Sorry for being gone for so long - RL has been insane and I'm still in the middle of boxes from my move.

A new story - I was away from my home computer and the internet so couldn't update - or even work on - my other story. Don't worry though, I'll update it tomorrow. In the meantime, here's the start of a story I've just thought of. It's mostly adventure although if people really want it I might do whump and/or romance (hey you know me).

He wondered if you could get a medal for wounds suffered doing paperwork? He swore that was the 10th or 12th paper cut he'd gotten today. He glared at the huge stack of paper sitting on his desk which was responsible for the irritating wounds. He'd spent the day reading reports and signing off on requisitions and if Walter walked in with one more file folder he was going to shoot the man!

He sighed heavily, realizing that he should actually be grateful to the Sergeant for making sure everything was cleared off his desk for the foreseeable future. Christmas was coming and he was actually going to take two weeks leave. He hadn't really wanted it, had resisted it, in fact, but that damn red phone had rung and the President himself had ordered him to take a vacation and 'get the hell out of that mountain Jack'. He wondered who it was who had put in the call 'suggesting' that he needed a break?

The fact was, however, that he did need one. The last few months had been brutal and he knew if he didn't take a vacation he wouldn't be able to do his job properly. He grinned slyly – he'd gotten his revenge anyway. He'd ordered SG1 to take two weeks off as well. When he thought about the chagrined expressions on two of his team's faces he wanted to laugh. There were no more dedicated workaholics than Carter and Jackson. At least Teal'c, for all his Jaffa honor and warriorness (was that a word?), knew when to take a break. He'd simply nodded and informed O'Neil that he was off to visit Ry'ak.

Once Carter had gotten over the shock, she'd quickly come around – much to his secret dismay. She'd informed him that the break would give her a chance to meet Pete's family and she was spending a week with them and then she and Pete were driving to spend a week with Mark and his family. He'd smiled, of course, and wished her a happy holiday, but inside he'd cringed.

Daniel had moped for a couple of days, complaining that he had nothing to do, when all of a sudden he'd appeared happy as a clam. It turned out an old colleague of his had called him up, out of the blue, and had asked him to take his place on a dig in southern Mexico.

"Barry and I went to university together and then we taught together for a couple of semesters", Daniel had explained. "I haven't heard from him in years. He was supposed to head up the dig in Mexico but he went skiing last weekend and broke his leg. He thought of me and asked me to take over for him." He looked pensive for a minute. "Probably couldn't find anyone else to do it over the Christmas holidays."

Jack looked up in surprise. Although sometimes Daniel still seemed innocent, Jack knew that really wasn't the case. He was still a bit surprised at the cynicism coming from the usually optimistic Dr. Jackson. Glancing at his friend he raised his eyebrow.

"Hey, I'd be the last person on his list, I'm sure", the younger man explained. Jack felt badly until he realized Daniel was grinning. "It doesn't matter – I don't care what they think about me anymore – not now that I know I was right. And anyway, it gives me a chance to do some real archaeology for a change. I'm looking forward to doing some digging in good old 'earth dirt'. No Goa'ulds, no aliens trying to shoot us and best of all – no CO telling me to move it and pack up my things!"

"You know it's for your own good Daniel", exclaimed Jack with a smirk.

"No it isn't Jack. It's for your own good."

Shrugging, the General really couldn't deny it. He just couldn't get into looking at broken pottery the way Daniel could. Still, he couldn't help but be happy for his friend. It was nice for Daniel to have a chance to do what he loved without, as he said, the fear that someone was going to shoot you.

If he was feeling a bit – lonely – inside, well hell, that was pretty much his life now, thought Jack. He couldn't blame anyone else for the fact that he'd screwed up so much that he had no one outside work with whom to spend time with.

"Have fun Space Monkey. Just please, don't go discovering any Goa'uld ruins or anything. I'd really like a nice, quiet Christmas.

So, here he was, finishing the last bit of paper work before he left for fourteen whole days. General Hammond was coming to the Springs to see his daughter and granddaughters and he'd offered to keep an eye on the place. He had no excuse to hang around, he guessed. With a last look at his desk, to ensure nothing had escaped his, or more likely Walter's, eagle eye, he closed his laptop.

"Sir?" He glanced up, surprised to hear Carter's voice. He'd thought she'd left all ready.

"Carter! What can I do for you?" he asked jovially. Okay, so she didn't know that he was a hair's breadth away from offering to shoot her fiancé. Nope – need to know O'Neill.

"Uh – I just came to say goodbye Sir, and to wish you a Merry Christmas." She walked forward and handed him what looked to be a bottle of wine wrapped in bright red paper.

"Thanks Carter – you didn't need to do this."

She shrugged briefly and seemed like she wanted to say something more. When she didn't speak he looked at her quizzically. "Something else Colonel?" he asked softly.

"No, I just – are you doing something for the holidays General?" she finally asked.

"Just takin' it easy. It'll be nice having a break." He looked over at his desk. "No papers to sign for two whole weeks – pure heaven!"

She smiled, although he could see it didn't quite reach her eyes. Something was bothering her but she obviously didn't want to spit it out. That's when he realized – she was worried about him. At first he felt rather offended, as if she thought he needed a babysitter or something. His second reaction was one of warmth. Even with old Tater-face she still worried about him. Sighing, he really didn't think too many people would be upset if he were to blow Spudman up – maybe the guy's mother –but – stop it O'Neill.

"You'd better get going Carter. Isn't Pot – Pete supposed to pick you up today."

She looked startled for a moment, almost as if she'd forgotten the man. Not likely, thought Jack. I mean, she had said yes and was wearing his ring.

"Yes Sir. I guess – I hope you have a good holiday. Don't drink too much eggnog!"

"You too Carter. Merry Christmas and say hi to – uh – Pete for me."

After she'd gone he stared for a bit at the paper pile. Maybe he could ask Walter for some more? Surely there must be some more forms to sign somewhere. I mean, this was the military, for God's sake. Did it ever run out of paperwork?

"Jack!" He looked up to see Daniel standing in the doorway. What was this, Grand Central Station?

"What is it Daniel?"

"I just had a great idea." He walked in and leaned on Jack's desk. "Why don't you come with me?"

"What?"

"Come with me. To Mexico."

"Go with you? On a dig?" He looked at Jackson incredulously. "Uh, how long have you known me Daniel?"

"About nine years, why?"

"And in those nine years have you ever seen me show interest in – in digging in the dirt?"

"I'm not asking you to come to the dig site Jack, I'm asking you to come to Mexico. We're staying at a nice little hotel by the ocean. You can sit by the pool or on the beach, drink Margaritas – or beer – and ogle gorgeous women in bikinis. I promise, I won't even ask you to come to the site. Come on Jack – it'll be fun. We can go out on the town at night – listen to some live music. Whatya say?"

He was about to refuse when, at the last minute, he thought about it. Why the hell not? It sounded much better than spending two weeks on his own in the cold and gloomy winter. He could have wished that one of those gorgeous bikini-clad women was his, but if he was going to be alone, he might as well be somewhere where at least there were warm beaches and cold drinks!

"Okay", he answered shortly.

Daniel looked like he was about to continue arguing when he stopped suddenly. "Okay?"

"Yeah sure, why not."

"Really?"

"Yes really – unless you're changing your mind."

"That's great Jack! I checked and you can get a last minute ticket for the flight. It leaves at 10:05 tomorrow morning. Unfortunately, you'll have to share a room with me but it's a nice hotel."

"No problem Daniel – as long as I don't have to share your bed I'm fine with that."

"Okay, great. I'll call a cab and I'll swing by to pick you up at around 7:30. This is going to be fun!"

Jack laughed softly. He was actually looking forward to this. "Yeah, I expect it will." Daniel turned and headed towards the door. "Hey Daniel."

"Yeah Jack?"

"Thanks!"

Daniel grinned. "Don't thank me yet. I may just get you out digging!" With that parting shot his resident archaeologist, pain in the mitka and best friend was gone.

"So, where is it exactly that we're staying?" he asked as the plane touched down. Other than somewhere in Mexico, he had no idea where they were going. Not that it mattered. He planned to do absolutely nothing for the next couple of weeks.

"It's a town called Las Lagrimas. It's on the south eastern tip of Mexico and there are Mayan ruins about 20 Kilometers outside of town. Barry said it's a quaint place but it's got everything you need. The hotel is right on the beach."

"Mmmm, sounds nice. I wonder if there's any scuba diving?" Jack hoped so. He'd even brought his snorkel equipment but hoped he'd be able to rent tanks. He was an avid diver, although he hadn't done much in the last few years - not much opportunity in the middle of the mountains.

"Daniel", he said suddenly. The other man looked at him, brows raised in question. "Do me a favor?"

"What Jack?"

"Don't tell anyone what I do. I'd kind of like to go – incognito. I'd rather not field questions on what it's like to be a General."

"What – you don't want a gorgeous red head asking "have you ever had to shoot someone General?" Daniel said in a high pitched voice.

Jack cracked a laugh. "No – or 'ooh, I love a man in uniform. Can I touch your medals General?"

"Come on Jack – you love having your medals touched!"

"Yeah right – just about as much as you like having your 'rocks' touched Daniel."

"Ooh Jack – that's, that's – awful!" he answered, as Jack simply laughed. "So, what are you going to be if not a General?"

"I dunno. We can tell them that I own a fishing store in Minnesota. "

"Uh, okay. A fishing store?"

"Yeah, why not? My grandfather owned one and I practically grew up in it."

"Really?" Daniel looked at him amazed. This had to have been one of the few times Jack had actually volunteered something about his childhood. No wonder he loved fishing so much.

"So, you're 'just Jack from Minnesota'. I bet you'll be sorry though."

"Why?"

"Because", he grinned, " you can pick up women much easier as a General."

When they arrived at the hotel Jack was pleased to see that Daniel's colleague had been right. It was a lovely little spot, right on the beach. There was a beautiful pool as well, with lounge chairs and a swim up bar. Jack had already spied a number of lovely women around the pool. Yup – this was going to be a great vacation!

The first couple of days he just lazed around; he sat by the pool and read – not reports, but some novels he'd wanted to read for a while. He swam a bit and enjoyed the food and drink, although he was careful not to overindulge. The last thing he needed was to return home with a beer belly!

By the third day he was ready for a bit more excitement and found, much to his delight, that there was a small dive shop in the village. He rented some equipment and arranged to go out with a small group of divers.

"So, having fun Jack?" Daniel asked that evening. He was looking tanned and relaxed as well and was obviously reveling in the chance to do some real archaeology.

"Yeah, I'm having a great time Daniel. Thanks for asking me along."

The next day, after Daniel had left for the archaeological site, Jack thought about what he should do for the day. After a few minutes he grinned and decided to head out and visit Daniel. It wasn't that he had a burning desire to see a bunch of geeks sifting dirt, but he did admit to a bit of curiosity. He'd read quite a bit about the Mayan peoples and had been quite impressed with how advanced their civilization had been. He'd even visited a number of the historical sites when he'd been in Mexico years ago.

But the real reason for his visit was he knew that it would make Daniel happy to have the chance to show him what he was doing. He usually gave his friend a hard time when he started to babble on about his work, but this time he'd grin and bear it. It was the least he could do after Daniel had invited him on what was turning out to be a wonderful holiday.

He was right. Daniel was thrilled when he arrived that morning and spent the next couple of hours showing Jack around and explaining things to him. He was surprised – he actually found it quite fascinating. He had to be careful not to appear too interested though or he'd – literally – never hear the end of it.

After sharing a lunch with Daniel – and a cold beer – he told him he was going to head back to the hotel. As he drove away from the dig in the old Jeep he'd borrowed from the owners of the small hotel, he decided to take a bit of a detour and see some of the countryside.

As he drove he thought about the last few days. It had been great – just what he needed. He hadn't once thought about the SGC or about – anyone in particular. He was also surprised at how quickly his Spanish had come back. He'd been quite fluent in it years ago, but hadn't used it in ages. After a few conversations with Marco, the owner of the hotel, he'd found himself feeling pretty comfortable with it. He smiled when he remembered Daniel's reaction when they'd gone out to a bar one evening. Jack had ordered their drinks and meal in Spanish.

"Since when do you speak Spanish Jack?" Daniel asked in astonishment.

"I've spoken it for years Daniel – it's no big deal."

"No big deal? Hell Jack, your Spanish is way better than mine. You barely have an accent. How come you never use it?"

"Not many Goa'ulds who speak Spanish Daniel", he'd answered. After a small nod and a grin from his friend, they continued on to enjoy the evening.

As he drove he thought about how much he'd always loved it in Mexico. He loved the climate, the beauty and above all, the people. He loved their passion, their joy of life and above all, their kindness and hospitality. Yes, this was one great vacation!

It was just a few minutes later that he got the scare of his life. He was driving along a small dirt road, when all of a sudden something darted out in front of him. He slammed on the brakes, sure that he wouldn't be able to stop in time. As the vehicle came to a screeching stop he heard a 'thud'. He couldn't tell if he'd hit whatever it was – or if it was his heart practically leaping into his throat. He realized, just then, that he knew what it was that had darted in front of him. It had been a young child.