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Disclaimer: I do not own the characters of the Stargate Universe or those of the Highlander universe those belong to other entities whom I would beseech to look favorably on this humble work of mine. The concepts involved in these two separate television shows do not belong to me either. The story I have written however does. This story may not be posted on any pay site or in any way shape or form make any profit for anyone (I know I'm not making a thing from it)

Authors Note:

Thank you so much to those of you who are reviewing my story. I feel like an addict and you are supplying the drugs. (note: drugs are bad don't do them I know I don't … seriously.) There are however some concerns I am having about the number of reviews I am getting (present reviewers excluded) am I losing your interest? Did I offend you? Is my style bad? Please review and let me know I don't bite… much.

Review Response:

MsJonyReb … Thank you Thank you Thank you I was beginning to think I was losing my audience and I believe you will love this sections end. (note here: I am stopping the chapter markers as you may have noticed)

SG1-Fanfic …Thanks sometimes it's the simple positive reviews that make my day. I would like to take the opportunity to let you know that I have read your 'what will it take' story and loved every moment of it. At the risk of sounding like a brownnoser I would like to advise all those S/J shipper fans to read that one. You will laugh. If you're alive at all you will cry. And you will probably read it two or three times like I did because I liked it.

And now…. Da da da dum……

Stargate

Secrets

Section Six

Day 5 0800hrs

They walked swiftly to Jack's office and closed the door.

" Jack let me get to the point of my visit As the director of home world security it is my job to observe how you are doing things and this is just one of many routine inspections to come in the future. I am not here because you have done anything wrong or out of the ordinary so please continue as if I was not here" George had slipped in to his easygoing Texan mode.

"Well I'm glad that's all there is ive got enough on my plate here lately. I will be a pleasure having you around for a bin General Hammond." Can we assign you the VIP suite?" Jack grinned at George.

"Sure that will be just fine. I wont keep you any longer Jack I know you are a busy man so I will go get settled in and wander back by here in about an hour. Hopefully you will be able to fill me in on what is on the schedule at that time?"

"Sounds like a plan sir" Jack and George shook hands and left Jacks office going separate ways.

Day 5 0830hrs

Jack was in the gate control room when Siler picked up the phone and then turned toward him. "Sergeant Rogers is at the front gate. He wants to know where you would like him to take Mr. Dawson."

"Tell him to bring him to the topside interrogation room" Jack finished signing off on the paperwork on his clipboard. "I will be right up." Oh and have Dr. Pierson escorted there as well let him know what is going on."

"Yes sir." Siler began to relay the instructions to the appropriate personnel.

Jack walked back to his office and grabbed his coat and hat then made his way to the first of two sets of elevators that would take him up and out of the mountain.

Day 5 0800hrs

Amanda watched from her new vantage point on a rise to the west of the main parking lot. She had gotten about 6 hours of sleep and she was still tired. She was took a sip of her bottled water then looked again through her binoculars and choked and coughed in response to what she was seeing.

What she saw was Joe Dawson being escorted by 4 SF's and a sergeant in to the complex. He appeared to be handcuffed and was having some trouble keeping his balance with his hands behind his back. Two of the SF's were on either side of Joe helping him walk from a van to the main entrance.

Day 5 0700hrs

Ritchie Ryan pulled his motorcycle in front of Mac's place. He set the kickstand and leaned the bike to one side. After he turned off the ignition he took off his helmet and pocketed the keys. It was good to be back in seacouver.

He walked up to the Dojo door and was surprised to see a class this early in the morning. He knew Duncan often let instructors rent out the place when he wasn't living in the loft. Ritchie was hoping Mac hadn't left town or moved. Looking closer at the place he noticed Mac's Japanese swords still on the wall in the office. Yep he was still here Ritchie smiled to himself.

Taking the final steps of the street he walked quietly in to the Dojo as not to disturb the class. It was Tai Chi. The instructor was a beautiful Asian woman who stood about 5'4". She was well balanced with a nice complexion.

'What the hell why not' Ritchie thought to himself as he shrugged off his coat and began to take off his shoes. He sat them by his backpack and found an empty spot near the side of the class where he would not disturb the students and joined in the Kata. Each move leading in to the next the tension always there. He began to drift in to a meditative state. Push pull move turn arch and glide. After he completed the Kata he automatically stated the next without thinking. It was a more formal and complex form Mac had taught him in his early training as his student. Thought became form, form became motion, motion became fluid, and fluid became thought. On and on the cycle went his mind lead his body followed. His eyes were closed his face a placid tension. Sweat poured from him as he continued. The form changed it became as a climb up a hill. Tension increased and the pace quickened. Even though the form changed the fluidity did not. His body was in alignment with his soul and mind he was at peace and war all at once. Onward and upward the Kata took him, as the hill became a mountain till at last he took the last step off the top of the mountain and began the graceful flight to the earth below. Here the form took on an ethereal quality what was fluid and graceful before looked in comparison ragged and jarring. The form floated him down in to conscious world again. As he made the final flourish of humility he opened his eyes to see the instructors gaze meeting his as she stood directly in front of him.

'Uh oh' he thought as his calm was shattered. " Uh I'm sorry. I"

"Shh. "Ling placed her finger to his lips and directed him to gaze around the dojo. The students were seated attentively around him in a semi circle with looks of awe on their faces. "Thank you for sharing such a beautiful kata with us Mr.?" ling paused

"Ryan, Ritchie Ryan." He was more than a little awed that they were awed what he felt were his clumsy moves.

"Mr. Ryan. I am Ling Fong an instructor here at this dojo. I have only seen that Kata done once before. An old Chinese master in the Hunan province was giving a demonstration for the new Kung Fu masters as something they should aspire towards." Ling saw the beginnings of unease on Ritchie's face." But enough of that did you perhaps come by to apply for a job teaching?" Ling asked

"Ah .. I'm not that good" Ritchie said believing it to be true.

"Who was your teacher?" ling asked confused and getting slightly upset at whoever the idiot was who taught this young man.

"Well perhaps after your class we can talk in private my teacher is the reason I'm here actually." Ritchie replied.

" Very well" ling smiled at him.

Ling gathered her students in formation once more and gave them their final instructions for the day and again thanked Ritchie for sharing with them. After dismissing the class she led Ritchie back towards the office.

" Do you have another class soon?" Ritchie asked

"Not until noon. Why?" ling asked caught off guard.

"I thought perhaps we would be more comfortable using my teachers place" Ritchie gave a smug grin and pulled his keys to Mac's loft out of his pocket.

"Well its 8:30 now is it far?" ling asked.

Richeie walked over to the lift and inserted the key. "Nope, not at all" his smug grin turned in to a full blown patented Ritchie smile.

"Ha ha ha ha !" Ling burst in to laughter "were it not for the way you take after him I would not have believed you even with the key to his home" she was trying to stop but having trouble.

"Thanks.. I think. Shall we?" Ritchie offered her his arm and when she took it stepped on to the lift with her. Once they were at the loft level he opened the lift doors and surveyed the area.'good its clean. At least that is normal' he was about to offer to make coffee but his eyes fell on the empty hole where Macs emergency pack was usually kept. " Did uh Mac say he was going anywhere?" he asked hoping he sounded casual.

"No not personally but he did leave me a note letting me know he would be out of town for a couple of days." Why is something wrong?" she was older than she looked and wiser too. She could see the not so well hidden concern on his face as he looked about the room. Something she decided was not right.

"No it's probably nothing. Forget I mentioned it. Would you like some tea? Or coffee?" Ritchie was back to his charming youthful debonair self.

"Tea Please" ling pulled up a stool at the breakfast counter in the kitchen area.

Ritchie smiled and began to gather the teapot and other necessary tools.

" Duncan taught you the fire song?" ling said opening a new subject

"The what? Oh you mean the kata." Ritchie stopped for a moment then continued on with the tea. He set the pot on the stove and opened the teapot lid. "Yes it was part of my training."

"Why do you think you are not very good at martial arts Ritchie?" Ling was extremely curious as to why he had thins inferiority complex about his talent for Tai Chi.

"I guess its because Mac is so much better than I am." Ritchie looked at her levelly "I mean I barely ever win when matched with him" he took the boiling water off the stove and poured it in to the pot. He let it steep.

"Have you ever sparred with other people?"

"Yes but not in combat sparing just light or touch sparing" Ritchie looked ashamed "the few times I have done combat sparing with others I have hurt them because my technique is sloppy I cant seem to hold back enough."

Ling accepted a cup of tea after he poured two. "If I wear full pads will you spar with me?" she took a sip of her tea but never let her eyes wander from his.

"I don't think it's a good.."

"Please indulge me" Ling persisted.

"Ok but if you get hurt I'm sure Mac will kill me several times" he said honestly.

"Teachers don't kill their students most of the time no matter what they do Ritchie so I would not worry about that. Besides I am asking for it" she said with a grin.

'Well that would be true if I was mortal' he thought. Outwardly he just smiled at her.

They sipped their tea quietly for a bit enjoying the flavor of the bitter dark leaf Duncan had acquired from china. After they finished Ritchie had offered another but Ling refused saying they had something that needed doing. He almost asked what that was but caught himself before he said it. Truth be told he thought she was beautiful and her voice was the most reassuring and soothing he had ever heard.

They made their way once more in to the dojo proper and she donned her pads. While she was busy getting suited up Ritchie did some suiting of his own he grabbed an extra gi from the office and slipped in to the bathroom to put it on? When he came out he noticed ling was warming up so he joined her.

"How much contact are we talking about here" he asked her warily.

" May I? " she indicated that she wanted to show him, as words would not describe it.

He nodded to her his consent. Then he picked himself up off the mat and walked back in to the sparring circle. "Cough uh.. Ok" he wheezed for a second then faced her and bowed.

Ling bowed and then it began. 'Damn it he's going easy on me' she thought angrily after the first 45 seconds 'time to fix that' "I" she hit him hard "will" then she took his legs out from under him "Beat" she almost stomped on his midsection, but he rolled away "you" she threw a punch to his solar plexus as he was getting up from one knee "to" he jumped over her flipping in the air " A pulp" she pursued him relentlessly across the mats " if you do not do better than that! Now Hit me if you are going to hit me, kick me if you are going to kick me stop playing around!" She smiled at him viciously

This time when she attacked him he met her blow for blow nothing was held back and more than once she found herself coming back from the mat. She began to use more advanced techniques. He countered those. She employed strategy. He adapted. Then she made a mistake and found herself in a no win situation his arm around her thought ready to break her neck. He stopped. She breathed. He kissed her.

Two hours later she scrambled to get her gi on and down to the Dojo. Her hair was still wet from the shower. The first students for the noon class had begun to arrive and change in the locker rooms. She greeted them as they came out and had them sign the appropriate paperwork. As the class began to form in to rows Ritchie came down in the lift. He had come to class dressed in his borrowed Gi as she had requested.

"Ah good" Ling Smiled as she notice Ritchie get off the lift. "Class I would like to introduce you to my assistant instructor Mr. Richard Ryan." She watched Ritchie struggle to keep his composure and not look shocked. " Mr. Ryan is a black belt in Kun Fu and Aikido as well as Nem Po. He has a adequate grasp of Judo and is also a student of Kendo." His degree ranks have yet to be tested as he has only had private tutoring in the old style. This means he was taught by a teacher and not in a class such as this. I am Ling Fong your head instructor. I am an eighth degree black belt in tai kwan do, a 4th degree in aikido I am a master of the Northern Shaolin Chuan style. An adequate kendoist and a 2nd degree black belt in judo. I have been seriously training in the martial arts since I was 8 years old. Welcome to basic karate 101." Ling motioned for Ritchie to stand beside her."Mr. Ryan is also a student here and you will be his teachers. He has never taught his skills as he was trained in a teacher student only environment." Ritchie could not help but look a little nervous and the class gave a few well meant chuckles all in good sport.

"Thank you" he almost denied everything but then he remembered the earlier events of the morning. "I hope to learn a lot from all of you. Do not be afraid to come to me with anything. I do mean anything, from help in your technique to helping me with mine" that got a good laugh from the class. "My teacher told me once that the teacher learns more from the student that the student from the teacher I think I m about to get a crash course" he smiled and looked to Ling.

Seeing as how it was the first class in karate for those present Ling started them on safety and warm up techniques. Even to his own surprise Ritchie fell right in to a rhythm of teaching along side Ling. By the time the class ended an hour later the students were a little hyped and Ritchie was positively floating. He had been a drifter for far too long never finding a nitch until now. Now he knew what he wanted to do. He would teach. He would live learn and grow stronger.

Day 5 1330hrs

"Joes Bar. How may I be of assistance?"

"Erick this is Ritchie is Joe there?"

"Hiya Ritchie! No he's not here today but you know him he tends to disappear for a day or two at a time without warning. Want me to have him call you when he gets in?" Erick said happily

"That would be great Erick. How's the new wife?" Ritchie asked

They exchanged pleasantries and small talk for a while then said goodbye. 'Mac's not here. Joe is not at the bar. I wonder' Ritchie dialed Methos' answering service.

"Hello" came Methos' recording "please deposit one beer for the first minuet and a half pint for each additional. Oh and leave a message at your own risk. Beeeeeeeeeep"

"You now owe me a new phone old man no wait you owe Mac a new phone the beer ruined the first one I'll be damned if I'm messing up my cell." Ritchie countered the recording " I'm at Mac's Place give me a call when you get this the number is same as last time Thanks."

He would just give it a few days after all it was not unusual for any one of his friends to go missing for as much as a week before something was officially up.

Day 5 0900hrs

Joe was lead to a small room with a large table and four chairs. The sergeant recuffed him in front explaining that he personally didn't want to do it but would get in to trouble if he didn't. Joe understood and was grateful to the man for his ethics and his understanding. After being humiliated to his core this sergeant had somehow with his manners and dedication revived Joe's faith that the military was a good thing.

He was only waiting a few moments when in walked two men. The one he knew sat down next to him. The other took a seat across.

Jacked looked Joe over measuring him up. "Sergeant."

"Sir?" Rogers stepped in.

"Please remove Mr. Dawson's handcuffs and return to him any property you are holding" O'Neill ordered.

Sergeant Rogers smiled at Joe as he took the cuffs off and returned the wallet and keys "all accounted for sir?" he asked Joe.

"Yes Thank you sergeant. Before you leave I would like to say something." Joe looked at the General.

Jack nodded.

"This man " he pointed at Rogers in a stern and grouchy manner. "IS The best military man I have even met even in my time of service to this country I found none to match his dedication to country and to self. He is the reason I am cooperating with you at all at this point. Sergeant I thank you for your service." Joe said meaning every solemn word.

Adam/Methos was impressed. He even forgot to hide it.

O'Neill was beginning to think this was brown nosing until he caught sight of Adam. " Thank you Sergeant you may resume your post." He turned his attention fully on Joe. "Mr. Dawson Dr. Pierson has explained to me why you did what you did and I find it understandable. However I now have a problem to solve. What do I do about it?" O'Neill let out a sigh. " On one hand I have one mans car and concern for another to take in to consideration. On the other the safety and security of this base. So help me find a solution tell me exactly what you know about what goes one here and don't leave anything out no matter how small and I promise you we will find a way to deal with this that we will both like." Jack watched Joe honestly.

Joe began to tell the general everything he was able to learn about the SGC.

Day 5 1000hrs

Duncan had paid and paid some more to get there but he made it. The small stand of trees he was in overlooked the Cheyenne mountain complex from the east. He had seen them take Joe from the van into the base. There was nothing left to do at the moment but wait and see if they turned him loose.

Day 5 0930hrs

"Pierson just how many friends do you have looking for you?" Jack said annoyed.

"Sorry General I think Joe is correct there should only be one on the way and gods help us if he finds out what is going on" Adam said sarcastically.

"Oh? " Jack continued nonplussed "Why is that?

"On nothing" he tried to diffuse the conversation.

"Pierson. Spill!" Jack ordered.

"Well its just that if he discovers that the world is at risk he will do his damndest in trying to save it no matter how many people he annoys along the way. He hasn't learned to just let the world take care of itself. He has to be the everlasting Boy Scout and voice of morality." Methos droned.

" What's the matter Adam afraid he might make you admit you care what happens to this world?" Joe piped in.

"Joe!" Adam said defensively

"Pierson" jack said with amused

"General Please don't encourage him," Adam Said pleadingly

"OK enough. Mr. Dawson"

"Call me Joe please." Joe interrupted

"Fine Joe if your friend is on his way where do you think he is right now?" Jack wasn't sure he wanted to know the answer. " Oh and Pierson is he you know?"

"Yes General and just as protective of the fact."

"Well.." Joe looked stunned. " You mean?"he pointed at the General. "He knows?"

"Yes Joe most of it anyway." Adam said without hesitation

"ARE YOU CRAZY! Jesus H Christ in a holy hand basket on ice skates!" Joe looked at Methos " You old fool they will have you on a dissection table any time now!" Joe was almost physically distressed.

"Relax Joe there is more going on here than you could imagine. I may be old. I'm not stupid" Adam said calmly.

"Mr. Dawson?" Jack got Joes attention. "How would you like to help not only your country but your planet?" Jack asked with a gleam in his eye.

"That Depends on what exactly you want me to do." Joe was beginning to have his doubts about the military again.

"Simple first sign these…" Jack opened a manila envelope and placed some forms in front of Joe.

"What are these?"

"Non disclosure agreements" Jack sat leaned back " Basically you talk we kill you."

"Talk about what?" Joe asked

"Well I could tell you now but I would have to kill you after.. Unless you sign first."

Joe skimmed the documents and signed.

"Now read this." Jack handed Joe 5 pages of information and a stack of photographs."

"Yeah right" Joe snorted and began to laugh until he caught sight of the other two men in the room. " Ahem ok. You said first? I assume there is more?" Joe waited

"Correct. Second I want you to go unescorted to the parking lot and call in your friend the Boy Scout." Jack smiled sweetly

"Shit" Adam was dreading this.

"Ok, anything else?" Joe wondered where this would end.

" Oh not much really just work for us for a bit and make it so our computers wont be hacked into by the same route you used." Jack let the words hang out there like bait.

"For how long?" Joe countered.

" Until its done and then as long as you A. contribute something useful to my base and B as you are willing to do it. No strings." Jack watched the mans face show the change of emotions from begrudging agreement to amaze meant to willing consent.

"You got a deal general. I should however warn you Adam here is correct about the eternal Boy Scout." He said with a chuckle. Maybe this would not end so badly after all.

Day 5 1200 hrs

Mac was sitting eating a sandwich he had picked up at a small convience store. Even though he ate he did not let up his vigilance to watch the base. What he saw next was the last thing he expected to ever see. He watched as Joe and Methos walked unrestrained out to the middle of the parking lot and unfold two identical signs and begin to turn them in different directions.

Duncan Choked momentarily on his tuna sandwich. 'weel shit mea kilt' Duncan thought as he read through the binoculars.

They know you are out there

Come on in

All is well

We will explain.

Joe. Adam.

Day 5 1200hrs

Amanda coughed Violently and threw up her combination of burrito and soda the later of which she had swallowed the wrong way.

"Oh no I did not just see what I think I just saw" She said to herself as she regained control of her digestive tract.

Day 5 1230hrs

"General this is Airman Olivia at the front gate. You instructed me to let the individual through without inspection." He said in to the phone

" Yes is there a problem?" Jack waited

"No sir its just there are two individuals coming in."

" Let them through we will sort it out later, thank you Airman."

"Yes Sir."

It was at this point that Duncan and Amanda spotted each other coming from opposite sides of the base parking lot. Not a word was said as the fell in to step beside each other. There were however a few curious shakes of the head from each.

They were passed through the front gate without incident. Both of them paused however at the squad of Special Forces Personnel that greeted then on the other side. Joe and Methos were waiting ahead of the squad to greet them.

"Mac."

"Joe."

"Macloud"

"Amanda"

"Joe"

"Methos"

"Oh For Crying Out Loud!" Jack said as he caught up to them " Lets go."

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