Ailíse lay on the sofa, struggling to regain consciousness. She found herself running in a field of blue flowers, laughing to someone. A pair of hands pulled her down to a soft blanket, rolling her over to her back. She looked up into a pair of blue eyes starring down at her, leading his face down to hers and into a kiss. Her fingers played with his dark locks, tracing over the back of his neck down his back to the belt of his kilt. She sighed heavily, calling his name as he broke the kiss, lifting a worn book in his hands. A devilish grin played at the corners of his mouth as he found a dog-eared passage to recite to her. His voice was deep and rich as he spoke to her, void of a Scottish brogue. "Forget me not..." The words echoed in her mind.

Destro's eyes trained on her, sitting by her side. He heard the sound of approaching footsteps and gently shook her. "Ailíse, wake up...Ailíse?" He watched her eyes fluttering open.

"What happened?"

"A fainting spell, I suspect," he assisted her to her feet. "What's the last thing you recall?" Destro went to the sideboard, pouring her a drink.

"I was sitting down in front of the desk. We were discussing Ian....and....I'm sorry," she raised her hand to her temple. "My head's pounding."

"Ian has asked to marry you, and I've accepted on your behalf," he carefully studied her. "He will ask you tonight in the gardens. I don't have to tell you that this is an excellent match."

"No, uncle, I know my duty to the clan," she smiled, walking towards the window. "Though, I must admit I do need some time to get used to the idea....wait...let me finish," she turned suddenly, placing her hand on his arm. "I know Ian cares for me. I just wish I knew myself better. I will accept him, if we can agree to a long engagement. I need time..."

"I've already told him so, you're to be handfasted to him. You do recall the meaning, do you not?"

"Ah...yes...but..."

"You have a year and a day to decide if you're not meant to be. It'll stem the gossip mongers as well about the two of you if he's found in your room to help again." Destro paused, raising his hand to halt her protests. "I know, you've both told me that nothing has happened. But should something happen. I won't have the need to worry about my heir. Am I making myself clear, or shall I send for Margaret?" Destro cleared his throat.

"Ah...no uncle," she blushed slightly, hearing a faint knock at the door. She followed Destro with her eyes.

"That would be Ian and his Grandfather," Destro set his sniffer down, heading for the door.

*******************
"She's a beauty," Daniel Buchanan nodded approvingly at the pair, strolling in the garden. "You know, your father and I had hoped a match between the two families long before this."

"History will not repeat itself, I assure you," Destro walked up behind him with a bottle of port and two glasses.

"Where have you been hiding her? She looks like Amanda," the old man eyed Destro carefully.

"She's been living aboard until recently," he placed a glass in his hand, lifting his to his lips.

"Ian mentioned she had an accident," the old man turned from the window, walking to a nearby chair.

"A car accident along the cliffs. She's in excellent health."

"I'm not doubting that. Ian's head over heels for her." The old man shifted in his chair. "I only want to make sure this McCullen doesn't run off." He nodded over his glass.

"She won't. And if you doubt that, I suggest we have them handfasted."

The old man chuckled, "Now, we're thinking alike. You realize that if word gets out we're tying the families together...."

"It won't, if we act fast. I've promised her a long engagement. She's recovering from her accident and wants to take things slowly with him," Destro flashed a wicked grin.

"Slow indeed," Daniel scoffed. "Let her have that if she will, BUT Buchanan men are persuasive in their own right." He stood slowly, returning to the window with Destro behind him.

Scarlett stood in the window, observing the pair in the gardens. Ian had her arm in his as they walked. Her eyes followed their every move; she held her breath watching Ailíse snuggle closer into Ian's arm.

Ian led her to a small cul de sac in the garden, sitting down next to her on a bench. Scarlett watched him shifting to face her, taking Ailíse's hands in his.

"Ailíse? You know how I feel about you, I..."

"Ian," she cautiously interrupted, tracing her fingertips over his hand. She looked up into his hazel eyes.

"Please let me finish, I've rehearsed this a thousand times in my head, and I want to.... get it right," he sighed heavily, lifting his fingers to her lips to silence her words. "I've loved you since the moment I saw you in the castle. I can't help the way I feel. I spoke with your uncle earlier this afternoon, and..."

"I know, Ian," she smiled, squeezing his hand in hers.

"You know," he sighed a note of relief, reaching into the breast pocket of his jacket. "I realize you may need time to consider this but please hear my words."

Scarlett felt her knuckles whitening as she clutched the edge of the drapes in her hand, waiting for Ian's next move. Her eyes widened at him moving from his seat next to Ailíse to kneeling before her on bended knee. She bit her lower lip, drawing blood. Raising her hand to wipe the coppery taste away, she was startled by a sound behind her.

"Bridget!" Margaret bellowed. "Where's that good fer nothin' girl?" She fumed, searching for her. Scarlett waited until Margaret had moved into the dressing room to make her appearance.

"Margaret, you called?" She slipped from her hiding spot, appearing in the dressing room door.

"Aye, where have ye been? I see ye turned tha bed down but ye dinna' leave 'er dressing gown out," she snapped draping a pink silk peignoir across the bed. "This one is new, she's never worn it." Margaret sighed.

Scarlett mused.

"Now, hurry, she'll be returning soon." She chided Scarlett, shoving her from the room.

She sighed, blowing air out from her lower lip to brush a stray hair from her eyes. She paused. Scarlett rushed to find a secure area to radio the others.

In the garden, Ian was gathering his thoughts.

"Ian, what is it?" Ailíse smiled as she reached forward, lifting his chin to face her. She watched uncertainty fade from his face, finding his words.

"Ailíse Elizabeth McCullen, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?" He kissed the inside of her palm, waiting for her answer. He hesitated when she didn't reply. "Ailíse?"

"Ian, I will accept on one condition," she sighed, raising her eyes to his. "I need time, please. I do care for you, truly I do. But...I can't say I love you." She saw something akin to uncertainty and sadness cross his hazel eyes. "Ian, please understand. I don't even know myself," the words came out more as a tearful cry than a fluid response. "I know the families want this. I only..."

"Sh...luv," he rose, pulling her into his arms. "I won't rush you," he murmured, stroking her hair. "Agree to marry me and they'll allow a handfasting. If you're unsure of us, we can end it without disgracing the families." He lifted her face with his hand to face him, wiping a stray tear away with the pad of his thumb. He smiled down to her face once more, "Will you marry me, Ailíse? You will never doubt my love for you."

"Yes," she smiled, lightly brushing a kiss across his lips.

"The ring," he fumbled, removing it from his pocket. "It belonged to my Great-Grandmother," he presented the emerald and diamond ring to her, before slipping it over her the third finger of her left hand. It caught her knuckle, unable to pass. "I'll have it resized," he bit back his embarrassment.

"It's lovely," she lifted the ring to view the setting, before he slipped it off; placing it into his pocket.

"See I told you he could persuade her," Daniel chuckled, lowering his cigar.

"Yes, but we still need to move fast on this, before..."

"Before what? You're not hiding something, are you, James?" The old man scowled.

"No, not at all...its just," Destro searched for appropriate barb. "Ian's been seen coming out of her room in the morning. I've been told that nothing has happened but you know..."

"Get the vicar up here first thing in the morning," the old man growled. "If she won't see reason, we'll make sure nothing brings the families' names down.... we can't have a bastard heir to either title now, can we?" He snapped, crushing his cigar in his hand.

"No...we can't," Destro suppressed a grin, examining the smoke from his cigar wafting towards the windows.

******************

Scarlett found an area out on the terrace to call in her report. Hidden amongst the shrubbery, she raised her radio to her mouth, clicking the channel open as she watched the pair returning to the castle.

"Bishop to pawn, come in," she radioed, waiting for Shipwreck to pick up. "Bishop to pawn," she hailed, tapping her foot softly.

"This is pawn, go ahead Bishop," Shipwreck fumbled, lifting the radio while baubling on the legs of his chair. She heard a crashing sound as she began and rolled her eyes, pausing a moment.

"Rook to Bishop, continue," Doc raised the radio in his hand, watching Shipwreck dragging himself off the floor.

"Queen is safe, repeat, Queen is safe."

"What is needed at this time?" Doc frowned, motioning to Shipwreck to quiet down.

"Unsure, Queen is clouded."

"Knight to Bishop, explain clouded," Flint snatched the radio from Doc.

"Queen did not recognize Bishop," Scarlett sighed, lowering the radio. "Will report later, gifts are nearly in place."

"Ok, someone tell me why is she clouded and why we sent gifts?" Shipwreck rubbed the back of his head, watching Flint's face darken.

"She doesn't know Scarlett on sight. The gifts are the bugging devices," Flint grumbled, slamming his fist down on the table. "We need to know what Mindbender's done to her...how could she not recognize Scarlett? She's her best friend," Flint snapped at Doc.

"Scarlett will report when we can get to her. We just need to wait our chance," Doc reasoned, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Get some sleep, we'll wake you if anything happens."

"Yeah...you're right," Flint huffed, walking off towards his room.
******************
Scarlett hid in the shadows of the corridor outside Ailíse's room, waiting for her to return. Hearing footsteps approaching, she ducked behind a tapestry to observe.

"Good night, Ian," she leaned against the door of her room, looking up at him.

"Good night, luv," he pulled her into his arms, lowering his mouth over hers.

Scarlett held her breath, watching Ailíse wrap her arms around his neck, deepening the kiss. She gulped, straining to get a better look.

"Ian," Ailíse breathlessly broke the kiss, "I need to get some sleep." Scarlett sighed, watching her push Ian away from her. "I'll see you in the morning?"

"Yes, luv," he backed her to the door.

"Ian?"

"I have to check the room," he whispered, lowering his lips to her neck.

"I'm tired. I don't feel well and my head is screaming." She ducked away from him, turning to push the door open.

"Mother of Mercy, who the hell is that?" Shipwreck jumped, hearing Ian's voice as she opened the door.

"What is it, Shipwreck?" Beach Head growled, lowering a hunting magazine. "Doc, get Flint will ya?"

Shipwreck and Beach Head were leaning over the radio when Flint entered, rubbing sleep from his eyes. "What's going on?" He grumbled, leaning in to listen.

"I told you there was nothing to worry about," Ailíse sighed.

"It's her," Flint blinked, reaching for the volume.

"You can never be too sure, luv," Ian chuckled, walking towards her. "I can stay if you need any help."

"Who the HELL is that?" Flint growled, involuntarily clenching his fists.

"I'll be fine, it's just a headache," she pulled Ian towards the door.

"I'll go, but call me if you need anything," Ian wrapped his arms around her, kissing her once more.

"I promise, now go before my uncle has a fit," she chuckled, pushing him out the door before leaning against it. "God, let this evening end." She rocked her head to the side, removing the combs from her hair. "Why can't life be simple?" She bent her right knee up to the side, lifting one shoe off before reaching for the other. A knock at the door drew her attention. "Who can that be this late?" Ailíse paused, slowly opening the door.

"Who the hell is that? When I find him I'm going to..." Flint pounded a closed fist into his open palm, seething with rage.

"Flint, calm down, what's going on?" Doc pulled on his shoulder, dragging him away from the radio.

"Some guy's after her...." Flint hissed through clenched teeth, pointing towards the table.

"Bridget?" They heard her answer the door, and sighed.

"She's a big girl. I'm sure she can handle herself. Why don't you get some rest? Scarlett's there. You know she'll get your back," Shipwreck leaned forward, tuning the volume on the radio with a smug grin on his face. "I'll take the first session and wake you if anything major happens, not limited to the usual bump and..."

"SHIPWRECK!" The men growled, turning on him.

"Oh, c'mon....you know she'd never. Then again, she doesn't know herself," Shipwreck gulped, feeling himself yanked from his chair; his feet barely touching the floor. Flint's face was mottled red with a rage none of them had ever known.

"FLINT!" Beach Head and Doc both stepped up, prying him away from Shipwreck.

"I didn't mean..." Shipwreck sputtered.

"Shut the hell up, yahoo," Beach Head snapped, glaring at the sailor on the floor.

"Flint, let Beach Head handle the first watch, and get some sleep. We'll wake you if anything happens," Doc reassured him, pulling him towards his door.

"Fine, but get me the minute something happens," Flint growled, shrugging free of Doc's grasp.

"Shipwreck," Doc sighed, shaking his head.

"Wha..."

"Never mind, you take the second watch, and make sure you get him without the theatrics. I'm here for Lady Jaye, not patching you up when he kills you," the medic groaned, walking towards his room.

*************
"Flint, it sounds like she's having a bad dream or something," Shipwreck shook the warrant officer from a restless sleep.

Flint swung his legs off the bed, dragging Shipwreck out the door behind him. "What's going on?" He settled down at the table, adjusting the volume.

"She started crying a while ago," Doc sat down next to him, leafing through his notepad. "I've been jotting everything down. It's all a jumble. The plane, the crash, the fire...she's reliving the crash."

"She's trying to escape the crash," Beach Head corrected, wincing at the sound of a lamp crashing to the floor.

"DASH!" She screamed, causing Flint to jump at the raw sound of his name.

"Easy, Flint!" Doc pushed him back into his chair. "That's the only part that's consistent. She's calling out to you. She may have forgotten the Joes, but she didn't forget you."

"Huh, wait...you're telling me....who the hell is that?" Flint paused, hearing the door open.

"Shhh...easy luv, I'm here," Ian settled down next to her, pulling her into his arms. Flint tensed at the sound of the mattress sinking, clenching and unclenching his fists.

"That son of a..."

"NO! You're not him," she flailed her arms, pushing him away from her.

"Ailíse," Ian growled, pinning her wrists in his hands. "Calm down, luv. I'm here." He steadied his voice, calming her down.

"No, you're not him, I want Dash. Help me, Dash..." She whimpered, choking her sobs.

"Easy, luv, I won't let that bastard harm you again," he sighed, tightening his hold on her.

"BASTARD?" Flint stood suddenly, knocking his chair to the floor.

"Flint, wait, something's going on," Doc grabbed his shoulder, shoving him into another chair.

"Yeah, some sick bastard's fucking with her head," Flint fumed, settling into the chair.

"That ain't all he's after," Shipwreck mumbled under his breath to Beach Head, flinching at the ranger's eyes narrowing in on him. "Damn, no one's got a sense of humor." He gulped.

"What in the hell do you think you're doing in here?" Destro slammed the door shut.

"Trying to calm her. She's been fighting these demons for weeks," Ian glared, brushing tears from her eyes.

"Get me the sedative Mindbender left, now. If this continues, we won't be able to stop her memory from returning," Destro scowled, tearing her from his arms.

"No more drugs...she's had enough," Ian bulked at the order.

"It's just a sedative to calm her, if we don't stop this the device used to suppress her memory will kill her. Is that what you want? The longer her memory is suppressed the less likely it is to return." Destro pointed to the desk across the room, waiting for Ian to retrieve the vial and syringe.

"This has to stop. She can't continue like this...the headaches are becoming more severe, and the nightmares more violent," Ian closed his eyes, handing the items over to Destro.

"It will be over shortly," he raised the vial, drawing the syringe. "Hold her while I give her the sedative," Destro swiped her shoulder with a swab before injecting the solution into her. "Easy lass, all we'll be well soon enough," he soothed her, stepping back from the bed. "This is the best way to protect her. Where was Margaret?" Destro scowled at Ian.

"She wasn't here when I came in," Ian sighed, settling her into the bed. He watched her drifting off to sleep.

Destro stormed towards the door, flinging it open. He saw Margaret standing in front of him wringing her hands in her robe.

"Where have you been?" He growled at the woman. "Why were you not with Ailíse as I ordered?"

"I was in my room, laird," she gulped, trembling where she stood.

"I ordered you to stay in the maid's room within the dressing area, did I not?" he fumed, leaning over her. "Well?" When she failed to answer him he yelled, "Get another maid in here, NOW!"

"You called, my laird," Scarlett ran quickly, bobbing a short curtsey.

"You are new to the castle, are you not?" He studied Scarlett.

"Yes, I'm Bridget, laird."

"Well Bridget, you happen to be in the right place at the right time. You are to stay with Ailíse at all times, is that clear?" He watched her nod her understanding. "If you're not with her, find another maid and inform Ian at once. Under no circumstances am I to find what I found tonight. Is that clear?" He growled. "You will not leave her alone with any grenadier, is that clear?"

"Yes," she squeaked, slipping into the maid's room. She watched, listening carefully as he pulled Ian to the side.

"I said I would not stand in your way of winning her, but if I ever catch you with her as I did tonight I will deal with you personally." Destro hauled him from the room, out of Scarlett's earshot.

Shipwreck sighed, "See old metal head won't let anyone near her."

Doc added, "We need to get a sample of what ever they gave her to analyze and figure out the device Mindbender used. Flint..."

"Flint, snap out of it!" Beach Head yelled, shaking him. "I know this can't be easy for you, but we'll get her back."

"We need to get to her now" Flint growled, bracing his hands on the table as he stood.

"Flint, I need time to figure out what they've done and how to reverse it. Pulling her out of there now could be the worse thing we could do. Give me a few days," Doc pleaded.

"Flint's right, we need to act. That guy isn't gonna' stay away from her for ever," Shipwreck turned the radio down.

"I say let's sneak in an' keep a closer eye on them. We've got a map of the passageways, including the one to her room," Beach Head interjected.

"Doc and I will go in tonight. It's late and Destro's warned the grenadiers off. Now's our time for Doc to look at her." Flint walked to the closet, removing the grenadier uniform and mask.

******************
Destro shoved Ian into his chambers, locking the door behind him. "You're Grandfather and I have decided to move up the handfasting. You will not go to her until then, do you understand?" Destro growled, grabbing him by the collar.

"Yes, sir," he gulped.

"Good, now get back to your quarters and don't let this happen again," Destro shoved him towards the door.