Snippet from upcoming Sylum storyline

***

There was a part of him that never wanted to leave.

This was as closest to home he was ever going to get.

Nico took a deep breath, taking in everything that was Rome. It brought back the memories of his childhood. He could hear Artorius laughing in the garden, smell his mother’s cooking, feel the material of his father’s toga in his tiny hands. The memories fade, replaced by the laughter of his children, the feel of Julia in his arms as her pregnant belly pushed against his side, smell the olives as they came into bloom.

He shook his head pulling himself out before the sounds turned violent, the smell of blood was in the air, the cold press of iron against his palm, and the memories became death at his feet.

Nicolaus Valerius Meridius had found himself in the most unique situation. He had never anticipated being part of the Stargate Program. He had helped Jed sell it off to Tony Stark, kept up with the information it was producing, and made sure to always know where D’Artagnan was at all times. But he had no intention of getting involved, until Shep showed up at his office door, asking for a favor.

In their explorations they had found the furthest gate in the known galaxy. The only reason they discovered it was due to Stark’s arc reactors giving the Gate the energy it needed to dial out that far. It would seem the gate just needed a power boost to get a good long distant calling plan.

They had found Rome.

Well it wasn’t the Rome on Earth, but close enough. It also backed Daniel’s theory that Ra had returned to Earth a few times, after the rebellion. The society was Rome in all essence, it was as if the Empire had never fallen, and continued flourishing thousands of years.

The moment O’Neill had encountered the diplomats he knew they needed someone who could speak the language, and he didn’t mean Latin. He had left Daniel behind, made him promise not to get into trouble, and then went back to Command and called Shep, and told him to get his Sire.

Nico was sure, Jack hadn’t expected Kenway, but figured the more bodyguards the Clan Leader had the easier his life would be. He should’ve realized that two Meridii was never a good combination for any situation.

He couldn’t believe the sight before him, even Kenway had been subdued. It was one of the rarer moments that Artorius was more in the forefront. The sight of Rome was enough to bring out the oldest brother of Nicolaus, keeping the pirate and royal navy officer at bay.

Nicolaus was introduced to Caesar Augustus, and the two were friends instantly.

No one was really surprised.

The only downside, was the fact the citizens were concerned by the visitors influence. Though Nico was appalled by their tradition of killing Caesar after five years, he knew not to interfere. This was not his Rome, despite how much it looked like it. They had built their society based on Rome, creating their own system of politics, culture, economy, and history. It was not Nico’s place to change any of it. All he had requested is to learn about them.

Kenway had been worried about the hostility they were receiving. As far as he remembered Romans were very open to strangers, but the citizens of Roma were borderline xenophobic.

Roma didn’t go out to the world.

The world came to Roma.

And only lived and acted in the way best for Romans.

Though many senators had embraced the Meridii brothers, though there were a few who made their displeasure known. The Organas on the other hand had embraced Nico and Kenway instantly, then she promptly grabbed each of their asses. Her husband only smiled and told them to get used to it, she smacked his ass on the way out.

Kenway loved her instantly, and agreed to teacher her sea shanties.

Nico apologized profusely.

Her husband apologized in return when she got Kenway into trouble.

They were only to stay another few days, and Nico found himself sorry to go. He knew he needed to get home, he missed Warrick dearly. They had been fighting more lately, and the time away made him realize how stupid he was being, and wanted to get home to his Pirate. And he didn’t care if he was working or not, he would kidnap his ass if need be. He would make sure to come back to Roma, and bring Warrick next time.

He made his way towards the circular Temple in the center of the gardens. The Cenotaph lay in the middle, with a simple wreath of gold laurels on top. It was an empty tomb, a reminder of what Caesar’s rein end will end. He knew he would not be here in a year’s time, to see Augustus killed on the Ides of March. Instincts would have him trying to save the man, he would freely call brother.

A sound caught his attention.

A shuffle of feet, then the wisp of material.

He opened his hearing, picking up the small heartbeat. It would seem he was being followed.

Nico turned around, startling the small child who was trying to sneak up on him. He had to be no more than six, maybe seven. His brown reddish hair was spiky and looked completely out of control. The beige outfit, and darker robes reminded him of something … but before he could contemplate it, the child blinked. His eyes were mesmerizing, almost iridescent, a trait of the Roma’s especially of those whose lines go all the way back to the founding of the city.

“Hello.” Nico squatted down, the leather creaking slightly. Though he was enjoying wearing the traditional clothes for a General in the Army, the leather was a bit new and stiff.

“Who are you?” The child asked, indicating he wasn’t shy at all.

“Nicolaus.” He answered smiling at the kid. “General Nicolaus Meridius.” Just to remind him, that he was outranked.

“I have not seen your symbol before.” He pointed at the rearing horses on this chest plate.

“It is a symbol of my home, which is far from here.” He stood back up, looking down at the young boy. “Who are you?”

“Son of Caesar.” He answered a hint of a challenge in his voice.

“Caesar has no children.” That he knew for sure. It was not allowed. There were to be no heirs to try and claim the throne.

“I’m an exception.” He moved past Nico to stand near the sarcophagus. “I have left Roma to be a Jedi. And that makes my father childless. I am here to visit him, for the last time.”

Nico closed his eyes, feeling the pain the kid was holding back. “What is your name?”

He turned, gave Nicolaus a small smile. “Obi-Wan Kenobi.”

Snippet/Tease for past history for Sylum

***

Harold was tucked into the library, with Immutef as company. John smiled at the two as they discussed new advancements in medicine, and ways to help his Mates poor eyesight. He was pretty sure Harold really had an idea what he looked like.

Oh he knew sections. He had gotten up close and personal with all aspects of John’s body. Harold commented frequently on his dark hair and light eyes, and when they were face to face, admired his smile. But the overall package, from head to foot – he was pretty sure all Harold saw was a dark blur, it was one reason he took to wearing a red sash around his middle … little did he know it would become much more than a way for his Mate to ID him in a crowd.

He left Harold in the safety of the main Medjai compound and went out to search for Rick to discuss training with the Medjai warriors. He had wanted to up his fighting skills, and at the same time get a feel of the warriors, how much they had changed over the centuries.

John had not told his Mate about his ability to remember all of his Past Lives. If he did explain it, he would have to explain his Mates connection to Nicolaus. Shepsit Hemet Amun-Ra knew about his unique ‘gift’, but he doubted she would be talking to Harold about it, any time soon.

He rounded the corner, entering one of the many tunnels that led through the mountains that hid the Medjai from the outside world. It had taken a few times to get a feel for the tunnels, but after a while he navigated them like a native.

He stepped out into the early morning sun.   It was taking time to adjust to the heat, especially since he came from the cool shorelines of Wales.

“Rhy’el?”

John turned on his heel, seeking out the voice.

A voice, that at one point he thought he would never hear again.

He smiled brightly at the sight of his brother. The wild blonde hair, large smile, dressed in Medjai clothing, it was as if they had not been parted. He looked exactly the same, as the day John had died protecting those in his care.

“Dan’el!”

Without hesitation, the two embraced holding each other tightly. The joy of finding a part of home, soothed their souls.

Dan’el stepped back looking over John, eyes narrowing slightly. “You are smaller than the last time I saw you.”

“About a foot.” John smirked slightly, gesturing towards himself. “This is my fourth time around since then.”

He paused. “How is that possible? I mean. How do you know who I am?”

“I have all of my memories, all the way to the moment I woke up and saw our father.” He stepped back slightly, letting his brother come to terms with the situation.

“You look just like Rhy’el. I mean, besides a foot smaller you are a spitting image of him.” Dan’el smiled as he reached up and cupped John’s cheek. “You even have his eyes. Do you have his anger issue?”

“Some things never leave the blood.” John shrugged, not wanting to discuss it. “This is not my first time back in Egypt, I had thought to seek you out, but the Horus guards got to me first.”

“We finally defeated them, the Gate was buried, along with the knowledge of how to open it.” Dan’el sighed, he had come to terms centuries ago he would truly never go home. “I made a life here.”

“Vampire?” He asked, noticing the lack of a heartbeat.

“Ardeth is my Sire.   My wounds were great, and the Vampire blood sealed all of it together. It is odd, but I have had no one to talk about it.”

“And of Rem?” John asked curiously. “I know he survived I’ve seen his own fruition.”

Dan’el laughed heartily. “We all left something on this planet, or you would not be standing before me.”

“You were not the only one given a gift, the rest of just did not start a war over it!” He gave him a pointed look. “I am more human …”

“So the Vampire is the stronger element, than your original blood line.” Dan’el asked, gazing at his brother.

“The genetics are still strong, just smaller.” John gave him a wicked chuckle.

“He has a Mate you know.”

They both turned to see the third of their family, standing next to them. His black hair pulled back into a tail, blending in by wearing the traditional Medjai clothing. He leaned against his staff, an item they had rarely seen him without, and a rare item that had come from their home.

“A Mate?” Dan’el smiled. “May the Gods help this planet if anyone was to harm them.”

“No truer a prayer, my brother.” John smiled softly. “He is my center, my calm. The only one to sooth the darker elements.”

“Then he is your Mate.” Dan’el patted his arm. “You must introduce him.”

“I am sure you know him.” Rem added into the mix. “Harold, the Irishman.”

“The one Nicolaus and Arthur brought home, he is very smart and not one to be taken lightly.” Dan’el approved. Harold was a man, their father would have been proud to have Rhy’el Bond with.

“Do not underestimate him.” John stated simply.

“Never underestimate the quiet ones.” Rem chuckled. “I had a feeling today would be a good time to hang around the Medjai. It was time we were once again a family.”

“You know we have to keep this secret.” Dan’el pointed out. “Even talk of something unworldly besides the Vampire can set anyone off. Those who lived through the rebellion with Ra, do not hold ‘outsides’ in high regard.”

“I do not hold a few Vampires in high regard.” John snarled. “The Medjai Advisor is not one to advise wisely. She knows of my gift, but not that I am older than she. I lost my soul and life to the Horus guards protecting a precious soul, nine years before your rebellion, and she denies that soul exists.”

“You changed more than you know, Rhy’el.” Rem reached out and touched his brother’s arm, sensing the anger building. “That night you lost your Mate, and then your life. One was watching, and your sacrifice touched him deeply. It was likely the moment that changed him to the good. He was instrumental in the rebellion nine years later.”

Dan’el gazed between them, with a look of contemplate and slightly confusion. “Rem’el?”

“He is the story of the handmaiden and her child?” He glanced over at the oldest of them. “The one that Ra’s Al Ghul would tell others about, the one who not only sacrificed her life but took out three guards in revenge.”

Dan’el focused on John. “That was you.”

He nodded biting back the emotions, he knew full well he was going to have to come up with some explanation to Harold about his range of emotions. He was horrible at hiding from his Mate, at least Harold was as bad.

“My brother, to have lost you twice…” He pulled John into his arms, holding him tightly. Rhy’el was the youngest of the three, the last one ‘born’. His duty was to protect, and he would have given his life for any of them, but had sacrificed himself to make sure their father had survived.

To know the Horus guards had killed him again, while he protected a precious soul, brought tears to Dan’el.

“You were to lose me two more times, before now.” John held him close for a moment then stepped back. “One as a slayer of dragons, now a Saint. The other a young child who died in a fire, before her father could save her. It’s him I’ve mostly returned to, Nicolaus.”

Rem laughed. “You are doubly blessed or cursed to be born of the Meridii.”

Dan’el shook his head, somehow it was fitting and not shocking. “You are truly now of the Meridii line?”

John nodded. “Soul and Blood.”

The two brothers looked at each other, shaking their heads and smiled. “Then there is someone you need to meet, it will help you understand the significance of all things.”

When John laid eyes on him, he understood the meaning behind their words. The only response was to laugh. At least the father of all was not offended.

And now for the Non-Sylum story, this is a piece from the upcoming installment in Dragons of Interest

***

Harold had made sure to not draw attention to himself as he fled the library.  He loosened his grip on Bear’s leash, easing his own tension.  They walked a few blocks, then turned right and went another two blocks.

When his phone beeped he glanced down to see directions.

‘Right.’

‘Stay.’

‘Left.’

He stood on a street corner, across from a park.  It was actually the one Bear liked the least.  Harold couldn’t help the smile the Machine led him to one of the few places he barely frequented.

His paranoia, it would seem, was rubbing off.

The light turned green and as he was ready to cross, his phone beeped again.

‘Stay.’

‘Stay.’

He gripped Bear’s leash, putting the dog on full alert.

As the light turned red, he noticed there were Federal Agents on the other side.

He had nowhere to go.

He could turn and go back the way he came, but they would catch up with him in mere seconds.  It didn’t matter which way he fled, his disability wouldn’t let him run.

Harold glanced down at Bear, who was growling low in his throat.  The dogs ears were pointed towards the threat, lips curled in a snarl.  “Stand down.”  He commanded in Dutch, Bear ignored him.  “Bear you can’t take them all.”

He barked almost as if daring the Agents to come at them.

“You are so Mr. Reese’s dog.”  He took a few deep breathes, and waited for the light to turn green.

Waited.

And waited.

He frowned when he realized the light wasn’t turning.  He looked to his left to see the line of cars, backing up at the intersection.   When he glanced back across the street the Agents were watching the traffic race through the intersection, there was no way for them to step out.

‘Stay.’

“You can’t keep them away forever.”  He muttered looking up at the camera. “They’ll go after civilians.”

‘Stay.’

Two Agents stepped off the curb, guns drawn, and their hands out bringing the traffic to a stop.

Citizens began backing away as the Feds moved across the street towards them.

Harold refused to move, hand tight on the leash as Bear began barking and growling at earnest.  He stood his ground, not wanting any innocent being killed because of him.

Just as the Agents were halfway across the road, a black van slammed on it’s brakes and came to screeching stop in front of Harold.

The side door opened.

“Get in!”  A woman yelled, as she reached out.  “We’re friends, Harold, get in the damn van.”

Well it couldn’t be worse than the situation he was in now.

He moved towards his rescuers.

She took his arm and helped him into the van, as a blonde grabbed Bear’s leash and yanked the dog in side, before slamming the door shut.

“We’re clear!”  He yelled at the two in front.

Harold startled at the sound of gunshots being fired, before the van took off down the street at a high speed.  At the next light, there was a thump on the roof.  The man in the front passenger seat grabbed his gun, and slid out the window just as the side door opened and Connor Kenway moved inside.

“You’re a hard man to find Harold.”  He gave him a pointed look, as he closed the door.  “I give Aveline credit for keeping up with you.”

“Are you fucking insane!”  The man yelled, as he settled back in his seat.

Connor gave him a smirk, before reaching over and petting Bear.  “Not nearly as bad as you four.”

“I never thought I would be this happy to see you, Mr. Kenway.”  Finch gave him a small smile, before glancing at the rest of the occupants of the van.  “Who are you people?”

“I’m Jane.”  The woman held out her hand, giving him a reassuring smile.  “These losers are my siblings.  Benji, at the computers.  Brandt, is the one yelling, and Ethan is driving.”

“Wait, Ethan Hunt?” he asked curiously.

The man in question turned and looked at him.  “My reputation precedes me?”

“John stated I should avoid you.”  He gave the man a pointed look, wanting to hide the Machine even more than it was.  “He also said, that if I ever needed help, to contact you.”

“It wasn’t you that contacted us?”  Benji asked, confused.  “We got messages stating Dragons needed help.”

Harold looked down at his phone.

‘Auxiliary Admin authorized.’