Pairing: Qui-Gon/Obi-Wan, Jack O'Neill/Daniel Jackson
Archive: M_A, archive to everywhere Rauhnee posts + The Nesting
Place by link to http://www.shadowynd.com/~elaynas_den/index.html
Summary: While on fairly routine missions for their respective
governments, SG-1 and the Jedi Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan meet under
less than optimal conditions.
Category: Drama, First Time, Crossover, first in the Stargate
Jedi series.
Spoilers: SG1: minor ones through Legacy (early season 3)
Spoilers: SW: None
Feedback: Please. It's better than chocolate.
Dedicated: To Dee and Evermore, who mentioned Stargate, and
Rauhnee, who added 'Stargate slash'...Mucho thanks to
Cincoflex, Rauhnee and Allen for betaing.
Disclaimer: The characters all belong to George Lucas and
whoever owns Stargate. Not a songfic, but lyrics by Melissa
Etheridge.
Some missions were easy, some were hard, and some went to hell
in a handbasket, becoming a royal pain in the ass, reflected
Colonel Jack O'Neill, leader of the Stargate SGC-1 team.
Crouched in the bushes, he scanned for enemy movement and
checked the position of his three team members.
The trip to PKF-452 started routinely. The mobile unit was sent
through the Stargate, sending back recon intel that the planet
was inhabited and technologically advanced. Always eager to
find possible allies in their fight against the Goa'uld,
General Hammond authorized an immediate mission. Refreshed from
their last trip by a few days of R&R, SGC-1 drew the
'lucky' assignment.
Unfortunately, the mobile had failed to indicate the civil war
in process. At least, it appeared to be a civil war to Jack.
The area around the Stargate itself was deserted, so the team
had taken off through the woods on a fast pace toward the
closest civilization. They had covered a good distance from
their easy access back to Earth when the first hostiles had
surrounded them. Basically humanoid, but smaller than people of
Earth, the hostiles were unreceptive to the conversational
attempts of the team's civilian scientist, Daniel Jackson.
Taken aback by this threatening attitude, Jack signaled for his
team to casually back away.
"I see we've crashed the wrong party," the colonel said smiling
broadly. "We'll butt out. Thanks for everything. Keep in
touch." The ploy's failure provoked one of the hostiles into
shooting Daniel. The scientist's body jerked spasmodically as
energy rays slammed him to the ground. He twisted madly for a
few moments as its flaming white energy dissipated.
Instinctively Jack and Sam returned fire while Teal'c grabbed
Daniel and all four retreated.
Keeping low and using bushes for camouflage, the team avoided
two other patrols who thankfully instead found each other and
opened fire. One group of combatants wore blue uniforms while
the other wore green, but both carried the same type of energy
weapon which left Daniel dazed and confused. The team managed
to quietly avoid that conflict before stopping for a quick
break.
"We need to move out again. Sam, is Daniel okay?" Jack asked
Major Samantha Carter, who was trying to check the extent of
Daniel's injuries.
"I can move. I can walk. My right arm took the worst. I don't
think I can shoot," Daniel replied before Sam could respond.
"Just drop to the ground if we have trouble. Okay, folks, let's
move. Stay low and slow." Jack moved off stealthily in the
lead, with Sam and Daniel in the middle. Teal'c, the former
Jaffa guard who had turned against his Goa'uld master to assist
Earth in its battle against the parasitic aliens, brought up
the rear.
Halfway back to the Stargate, their luck ran out again. A group
of the aliens in green rose silently from concealment to
encircle them. The two groups faced off, with Jack, Teal'c and
Sam instinctively searching for a weakness in the circle. The
green-clad aliens appeared about as friendly as their brethren
in blue, keeping weapons raised while the leader demanded
something in an angry voice. Jack glanced at Daniel, who
started calmly through a litany of Earth welcoming phrases,
hoping to hit some language connection. Many of the planets
visited by the SGC teams through the instantaneous
transportation of the Stargate had been settled by people
removed from Earth centuries ago. With his extensive knowledge
of languages, Daniel could usually find a common ground. Of
course, Jack mused wryly, the first time he can't the aliens
happen to be fighting each other and aren't interested in
chatting up allies.
Jack studied his captors; the tenseness of their arm muscles
indicated to him that this encounter was about to end as
unpleasantly as the first. Just as the lead alien appeared
ready to open fire, a figure dropped from the trees. His dark
brown cloak had allowed him to blend into the dark green of the
trees. The brightness of his weapon was impossible to hide,
though, as a pure energy wand sliced the alien into two. With a
backwards flip and another swift swinging blow, he eliminated
another two aliens with a dazzling speed. Sam, Teal'c and Jack
fired quickly, taking care of the remainder.
"Well, that works for me. Everyone okay?" Jack received quick
nods of assent from his team. The alien paused in front of
Jack, lowering his weapon and turning it off so the green glow
shrank and vanished. He was not an inhabitant of the planet,
unless two different species had originated there. Taller than
Jack, with long brown hair and a short beard, wearing a
cream-colored tunic with dark brown breeches and boots, he
appeared entirely human. Another alien stumbled from the
bushes, wearing a similar outfit but with cream breeches and
brown boots. Daniel stepped forward and began his litany of
greetings, faltering over the words.
Unable to distinguish any meaningful phrases, Qui-Gon let
Daniel continue to speak while wrapping an arm around his
padawan. Obi-Wan was doubled over, clutching his stomach,
exhausted by the sheer effort of staying on his feet. "Can you
understand what he's saying, Master?"
"I think he's their version of a protocol droid. How are you
feeling?"
"I'll be fine, Master. I apologize for my slowness--and for
getting shot." Obi-Wan muttered with a rueful smile.
"Stop apologizing, padawan. It's hardly your fault that the
Kalistans decided to be so aggressive toward their mediators
once talks broke down. I just wish we could find some safe
place so I can help heal you."
Sam leaned towards Jack. "It looks like the smaller one got
zapped even worse than Daniel."
"Hey, the enemy of my enemy is my friend--works for me." Jack
shrugged.
Qui-Gon Jinn faced Daniel and gestured at himself, repeating
his own name, then pointed at Obi-Wan, saying, "Obi-Wan
Kenobi."
Daniel duplicated the gesture, introducing himself, Jack,
Teal'c, and Sam.
"Okay, introductions over, folks. Let's move out. Daniel, why
don't you and Obi-Wan help each other along? He looks like he
needs someone to keep him on his feet," Jack smiled at Qui-Gon
and gestured in the direction of the Stargate. "Safety Earth
home Stargate, c'mon little doggies," he rumbled.
Obi-Wan flinched as Daniel followed Jack's instruction,
wrapping his good left arm around Obi-Wan. "Master?" questioned
the young apprentice.
"I think they have a safe place, a destination. It would be
wise to go with them," was Qui-Gon's response.
The six continued on their return journey which fortunately,
was uninterrupted. Qui-Gon blended well into the group, seeming
to instinctively understand Jack's gestures as the team leader
kept everyone moving. Before breaking onto the open ground
around the Stargate, the four healthy members sank down and
studied the open area. Daniel and Obi-Wan simply leaned against
each other.
"Daniel, you up to dialing home?" At Daniel's silent nod, Jack
gestured and all six slipped out of the forest, keeping their
protective circle around the wounded. Dragging Obi-Wan, Daniel
began dialing the symbols that would program the Stargate to
send a wormhole tunnel to Earth. The swirling mass of energy
exploded out of the mouth of the Stargate itself, before
pulling back to form a watery, silver mirror. Daniel and
Obi-Wan staggered through its surface, Daniel forcing Obi-Wan
to make his first trip in this all-new method of transport. Sam
and Teal'c quickly followed, with Jack and Qui-Gon stepping
through last.
The Stargate room was in ordered chaos by the time Jack and
Qui-Gon arrived. A group of soldiers were focused on them,
common procedure even when the "all-clear" signal had been
received from an arriving Stargate team. Since they were
dedicated to fighting aliens who could take control of a
person's mind and body, precautions were standard and
rigorously enforced. Daniel and Obi-Wan had collapsed at the
end of the ramp and the base's resident medic, Dr. Frasier, was
examining them. General Hammond conversed quietly with Sam and
Teal'c, hearing their preliminary report.
"General, Qui-Gon needs to eat. And bathe. They've been on the
run for two days."
General Hammond turned at Daniel's insistent tone. "Okay, son.
Let's just sort out who these people are and where they're from
first."
"We are Jedi knights of the high Council in service to the
Republic. We were attempting to negotiate a peace treaty on
Kalistan. Please, we can explain everything but Qui-Gon needs
attention." Daniel and Obi-Wan spoke in unison, Daniel's
American tones blending with Obi-Wan's crisp, almost British
accent.
The stocky General was taken aback at their plea, both men
wearing identical expressions of concern.
Qui-Gon crossed the floor and knelt down, placing one hand
lightly on each of the men's shoulders. //Let me in, Obi-Wan.
Let me hear the words.// The words flooded quickly into his
mind.
//No// thought Daniel //You're giving him more than English. He
only needs English here.// Daniel concentrated the flow of
information from mind to mind.
Moments later, Qui-Gon arose. "The importance here is their
injuries. They should heal quickly from the Kalistan energy
weapons, but they need rest."
"No, Master," Daniel and Obi-Wan responded. "You must be taken
care of. Please General, food ..."
"Well, I can tell you one thing," Dr. Frasier broke in. "A
restless patient is not a patient who heals well. I'm taking
Daniel and our visitor to the infirmary. General, please take
care of 'master' here so they can relax." The petite brunette
assumed command, guiding her patients to stretchers and taking
them out of the control room.
"That was telepathy -- you learned English telepathically,
didn't you? But why did Daniel call you Master?"
The scientific eagerness in Sam's voice was interrupted by the
General's terse, "You heard the Doctor. Lieutenant, please take
Qui-Gon to the cafeteria. Find him a bath and some clean
clothes. SGC-1, stow your gear and get some lunch. Debriefing
is in an hour."
The General, Jack, Teal'c and Sam were seated around the
conference table when the Lieutenant escorted in Qui-Gon,
dressed in a clean blue jumpsuit. The General got straight to
the point once Qui-Gon was seated. "I've heard about the
mission and your meeting from my team. Now, you want to tell us
what happened to Daniel?"
"My apprentice and I are Jedi. The Jedi are -- Daniel says
think Zen warrior peacekeepers. We were mediating between rival
factions on Kalistan when unfortunately, talks broke down. The
Kalistans decided we were to blame for the crisis more than
their years of bitter disputes. Our ship had left orbit for a
supply run, so Obi-wan and I fled into the forest. Obi-Wan was
shot by one of the Kalistan's weapons this morning, shortly
before we met your team. They use an unusual type of energy
weapon, which is extremely disruptive to the body's nerve
centers."
"Including the brain?" Sam questioned.
"Yes, mental processes are often temporarily disrupted. Obi-Wan
is my padawan, my apprentice. A Jedi knight and his padawan
apprentice form a mind bond early in their training. It allows
them to communicate, to instinctively know each other's moves
in a battle. The bond can allow them to assist each other in a
healing trance, but we have not been any place safe enough that
I could help Obi-Wan. I can only assume that when Daniel helped
Obi-Wan, his mental energy was disrupted and his shields were
down. Somehow, Obi-Wan swamped into Daniel's mind."
"Swamped?" Sam interjected. "They exchanged personalities? Or
Obi-Wan took over Daniel?"
"Neither precisely. You have to understand this is an unusual
situation." Qui Gon hesitated and then continued, slowly.
"Bonds are formed between masters and padawans or between
lifemates, not with total strangers. Daniel's own injuries may
have made him more susceptible. It appears that their minds are
fully open to each other, each sharing the other's feelings and
knowing the other's thoughts. It is this bond that makes Daniel
so concerned with my welfare. My padawan is highly
conscientious on my well-being."
"The energy weapons must disrupt the areas of the brain
responsible for telepathy," Sam theorized. "Do you have any
idea how to separate them?"
"Hopefully, once Obi-Wan has recovered his strength, I can help
him restore his shields and block Daniel out of his mind. If I
cannot, I may have to take Daniel and Obi-Wan to Coruscant, to
the healers at the Jedi Temple."
Qui-Gon was interrupted by Dr. Frasier's entry into the
conference room. She sat at the table and launched into speech,
aware that the health of her patients was of paramount
importance to everyone in the room.
"As far as I can determine, both men should be fine. The
weapons disrupted their nervous systems; with Daniel, it
temporarily paralyzed his right arm and shoulder but he's
almost better. Obi-Wan received a more direct shot so it seems
to have fried systems all over his body, but he's healing at a
fantastic rate. What I don't understand is what happened to
their minds."
"We were just discussing that, doctor. What exactly are they
doing?"
"They're finishing each other's sentences. Daniel will start to
say - Do you remember? and Obi-Wan will finish - Oh yes, what a
disaster of a prom night, I can't believe we wore that suit -
it's almost eerie. It's like two old friends, or twins,
reminiscing, except these two guys never met before today. Or
more like someone reminiscing to himself."
"Qui-Gon thinks he can separate their minds when Obi-Wan is
healthier, so at this point, there's nothing to do but wait and
let them recover their strength."
Qui-Gon turned to face the door and seconds later Daniel walked
in. Fixating on Qui-Gon, Daniel strode over to him as the Jedi
Master rose from his seat and lightly placed his hands on
Daniel's shoulders. "Daniel-Obi, are you ..." Qui-Gon's words
were stifled as the shorter man slid his hands into Qui-Gon's
long brown hair, forcibly tilted his head down, and sealed
their lips together. Qui-Gon relaxed into the kiss, letting
Daniel control its passion and depth as his tongue explored the
wet recesses of Qui-Gon's mouth. Qui-Gon reciprocated, letting
his tongue gently tease against Daniel's.
Teal'c raised one eyebrow as the other SGC members simply and
openly gaped at the spectacle. After a long moment, Daniel
jerked back and stared straight ahead, at Qui-Gon's neck. "I'm
sorry, I don't ... coffee, I need coffee."
Daniel stumbled around Qui-Gon and headed toward the
ever-present coffee pot in the corner of the room. Qui-Gon
followed, his hands lightly dropping again on Daniel's
shoulders, testing their tenseness. "Daniel-Obi, what has
happened is both unique and unsettling. You should not be
ashamed or embarrassed at any erratic action." He sent a soft
brush of the Force into Daniel-Obi's mind, reaffirming his
affection and friendship for his padawan and his growing
respect for the scientist and other SGC members who had so
diligently helped them escape danger.
"Well, anyway," Daniel said loudly, choosing both to ignore his
unexpected actions and Qui-Gon's reassurances, "we've got a
larger concern than what's happened to my mind. After all, it's
not like my mind hasn't been taken over before or I haven't
been driven crazy before," he stated almost cheerfully,
referring to earlier incidents when a dying scientist,
Machello, had switched his mind into Daniel's body via an alien
device. Daniel had later been imprisoned with schizophrenia
because of hallucinations caused by another of Machello's
inventions. "The big question is - where is PKF-452? Is our
PKF-452 their PKF-452?"
"What do you mean, Daniel? It's clearly identified on our star
charts." Like most discussions involving hard science, Sam took
the lead in asking questions.
"I'm in Obi-Wan's mind. I've absorbed so much -- I'm still
sorting it out and still taking in even more of Obi's life,
their culture, their worlds, the Jedi -- but one thing is
clear. These people come from a galaxy totally different from
ours. They have extensive space travel and interact with
hundreds of worlds. Yet, they've never heard of Earth, the
Goa'uld, or any of the other worlds we've explored. It's like
we come from a different galaxy or an alternative universe
which briefly connected through the Stargate."
"Is that true? You know nothing of us?" Sam questioned Qui-Gon,
who casually shrugged his shoulders.
"I touched Daniel's mind long enough to absorb English, but not
to learn any other facts. I know nothing of your planet or your
fight, though I can tell a military installation when I see
one," he replied.
"How different is your science, your technology? General, think
what we could learn." Sam had an ever passionate curiosity for
expanding her scientific knowledge.
"Since our guests will be here a while, why don't you spend
time with Qui-Gon comparing scientific knowledge. Try to figure
out how this connection through the Stargate worked. Explain
more about the Goa'uld and see if he can give us any
suggestions. Dr. Jackson, Dr. Frasier, you should return to the
infirmary until Obi-Wan is well. Colonel, you need to write
your official debriefing and I need to brief my superiors.
Dismissed everyone."
Samantha rose from the table, "Janet, can I talk to you a
second? Qui-Gon, I'll meet you in the science lab. Jack, will
you show him?" The two women waited as the men filed out of the
room, before collapsing into each other's arms in giggles.
"Oh, my."
"Oh, my, indeed," replied Sam. "I can't believe how sexy that
was."
"Daniel kissed Qui-Gon like he was a man dying of thirst who
just found a bottle of Chardonnay."
"Janet, I never knew you had such a lyrical turn of phrase."
Sam grinned at the Doctor who had become one of her best
friends in their years together on the Stargate project.
"Some things are just inspirational." The two women giggled
again before silently agreeing it was time to compose
themselves and left the conference room to perform their
designated tasks.
Daniel slumped bonelessly on the medical bed next to Obi-Wan's,
propping his head on one hand. Though he felt his presence,
Obi-Wan remained motionless on the bed, eyes closed. "I can't
believe you did that," he accused Daniel.
"It's what you wanted," the scientist pointed out. "I was just
acting out your desire."
"Yes, but I've restrained myself for years."
"Qui-Gon didn't understand. He blamed our bond - "
"--that's what he said."
"He's always been honest ..." Daniel paused, remembering
experiences that were not his own. "No, he hasn't been has he?
A Master teaches a padawan, but he doesn't overwhelm him."
"Yes, Qui-Gon has kept things from me when he had to."
The two men rested quietly, sharing thoughts of times when
Qui-Gon had held his silence. At first, when Obi-Wan was still
a child, about adult concepts that would have been beyond his
understanding. Then later, on diplomatic missions, on nuances
of political maneuverings that required absolute discretion.
Even now, he kept silence on Jedi secrets that only Knights and
Masters were allowed.
Daniel pressed one hand to his forehead, rubbing. "I want him.
I keep picturing his body, remembering his spirit. How can I
want him so much? I've never been attracted to men."
"What about Jack?"
"Jack? Who said I was attracted to Jack?"
Obi-Wan raised his eyebrows quizzically at Daniel. "Oh. I don't
have to say anything, do I. I love my wife." Daniel's statement
was passionate.
"She's been lost to you for over two years, Daniel. Jack's
here. He's the closest friend you've ever had in your life.
You've risked your lives for each other time and again. Yes,
you love Shau'ri, but you've also grown to love Jack deeply.
It's only natural to need someone to love. We've been hiding
from ourselves, we've buried the pain within, but we can't hide
from each other. The bond makes us too vulnerable. I love
Qui-Gon and you love Jack," Obi-Wan commented sadly.
Daniel was stunned by Obi-Wan's revelation of his unexpressed
emotions, thinking of all the times he had relied on Jack, to
save his life, his sanity, his soul. The scientist began to
face the fact that Jack was becoming the center of his
existence, Shau'ri a distant dream.
The door opened and Teal'c entered, stopping between their
beds. "I came to see if I could help you with anything."
"No, Teal'c. Thank you. I think it's better if we remain alone
until we can be divided."
Obi-Wan raised up on his elbows. "Teal'c, have I told you how
much I appreciate you? You and the other Jaffa who have aided
us against the Goa'uld give me hope that Shau'ri will be
returned to me."
Teal'c nodded gravely, maintaining as always his detached air
of calm concern. "And may I say also that you and the other
members of the SGC have given me hope that my people will be
freed from imprisonment to the false gods." His eyes flicked
back and forth between Daniel and Obi-Wan. "I sincerely hope
that the Jedi also may give us assistance in our fight. I will
leave you two to heal."
"Are you going to tell everyone on this base every thought I
might have had about them to embarrass me?"
"Kiss Qui-Gon again, and I might," Obi-Wan responded darkly.
The two men rested without speaking and let their minds drift.
Daniel pictured highlights of his life: successes in school,
close friends, loving parents. Obi-Wan shared the rigors and
joys of the Jedi Academy, the intense satisfaction of
successful missions. Then he guided Daniel through the maze of
his own emotions, helping him admit his hidden desire for the
Colonel. Daniel had helped to save Jack's soul, long ago on
Abydos, when the Colonel was ready to perform a suicide
mission, so distraught with remorse over the death of his son.
The two forged their own bond on that foreign soil, a bond
which had been severed for a year when Daniel remained on
Abydos, but then reforged and strengthened by their years of
Stargate missions. Quiet peace reigned as Daniel confronted his
feelings, allowing Obi-Wan to slip into a light trance,
accelerating the healing of the nerveshock to his body.
//Obi-Wan//
//Yes, Master?//
//Daniel is right. We shouldn't have been able to contact these
people. Major Carter and I are trying to determine how we
arrived here. Taking you and Daniel to Coruscant to the Jedi
healers may be risky. We may not be able to get Daniel back to
Earth.//
//And if Daniel goes, Jack, Sam and Teal'c will go. They are a
team.//
//I can break your mindbond with Daniel, but it would require
our making love. Only by creating an intense physical bond
could I push Daniel out of your mind. Our bond must be stronger
to override this new creation.//
Obi-Wan hesitated, trying to get a sense of his Master's
feelings toward this possibility. Qui-Gon could be
infuriatingly difficult to read when he wished, excelling at
renowned Jedi serenity. Then Obi-Wan thought of Daniel, who had
only one brief year with his lover and who was now torn between
clinging to a fantasy or moving to a new life. /Life's too
short/ was a saying Obi plucked from Daniel's mind.
//I wish it, Master. Please.//
Qui-Gon sent a fiercely loving tendril of the Force around
Obi-Wan, revealing his own desires and hunger. Obi-Wan breathed
deeply, almost shocked, secretly delighted, at the power and
passion of the images. Being several decades older, Qui-Gon had
recognized his own sexual and emotional attraction to Obi-Wan
even as the young man had begun to mature into adulthood, long
before Obi-Wan had realized that his Master was truly the focus
of his life.
//But I wish also that I could see a little of this world
before we go. Daniel's memories are so real, so vivid.//
For the first time, Qui-Gon reached through Obi-Wan's mind and
into Daniel's. Daniel sleepily accepted his intrusion, hearing
their mental conversation but not interrupting. //They are a
dedicated people with a mission. They would make fine Jedi.
There - would you like that?// Qui-Gon thought to Obi-Wan,
finding one of Daniel's recent experiences. //You should be
tired, relaxed, happy. It will make the bonding easier.//
//We need Jack and Teal'c.// Daniel volunteered. //I don't
think you could use the Jedi mind trick on Teal'c. The larvae
Goa'uld he carries would make him difficult to control.//
//But Teal'c will follow Jack?//
//Yes.//
Obi-Wan's eyes opened and he sat on the bed, feeling refreshed
and invigorated for the first time in two days. "Excuse me,
nurse, could you ask Colonel O'Neill to come to the infirmary?"
Late that night, Hammond roamed the halls, trying to check on
the members of SGC-1 team with little success. Dr. Frasier
reported that Daniel and Obi-Wan had felt well enough to leave
the infirmary. Jack and Teal'c were nowhere to be found.
Hammond finally located Sam in her science lab, talking eagerly
to Qui-Gon; plates from the mess hall indicated they had worked
through dinner.
"Major Carter. How is it going?"
"General, this is so exciting--Let me show you this. Qui-Gon
has drawn a basic diagram of their galaxy." She rifled through
numerous notes and papers on her desk, laying out a rough star
chart. "The planets, the suns, they don't match any of the
areas we've explored. It's like we 'jumped tracks' to a galaxy
existing on a different plane."
"Have you a theory?"
"We think it may be connected to the Kalistan's energy weapons.
They use a mineral found only on their planet. It's never been
sold off-planet, so Qui-Gon has little information, but from
his description, I think it was the unusual mineral that coated
the Kalistan Stargate. I took a small s so little information."
"Write me a report and I'll review it. I'm not interested in
sending people if we can't guarantee getting them back. I was
trying to find Colonel O'Neill-do you know where he is?"
"No, General. I haven't seen him since the conference earlier."
Qui-Gon had quietly watched the two converse, but now his mind
sought Obi-Wan. //Padawan, how are you?//
//Having a good time.// was the amused answer.
Qui-Gon could feel the trace of alcoholic disruption in his
mental laughing. "He's at a vendor's called the Sidewalk
Pizza," Qui-Gon offered, carefully pronouncing the unfamiliar
name.
"Sidewalk Pizza? That's in town. How do you know where the
Colonel is?" Hammond demanded.
"Obi-Wan, Daniel, and Teal'c are with him. They've been playing
something called baseball with a group of locals. Would you
like me to ask them to return?"
"Yes, Qui-Gon, I think you had better ask them to return. Now."
General Hammond, Qui-Gon, and Sam were waiting when the four
came out of the elevator. Teal'c was his normal stoic self,
while Jack, Daniel, and Obi-Wan were slightly weaving and
singing off-key. Hammond's abrupt "Colonel O'Neill! Doctor
Jackson!" temporarily quieted the men under his command, but
Obi-Wan gleefully stumbled forward, falling into his Master's
arms.
"But I'm the only one who'll walk across the fire for you I'm
the only one who'll drown in my desire for you..." Qui-Gon gave
his apprentice an amused smile, recognizing the sheer truth of
the words.
"Daniel, I just cannot believe you are such a huge Melissa
Etheridge fan," Jack said, slurring. "Hey, Qui-Gon, want to
stay here? This guy ...," he remarked, patting Obi-Wan on the
back, " ... I could have this guy in the majors in six months.
What an arm! And how he can hit a ball! Poetry!"
Hammond missed the significance of Obi-Wan's song but fully
realized from Jack's rambling discourse the futility of
rational discussion. The General paused in front of Jack.
"We'll discuss this in the morning, Colonel. I don't expect
this level of disobedience. What were you thinking, taking
aliens out for baseball and pizza?"
"Umm," Jack tried to straighten his posture enough to come to
attention but managed only a swaying imitation. "I thought we
were going to discuss this in the morning?"
Exasperated by the uncharacteristic actions of his
subordinates, the General muttered a disdainful snort and
stalked off down the hallway. Jack slung an arm around Daniel.
"Come on, buddy, let me help you to bed."
"I think you need more help than I do." Daniel would have
denied it, but the sound escaping his mouth was virtually a
giggle.
Jack pondered for a minute. "I can accept that. Hey, you can
help me," he said, thumping Daniel on the chest. The two
stumbled down the corridor as the rest headed toward their
rooms.
Obi-Wan sprawled on the bed, stretching his arms and legs,
smiling with delight. He thought of rising and undressing but
no - his Master had said he would control the evening. Obi-Wan
would follow his lead. But later ... they would have many
nights and years together once they were completely united.
Qui-Gon entered and stopped at the foot of the bed, staring in
wonder at the relaxed body of his padawan, who was finally
about to become his life bond mate. Obi-Wan gazed back with
serene sensuality and barely leashed desire. A quick flare of
worry disrupted his enjoyment. "Daniel?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Daniel will be fine. I sent him a suggestion, as you
recommended. The barriers will fall."
Obi-Wan smiled again. "Then I am yours, Master. Do with me as
you will," he breathed, in a tone both passionate and slightly
mocking.
Still standing, Qui-Gon slowly unzipped the jumpsuit, shrugging
the top off his shoulders, appreciating his padawan's gaze
roaming over the firm muscles of his chest. He raised one foot
to the bed, pulling off his boot, keeping his actions
leisurely. This night was too special to be rushed and he
needed to retain control to successfully break Obi-Wan's bond
with Daniel while forging their own even stronger. While
removing his other boot, he began dropping his mental shields,
showing Obi-Wan visions of his past. He drew out the moment,
before sliding the legs of the jumpsuit off. Obi-Wan's eyes
flared with an even more passionate desire, noting his Master's
rising erection.
"Your turn," Qui-Gon said huskily, leaning forward to remove
Obi-Wan's borrowed socks and sneakers. Crawling up the bed, he
straddled Obi-Wan's hips, pulling on Obi-Wan's arms and with a
Force assist, lifting his torso off the bed so he could tug the
t-shirt over his head. Obi-Wan kept his muscles deliberately
loose, arching his body languidly against his Master. Not
disappointing him, the older Jedi took the opportunity of their
touching torsos for an intense kiss before pushing Obi-Wan back
to the bed. His fingers lingered over the unbuttoning Obi-Wan's
jeans, sliding one finger lightly over the growing erection
revealing itself underneath. Obi-Wan raised his hips so the
jeans could be slid off.
Staring at the delectable body in front of him, Qui-Gon called
upon the Force. As his eyes admired the pale skin and firm
muscles, he opened his mind to Obi-Wan, sharing his life.
Slowly Qui-Gon laid on the bed, his head propped on one hand.
Tracing one ear idly with his finger, he shared remembrances of
Master Bellota, who used to grab the Jedi students by their
ears to enforce discipline. Obi-Wan smiled with a wince,
remembering the many times his own ear had been almost yanked
off.
Qui-Gon kissed the padawan's broad forehead, pressing more
kisses down the length of his nose, visualizing his first
mission. On a lingering kiss, he shared the memory of his first
kiss with a young woman. //As awkward and as exciting as my
first kiss// thought Obi-Wan, sending back images of his first
experience while appreciating the softness of his Master's
lips. The kaleidoscope of images thrilled Obi-Wan: scenes of
Qui-Gon's youth at the Jedi Academy, Masters they had both
learned from, academic challenges and the occasional
frustrations of youth, his own Master/padawan relationship with
the diminutive Yoda.
In turn, Obi-Wan sent back his own memories. Qui-Gon already
shared many of them, but now they were colored with Obi-Wan's
own emotional reactions and every past occurrence was seen with
a new perspective.
Hands drifted over their bodies, reveling in finding areas of
sensitivity. Obi-Wan was ticklish at the bend of his waist,
while Qui-Gon gasped in delight at the soft tongue in his belly
button. A gentle kiss on the bend of the elbow was as important
as the drift of a mouth over a penis. The memory of a crack of
the bat, sliding into home, the taste of dark beer and garlic
pizza in Obi-Wan's mouth excited Qui-Gon as much as the fingers
digging into the firmness of his buttocks. Arms, legs, knees,
torso, all were explored and learned so that each knew the
other's body even better than his own. Memories, loves,
thoughts, opinions were shared and cherished. The two souls
merged more deeply than their flesh as Qui-Gon inexorably
dispelled Daniel from Obi-Wan's mind. And in the end, there was
only Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, Master and Padawan, filling each
other's senses, absorbed into every pore of their bodies and
hearts.
Daniel and Jack practically fell into Jack's room, tripping
over each other's feet. They wound up with Daniel sitting on
the bed, Jack kneeling in front of him. "Okay buddy, let's get
you undressed." Jack pulled off one of his pal's shoes as
Daniel tried to think.
"Um no, we're in your room. I'm supposed to help you undress."
"Oh. Okay," Jack said cheerfully. He started to rise and
collapsed backwards, lying on the floor, feet falling one on
each side of Daniel, laughing hysterically. Daniel stared down
at the Colonel, his mind functioning at last, aided by
Qui-Gon's Force thought. He lowered himself from the bed to his
knees between Jack's spread legs. Continuing in gravity's
general direction, he leaned forward to cover O'Neill's body,
ending Jack's laughter by fastening their lips together. His
elbows on the floor, the scientist slid his hands into Jack's
silvered hair.
Daniel poured his soul into the kiss, expressing his love with
the exploration of his tongue in Jack's warm mouth, sampling
the wondrous flavor. Finally, he raised his head, praying that
he hadn't destroyed the most important friendship in his life.
The two were quiet, barely breathing, as Daniel waited for
Jack's reaction, which seemed ominously slow in coming.
Calmly, Jack removed Daniel's glasses. "We were undressing
you." He levered his body forward into Daniel's as he placed
the frames onto the nightstand. Jackson savored the oddly
sensual vulnerability of being less able to see. He recognized
the erotic quality of having another gently strip his glasses
from him.
Jack slowly rolled so Daniel was beneath him. Daniel's body
went with Jack's, no space between them. Daniel's weight had
been lifted from Jack by his elbows on the floor, but Jack's
full weight engulfed Daniel, chest to chest, rising erections
touching through the fabric of their jeans. Jack gave Daniel's
declaration back to him in full force, kissing with desperation
and desire, his hips gradually rotating against Daniel's.
Daniel tugged Jack's t-shirt out of his jeans and up his torso,
breaking the kiss long enough to yank it over his head. With
delight, his hands explored Jack's solid back, the hardness of
his shoulder blades, the length of his spine, before shifting
to Jack's front. His thumbs circled Jack's nipples, causing
them to peak tautly.
Feeling left behind, Jack rose up, dragging Daniel with him so
the two men were half-sitting. He returned the favor of
wrenching off Daniel's t-shirt, ripping one side in his haste.
Hands fumbled with the zippers on each other's jeans. They
stood in unison, each concentrating so fiercely on removing the
other's jeans that they bumped heads. For once, Daniel won a
fight and wound up sitting on the floor, Jack's jeans around
their owner's ankles. He grasped Jack's penis, stilling for a
second.
"Oh god, Daniel, don't stop now," Jack gasped.
"I've never done it - "
"It's a popsicle, for chrissake." Heartened by that concept,
Daniel licked his lips and thought of popsicles. The firm hard
tip, the tasty length, sucking his mouth up and down, licking
off delicious drops. Daniel applied himself diligently to the
task, quickly growing accustomed to the musky flavor in his
mouth. Placing one hand on Jack's testicles, he rolled the soft
sacs, his other hand massaging Jack's ass, exploring the dark
crevice. Jack's senses overloaded and an orgasm tore through
his body, filling Daniel's avaricious mouth.
Jack's lungs labored for breath as Daniel rested his head
against Jack's thigh, astonished at both the passion and
tenderness he felt for this man. While his own body still ached
with unsatisfied desire, he felt he could live forever solely
on the thought of the intense gratification he had given Jack.
"C'mon you," Jack said when he could speak, swinging Daniel up
from the floor and dropping him on the bed. "Your turn."
O'Neill clambered aboard the bed, focusing his drunken mind to
lucidity. This wasn't an evening to disavow tomorrow with, "Boy
was I drunk last night. I don't remember a thing!" He'd had
that done to him once and would not reject his friend the same
way.
Jack teased Daniel with an unexpected love bite to the younger
man's kneecap. The silliness elicited a gasping giggle from
Jackson.
"Oh, you like that?" O'Neill nipped the other. "What about
here? ...or here?" He targeted his assaults with his tongue
prior to each light nibble. The military man kissed, licked,
and tantalized his way along the scientist's inner thigh,
savoring Daniel's soft flesh before taking him deeply in his
mouth and returning the blinding orgasm in equal measure.
Jack and Daniel woke to the buzz of Jack's alarm. The shrill
sound jolted them to awareness and they tried to sit up, but
their arms and legs were too snarled. Jack disentangled himself
from Daniel and leaped out of bed, yanking on sweatpants. "We
did that, didn't we?" His intonation was classic O'Neill, but
his eyebrows twice rose begging for confirmation.
Daniel didn't respond at first, gazing distantly at the
ceiling. "Obi-Wan's gone."
"You okay?"
"I'll be fine. I feel like - myself. Will we be fine?" Daniel
held his breath as he looked at Jack, daring to hope.
Jack choose his words carefully, walking a tightrope he wasn't
ready to handle. "We'll be fine, Daniel. I don't know what
we'll be, but we'll work it out." Pressing a hand to his aching
head, he added, "Later."
One of the earliest pieces of advice Jack had received in his
military career was, "If you want to be an officer, don't let
them see you sweat." Using his trademark flippancy, he had
followed that advice faithfully, staying cool under fire,
always being capable and taking command, and never ever showing
when he was hung over. Thus, while Jack strode briskly down the
hallways of the SGC, nodding crisply to other soldiers he was
defiantly ignoring the tiny men with large hammers slamming
holes inside his brain. Fresh from a shower that failed to be
totally reviving, Daniel emerged from his room and shambled
into step behind Jack. Not burdened with military doctrine, he
looked positively green.
Jack paused briefly to groan before swinging wide the cafeteria
doors and entering, Daniel still trailing. General Hammond had
obviously received an even better piece of advice in his
military career: "Feed the troops well and they'll follow you
to hell." SGC had the best military cooks Jack had encountered
in twenty years of service. The appetizing aromas of hot cooked
breakfast wafted to the nostrils. The tiny men in his head
seemed to take offense. Swallowing his gag reflex, he headed
toward the buffet line and forced himself to collect eggs, jam
and toast, and black coffee. Daniel bypassed the eggs and jam
in favor of plain toast with his coffee, willing to be honest
about his affliction.
Obi-Wan, and Qui-Gon were seated at the end of one long table.
"So I put the syrup on the pancakes, but not the eggs, bacon or
toast?"
"Right, pancakes only. And don't pour too much. Overly syrupy
pancakes get too sodden. Hey, Jack, Daniel, sit down, join us,"
Obi-Wan called.
Jack slid next to Obi-Wan, who looked disgustingly chipper this
morning. /Jedi must have a built-in hangover remover/ he
decided. Qui-Gon studiously poured syrup, nodding hello to
Daniel as he sat on his side of the table. Influenced in his
selection by Daniel's taste buds, Obi-Wan had already polished
off half a plate of food and continued tucking in, obviously
starving. Qui-Gon was eating slower, having to decide whether
he liked American breakfast cuisine.
"So, you guys feeling good this morning, huh? Obi-Wan, no
little hangover? Not even a teensy bit?"
"I feel great, Jack. I've never slept so well or woken with
such vigor." Obi-Wan gave Qui-Gon a faint mischievous smile.
"Colonel, Daniel, gentlemen," Hammond had followed behind his
subordinates, noting Jack's determined briskness and Daniel's
unsteady demeanor, and now sat down. "Shall we discuss what
happened last night?" While his voice was commanding, his
broaching a matter of discipline at the breakfast table clearly
indicated he had thought about the matter over night and was
inclined to let it drop. In this case, the hangover suffered by
the two men was retribution enough.
"General, what happened wasn't Jack's fault," Daniel leaped to
his friend's defense, piercing the mists fogging his brain.
"He was the senior officer and he released aliens from military
facility and permitted them to make contact with civilians
without authorization and absolutely no knowledge of what
consequences might entail. How do you think that's not his
fault, Doctor Jackson?" Hammond might be willing to forgive,
but his fierce reputation required a little intimidation first.
"Qui-Gon, you must have salt and pepper on your eggs. Really
improves the flavor." Seemingly oblivious to the interchange,
Obi-Wan lifted a hand and waved. The salt and pepper shakers,
sitting on the other end of the table, came sailing gently
through the air and landed next to Qui-Gon's plate. Obi-Wan
flashed Daniel a wicked grin.
"Well, because of that," Daniel gestured to Obi-Wan's display,
biting on his toast and hoping the dry taste would settle his
stomach.
"Telekinesis? Your people are telekinetic?" Sam and Teal'c had
joined the four and Jack ruefully mused that if the little men
would just stop pounding, he might manage to notice people
creeping up on him.
"It's not really telekinesis. They have control of living
energy surrounding them -- they call it the Force. The Force
can be used in many ways, including what we call telekinesis,
telepathy, advanced healing and...mind control," Daniel said
the last almost reluctantly, knowing it would clear Jack but
concerned how Hammond would view the military ramifications.
"Mind control? These people are capable of mind control and you
didn't see fit to mention that yesterday?"
"Well, yesterday, they weren't 'these people.' They were a part
of me. I was a part of them. Mentioning use of the Force made
as much sense as saying, 'Oh by the way, I study Egyptology' --
It was just something I knew I could do." Sips of coffee were
spreading caffeine through his system, barely firing his mental
synapses.
"Yesterday? Are you saying the bond is broken?"
"Yes, General," Qui-Gon inserted. "My apprentice and I were
able to -- meditate -- deeply last night, tearing down the bond
between Obi-Wan and Daniel by reinforcing our own
student/teacher bond. The two men are separated and both should
be fine."
"But I thought it was going to be a lot more complicated. You
mentioned you may need the assistance of Jedi healers," Sam was
disappointed at losing an excuse to travel to Coruscant.
"On reflection, I realized that if Obi-Wan was relaxed enough
-- and thanks to the three of you, he was," Qui-Gon's gaze
encompassing Jack, Daniel, and Teal'c, "I would be able to
enter his mind and perform the necessary rituals myself."
//And you performed those rituals very well, Master// came
Obi-Wan's impish thought.
//Behave, Padawan. Behave.//
"Besides, we still have a responsibility to the people of
Kalistan," Qui-Gon continued without missing a beat. "Our ship
should be in orbit now. From a place of safety on board, we
might be able to convince the factions to resume negotiations.
It is our duty as Jedi to at least make the attempt. Returning
to Coruscant would lengthen the war."
"Then we'd better send you gentlemen back this morning," said
the General, empathetically understanding a duty and obligation
higher than oneself.
"General, can we...?"
Hammond cut off Sam's request. "No, Major. I've thought the
issue over, and until you can run more tests on this mineral
and determine the reliability of 'jumping tracks,' travel to
PKF-452 is off-limits. We'll send a mobile unit with Qui-Gon
and Obi-Wan. With the video feed, we'll be able to tell if they
successfully reach Kalistan and can contact their ship. We can
teach them how to dial Earth and they can send the mobile
back."
Qui-Gon nodded in agreement. "A most sensible plan, General.
Thank you."
In the Stargate room, the two Jedi were ready for departure in
their own clothes, cleaned at the base's laundry. The huge
Stargate device was circling. "Chevron 1 locked," reported a
voice from the control room. Quick exchanges of good-bye ensued
as the control room counted down the remainder of the chevrons.
Qui-Gon hugged Daniel, pressing the smaller man to him with
affection. //Thank you. You have brought Obi-Wan and I
together. I shall not forget you.//
"You're welcome. Living in Obi-Wan's mind, being a Jedi,
remembering fighting draigons with you ... that was amazing. I
shall cherish yesterday. I can't believe it was only a day."
//In your mind, it was a lifetime of memories.//
"I just wish I could recover from this hangover with the same
speed."
"Some Jedi skills need to be learned and taught, not just
remembered," Qui-Gon said dryly but comfortingly. He handed
Daniel a ring, a simple band with a design etched on the front.
"If your team does decide to travel to our universe, this will
give you safe passage. It carries the seal of the Jedi and will
be honored throughout the Republic."
Obi-Wan shook the General's hand. "General, I have felt
Daniel's pain. I understand your battle. I will talk to the
Jedi Council about assisting in your fight."
"Thank you, Obi-Wan. That would be most appreciated."
Sam handed Obi-Wan a signaling device, giving him a quick hug.
"This will allow you to return."
"Yeah, come back and visit any time." Daniel and Obi-Wan
embraced.
//Enjoy your life with Jack, my brother. If you are meant to
find Shau'ri, you will.//
Chevron 7 locked, and the mobile unit began its steady ascent
up the ramp and through the swirling vortex of the Stargate.
With a last shaking of hands, the Jedi walked up the ramp and
disappeared into their universe.
Epilogue: Two Days Later
Rushing to prepare for their next mission, Sam ran down the
corridor toward the infirmary and bumped into Janet. "Janet,
I'm glad I caught you. I wanted to give you this videotape
before we leave."
Janet read the label on the tape, 'Confidential Medical Tape:
Patient Jane Doe: Total Hysterectomy: Medical # 385038544.'
"Well, thank you, I think," with a questioning inflection.
Sam leaned closer to Janet's ear. "It's a copy of the security
camera recording from the conference room briefing with Qui-Gon
and Daniel. I figured with that label, no one will ever
accidentally play it."
Janet's eyes positively gleamed with anticipation. "Not - the
kiss?"
Sam nodded her head gleefully. "I pulled the tape out of the
VCR before it could be recorded over. Sorry - I'm keeping the
original for myself."
"Well, while you're slogging through alien fields, I think I'll
go find some popcorn and enjoy my copy."
With small waves, the two women separated, Sam to the
excitement of exploration and Janet to the glorious comfort of
her armchair and television.
Archive 