"Ethan, it's good to see you. Come in, come in!" Hiram Greenbul, the senior Security Officer in the district where Ethan and his family lived, invited his friend into the station. "To what do I owe this honor?"

"Can't someone come and visit a friend?" Ethan asked lightly.

"Of course, but then you usually come to my home, not to the Station." Hiram took him to his small office at the back of the building. He was a humble man and didn't need anything ostentatious. At the same time, being at the back allowed him to walk through the Station and keep his eyes on things.

"Have a seat," he pointed to the comfortable chair in the small seating area. "A drink?"

"No, thank you Hiram. You were correct in thinking this isn't a personal visit. I'm concerned about something, and decided I should talk to you about it."

"Of course," Hiram frowned. "You know you can always talk to me."

"As a friend?" Ethan asked. "I don't want to make things uncomfortable for you, so if that's not possible, just say so and I'll leave."

"You haven't committed a crime, have you?" Hiram asked, with a smile.

"No," Ethan laughed. "No crimes – unless sneaking the last piece of Magrit's pie is a crime."

"Well, she may think so but I'll let that pass. So, unless you're confessing, or you know of a crime that's been committed, we can talk as friends. What is it?"

Ethan took a deep breath. "Well, it has to do with Jack," he said. When Hiram just nodded, the older man went on. "There's been someone asking questions about him, and I'm worried. I'm afraid this man is trouble and I don't know what to do."

"What has he done to give you that idea?" Hiram sat forward in his chair, his hands clasped loosely between his knees. He was looking intently at his friend, knowing that Ethan was not someone to get worried over nothing, and wouldn't have come to him unless he truly believed something was wrong.

"He came a couple of weeks ago, looking for his brother and their friends. Said he was supposed to have met up with them months ago, but they've disappeared. He's decided that Jack knows something about his brother and has become somewhat threatening."

"Threatening? How?" Hiram sat up, looking intently at his friend.

"Oh, nothing you could arrest him for, but he'd alluded to making Jack pay, etc. And Sam is worried too. She's met the man and thinks he's dangerous."

Hiram didn't know Sam very well, having only met her a few times in the store. However, Ethan spoke very highly of her, and he knew his friend was a good judge of character.

"Why does he think Jack knows something?" Hiram asked.

"I guess when he first showed up, Jack reacted strangely. He didn't say anything, but I guess he looked pretty shaken up. He and Sam claimed it was just something he ate, but obviously this guy didn't believe him. It turns out his brother is an identical twin, so he figures Jack must have known, or at least seen his brother. He claims that Jack thought it was his brother who had shown up, and that's why he reacted the way he did."

"Hmm – all rather interesting, but other than his reaction, the man doesn't have any proof that Jack knew his brother?"

"No, I don't think so."

"Did he give his name – or that of his brother?"

"Mmm hmm. His name is Leron – his brother was Meron. There were two others, but I can't remember their names."

At the name 'Meron', Hiram looked startled. "Meron? You're sure?"

"Yes," Ethan frowned. "Do you recognize the name?"

"Just a minute." Hiram stood up and walked to his desk. He pulled out a drawer and rummaged around until he found a sheet of paper. He walked back and sat down, reading what was written there.

"The other two, their names wouldn't be Alid and Donar, would they?" he asked, looking up.

"I don't think I heard the names of the other two. Why do you ask?"

"This is a notice I got from the folks in Stavanger," Hiram answered, referring to the piece of paper. "It was a month or two after you found Jack. Remember I told you, just after you brought him back, that I'd heard about those bandits down by Kalmar?"

Ethan nodded. "I remember. You even went looking for them when you suspected they might have been the ones who hurt him."

"Unfortunately, we found no trace of them. But then, a few weeks later I received this," he held up the paper. "The Chief Officer there asked us to keep a look out for three men; Meron, Alid and Donar. They were under suspicion for the rapes and murders of a family who lived outside the city. When the Security Officers went to arrest them, they had fled. Then I started hearing other reports of murders, assaults, thefts and rapes committed by three men matching their descriptions all over the territory. I figured these were probably the same bandits that attacked Jack, but I didn't find any evidence of them, and as far as I know, no one else has seen anything of them for over a year. We all figured they must have decided to leave the territory, or they've been in hiding. They have to know that officers in multiple towns are looking for them." He stopped and looked at Ethan. "These are very, very bad men Ethan. If this Leron is the brother, I think you have a right to be worried."

"Damn, I was hoping you'd make me feel better, Hiram, not worse!"

Hiram gave a crooked smile. "I'm glad you came to me about this. We can keep an eye on this Leron character. Do you know where he's staying?"

"No, but he's started coming to the Mercantile every day. I'm worried about what he might do to Jack, but also to Sam. He seems to like her and I'm afraid for her."

"I'll have my men try and find him. We can have some officers at your store tomorrow." He paused for a moment, and then looked directly at Ethan.

"This guy says he's the twin brother of Meron. Do you think he could be lying? Could he be Meron himself?"

"I suppose it's possible," Ethan replies, "but what would be his reason? If he is, he must know he's a wanted man, and if he was the man who hurt Jack, I would think he would have avoided him, not sought him out. And, he's here claiming to look for his brother – or to exact revenge if his brother was hurt or killed. That seems rather odd if he is Meron – although I suppose anything is possible."

"Do you think Jack has any idea why this guy is here, looking for his brother?"

Ethan gave a heavy sigh and ran his hands through his gray hair. "I don't know. It's possible, although he says he doesn't know why the guy is hanging around. I honestly don't think Jack remembers too much of what happened so probably couldn't identify the people who hurt him."

"No," Hiram nodded, "he's probably blocked it from his mind. I can't imagine - ", he stopped not wanting to continue.

"Neither can I," agreed the older man. "It's amazing to me that Jack is doing as well as he is, although sometimes I think he's just pretending. He's a good man, Hiram. The last thing he needs is something like this."

"Don't worry," the Security Officer told him. "It's my job to protect our citizens – and Jack is now a full-fledged member of our community. And I like and trust him – and I certainly trust you. We'll watch out for him and make sure this Leron doesn't cause trouble. I'll also try and find out more information on him and see if Meron really does have a twin brother. In the meantime, if you hear anything else, let me know immediately."

Ethan stood and put his hand out to shake his friend's hand. "I knew I could rely on you," he smiled. "Thank you. And we'll have to have you and Miriam over for dinner one day. I think she'd really like Sam."

"We'd love that Ethan. But for now – let's concentrate on keeping trouble out of Hjem and out of Jack's life."

Leron started showing up every day on the street outside the Mercantile. He knew enough not to step onto the property, but his presence made Jack nervous. He didn't know what to expect from the man, but his face, identical to the man who had tormented him so horribly, created a sense of foreboding. He felt like the storm clouds were gathering and the pressure was building. He just hoped it didn't end in a cataclysm for him and those he loved.

On top of the worry about Leron, was the worry about Sam. She was sticking close to him and was showing, more and more clearly, how she felt about him. He had to say something to her, but right now his emotions were on edge and he didn't know how he'd handle it. There was also the fact that he needed her. Having her by his side made things more bearable. He'd been happier the last little while than he had since arriving in Hjrem. He admitted to himself that he was falling more deeply in love with her every day.

Could things get any more complicated?

"He's back," Sam said softly beside him.

"I know. He's been hanging around all day. I think some of our customers are starting to get concerned. I hope he doesn't start anything. I would hate for it to be my fault if something harmed Ethan's business."

"Well, first thing, it wouldn't be your fault, it would be Leron's. And second, Ethan loves you like a son. He's worried about you not about his business, so you can stop worrying about that. I wonder if we should alert the authorities."

Jack didn't say anything for a second, but his eyebrow went up. Finally, he spoke. "I don't think we have to," he nodded to the street. "Hiram Greenbul is the Senior Officer around here and it looks like he's talking to Leron. I hope he's telling him to get the hell out of our city!"

In actual fact, Hiram was asking Leron why he was loitering outside the Mercantile.

"Ain't no crime in just hanging out," the man answered belligerently.

"Well, actually it is a crime if you're trying to intimidate customers going into the store or the owners or employees of the store. I'm afraid I've already had a few complaints about you. What is your name, please?"

Leron glared at him but answered eventually answered. "M'name's Leron, Leron Dalig. And who might you be?"

"I'm Chief Officer Hiram Greenbul, in charge of this district and of keeping the peace. Are you related to a man by the name of Meron Dalig?"

"He's my twin brother. I'm here looking for him."

"You think he's in the Mercantile?" Hiram asked, sounding surprised but his eyes showed he knew exactly what was going on.

"No, but the man who runs this place does!"

"Ethan Koopman? Why would he know your brother?"

"No, not him! Jack – the man in there now."

"You do know that your brother is wanted for murder, assault, rape – and a number of other charges I could name, don't you?" Hiram decided he'd had enough of this game. "I doubt very much that Jack, or any man or woman in Hjem, has the faintest clue where your brother is – more's the pity. I would love to catch him and have him receive the justice he deserves."

"Who says my brother is a murderer?" Leron practically shouted. "It's all lies! See, it's that Jack, he's spreading this slander."

"Jack? He hasn't said a thing. I received word from Security Officers from a number of other towns, all who identified your brother and two others, men named Alid and Donar."

"I tell you, they're all lying. My brother – he likes to have a little fun, but he's no murderer and neither are Alid and Donar. We've all known one another since we were kids."

"Why weren't you travelling with them?" Hiram asked.

"What is this? I haven't committed a crime, and you have no right to interrogate me!"

"I was just asking – seemed a logical question. Maybe if you go back to your hometown, they'll be waiting for you there."

Leron looked angry at that but didn't say anything. Hiram was hoping to find out where the man – or men came from.

"Look, I suggest you go somewhere else if you want to loiter. I don't want you disturbing people around here. If you have a question, ask Jack and then go find your brother. And don't think of causing any trouble. My officers will be watching."

With that, Hiram turned and walked away, glancing quickly at his two officers who were watching the Mercantile. They were dressed as citizens, pretending to be out shopping and meeting friends. He'd keep people around the Mercantile until Leron left.

Leron watched as the Security Officer left and swore under his breath. All he needed was to have the law watching him. He'd have to catch Jack somewhere where no one else was around. He had become more than ever convinced that the man knew something. He was pretty sure his brother must be dead, otherwise he would have met up in their usual place.

He felt more anger than sadness at the thought. Contrary to what he'd said to the Officer, he knew that Meron had committed murders, and other crimes. The man had a thirst for violence and causing pain like he'd never seen in anyone else. Leron was pretty sure there was something mentally wrong with his brother, and in fact, had sometimes frightened even him. But he had also looked out for him and promised that the two of them would settle down and buy a ranch together soon. Leron had counted on that, and now it seemed as if the dream was dead.

He knew Jack O'Neill had something to do with Meron's disappearance, and he was going to pay.

They hadn't seen Leron in a few days, and Jack hoped the man had decided there was nothing for him here and that he had left. On the one hand he was relieved, but on the other hand he was even more nervous. He no longer had an excuse not to speak with Sam.

"Want to go for a walk?" Jack asked her, after the boys were in bed asleep that evening.

"Sure, that sounds nice," she said, although she looked at him somewhat concerned. He'd seemed nervous and distracted all evening, and now he sounded very serious about something. "Let me grab my sweater."

Jack didn't want to have the discussion in their usual place in the back garden. That had become special to him, and he wanted to be able to retain the happy memories of sitting there with Sam. He knew this conversation was going to cause a permanent rift between them, and they'd probably not spend any real time together after this.

The evening air was pleasant, but just starting to get cool. They walked down to the river, which was close to the house and a peaceful spot.

"What is it?" she asked, after a few minutes of silence. "There's something you want to tell me, and you're worried. What's wrong?"

Jack sighed. That was the problem with having worked so closely together for so many years. Sam could read him too well.

"Let's sit," he gestured to a bench that was on the bank of the river. After they sat, he was again quiet, until he finally gathered his courage and started to speak.

"Having you here has been – wonderful," he said softly. "I am so grateful that you survived and, even if we don't make it home, that you're safe."

"I'm glad you are as well," she told him, with a gentle smile.

"And your – friendship, means everything to me," he went on. She nodded, sensing what was coming. "But I'm afraid – Sam, that's all it can be."

"Friendship?" she asked, sounding calm.

"Mmm hmm. I know you – I know there are -" he closed his eyes briefly, but then took a deep breath and opened them and looked at her directly. "I know there are deeper feelings, on the part of both of us, but I'm afraid they can't go anywhere."

"Why not?" she asked. She refused to get upset – not yet. There was something behind this and she needed to find out what was going on. She knew she loved him, and she knew he loved her, so it had to be something else.

"Because – what if we make it home?" he asked in sudden desperation. He so didn't want to tell her the real reason.

"Well, we're probably not going to make it back – you know that and so do I. I can't say as I'm not sad, and I'll always miss home, but we have a good life here. And if we do happen to find a way back to Earth – or if we're rescued, then we've been away long enough and can claim we didn't think we were going to make it home. No one would fault us for that."

He nodded knowing she was right. It also meant he was going to have to tell her the truth. It was probably one of the hardest things he was ever going to have to do. With a moment of real regret, he began to explain.

Evil cliffy – sorry folks.