He woke slowly. The new quarters were nice enough, hell luxurious compared to some of his past homes. Max was next door which was convenient. It was a fairly long walk to the main facilities, but he needed the exercise these days. It wasn't the quarters that bothered him, it was the silence.

Atlantis, like any other city, had its noises and smells and vibrations that made it unique but what it really lacked was that background hum of chaotic white noise cities on Earth had. He appreciated they were close enough to the edge of this pylon to pick up some of the sounds of the sea but otherwise there was very little noise. It was surprisingly hard for him to reconciles the fact he was in a city with the quiet.

He rose from his warm bed and went through a routine of stretches and warmups that Carson and his assigned physical therapist had assigned him. Devoid of any real job or other purpose he had made his recovery his focus. As he moved, he thought about what Max had said.

Who was he now? What was his name? He was Methos, he was certain of that. A Methos at peace with the horseman, but he was more than that too. He wore a body that had not been his for the first time? Had this happened before? and a face and history that was not his either. He was sure he would not be returning to Earth any time soon. Not while he looked like Jarod.

Jarod…where was he? Had he faced a mortal death in his sacrifice subjugation? Or was he another part of Methos' Quickening? We he the counterpoint to the petty cruelty of the horseman? Did it matter?

He forced the thoughts away and focused on his movements, heart rate, reach and flexibility. If he couldn't join a combat team, he would still need to be physically proficient with a blade and the small arms the expedition used to defend the city. He wouldn't burden these people. After all, this was his home now too, maybe for several of their lifetimes.

"Do you want back on missions?" John asked.

"More than I want a beer from Joe's." She blurted.

"Joe's?"

"Bar, in Seacouver, friend ran it. Haven't had a drink there in like 6 years, maybe longer." She explained blushing.

"But I mean, I thought I was on tap here until Methos was cleared and Rodney's project – "

"Well, Methos is cleared medically and he's not posing a threat in any way we can see. Carter is going to have him work with the linguistics team for a bit. Carson says you're good to go for shorter missions so really it's up to you."

"Uh okay. But why bother to ask me? I'm enlisted and, on your team, already."

"Eh the rules are a little different out here, especially for you. Almost anyone else on Atlantis can go back to Earth if they need to or want to. You can't, if your enlistments ends and for some reason you want to leave the city, be a real civilian you can't really do that either. So, I figure it makes sense to make sure you're happy and committed to your role."

"That's… thank you sir."

"Ah don't mention it. So, you in?"

"Absolutely sir."

"Great, consider yourself Mission approved, at least for 12 hour runs until Carson and Rodney figure out if those twice a day scans are actually useful."

"Got you wondering too huh sir?"

"Daily."

"Do you think it is wise?"

"Bantos is a pretty common aspect of training here and requires stamina, strength, and hand eye coordination, all of which he needs to work on as part of his recovery."

"Yes of course but…they are also weapons." Teyla pointed out gently.

Max smiled, "Even learning to walk and fight in a new body he is still formidable. At least this way we can monitor his progress somewhat."

"Do you not trust him?" Teyla asked and poured their tea.

"I …I don't think I know him. I knew Jarod, and I knew Methos but I'm not sure who I'm talking to with him now." Max sighed.

Teyla sipped her tea and let Max have room and time to think for a few moments.

"I believe him when he says it's Methos I'm talking to and I even believe him when he says he thinks Jarod gave up."

"But?" Teyla prompted.

Max smiled ruefully, "But Methos is the most cunning person I've ever known. I don't think this is a con in any way, but I can't rule it out."

"Is he a threat to Atlantis?"

"No, no way. This is his only safe place now. That's something he drilled into me early, always have a safe place, or better yet 10. Access to weapons, food, communications, safety. He won't do anything to jeopardize Atlantis or his place here."

"So, Bantos stick training it is." Teyla smiled.