Chapter 2: To Be or Not to Be
A gasping cry was heard from a young man as he finally woke from the dream. He rolled out of the bed and rushed to the restroom to try and stop the shaking that was trying to take over his small petite form. Another followed behind, shadows forming a solid body that was devoid of life and heat.
"Aibou?" came the deep baritone voice, "Aibou please say something?"
The young man took a deep breath before slowly letting it out. He splashed his face with cold water before gazing into the mirror and seeing the other there behind him in his reflection. Droplets of water dripped down his face to fall back into the general vicinity of the sink.
"I never knew," he said softly, "Even during the millennium world game that Akefia forced you into, it never came out. Why?"
The slightly taller and older appearing male wrapped arms around his hikari, "at the time my memories were gone. And apparently changed by the Gods," he said, "Lord Horus must have altered Akefia and my memories further until it was needed for us to know once again."
"Yugi leaned back into his yami's arms and smiled a bit, "I could have used a bit of a warning before that invaded my… our dreams" he said.
The older male chuckled softly, "the Gods are not exactly creatures of kindness, only when it suits them and it is not very often it happens." he commented.
In the bedroom the song from a random sci-fi show popular in the U.K. began playing, "That's Ryou's ringtone," Yugi said as he turned off the faucet and grabbing a towel to dry his face on the way back into the bedroom, disentangling himself from his darker half before doing so.
The more innocent looking of the pair walked into the bedroom, snagging the phone on the way, "Ryou-kun?"
"I didn't wake you did I?" came the cultured British accented voice.
Yugi tossed the towel towards the hamper, barely missing the former pharaoh when he came in from the bathroom in the process, "Actually i just woke up. What's wrong?"
"Akefia demanded to talk to Yami," he said as the phone was passed off.
Yugi rolled his eyes,tossing the phone to his yami, "You need a cell phone," he said, "Akefia wants to talk to you."
Yami caught the phone and sighed, "What is it thief?"
"From your tone you just had the same dream, well memory actually, as myself and my landlord," the thief and former general said.
"Apparently the Gods do not exactly have the best timing," he said slight irritation in his voice, "The question is why now? We know that the Chaapa'ai has been in the possession of the American for a while now."
Yami glanced over as he heard his aibou typing on his laptop, then focused on when the thief spoke again, "Not sure. I do know next time I see that Jackyl I am gonna neuter him the hard way," he said.
A yelp was heard over the phone, causing the former pharaoh to chuckle, "I wonder if it could be related to the email aibou received from one of jii-san's old students from his archeology days."
Shuffling was heard as someone paced on the other end of the phone, "Maybe. Can you have him forward the email to mine or Ryou's emails?" he inquired.
Yami spoke, "Give me a moment," he said then placed the phone against his shoulder, "aibou, can you forward the email to either Ryou or the thief?"
Yugi glanced over, a pair of glasses balanced on his nose, "Sure. I was thinking about sending it anyways. Most of this I can read, but there is a section that is odd and I am unable to translate it."
"Thank you aibou," Yami said, "He is sending it now," he then said to Akefia on the other end.
Akefia heard this and asked Ryou to open the email when it arrived. There was a pause of silence that turned into curses in many different languages both living and dead. Yami canted a regal brow at some of the more creative combinations that resounded over the line.
"I am not sure if that last one is even possible even if one were a contortionist," came the response.
Akefia snarled out, "Those bloody idiotic idiots know as Americans! They have brought evil back to this world. What the prince was unable to read was the language of the false-ones and their followers."
Yami was the next one to spat out his own curses, causing Yugi to turn and stare at his darker half, "Mou hitori no boku, A tumbler is not designed to be placed in that particular part of the male anatomy."
Yami blinked as the thief laughed over the phone having heard the comment from Yugi, "Oh shut it thief," he said then sat down on the foot of the bed, "The American doctor may not even be aware of what language they have," he said.
"Maybe, but I wouldn't bet on it though," Akefia said, "Where are you two?"
"Colorado in the United States," Yami said, "Kaiba is here as well. Apparently he is meeting someone who is interested in his tech."
Yugi chimed in, "not that he will exactly give them leave to mess with it."
"Seriously, you are in their territory?" the thief asked, "You know better than that. Hell I taught you better than that."
Yugi plucked the phone from the pharaoh's fingers, "Actually I was here before the email. University of Colorado asked me to speak in a conference they were hosting since I am one of the leading minds in linguistics, especially dead and obscure languages."
Akefia frowned some, "Prince, I know the pharaoh is able to protect you, but still be careful. These Americans probably are doing what they do best and that's stumbling into things blindly."
Yugi laughed at this, "Actually I was wondering if you and Ryou may want to join us here. Something tells me your expertise and Ryou's medical and healing abilities will be needed."
"Let me discuss it with my landlord. I will call or test you later with what he says," he told the more gentle half of the Pharaoh's soul, "Get some sleep little prince. You need it, I can tell. Let me speak to the pharaoh once again."
Yugi smiled at how much the thief could be a mother hen when it hit him, "Yes mother." he said, "Tell Ryou night for me." he said as he handed Yami his cell phone again, a wide yawn cracking his jaw.
Yami took the phone when his aibou held it out. He saw Yugi crawl back into the bed and stepped into the hall and down to the kitchen area so as not to disturb the young man.
"What is it?" he asked the thief.
Akefia spoke softly, "How is he really? After all, you have not stopped using the shadows I can tell."
Yami sat at the kitchen table, running a hand through his wild tri-colored hair, "He is okay I suppose. He tends to hide things, even from me when he can. The shadows still want him and they are doing everything they can to consume him. He is too pure, he is a delicacy for them." he said with a frown, "And he won't admit it, but he has nearly destroyed himself a few times by delving too deeply into his shadow magics. I found him a few weeks ago nearly gray in color and sick. I… Akefia he is going to either be consumed or die trying to control the Shadows and I do not have a heart to tell him he cannot do so" he said.
"And what about when you use your own shadow magics?" Akefia asked him.
"If I draw too deeply and echoes to Yugi… it makes him ill." Yami admitted with deep bone weary sigh.
"So basically no matter what way you go, he is being affected." he said, then turned thoughtful, "You need to find a way to make him less pure, to… sully his soul." he said.
"I am not going to taint Yugi's pure soul just so I can use the shadows easier," He protested with a hiss.
"Then watch him carefully. You know that if he falls too deep he may never return. Not even with my and Ryou's help" he said, "Plus when he taps into the realm he tends to wander," Akefia cautioned, "And Pharaoh?"
"What is it this time?" he asked softly, exhaustion hitting him.
"Get a bloody cell phone so I can stop bugging your hikari just to speak to you," he said and then hung up.
"Stupid thieves" he grumbled then sighed as he stayed a moment at the table before heading to the room and watching his hikari sleep for the rest of the night.
Colonel Jack O'Neill took in the grounds of the air force base that specialized in experimental aircraft, including a few that were based off some of the tech SG-1 and the other SG teams managed to bring back. He looked over a file in his hand of a real ace pilot that was moving up the ranks. One Haiden Aaron Evans was an enigma. The young man showed up with dual citizenship and no known family, joining the academy at the age of seventeen with special permission from the president and prime minister. The boy excelled in all of his classes, graduating with honors. Every agency tried to entice him to their side, but he chose to fly experimental aircraft instead. The few videos Jack had seen of the young man flying made even his adrenaline junky side clench it's sphincter. He looked over as another shuffled his feet to let him know he was there.
"Colonel O'Neill, shall we go and meet this young warrior you wish to recruit?" the tall black male said.
The colonel rolled his eyes, "Just because he is part of the air force does not make him a warrior" he said.
Teal'c did not look at his friend as he spoke, "His eyes speak of much pain. He has seen battle and has come out the victor."
Jack thought on that, "Unless he lied about his age, he saw battles when he was just a teenager and I have heard of any wars where young men were used recently."
Teal'c merely shrugged, "Only way is to ask him."
"I guess so. Alright let's go and see this modern day Iron Man," Jack said as he headed down the path towards the administrative offices where the young man worked when not testing out the goods.
"Iron… man?" Teal'c asked in confusion, "I did not see him as such. How would he pilot the aircraft if he is Iron?"
Jack laughed, "I suppose I should be glad I didn't call him Gandalf or Obi-wan," he said, "But you and me buddy on our next days off we are going to do an Iron Man Marathon." he said after explaining who Iron Man was.
Teal'c canted a perfect brow but said nothing more. The pair entered the Admin Building, heading for the captain's office. The few people in the admin building would pause and salute the pair as they passed by. The one they were looking for was not at his desk. Jack knocked on the captain's office door and entered into the room when the call of 'enter' came.
The captain started and immediately was on his feet saluting the man, "Colonel O'Neill?!" he began, "To what do I owe this unexpected visit?"
Jack returned the salute, "actually captain i am here to speak with one of your sargents."
"Is the sergeant in question in trouble sir?" the captain inquired.
"Not at all. This particular sargeant is in fact quite exceptional," Jack said as he took a seat.
"You must be speaking of Sargent Evans," the captain said with a chuckle, "I get someone from one of the many agencies in here at least once a week to try and recruit him. He has turned down every one to date just to warn you."
Jack turned thoughtful at this, "Is that so? I would still like to meet him."
"He is currently down at the airfield. I believe he is about to test another new aircraft that was brought in recently," he said.
Jack stood at this, "I will head on down then. I want to see him in action in person."
"Do you need an escort?" the other man asked.
"It is fine, captain. I know my way down there," Jack motioned for Teal'c to follow him from the office.
Teal'c waited until they were outside before speaking, "If many have tried to recruit him, what will make us different enough that he will accept our offer?"
Jack smirked, "The unknown and the chance to solve it," he said.
Teal'c canted a single brow at this, but did not say anything else. The pair traversed over the grounds, nodding to those that they passed along the way. Jack saw the airfield in question and made a beeline for the area other pilots and grounds crew stood. He didn't see the young man they were looking for, instead most of those standing around were talking excitedly about someone about to take off. Jack saw the aircraft and realized it was a design that was based off one of the toys that one of the SG teams had at one time or another brought back to Earth. Even Teal'c recognized the similarities. They settled in to watch just what would happen.
"Obi-Wan to the tower. I am ready for take off," a cultured British accent called over a radio everyone nearby could hear.
Another voice said, "You are cleared for takeoff on runway 2Kilo3. Have fun and don't break this one if at all possible."
A laugh was heard, "If I don't break them then how are the tech geeks going to know what is wrong to make them better?"
"Yeah well the tech geeks are still ticked off at the last one you damaged," the other said, "Good Luck!"
"Don't need it but thanks anyways. Obi-Wan out, " the radio fell silent.
Jack laughed softly at the call sign of the other. Soon a near silent aircraft took to the skies. The colonel kept his eyes on the aircraft as it was put through its paces. Nothing too insane to start with, leaving Jack somewhat disappointed after reading about all the insane stunts the sargent usually did.
"Obi-Wan to the tower, let the tech geeks know it is sluggish on take-off," Came the voice, "I am gonna start my real run now."
The tower spoke, "Noted. Fire and medics on standby. Have fun."
"Fire maybe, medics never needed. Radio in when I am done," the sargent said.
Soon quite the show was given as the aircraft was moved, flipped, dove, juked and in general abused by the young man piloting it. The show lasted maybe 15 minutes before a rather large pop was heard and smoke began billowing from the back of the aircraft. The grounds crew jumped into action as the pilot brought the aircraft down to land. The fire trucks and ambulance headed for the aircraft that was powering down. The canopy of the aircraft opened and the pilot hopped out and landed lightly on the balls of his feet. The medics fussed over him before letting him go. The fire crew did not do anything after making sure the aircraft was not about to burst into flames.
"Let the tech geeks know that the thrusters won't handle anything above 2G's" the young man said as he approached the waiting group.
"You did those stunts at 2G's?!" Jack blurted out.
The young sargent stopped and saluted the man, "No Sir. I did them at 1G and the thruster went out when I tried to pull 2G's," he explained, "If the thrusters go out like that when it is in use, the pilot will end up in real trouble. I am hazarding a guess that this engine is the next generation for space travel."
Jack was surprised at how astute the other was, "what makes you come to that conclusion?" he asked.
"The engine is designed for high speeds that are not normally used within the Earth's atmosphere. Not to mention that the aircraft itself is made up of a special alloy designed to withstand extreme temperatures without being damaged." he said, "I have done the research. It is what I do before I take any aircraft up." he explained, "Plus I do have a doctorate in astrophysics."
Jack did not see that in the file, "Interesting…" he said lamely.
Teal'c smirked from where he stood, "Major Carter will find him interesting."
Jack rolled his eyes a moment, "another geek," he whined out.
The young sargeant grabbed his bag that was lying on the ground nearby, "So sir, may I ask what division you are from?"
Jack motioned for the young man to follow him down the path, "I cannot exactly disclose that without you signing a butt ton of paperwork. Let's just say that what you are doing now my team as well as other teams have had a hand in it."
The young sargeant canted a brow at this, "Sir, you have definitely caught my interest. But I am going to need more to even consider leaving my current assignment."
Teal'c spoke at this point, "You are a warrior, whether by choice or not I am not sure. But as a fellow warrior I can tell that you need more."
The young man started and frowned, "that part of my life is behind me," he said cooly, "I lost far too much."
"Sargeant, I think my department would be something that will be interesting and right up your alley," Jack said, "If you want to have your mind blown, call me on my cell," he said as he handed over a card, "You have leave coming up if I remember correctly, it may do you some good to travel… perhaps Colorado?"
The young man took the card and frowned a bit as the colonel and his unnamed companion walked away. He headed for his desk at the admin building to finish up the report on the latest aircraft he tested out. He also had leave to make arrangements for.
Teal'c walked next to his friend after leaving the other, "you did not say anything to entice him to join the SGC," he said, "How do you know he will contact you on your cellular device?"
Jack smirked as he got into a waiting car, "Because he is like me. He gets bored easily and I could tell by the way he spoke he is ready to spice up his life yet again," he said, "so his curiosity is going to take over and he will call, and I am sure it will be before the sun sets tonight."
"We shall see then," Teal'c said as the car pulled away, heading for the hotel they would stay in for the night before returning to the SGC under the Cheyenne Mountain...possibly with a third in tow.