Chapter 18

"Teleporting teenagers," there was a note of awe in Joe's voice as the Watcher did what he did best--he studied the two young girls in front of him, fixing every detail in his mind. Ami could almost read the mental addition to his journal. They were going to have to talk about this later; she had enough trouble with her Mum without having to explain why there was a strange man or woman for that matter, camping out in her backyard, following her around, and recording everything she did.

Mum would cow, she thought, she would cow majorly.

"Watchers," Jade smiled, "Who would have thought?"

"I was just thinking the same about Immortals," Ami mused. About a certain young Immortal to be precise.

"More beer anyone?" Methos asked reaching over the bar for another bottle.

Three heads swiveled his way and on all three faces, censure registered.

"What?" he asked innocently.

"Is that all you can think about? Your precious beer?" Jade's voice was scathing, "There are more important things, you know?"

"Are you offering to show me something better, kid?" his voice was teasing, as he perused her up and down.

A furious blush stole into her cheeks. "You're impossible!" she snapped.

"If you've resorting to name calling, then it just goes to prove that I've already won, doesn't it?" he smirked.

"That's enough, you two," Ami reproved, before Jade could jump back with a crushing retort. Honestly, Methos was nearly as bad as Megabyte was at baiting Jade. She'd spent nearly an hour in the five thousand year old man's presence and awe had quickly given way to--well, not disappointment exactly but the realization that Buddha, this man was not.

"Who died and made you the leader of this merry expedition?" Methos asked.

Ami's eyes hardened, glittering dangerously. "Someone here has to rise above the sophomoric high-jinks of certain Immortals."

"Ouch," Joe grinned, "Methos, you may have met your match."

"I'm not even warmed up. You give me far too little credit, Joe," Methos replied unfazed.

"Far too much as far as I'm concerned," Joe returned cheerfully.

Joe, she did like. She liked him very much. His down-to- earth sensibilities and unfailingly good humor were endearing. She understood why Richie had spoken so highly of him, why he had turned to him for help.

"Everyone's a critic," Methos said, then turned to Ami, "So what now, Kemosabi?"

Ami had the distinct feeling that he was deriving a great deal of pleasure out of annoying her and she refused to rise to the bait. "I would think that obvious--we have to find where the others are."

"Have to find, do we? Not allowed to start by looking, eh?" Methos asked.

"That's what I meant," Ami said. Scratch that, she rolled her eyes mentally; he was far, far worse than Megabyte.

"Of course."

Ignoring that, Ami continued, "Joe, how what about the Watchers? How far can they be trusted in this?"

He sucked in a breath thoughtfully, "Good question. The organization is so large and diverse that weeding out Horton's people isn't going to be easy or happen overnight. If you're asking would I trust my own people to help us with this, then the answer is no. A small hand-picked group, sure, but the organization as a whole is suspect in my book at the moment. If we use Watcher resources right now, we'd have to be discreet so as not to alert Horton's people. And we'd have to take care of him personally; we couldn't trust any of the other Watchers to carry out that job."

Ami nodded, tiny frown lines creasing her brow. "I was afraid you'd say that," she shifted, "I'd considered that already and I think there may be a way around the Watchers. Tell me: do you trust Frank Addleman?"

"Yeah," Joe appeared at a loss.

"You don't think he would be in with this Horton?" she continued.

"Frank?!" Joe laughed, "There's not a person I can imagine helping Horton less."

"I'm glad to hear you say that, Joe. What would you think about turning WorldEx into amateur Watchers?" Ami asked.

Joe whistled. "Tall order. Still," he stroked his beard, "the idea does have possibilities."

"Pardon me for sounding obtuse, but who is Frank Addleman?" Methos queried.

"General Damon's second-in-command. He's in charge of WorldEx now that Damon's gone, and he's a Watcher," Jade explained, seeming to like having inside information that the Immortal wasn't privy to.

"With Damon kidnapped, Frank has the perfect reason for going after Horton. No one could question his actions and there would be no worries about someone betraying the operation," Ami said excitedly.

"I hate to poke holes in this," Methos spoke up, "but have you considered how long it may take to find Horton? Sure, now that he has Conner, he'll probably contact Mac. Mac, however, is out of contact right now and I don't think we have time to sit around and wait for him to make a move in Horton's direction."

"He's right," Ami said deflated, "As soon as we can find the others, Frank is the perfect solution. He's got the manpower and the resources but Methos is right--without a definite location, we're just shooting in the dark."

"What about the others?" Methos asked, "Can you get anything from them?"

Ami shook her head in frustration, long braids flying in every direction, "Megabyte and Adam are deliberately blocking us out and Cat's unconscious."

"You can feel when one of your friends is unconscious or hurt?" Joe asked in amazement.

Ami nodded, "We're aware of each other at all times. That's how we know that they're alive. If they were dead, then we would feel it, know it."

Everyone fell silent. Jade slowly raised her gaze from the glass of melting ice before her. Quietly, she asked, "What about the Ship?"

"Ship?" Methos and Joe asked in unison.

"Long story," Ami waved off, "Go on, Jade."

"It just occurred to me--the Ship is aware of us just as we're aware of it. Perhaps we could use it to get a fix on their location."

Ami considered it before saying, "But Adam and Megabyte are blocking and if the Ship tries to force something out of them, Horton might think that they were contacting one of us... It's too risky."

"Then what about Cat?" Jade said, "She's unconscious but she's tied to the Ship even more strongly than we are. And maybe, just maybe, they won't be watching her as closely. If the Ship can get something out of her, maybe even wake her up and let her give us a location... We have to try something."

"Agreed."

"Why do I feel like I need Cliff Notes to follow this conversation," Methos complained.

"Cliff Notes, hell, I think I need to read the book," Joe sympathized.

"Joe, can you call Frank? Tell him what's happened, start coordinating things with him?" Ami drew herself up.

"Sure, but where will you be?"

"Jade and I are going to try a little experiment. We'll be back in a bit."

Joe inclined his head in acknowledgment, "You're the boss."

"That's what got me worried," Methos muttered as the two Tomorrow People vanished.

Chapter Nineteen

"You took that rather well," Methos observed, after the two girls left.

Joe shrugged, "What can I say? I'm a remarkable guy."

Methos made a face, "I noticed that you didn't raise any questions when they mentioned Conner MacLeod having a niece. It appears I might have missed a few things in the reports during my tenure with the Watchers."

"It was no secret."

"So tell me about her, about how she came into Conner's keeping," Methos propped on one elbow.

Joe rubbed the back of his neck, "Her name's Catriona Fraser. As for how she came into his keeping... Watcher records say that her grandmother, Marion, was Conner's lover. Something must have happened between them, a quarrel of some kind, because in 1924, she married Simon Fraser. After World War II, she met up with Conner again. Evidently, they reconciled because every few years after that MacLeod made a point of stopping in to visit. Somewhere along the way, he adopted the granddaughter."

"And?"

Joe's eyes darkened, "In 1989, Marion's son, Cameron, moved his family to the Outer Hebrides. One day, Catriona and her mother left to go to the mainland, except they never made it to the ferry."

"What happened?"

"They crashed into a rock face; the roads were slippery and the day was rainy. The mother was killed instantly. The girl, Catriona, she disappeared. No one knows where or why. Or even how. Only that she reappeared a week or so later."

"So what happened to her?"

"She never said. Marion suffered her first stroke after she disappeared. The first of several. Before she died, Conner MacLeod came back and took Catriona with him back to New York. She stayed with him until her father sent for her shortly after Marion's funeral. Since then there's been a steady stream of letters and phone calls but this is the first time he's independently visited her," Joe recounted.

Methos spun a bottle cap around and around. "So Horton decided must have decided to use her to get Conner."

"Yeah, only Conner changed things by showing up," Joe slowly shook his head, "God help them, God help all of them."

"If I know Conner, and he gets out of this, I doubt that God will be able to save Horton," Methos said quietly.

*****

Momentary pain, disorientation with this waking. Conner found himself lying face down on the ground, dirt rasping and clinging to his face. Unsteadily, he levered himself up, taking in dark nature of his surroundings, the sound of water tapping, tapping against pipes. Drip, drip, drip.

Someone was behind him. He felt rather than saw that. "Hello?"

"Hi, welcome to the Hotel California," replied a tired, but humorous voice.

Conner laughed. "Forgive me if I don't think much of the accommodations."

"You, too? Me, I was thinking of complaining to the front desk. The room service here is terrible."

Conner eased around, back resting against the wall. He could vaguely make out a large shape just across from him. "Let me guess--Megabyte's father?"

"Have you seen him?" concern overrode the forced humor in the man's voice.

"I have. Aside from being forced to endure that madman's company, he's fine," Conner reassured him.

Damon was silent and Conner didn't raise any questions. He was too intent on trying to get his bearings straight. There was a heavy weight around his ankle and he leaned forward, hands outstretched, groping.

"It's a manacle," Damon spoke up, "I guess they didn't want you getting away. I mean, even without your sword, you're still a serious threat."

Conner leaned back, softly thudding his head, "Does every one know I'm Immortal? What was there a town meeting or something about it before I got here?"

"I only know because I checked you out when they brought you in. You were dead and since I rather doubted that they would throw you in here with me, manacled, if you were dead, I assumed that it must be a temporary state. Therefore, I inferred that my cell mate had to be an Immortal."

"What are you, the '90s equivalent of Sherlock Holmes?"

"More like Doctor Watson most days," Damon said wryly, "Forced to play second-fiddle to my kid and his friends."

"I'm sorry to tell you this but they've been captured as well."

"What? When? All of them?" the distress in his voice was evident.

"Last night. And no, not all of them. Only my niece, and Adam."

"Your niece?"

"Catriona Fraser," Conner tested the strength of the manacles.

"Cat Fraser is your niece?" disbelief colored his voice.

"You know her?"

"We've met, Mr--" Damon said.

"Conner MacLeod. It would seem my bonny Cat is full of surprises. Just like her grandmother," Conner replied nostalgically.

"Close acquaintance?"

"Intimate would be a better way of putting it," he replied. "Her grandmother?" Damon sounded shocked.

"She wasn't Cat's grandmother when I met her. In fact, Cat wasn't even a thought at that time. She was a very young, very beautiful woman."

"So what happened?"

"She married someone else and I thought I would never see her again. Part of me hoped I wouldn't," Conner closed his eyes, "We met again after the second World War. She was pregnant with Cat's father and trapped in a sham of a marriage that I had put her in. She should have hated me but she didn't. She still loved me, I never could understand why."

"So you never --"

"No. Marion had made a vow and she took her vows faithfully. Fraser wouldn't let her have a divorce and she wouldn't separate from him without one. And then there was the child to consider," his voice was soft with regret.

"So you left?" Damon guessed.

"Staying would have exacerbated an already tense situation, it would have made it unbearable for all of the parties concerned. What other choice did I have?"

"But Marion-- Marion wouldn't let me leave without promising to come back. I knew I should stay away but to have her back in my life again and to lose her forever again... I was a coward; I couldn't bear the thought. And so I gave her what she wanted," he paused, "I have had a wife before, one that I stayed with until she died an old woman but this, this was far worse. We were together but we could never be completely."

Drip, drip, went the sound of falling water. Like tears.

"Simon Fraser died when their son was just shy of twenty, too late for Marion and myself. The visits continued though, neither of us able to change our situation. Because of society, because of the boy, because... we knew no other way. And then Cat was born."

"Cameron Fraser married late in life just as old Simon had. In fact, the boy seemed to be all his father's creature with nothing of his mother. He was tall and dark while Marion was ruddy as a sunbeam. Cat--Cat is the spit of Marion, save those eyes and her height. That was all her father gave her. And she was like her in more than looks. Cameron was a strange creature, taciturn with a nasty, vicious temper. But not Cat," Conner said.

"It sounds like you don't care for Cameron Fraser," observed Damon.

"I don't. He's a cold-hearted, strange man. For all that he's a physician, I never saw a man who cared less about his fellow man. When Cat's mother died, he blamed her for it, as if a child of eleven had some control over that. He was killing her slowly with words, with his behavior. Marion did the best she could to intercede on Cat's behalf but by that time, she was dying and she knew it. She asked me to take care of Cat, even then I couldn't say no to her. Do you know that when I confronted Cameron Fraser about his treatment of Cat, fully intending to fight for his right to have custody of her, he simply looked up from the letters he was writing and told me that if I wanted her to kindly take her and leave him in peace," Conner twisted at the chains around his ankles, "And for awhile, she was mine, my daughter if I have ever had one."

"When Cat was just short of fourteen, Marion died finally and we went back for the funeral. And Cameron wanted her back, why I do not know. Perhaps he was lonely; at any rate, I had not a legal leg to stand on. He had, after all, never physically harmed her and he was her father. So back she went and I had not seen her since then, Cameron refused me even that. I had to content myself with letters and phone calls. Until now."

"Because she is no longer living with her father," Damon said, understanding, "I ... I'm sorry."

They both knew what he meant.

"History, it's history," Conner replied ironically, "And the present is what's important. Can you reach my right shoe?" There was some shuffling and MacLeod felt a hand touch his tennis-shoed foot. "Found it," Damon said unnecessarily.

"Good man. Now can you get it off?"

"Sure, why?" Damon sounded patiently puzzled.

Conner grinned in the darkness. "I know this Immortal, she's a thief. The woman carries more tools on her than you'd believe. I adopted the habit; if you'll tear out the lining of my shoe, you'll find a mini-tool set."

"Nice. I'll have to put it on my Christmas list," Damon said with admiration.

"How good are you at jimmying locks?"

"I'll give it a go," Damon sounded confident and Conner heard the rip of fabric.

"And as soon as you've got me out, we'll work on getting out of this hole they've stuck us in."

"Sounds like a plan to me. And when we do get out, I want to have a long talk with our resident madman."

"Take your turn in line."

Chapter Twenty

The Ship trilled in greeting as they materialized.

The large opalescent column in the midst of the glyph and sand-filled chamber throbbed with life, the heart of the alien space craft that had crashed so many millennia ago. Jade involuntarily smiled at it; the Ship was more than just a mass of metal and wires although it fell somewhat short of being human. It simply was--alien. But no less for that difference.

The normally brightly shining column was dimmed, tension radiating from it. Had the Ship been human, Jade would have said it was worried. As it was, she could only hazard a guess as to that being the case.

"The Ship's uneasy," Ami spoke aloud, echoing her thoughts.

"Can you blame it?" Jade replied quietly.

Ami glanced sharply at her but didn't comment as Jade stepped forward, hands just barely grazing the soft, semi-translucent skin of the column. The pitch of the song changed, soaring into a questioning note. Two harnesses lowered and the girls slipped into them, the arms supporting the mounting slowly lifted them, gently beginning concentric rotations. Jade closed her eyes, feeling her mind clear and open, reaching for Ami's and for the Ship.

It was difficult to pinpoint the exact moment when she was no longer simply Jade.

United, their combined minds reached, searching, buoyed by the Ship. Skimming and calling until they found her.

Cat.

Her mind was sluggish, lethargic and trying to sift through it, to get her attention, was like wading through syrup. There were exotic chemicals swimming around in her system; she was drugged and for a moment, the part of the troika that was Jade despaired. Then she felt the Ship ease round her and Ami, pushing to the forefront, felt its tentative probing. Now she and Ami were the ones buoying the Ship as it sought to make a connection.

There. A spark of something whether it was consciousness or no, Jade couldn't say. Movement, she was moving, they were all moving, pushing at Cat, making her sit up....

*****

Talbot glanced up from his microscope as a tiny sound pricked his ears. The girl on the examination table moved restlessly, moaning in her sleep then subsiding. He went back to studying the slide before him.

It was incredible. If half of what he suspected was true, if a suitable study could be performed on one of these so-called Tomorrow People... The very idea excited him. A detailed, systematized study appealed to Talbot; he had been a researcher in one of the topmost facilities in Britain, before Horton had recruited him, giving him the chance to study Immortals, providing him with body and tissue samples. Who knew what benefits mankind could reap from the study and isolation of both groups? They could isolate the gene for telepathy or the mysterious healing factor in Immortals. Mankind could leap frog over several steps in the evolutionary ladder.

A light sliding sound attracted his attention and he irritably directed his gaze towards it. The girl on the table was sitting up, eyes opened wide but clearly still asleep for there was no awareness in her gaze. She slipped off the table, pausing to steady herself. He frowned. The drugs shouldn't induce a somnambulistic state. He shrugged, well, if she was a sleepwalker, then it would be easy to restrain her.

She was already to the door when he made it around the table. He took her arm and her face turned towards him. Talbot started; there was something in that gaze, an awareness but somehow not a human one. As if something else had control of this body but that was ridiculous.

Wasn't it?

"Come along," he said softly, more to reassure himself than anything else.

A flickering in those slate eyes as he tried to guide her back to the table. She resisted, refusing to move. He was contemplating calling someone into help him when her hands closed around his and pushed him away. With single-minded determination, she headed for the door again. He grasped her hand and she slung him against the wall with reflexes faster than he had expected, faster than the drug should have allowed. Opening his mouth to shout, Talbot found a hand clamped over his face and his head being pushed back until it connected to the stone surface of the wall, until everything went black.

Blank eyes stared at the unconscious figure then were turned toward the door. She began moving again...

*****

The sight of the unconscious man filled the merge and Jade felt a twinge of regret. They hadn't wanted to hurt the man but there had been no alternative. Dark corridors filled her vision, musty and the air chill.

Controlling Cat's body was more taxing than she would have guessed, especially in lieu of the fact that they had no help from her in utilizing it. Her mind was too immersed in the drugs still. All they could do was try to continue manipulating her body and that was taking both Ami and the Ship as well as her to do.

They forced her to stay in the shadows, out of sight, crawling along the walls. There were video cameras everywhere and Jade could feel her own heart quicken in response. They weren't going to have long, someone was bound to notice her on one of the hidden monitors.

Sounds assailed her ears. The steady tap, tap, tap of water against pipes. Voices in rooms as they passed by. The bedrock was rough beneath her--Cat's feet. It was getting more and more difficult to separate herself. The corridor twisted and turned at sharp angles. Footsteps approaching. Quickly, they ducked into one of the darkened rooms.

Even with only the illumination of one blazing torch, it wasn't hard to discern that this room was a tomb of some kind. The word 'catacombs' rose to mind. Moving in for a closer look, she saw that some of the occupants were still in their places--their bones at any rate. Over one of the indentures were the words: Christus Resurrexit! Latin, it had to be and as to the meaning... Christ is risen or will rise, she guessed.

It was the length of chains in the middle of two columns of the room that caught her attention. That and the dried blood around them. Jade felt her heart constrict at the sight, blood chilling with fear. What kind of ghouls were these people?

They crept towards the opening of the room, listening waiting. Voices rose and fell, passing by without noticing them. Skittering out of the room, following the sharp turns of the tunnels, Jade noticed that they seemed to be moving upwards as if on an incline. Light broke the gloom just ahead, sunlight streaming in illuminating the dirty floor as it streamed in through a cross-shaped window. As Cat peered out that window, Jade could see a yard, with headstones, some of them crumbling and overturned. This place had to be a church of some kind, she concluded. This--

"Don't move," said a voice from behind them.

They couldn't have even if they wanted to. Cat's mind was stirring, pushing at their presence, defenses automatically coming up. She could feel the Scottish girl's bewilderment through the weakening merge. They had to get her out of there but she could feel the tenuous links snapping. There was no way they could force her to teleport, not with her mind taking control again. Jade could feel herself being pulled back into her own body.

/Cat, get out! Get out now!/ she screamed. Before the last link dissolved, she saw the girl turn and the gun being raised and cocked....

The sight when out but not the sound. Bang.

***** Jade was crying.

Ami tore herself out of the harness and went to the younger girl. Her face was buried in her hands. Shaken, Ami found she could do no more than wrap her arms around the girl and try to comfort her.

Cat was dead, she had to be. It was their fault, they shouldn't have pushed. They knew those men were dangerous but they had gone ahead with their risky idea anyway. The information they had gotten had come at too dear a cost. They--

"What's a girl 'ave ta do around 'ere ta get a glass o' water?" croaked a voice.

Swiftly, both girls raised their eyes. Cat was regarding them, barely keeping herself upright, from the door way. They rushed to her, throwing their arms around her. She hugged them back.

"We thought you were dead. That man-- The gun did went off!" Ami exclaimed.

"Aye, I know. Fortunately, I was already teleportin' when it went off. Thanks for the warnin'," she ruffled Jade's hair.

"I wasn't sure you heard me."

"Yer scream is still rattlin' around in my head," Cat said wryly, rubbing her forehead.

"Sorry."

"Dinna be. 'Twas time I woke up anyway. So what 'ave I missed?"

Chapter Twenty-One

Joe dropped the glass he was placing on the shelf as the--now trio reappeared. It crashed to the floor with an audible breaking. He grimaced at the three girls. Methos, who was watching the proceedings from one of the nearby tables on which he had his long legs propped, observed dryly, "I hope you've got insurance, Joe, because I have a feeling that a lot more glasses may be broken from now on."

"Cute," Joe replied sourly, "I don't suppose there's anyway to give me a warning before you guys do that, is there?"

"Sorry, Joe," Jade apologized brightly.

He didn't appear mollified though his expression became tinged with curiosity as he let his eyes rest on Cat. "You two have been busy I see. Nice to meet you, Miss Fraser."

Cat exchanged a glance with Ami. Though they had filled her in on what was going on, the Watchers, their plans, it was apparent that she was still getting used to the idea. "There's no pullin' the wool o'er yer eyes, is there, Mr. Dawson? And 'tis no' Miss Fraser, 'tis Cat or Catriona."

"Call me Joe," he replied off-handedly, "I thought you were in Horton's hands."

"So I was. But I'm no' now thanks ta a little 'elp from my friends," she replied, smiling at Jade and Ami.

"Shades of Sergeant Pepper," Methos mused from his cranny, "I hope you sing better than poor old Ringo, Cat."

"Eh?"

He sighed, "Nothing. Just a joke, a very small one."

"Considering the source, that hardly surprises me," Jade sniffed.

"Nice try," Methos complimented her, "Enough practice and you just might be able to pull that off one day."

Jade ignored that.

"Have you had a chance to talk to Frank?" Ami asked Joe.

The older man nodded. "He's willing to go when you have a location. He's got his own people working on that problem as well. >From what I understand, he's descended on Glenfinnan like a bad rash."

Ami nodded, satisfied. "We found out where Horton is but we're going to have to move fast. With Cat gone, he's likely to try to disappear."

"I'll give him a call," Joe reached for the phone but Ami stopped him.

"There's a faster way," she said.

"Teleporting?" Joe looked both apprehensive and excited at once.

Methos swung his legs onto the floor. "Faster than the speed of thought," he quipped, "It's not so bad once you get used to it, Joe, and think about it this way--no annoying in-flight movies, no airplane food. Of course, there are no stewardesses to ogle either but one can't have everything, can they?"

*****

"You incompetents! You let her get away," Horton was raging.

Talbot was rubbing his head, wincing as Horton's voice picked up in volume. "It's not my fault," he whined, "I was just following your orders and you told me to concentrate on the work-up you wanted. You should have sent one of your thugs down there, if you wanted to make sure she stayed put."

"The enfeebled bleatings of the guilty. Pathetic," Horton growled distastefully, "And you, you're supposed to be a trained marksman, yet you can't even stop a lone girl from escaping."

The other man glowered, "It wasn't my fault. How was I to know she could pop out of existence like that? How the hell was I supposed to stop her? I tried shooting her but that didn't work. What more do you want?"

Horton slammed his fists down on the table in front of him. "We've come too far to let you two bungle this now. Do you have any idea what will happen if Conner MacLeod finds out she's gone, or those two teleporters? Whatever advantage I have over them is gone."

"You've still got Damon," Talbot protested.

"No thanks to you two, yes I do. But there are three of those Tomorrow People to worry about now and Fraser has seen this place. That means she can come back here at will which means we have to pack up and move now. I won't have my plans wrecked not now, not when we're so close."

"Start moving; I want out of this place in less than an hour and don't breathe a word as to why. Start with Damon and the Immortal; as long as we have them, we have an ace up our sleeve, " Horton said, "Now get moving."

He watched them leave, hands crumpling the papers on his desk. Not now; he had denied and forsworn nearly everything that had meant anything to him for this cause and he would not be denied on the threshold of victory.

Not again. Never again.

*****

Frank appeared less than surprised at their appearance in his makeshift headquarters than Joe had been at his bar. He simply stood up and welcomed them in, taking care to close the door of the office.

Joe gave him a measuring look, under the scrutiny of which Frank squirmed. "You and me, Addleman, are gonna have a long talk after this is over."

"Yes, sir," Frank gave the three Tomorrow People looks of unhappiness.

Jade stepped forward, "It was my fault, Frank. My mouth got ahead of my brain."

"Something I'm sure that you're accustomed to," Methos smirked.

Frank cast the Immortal a reproving glance then took a closer look. "Don't I know you?"

Methos shrugged.

"Wait--Pierson, Adam Pierson, isn't it? You're in research, right?"

"Used to be," Methos replied easily, "My tenure with the Watchers, however, is over. Have we met?"

"You probably don't remember but it was at one of Allyson's poker games. You managed to make my wallet lighter by forty pounds," Frank replied ruefully.

"Oh yes, I remember you now. You're the one who can't hold both his liquor and his cards at the same time."

"Frank," Jade and Joe said at exactly the same moment, in exactly the same reproachful tone. Then they stared at each other and started laughing.

Frank did smile then, his normally serious demeanor cracking for the slightest of moments. Then he regarded Cat somberly, before addressing the group, "You have news for me, I suspect. Nice to see you again, Cat."

"And ye," she nodded in his direction.

"How fast can you have all your people ready?" Ami asked.

"Almost immediately, providing you can give us the location. My people haven't found anything--yet," He punctuated that last by adjusting his glasses.

"Wouldn't ask unless we were ready to get this show on the road," Ami assured him.

"Let's get started then. I've got a team of specially trained agents standing by. If things go well, we can have the General home before supper."

"How optimistic," Methos said, "Joe, we've fallen in with evil company."

"I don't know. I was just thinking what a refreshing change from your brand of charm it was."

*****

"Why do we always get stuck with these jobs, Jim?" groused one of Horton's Hunters.

His companion, Jim, shrugged, adjusting the strap connecting to the Uzi on his arm, "Because no one else is stupid enough to take them?"

The other man gave him a black look. Jim shook his head in exasperation. Trust his friend not to have learned that questioning orders was not a good idea. Not Horton's orders at any rate. Not if one wanted to stay alive.

And their orders were to remove the Immortal and Damon. Something was obviously going on for Jim had noticed they weren't the only ones entrusted with transport orders. Something must have happened to make Horton decide to move so quickly and without prior warning.

Unexpected turn of events always made his stomach queasy and this time was no exception. Despite the comforting weight of his gun, Jim had a sick feeling that Horton's plans had just gone awry.

But his was not to reason why, his was but to do or die. He smiled briefly; he loved Tennyson. The man made more than just poetry, his works went beyond words, they passed through the soul. He kept a copy of "Crossing the Bar" with him at all times, reading and rereading the lines. It was a strange habit, he supposed but give him a little Tennyson and he'd face a lion down with no lack of courage.

Heartened, he ran through the lines of "Ulysses" in his head. Even if something were up, Horton was too brilliant to get caught for long. Mad as hatter but damn brilliant. He knew when to cut his losses and when to charge. They couldn't have a better leader; too bad he wasn't a bit saner.

But then one couldn't have everything, could they?

Chapter Twenty-Two

Joe Dawson watched as Cat Fraser paced the room, looking ready for flight or fight or more likely both. She was muttering and Joe, from his time around Duncan MacLeod, recognized the words as Gaelic, even if he didn't know their meaning. Methos had declined to translate, telling Joe that he really didn't want to know the implications of the young woman's words.

"What's takin' so long?" she demanded, ceasing her restless pacing.

"Frank has to verify where this place is unless you were planning to teleport those teams of his in for him," Joe explained.

She scowled at him. Grudgingly, she nodded. "I'm no' verra good company, I suppose."

"You're worried. No one expects you to be bouncing for joy at the moment, especially not after what you've been through," he patted the seat beside him, "Come and sit down."

She studied him, let her gaze drift over to where Ami and Jade were huddled together. The other Tomorrow Person was talking to Methos, or trying to. Between Jade and Methos' sniping at each other, it didn't appear she was having much success. Sitting, she regarded him closely, "Exactly how much do ye ken about me? I mean--ye've watched Conner for so long, I--"

"Catriona Alexandra MacDonald Fraser, born October 31, 1977. Parents, Cameron and Eileen Fraser. Aside from infancy, you first came into contact with Conner MacLeod in March 2, 1985," Joe recited, the facts still fresh in his memory from his recent reading, "At age eleven, you were in a car accident that claimed the life of your mother. Shortly after turning thirteen, you lived with MacLeod in New York for a few months. You've attended a number of schools, the last of which, Cambridge University where you were majoring in psychology, you quit after a series of bizarre slayings. Your name along with Adam Newman, Marmaduke Damon, and Jade Weston are linked in a police file in the incident. You play the piano and quite well I understand. And as I understand it, your relations with your father are less than amicable. Shall I go on?"

"Nae, I think ye've proven yer point," she said dryly, "And 'ere I thought ye only watched Immortals."

"We do," he reassured her, "but we also make it a point to do research into the life of anyone who comes into extended contact with an Immortal. And you definitely qualify."

"I suppose so. Still, ye'll pardon me if I'm no' exactly pleased with the fact."

"You did ask," he pointed out.

"I ken. 'Tis grateful I am that ye and yon Immortal o'er there are helping us," she said at last.

"My pleasure. As well as my responsibility. I should have made sure Horton was dead and in his coffin before I buried it," he said with uncharacteristic grimness.

"Dinna fault yerself," she touched his arm, "Like if ye had known, there would 'ave been little ye could 'ave done until he showed 'imself. More than likely, none of this could 'ave been prevented."

"Perhaps." He wasn't that convinced however.

They were quiet. Joe took her hand, "Your uncle... He's survived insurmountable odds many, many times before and he's still here." The Watcher thought of the Kurgan and of Kane; how many times had Conner MacLeod gone up against the forces of darkness, how many more times would he be forced to? He thought of Duncan MacLeod and the Dark Quickening; he shuddered, what would happen if one such as Conner became the recipient of such madness?

"I ken. I was thinking o' Adam and Megabyte and the General. They're no' Immortal; they willna come back if Horton decides ta shoot them," her gray eyes were misted with worry and pain.

Joe found he could say nothing to that. So he settled on squeezing her hand.

*****

"Got it," Frank waved a slip of paper triumphantly, "There's a church such as you described just off the main road. It was abandoned because it was falling apart. According to the plans my people got, the church is built right on top of the site of an ancient catacombs. It's not been used or even visited in years, the structure is too unstable."

"Too right it is," Jade sprang to her feet, "And let me tell you, that place is far from empty."

"My people are already assembling there," Frank said, "We'll move in once we've got that place surrounded."

Ami frowned, "Perhaps we should go in ahead of your team. This will get very hairy once you send your men in and I don't want the others getting wounded in the crossfire."

"Absolutely not," Frank replied adamantly, "The General would forbid it if he were here and he'd be right in doing it. We can't risk you."

"And I'm no' going ta sit here and wait for yer men ta bring back the pieces. Ami's right," Cat rose to her feet.

"Looks like you have an insurrection on your hands," Methos teased, "What are you going to do, clap them in irons? Shoot them?"

"Keep out of this, Pierson," Frank said tersely.

"I hate to do this to you, Frank," Joe began.

"Not you, too," he groaned.

"'Fraid so. See I know James; it's more than likely that he'll fly off the handle when your men show up."

"So what do you suggest."

"You let me, Pierson, and the kids go in first, see if we can't find MacLeod and the others. Between all of us, I think we can handle it."

"And what do you plan on doing if you run into Horton?"

Joe stared at him steadily, "Finish what Mac started."

"You'd kill your own brother-in-law?" Frank seemed astonished.

"He's not my brother-in-law anymore, he's a cancer. If he lives, he'll infect more of my people and I won't have the Watchers subverted into a sect of killers."

"I see your point," Frank was thoughtful, "All right, you, Pierson, and two of the girls go in. One of you will remain with me, just in case you need back-up."

"That sounds fair," Ami said. She and Cat nodded at each other then stared at Jade.

"Oh no," Jade began protesting immediately.

"Oh yes," Cat said, "Ye'll stay wi' Frank while Ami and I go in."

"Why you and Ami?" Jade was surly.

"Because Conner is my Uncle and ye've done enough. If we need ye, we won't hesitate ta ask for yer help."

"But--"

"Jade, one of us has to stay out of danger. What if something goes wrong?" Ami asked gentle but with firm resolve.

"What's your problem?" Joe asked noticing Methos was glowering at him.

"Thanks for volunteering me."

"Oh, I guess I should have asked, huh?"

"It would have been nice," came the tart reply.

*****

"Let's run over this again," Frank said, "You four will go in, scout round and let Jade know what's going on. You've got a five minute headstart on the rest of us. If you haven't found anything by then--"

"We're ta teleport out. We ken, Frank," Cat was fidgeting in visible anticipation.

They were standing on the crest of the hill overlooking the abandoned church. The WorldEx agents were covertly making their way in the thick underbrush, ringing the ancient structure even as they were speaking.

"I just want to make sure all bases are covered. Joe, you sure you want to go in there?" Addleman asked, his concern filling the question.

Joe slid a magazine into the weapon Frank had reluctantly issued him. "Yeah, I am. Don't worry so much. You forget, I'm a tough old bird."

Frank turned to Pierson, who was bemusedly examining his own revolver, "Are you sure you know how to use that thing?"

"You want a demonstration?" Methos asked helpfully, the revolver coming up somewhere around Frank's shin.

"Ah, thanks awfully, but I'll pass," Damon's aide said with all the dignity he could muster.

"Were you planning to let them go some time this year, Frank?" Jade said, obviously still rankled about being left behind.

Frank glanced from Cat to Ami, asking, "Are you sure that one of you wouldn't rather stay instead of Jade?"

Ami laughed softly at his pained expression, "Relax, Frank. Jade will behave. Won't you, Jade?"

Jade raised her eyebrows but declined to comment.

"Well, that was less than reassuring," Frank sighed, "Be careful in there. And remember, five minutes."

"We will," Ami replied.

"Frank," Joe said seriously, "What ever happens, don't let Horton get away. You do what you have to and prevent that, got it?"

"Got it," Frank snapped off a sharp salute.

Joe favored him with a grin, "You sure you don't want to rejoin the Watchers full time? I'm sure I can make it worth your while."

"I'll keep that in mind."

"If ye two are finished," Cat was standing next to Methos, restive.

Joe nodded and Ami took his hand, Cat mirroring the action with Methos, followed by twin light signatures and empty space.

"Good luck," Frank whispered.

*****

"All right, sunshines, this is your wake-up call," Jim said as he rattled the door of the cell open.

Even in the dim nature of the cell, he could see that the cell was empty, bereft of it's occupants. That queasy feeling that had plagued him earlier resurfaced as he stared. His companion swallowed, "Where are they?"

Jim ignored him, cautiously creeping in the room. The manacles glinted as the light from the outside struck him, that meant the Immortal was loose in the complex.

Horton was going to blow his loosely covered stack.

He wasn't sure which idea frightened him more, having to face Horton or the Immortal.

"What are we going to do?" His companion quavered beside him. He gave him an ill-concealed look of disgust; how had this lily- livered moron ever made it into the Hunters?

There was an audible squeal behind them and Jim saw the door swinging closed behind them. He didn't turn fast enough to dodge the fist flying his way and from the groans, neither did his companion. The Uzi clattered to the floor and he scrambled for it but it was snatched off the floor before he could reach it. Conner MacLeod aimed it around the region of his head, "Give me just one reason..."

Damon was removing the other man's weapons, then glanced up, "Keys?"

"You heard the man," MacLeod said.

"Horton will kill me," Jim said.

"Suit yourself; Horton may kill you if you give us those keys but if you don't your fate is pretty much a given," MacLeod said steadily.

Jim retrieved the keys from his pocket and handed them wordlessly to the Immortal. Horton would have his head but Conner MacLeod was no less a threat. Anyone who killed to survive deserved to be heeded when he made threats or promises. The latter depending on how you viewed them.

"Hope you enjoy the lovely accommodations just as much as we did. Unfortunately, we have to go," Damon smiled at them beatifically from the door.

"Have a nice day," Conner said cheerfully as the door shut with an clang leaving the two Hunters in darkness.

Chapter Twenty-Three

They reappeared in darkness.

It was the empty passage of catacombs Cat had passed through earlier but the torches had been extinguished, the smell of kerosene still lingering sharply. Ami snapped on the flashlight she had brought along. Beside her, Joe shifted heavily on his cane, the sound reaching her ears only because they were so close.

"Where are Cat and Methos?" Joe whispered.

Ami concentrated for a moment before answering, "Near the place they were holding her originally."

"I hope they're keeping a low profile," Joe muttered.

"They'll be fine; Cat will teleport out at the first sign of trouble."

He cast a jaundiced eye towards her, "If you believe that, then I'm St. George who slew the dragon."

Her brow creased, "I'm sure they won't do anything rash."

Even she heard how less than assured she sounded.

Joe placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, "Don't worry, no one knows how to get out of trouble better than Methos. He has made it five thousand years so far."

"Well, let's hope he can make it one day more. Come on, I think the halls are cleared," she said, gesturing with the thin beam of light from her flashlight.

She heard the sound of the revolver being pulled back, cocked. She frowned, "Is that really necessary?"

"Ami, I was a soldier in 'Nam and if there's one thing I've learned, you don't go into enemy territory unprepared and unarmed," his voice was just as firm as hers had been, "Now lead on."

****

"I'll say this: I don't think much of Horton's taste," Methos sniffed, disdainfully taking in his surroundings, "What is he trying to say, grubby gravecrawler meets avenging angel? How very Anne Rice."

Cat ignored him for the moment, being too fixed on discerning the nature of activity occurring in the tunnels. From their little cleft in the wall, she could see the office where she had been held, drugged until Ami and Jade had taken a hand in things. Occasionally, a pair of men would pass, armed to the teeth and she would shrink back as far as she could into the shadows. Always two; not once had she seen anyone traveling alone. She pursed her lips in frustration.

She glanced down at her watch. Four minutes.

Beside her, Methos had fallen quiet and she was grateful for that. She liked the Immortal, he was amusing but she found it hard to concentrate with him making witty comments right and left.

"I think the coast's clear for now but give me yer hand. If we do run inta anyone, we'll get out o' harm's way as fast as possible," she whispered.

"I've got a better idea," Methos said and to her shock, Cat felt the nozzle of a gun pressed to her temple.

*****

Frank watched as Jade stiffened, straightening then disappearing with a cry, "Cat."

"Damn," he cursed, staring forlornly at the empty space before reaching for his walkie-talkie, "Move in, I repeat, move in."

Why couldn't things ever go according to plan?

*****

He had to give credit where credit was due: the Scottish girl didn't flinch or blanch in surprise. Instead, she seemed to rally herself, voice as frigid as an arctic tundra, "What the hell are ye doing?"

"I should think that was obvious," he bit the corners of his mouth to keep from laughing. He pay good money to see this girl go in a few rounds with Mac when he was in one of his moods. Talk about your primetime entertainment.

"What game are ye playin' at?" she demanded, "And get that thing off me before I--oof"

They both fell forward as a force shoved into Methos' back. Cat grunted as he fell on top of her, pushing at him, "Get off. Gad, ye weigh as much as a good draft horse."

He scrambled for the gun, hands scraping the metal base before a tennis shoe shod foot stomped down on it. It took considerable restraint not to yelp aloud. Clutching the offended digits against his chest, he glared malevolently up at the perpetrator of the act. Jade Weston glared back, barking, "Get off her."

"That hurt," he winced sullenly.

"Serves ye right," Cat replied unrepentantly, "Just what are ye up ta, auld man?"

Jade scooped up the gun, holding it away from him. Both girls were regarding him with undisguised suspicion. He sighed. "Yes, I suppose this doesn't reflect well on me, does it?"

"How perceptive," Jade remarked dryly.

"You're already on my list, kid," he groused, "I don't need your help with this."

"Enough, ye two," Cat hissed, "Now, Methos, what was all that about?"

"I just thought of a way to get through the compound without having to crouch in fear every time one of Horton's thugs gets in the way," he said in exasperation.

"By putting a gun to Cat's head," Jade snorted derisively.

"Exactly. Look," He held up his wrist so that they could see the Watcher tattoo there, "I quit the Watchers but I haven't taken the time to remove the tattoo. Call me lazy if you want but it opens a window of opportunity albeit a small one. What if I pose as one of the Hunters, just long enough to get us through the tunnels."

"You'll never fool Horton," Jade scoffed.

"Who said anything about Horton; I'm talking about fooling the men with the guns. Me, I plan on avoiding Horton at all costs."

"It might work," Cat said, "And ye'll tell the others that ye've recaptured me, correct?"

Methos nodded.

"It's worth a shot," Cat said then seemed to notice something, "Just what are ye doing 'ere, Jade? I thought we told ye ta stay with Frank."

"Oops."

"Oops indeed," Methos said, "How much you want to bet our friend Frank will send in the troops after your little disappearance."

Jade bit her lip, "I was trying to help--"

"Ye did fine. Besides there's no help for it now," Cat said practically, "Maybe we can turn this ta our advantage anyway. We might have greater mobility in the confusion that's sure ta ensue when Frank unleashes his people."

"I'm sure all Hell will break loose," Methos said with a straight face.

"Then Horton should feel right at home," Cat replied with equal calm.

*****

"Are you sure we're headed in the right direction?" Conner asked, doubt coloring his words as he stared down the twisting corridors. This place was an absolute maze.

Damon nodded impatiently, "Take it from someone who was actually conscious when they brought him this way."

"Ouch," Conner replied good-naturedly.

"The truth hurts," Damon shrugged, "Come on. I want to find my son and get out of here before anything else happens."

There was an muffled explosion followed by the sound of gunfire.

"What the hell was that?" Damon asked shaken.

"Anything else happening," Conner said pragmatically.

*****

"Sounds like Frank's arrived," Joe observed as bullets rattled off in rapid fire sequences.

"He's early," Ami shivered at the sounds echoing back for them to hear.

"Something must have happened. We'd better get moving."

"Right."

*****

"What in God's name is happening," Horton stepped out of the room where he was sequestered with the two Tomorrow People. He grabbed one of the men running down the corridor and threw him up against the wall. Hard.

"We're being invaded," the young man stammered.

"Invaded? This isn't some chintzy sci-fi movie," Horton snarled.

"No, sir, but nevertheless that's what's happening," the young man replied desperately.

Horton let him drop. He scrambled to his feet, back pressed firmly against the wall, staring at his leader. Horton seemed to be staring at something only he could see, the intensity of his gaze making his disciple shudder. Then he snapped back. "Find some men and bring them back here. We're leaving. And find out if the Immortal's been removed."

*****

Adam leapt to his feet as Horton re-entered the room, gun in hand and pointing it at them. He placed himself in front of Megabyte despite the other's telepathic protests.

Something appeared to be happening outside. He could see men running up and down the corridors at breakneck speed, followed by gunfire, then silence, then more gunfire.

"What's happening?" He demanded.

"We're leaving. Now. Move," Horton punctuated each word with a shake of his gun.

"No," Adam said. If Horton wanted to leave then his common sense said the smartest thing they could do was stay.

"I'm not asking you," Horton removed the safety on his weapon, "You will come or I will shoot you and the others."

Adam paused. If it were just him, he'd have no trouble making that choice. Better to be shot than in this man's power. But it wasn't just him; it was Megabyte and Conner and the General and Cat. He couldn't--

/Adam?/

/Cat!/ his "voice" surged with relief. /Are you all right?/

/I'm fine. Listen, WorldEx agents are 'ere and they're breakin' through Horton's men which means he may try ta move ye--/

/He is/ Megabyte butted in.

There was a pause. /Oh dear./

/What?/ Adam 'pathed anxiously.

/Could ye two hold that thought?/

*****

Getting through the tunnels had been surprisingly easy.

With Methos holding a gun to her head, Cat contemplated the situation. Thus far, they had been stopped only once and with Methos flashing his tattoo, fabricating a phony story of recapturing her, the Hunters had swallowed it hook, line, and sinker. But then, Cat reflected, they had other things to worry about.

Such as the WorldEx agents breaking through. They had run into them, too. And it had taken some fast talking to keep Methos from being shot on the spot as well as for the agents to let them press on.

So here they were, Methos pretending to hold her captive, Jade shadowing his movements, disappearing when she needed to. Panic from the Hunters buffeted at her shields, trying to infect her with their fear. She clamped down tighter than ever, for that was the last thing she needed. Cat reached out, searching for Adam. There. She let herself fade out to the physical world as she talked with him.

Everything was just going swimmingly, it was--

Methos stiffened, and came to a dead halt. She snapped out of her conversation. His eyes narrowed, stances belaying tension.

"What?" she demanded anxiously.

"Immortal," he said succinctly, voice low.

"Uncle Conner," she cried, uncaring of who heard her.

"Aye, lass. I'm here and I'll thank you kindly to take your hands off my niece," growled a voice from behind them.

They turned. Conner and Damon stood there, guns trained on Methos, looking as grim as death. As soon as they turned, Conner's expression lightened in recognition and he lowered his gun, "What the hell are you doing here, old man?"

"Trying to rescue you," Methos rolled his eyes then looked at Damon who still had his gun trained on him, "Are you going to shoot me with that or are you just trying to look impressive."

"You're still an old grouch, I see," Conner laughed.

"You know each other I take it?' Damon asked.

"Yeah this is--"

"Adam Pierson," Methos interrupted flashing Conner a warning look.

"Pleasure. I-- Jade Weston. I see you. Come out right now," Damon commanded, eyes cast toward the shadows.

She came out and hugged him. "Good to see you again."

"You, too. Now can someone tell me what's happening?"

"Frank sent a team in."

"Frank did?" Damon seemed incredulous, "And how did he--oh, let me guess you helped him find the location."

Jade nodded then said, "Ami's coming."

The aforementioned girl appeared before Jade even finished her sentence. Joe blinked rapidly, looking as if someone had snapped his picture with a camera suddenly. Ami leaned over hugging the General just as Jade had.

"What no welcome like that for me?" Conner teased Cat.

"Dinna be daft," she snorted, taking a step in his direction then paled, "Oh no. Adam and Megabyte!"

"I forgot all about them!"

"Where's Horton?" Joe demanded.

"Where's Megabyte," Damon demanded at the same time.

They looked at each other. "William Damon."

Joe nodded, "Joe Dawson. I'm sorry about what's happened to you. I truly am."

The General appeared taken aback by that statement.

Cat meanwhile was utilizing the time to contact the missing boys. There were two light signatures appearing in perfect concert. Megabyte threw his arms around his father and they were all shocked to hear the pain-racked, dry sobs escaping him. Cat threw her arms around Adam, kissing his cheek which he didn't appear to mind in the least.

"This is all well and good but where's Horton," Joe asked impatiently.

"I'm right here, brother. What a touching reunion this is," wheezed a slightly out of breath voice.

Everyone whipped their heads in the direction of the voice. Megabyte burying himself against his father, while Adam tried to move Cat out of the way of the Uzi Horton had leveled at the group.

"Brother?" Damon looked at Joe in askance.

Joe didn't reply. He was entirely focused on the man in front of him.

Horton laughed as he saw him raise the revolver. "What are you going to do, brother? Shoot me? Again?"

His scornful laughter rang like a death knell. "It would seem that once again, Joseph, you've managed to thwart me. I won't have it happening a third time."

Ami must have anticipated his words for she grabbed Joe and disappeared followed by Megabyte and General Damon who started to open his mouth in protest.

"Oh dear," Horton said mildly, "It looks as if I'll have to postpone Joseph's chastisement for later. But there's still you to deal with, Conner MacLeod."

Conner moved out of Cat's reach and froze her with a look. "Get her out of here," he told Adam.

"Nae, I willna--" she began rebelliously.

"Do as I say," he thundered.

Adam took her by the shoulders, eyes meeting the Immortal's, understanding writ there. "Cat, I don't think you want to see this."

She stared at him and then nodded, eyes resting on her uncle, misted by a veil of tears as they disappeared.

"And what will you do?" Horton taunted him, "You cannot kill me. Others have tried and I'm still here."

"Not for long," Conner was implacable. He turned to Methos, "Your sword?"

Methos removed his broadsword and wordlessly handed it to Conner. Horton's eyes burned on him, as if engraving the other Immortal's face in his mind. Then he removed Conner's katana from his trenchcoat.

"Shall it be a duel then?" Horton sneered, "I think not."

He fired at Conner who weaved away. Methos heard Jade scream and rushed to her side.

"Are you hurt?" he asked checking her over.

She wasn't but she was terrified. This was no place for her to be; she was too young to have to see this. "Jade, let's get out of here."

"But Conner--"

"Will make it without us," he said firmly.

She sniffled then nodded. As they disappeared, Methos could only hope he had prophesied truly.

*****

"You're alone; they've all deserted you, Immortal. How does that make you feel?" Horton fired again.

Conner grunted as fire seared into his leg. He had dropped his gun some time back and no chance to retrieve it had presented itself.

"I'm going to kill them all you realize--except the Tomorrow People, of course. No, I shall make them mine to do with as I please and I'll start with that pretty niece of yours."

He was trying to anger him, Conner knew this and squelched the rage that rose up. He moved in closer, weaving in an intricate dance that sometimes earned him another bullet and sometimes spared him.

"I will win and do you know why?" Horton sprayed spittle.

"Shut up," Conner muttered. He had no wish to hear the man's brainsick ramblings.

"Because God is on my side and you are an abomination in the eyes of God," Horton roared.

He raised his gun and fired again. Click. Click. Click.

Empty.

Real fear registered in the madman's eyes for the first time. He dove for the katana he had dropped but Conner, wounded as he was, was faster. The katana went skittering across the room from his kick. Then the Immortal dropped the blade of Methos' broadsword against Horton's neck.

"You hunt Immortals. You've killed Immortals. You kidnapped and threatened my loved ones," Conner panted, "Never again. This time you'll answer to justice. Immortal justice."

He raised the sword and as he had with so many of his kind, let the blade slice through the neck, Horton's eyes still wide with shock as his head came to a standstill in the dirt beside the body.

"Now, it's over."

Chapter Twenty-Four

The moon rose full and golden over Glenfinnan--a harvest moon, glowing warmly against the midnight cape of the sky. The trees surrounding the now destroyed church were nightmarish figures, black and forbidding. Out of the rubble-strewn churchyard crept a figure, a squarish-shape clasped to his chest. Head peering around anxiously, he stole towards the trees. It was only the shape emerging from the dark wood, the glint of the gun in his hand that stopped the other's escape. Another joined the man with the gun, this one armed with a flashlight which he used to shine in the face of escaping man. The man squinted, his round, mustached face wrinkling in dismay and fear, holding the gray case in his arms protectively. The gun was lowered.

"Talbot, is that you? We thought you were dead," the gunman asked.

Talbot nearly sobbed in relief at the sight of his fellow Hunters. For one terrifying second, he had been sure he'd run into one of the WorldEx agents he'd seen arresting those Hunters they could find. Or worse yet, Conner MacLeod, waiting to vengefully pick off the survivors.

"Is Horton with you?" the flashlight man demanded, "Have you seen him?"

"Horton's dead," Talbot sniveled, "MacLeod decapitated him."

Silence followed by a sharp intake of breath. "Damn. Are you sure?"

Talbot nodded, jowls flapping. As if he could be anything but. He shivered as he remembered witnessing his leader's demise at the hands of the Immortal from his hiding place. He doubted he would ever be able to forget.

"You're a traitor," snarled the man with the flashlight, "If you saw MacLeod kill Horton and didn't even try to stop it--"

"There was nothing I could do," Talbot said hysterically, "I had my orders."

The man with the gun frowned. "What orders?"

"Horton ordered me to get all the samples we got from the Immortal and the girl and get them out. He said we could use them, study them, find a weakness to exploit," Talbot was jabbering now, quaking in fear once more.

"Oh shut it, old man," the Hunter with the flashlight struck him.

He was cuffed by his colleague. "Not so fast. Like the good doctor said, he was just following orders. He managed to salvage something from this farce, something we might could use in the future."

The Hunter with the gun placed a comradely arm around the weeping doctor. "Come along, Doc. You've done well. We'll get you some whisky and after that you'll feel a lot better then we'll regroup with the others."

He looked toward the lighted village of Glenfinnan. "They think it's over? This was just first blood. We'll rise from the ashes with a strength that will crush them once and for all. This isn't the end, my friends, not by a long shot."

Chapter Twenty-Five

Methos sauntered over to the table where Conner MacLeod sat brooding. It was obvious the fair-haired Immortal had something on his mind. And judging from the mechanical way he was stirring his Glenmoran, not to mention the complete lack of attention he paid to the highly attractive Rachel MacLeod, it was something fairly weighty.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Methos asked, as he slid into the chair across from him.

"Hardly a bargain at that rate," MacLeod grinned, then sobered, "It's been a long time, old man. I have to admit you were just about the last person I thought to see in all this."

"Really? Who was the last?"

"Well, I seriously had my doubts about the Second Coming happening while I was there and God stopping by to pull my bacon out of the fire."

Methos laughed. "I see your point. But think about what a nice surprise it was to find your dearly devoted old chum there to rescue."

"I don't know that I'd go that far. You were lucky I decided to be courteous and find out who you were before adding a hole to that lovely sweater of yours."

"Am I the only one who saw the merit of that idea?" Methos asked ruefully.

Conner raised his drink in salute before taking another swallow. "So what can I do for you?"

"Me? Oh nothing. I was just wondering how any red-blooded man could resist the inestimable charms of Rachel MacLeod. And do it with such style at that."

"Hmm?" Conner gave him a blank look.

Methos sighed, wondering if there was something about anyone in the family MacLeod that made them automatically thick to the obvious. Come to think of it, that was the perfect explanation for his troubles with Mac.

"You've been down here for the past hour, stirring your drink and studying the table cloth. It's a nice pattern, I admit but I think that's not what's on your mind, is it?"

He sighed. "You really are becoming an old busybody."

"Blame that on your kinsman. I swear keeping tabs on him at all times is just about the only way to keep from going gray from some of his stunts," Methos groused.

"It keeps you young. You're getting lazy."

"I like being lazy. Being lazy is dull, uneventful. My life was a lot quieter when I was lazy and uninvolved, before your boy scout of a kinsman disrupted my entire life with this chivalrous attitude of his," Methos remarked, "So what's got you so tied up in knots? Horton?"

"Hardly. There are many things I've done in my life that I'm not proud of, faces that haunt my sleep and probably will do so forever, but I doubt his will be one of them. He was a murdering bastard and he's paid for his crimes."

"Then what?" Methos prodded.

Tapping his stirrer against his glass, he stared at the swirling liquid without reply. Methos kept his gaze on the table as he asked, "Is it Cat?"

"I thought you just said you liked being uninvolved," Conner remarked flatly.

"Ouch. Looks like I struck gold."

"Methos--"

"Hear me out. I mean, if I were you, I'd be worried, too. I mean if you're not careful, you'll get stuck with the kid. And her friends," Methos shuddered theatrically, "God forbid."

"That's not the problem," Conner said.

"Then what is?" Methos asked evenly, "It seems to me that all the worrisome details have taken care of themselves. Horton is dead, Cat knows and seems to be handling the fact that you're an Immortal, we saved Damon and his kid." He shrugged. "Seems to me like the makings of a fairly happy ending."

"Oh yeah? Well, how about the part where I tell Cat I have to leave, that I can never see her again, that it's for her own good?"

Methos had spent enough time around Cat to make the snap judgment that Conner's little speech about leaving would go over like a lead balloon.

"She's in danger by even knowing we exist. Horton had no right involving her in this," Conner was storming.

"Granted, but it's a little late to rectify that now."

"And if I stay here, even to protect her, I'll end up drawing more Immortals to her by my very presence," Conner continued.

"Point," conceded Methos, "You have three options as I see it then."

"Which are?"

"Option A, you tell her that you're leaving, that you plan on never seeing her again, and that it's for her own good. And after she's told you just what you can do with that idea of yours in no uncertain terms, I'll be waiting around with a bottle of Rachel's finest whisky just in case she hurts your feelings."

"Oh thank you."

"Welcome. Option B, you could sneak away. And just as soon as she's had Joe track you down, she'll do that appearing trick of hers and you'll end up with Option A again only I won't be a round with the whisky to console you when she verbally tears your logic and nobility to pieces."

"And Option C?" Conner sounded a trifle testy.

"Option C means you treat her like she has a say in her life. She's not an idiot, Conner," Methos said seriously, "I think you'll get farther in the long run with her if you sit down and make this decision together. It's her life, Conner and, like it or not, she should be the one to decide whether she wants you in it or not."

Methos got to his feet, jamming his hands in his pockets. "Now that I've given my version of the 'Dear Abby' spiel and done my good deed for the decade, I'm going to go find Rachel MacLeod. I wonder if she's got a yen for charming Englishmen as well as dour, brooding Scots."

"Charming? Heh, you certainly think highly of yourself, don't you?" Conner snorted.

"And I always come out on top," Methos smirked before wandering off towards the bar.

Adam was moving down the staircase, gaze on the table where General Damon, Frank, and Joe were holding court. To be perfectly honest, the General didn't appear too happy with either man. While that was understandable under the circumstances, the Tomorrow Person hoped that he could head off trouble.

He had a feeling he might not have much luck on that count. Especially in lieu of the look that Damon was sending his way-- *stay out of it.*

Well, he never had been one to quit while he was ahead.

He got to the base of the stairs when he glimpsed Cat slipping from the supply room where she had been sequestered with Ami, Jade, and Rachel. She didn't see him, intent on the wrap she was placing on her shoulders. Quietly, with a glance towards the taproom, she departed out of one of the back doors. He took a step after her, hesitating, torn between following her and the trio in the taproom. It really wasn't a good idea for her to be outside alone; not all the Hunters had been captured and while it was highly unlikely that they were anywhere near the Glenfinnan Inn, perhaps it might be better to accompany her. To see her safe, he told himself. After all, the General could take care of himself, had been doing it for several years now without his help. And as for Joe... Adam felt sure that the older man could take care of himself.

And that as they say was that.

It took a moment for his eyes to adjust to the shift in lighting. The moon sailed across a magnificently dark sky. The iridescent sheen it bestowed upon the ground was reflected a hundred times by the restless waters of the loch. And on the unbound hair of Cat Fraser as she sat near the shore, hugging her knees.

She glanced up in surprise as he stood beside her, staring for a long moment at the choppy waters then sitting next to her. Neither of them said much at first, content to listen to nature around them, to drink in the other's presence. Then her hand tentatively rested on his.

His heart pounded.

"I was worried about ye, about what might happen ta ye," her voice was soft.

"I was, too." It went beyond worried, and terrified had not even come close to describing the encounter with Horton. And yet, as frightening as it had been, his only thoughts had concerned the safety of the others, her in particular.

They were quiet again. Then she laughed. "This wasna how I pictured our reunion."

"Really? From the way you acted earlier, I wasn't even sure you wanted to see any of us again," he strove to sound nonchalant and to his own ears, he failed miserably.

Her face turned towards him. "I acted-- There's no excuse for how I acted earlier. I was so glad ta see ye but at the same time I didna want anythin' disturbin' the nice little niche I had fixed for myself 'ere. It's been on my mind all evening; I could have lost ye, ye could have slipped away without my ever being able to say I'm sorry, that I've wanted ta pick up the phone for months just ta hear yer voice, ta say that I missed ye... and the others, of course."

He warmed at her words, "Cat, I understand about earlier--"

She shook her head bitterly. "Tis no excuse. I'm sorry, Adam."

"Cat, after the hell we've all been through, surely you don't think I'm going to hold earlier against you?" he asked astonished.

"I wouldna blame ye if ye did," her voice was barely audible.

"You're right--we could have died. Horton put a gun in my face, I saw things..." he felt a trifle green, "And not once did I think of anything save how worried I was about you. Doesn't that tell you something. How could I not forgive when I care that much?"

Her head slowly lifted, eyes glittering with unshed tears. He put an arm around her, felt her head rest against his shoulder, the scent of roses reaching him from her hair.

"So you still want me to go?" he teased.

"No' on yer life."

"Just checking."

He could only hope that things were going as well for the others as they were for him at the moment.

"So, Frank, when were you planning on clueing me into your secret life?" Damon asked coolly.

Joe chuckled as Frank winced. "Don't be too hard on him, General. He really didn't have a choice."

"Dawson, I understand why your organization stresses secrecy but under the circumstances, I think it might have been best for Frank to warn me."

Joe frowned. "General, with all due respect, the Watchers are a secret organization, have been for thousands of years. Up until recently, we've had a fairly successful track record. I understand that you're upset and rightly so about Horton but--"

"Upset, yes, I am upset; I'm furious," Damon was barely keeping his voice level, "Had I been given warning--"

"What? You'd have what? None of us knew that James was still alive. I've seen him die twice before this and both times I was convinced that he was really and truly dead. I have to admit I'm not entirely sure that he's dead now," Joe replied testily.

"Oh, he is," Frank spoke up helpfully, "My men found both pieces."

The aide cringed at the looks directed his way. "Hey, I didn't do it; take it up with Conner MacLeod if you don't approve."

"Not likely," Joe snorted.

Damon frowned. "You'll pardon me if I'm just a trifle uncomfortable with condoning cold-blooded murder--even if it was justified."

"You don't live in their world; they can't be judged by our rules," Dawson argued, "Conner did what he had to, what was necessary."

"I'm not arguing on the point of necessity. But there are other ways Horton could have been handled."

"Oh really? And what would you have done? Thrown him a prison, a mental institution?"

"For starters."

Joe shook his head. "He'd have been out of there in a week. You don't know James like I do. I shot him once, to keep him from killing anyone else and damned if he didn't anticipate it and have a bullet-proof vest on. If he and Machiavelli ever engaged in a contest to see who the most devious schemer was, the outcome would be a tough call."

"I think you're giving him too much credit," Damon protested.

"Am I?" Joe challenged.

They glared at each other from across the table, the tension palpable. Frank's glaze nervously darted back and forth between them. Joe pitied him; it wasn't his fault and it was hardly fair that he had gotten caught in the middle of this.

"Don't you two think you're being a trifle childish," asked an exasperated Methos as he plopped down at the table, ale mug in one hand.

"I don't recall your opinion being asked," the General replied frigidly.

"What's the matter, Methos? Strike out with Rachel?" Joe asked at the same time, annoyed by the Immortal's intrusion.

Methos made a face. "I just hit a minor snag with her. Nothing major."

"Sure. That's what they all say," Joe replied.

"Quit trying to change the subject. You're not going to change anything by sitting around and chewing on this. It happened, no one expected it and it's over," Methos said.

"For now," Damon replied, "We didn't catch all of Horton's people and can you be so sure that you've weeded all the Hunters out of the Watchers?"

His question was directed at Joe, who shook his head, "No, I can't guarantee that. I'm sure that there are still a few unknown pockets of them in the Watchers."

Damon sat back arms crossed and face fixed in a look of grim satisfaction. "That's what I thought."

"General, every organization has its extremists on the fringes. Can you honestly tell me that WorldEx is the exception to this?"

The smile slid off Damon's face, "No, I can't."

"So, now that you know--about Immortals, about the Watchers, what are you planning to do now that you know all this? Alert the agencies of the world governments?" Joe dreaded the very thought of the witch-hunt that would spark.

"And tell them what? That there's a race of being who can live forever and are fighting for domination, incidentally deciding mankind's fate along the way? Or that there's a group of humans who's been watching them, recording their secrets for almost as long as these people have been playing their Game? They'd strip me of my job, if they didn't throw me in some nuthouse. Besides," Damon replied reluctantly, "I owe Conner MacLeod as well as Richie Ryan. No, I'll keep their secret and yours."

Joe relaxed. "Thank you, General. I understand how you must feel, how hard it must be for you to say that. You have, after all, been dragged into this on two separate occasions. But not all the people involved in this are like Maris Keillor or James Horton."

"Don't thank me yet," Damon said, "In return for my silence, I want a direct line to the Watchers. I want to know what's going on, I want reports on any Immortal who poses a threat, I want tabs kept on the Game at all times."

"I can't do that." Joe exploded.

"That's the deal, take it or leave it."

"I can't hand out privileged information like that to you, not in the way you're suggesting. You'd have to be a Watcher for me to be allowed to do something on that scale. "

"Or have a Watcher as a liaison, so as not to arouse attention," Methos observed quietly.

Three pairs of eyes turned to Frank who was watching the proceedings with an air of distressed fascination. Then he seemed to realize that he was the center of attention, squeaking, "Me?"

"Why not? You're a Watcher, Joe can justify keeping you abreast of things, and you can pass information along to Damon," Methos shrugged.

"It might work," Damon conceded thoughtfully.

Frank looked anxiously at Joe. "Well?"

Joe sat back, eyes narrowed in thought, clearly unhappy with the situation, "All right, since it would seem I don't have a choice in the matter. Addleman can be your liaison and mine. I'll give you what you want in return for your silence. No investigations of my people, of Immortals without my direct consultation and approval, got it?"

"Got it."

The words were easily said, but Joe couldn't help but wonder how long Damon would be able to keep his promises. Or for that matter, how long Joe would be able to keep his own. How long would Watcher interest run parallel to WorldEx's? He couldn't say--could be years, or mere minutes.

I guess we'll just have to cross that bridge when come to it, Joe decided fatalistically.

Conner MacLeod paused by the open door as he started to pass. He had come upstairs hoping to find Cat but her room was empty and Ami had said something about her needing a walk. He had noticed that Adam was absent from his room as well which eased his mind about the possibility of her wandering alone in the dark.

What gave him pause was the sound of muffled crying. A glance through the half-cracked door revealed a flash of red-hair, lighter than his niece's and much shorter.

Megabyte.

The boy had been extremely silent since his rescue and Conner wasn't surprised by that in the slightest. He'd been through a very trying experience to say the least. His friends had tried to press him into talk--each with varying degrees of success. The boy had rebuffed them, staying close to his father or hiding in his rooms. At first, the Immortal had to admit he hadn't given it too much thought but now, standing here and seeing him, Conner began to wonder if his reticence stemmed from a sense of responsibility on Megabyte's part. That was foolish; it wasn't the boy's fault, that honor went to James Horton.

He rapped on the door, the crying sounds stopped abruptly. Then a quavery voice said, "Come in."

"Hey," Conner stepped in the room, noting the redness of the Tomorrow Person's eyes, "I was just looking for Cat and--"

"She's not here," Megabyte said dully.

"I noticed," Conner shifted uncomfortably. He wanted to help, but he barely knew this kid. Finally, he asked bluntly, "Do you want to talk about it?"

"It?"

"About why you're crying."

"I'm not crying," Conner was impressed to hear how indignant the boy managed to make that statement.

"Okay, so you're not crying. But it's clear you're beating yourself up over something," Conner shrugged, "If it were me, I'd probably be castigating myself over what happened with Horton, what he forced you to do."

"Go away." The words lacked force.

"It wasn't your fault, you know. He--"

"Why does everyone keep saying that it wasn't my fault," Megabyte shouted, "It was. I helped him get Adam, Cat, my Dad. He used me to trap all of you. If it hadn't been for me, none of this would have happened."

Conner laughed, causing Megabyte to recoil, "I think you're giving yourself far too much credit. You were merely a means to an end for him. If it hadn't been you, then it would have been someone else."

"How can you say that, after all he did to you.." The words trailed off in guilty silence.

"Because it was done to me, because I was there. I seem to remember things more clearly than you do at the moment. Look, Horton had your father, no one faults you for the choice you made. If it had been me, I probably would have done the same. The others don't blame you and neither do I. Why don't you try forgiving yourself?"

"I can't. Nothing can make up for what I've done, nothing can make me forget."

"Good."

Megabyte looked startled.

"You shouldn't forget. What doesn't kill us, makes us stronger, Megabyte. Not an original thought, I'll grant you but a true one. What you went through will make you stronger. Experience is the best teacher and as long as you remember Horton, remember what happened-- you'll find that in the future, when things get rough, you'll think on this, know you survived and do what you have to do. That's the best any of us can do."

"I've forgiven you for what happened, Megabyte, so has everyone else. I can't force you to forgive yourself, or make you see reason. But I want you to keep something in mind."

"What?"

"There's a great many people downstairs who love and care about you. If you were the evil person you're trying to convince yourself you are, then why would they care, why would they worry? That says a great deal to me, and it should to you, too."

With that, he turned and left Megabyte staring after him.

"Ami said ye wanted ta speak ta me?" Cat said as Conner stepped outside.

Adam nodded to her and him, sliding past them and back inside the Inn. Conner was grateful for that. It was going to be hard enough to have this conversation without another party being present.

"Why don't we sit down?" he indicated the chairs on the outside porch. Brow furrowed, Cat acquiesced, studying him curiously.

Despite what Methos said, this was not going to be easy, he realized. Outwardly, he gave no sign of unease as he asked, "I was just wondering what you're planning to do now."

"Now?"

"Now that all this is over. I thought perhaps you were planning on going back to school."

"Oh I will eventually," she shrugged, "Actually, I had thought that we might spend sometime together. It's been years since we've seen each other."

She didn't waste anytime, he would give her that. Uncomfortably, it occurred to him that she might be picking up what he wanted to say from his mind. He realized for the first time what a disadvantage it was going to be trying to hide something from a mind reader.

"That's what I wanted to talk to you about," he took a deep breath, "Cat, I'm not sure if its a good idea for you to have contact with me, in view of all that's happened."

"What are yer saying?" The smile slid away.

"I'm saying that my life is dangerous, that if you get involved in it--there's no guarantees that you won't get hurt," he replied gently.

"There are no guarantees at all, Conner. I could just as easily get hit by a bus tomorrow as I could get hurt by another Immortal. Yer life is dangerous? What do ye think mine is? I have to hide what I am, my gifts for fear that someone, some like Horton or worse will seek to exploit them. Hell, what do ye think would happen if the governments o' the world would do with us if they got their hands on the Tomorrow People," she replied, hugging herself, "If ye dinna want ta see me, then dinna make that excuse. Just tell me."

"I do want to see you," he said earnestly, "I want to be in your life, I want to take care of you but you have to understand--"

"Understand what? That one day ye might walk out the door ta face another Immortal and no' come back? That another Immortal might seek to use me against ye? That while I grow older and older, ye're never going to age. I know all these things, Conner and I understand them," she said in rising agitation.

"Do you really?"

"Yes. And they dinna matter. No' more than ye do ta me. Sometimes, the risk is worth what ye stand ta gain. Ye're family, Conner, ye're more o' a father ta me than my blood one. And if ye think I'm going ta sit here and let ye make these feeble protestations and then just let ye walk out o' my life again, ye'd better rethink things," she threw herself in his arms.

He held her tightly against him. "I do love you, my bonny, but I don't think you have the slightest idea of what you're getting into."

She grinned up at him suddenly, "Neither do ye."

"Shall we find out then?"

"Why no'?"

~ End ~