On the other hand, I do believe he'd at least tell his family what his real name is -- a strange name isn't much of a stretch after they've learned about Immortality in general.

And here is where we might differ on a bit of Methos characterisation. I *don't* think he would tell his family his real name, because that name might come out at some point. In a diary, maybe, or a careless conversation, precisely because they have no idea what kind of effect it would have on other Immortals and perhaps might not even know that other such people exist. It's an unnecessary risk, and therefore not one I think the old man is likely to take. Just part of the caution. But fair enough.

And, yes, Jack is adopted. I kind of figured that went without saying, what with Immortals being sterile and all

I've seen at least two fics where Methos is, for some reason, the only Immortal able to have children (who then of course are also Immortal, and usually have other special abilities as well). And I'm not even that widely read. I think there's a rule of the internet somewhere; if you think it doesn't exist, it does. :-)

Shame that it won't be explained further, but okay. Good fic otherwise. :-)

XWA