A LIE AS TRUTH

SAN FRANCISCO – TWO DAYS AFTER BLAIR’S PRESS CONFERENCE

“Hey, Carolyn.  Got a few minutes?"

Lt. Carolyn Plummer looked away from the monitor where she was proofreading a forensics report on a recent double homicide.  She smiled at the man leaning in the open doorway of her office.  "Well, as I live and breath.  J. D. Potter.  What does an esteemed FBI officer like yourself want with little ole me?"  She grinned at his grimace of her faked Southern accent.

"I feel like I should've brought a couple of mint juleps," Potter mock-grumbled in his own soft southern Virginia drawl.  He walked into the office and closed the door behind him.

Carolyn's eyebrow rose as she flicked off her monitor and leaned back in her chair.

Potter sat down and took a deep breath.  "I'm here as a friend, okay?  So, as a friend, don't get mad."

"Mad about what?" Carolyn curiously asked.

"You remember when we collaborated on the Thatcher task force?" Potter began.  When Carolyn nodded, he continued.  "Well, everyone brought in on the task force was subjected to a thorough background search before they were even approached."

"And you think I'd be mad about that?" Carolyn shrugged.

"No.  But I used my access to that information to confirm something earlier today."  He slowly smiled.  "Off the record and completely unofficial."

Carolyn smiled to herself and was once again reminded about how much Potter physically reminded her of Simon Banks.  "Potter, if I didn't know that you're happily married, I'd say you were working your way up to asking me out on a date." 

Potter chuckled, then leaned forward.  "Do you keep in touch with your ex-husband?"

"Jimmy?"  Carolyn leaned forward as well.  "No, why?  Did something happen to him?"

"No…no…"  Potter leaned across the desk and patted her hand.  "I guess you haven't seen the news lately…about what's going on in Cascade."

"I've been buried in the labs for three days double-checking and triple-confirming information for the D.A. on a case."  Carolyn took a deep breath.  "What happened?"

"You can probably still pull it up on the web."  Potter glanced at Carolyn's computer.  "There was a press conference day before yesterday by a police consultant, Blair…"

"Sandberg?"  Carolyn irritably shook her head.  "What the hell was he doing giving a press conference?"

Potter patted her hand one final time then stood.  "Just watch it.  I guess nobody here knows that Ellison’s your ex or you'd've heard about it before now.  I just don't want you to get blindsided."  He hesitated then lowered his voice.  "Are you still on good terms with him?"

"Yeah, better than when we were married," Carolyn ruefully admitted.

"Then tell him to watch his back," Potter warned in barely above a whisper.  "Some people won't care what the truth is.  And some people aren't gonna buy a lie as truth."  He saw Carolyn take a quick look at her computer and walked to the door.  As he opened it, he turned his head and gave her a wink.  "I owe you lunch, Carolyn.  I think you're suggestion’s gonna get me outta trouble with Emeline."

"No problem," Carolyn automatically replied as she swiveled her chair around to her computer.  She quickly saved the document on her screen and accessed a search engine.  Googling, she quickly found a video copy of Blair's recent press conference.  She quickly closed her office door and settled back into her chair to watch it…and watch it…and watch it. 

Finally, she closed the screen and frowned.  She recalled the Lash case when Jim swore he smelled duck waste in a small container of water.  Remembering Potter's warning, she pulled up the forensics' report for the D.A. and began working again.  She needed to finish it quickly so she could make some calls and get to Cascade.

-------------------------------------

Potter waited until he was blocks away from Carolyn's office before he pulled out his cell phone and dialed a number.  He waited for the voice mail greeting to finish then spoke.  "It's done.  If you're right, she should be on her way to Cascade by tomorrow."  He closed the phone and tossed it onto the seat next to him.  He silently damned the NID…silently because he knew there were some words you never spoke aloud…even in the so-called privacy of his own car.

-------------------------------------

CASCADE – THE NEXT DAY

“So that’s how it is,” Jim Ellison calmly stated.  “I’m a Sentinel so that means Blair’s press conference was a lie.  He’s my Guide.  And we’re lovers.”

“Anything else?” Steven Ellison sourly asked his brother.  “Psychic powers?  Hidden fortune?”

Jim’s lips twitched.  “No, that should cover it.” 

“Um…if you have any questions about…”  Blair Sandburg’s voice died away as the three Ellisons looked him.

“Thank you, Blair.”  William Ellison drily replied.  “Is there a reason for telling us all this?

The four were sitting at the kitchen table in the loft shared by Jim and Blair.  Steven and William had been invited for breakfast to discuss Jim’s Sentinel abilities and their relationship.

“We’re going to work on restoring Blair’s reputation,” Jim explained.

“But we’re not going to reveal Jim’s abilities to the public,” Blair quickly added.

“But in the process, our relationship might become public.”  Jim shrugged.  “We didn’t want you to become blindsided again.”

William nodded and sipped his coffee.  “Makes sense.”

Blair looked from William to Steven then to Jim then back again.  “So…”

William smiled.  “Are you needing advice?”

“Are you giving it?” Jim bluntly asked.  “Blair’s meeting with Chancellor Edwards this morning to see if she’ll come to her senses about dismissing him from Rainier.  We’ve agreed it’s the first step to rehabilitating Blair’s reputation.”

“Dismissed?” Steven frowned.  “Already?”

“Yeah, she sorta circumvented the required process,” Blair admitted.

“Don’t let her get away with that,” William advised.

“Hell, no!” Steven irritably agreed.

“If she won’t deal with you, then she’ll deal with my attorneys,” William firmly continued.  “I’ll put them at your disposal.”

Jim smiled at Blair.  “That’d be great, Pop.  Think they could deal with a New York publishing company as well?”

“Don’t see why not,” William shrugged.  “Look, Jim…Blair.  I can’t say that I understand anything about your relationship.  Sentinel.  Guide.”  He shook his head.  “I wanted to protect you, son.  Maybe I was wrong.  Maybe I went about it in the wrong way.  But none of us are getting any younger.  I don’t want us estranged for another twenty years.  If Blair feels he can take you on in his life, I hope he’ll take me on as well.”  He sighed.  “As far as your personal life is concerned…well…I’m certainly not the person to give you advice on that.”  He eyed both men.  “Are you happy with this, son?”

“Yeah, Pop.  More than happy.”

William nodded.  “Blair, you’re welcome anytime in my home.”

“Same here,” Steven added with a grin.  “Just don’t feel the need to give me details.  I plan to just roll with the flow.”

Blair reached for Jim’s hand beneath the coffee table.  “Thank you,” he simply answered.  “That means a lot.”

“To both of us,” Jim added.

-------------------------------------

RAINIER UNIVERSITY – SAME DAY  

"The plain and simple truth, Mr. Sandburg, is that you are no longer associated with Rainier University and are no longer welcome on University property."  Chancellor Katherine Edwards managed to keep from smiling in pleasure as she spoke. 

"The plain and simple truth, Chancellor Edwards, is that in dismissing me you've violated Rainier's Code of Ethics," Blair Sandburg calmly replied.  "There is a procedure for dismissal that you failed to follow."  He shrugged.  "I came here to discuss this with you in good faith.  If you're not prepared to join me in that, well…I'll have to seek legal relief."

"Legal relief!"  Edwards leaned back in her chair and now permitted herself to smile.  "You declared yourself to be a fraud and your work a piece of fiction."  Greatly enjoying the young man's flinch at her words, she continued, "You don't have any grounds for legal relief."

"I disagree," Blair argued.  "My work, whatever it was or is, was released to the public against my expressly stated wishes.  You helped publicize it.  That's a clear violation of my intellectual property.  You also dismissed me from Rainier without following the written Code of Ethics procedure…for the second time."  He saw the smug expression on Edwards' face and shook his head.  "Apparently, I'm wasting my time.  Good-day, Chancellor."

"You won't win, Mr. Sandburg," Chancellor Edwards spoke as the young man walked to the door.  "It will only draw more public attention to Detective Ellison if you proceed with this…preposterous idea of yours."

Blair slowly looked over his shoulder.  "It will also draw public attention to your actions, Chancellor."  He opened the office door and walked out.

As he walked down the front steps of the Administration Building, he muttered under his breath, "Sanctimonious, lying, hypocritical…"

"Sounds like this isn't a good day."

Blair spun around at the nearby voice and blinked.  "Carolyn?  What are you doing here?"

Carolyn shrugged then smiled.  "No one was at the loft and…well…I guessed you'd be here.  I went to Hargrove Hall but a very nice older woman told me you'd already cleared out your office.  She said the rumor mill was that you had, and I quote, 'gone to face the old bitch dragon in her lair and hoped you cut off her head'.  She sounded very happy about that possibility, too."

Blair chuckled.  "Jeannie Frisby.  She's Professor Jackson's assistant.  Been with him for years.  Been here for years.  And had more than one run-in with Chancellor Edwards."  He hesitated then stepped forward, arms out.  "How are you, Carolyn?"

Carolyn hugged him back.  "Actually, pretty good."  She took a deep breath.  "I heard about what happened.  How's Jimmy doing?  How badly was he hurt?"

"Jim's good.  Walking with a cane, actually," Blair admitted.  "He was meeting with IA about the shooting and then a follow-up with his doctor."  Surprised, he saw that Carolyn had led them to a nearby bench.  "Uh…why don't we…"

"Why don't we just sit down?" Carolyn suggested, urging him to sit.  "Or will it bother you too much?"

Blair signed and shrugged.  "I guess it'll be okay.  I just don't need any more hassles, you know?"

Carolyn nodded.  "If we start attracting attention, we'll leave.  I just want to talk privately with you." 

Blair stared at the older woman for a few seconds.  "What's going on, Carolyn?"

Carolyn took a few seconds to gather her thoughts.  "Yesterday, a friend from the FBI stopped by my office and told me I needed to catch up on what was going on in Cascade.  He also gave me a warning about how people might not buy a lie as truth and that Jim needed to watch his back."  She heard Blair catch his breath and continued, "My friend's worked with other Federal agencies on task forces so he's got contacts in a lot of places."  She caught Blair's eyes.  "What are you planning on doing?"

Blair forced his voice to remain calm.  "My press conference was the truth.  I'm sorry if some people won't believe it, but that's how it is."  He glanced at the Administration Building.  "As far as Rainier is concerned, Chancellor Edwards violated my intellectual property and improperly dismissed me.  It looks like it'll go to a lawsuit unless somebody brings her to her senses.  As for Berkshire Publishing, they also violated my intellectual property.  Jim's dad offered his lawyer’s services on both points.  While that's going on, Jim's going to talk with Simon about bringing me on board as either a full-time consultant with Major Crimes or through the Academy to become his full-time partner."

"Won't that be dangerous to Jim?  If you stay, won't people think you lied at your press conference?"

Blair glanced away and nervously looked around.  "People will think whatever they want, Carolyn."

Carolyn leaned closer.  "I know you didn't lie."  When Blair looked at her in astonishment, she continued.  "For God's sake, Sandburg!  The man smelled duck waste in a small amount of water!  And the Juno case?!  I'm not an idiot!"

"Never thought you were," Blair mumbled.  "Look, Carolyn, I know the…dangers you're thinking about.  Jim knows them, too.  But…"

"But it's not in Jim Ellison's nature to duck or run.  I was married to the man, remember?" Carolyn sighed.  "Blair, if he's not going to be reasonable about this situation, then you'll have to be.  You can't stay.  It focuses too much attention on Jim."  She rose to her feet.  "Neither of us wants him in danger.  And the people my friend warned me about?  Well, I don't think they play nice or according to any rules but their own."  She hesitated, then patted him on the shoulder.  "You need to think about that," she recommended before walking away.

"I have," Blair whispered.  He sat for an hour, watching people walk past him on their way to and from classes.  Part of him mourned at no longer being a part of the academic hustle and bustle while part of him questioned why he'd remained so long in a place where he'd been increasingly unhappy.

"Blair?"

Startled, Blair turned to see a man in a wheelchair staring at him with concern.

"Jack?  Hi, how are you?"

Jack Kelso crookedly smiled.  "Better than you, I'm guessing."

Blair shrugged.  "Well…yeah, probably."

Kelso glanced at the Administration Building.  "Heard you had an appointment with the dragon bitch."

Blair snickered.  "Been talking with Jeannie Frisby?"

"No, Jeannie's been talking with everyone," Kelso grinned.  "Personally, she'd like to tar and feather Edwards then run her off campus on a rail."  He folded his hands on his lap.  "I need to talk you, Blair.  Seriously."

"About what?"  Blair felt his heart drop.

Jack leaned forward and lowered his voice.  "Ever since I wrote that book, I've had some protection in place.  If certain Federal agencies start sending people into Cascade, I get a warning."  When Blair nodded in understanding, he continued, "Ever since Brackett, that protection has included you and Ellison."  He held up a hand.  "What I think…what I surmise…what I guess isn't the point.  What's important is that in the last 24 hours, two agents from the NID have slipped into Cascade."

Despite himself, Blair looked around.

"Don't worry.  They're both…incapacitated."  When Blair looked at him with wide eyes, Kelso chuckled.  "Damn food poisoning."

Slowly, Blair smiled. 

"It'll be tomorrow before replacements get here to take up surveillance on you and Ellison," Kelso continued.  "So we've got a brief window of opportunity."

"For what?"

Kelso hesitated.  "You and Ellison need to make a choice, Blair.  Between the devil and the deep blue sea."

-------------------------------------

"I wonder how Blair's getting along with Edwards?"

Jim Ellison glanced at his brother, Steven, who walked at his elbow ready to lend a hand should Jim's leg give out.  Then Jim shrugged.  "I don't want to call in case he's on a roll with her," he finally answered.  He heard his father, William Ellison, snort from behind them. 

"I'm afraid it'll take more than Blair's eloquence to change that woman's mind," William offered.

"You know her?"  Jim leaned again the wall as they waited for the elevator to drop from the third floor. 

William shrugged.  "As Chancellor at the University, she moves in certain circles and has cultivated certain people during her fund raising events."

Steven grimaced.  "I met her once.  She reminded me of a snake."

Jim briefly smiled.

"You insulting the snakes, Steven," William remarked.  He smiled when Jim openly laughed.  "If Blair can't get her to listen to reason, and I don't think he can, then I'm afraid she's going to find out what it's like when certain financial support is withdrawn."

"Pop?"

William fixed his blue eyes on his elder son.  "Am I correct that she improperly dismissed Blair once before when he proved a student engaged in plagiarism and cheating?  Ventriss' boy?"  When Jim nodded, William coldly smiled.  "Too bad she didn't learn her mistake that time."  He glared at the closed elevator door as though silently commanding it to open.

Jim and Steven exchanged wary glances.  Steven then silently drew a hand across his throat and rolled his eyes.

Jim sighed under his breath when the elevator door opened.  As Steven helped him into it, he heard a voice from the hallway.

"The elevator's working?!  Did hell freeze over, Jimmy?"

"Carolyn?"  Startled, Jim tried to turn around only to have his leg buckle.  Both his father and brother caught him before he fell.

"Oh, Jimmy, I'm sorry!" Carolyn apologized as she quickly moved forward.  "Are you okay?"

"Yeah," Jim grunted.  He balanced himself then looked at his ex-wife.  "What are you doing here?"

"More importantly, who is she and why does she get to call him 'Jimmy'?" Steven whispered to his father.

Jim grinned.  "Carolyn, my brother, Steven, and my father, William Ellison.  This is my ex-wife, Carolyn Plummer." 

"A red-head.  Of course," Steven muttered under his breath.  Raising his voice, he smiled.  "Hi.  Glad to finally meet you."

Carolyn chuckled.  "Same here.  To both of you."  She stepped into the elevator and grimaced at the creaking as it slowly rose.  "I don’t miss that."

William nodded sympathetically and looked very relieved when the door opened on the third floor.

"Sandburg hardly takes the elevator unless he's overloaded with stuff," Jim muttered as he led the way down the hall.

"Smart man," William muttered, glaring back at the closed elevator door.

Jim stopped at the door.  "Uh…Blair's mother is still here," he warned.  He glanced at the people behind him and leaned against the wall.  "Carolyn, you know what's been going on?"  When she nodded, he continued, "Naomi feels awful about her part in it."  He ignored his father's angry snort.  "She does, Pop.  So everybody…just cut her some slack, okay?"  His voice hardened.  "She's Blair's mother."

Steven raised his hands in surrender then narrowed his eyes.  "She's a red-head, too, right?"

William smirked as Jim rolled his eyes.

"She's Blair's mother!" Jim hissed as he unlocked the front door.

When they entered the loft, Naomi Sandburg jumped up from where she was sitting on the couch.  "Jim!"  She looked at the people who entered behind him, and her face fell.  "I was hoping Blair was with you."  She looked at the phone and unconsciously wrung her hands.  "He hasn't called me."

"I'm sure he's fine, Naomi."  Jim soothed her as Steven helped him remove his jacket.  He grabbed his cell phone from his pocket and placed it on the counter, then gave his holster and gun to Steven and motioned him to hang it next to his jacket.  "Naomi, I don't think you've met my father, William Ellison, or my brother, Steven Ellison.  And this is my ex-wife, Carolyn Plummer, who's here from San Francisco.  This is Blair's mother, Naomi Sandburg."

"Naomi, it's good to meet you," William smoothly greeted her.  He walked forward and stretched out his hand.

Naomi stared into his eyes, then nodded.  "My pleasure," she replied.  Then she impishly grinned.  "I can see where Jim gets his good looks."

Steven dramatically sighed and winked at his brother.  "And I'm Steven, chopped liver."

Carolyn snickered, then looked around.  "So what do you have to drink, Jimmy?"

Naomi's eyes twinkled as she mouthed 'Jimmy' at Jim.  "I made both coffee and tea.  And I brought some apple juice and orange juice as well."

"Terrific, Naomi."  Jim ignored the teasing in Naomi's eyes.  "Carolyn, why don't you grab coffee for me and something for you and we'll sit on the balcony?"

Carolyn poured two cups of coffee and followed Jim onto the balcony.  She set the cups down on a small table then closed the door behind her.

Naomi grinned at Steven as she walked towards the kitchen.  "What can I get for you…Stevie?"

-------------------------------------

"I didn't know about Sandburg's press conference or what else was going on until yesterday," Carolyn began.  "Is everybody going to be okay?"

Jim leaned back into his chair and stretched out both legs with a sigh.  Reaching for the coffee, he nodded.  "Megan and Simon both were seriously wounded, but they'll both recover.  Simon's really looking at a long recovery, so Joel's settling in as acting Captain for Major Crimes."  He shook his head.  "Bullpen was shot to hell."

"And you?"

Jim sipped his coffee then shrugged.  "Not a serious wound.  Some rehab, and I'll be back up to speed."  He turned his head and stared at his ex-wife who was leaning against the balcony wall.  "Not that I'm complaining, but you could've just called."

Carolyn nodded.  "I had a visit yesterday from a friend at the FBI.  He told me to catch up on what was going on in Cascade.  Then he told me to tell you to watch your back…that people might not believe a lie as truth."  She saw Jim's jaw clench and took a deep breath.  "I came here earlier but no one was home.  So I took a chance and went to Rainier and talked with Sandburg."  When she glanced through the closed balcony door to see William, Naomi, and Steven sitting at the kitchen table, she missed Jim's eyes narrowing.  "You know he can't stay, Jimmy."

Jim forced himself to remain silent.

Carolyn turned and looked at him.  "If she stays, he puts you in danger!  Do you really want some alphabet-soup Federal agency coopting you to do all sorts of bad things?"

"You mean like I did during my military Black-Ops days?" Jim smoothly replied.

"But that…"

"Did you convince Blair?" Jim quietly interrupted, sitting his coffee cup on the table.  When Carolyn didn't answer, he reached for his cane and slowly got to his feet.  "Answer me!" he suddenly demanded.

"Yes!  I mean…I think so…he looked like he was thinking about it…Jimmy…"

"Dammit!  Carolyn, you have no idea how long and hard I argued with him to convince him that leaving me was the worst thing to do to both of us!"  Jim furiously slammed the balcony door open and limped into the living room.

"Jimmy!  Listen to me!"  Carolyn followed him into the living room.

Jim whirled around, wincing at the weight suddenly put upon his injured leg.  "Stop calling me 'Jimmy'!" he hissed.  "I hate that!"

William's eyes widened in surprise.

"You had no right to come here and interfere!" Jim shouted.

"Well, excuse the hell out of me for caring!" Carolyn shouted, equally loud.

"Jim?  What's happened?"  Naomi quickly got to her feet.

"Carolyn's been at Blair trying to convince him to take off!"  Jim walked towards the kitchen counter for his cell phone.

"No…no!  Jim, you can't let him do that," Naomi pleaded. 

"I have no intention of letting him do that," Jim promised.

"Jimmy…Jim!  Don't be stupid!" Carolyn argued as she followed Jim.  "You have to think about yourself!  Your own safety!"

"He is!"  Naomi got in Carolyn's way.  "You have no idea how important and necessary Blair is to Jim.  And how important and necessary Jim is to Blair!  How could you do you this to them?"

"Excuse me?"  Carolyn's eyes narrowed.  "Your hands aren't clean in all this.  In fact, this is all your fault, isn't it?"

Naomi gasped, her own eyes narrowing.

'Great.  Front row seat to a red-headed catfight and no time to get popcorn.'  Steven wondered how hard it was going to be to pull them apart.

"How did you know that, Carolyn?"

At the softly spoken words, everyone slowly turned to look at Jim.  Cell phone in hand, he was leaning against the kitchen counter.

"What?"  Carolyn shook her head in confusion.

"How did you know what Naomi did?" Jim repeated.  When Carolyn didn't answer, he took several steps towards her.  "You did some digging, didn't you?  Called one of your buddies over at Channel 15, didn’t you?  Was it Karen, your gym buddy?  No, she's in production and probably wouldn't know anything.  How about Andrea?  She's still the executive assistant to the station manager, isn't she?"  He coldly smiled when he heard Carolyn's heart beat faster.  "Don Haas did an interview with Sid Graham of Berkshire Publishing.  He didn't mention Naomi by name, but Haas would've told the station manager and been told what he could and couldn't say on the air."

"What if I did?" Carolyn took a few steps back.  "So what?  I still care about you!  And you obviously can't see the danger to you if Sandburg stays!"

"You have no idea what Jim is, do you?" Naomi spoke up.  "It's all just a name to you, isn't it?  Sentinel?  But you haven't a clue." 

"It'll all die down if Sandburg just goes away!" Carolyn shouted.  "My God!  Why can't you understand that?  Why in the world would you want him to stay, Jimmy."

“Because we’re lovers, Carolyn.  Because I love him more than anything else in my life.  Because he loves me just as much.”  Jim shook his head and sighed.  "Go back to San Francisco, Carolyn," he quietly ordered.  "Leave tonight.  What happens now isn't any concern of yours.  In fact it would be safer for you if you never came back."  He looked away as he finished speaking.

"You think I'd be in danger from…"  Carolyn hesitated.

"You'll be in danger from me," Jim furiously hissed.  He raised his head and glared at her.

Carolyn caught her breath at the angry fire in Jim's blue eyes.

William smoothly got to his feet.  "Carolyn, it's been a pleasure meeting you.  I'm sorry it was under such trying circumstances."  He took the unprotesting woman by the elbow and walked her to the door.  "I hope you have a pleasant flight back to San Francisco."  He opened the door and ushered Carolyn into the hallway.  Lowering his voice, he added, "I strongly suggest you do as Jim told you."

Wordless, Carolyn watched as William closed the door of the loft, leaving her standing in the hallway.  She raised her fist to knock on the door, but stopped.  Slowly, she turned and walked away.

-------------------------------------

"Jim, call Blair!" Naomi urged.  "He should've called before now!"

Steven got to his feet and went to Naomi.  "It'll be okay.  He probably ran into someone and started talking."  He put his arms around her shoulders and gently squeezed.  "For all we know, he's leading a protest or something right about now."

Jim nearly dropped his cell phone when it began ringing.  Glancing at the phone, he saw Blair's number and relaxed.  Opening it, he spoke.  "Sandburg, where are you?"

Naomi relaxed as Steven led her to the couch.

"Leaving Rainier.  I ran into Jack.  He's following me back.  We seriously need to talk.  Who's there?"

"Dad. Steven.  Naomi."  Jim hesitated.  "Carolyn just left.  Chief, she didn't convince…"

"No, she didn't," Blair quickly assured his partner.   "Why'd Carolyn leave?"

"Because I threw her out," Jim evenly replied.  "And no, I'm not sorry either."

Blair sighed.  "Look, Jack's letting me out at the Volvo.  We'll be there in fifteen or so.  Okay?"

"Be careful, Chief.  We'll be watching."  Jim closed the phone with a sigh.  "He's okay.  Probably going to give me hell over Carolyn, but…"

"We'll explain about that," Naomi promised from the couch.

William's blue eyes twinkled as he patted his son on the arm as Jim limped to the couch.  "Blair's bringing Jack Kelso from the University.  Apparently there's a problem."

"What problem?" Naomi demanded.

Jim sat on the couch next to her as William sat in a nearby chair.  "Jack's a former CIA agent.  He wrote an expose when he got fed up and got out of the game.  I've always figured he kept a lot of contacts active."

"Then someone's coming for you and Blair," Steven quietly spoke.

Jim smiled when Naomi gripped his hand.  "Could be.  Carolyn said she got a warning from a friend at the FBI.  Might be more of the same.  We'll find out when they get here."  He put his arm around Naomi's shaking shoulders.

"I've done something horrible," she whimpered.

"Naomi, enough!"  Jim lightly shook her.  "You need to get this out of your system before Blair gets here, okay?"  He lowered his voice.  "What's done is done."

Naomi nodded, wiping her eyes.  "I'll just go…"  She got to her feet and quickly walked to the bathroom.

Waiting until the door had closed, William sighed.  "It's what I feared when you were small, Jim.  I know I made mistakes, but…"

"Enough of that, too, Pop," Jim interrupted.  "And to be honest, it's what I've feared ever since Blair put a name to what I am."  He shrugged.  "Doesn't mean we're down for the count."  He glanced at the closed bathroom door and lowered his voice.  "Blair and I may have to disappear for a while.  I've had plans in mind for that for a couple of years.  But we, both Blair and I, need to know you'll look out for each other.  I'm going to get Sandburg to put a lot of pressure on Naomi to stay in touch with you both."

Steven shrugged.  "Jim, if 'they'…whoever 'they' are…want to use us to get to both of you, what's to stop them?"

"The fact that we'll disappear so thoroughly they'll be convinced you know nothing."

William's eyes closed.  "That means you'll never be back…let us know how you are."  He opened his eyes.  "Isn't that right?"

"Good God," Steven whispered.

Jim met his father's eyes.  "I'll do whatever I need to do to keep Blair and me safe."

William finally nodded.  "We'll find a way to watch out for each other, son.  I promise."  He glanced over his shoulder at the closed bathroom door.  "Even if I have to marry the woman," he muttered.

-------------------------------------

Blair took one look at Jim's concerned face when he entered the loft and inwardly sighed.  "Honey…I'm home!" he chortled, forcing a smile.

"Goofball," Jim muttered with a slight smile.  "Hello, Jack." 

"Jim, nice to see you again," Kelso greeted as he wheeled into the room.

"Blair, sweetie!"  Naomi rushed forward to hug her son.  "What happened at Rainier?"

"Nothing, actually.  Mom, I'd like you to meet Jack Kelso."  He caught his mother's eyes.  "He's a very good friend who’s here to help."

"How nice to meet you," Naomi politely greeted.

"Jack, this is my father, William Ellison and my brother, Steven Ellison," Jim introduced.

"I'll get everyone something to drink," Naomi nervously offered.

"Naomi, sit down," Jim gently requested.  "You're a part of this now."

Blair grabbed two chairs from the kitchen table and brought them into the living room.  He and Steven sat on them allowing William to have the big yellow chair and Jim and Naomi the couch.

Jack glanced at Jim.  "I'm assuming no one here is in the dark?"  When Jim nodded, he continued.  "Are you sure no one's listening?"

William, Steven, and Naomi watched in awe as Jim tilted his head. 

Blair got to his feet and walked to behind the couch.  He gently put his hand on Jim's shoulder and murmured, "Filter out all the known noises, man."

After a minute, Jim blinked.  "Thanks, Chief."  He turned to Kelso.  "No listening devices.  'Course if anybody has a parabolic…"

Smiling, Kelso held up a hand.  Reaching into the backpack hanging from one of the handle of his wheelchair, he brought out a small device.  "I didn't want to activate this without giving you some warning."

Jim recognized the jamming device and quickly turned the dial for hearing down as far as he dared.  When he nodded, Kelso flipped a switch.

Blair watched with concern as Jim winced.  "Jim, can you…"

"Dial's down, Chief," Jim shook his head.  "It'll give me a headache after a while, but I'm good."

"Dial?" Steven muttered.  He held up a hand.  "Tell me later.  I'm guessing this conversation is more important."

Kelso glanced at Blair who remained standing behind Jim.  "As I told Blair, after I wrote my expose, I set arranged some protections in case certain parties from certain Federal agencies showed up.  After Brackett, I added Blair and Jim to those protections.  Yesterday, two agents from the NID showed up.  Before they could establish any surveillance, they unfortunately came down with a bad case of food poisoning."   He grinned at the same wolfish smiles on Jim and William's faces.  "Anyway, I'm hoping it'll be tomorrow before their replacements arrive…giving you time to make some decisions."  He looked at Naomi, William, and Steven.  "I can't stress enough that whatever you hear from this point on be kept in the strictest confidence.  My life, as well as Blair and Jim's rely upon it."

Naomi flushed and lowered her head.  "I swear," she whispered.  "I swear on Blair's life I'll do nothing to endanger anyone."

"Mom," Blair groaned.  He quickly walked around the couch and knelt next to his mother.  He took her hands in his and gently squeezed them.  "Please, don't do this to yourself."

Naomi took a deep breath and nodded.  "I know, sweetie.  I promise.  No more."  She forced a smile and squeezed his hands in return.  "Please continue, Mr. Kelso."

"Question," Steven spoke up.  "If these agents didn't have a chance to 'establish surveillance' as you said, why did you ask Jim if we were being monitored?"

Kelso thinly smiled.  "I learned a long time ago that bad things happen if you go on assumptions rather than facts."

"Question answered," Steven muttered.  Surprisingly, Naomi reached past Blair and patted Steven on his knee.

"We'll get through this, Steven," she murmured.

“Carolyn, my ex-wife, showed up and said she’d been warned by a friend in the FBI,” Jim recalled.  “I can’t believe she’d deliberately be a part of it.”

Jack shrugged.  “We both know it wouldn’t be the first time an innocent’s been duped into being a part of an operation.”

"What are our choices here, Jack?" Jim demanded.

“Join the NID.”  Jack wasn’t surprised when both Jim and Blair immediately shook their heads ‘no’.

"Stay here, and the NID picks you up at their leisure," Kelso continued.  "Most likely, they'll put you under surveillance.  Maybe create a couple of situations to watch your reactions.  Eventually, probably in six or so months, they'll pick you both up."

"Fake our deaths?" Jim calmly asked.

Kelso nodded.  "Anyone who would say differently would be put down as grieving relatives unable to accept the deaths of their loved ones."

"We'd be just a couple more cranks talking nonsense about governmental conspiracies," Naomi wryly commented.

"Or even worse, you'd disappear as well to use as leverage against Blair and Jim," Kelso coldly added.

"That's the devil you mentioned," Blair mused.  "When you said we'd have to choose between the devil and the deep blue sea."

"So what's the deep blue sea?" Jim asked.

Kelso took a deep breath.  "You need to stay away from the NID and CIA as well as others I can't…and won't name.  But if you were part of a government project that none of them could touch, you'd be protected."

"So Jim gets to choose who to be a lab rat for?" Blair angrily burst out. 

"Daniel Jackson," Kelso calmly spoke.

"Who?" William asked.

Kelso ignored him, his eyes fixed on Blair.  "Think for a minute about what you know about Daniel Jackson."  Then he turned to Jim.  "Have you heard of General George Hammond?"

Jim blinked a few times then nodded.  "There was a joint Army/Air Force operation.  I saw him but never met him.  Had a good reputation, both among the officers and enlisted men."

They all watched as Blair rose to his feet and began pacing, muttering under his breath.

"The man is above reproach," Kelso assured him.  "I can personally vouch for him."

"How can you do that?" William demanded.

"Egypt…theories…got laughed at…"

Jim divided his attention between Blair's mutterings and Kelso's explanations.

"I can vouch for him because he married my aunt," Kelso answered.  "He's the one who encouraged me to get the hell out of the CIA and to write about them.  Snatching me after I went public would only make certain people unhappy."  He looked back at Jim.  "Everyone…and I do mean everyone on his project has the protection of the President of the United States.  The NID's made some trouble for them in the past.  The last time the President put in writing that Hammond's project was off limits.  Further attempts by the NID beyond their established authority would result in the President using all means at his disposal to settle the matter.  He'd take the leash off certain agencies, and all hell would break loose."  He meaningfully looked at Jim.

Jim's eyebrows rose.  "What kind of proj…"

"Oh, my God!"

They all turned to see Blair fairly jumping in excitement.  "Daniel Jackson!  I remember now!"  He eagerly looked at Kelso.  "You mean, he…"

"I mean, he's attached to General Hammond's project," Kelso firmly interrupted.  "Beyond that, I know nothing.  And the only reason I know that much is because General Hammond authorized me to tell you."

"You've spoken to him about us?" Jim quietly asked.

Kelso glanced at the others and remained silent.

William stood and reached for Naomi's hand.  "I think we should go get some food for dinner.  Mr. Kelso, I presume you'll be joining us?"

"Thank you, yes."

"Be careful, Pop," Jim warned as Steven also got to his feet.

"Don't worry," Steven grimly answered.  "Anybody so much as looks as me sideways, and I'm screaming to high heaven."

"How about pizza?" William asked as Naomi went to Blair's room to get her purse.

"That'd be great, William," Blair smiled.  "Thanks."

When the door closed behind them, Kelso sighed.  "I haven't spoken with General Hammond officially."  He briefly smiled at Blair.  "Believe it or not, Blair, knowledge about Sentinels is known in certain circles."

"Oh, God,"  Blair slumped onto the couch.

"It's the Sentinel/Guide combination that's incredibly rare," Kelso continued.  "And people with all five enhanced senses are very rare as well.  There's been speculation as to how Sentinels would be able to perform on certain classified projects.  So General Hammond is familiar with Sentinels in a general way.  But he knows nothing specific from me."

"He could probably make some educated guesses based on what's happened during the past couple of days," Jim grunted.

"He could," Kelso admitted.  "But General Hammond won't force anyone onto his project.  You go willingly or not at all."

"But we'd be protected?" Jim pressed.

"Completely," Kelso assured him.  "His people live openly in the general population so you wouldn't be confined to a secure area unless you want to be."

"Which might not be a bad idea in the beginning," Blair muttered.

"What do you know about this Daniel Jackson, Chief?" Jim asked.

"He's an archeologist like his parents," Blair recalled.  "He proposed a theory that…"  He lowered his voice and stared at Kelso.  "…that the pyramids of Egypt were built by aliens."

Kelso returned Blair's stare without blinking.

Jim took a deep breath.  "Hypothetically speaking, of course, I could understand why such a project would have the President's full support."

"Hypothetically speaking, it would," Kelso agreed.

"Hypothetically speaking, a Sentinel might be a tremendous advantage," Jim continued.

"Hypothetically speaking, I agree."

Blair looked from Jim to Kelso.  "Hypothetically speaking…do we have a choice?"

"One way or another, we need to be out of here before tomorrow morning, Chief," Jim warned.  "This is probably for life."

"Jim…"  Blair reached out and grabbed Jim's arm.  "We're for life.  And I'd rather be working on this project than for the NID."  He grinned at Kelso.  "Hypothetically speaking, of course."

"They'll need to know about us…that we're a couple," Jim firmly spoke.  "I'm tired of hiding and lying.  If we do this, then we live openly together." 

Kelso nodded.  "My phone is secure, and so is his if you want to talk to him about it.  Better to get everything out in the open in the beginning."

Jim and Blair stared at each other. 

"Every time a door closes, another one opens," Blair quietly spoke.

"I'm not sure the military is ready for you, Chief," Jim chuckled.  With a deep breath, he nodded at Kelso.  "Give him a call, Jack.  I want to have this conversation before the others arrive."

Jack nodded and reached into his backpack for his cell phone.

"Jim, are you sure?" Blair whispered.

Jim nodded.  "I can't…won't work for the NID or any of the others, Chief.  FBI maybe.  DEA maybe.  But we wouldn't get a chance with that.  And we can't fight the NID on our own.  We need the type of protection that this General Hammond seems able to provide."  He shrugged.  "The other alternative is Peru, and I'm not sure we'd be safe there for very long.  It's the obvious place to run."

Blair nodded in silent agreement.

"General Hammond?"  Kelso grinned.  "I know, Uncle George.  I just get a kick out of saying it."

Despite themselves, both Jim and Blair smiled.

"Do you remember last night's hypothetical conversation?  Good.  Someone would like to speak with you.  This is Detective Jim Ellison."

Jim hesitated for a second then took the phone.  "Good afternoon, General."

"Good afternoon, Detective Ellison.  I'm pleased to speak with you although I wish the circumstances were different.  I understand you've had some security problems."

Jim saw Blair nodding in encouragement.  "Sir, how secure is this line?"

"Just as secure as the line I use to speak with the President."  The General's soft Texas accent clearly carried across the phone line.

Jim took a deep breath.  "General, I'm a Sentinel with five fully enhanced senses.  Blair Sandburg is my partner and Guide.  He's also my lover.  We would like to join your project."

"How much do you know about my project?" 

"Kelso mentioned a Daniel Jackson and Sandburg recalled Jackson's theories about the pyramids in Egypt.  To be honest, sir, I don't think it's any more fanciful than Sandburg's theories about Sentinels."  Jim smiled.  "And to be further honest, sir, one of the attractions about your project is the security and protection that it has.  It seems the NID is nosing about."

"I can understand your concerns in that direction, Detective.  And to be equally honest, I would be thrilled to have someone of your abilities on this project.  And Mr. Sandburg’s anthropological background would be of enormous benefit as well," Hammond replied.  "As far as your personal life is concerned, this is a military project.  I would expect you and Mr. Sandburg to behave accordingly while on duty and on base.  Off duty and off base, I have no reason to be interested."

"Understood, sir.  One other concern,” Jim hesitated then continued.  “Do you feel our families and co-workers would be in danger from the NID?”

There was silence for a few seconds, then Hammond carefully spoke.  “Son, I can’t truthfully answer that.  The NID hasn’t bothered any family member of people who are based here.  What I can honestly say is that if you become a part of this project, if the NID does move against your family or co-workers, they would regret it.  I’m afraid the same level of risk to them would exist no matter what you decide to do.”

Jim sighed.  “You’re correct about that, sir.  And that’s my assessment as well.”  He smiled to alleviate Blair’s obvious concern.  “How do we go about this, sir?  Jack feels that the NID may be in position by tomorrow morning.”

“I’ll have a team in Cascade before dawn to bring you to Colorado,” Hammond briskly answered.  “They’ll be able to answer some questions, but I’m afraid you’ll have to wait until you arrive for a full and complete briefing.  The team will be led by Col. Jack O’Neill.  My nephew has met him and will be able to vouch for him.”

“We’ll be ready, General,” Jim promised.

“Let me make something clear, Mr. Ellison.  You and Mr. Sandburg will be participants in this project.  You will be reactivated to the Army and officially assigned under my command.  Mr. Sandburg will be a civilian working on this project as are other civilians.  You will not be a guinea pig.  Are we clear on that?”

Jim quickly blinked.  “Yes, sir.  Perfectly.”

“Good.  I look forward to seeing you tomorrow.  If you would, please put my nephew on the phone.”

“Yes, sir.  Thank you, sir.”  He handed the phone to Kelso.  “The General wants to speak with you.”

“Jim?”  Blair put his hand on the older man’s arm.  “What did he say?”

“I believe him, Chief.”  Jim struggled to keep his voice even.  “There’s probably going to be some sort of tests but…I think this is going to be good for us.”

Blair slumped against Jim, then deeply sighed when his partner’s arms slid around him.  “Thank God,” he muttered.  He curled against Jim and closed his eyes.  “What about Rainier and Berkshire?”

“We’ll discuss it with General Hammond,” Jim decided.  “Any action we take would reflect on the project.  I’m afraid legal action just may not be possible.”

“Okay,” Blair nodded.  “Makes sense.”

“Well, gentlemen, it looks like everything’s set up.”  Kelso closed his cell phone with a smile.  “I know you’re only taking my word, but General Hammond is a fair man.  You’ll be fine.”

“Thanks, Jack,” Blair smiled in return.  Then he suddenly sat up.  “Oh, God!  Naomi’s going to have a cow when she hears I’m working with the military!”

-------------------------------------

General Hammond punched a button on his phone.  “Dr. Frasier, is SG-1 still with you?  Good.  An hour?  Have them report to my office when you’re done.  Thank you.”  He sat back in his chair and smiled.  Not only was SGC getting a Sentinel and Guide, he was sticking it to the NID for once.  “This should make O’Neill happy,” he chuckled.

-------------------------------------

“The military?”  Naomi’s voice quivered.  “I…bu…”  She took a deep breath and lowered her eyes.

“Mom?”  Blair sat on his bed next to his mother.  He glanced at the closed door and knew that Jim was forcing himself not to listen. 

“I’m so sorry,” Naomi whispered.  She raised her head and wiped the tears from her eyes.  “How bad is it?”

“Jim doesn’t think it’ll be bad at all,” Blair reassured her.  “He can tell when somebody’s lying by listening to a heartbeat.  He’s convinced this General Hammond is telling the truth when he says Jim won’t be a guinea pig.  And Jack?  I trust him when he says this is a good thing.  He blew the whistle on bad operations, remember?”

“Will…will I be able to see you?  Visit?”

“Aw, Mom, sure.  Just give us time to settle in.  I promise.”  Blair quickly hugged his mother.  “Things happen for a reason, remember?”

Naomi nodded…and held onto her son for a long time.

-------------------------------------

“So if possible, stay in touch with Jack,” Jim advised as he finished the last slice of pizza.  “He’s our back door connection to each other.  Anything suspicious happens, call him.”

“Will this be putting you in jeopardy, Mr. Kelso?” William asked.

Kelso shrugged.  “No more than ever,” he admitted.  “Don’t let that be a factor.”

“This isn’t good-bye, is it?” Steven suddenly asked.

“Just for a little while,” Jim assured him.  “Once we’re settled in, we’ll let you know where we are and you can visit.”  He glanced at both his father and brother.  “I think, though, it would be better to let things calm down for a while.”

Frowning, Steven nodded.

“What about the police department, Jim?”  William silently congratulated himself on remembering his eldest son disliked his childhood name.

“Joel Taggart is coming over in a little while,” Jim sighed.  “We couldn’t leave without telling him.  I’ll give him my resignation.  Unfortunately, he’s going to be stuck with any fallout.”

William silently patted his son’s arm.  “It will be okay, son.  It will.”

-------------------------------------

“Good evening, SG-1.  I trust Dr. Frasier has given you all a clean bill of health?”  Hammond greeted the team as they entered his office.

“Poked and prodded to her little heart’s content,” Col. Jack O’Neill sourly answered.  “T’ealc’s needing some meditation time, but other than that we’re good.”

“You wanted to see us, sir?” Maj. Samantha Carter asked.

“Colonel, I need you, Major Carter, and Dr. Jackson to fly tonight to Cascade, Washington.”  Hammond pushed four thick folders across his desk.  “T’ealc, although you won’t be going, you’ll need to review this material as well.”

Jack distastefully eyed the thick folders even as he passed them to the others.  “What’s in Cascade?”

“A Sentinel and Guide.”  Hammond watched the reactions of SG-1.

T’ealc’s eyebrow rose.

Samantha’s eyes widened in surprise.

Daniel immediately opened the folder and began reading.

Jack silently nodded.  “What do we do with them when we get them?”

“You’ll bring them back here.  They’re joining SCG,” General Hammond ordered.  “Hopefully, you’ll escort them out of Cascade before the NID gets there.”

Jack slowly smiled.  “NID, huh?”

“I remember reading Sandburg’s Master’s Thesis,” Daniel muttered.  “It was recommended reading after that conference in DC.”

“I’m a little behind in my casual reading,” Jack drawled.  “Give me the short version.”

“Sentinels have enhanced senses, Jack,” Daniel eagerly advised.  “Better sense of hearing, sight, taste, touch, and smell.  Think about it.  Having that kind of an edge!”

“T’ral’ch.”

“Bless you.”  Jack glanced at the tall alien who stood behind him.

T’ealc merely repeated the word.  “There are legends of warriors known for their fierce fighting ability who could see the enemy before others, hear them coming, smell their fear.  They were superb warriors when allied with their K’ral’ch.”

“Bless you.”  Jack grinned.

“K’ral’ch?” Daniel asked.

T’ealc hesitated.  “One who commands the spirits and elements.  A teacher.  A healer.”

“Sounds like they’d be an incredible asset, General,” Samantha agreed.

Hammond nodded.  “Make sure they…and you get back here safely.”

-------------------------------------

Joel took one look at Jim and Blair then deeply sighed.  “You’re leaving, aren’t you?”

Blair wrapped his arms around Joel and hugged him.  “We’re not disappearing.  I promise.”

“But we are leaving,” Jim admitted.  “And we might be out of touch for a while.”

Joel glanced onto the balcony where Naomi, William, and Steven sat with Kelso.  “Professor Kelso, huh?”  He sat at the kitchen table with Blair and stared up at Jim.  “How much of a choice did you have?”

“Not much,” Jim admitted.  “But Kelso’s really come through for us.”

“You need to be cautious for a while,” Blair urged.  “And tell Rafe and Henri to watch out, too.  Simon and Megan when you get the chance.  If anything seems out of place, notify Jack.  He’ll check it out.”

“We’ll be in touch as soon as we can,” Jim promised.  He sat down and slid an envelope across the table.  “My resignation.  Effective immediately.”

Joel reluctantly took the envelope.  Opening it, he silently read the words then jumped when he heard Jim put his guns and badge on the table next to him.  “I’m sorry, Jim,” he muttered.

Jim silently squeezed Joel’s shoulder then walked back to his chair.

“The two of you’ll be together, right?” Joel asked, putting Jim’s resignation back into the envelope.  “I don’t think I could live with the idea of you being apart.”

“We’ll be together, Joel,” Blair promised.

-------------------------------------

They spent the night talking and recalling past events.  Jim and William spent time on the balcony in the cool air listening to each other and arguing with each other…then listening to each other before finally embracing each other.

Blair spent his time with either Joel or Naomi, calming their fears and reassuring them.  Surprisingly, Joel was more suspicious of their new employment than Naomi.  Blair knew that Naomi’s acceptance was her way of paying penance for her actions and knew that only time would ease her conscience.

Steven hovered around his father and brother but didn’t interfere in their conversations.  Whatever thoughts or misgivings he held, he was keeping them to himself.  He finally wound up in the kitchen with Kelso, both men quietly talking about their journeys in different parts of the world.

Finally, Blair and Jim began packing, taking only those items they wanted or felt they couldn’t live without.  Naomi smiled, then hugged her son when Blair put his guitar next to the door.

“Can’t leave without Hendrix, now can I?” Blair teased.

It was close to four in the morning when Kelso’s cell phone rang.  He quietly answered then closed the phone.  “Col. O’Neill’s here,” he announced.  “He and his team are on the way up.”

Naomi wrapped her arms around Blair while William squeezed Jim’s shoulder.

“Mom…everybody…we’ll be in touch,” Blair assured them even as he clung to his mother.  “I promise.”

“I know, sweetie.”  Naomi framed Blair’s face with her hands.  “I love you, Blair.”

“Aw, I love you, too.”  Blair hugged his mother again.

Steven silently walked to his older brother and held out a hand.  “I’m holding you and Blair to that promise,” he firmly said.

Jim shook his brother’s hand then hugged him.  “As soon as we can.”

There was a knock on the door, and Kelso rolled his chair towards the entrance.  He nodded at Jim.

Jim cautiously opened the door to see a lean-figured man with blue eyes and greying hair staring back at him.

“General Hammond didn’t give me a password,” he grumbled.

“That’s O’Neill,” Kelso smiled.  “Let him in.”

Jim opened the door and O’Neill, followed by Samantha and Daniel, entered the loft.

“Hiya, Jack 2,” O’Neill grinned.

“Jack 1,” Kelso nodded then grinned equally wide.

“Major Carter and Dr. Jackson,” O’Neill introduced his team.

“That’s Jim Ellison, and this is Blair Sandburg,” Kelso pointed.  “Naomi Sandburg, Blair’s mother.  William and Steven Ellison, Jim’s father and brother.  Capt. Joel Taggart of the Cascade PD, a co-worker of Jim and Blair’s.”

“Blair.  Pleased to meet you.”  Daniel held out a hand and walked towards Blair.

Blair’s blue eyes widened, recognizing a kindred soul.  “Dr. Jackson.  I can’t wait to talk with you.”

“Oh, Lord,” O’Neill groaned.  “Can that wait until we’re in the air?”  He turned around and muttered under his breath.  “And I’m in the cockpit away from you?”  His eyes narrowed when he saw Ellison grinning in agreement.  Then he chuckled.  ‘This might even be fun.’  He turned back to the people in the room.  “Okay, kiddies, time to rock and roll.  Let’s get moving.  I wanna leave the NID with eggs on their faces and holding their…”  His voice trailed off when Kelso loudly coughed.  Catching sight of Naomi’s knowing smile, he shrugged.  “So…you guys ready?”

Blair hugged Naomi one more time.  “I’ll call,” he whispered.  Then he turned to hug Joel.  “Tell everybody bye and…sorry.”

“You both just take care of yourselves,” Joel murmured.  “I’ll handle the others.”

Jim hugged both William and Steven then shook Kelso’s hand.  “Thanks for everything, Jack.”

“My pleasure,” Kelso sincerely answered.  “Maybe one day we can all sit down and catch up on things.”  His eyes twinkled.  “Hypothetically speaking, of course.”

Jim shook Joel’s hand and hugged Naomi while Blair hugged Jack.  “I’ll take care of him, Naomi.  I swear,” he whispered.

“Take care of yourself, too, Jim,” Naomi urged.

Jim smiled in return then met Blair at the door where their things were stacked. 

O’Neill’s eyes widened at the signature on Blair’s guitar.  “Hendrix?  How the hell did you get that?”

“Mom,” Blair proudly pointed to Naomi.

“Long story,” Naomi admitted.

O’Neill grinned at Naomi.  “I’d love to hear it sometime.”

Blair saw the smile on Naomi’s face and nudged O’Neill.  “That’s my mom, man!”

“Lucky you,” O’Neill muttered.  Then he rubbed his hands together.  “Let’s get this show on the road.”

Jim and Blair followed the others to the van waiting outside the loft.  They silently loaded their belongings then climbed into the back where Daniel joined them.  He saw the two men squeeze the other’s hand and smiled.  He leaned back and relaxed as Samantha and O’Neill got in the front seat.

“So, you guys ever been to Colorado?” O’Neill asked as he drove away.  “Pretty good fishing there.”

Blair turned his head to take one more look at the loft, then grinned at Jim.  “Fishing, huh?  Ever try with a Cree spear?”

“You didn’t bring that thing, Chief,” Jim calmly pointed out as he started to relax.

“No, but I bet I can get it sent to me.”

They rode in silence to the airport.  Samantha and Daniel helped Blair and Jim board the private plane waiting for them and stowed their gear while O’Neill turned the van over to a waiting man.

“Jim?” Blair whispered as they buckled into their seats.  “We’re okay, right?”

Jim glanced over his shoulder where Samantha and Daniel were quietly speaking.  Extending his hearing, he listened as O’Neill walked towards their plane, muttering under his breath about Sentinels having an unfair advantage when fishing since they could hear the fish swimming in the water.  Then he looked back at the person who meant the most to him in the world.

“Yeah, Chief.  We’re okay.”

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