Part 10:
Duncan listened closely to Dawson as he told them all the information the Watcher's had on their friend. He breaks into Watcher Headquarters after jumping one of Horton's men, but refuses to save Darius? He had better have a good explanation for that, Duncan thought.
Suddenly a loud clanging sound echoed from inside the barge, and the muffled sound of raised voices. What the hell is going on now, Duncan thought as he ran past Amanda and Joe to get inside.
As he got through the door Duncan heard Richie yell out, "I'm so going to kick your ass!"
Duncan saw Richie and his guest circling each other around the fire place in the middle of the barge.
"Look I think you have me confused with someone else."
Richie's response was connecting with a right fist into the man's face sending him tumbling into the side of the barge. I really taught him well, Duncan thought at first. I have to stop this before Richie kills him, and they trash my barge.
"Richie what the hell is going on here?"
Duncan reached Richie just before he connected with another punch using Richie's momentum to send him backwards into the other wall. Duncan kept his focus on Richie as he felt Amanda and Joe follow him into the barge. We really need to get this guys name, Duncan thought. It really is getting to hard to refer to him in the third person all the time, and a little bit annoying.
Richie swore under his breath as he got back to his feet.
"Mac, get the hell out of my way! That SOB is mine," Richie shouted angrily.
"Richie besides the fact that you are trashing my house," Duncan replied calmly.
"Technically it's not a house it's a boat," Amanda interrupted with a laugh earning her a glare from everyone else in the room.
"That was a really bad joke, and please keep that psycho away from me," their very pale and injured guest said with a sigh. Richie's anger flared as he listened to the man's words straining even Duncan's attempts to hold him back.
Duncan cursed as Richie's explosion got him past the older immortal. Duncan moved quickly and grabbed Richie's left arm before it could strike its target. Duncan barely noticed Amanda do the same to Richie's right arm. The two immortals pulled Richie back as Joe moved in to help their guest to his feet. Wow, Duncan thought. This guy really has Richie anger, what the hell did he do to accomplish that?
"Richie what the hell did he do that has caused you to get so damn angry?" Duncan asked as he struggled to hold back the younger immortal.
"He gave me crabs!"
In succession Duncan, Amanda, and Joe all said, "What?"
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Jake took the hand offered to him by Joe Dawson, and tried to shake the cobwebs out of his head. Why do I always get into situations where I end up getting hurt? Jake's thought as he wiped some blood from his lip. God if you're listening could you please stop me from being a human punching bag. It's not like I deserve it, Jake thought just as Richie answered Duncan's question. Okay well that maybe a little, but I can't possibly have to pay this much for one really bad joke!
Jake watched as Joe turned and asked, "Richie you mean he's the one that started that bar brawl?"
"Yeah he is, and let me go Mac I promise to play nice," Richie replied his words not really in agreement with the intensity of his stare which was still focused on Jake. God he needs to learn to let things go, Jake thought as he met Richie's gaze. He is really too angry for his own good.
"Just what are you two talking about, and would someone please explain what he meant with the crabs remark?" Amanda asked as she moved in the middle of the group leaving Duncan the only one watching over Richie.
Joe started explaining, "Short version about six months ago Richie was in Chicago on a date in a bar, when this clown on his way out bumps into him. Now there were words exchanged, but Richie's watcher wasn't close enough to catch everything. She did however catch this guy's fist flying into Richie's face, and then telling Richie's date that he did it because he gave his sister 'crabs' of the sexual variety. She proceeds to kick Richie a couple of times as he is getting off the ground, and the walk out. Right after that Richie gets back up and starts beating the living hell out of this guy which started the bar brawl. Everyone in the bar was arrested and taken to jail or the hospital depending on the extent of their injuries."
Okay I hope with all the blood on my face that can't see the deer in the head lights look on my face, Jake thought. I need to find a way out of here.hey there Duncan's sword how cool!
"So why isn't he in jail?" Mac asked.
"Because the watcher lost track of him in the brawl, and the cops couldn't find him anywhere nearby."
"Look as I was telling your little friend here as he was beating me even closer to death then I already was from being shot, and hit by hear damn car! I am not the guy he thinks I am," Jake shouted out.
"Really cause the Watcher's council sweeper team following the guy who broke into our European headquarters reported chasing him down, and engaging in a firefight with the suspect in which he killed most of the team before being hit, and then getting run over with a car."
"So do you know his name?" Amanda asked.
"Unfortunately no," Joe replied.
"So what is your name," Macleod asked. Everyone's attention now turned to Jake was wiping the blood from his mouth. Just then a there was a knock on the door ending the conversation. Wow everyone looks surprised means that whoever this is he isn't an immortal, Jake thought. Which with my luck means that this is about to go from painful to near death.
Amanda walked up to answer the door, "I'm sorry we're a not interested."
A familiar voice responded through the barge, "And I am not selling. I am here to see Joe Dawson."
I was right, Jake thought. God truly hates me so I guess its time to get out of the pan and into the fire. God I am an idiot.
"Amanda don't let him in!"
Before anyone could respond the muffled sound of a hand gun with a silencer drew everyone's attention back to the door as Amanda fell backward a blood mess. The man with the silencer was followed by two more men with MP-5's
"Looks like someone finally was a little to slow, and now if everyone would kindly move off to the back of the barge or Amanda here won't be the only person with a bullet in them, and remember Macleod there are two people in the room who don't get back up after dying."
I really need to have a conversation with God about my life, Jake thought as he limped with everyone to the back of the barge. Shit why the hell did I think that? With my lucky that means that conversation is going to happen real soon.
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"Who are these guys?" Richie whispered as they finished dragging Amanda into the back with the rest.
"The guy with the silencer is asshole that shot me," Jake replied loud enough for their captors to hear.
"No talking and that especially applies to you Jake," Joel said with a laugh. "You know after all this time I really did expect you to put up more of a chase. I wouldn't say fight because I know two year olds with better fighting skills. Wouldn't you agree Richie?"
"Yeah I agree and up yours," Richie replied. Joel laughed then shot Richie in the head. Richie's body dropped like a sack of bricks.
"Unfortunately it seems he forgot that I told him no talking." Joel then directed one of his two helpers to help move Richie's body.
"You are one sorry excuse for a watcher," Jake spat out as he pushed Richie's body of him.
Duncan turned to Joe and asked, "He's a watcher?"
"I don't know, maybe, Mac I don't know the face of every watcher in the world. If he is then violation of his oath which would mean harsh penalties if caught," Joe replied.
"Joe do you really think I would go through all of this if I was afraid of getting caught?" Joel taunted. "There are things out there scarier then watchers or immortals, and I have paid dearly in his service to bring you to him Jake."
"What are you talking about?" Macleod asked. Joel turned and pointed his gun at Jake, "Jake why don't you answer his question?"
"I don't know what you are talking about," Jake shot back.
"He said you might not, but I didn't believe him. Still how about I test another piece of information my boss gave me, and see just how much he told me about you was true. I want you to tell me who you're friends are here," Joel replied menacingly.
"Burn in hell you piece of shit," Jake replied. Joel just laughed and then held up his left hand which was in a glove. God if he is missing fingers under that glove or has something burned on his skin that would be so cliché, Jake thought. I mean if he is missing fingers that would be really creepy and so predictable. As the glove came off Jake notice little white flakes falling from the glove and wondered what they were. Jake would have puked when he saw Joel's left hand which was still covered in blisters, and partially healed wounds with his pinky and ring fingers skin looking like it had been melted together.
"Burn that is really funny Jake, see why? See my boss doesn't like failure, and after your little escape he demanded some punishment which is why my friend here aren't talking our boss had their vocal cords removed without anesthetic. I don't know how each of us endured the pain, but the anticipation of seeing you in his hands is what has kept me going. Of course that doesn't mean I'm not going to have my own fun before I deliver you."
Jake just stared at the man as Joel whipped his gun around and aimed it at Joe Dawson followed seconds later by the other gunmen with MP-5's targeting Joe as well.
"Shooting Immortals is fun, but if you don't stop playing games I'll shoot someone who won't get back up. So for the first and last time who is Joe' friend there? "
"He is Duncan Macleod of the Clan Macleod born in 1592 in Glenfinnan on the shores of Loch Shiel," Jake replied dejectedly. "Is that good enough or are you going to keep shooting people?"
"That depends on you Jake," Joel smiled.
"On what?" Jake asked.
"Just how many questions you are able to answer?"
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Duncan listened and watched the exchange between the two men like a person watching a movie, or television show. He could see what was happening, but not apart of it. How the hell did he know all that about me? Macleod thought. Suddenly he felt another immortal's presence on the barge. Great just great, but this might give me an opportunity to get that gun out of that madman's hands. I just have to keep him guessing an immortal is coming.
"If the watchers don't know anything about Jake how do you know so much about him?"
Joel laughed, "I only know what my boss has told me about him."
"And who is your boss?"
Joel moved away from Jake, and looked Macleod in the eye, "He is someone even saint Macleod should stay away from." Suddenly the sound of footsteps on the deck alerted everyone that some else was on the barge.
"Macleod there is something important we need to discuss and." was all Methos was able to get out as salvo of bullets slammed into the wall just barely missing him. Thanks Methos now is my chance, Macleod thought as flung himself at Joel using his gun to take down his friends with MP-5's. Then Macleod took Joel down hard preventing him from reloading and shooting again.
"It never gets boring when you're around does it Macleod?" Methos said as he stepped into the barge.
"Methos thanks for dropping by, but what are you doing here?" Macleod asked.
"Oh I'm here to ask you to help me find that pale man about to pass out on your floor," Methos replied deadpan.
"5,000 plus and that's the best you could come up with?" Jake muttered just before he screamed out in pain. What the hell is going on here? Repeated a couple hundred times in Macleod's head as he and Methos both moved to hold down Jake as he went into a seizure.
"Like I said Macleod never gets boring."
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Daniels watched the clock on the wall and sighed, "Looks like Joel isn't going to be coming back to us. He is either dead, or failed his mission which to me is about the same thing."
"I understand sir," Andrew replied. "Would you like me to gather a force to destroy Macleod and his friends?"
"No I have better uses for you and your men," Daniels smiled wickedly. "I want you to take down this person, and leave a trail back to those watchers whose names I gave you."
"I will comply," Andrew again replied this time without inflection or emotion. "How many of my rogue watcher colleagues' bodies should I leave with the immortal?"
"That will be you choice, but make sure he takes at least one alive."
The first move has been made, Daniels thought. I don't have the king yet, but I don't need him for this phase only the end. Now should I kill my secretary today or tomorrow decisions, decisions?
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Jake awoke in a black room with a single light shinning down on him it held all to much familiarity, but he couldn't remembering being here before. Still as he looked around he felt frustration, angry, and pain but he could not understand why.
"You must act, and act soon or all will be lost."
Jake spun trying to find out where the voice was coming from, "What do you mean I must act?"
"You must stop those who would bring chaos to order, and change what has already happened."
"What does that mean? How am I supposed to do this if I don't what I am doing?" Jake called out when suddenly a figure leaped from the black of the room. In his hands was a large sword which Jake barely escaped. Soon the man had Jake on the ground with the sword aimed at Jake.
"You do not need to know to act. You need only believe in your choice, and move."
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Methos had avoided answering questions about his connection to Jake till they made sure he was stabilized. Still I will have to answer some questions soon it has been two days since he last was conscious. He wouldn't be able to put it off much longer, and he shouldn't if he wanted to think practically about it. He had a feeling he would need Macleod's help soon, and for that he needed to make sure that the Highlander's friends trusted him.
"Any change?" a voice behind him asked.
"Not yet Joe, and I don't know if we should expect any so soon," Methos turned to face Joe whose normally good humored face had a hardened look. "What's wrong Joe?"
"Besides the fact that you knew who broke into Watcher headquarters? A number of watchers have disappeared in the last 48 hours," Joe replied.
"Kalas?" Methos asked.
"No," Joe said as he nodded his head. "Kalas is still in jail. Plus he wouldn't know where this many of them were, and he wouldn't take their bodies, but his style is to just kill us and leave the body. I was hoping our friend here might give us some answers."
"He might if he ever wakes up again, and as for not telling you Joe there are a lot of things I don't tell you," Methos replied. Before the conversation could continue Joe's cell phone went off, and went off to answer it. Now Duncan, Amanda, and Richie decided to come over for the conversation Methos decided was time to have.
"Methos I think we need to talk," Duncan stated firmly.
"Ask a way," Methos replied. However before a question could be asked Joe swore loudly, and got everyone's attention.
"Joe what's wrong?" Duncan asked.
"A bunch of watchers have gone missing in the last 48 hours," Methos added so Joe wouldn't have to explain.
"And we just found them," Joe continued. "Their bodies were hung from the gates at Watcher headquarters with a message written on their bodies."
"For who?" Richie asked.
"For us," was Joe's answer. "Some one wants to meet us at a warehouse on the outskirts of Paris in a couple of hours."
"Looks like we might not have to wait for our friend here to wake up for some of those answers Joe," Methos said as he looked once more at Jake then turned back to Macleod.
"So what's the plan?"
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Daniels watched as Macleod, Amanda, Joe, and Methos entered the warehouse. The four moved carefully watching for traps. Seems they left Richie at home to guard Jake, Daniels thought as he smiled. He felt deep down inside himself that his life should hold more pleasures like this. That life should always be so easy to manipulate, and control. That everything should always get wrapped up so neatly without all the mess that usually came with life.
Daniels stayed in the shadows of the building till the group was well inside before he called out, "Well I see you got my message Highlander, and you brought your little friends with you as well. Looks like I don't have to worry about sending separate invitations to all of you despite the fun it would."
Macleod turned around trying unsuccessfully to locate where the voice came from, but no inside the building the echo factor left his efforts useless. Macleod shot back, "You're not an immortal. Are you a watcher?"
I can't believe he put so much faith in them, Daniels thought as he watched the immortals search the darkness for him.
"Highlander I'm insulted that you would think after all the effort I went through to get you here that I would be one of those morons."
"If you're not a watcher then who are you?" Methos asked.
Daniels smirked, "Damn it.you know I had a really good reply to that, something truly evil and impossibly mellow dramatic to say. You know something out of some Bond film. It really was marvelous and had it been in a movie would have won me an Oscar, but my secretary's blood kind of ruined it made most of it unreadable. I probably should have waited a little bit before shooting him, but then it would have ruined the surprise."
Amanda rolled her eyes, "That is disgusting."
Daniels laughed a reply, "Well thank you my dear. Hearing compliments like that just makes it all worth while."
Amanda gave a sly smile of her own, "Trust me that wasn't a compliment."
Mac moved forward, "Why did you call us here?"
Seems like someone wants to get to the point, Daniels thought. Good for him playing the perfect leader/hero this is going to be really fun.
"You don't know? I really am shocked Macleod. I had so much faith that you would have figured it out by now. Methos, you have any ideas?"
"You are here to ask us to join you, or to stay out of your way," Methos replied as searched the shadows for Daniels. His gaze was measured and meticulous which caused Daniels to adjust his position to just avoid being spotted by Methos. Oh I'll let you see me Methos, but only at a time and place of my choosing.
"Damn, I guess I lose that bet that is the primary reason why I am here. I won't bore you with another guessing game for round two that would just be for lack of a better word or idea, childish," Daniels shouted back as he moved through the darkness.
"Like making bets like that isn't? And just who would make such a bet with you?" Joe smirked.
Again Daniels replied mockingly, "And the indomitable Mr. Dawson finally speaks. Is that because you're just to upset because of what I had done to your watcher buddies, or is because you're immortal didn't let you speak till now? You know I really hope this is one of your off days or you just aren't going to be the challenge I have been looking for. Ah well I guess this is the time where I give you guys some long boring diatribe about my motives that will give you just enough clues to figure out a way to stop me, huh?"
"You son of a bitch!" Joe spat back.
"Macleod please we are here to talk, please restrain you pet."
"This is life not some B movie where you know the plot because you have watched it a hundred times. What gives you the right to mess with people's lives like this? Who gave you the right to play God?" Macleod challenged.
"Oh that is good. I love the self-righteousness of that statement Saint Macleod. I mean it really just tickles me to death. Please don't stop if you can keep this up I could stay here all day. I mean I haven't laughed this hard in a long time. Unfortunately I have a schedule to keep so I had better get to my actual point for this conversation although it was a nice guess Methos, but I did kind of figure you would never agree to work with me."
Amanda intervened, "Anyone ever call you a pompous jackass before Mr.?"
Daniels smiled, "Its Daniels, and yes all the time. In fact that is a beautiful segue way into my evil villain revelation that will splinter the heroes till the last minute when you rise from the ashes to win. Or in your case since you can't actually beat me either way; just cause angst for my own personal amusement. Although in today's fast paced world you just really don't have time to enjoy yourself while tormenting the good guys, not if you want to win you don't. I miss the times when the villain could just take his time building the anticipation while the heroes had to wait like morons for the bad guy to give it all away."
Macleod, "You mean just like you're doing right now?"
Daniels, "Oh God save me from the rapier wit of Duncan Macleod of the Clan Macleod
Joe, "Didn't you say you had somewhere to go?"
Daniels laughed before answering and finally stepping out of the shadows right behind Joe Dawson. He slugged him in the face, and knocked his legs out from under him. Daniels drew a gun quickly, "Okay fine, but it just really is far less fun this way. To answer your question dear Amanda I was talking about my dear friend Jake, the guy you have so nicely taken care of in your barge."
Macleod sword drawn spun to face Daniels, "Why should we believe you?"
Daniels just smiled, "First off I haven't killed your watcher friend here and I could have, but fine don't believe me. I am the bad guy remember. I hold all the answers about Jake. Cause what best friend doesn't know all the dirty little secrets of his best friend? Even if it is so cliché I'll give you heroes a hint and oops I already did. You see the man who started all of this, the one who figured out how to get here, and killed his family and all the families of everyone he brought here to keep them from having a reason to go back is the same man you have been taking care of in your barge. I was his loyal second in command, and I am obediently carrying out his plan."
"Nice, but you told us you were here to cause angst, and that we shouldn't believe you after all you are the bad guy?" Methos asked.
Daniels, "Ahh, there's the rub! Finally something worthy of the great Methos! Fine, if you don't believe me ask him although he will of course deny it, and that is all I am going to tell you. I hope you provide at least some challenge, but I have to run because in about 55 seconds this building will explode and unlike you immortals it would kill me. The three thousand pounds of C4 I placed all over this building will probably even slow you immortals down, Be seeing yah!"
A minute later the group was out of the warehouse, and the warehouse was a pile of burning ash.
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In his Paris headquarters Daniels looked at the sky with a devilish smile. They are probably going to be interrogating him as soon as they get back, Mark laughed. You really were a fool Jake. Placing your faith in a group of morons like them, but well its not like you remember or I would be in a lot of trouble. Still when the moment of victory arrives I almost wish you could be there old friend as you used to be, and be able to comprehend my triumph.
A noise from behind him broke Daniels out of his revelry. Time to move the final pieces into place, Daniels thought.
"Sir Andrew signals that he has given the message to the men you told him too."
"Good," Daniels replied as he turned from the window, "Because now it is time for us to cross the Rubicon, and taste victory at last."
"Isn't that a bit overdramatic and poorly worded sir?"
"Yes, but right now I don't care."
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"Do you think he did what that Daniels guy said he did? Do you think he is the one responsible for all of this?" Amanda asked.
The other immortals shook their heads, but it was Joe Dawson who was staring out of one of the barges windows who spoke, "I don't know."
"You know Methos you never did tell us how you knew Jake over there," Richie asked.
"Do you really think this is the time to be going over that?" Amanda asked. "I mean shouldn't we be trying to figure out how to stop Daniels?"
"To stop Daniels we need information, and we have two ways of getting that. One is see if the Watchers can find anything about him, but I doubt they will. The other is to get inside Jake's head," Methos answered.
"So we are just going to sit here and wait?" Richie asked angrily.
"Unfortunately there isn't much we can do otherwise Richie," Methos responded. Then suddenly they heard a loud scream from the bedroom where they had placed Jake. "I already told you, I DON'T KNOW!"
The group rushed into find Jake grabbing his head, and screaming. His face was covered in streaks of tears as he kept repeating, "I DON'T KNOW! I DON'T KNOW!"
"Jake, Jake, calm down okay you are safe," Macleod said as he and Methos reached over to hold down the young man.
Jake's eyes drifted up to Macleod and for a second it seemed as if some piece of information clicked in the young man's mind, "No Duncan none of us are safe, and we won't be unless the choice is made."
Before anything else could happen a Jake slipped back into unconsciousness. Leaving the group even more worried about what was going to happen.
Richie, "So what do we do?"
To that no one had an answer, and for the first time since they got back the barge was silent. Jake turned from the group, and stared out at the stars visible in the Parisian night sky, and a single thought entered his head. Choices Jake you have to make them, and deal with the consequences of them even if you don't remember them.
Duncan listened closely to Dawson as he told them all the information the Watcher's had on their friend. He breaks into Watcher Headquarters after jumping one of Horton's men, but refuses to save Darius? He had better have a good explanation for that, Duncan thought.
Suddenly a loud clanging sound echoed from inside the barge, and the muffled sound of raised voices. What the hell is going on now, Duncan thought as he ran past Amanda and Joe to get inside.
As he got through the door Duncan heard Richie yell out, "I'm so going to kick your ass!"
Duncan saw Richie and his guest circling each other around the fire place in the middle of the barge.
"Look I think you have me confused with someone else."
Richie's response was connecting with a right fist into the man's face sending him tumbling into the side of the barge. I really taught him well, Duncan thought at first. I have to stop this before Richie kills him, and they trash my barge.
"Richie what the hell is going on here?"
Duncan reached Richie just before he connected with another punch using Richie's momentum to send him backwards into the other wall. Duncan kept his focus on Richie as he felt Amanda and Joe follow him into the barge. We really need to get this guys name, Duncan thought. It really is getting to hard to refer to him in the third person all the time, and a little bit annoying.
Richie swore under his breath as he got back to his feet.
"Mac, get the hell out of my way! That SOB is mine," Richie shouted angrily.
"Richie besides the fact that you are trashing my house," Duncan replied calmly.
"Technically it's not a house it's a boat," Amanda interrupted with a laugh earning her a glare from everyone else in the room.
"That was a really bad joke, and please keep that psycho away from me," their very pale and injured guest said with a sigh. Richie's anger flared as he listened to the man's words straining even Duncan's attempts to hold him back.
Duncan cursed as Richie's explosion got him past the older immortal. Duncan moved quickly and grabbed Richie's left arm before it could strike its target. Duncan barely noticed Amanda do the same to Richie's right arm. The two immortals pulled Richie back as Joe moved in to help their guest to his feet. Wow, Duncan thought. This guy really has Richie anger, what the hell did he do to accomplish that?
"Richie what the hell did he do that has caused you to get so damn angry?" Duncan asked as he struggled to hold back the younger immortal.
"He gave me crabs!"
In succession Duncan, Amanda, and Joe all said, "What?"
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Jake took the hand offered to him by Joe Dawson, and tried to shake the cobwebs out of his head. Why do I always get into situations where I end up getting hurt? Jake's thought as he wiped some blood from his lip. God if you're listening could you please stop me from being a human punching bag. It's not like I deserve it, Jake thought just as Richie answered Duncan's question. Okay well that maybe a little, but I can't possibly have to pay this much for one really bad joke!
Jake watched as Joe turned and asked, "Richie you mean he's the one that started that bar brawl?"
"Yeah he is, and let me go Mac I promise to play nice," Richie replied his words not really in agreement with the intensity of his stare which was still focused on Jake. God he needs to learn to let things go, Jake thought as he met Richie's gaze. He is really too angry for his own good.
"Just what are you two talking about, and would someone please explain what he meant with the crabs remark?" Amanda asked as she moved in the middle of the group leaving Duncan the only one watching over Richie.
Joe started explaining, "Short version about six months ago Richie was in Chicago on a date in a bar, when this clown on his way out bumps into him. Now there were words exchanged, but Richie's watcher wasn't close enough to catch everything. She did however catch this guy's fist flying into Richie's face, and then telling Richie's date that he did it because he gave his sister 'crabs' of the sexual variety. She proceeds to kick Richie a couple of times as he is getting off the ground, and the walk out. Right after that Richie gets back up and starts beating the living hell out of this guy which started the bar brawl. Everyone in the bar was arrested and taken to jail or the hospital depending on the extent of their injuries."
Okay I hope with all the blood on my face that can't see the deer in the head lights look on my face, Jake thought. I need to find a way out of here.hey there Duncan's sword how cool!
"So why isn't he in jail?" Mac asked.
"Because the watcher lost track of him in the brawl, and the cops couldn't find him anywhere nearby."
"Look as I was telling your little friend here as he was beating me even closer to death then I already was from being shot, and hit by hear damn car! I am not the guy he thinks I am," Jake shouted out.
"Really cause the Watcher's council sweeper team following the guy who broke into our European headquarters reported chasing him down, and engaging in a firefight with the suspect in which he killed most of the team before being hit, and then getting run over with a car."
"So do you know his name?" Amanda asked.
"Unfortunately no," Joe replied.
"So what is your name," Macleod asked. Everyone's attention now turned to Jake was wiping the blood from his mouth. Just then a there was a knock on the door ending the conversation. Wow everyone looks surprised means that whoever this is he isn't an immortal, Jake thought. Which with my luck means that this is about to go from painful to near death.
Amanda walked up to answer the door, "I'm sorry we're a not interested."
A familiar voice responded through the barge, "And I am not selling. I am here to see Joe Dawson."
I was right, Jake thought. God truly hates me so I guess its time to get out of the pan and into the fire. God I am an idiot.
"Amanda don't let him in!"
Before anyone could respond the muffled sound of a hand gun with a silencer drew everyone's attention back to the door as Amanda fell backward a blood mess. The man with the silencer was followed by two more men with MP-5's
"Looks like someone finally was a little to slow, and now if everyone would kindly move off to the back of the barge or Amanda here won't be the only person with a bullet in them, and remember Macleod there are two people in the room who don't get back up after dying."
I really need to have a conversation with God about my life, Jake thought as he limped with everyone to the back of the barge. Shit why the hell did I think that? With my lucky that means that conversation is going to happen real soon.
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"Who are these guys?" Richie whispered as they finished dragging Amanda into the back with the rest.
"The guy with the silencer is asshole that shot me," Jake replied loud enough for their captors to hear.
"No talking and that especially applies to you Jake," Joel said with a laugh. "You know after all this time I really did expect you to put up more of a chase. I wouldn't say fight because I know two year olds with better fighting skills. Wouldn't you agree Richie?"
"Yeah I agree and up yours," Richie replied. Joel laughed then shot Richie in the head. Richie's body dropped like a sack of bricks.
"Unfortunately it seems he forgot that I told him no talking." Joel then directed one of his two helpers to help move Richie's body.
"You are one sorry excuse for a watcher," Jake spat out as he pushed Richie's body of him.
Duncan turned to Joe and asked, "He's a watcher?"
"I don't know, maybe, Mac I don't know the face of every watcher in the world. If he is then violation of his oath which would mean harsh penalties if caught," Joe replied.
"Joe do you really think I would go through all of this if I was afraid of getting caught?" Joel taunted. "There are things out there scarier then watchers or immortals, and I have paid dearly in his service to bring you to him Jake."
"What are you talking about?" Macleod asked. Joel turned and pointed his gun at Jake, "Jake why don't you answer his question?"
"I don't know what you are talking about," Jake shot back.
"He said you might not, but I didn't believe him. Still how about I test another piece of information my boss gave me, and see just how much he told me about you was true. I want you to tell me who you're friends are here," Joel replied menacingly.
"Burn in hell you piece of shit," Jake replied. Joel just laughed and then held up his left hand which was in a glove. God if he is missing fingers under that glove or has something burned on his skin that would be so cliché, Jake thought. I mean if he is missing fingers that would be really creepy and so predictable. As the glove came off Jake notice little white flakes falling from the glove and wondered what they were. Jake would have puked when he saw Joel's left hand which was still covered in blisters, and partially healed wounds with his pinky and ring fingers skin looking like it had been melted together.
"Burn that is really funny Jake, see why? See my boss doesn't like failure, and after your little escape he demanded some punishment which is why my friend here aren't talking our boss had their vocal cords removed without anesthetic. I don't know how each of us endured the pain, but the anticipation of seeing you in his hands is what has kept me going. Of course that doesn't mean I'm not going to have my own fun before I deliver you."
Jake just stared at the man as Joel whipped his gun around and aimed it at Joe Dawson followed seconds later by the other gunmen with MP-5's targeting Joe as well.
"Shooting Immortals is fun, but if you don't stop playing games I'll shoot someone who won't get back up. So for the first and last time who is Joe' friend there? "
"He is Duncan Macleod of the Clan Macleod born in 1592 in Glenfinnan on the shores of Loch Shiel," Jake replied dejectedly. "Is that good enough or are you going to keep shooting people?"
"That depends on you Jake," Joel smiled.
"On what?" Jake asked.
"Just how many questions you are able to answer?"
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Duncan listened and watched the exchange between the two men like a person watching a movie, or television show. He could see what was happening, but not apart of it. How the hell did he know all that about me? Macleod thought. Suddenly he felt another immortal's presence on the barge. Great just great, but this might give me an opportunity to get that gun out of that madman's hands. I just have to keep him guessing an immortal is coming.
"If the watchers don't know anything about Jake how do you know so much about him?"
Joel laughed, "I only know what my boss has told me about him."
"And who is your boss?"
Joel moved away from Jake, and looked Macleod in the eye, "He is someone even saint Macleod should stay away from." Suddenly the sound of footsteps on the deck alerted everyone that some else was on the barge.
"Macleod there is something important we need to discuss and." was all Methos was able to get out as salvo of bullets slammed into the wall just barely missing him. Thanks Methos now is my chance, Macleod thought as flung himself at Joel using his gun to take down his friends with MP-5's. Then Macleod took Joel down hard preventing him from reloading and shooting again.
"It never gets boring when you're around does it Macleod?" Methos said as he stepped into the barge.
"Methos thanks for dropping by, but what are you doing here?" Macleod asked.
"Oh I'm here to ask you to help me find that pale man about to pass out on your floor," Methos replied deadpan.
"5,000 plus and that's the best you could come up with?" Jake muttered just before he screamed out in pain. What the hell is going on here? Repeated a couple hundred times in Macleod's head as he and Methos both moved to hold down Jake as he went into a seizure.
"Like I said Macleod never gets boring."
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Daniels watched the clock on the wall and sighed, "Looks like Joel isn't going to be coming back to us. He is either dead, or failed his mission which to me is about the same thing."
"I understand sir," Andrew replied. "Would you like me to gather a force to destroy Macleod and his friends?"
"No I have better uses for you and your men," Daniels smiled wickedly. "I want you to take down this person, and leave a trail back to those watchers whose names I gave you."
"I will comply," Andrew again replied this time without inflection or emotion. "How many of my rogue watcher colleagues' bodies should I leave with the immortal?"
"That will be you choice, but make sure he takes at least one alive."
The first move has been made, Daniels thought. I don't have the king yet, but I don't need him for this phase only the end. Now should I kill my secretary today or tomorrow decisions, decisions?
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Jake awoke in a black room with a single light shinning down on him it held all to much familiarity, but he couldn't remembering being here before. Still as he looked around he felt frustration, angry, and pain but he could not understand why.
"You must act, and act soon or all will be lost."
Jake spun trying to find out where the voice was coming from, "What do you mean I must act?"
"You must stop those who would bring chaos to order, and change what has already happened."
"What does that mean? How am I supposed to do this if I don't what I am doing?" Jake called out when suddenly a figure leaped from the black of the room. In his hands was a large sword which Jake barely escaped. Soon the man had Jake on the ground with the sword aimed at Jake.
"You do not need to know to act. You need only believe in your choice, and move."
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Methos had avoided answering questions about his connection to Jake till they made sure he was stabilized. Still I will have to answer some questions soon it has been two days since he last was conscious. He wouldn't be able to put it off much longer, and he shouldn't if he wanted to think practically about it. He had a feeling he would need Macleod's help soon, and for that he needed to make sure that the Highlander's friends trusted him.
"Any change?" a voice behind him asked.
"Not yet Joe, and I don't know if we should expect any so soon," Methos turned to face Joe whose normally good humored face had a hardened look. "What's wrong Joe?"
"Besides the fact that you knew who broke into Watcher headquarters? A number of watchers have disappeared in the last 48 hours," Joe replied.
"Kalas?" Methos asked.
"No," Joe said as he nodded his head. "Kalas is still in jail. Plus he wouldn't know where this many of them were, and he wouldn't take their bodies, but his style is to just kill us and leave the body. I was hoping our friend here might give us some answers."
"He might if he ever wakes up again, and as for not telling you Joe there are a lot of things I don't tell you," Methos replied. Before the conversation could continue Joe's cell phone went off, and went off to answer it. Now Duncan, Amanda, and Richie decided to come over for the conversation Methos decided was time to have.
"Methos I think we need to talk," Duncan stated firmly.
"Ask a way," Methos replied. However before a question could be asked Joe swore loudly, and got everyone's attention.
"Joe what's wrong?" Duncan asked.
"A bunch of watchers have gone missing in the last 48 hours," Methos added so Joe wouldn't have to explain.
"And we just found them," Joe continued. "Their bodies were hung from the gates at Watcher headquarters with a message written on their bodies."
"For who?" Richie asked.
"For us," was Joe's answer. "Some one wants to meet us at a warehouse on the outskirts of Paris in a couple of hours."
"Looks like we might not have to wait for our friend here to wake up for some of those answers Joe," Methos said as he looked once more at Jake then turned back to Macleod.
"So what's the plan?"
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Daniels watched as Macleod, Amanda, Joe, and Methos entered the warehouse. The four moved carefully watching for traps. Seems they left Richie at home to guard Jake, Daniels thought as he smiled. He felt deep down inside himself that his life should hold more pleasures like this. That life should always be so easy to manipulate, and control. That everything should always get wrapped up so neatly without all the mess that usually came with life.
Daniels stayed in the shadows of the building till the group was well inside before he called out, "Well I see you got my message Highlander, and you brought your little friends with you as well. Looks like I don't have to worry about sending separate invitations to all of you despite the fun it would."
Macleod turned around trying unsuccessfully to locate where the voice came from, but no inside the building the echo factor left his efforts useless. Macleod shot back, "You're not an immortal. Are you a watcher?"
I can't believe he put so much faith in them, Daniels thought as he watched the immortals search the darkness for him.
"Highlander I'm insulted that you would think after all the effort I went through to get you here that I would be one of those morons."
"If you're not a watcher then who are you?" Methos asked.
Daniels smirked, "Damn it.you know I had a really good reply to that, something truly evil and impossibly mellow dramatic to say. You know something out of some Bond film. It really was marvelous and had it been in a movie would have won me an Oscar, but my secretary's blood kind of ruined it made most of it unreadable. I probably should have waited a little bit before shooting him, but then it would have ruined the surprise."
Amanda rolled her eyes, "That is disgusting."
Daniels laughed a reply, "Well thank you my dear. Hearing compliments like that just makes it all worth while."
Amanda gave a sly smile of her own, "Trust me that wasn't a compliment."
Mac moved forward, "Why did you call us here?"
Seems like someone wants to get to the point, Daniels thought. Good for him playing the perfect leader/hero this is going to be really fun.
"You don't know? I really am shocked Macleod. I had so much faith that you would have figured it out by now. Methos, you have any ideas?"
"You are here to ask us to join you, or to stay out of your way," Methos replied as searched the shadows for Daniels. His gaze was measured and meticulous which caused Daniels to adjust his position to just avoid being spotted by Methos. Oh I'll let you see me Methos, but only at a time and place of my choosing.
"Damn, I guess I lose that bet that is the primary reason why I am here. I won't bore you with another guessing game for round two that would just be for lack of a better word or idea, childish," Daniels shouted back as he moved through the darkness.
"Like making bets like that isn't? And just who would make such a bet with you?" Joe smirked.
Again Daniels replied mockingly, "And the indomitable Mr. Dawson finally speaks. Is that because you're just to upset because of what I had done to your watcher buddies, or is because you're immortal didn't let you speak till now? You know I really hope this is one of your off days or you just aren't going to be the challenge I have been looking for. Ah well I guess this is the time where I give you guys some long boring diatribe about my motives that will give you just enough clues to figure out a way to stop me, huh?"
"You son of a bitch!" Joe spat back.
"Macleod please we are here to talk, please restrain you pet."
"This is life not some B movie where you know the plot because you have watched it a hundred times. What gives you the right to mess with people's lives like this? Who gave you the right to play God?" Macleod challenged.
"Oh that is good. I love the self-righteousness of that statement Saint Macleod. I mean it really just tickles me to death. Please don't stop if you can keep this up I could stay here all day. I mean I haven't laughed this hard in a long time. Unfortunately I have a schedule to keep so I had better get to my actual point for this conversation although it was a nice guess Methos, but I did kind of figure you would never agree to work with me."
Amanda intervened, "Anyone ever call you a pompous jackass before Mr.?"
Daniels smiled, "Its Daniels, and yes all the time. In fact that is a beautiful segue way into my evil villain revelation that will splinter the heroes till the last minute when you rise from the ashes to win. Or in your case since you can't actually beat me either way; just cause angst for my own personal amusement. Although in today's fast paced world you just really don't have time to enjoy yourself while tormenting the good guys, not if you want to win you don't. I miss the times when the villain could just take his time building the anticipation while the heroes had to wait like morons for the bad guy to give it all away."
Macleod, "You mean just like you're doing right now?"
Daniels, "Oh God save me from the rapier wit of Duncan Macleod of the Clan Macleod
Joe, "Didn't you say you had somewhere to go?"
Daniels laughed before answering and finally stepping out of the shadows right behind Joe Dawson. He slugged him in the face, and knocked his legs out from under him. Daniels drew a gun quickly, "Okay fine, but it just really is far less fun this way. To answer your question dear Amanda I was talking about my dear friend Jake, the guy you have so nicely taken care of in your barge."
Macleod sword drawn spun to face Daniels, "Why should we believe you?"
Daniels just smiled, "First off I haven't killed your watcher friend here and I could have, but fine don't believe me. I am the bad guy remember. I hold all the answers about Jake. Cause what best friend doesn't know all the dirty little secrets of his best friend? Even if it is so cliché I'll give you heroes a hint and oops I already did. You see the man who started all of this, the one who figured out how to get here, and killed his family and all the families of everyone he brought here to keep them from having a reason to go back is the same man you have been taking care of in your barge. I was his loyal second in command, and I am obediently carrying out his plan."
"Nice, but you told us you were here to cause angst, and that we shouldn't believe you after all you are the bad guy?" Methos asked.
Daniels, "Ahh, there's the rub! Finally something worthy of the great Methos! Fine, if you don't believe me ask him although he will of course deny it, and that is all I am going to tell you. I hope you provide at least some challenge, but I have to run because in about 55 seconds this building will explode and unlike you immortals it would kill me. The three thousand pounds of C4 I placed all over this building will probably even slow you immortals down, Be seeing yah!"
A minute later the group was out of the warehouse, and the warehouse was a pile of burning ash.
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In his Paris headquarters Daniels looked at the sky with a devilish smile. They are probably going to be interrogating him as soon as they get back, Mark laughed. You really were a fool Jake. Placing your faith in a group of morons like them, but well its not like you remember or I would be in a lot of trouble. Still when the moment of victory arrives I almost wish you could be there old friend as you used to be, and be able to comprehend my triumph.
A noise from behind him broke Daniels out of his revelry. Time to move the final pieces into place, Daniels thought.
"Sir Andrew signals that he has given the message to the men you told him too."
"Good," Daniels replied as he turned from the window, "Because now it is time for us to cross the Rubicon, and taste victory at last."
"Isn't that a bit overdramatic and poorly worded sir?"
"Yes, but right now I don't care."
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"Do you think he did what that Daniels guy said he did? Do you think he is the one responsible for all of this?" Amanda asked.
The other immortals shook their heads, but it was Joe Dawson who was staring out of one of the barges windows who spoke, "I don't know."
"You know Methos you never did tell us how you knew Jake over there," Richie asked.
"Do you really think this is the time to be going over that?" Amanda asked. "I mean shouldn't we be trying to figure out how to stop Daniels?"
"To stop Daniels we need information, and we have two ways of getting that. One is see if the Watchers can find anything about him, but I doubt they will. The other is to get inside Jake's head," Methos answered.
"So we are just going to sit here and wait?" Richie asked angrily.
"Unfortunately there isn't much we can do otherwise Richie," Methos responded. Then suddenly they heard a loud scream from the bedroom where they had placed Jake. "I already told you, I DON'T KNOW!"
The group rushed into find Jake grabbing his head, and screaming. His face was covered in streaks of tears as he kept repeating, "I DON'T KNOW! I DON'T KNOW!"
"Jake, Jake, calm down okay you are safe," Macleod said as he and Methos reached over to hold down the young man.
Jake's eyes drifted up to Macleod and for a second it seemed as if some piece of information clicked in the young man's mind, "No Duncan none of us are safe, and we won't be unless the choice is made."
Before anything else could happen a Jake slipped back into unconsciousness. Leaving the group even more worried about what was going to happen.
Richie, "So what do we do?"
To that no one had an answer, and for the first time since they got back the barge was silent. Jake turned from the group, and stared out at the stars visible in the Parisian night sky, and a single thought entered his head. Choices Jake you have to make them, and deal with the consequences of them even if you don't remember them.