and sex. He couldn’t forget the sex; it was wonderful. He would never tell Jack; jealousy already was showing its ugly head and he didn’t need any more excuses for Jack to feel threatened. Every time they went off world, Jack was paranoid that something would happen to him. True he had more than his fair share of near death experiences and he had actually died quite a few times. Oh well, maybe Jack was right; he was an accident waiting to happen. Regardless, if he wanted this trip to be successful, he had to shelve his past with Adam. Now he was about to ask Adam for help translating the texts from Abydos. Somehow he knew this was not as straightforward as it appeared. Adam had knowledge and his gut told him that the Goa’uld were connected.

Jack and Daniel arrived at their hotel after 5:00 pm local time. The flight was long even though they did not have to hassle with the typical safety checks and waiting like a normal traveler. They ordered room service. Jack sent Daniel to shower while he assessed the room. Daniel left the bathroom, towel around his waist, using another towel to dry his hair. Jack eyed his lover; saw the bags under his eyes, the sagging shoulders. Walking toward Daniel, he wrapped his arms around Daniel’s torso, giving him a large hug.

“Let’s eat and then we sleep. You’re exhausted.” Jack led Daniel to the bed as they waited for the food to arrive.

Continuing to dry his hair, Daniel looked at Jack, fatigue evident in his pale face. “I’m sorry. It’s just that this is all happening so fast. A few days ago, I was struggling with a translation that might mean the salvation for earth and now I’m clear across the country getting ready to face a man I haven’t seen in over ten years.” Daniel hugged Jack, kissing his neck lightly. “If that wasn’t enough. This man and I were involved in a very intimate relationship and didn’t leave on good terms.” Daniel quit talking for a moment as he relived those last moments in his apartment in London, Adam walking out the door, he sitting on the bed. He’d relived that scene too many times and never could understand what he did to make Adam leave. “ And… While my reputation with the SGC and the Air Force is respected, I’m getting ready to ask said man to work with me in my field. A field that need I remind you, from which I have been ostracized. What happens when he just laughs in my face or worse says no?” Daniel remembered the last lecture he gave where everyone laughed, and then vacated the room. He lectured to the walls and was humiliated. “I don’t know if I’m up for that kind of rejection.” Daniel stood, throwing his wet towels on the bathroom floor. Grabbing boxers and lounge pants, he dressed quickly, returning to the bed.

Jack stroked Daniel’s back, making small circles on his skin. “I know you’re scared. I’d be too, but I have faith. You’ve pulled SG-1 out of worse situations. Besides, didn’t you tell me that you thought Adam believed you and your theories?”

Sighing, as Daniel wanted to be comforted by Jack’s words, “I didn’t say he believed me, he just didn’t laugh at me. There is a big difference.”

Nodding, Jack continued caressing Daniel. Daniel shivered. Jack walked to the bureau to get Daniel a shirt. “I trust your judgment. You said you trust him with your life. Your life is part of Earth’s future so….” Handing him a navy blue velour shirt to help ward off the chill in the room, Jack continued, “He’ll help us. The Air Force has given me permission to ask him to join us. We recruit from the scientific field on a regular basis. This guy is no different.”

Putting on his shirt, he followed Jack into the living area of their room.

“Food came while you were showering. Should still be hot.”

“I love you.” Daniel said as he reached across the table to squeeze Jack’s hand. “Thanks for making this easy. I don’t know if I could handle you and Adam at the same time.”

“I love you, too. Now eat before you fall into your food. Then we sleep. Tomorrow will be a busy day and if things go as planned…” Jack left the sentence unfinished.

They ate dinner quietly, exchanging brief pleasantries. Afterwards, Daniel yawned, excused himself and retired to the bedroom. Jack cleaned up their meal, placing the cart outside the door. Yawning, he entered into the bedroom, joining Daniel in slumber.

NEW YORK- DUNCAN AND METHOS’ LOFT

“So Methos, what are you doing today? Got plans?” Duncan asked his lover as they finished washing the breakfast dishes.

“Actually Mac, I think I may go back to the Museum today. I want to study the exhibit again,” Methos said as he put a plate on the shelf.

Mac hung up the dishtowel, pulling a fresh one out to wipe the counters. “I don’t understand. You told me you wrote the inscription. What is there to learn?”

“I’m not sure, but I think I need to go.”

“Want some company? I don’t have any plans and now that I know the truth, I think I’d like to take a second look,” Mac asked as he finished wiping the stove.

Methos smiled at his lover, walking over to him, giving him a kiss and a hug. “Yes, I would like that. I want to read a little bit more about the cover stone and then we can go.”

Continued in - JOINING FORCES

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