It's Genetic.

By Cjay

The air was crisp and vaguely cool, on this sunny autumn day. A light breeze lifted a few colorful leaves, which bustled around the figure casually leaning against the old oak. Teal'c lifted his face to the caress of this breeze, enjoying its loamy fragrance. He had lived most of his considerable lifetime on desert planets, but oddly, he found these mild days of October both invigorating and refreshing

In fact, he found most things about his new home planet, if not intoxicating, at least stimulating. He was glad for this time upon the mountain. He spent too many hours beneath it. The chance to be here under the blue sky, enjoying his newfound freedom and to read without censure was not to be taken lightly.

While exploring the vast cultures of the Tau’ri, he had found he possessed a true affection for anything western; be it music or literature. In recent days, he had further discovered the joys of old western dime novels. They were not plentiful, but the Colorado Springs public library had a good selection. Cassandra had assisted him and he had procured a library card, using it now on a regular basis. As First Prime to the false God Apophis, he had been forbidden to read; except for those materials that served his master. The Tau’ri' took the luxury of reading mostly for granted. An omission of insight, which was most disturbing to his ethics, learning on any level was a true privilege.

He was most fortunate that today’s duties were light; he was able to accomplish them quickly and then, steal away to his favorite hide-away here in this quite meadow.

He much preferred to relax here in the open air, with the song of nature, than in the dim unnatural world of his quarters in the SGC.

Teal’c had already finished several of the exciting adventures of his latest western hero. He was about to embark on a new adventure, when he heard a distinct increase in the rustling of the leaves. The sound was familiar to his attuned ear, his senses ever alert, detected the identity of his visitor, long before he was within several feet of Teal’c’s resting place.

“Hey, Teal'c what are you reading?” A mild voice inquired.

“Daniel Jackson, I thought you were endeavoring to translate the artifact SG-12 brought back from their most recent mission?”

“I’ve finished. Thought I'd invite you to have lunch, but I couldn't find you. Siler said you'd headed up and out about 1000, so I figured you'd be here. So, what are you reading today?”

“I am enjoying a most interesting form of classic western, known as the dime novel.”

“Really? I don't think I am familiar with that particular kind of literature.” He replied intrigued.

“I find that most odd Daniel Jackson, I was given to understand that you were familiar with many forms of culture, particularly those of your own world.”

“Well, not that particular form it seems.” Daniel responded ruefully

When Teal’c merely nodded lost in thought, he continued.

“So how are they? What’s are they all about? I mean, I have heard of the dime novel, but they have been out of fashion for some time as a result I’ve never read one.”

“You are missing the vessel then Daniel Jackson.” Teal’c informed him sagely.

“That's, missed the boat Teal'c.” Daniel corrected him hiding a smile

“Is that not what I said?”

“Ah yes, I guess it is.”

“This collection is about a most interesting western warrior, who used technology to assist him in defeating criminals. A scientist, who was also his friend, assisted him. He is a reluctant hero, with many foibles and obstacles, which he must overcome His use of humor is similar to that of O'Neill.”

“Really? What is his name?” Daniel asked his interest peaked.

“Nicodemus Legend.”

Puzzled, Daniel took a moment to search his memory, coming up empty.

“I have never heard of him.”

“This is a surprise to me Daniel Jackson, as he is most formidable and tenacious Perhaps you have heard of his alter ego Ernst Pratt?”

“ Alter ego?”

“Is that not the correct term, for one who assumes a new identity to conceal his true self?” Teal’c questioned his head cocked to one side

“Yes, it is. I am just surprised that you are familiar with the term Teal'c.”

“I have learned much from these books Daniel Jackson.” Teal’c informed him with dignity.

“I feel a certain comradeship with this particular hero. He reminds me very much of someone we both know quite well.”

“Really? May I read one of those adventures, please Teal'c?”

Now Daniel was hooked. If what Teal’c insinuated was true he just might have something here.

“You may indeed. I have also procured a picnic lunch. I will be most happy to share with you. Please be seated.” Teal’c invited him formally

The two friends passed the remainder of the afternoon in companionable silence, as they devoured the luncheon and the novels.

The shadows were beginning to fade into dusk, when Samantha Carter found the two, still avidly reading side by side, the scene before her touching her heart. It had not been so very long ago that Daniel had returned to them and she still took delight in his mere presence.

When he had ascended, she had found it confusing and painful. His return to the land of the living had left him without a memory of who he was, or of his team. She had so missed her friend’s gentle ways and the joys of her team, her family really, being together. Now he was back, with his memories fully returned to him; and she found that fact delightful.

“Hello you two, mind some company?” She asked softly.

Both men greeted her warmly, Daniel with a bright smile and Teal’c, with a small bow of his baldpate.

“You are most welcome Major Carter. Have you eaten? We still have a few sandwiches and some of O’Neill’s favorite snack, green Jell-o, would you care to share?” Teal’c invited her politely.

“Thank you Teal'c, but it is almost 1600. Have you two forgotten that the Colonel, invited us over for dinner and a movie tonight at 1900?”

“Gee Sam, it's that late? We lost track. Guess we had better close the books and return to the SGC.” Daniel questioned looking at his watch.

“I do not agree. I am not yet finished, with this adventure Daniel Jackson. I have only one more chapter and then I shall close my book.” Teal’c told him firmly, his eyes once again on the pages of the small book.

Amused with T’s enthusiasm, Sam and Daniel exchange grins.

“O.K. Teal’c.” Daniel capitulated.

“What is so interesting that you both lost track of the time? May I see?” Sam asked attempting to read the title, of the small tome that had so enthralled the big Jaffa.

“Here Sam, you have to start with this one. Lets see if you can figure out just who this character resembles.” Daniel instructed her, his voice suffused with irony.

Samantha Carter dropped gracefully to the blanket, which the others relaxed upon and began to read.

Another hour passed, the three quietly entranced in their perspective tomes, before it became too dark to continue; an hour of revelation for Samantha Carter; this fellow, the main protagonist, reminded her an awful lot of someone she not only knew, but also secretly loved.

Realizing it had grown almost dark, while they had indulged in fantasy, Sam alerted the other two.

“Guys, we really need to get it together. The Colonel so hates it when we are not on time. By the time we change and drive to the Colonel’s house, it’ll be almost 1900!”

“Sam? Do you think we have enough time for a computer search, on this dime novel hero? I’d sure like to find out if my suspicions are true.”

“Suspicions? Exactly what are you after Daniel?”

“I concur Major Carter. We need to ascertain the true validity of these adventures”

“Come on you two, these are just stories, aren't they?”

“I’m not so sure Sam. Most folk tales are based in fact and I for one, think we should take time out and look into this.”

“Well, O.K. I’ll call the Colonel and alert him that we may be a bit late.”

“Agreed.” Teal’c stated assisting her to rise.

The computer search proved fruitful. A newspaper reporter named Ernst Pratt, did indeed exist and had authored the novels. Finding several old newspapers in the archives, proved surprisingly easy, their contents revealing; the adventures detailed in the novels had happened!

Nicodemus Legend had been a formidable presence in the old west of Colorado, a further search, revealed several photos of not only Pratt, but Legend as well. The trio was at first shocked, and then delighted with the apparent truth, exposed in those photos and the printer in Daniel’s lab was busy for the next several minutes, coping all that they had unearthed. Then the three grinning friends, hurried to keep their appointment, with the fourth member of their team.

Meanwhile, an impatient and somewhat cranky, Colonel Jack O'Neill, awaited the arrival of his team, his family. He had spent the day catching up on his overdo reports, Jack HATED paper work; almost as much, as he hated sitting still for any length of time. Oh, except for fishing. That form of sitting he loved. It was an art form really, knowing how to sit and just fish for hours on end, who cared if he never, well almost never, managed to catch a thing? It was the act of fishing and not the actual fishing itself, which was important and he really couldn’t understand why Teal'c had not wanted to renew that joy.

Yet, while he enjoyed solitude, for the most part, he really looked forward to the evening of sharing a movie, a few beers, and dinner with his friends.

‘Where in the world are they? For crying out loud! Carter said they'd be a bit late, but it’s 2030 already! I’m starving!’ He thought pacing, with chagrin. ‘Hope they got pizza and not that Indian food Danny likes.’

Jack was just about to pickup the phone and call Carter, when he heard a car drive up his driveway. Yanking the front door open, he spied his team strolling up the walk pizzas in hand, grinning from ear to ear.

‘Something is up; they look like cats that swallowed the proverbial canary.’ He mused.

“Hey guys it’s about time! I’m wasting away here, where in the blue blazes have you been?”

“We have been on a most interesting odyssey O'Neill.” Teal’c answered stone-faced.

“Jack, you'll never guess just what Teal'c has been reading lately. He's gotten Sam and I hooked, on these old west dime novels.”

“Well just who did you think gave T’ his first Louis La’mour anyway? Finished all those already T‘?”

“Sometime ago O'Neill. Cassandra assisted me in obtaining a library card and I have for sometime now, enjoyed the vast selection of western adventures, available to me there. They have a most extensive dime novel collection.”

“That’s great buddy. Now can we eat?” Jack responded absently, opening a pizza box.

The foursome quickly devoured the pizza and the apple pie that Sam, had thoughtfully brought along and were just sitting down to a great old classic western, when Daniel, could no longer contain his suspense.

“So Jack, aren’t you just a wee bit curious, about which western hero Teal'c was so engrossed in that, he snagged Sam and I into reading a few of the stories and made us late?”

“Not really Danny boy. Can we just watch the movie? I love Gary Cooper, my kind of cowpoke, said very little and got the job done.” Jack replied wryly, hoping Daniel would take the not so subtle hint.

“Oh come on sir. Teal’c has been just dying, to regal you with the exploits of his hero. Have a heart give him a break!” Carter begged.

Groaning, Jack gave in a little.

“O.K. I’ll bite.”

Plastering a fake expression of interest, on his handsome face he asked.

“So T‘, who has you so enthralled?”

“A most impressive western warrior, not unlike yourself O'Neill. He is called Legend, Nichodemus Legend.”

Jack felt his jaw drop. He hoped he had misheard.

“Legend?” He said visibly turning pale.

“Yes. We found a most interesting amount of information on him and his alter ego Ernst Pratt, on the internet.” Teal’c plunged ahead, ignoring O’Neill’s obvious discomfort.

“Seems the guy really did exist Jack and was in truth, an icon of the old west We printed out the old newspaper articles for you to peruse.” Daniel added, covering a smirk with his hand.

“Why would that interest me Danny?”

Jack's guarded look and silky tone caused Sam to press her lips together, in an effort to repress a knowing grin. He really was squirming now and they couldn't help, but enjoy giving it to him.

“The internet can be a veritable cornucopia of old history and information, if you know where to look Sir.” She said with deceptive innocence.

“It’s such a help that Daniel, is such an old hand at digging up information”

“Yeah Jack. I even found old photos of both Ernst Pratt and Legend.”

“Really Daniel. That’s great, now can we just watch…?”

Jack countered turning up the volume.

“Are you not curious at all O’Neill?”

“No T’ not really. It’s been a long day and I just want to relax, watch old Coop deal with the bad guys and get the girl. That alright with you?”

“Indeed it is not O’Neill. Did you not tell me that you were always interested, in my activities outside the SGC?”

“Well yeah T, but…”

“Then I do not understand your reluctance, to hear us out on this matter.” Teal’c added flatly.

Knowing it was no use, they would NEVER let this go, he gave in, grudgingly that is. Payback is a bitch. Jack was well aware that his team was paying him back in full, for all the little pranks he pulled on them when boredom struck, as it so often did.

“I know I am so going to regret this but,” deep sigh. “What did he look like Teal’c?”

“Amazingly like you O’Neill, as did Ernst Pratt. They could in fact be your siblings.”

Teal’c informed him with a small smile and cocked eyebrow, holding out, the previously mentioned photos.

Now it was Jack’s turn to be coy.

“Really? How Odd!” Jack gave the photos a quick once over, then dropped them to the coffee table, without another glance.

“Come on Jack, come clean! I can dig up more information tomorrow ya know!” Daniel crowed.

Jack ignored him, turning up the Television’s volume once more; he refused to make any further comments.

Silently agreeing to back down for now, his team remained silent about the western hero, for the rest of the evening.

The evening ended without another word on the topic. But, Jack was not fooled. They would be at it first thing Monday.

They’d have the whole weekend to collect further Intel. He might as well come clean and confess, let them have their fun; a commodity they’d had so little of lately. If it made his team happy to torment him a little, let them. He'd play along, awhile longer yet.

Monday bright and early, a very amused Colonel stole his way into the bowels of the SGC and into his office, without running into any members of his team. He wasn’t Special Ops seasoned for nothing! Carefully, he placed a garment bag into the closet of his office. They had a briefing at 0800. But afterward, he wondered, how long his team would hold out, before they came around to his office to further “torment” him.

The briefing took about an hour and the General asked him to stay behind for a “chat” So, he’d invited the threesome to meet him for lunch at his office at 1200.

The General smiled at him, in that fatherly way of his and asked.

“Alright Jack, just what is going on? The Major and Daniel kept glancing your way, positively gloating over something. Can I share in the joke? It has been pretty dull around here lately.”

“Sorry General. They think they are playing a big joke on me. But the joke is going to be on them. For now, I’m just playing along. It makes the kids happy.”

“I see. You will fill me in when you can Jack?”

Where his Second in Command was concerned, life could at times, prove very interesting

“Sure thing George. I’d fill you in now, but it would be missing the punch line” Jack told him grinning.

“I see. Dismissed.” George Hammond capitulated mildly disappointed.

“Thank you Sir.” Jack saluted smartly.

He really was blessed to have such a great C.O. and friend, in good old George.

Sam, Daniel and Teal’c met in Sam’s lab, at 1150 and proceeded to Jack's office. The Web had revealed so much more, than they had expected.

‘Its amazing really,’ thought Daniel, ‘although, we really shouldn’t have been surprised at all. It had to be genetic this need to protect, this talent for heroism. Why was Jack so close mouth about things? Well the truth will be revealed now. I cannot wait to see Jack's face.’

Stopping outside the Colonel’s office, the trio took a deep breath and Teal’c knocked.

“Come.”

They strode into the small space and stopped dead in their tracks. Daniel choked on a sip of his ever-present coffee, Sam's jaw dropped and Teal’c; well he raised his eyebrow with a slight smile. O’Neill ever the prankster had beaten them again.

Jack stood there in all his, or rather all Legend’s glory. The outfit was authentic and complete, from the hat, to the fringed buckskins.

“Do you like great great Granddaddy’s gear? We’ve kept it packed away for years. But, I think it still looks pretty good. What do you guys think? He was a bit shorter than me, but the pants fit O.K.” He inquired mildly, spinning around so they could look their fill.

“Sir I..”

“Jack what the ..”

“O’Neill, you are the exact image of a true western hero.”

It crossed Teal'c mind that what he said, was 100% the truth. Great great Granddaddy Legend/Pratt would indeed be proud!

Fini.. 9/14/2003. Edited and rewritten 6/10/04. Word count 3096.