Chapter 13
Ed stood in the shower for a few minutes to let the water flow down his body. He slowly tilted his head to the right and then to the left, he heard the familiar sound of cracking, "Aahhh…yeeaaaahhhh." His neck was stiff from sleeping in the same position on the lounge and on the couch. He ran his hands over his face, "Tate you wimp, what are you doing to yourself?" he asked himself in the tranquility of the bathroom. "You can do this, don't let it get to you," he coached himself. He reached for the shampoo and poured a generous amount onto his hand and rubbed into a nice lather in his hair. He rinsed that off and reached for the soap, he thought about last night and his sudden dip in the ocean. He couldn't wash away the dream anymore than he could wash away what was happening to him now. "I can't let Arnaud ruin my life," he shook his head, "I can do this…give yourself more credit," he said to no one but himself.
When he was done, he toweled off and got dressed. He went back downstairs with Pavlov following him where ever he went. He sat down at his laptop and turned it on. Ed picked up the little ball of fur and scratched him behind his ears while he waited for his laptop to boot up. When it was finished, he put Pavlov down, "Sorry, guy, but it's time for me to work." He was grateful that Darien and Hobbes had retrieved it from Arnaud and he started typing out everything he could remember. He also wanted to study the notes that Claire had given him dealing with Darien's gland. He wanted to compare what he knew about that gland to the one that's in his head now. They both worked pretty much the same. He hoped to find the answer using what he knew about both glands.
"I'm glad to see you're up and around," Claire announced.
He looked up and saw her standing in the doorway, he half smiled, "What are you doing home so early?"
Claire walked over to him, "Ed, it's late, you've been asleep all afternoon. Darien and Hobbes were by earlier and saw you asleep on the couch. How are you feeling after your all nighter with Darien?"
"A slight hangover, but I guess I deserve that. I thought for sure you would be mad at me. I'm sorry, Claire, really I am. I'm just trying to adjust to all this"
Claire put her arms around him and kissed him softly on his lips, "I know you are. But I'm here too if you need to talk," she brushed the stray strand of hair from his face.
He stood up and hugged her tight, "I know you are, and I won't shut you out. But you do understand that Darien is the only one who knows what I'm going through right now? Don't be upset if I tend to turn to him more."
"I understand that, Ed. I love you and that will never change."
Ed kissed the bruise on her cheek that he had given her when he slapped her in the Keep. He hadn't realized how hard he slapped her until it left a nice little bruise on her, "I'm sorry I did that."
"Hey, not your fault, I've been through enough of these bouts with Darien to know that the real you would never hit me," she watched Ed sit back down. She sat down on his lap as her legs straddled his. "Now, what are working on?"
Ed ran his hand up and down her sides gently, "Uhm…I'm trying to type out anything I can remember from my time with Arnaud. I'm hoping that I come up with something to help me find a cure."
"You think you can?" Claire asked.
"I really don't know, but it's worth a shot."
"Do you want something to eat?" Claire asked.
"I'm fine actually, I did manage to have some soup," Ed leaned forward and rested his head on her chest. "Plus, I really need to get all this information typed out before I go back to work tomorrow."
Claire touched the back of his neck and found the scar. She started to massage it. Ed relaxed in her arms and purred. "I wasn't talking about food," Claire wiggled her hips.
Ed let out a deep throated growl of arousal, "Woman, you're going to drive me insane…and I mean that literally."
"Massaging the scar feels good to you too?" Claire continued to work her fingers around the scar.
Ed sat upright and looked at Claire, "Wait, what do you mean to me too? Did you do this on Darien?" Ed asked accusingly.
"No, Darcy told me about it."
"Ah…okay, then. I thought maybe it was back when Darien had Kevin's mRNA or something."
"No, I've only done this on you."
Ed stood up with her in his arms. She wrapped her legs around his waist as he carried her to the couch. He laid her down on her back and he rested on top of her. "You know, I need more than 15 minutes here," Ed said as he unbuttoned Claire's top.
"I've got that covered. Eberts gave me the two vials of the counteragent without the Official knowing it. He thought that all we had was the syringe filled with counteragent that Hobbes gave you." Claire ran her fingers through Ed's hair.
"I thought that I had a vial already?" Ed asked as he opened her shirt and ran his finger over the top of her lace bra.
"You don't need the whole vial. You were given half of it."
"Remind me to thank Eberts tomorrow," Ed pressed his lips against hers and they kissed passionately as the quicksilver flowed, covering them both.
~*~
Darien walked into Walter's office again. Walter looked up and leaned back in his chair, "This is becoming a habit with you."
"Who else knew that Ed was accepted as the geneticist on the I-Man Project?"
"I was the only who knew. I never sent in his recommendation. But there were other people on the board who knew that Ed was one of two left. Why do you ask?"
"Because I think Ed was set up. There's no way that Arnaud could have pulled this off. We were all out of town or on missions when Ed was taken from the airport." Darien leaned on Walter's desk, "Who arranged Ed's travel plans?"
"I did."
Darien stared at him. "I didn't set Ed up and you know it," Walter said in a defensive tone.
"I know you didn't." Darien stood to his full height. "But I'm going to find out who did." He turned and walked out.
"I hope you do," Walter said out loud.
~*~
The Lady walked around the room as she spoke, "Okay, so I wasn't suspecting Arnaud's double-cross and we don't know if he survived, but that doesn't change the plan. Dr. Tate is still of value to us and even more so now. In fact, Arnaud may have done us a favor."
"How's that?" one of the men asked.
The Lady stopped and leaned down on the desk, "Because now instead of having just a working knowledge of the gland, he has the real thing in his head." She gazed around the room, "Like I said before, this doesn't change our plan," she looked over at one of men dressed in a military uniform, "Major Marten, are your men ready?"
"Yes, they're ready."
"Good," she straightened up, "Phase two of Operation Gemini will go into effect immediately, just as we planned it. Now, you all know what you need to do?"
There was a collective response of 'yes' around the room. Satisfied, the Lady picked up her notes, "Very well then, let's get moving and remember this meeting never happened."
~*~
Claire woke up, something wasn't right. She felt for the warm body that had been next to her earlier, "Ed?"
All she felt was the cold sheets. The first thought that leaped in her mind was that something had happened, "Oh no." Claire hurried out of bed and grabbed for her robe. "Ed!" She called into the cool night air.
"Out here," came the sorrowful reply.
Claire could hear the pain in Ed's voice. 'Oh no, not again,' she thought to herself. She noticed that the French doors were opened slightly. Claire pushed the door opened and walked out onto the balcony. She noticed Ed sitting on a chaise lounge chair with a beer in hand. She let a sigh, "Ed, how long have you been sitting out here?"
"I don't know, I don't go by universal time anymore," Ed said before taking a long gulp from the bottle in his hand.
Claire's heart sank, "Ed," she took a step closer, "Did you have another dream?"
Ed shook his head, "Yep," he stared off at the moonlit ocean. The waves that came in were the only sound they heard for a few moments. Claire sat down next to him and saw that he was on his third beer. 'Darien said this might happen again,' she thought to herself, 'Choose your words wisely, Claire, he doesn't need a lecture right now.'
Claire reached out and put her hand on his thigh, "Sweetheart, anything you want to say, I'm here to listen."
Ed looked at her, "I'm scared, Claire. I am so very scared." Ed's eyes welled up. "I…I don't know what to do…it scares me, you know, not being in control. This gland turns me into a monster. I feel like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde."
Claire remembered that Darien had said the same thing the other night. She looked out at the ocean. Ed was so much like the ocean now, deep under the surface was a darkness filled with danger and uncertainty. In Ed, that darkness could rise up and surface, releasing the demon from within.
Ed continued, "Claire, I've been thinking, maybe it would be best if you didn't stay with me."
His words shook Claire from her gaze at the ocean. She contemplated for a moment, and then took his hand into hers, "If you're concerned about quicksilver madness or your dreams, I'm not."
"I am concerned. I love you too much, it would kill me if I hurt you in anyway," just the thought brought tears to Ed's eyes.
Claire scooted closer, "I've handled Darien, and I can handle you. The Official has brought in a Keeper for you and I'm here. The chances of you going into madness and hurting someone are next to nil."
"Can you promise that?" Ed looked at her.
Claire stared into his eyes, her face changed appearance. As a doctor she knew not to make promises. Science can be filled with too many uncertainties. She knew that Darien would become immune to the counteragent, what she didn't know was when.
Ed saw the doubt in her face, "I thought so. Darien made me that promise, but I'm not so sure it can be done." He turned and looked out at the ocean, "Claire, make me a promise. If you can't have counteragent by your side, that you will at least keep your gun handy and use it."
"We'll figure out a way, Ed." Claire tried to sound optimistic.
Ed smiled and reached out to touch Claire's face, "I love your optimism, promise me you'll protect yourself in anyway possible."
"I will, I promise."
"Okay."
"I'm not leaving you, Dr. Tate and you can't throw me out. Darien and Darcy are living at my place." Claire got up and straddled Ed's lap. She took the bottle out of his hand and put it on the floor. She pulled off her robe and seductively looked at him, "What do you want to do now?"
Ed looked at Claire; she was so beautiful in the moon light. Her eyes sparkled and certain parts of her anatomy were highlighted. His hands cupped her face, "I want to make love to you, but…"
Claire put her finger on his lips to keep him quiet, "Shhh…no talk about QSM. I still have another vial of counteragent. I can set up a syringe and give you your shot afterwards, just like earlier." Her hand snaked between his boxers and his thigh.
"Instead of smoking after sex I need a shaaaahhhh?'" Ed leaned his head back.
"How does that feel?" Claire asked with a slight chuckle in her voice.
"That…that feels…oh man," Ed felt the coldness trickle down his skin, "Oh man," Ed said as his arm disappeared and then part of his leg.
Claire laughed, "Well, at least I'll know what state you're in."
"This stinks."
"Didn't you enjoy it earlier?" Claire leaned down and kissed Ed.
Ed and Claire were suddenly looking at each other in a new spectrum. "I like blue," Claire said.
"So do I," Ed said as he pulled her down for a passionate kiss.
~*~
The month that Ed had spent with Arnaud he had managed to at least keep up his offshore exercises, he needed…no…wanted to surf. He wasn't about to let the gland keep him from doing what he loved.
Ed rose early the next morning. Trying to be as quiet as possible, he sifted through his drawer to find his surfing trunks. When he found them he put them on and quietly went down the stairs. He put his finger up to his mouth and motioned for Pavlov not to bark. He quietly left the house and started to jog along the shoreline. It was a boring part of his routine, but this morning it gave him a chance to clear his mind. He didn't know how long he ran up and down the beach, but when he checked his watch he had ran for nearly thirty minutes. During that time all he thought about was the gland, his experiments before and after the implantation. He kicked himself for not recognizing right away what Arnaud was up to. He went through the mental check of the moments leading up to Arnaud's betrayal. Ed just didn't see any signs of how his life was about to make a drastic turn.
Ed ended up back at the house; he looked up towards the bedroom. He smiled as he pictured Claire still asleep in the bed; he checked his watch and knew that she would be waking up soon. He went to the small shed that housed his boards. Smiling like a child on Christmas morning, he picked up his favorite and laid it flat on the two sawhorses. He reached for the wax and started to work on the board. He hummed as he waxed the area of the board where his feet would be. When he was finished with the intimate ritual, he fastened the ankle strap to his leg, and then tucked the board under his arm. He walked out of the shed and stood between the house and the shoreline; with his eyes closed, he took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. He repeated this several times to relax. He opened his eyes to look at the ocean, "No fear," he said with determination in his voice and dashed out to the ocean.
Claire woke up and saw that Ed was gone again. She hopped out of bed and called out to him, but he didn't answer. She heard Pavlov bark and rushed downstairs. The door was unlocked and she ran out onto the porch just in time to see Ed run out to the surf. She smiled when she saw him plant the board on the water and dove on top of it. A wave was coming in and Ed pushed the board down in the water so he could go under the wave. He reappeared a few seconds later and continued to paddle out.
"He's surfing again, this is a good sign," Claire said to Pavlov as she held him. She went back inside and fixed a pot of coffee. Pavlov had scampered down the shoreline as if to keep an eye on him. While waiting for the coffee to finish, she sat down on the porch to watch Ed.
He floated on the board as the waves went by. He didn't like to take them right away, he studied them, to see how the waves broke, study the wind and its direction. Satisfied that he could catch some waves and still be safe, he waited. He saw a good set coming in and he started to take off.
Claire sat on the edge of her seat and started to cheer him on, "Go for it, hon, you can do it, you can beat it."
Ed reached the perfect spot and stood on his feet. He flew over the water, his body moved and the board followed his commands. Claire clapped and screeched like a school girl. Ed did wipe out, but that didn't stop him. He got back on the board and paddled out again. He had surfed for a good 30 minutes and during his last ride he got close to shore. He was still on top of the wave, then with a flick of his hips and movement of his legs, the board turned around 180 degrees, he was backwards. He repeated the motions and he turned the board another 180 degrees, now he faced forward again. Ed repeated the trick one more time. It was as if he danced over the last part of the wave. He jumped off the board and picked it up before the fins got damaged. He ran up to the house and smiled, "Morning babe," Ed took a drink of water, "How'd you sleep?"
"Not good, actually, I was worried about you," Claire said.
Ed set his board up against the railing. He kissed Claire and then sat down on his weight bench, "I'm sorry if I gave you a rough night…again." Ed picked up a dumbbell.
"Not your fault, you're going to have them and that's perfectly understandable. But I'm glad to see that you're going back to your routine," Claire said with a smile.
"I'm not going to let it completely alter my lifestyle. I'm still Ed, a surfer, a scientist, a lover…" Ed said with a wink.
"And a good one at one that."
"Good? That's it…just good? Boy, you really know how to make a guy go limp," Ed said as he worked his other arm.
"Hmm…I have the cure for that," Claire said smiling.
"Yeah, I know you do," Ed said as he lay down on the bench. He picked up a light barbell and in a circular motion he moved the bar from above his chest to behind his head holding his arms parallel to the floor for a few seconds, and then brought it back up.
Claire watched as Ed worked his triceps. When she first him, she didn't realize how many exercises he did just to surf. He did shoulder extensions, worked his abs, and finished with leg lunges using a barbell.
"I have a few more exercises and then I'll be back up," he kissed her, rubbed his hand across her cheek while he said, "I'm fine. No fear, right?"
Claire nodded, "Yeah…no fear."
Ed kissed her gain and then he ran back down to the water. He dove in the water and started to swim out into the surf. She knew what he was going to do and she hated this part. Pavlov scampered down to the shoreline to watch and wait. The little dog seemed to know how long Ed could stay underwater. As Ed went under, Claire looked at her watch and timed how long he was underwater.
Pavlov was like a nervous mother. At first he would sit calmly and then he would start to fidget a little and let out a bark. "Bloody hell, I wish he would do this out of the water," Claire watched as Ed's head came up from the water. He took another deep breath and went under again.
The doctors in Mexico and Los Angeles credited his surfing fitness to saving his life after being shot. If Ed had not been in shape he probably would have died. Ed went through his routine three times a week since they moved to the beach house. At this point, she pictured Ed in her mind carrying a huge rock he had found underwater. He did this to help strengthen and increase his lung capacity. After another twenty minutes or so, Ed was headed back up to the house with Pavlov running along side him.
After Ed was done, he went up stairs to shower and get ready for work. Claire snuck in the shower behind him and grabbed the soap. She reached around him and started to rub his chest.
Ed moaned, "Hmm…feels good."
"Now, what can I do to help that limp part of you?" Claire said seductively.
Ed closed his eyes trying to concentrate on not quicksilvering, "I don't think that's a problem right now."
Claire reached down, "Hmm…you're right, not an issue at the moment."
"But my disappearing leg is," Ed tried to shake quicksilver off his leg, "Damn, why the appendages?" Ed's left arm joined his left leg.
Claire took a step back, "Now this looks interesting. Actually, it looks strange."
"Well, I guess showering together is out of the question, there's ice forming on me. I feel like the iceberg that sank the Titanic, if you get my drift," Ed said disappointed.
Claire laughed, "I'm pretty sure I know what you're talking about. Guess I'll have to just wash up quickly and wait for you on the bed."
Ed growled deep in his throat, "This is really going to be frustrating."
After washing up, Claire waited for Ed on the bed. She could hear him shaving, she smiled. That was usually the last thing he did. He stepped from the bathroom in a towel and walked over to the bed. He sat down, leaned back sideways and propped himself up on his elbow.
Claire looked at him, "What you thinking about?"
Ed let out a sigh, "The unknown I guess. My life seems to take these sudden turns lately. It's really annoying at times."
Claire smiled, "That's what makes life exciting." She thought for a moment, "Do you regret, you know, being in San Diego that day when Arnaud mistook you for Darien. I mean, what if you waited a day later or earlier, you might not be going through all this."
Ed looked at Claire and brushed the hair from her face, "Then I wouldn't have had the pleasure of you tugging on my boxers. First impressions tend to make a big difference in forging a relationship. At that point, I knew you were the right woman for me."
Claire blushed and then hit Ed on the arm, "I'm being serious. Do you regret it with all that's happened to you?"
"Look, if Arnaud had taken Darien instead of me, he might have extracted the gland and Darien would be dead. Lewis and Lynch would have taken Stark and God knows what would have happened then. Darcy would still be in Lewis' hands. Too many other things would have happened that could be worse."
Claire sat up on the bed, "Ed, you almost died and now you have a gland in your head that I don't know how to remove. Can it get any worse?"
"As far as the gland goes, that's a part of my life now and I have to deal with that one day at a time. Death is inevitable, one way or another it gets you." Ed took her hand in his, "It's all worth it cause you're in my life now."
"Ed, you're really okay with this?" Claire couldn't believe the turn around from last night. Ed had gone through a roller coaster ride with his emotions during the past two days. First he sat on the beach with Darien and they both passed out on the porch. He spent the good part of the day passed out trying to get over a hangover and then typed everything out he could remember, determined to find the answer to quicksilver madness. Then last night, she woke again to find him drinking himself into a stupor on the balcony. Then in the morning, she found him surfing and then worked out. Now he sounded as if he's accepted it.
"I know, not what you expected to hear. The workout I had this morning cleared my mind. There's nothing I can do about the gland being in my head now. It's a done deal. It's in there and maybe until I die." He paused and sat up on the bed to look her straight in the eyes, "Look, it's kind of like surfing. You can either sit on your board all day long or paddle out and take your chances on the waves. Sure, you don't know what kind of ride you're going to have, you may wipe out or you may rip. But the point is, if you sit on your board you'll never become one with the wave, you'll never risk wiping out and then getting back on that board to conquer the ocean. You'll only spend the rest of your life wondering what would have happened if you had just taken that wave. It's all about taking that leap of faith."
Claire put her hand on Ed's cheek and smiled.
Ed stated sternly, "With or without the help of my Keeper, I'm going to find the answer."
Claire looked at him suspiciously, "Ed, you're planning something aren't you?"
"You can't stop me, Claire. You can tell the Official if you want. But I'm not about to let some bureaucratic desk jockey keep me from finding the cure. I don't care if the gland stays in my head or not, but I will find a way to stop this madness that looms over my head or in my head." Ed looked at Claire, wondering if she would choose him over the agency.
Claire looked down at the bed, "I'm not your Keeper and what you do concerning yours is none of my business." Claire leaned in closer to Ed and looked him in the eyes, "Just be careful."
Ed smiled, "I will."
Claire frowned. Ed saw it, "What?"
"I would never have condoned anything like this with Darien," Claire stated.
"But?" Ed asked.
"But that was until the Official blackmailed me with Darien's life. If the Official finds out…"
"I know," Ed thought for a moment, "I'll take full responsibility for my actions. But you know I just can't sit here and watch from the sidelines."
"I know that's the scientist in you. I'll help out in anyway I can." Claire stated.
"I can't let you do that and risk your job. I'll have to do this on my own," Ed said. "Now, where were we before we were so rudely interrupted by disappearing body parts?" Ed paused, "Ahh…maybe we shouldn't. I've had three shots of counteragent already in less than three days. I don't think it's a good idea."
Claire frowned, "You're right, maybe we should continue this later."
"Like after a week? Man, this is really going to be tough." Ed got up off the bed.
Claire stood up, "I'm sorry, hon, but you know until we know more about the gland. I wouldn't want to risk you becoming immune or in need of more counteragent."
Ed shook his head, "Yeah, I know. It's okay, I'll manage with cold showers."
Claire hugged him, "This won't be easy on me either."
They hugged each other tight. "We better get ready for work, and you get to meet your Keeper," Claire said as she smiled.
Ed rolled his eyes, "Lucky me."
~*~
Claire walked into the Official's office first followed a few moments later by Ed. The Official glared at the pair, "I hope that this won't be a normal occurrence. I told you both from the beginning that I won't tolerate my agents coming in late. I can't keep you both apart after hours but I can when you're on Agency time."
"Yes sir," Claire replied sheepishly.
"Of course, it won't happen again," Ed replied. 'At least not this week,' Ed thought to himself.
Walter walked in, "Ah, Ed, glad you could make it." He looked at the Official briefly and then turned his gaze towards Ed, "After you're through here, I want you to go home and rest. You've had a rough couple of weeks and I don't have to remind you of happened two days ago."
Ed looked at the Official who didn't seem too pleased, "If it's okay, I would rather stay here and get some work done. I missed a lot of time and I have some things I need to catch up on. I promise, if I get too tired to work I'll go home."
Walter glanced at Claire. She shook her head in agreement. He looked back at Ed and patted him on his shoulder, "Good to have you back, Ed. Now I have someone here for you to meet."
Ed looked down at the floor, 'This is where the bomb drops.'
"Ed, this is your Keeper," Walter said holding his hand out.
Ed looked up and saw a black man walk in wearing a lab coat. He glanced quickly at Claire and then back at the man who stood nearly five inches shorter than him. Claire had to fight to stifle her laugh.
Walter continued, "Due to the high level of secrecy, you will only know him as Keeper. This is for his safety and that of his family."
Ed put his hand out, "Nice to meet you."
"Likewise, Dr. Tate." The Keeper said shaking Ed's hand. "The first thing I would like to do is to run some tests and do a complete physical."
Ed shook his head, "Ah no, no way, no physical."
"Dr. Tate, it's procedure," The Official blurted out.
"Dr. Tate, we're both professionals here. You know that in order for me to help I need to do a complete exam on you."
Ed looked at Walter for help. "Sorry, Ed, but protocol is protocol," Walter said.
Ed looked at Claire. She shrugged her shoulders, "I had to do the same with Darien, sorry hon."
Ed sighed in defeat, "Let's get this over with." He reluctantly started to walk out the door when he stopped to look at Walter, "I just may take you up on that offer and go home after all."
Ed and his Keeper left the office. Claire looked at Walter, "Doctors make the worst patients don't they?"
Walter smiled, "Yes, we do, Dr. Keeply."
Claire smiled, "If that's all, I have some work in the lab that needs my attention," Claire said as she chuckled softly. 'He looks like Taye Diggs,' she thought to herself.
The Official nodded and Claire left the Office. Walter looked at him, "Ed doesn't go on any missions unless I agree. I need him here in the lab doing what he does best."
"The gland in his head is fashioned after government property. Therefore, he is a receptacle for government property. If I need him for a mission, he will go on it." The Official stated.
Eberts watched the two men go through a verbal exchange again. He figured that the last argument never ended and this was only a continuation of it. The Official looked at Eberts, "Eberts, go file or something."
"Ah, yes sir," Eberts left the room.
~*~
After his grueling exam, Ed went to the Keep. He slid the card through and the door opened. He walked inside and Claire was quick to turn around, she smiled when she saw him, "So, how did it go?"
"Not one of my favorite things to do."
"Now you know how women feel going to the gynecologist," Claire wrapped her arms around his neck.
Ed looked off towards the ceiling and shook his head, "Yeah, I can see your point. I would rather have had you doing the testicular exam."
Claire gave Ed an astonished laugh, "Is sex all you have on your mind?"
"Well, considering that I was held captive by Arnaud for a month then my answer is yes. But that's not what I meant, all I could think about was you…"
"Awww…"
"…holding my…"
Claire slapped Ed on his shoulder to interrupt him, "Ed Tate!"
He smiled at her, "I'm kidding, seriously, I was thinking about where to take you out to dinner tonight."
"Really?"
"Yes, I've put you through hell these past two nights and you deserve it…we deserve it," Ed kissed her softly on the lips.
"Mmmm…" Claire hummed during the kiss and then she broke it off, "So, where are we going?"
"Well, I'm taking you to the Laurel Restaurant and Bar," Ed smiled.
Claire stared at Ed stunned, "Are you sure?"
"You want to go somewhere else?"
"No, no…I would love to go there."
"Good, we have dinner reservations at 7," Ed embraced her and kissed her, "This is your night."
"I love you," Claire said.
"I love you too." Ed turned around and left the Keep to go back up to his office.
~*~
Later on that afternoon, Claire walked into the big lab upstairs and saw Ed busy staring into a microscope. He was concentrating so hard he didn't hear her come in. She watched him as he slightly backed away from the microscope, stared off into space, mumbled something and went back to looking at the specimen. His lab coat was buttoned all the way up and he wore the standard protection in the lab, gloves and goggles. It was nice to see him at work again in familiar surroundings.
Ed rolled over to the computer and started a program. He stared at the screen as the DNA Program started.
Claire noticed that he quickly glanced at his tattoo and made a face. "Everything okay, hon?" She asked.
Ed jumped with a holler and immediately disappeared.
"Oh, Ed! I'm sorry," Claire came a little further into the room, "Where are you?" She said waving her hands in front of her like she was a blind person making sure she wasn't going to bump into anything.
"I'm here," Ed said trying to catch his breath and calm his heart. "Just ahh…just give me a moment and I'll be back," Ed exhaled noisily.
Claire snickered, "I'm really sorry, I didn't mean to scare you."
"No, it's alright. I was so wrapped up in what I was doing. How long were you standing there anyway?" Ed could feel himself calming down.
"Just a couple of seconds," Claire watched as Ed reappeared in a burst of silver flakes. She smiled.
Ed sat down, "Oh."
Claire nodded and walked over to him. She bent down and kissed him lightly on the lips, "You're busy aren't you?"
"Yeah, I'm running a DNA program on a new case Walter has me working on."
"So, I take it then the SARS case is over?" Claire asked.
"Yeah, it's nature. But now I'm working on a serial killer case. I have about twenty samples to go through." Ed pointed to the folder on the table.
Claire glanced through it and shuddered at the pictures, "This is horrible, Ed. I didn't know you did this sort of thing."
"Well, unfortunately forensic anthropology is par for the course. But usually I get older cases, much older. Walter sent this to me because it's the same M.O. that Lynch used. Sever the heads of the men and rape the women. I helped Sloan on that case for Ann Coulter," Ed said numbly as he went through the samples. "I have hair, tissue, blood and semen samples taken from the victims. I have to see if they all match up and see if the killer is a dominant or human."
"Ed, that's sordid," Claire said as she sat down. "How many samples have you gone through?"
"I've gone through five already," Ed paused, and looked at Claire with trepidation, "So far they come from the same person and he's a dominant."
"Oh my God, what are you going to do?" Claire said as she picked up the file and started to go through it, "All these people."
"Yeah, I know, but Claire, this is nothing from what I saw in the cave we rescued Kelly and Darcy from. There were piles of shoes, glasses, purses, wallets…I have no idea how many but each had a good size pile."
"Did Lynch kill all those people?"
"I don't know, but I doubt it. Now this isn't Lynch or a clone of him at least. The DNA is different, either this is a copycat or someone has decided to pick up where Lynch left off."
There was a knock at the door. "Come in!" Ed yelled out.
Eberts poked his head in, "Ah, excuse me, Dr. Tate for intruding."
"Nah, it's okay Eberts, what'd you need?" Ed asked as he stood up and approached Eberts.
"I just need for you to fill out these forms for the Official," Eberts handed Ed a rather thick envelope.
Ed removed his gloves and took the file in his hand. "You've got to be kidding me, this is thicker than my post graduate application," Ed looked inside and did a double take. He took his goggles off and put them on the table to get a better look at the contents of the envelope.
"The Official expects this on his desk as soon as possible. I'm sure you'll find it easy to review," Eberts stood there with his arms behind his back. "If you have any questions, Dr. Tate, you know where to find me."
Ed looked at Eberts happy, but confused, "I will, Eberts, thank you." Ed watched as Eberts left the lab. He went back to going over the paper work. He looked at Claire for a moment, "You hungry?" Ed motioned for Claire to say 'yes'.
"Uhmm…yeah, I am actually."
Ed smiled at her gleefully, "Good, let's go down to the coffee shop and get us a snack." He grabbed her arm and led her out of the lab.
"Ed, what's…"
"Shh…the walls have ears." They walked down the stairs and went out the front door.
"Okay, now will you tell me what that was all about," Claire said as they walked across the street.
"I'm sorry about that, but Eberts left a note saying the lab might be bugged," Ed said as they walked down the sidewalk.
"Eberts? What are you talking about?" Claire said.
"Take a look at this," Ed stopped and handed her the envelope.
Claire looked through it, suddenly a look of both surprise and shock spread across her features, "My research? But how?" Claire started to walk towards the coffee shop.
"I don't know, but looks like I owe him another big thank you. It looks like copies of the originals but I can work with that," Ed said as they walked.
"Ed, this is fantastic," Claire said as she brushed the hair from her face. She handed it back to Ed and he pulled out a print out on some test results. He stopped suddenly. Claire watched him, "What is it?"
"There's an increase in the dopamine levels. The toxin must have affected the Limbic System in some way." Ed looked at Claire.
Claire thought for a moment and then continued, "That's interesting, now what are you thinking?"
Ed held the door opened for her and they walked inside, "We'll talk more in just a moment." They ordered and when they got their coffee, they sat down at a table and talked. Ed folded his hands around the coffee cup as he continued, "The amygdala plays an important role on the mediation and control of major emotional behaviors like friendship, love and affection, on the expression of mood and, mainly, on fear, rage and aggression. The amygdala, being the center for identification of danger, is fundamental for self preservation. When triggered, it gives rise to fear and anxiety which leads to a stage of alertness, getting ready to flight or fight. Now, we know that there are two, one for each hemisphere, when both of them receive electrical stimulus it elicits catastrophic acts of violent aggressive behavior."
Claire looked at him, "Ed, I think you got something there. The toxin would have to affect the entire Limbic System."
"Exactly, the Limbic System is connected to the central nervous system, brainstem and the gland is connected to the…"
"Central nervous system and brainstem…yes, of course."
"Okay, now check this out, the ventral tegmental area, located in the mesencephalic part of the brainstem, there is a compact group of dopamine-secreting neurons whose axons end in the nucleus accumbens. The spontaneous firing or the electrical stimulation of neurons belonging to that region produces pleasurable sensations, some of them similar to uhmm…well, orgasm. Many people, who for a genetic error have a reduction of D2 receptors in the accumbens nucleus, become sooner or later incapable to obtain satisfaction from the common pleasures of life. This is when they seek atypical and noxious 'pleasurable' alternatives, like alcoholism, cocaine addiction, impulsive gambling and other compulsive behaviors. Certain brainstem structures, like the nuclei of the cranial nerves, are stimulated by impulses coming from the cortex and the striatum; they're responsible for the physiognomic expressions of anger, joy, sadness, tenderness, those kinds of emotions. Now, I'm thinking that the toxin is affecting most of the frontal lobe area and the brainstem."
"Ed, that all makes sense with how this mutation works. This wasn't Darien's case at all. Arnaud really did some research this time around." Claire took a sip from her coffee.
"Well, it's only a theory, but it's a good place to start. Arnaud ended up leaving me a clue to the riddle, but not the complete answer. The dopamine levels rise and this creates the 'reward' experience. In the case of quicksilver madness, it's an unnatural reward experience. Another words the euphoria doesn't come from food, sex, water, etc…but from the toxin. It must have the same kind of effect of cocaine or an amphetamine has on the dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens, but without the side effects of those narcotics."
"So, what do we do now?" Claire asked.
"Well, we know that the primary macrogangelia is grafted to the brainstem…"Ed looked at Claire for any hint of realization.
"Whoa…wait, then that means that the toxin must be coming from the primary macrogangelia?" Claire paused, "But the toxin is also in your blood stream."
"True, but what if Arnaud designed it that way to throw us off. What if the toxin in my blood is not what's causing quicksilver madness but the toxin released into the Limbic System? It would still be the same amount of toxin from both the primary and secondary macroganglia and that's why the monitor picks it up in my blood."
Claire smiled, "Oh Ed, I think you're on to something. The toxin would travel to the ventral tegmental area and then go to the Limbic System," Claire stated.
"Now you're speaking my language," Ed said as he took a sip of his coffee. "But again, only a theory, there's only one way to find out for sure," Ed stared at Claire with seriousness on his face.
"Ed…no…I won't put you through that," Claire said adamantly.
"Do you think I want to? I don't. But it might be the only way to know for sure. I only need to go as far as stage three, maybe even stage two. You can study the Limbic System…" Ed stopped as he watched Claire vehemently shook her head in disagreement. Ed leaned back in his chair and let out a sigh. He ran his finger across his bottom lip as he stared off at the floor. "Okay, I'll just have to use whatever I can get my hands on," Ed finally said.
"Don't be mad, I'm sorry, I just…I just don't want to see you go through all that again," Claire said sympathetically.
Ed smiled at her, "I know, believe me I love it that you care about me. I'm just glad you talked me out of it." Ed looked at his watch, "We better get back or they'll become suspicious."
"Speaking of suspicious, did your Keeper ask about the vials of counteragent?" Claire asked.
"Actually, he was more curious about all needle marks on my arms."
"Bloody hell, I forgot all about that, what did you tell him?" Claire asked in a fretful tone.
"I told him that you and Arnaud used me as a pin cushion. He believed it. As far as the counteragent, he doesn't know about the extra vials. Apparently Eberts must have told Hobbes and Darien that he gave them to you and neither one included that bit of information in their reports. As far as the Official and my Keeper knows, the syringe with the counteragent was it."
Claire let out a long sigh of relief, "I saw my life flash before my eyes."
Ed chuckled, "Relax, Claire, it's all covered."
TBC…
Ed stood in the shower for a few minutes to let the water flow down his body. He slowly tilted his head to the right and then to the left, he heard the familiar sound of cracking, "Aahhh…yeeaaaahhhh." His neck was stiff from sleeping in the same position on the lounge and on the couch. He ran his hands over his face, "Tate you wimp, what are you doing to yourself?" he asked himself in the tranquility of the bathroom. "You can do this, don't let it get to you," he coached himself. He reached for the shampoo and poured a generous amount onto his hand and rubbed into a nice lather in his hair. He rinsed that off and reached for the soap, he thought about last night and his sudden dip in the ocean. He couldn't wash away the dream anymore than he could wash away what was happening to him now. "I can't let Arnaud ruin my life," he shook his head, "I can do this…give yourself more credit," he said to no one but himself.
When he was done, he toweled off and got dressed. He went back downstairs with Pavlov following him where ever he went. He sat down at his laptop and turned it on. Ed picked up the little ball of fur and scratched him behind his ears while he waited for his laptop to boot up. When it was finished, he put Pavlov down, "Sorry, guy, but it's time for me to work." He was grateful that Darien and Hobbes had retrieved it from Arnaud and he started typing out everything he could remember. He also wanted to study the notes that Claire had given him dealing with Darien's gland. He wanted to compare what he knew about that gland to the one that's in his head now. They both worked pretty much the same. He hoped to find the answer using what he knew about both glands.
"I'm glad to see you're up and around," Claire announced.
He looked up and saw her standing in the doorway, he half smiled, "What are you doing home so early?"
Claire walked over to him, "Ed, it's late, you've been asleep all afternoon. Darien and Hobbes were by earlier and saw you asleep on the couch. How are you feeling after your all nighter with Darien?"
"A slight hangover, but I guess I deserve that. I thought for sure you would be mad at me. I'm sorry, Claire, really I am. I'm just trying to adjust to all this"
Claire put her arms around him and kissed him softly on his lips, "I know you are. But I'm here too if you need to talk," she brushed the stray strand of hair from his face.
He stood up and hugged her tight, "I know you are, and I won't shut you out. But you do understand that Darien is the only one who knows what I'm going through right now? Don't be upset if I tend to turn to him more."
"I understand that, Ed. I love you and that will never change."
Ed kissed the bruise on her cheek that he had given her when he slapped her in the Keep. He hadn't realized how hard he slapped her until it left a nice little bruise on her, "I'm sorry I did that."
"Hey, not your fault, I've been through enough of these bouts with Darien to know that the real you would never hit me," she watched Ed sit back down. She sat down on his lap as her legs straddled his. "Now, what are working on?"
Ed ran his hand up and down her sides gently, "Uhm…I'm trying to type out anything I can remember from my time with Arnaud. I'm hoping that I come up with something to help me find a cure."
"You think you can?" Claire asked.
"I really don't know, but it's worth a shot."
"Do you want something to eat?" Claire asked.
"I'm fine actually, I did manage to have some soup," Ed leaned forward and rested his head on her chest. "Plus, I really need to get all this information typed out before I go back to work tomorrow."
Claire touched the back of his neck and found the scar. She started to massage it. Ed relaxed in her arms and purred. "I wasn't talking about food," Claire wiggled her hips.
Ed let out a deep throated growl of arousal, "Woman, you're going to drive me insane…and I mean that literally."
"Massaging the scar feels good to you too?" Claire continued to work her fingers around the scar.
Ed sat upright and looked at Claire, "Wait, what do you mean to me too? Did you do this on Darien?" Ed asked accusingly.
"No, Darcy told me about it."
"Ah…okay, then. I thought maybe it was back when Darien had Kevin's mRNA or something."
"No, I've only done this on you."
Ed stood up with her in his arms. She wrapped her legs around his waist as he carried her to the couch. He laid her down on her back and he rested on top of her. "You know, I need more than 15 minutes here," Ed said as he unbuttoned Claire's top.
"I've got that covered. Eberts gave me the two vials of the counteragent without the Official knowing it. He thought that all we had was the syringe filled with counteragent that Hobbes gave you." Claire ran her fingers through Ed's hair.
"I thought that I had a vial already?" Ed asked as he opened her shirt and ran his finger over the top of her lace bra.
"You don't need the whole vial. You were given half of it."
"Remind me to thank Eberts tomorrow," Ed pressed his lips against hers and they kissed passionately as the quicksilver flowed, covering them both.
~*~
Darien walked into Walter's office again. Walter looked up and leaned back in his chair, "This is becoming a habit with you."
"Who else knew that Ed was accepted as the geneticist on the I-Man Project?"
"I was the only who knew. I never sent in his recommendation. But there were other people on the board who knew that Ed was one of two left. Why do you ask?"
"Because I think Ed was set up. There's no way that Arnaud could have pulled this off. We were all out of town or on missions when Ed was taken from the airport." Darien leaned on Walter's desk, "Who arranged Ed's travel plans?"
"I did."
Darien stared at him. "I didn't set Ed up and you know it," Walter said in a defensive tone.
"I know you didn't." Darien stood to his full height. "But I'm going to find out who did." He turned and walked out.
"I hope you do," Walter said out loud.
~*~
The Lady walked around the room as she spoke, "Okay, so I wasn't suspecting Arnaud's double-cross and we don't know if he survived, but that doesn't change the plan. Dr. Tate is still of value to us and even more so now. In fact, Arnaud may have done us a favor."
"How's that?" one of the men asked.
The Lady stopped and leaned down on the desk, "Because now instead of having just a working knowledge of the gland, he has the real thing in his head." She gazed around the room, "Like I said before, this doesn't change our plan," she looked over at one of men dressed in a military uniform, "Major Marten, are your men ready?"
"Yes, they're ready."
"Good," she straightened up, "Phase two of Operation Gemini will go into effect immediately, just as we planned it. Now, you all know what you need to do?"
There was a collective response of 'yes' around the room. Satisfied, the Lady picked up her notes, "Very well then, let's get moving and remember this meeting never happened."
~*~
Claire woke up, something wasn't right. She felt for the warm body that had been next to her earlier, "Ed?"
All she felt was the cold sheets. The first thought that leaped in her mind was that something had happened, "Oh no." Claire hurried out of bed and grabbed for her robe. "Ed!" She called into the cool night air.
"Out here," came the sorrowful reply.
Claire could hear the pain in Ed's voice. 'Oh no, not again,' she thought to herself. She noticed that the French doors were opened slightly. Claire pushed the door opened and walked out onto the balcony. She noticed Ed sitting on a chaise lounge chair with a beer in hand. She let a sigh, "Ed, how long have you been sitting out here?"
"I don't know, I don't go by universal time anymore," Ed said before taking a long gulp from the bottle in his hand.
Claire's heart sank, "Ed," she took a step closer, "Did you have another dream?"
Ed shook his head, "Yep," he stared off at the moonlit ocean. The waves that came in were the only sound they heard for a few moments. Claire sat down next to him and saw that he was on his third beer. 'Darien said this might happen again,' she thought to herself, 'Choose your words wisely, Claire, he doesn't need a lecture right now.'
Claire reached out and put her hand on his thigh, "Sweetheart, anything you want to say, I'm here to listen."
Ed looked at her, "I'm scared, Claire. I am so very scared." Ed's eyes welled up. "I…I don't know what to do…it scares me, you know, not being in control. This gland turns me into a monster. I feel like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde."
Claire remembered that Darien had said the same thing the other night. She looked out at the ocean. Ed was so much like the ocean now, deep under the surface was a darkness filled with danger and uncertainty. In Ed, that darkness could rise up and surface, releasing the demon from within.
Ed continued, "Claire, I've been thinking, maybe it would be best if you didn't stay with me."
His words shook Claire from her gaze at the ocean. She contemplated for a moment, and then took his hand into hers, "If you're concerned about quicksilver madness or your dreams, I'm not."
"I am concerned. I love you too much, it would kill me if I hurt you in anyway," just the thought brought tears to Ed's eyes.
Claire scooted closer, "I've handled Darien, and I can handle you. The Official has brought in a Keeper for you and I'm here. The chances of you going into madness and hurting someone are next to nil."
"Can you promise that?" Ed looked at her.
Claire stared into his eyes, her face changed appearance. As a doctor she knew not to make promises. Science can be filled with too many uncertainties. She knew that Darien would become immune to the counteragent, what she didn't know was when.
Ed saw the doubt in her face, "I thought so. Darien made me that promise, but I'm not so sure it can be done." He turned and looked out at the ocean, "Claire, make me a promise. If you can't have counteragent by your side, that you will at least keep your gun handy and use it."
"We'll figure out a way, Ed." Claire tried to sound optimistic.
Ed smiled and reached out to touch Claire's face, "I love your optimism, promise me you'll protect yourself in anyway possible."
"I will, I promise."
"Okay."
"I'm not leaving you, Dr. Tate and you can't throw me out. Darien and Darcy are living at my place." Claire got up and straddled Ed's lap. She took the bottle out of his hand and put it on the floor. She pulled off her robe and seductively looked at him, "What do you want to do now?"
Ed looked at Claire; she was so beautiful in the moon light. Her eyes sparkled and certain parts of her anatomy were highlighted. His hands cupped her face, "I want to make love to you, but…"
Claire put her finger on his lips to keep him quiet, "Shhh…no talk about QSM. I still have another vial of counteragent. I can set up a syringe and give you your shot afterwards, just like earlier." Her hand snaked between his boxers and his thigh.
"Instead of smoking after sex I need a shaaaahhhh?'" Ed leaned his head back.
"How does that feel?" Claire asked with a slight chuckle in her voice.
"That…that feels…oh man," Ed felt the coldness trickle down his skin, "Oh man," Ed said as his arm disappeared and then part of his leg.
Claire laughed, "Well, at least I'll know what state you're in."
"This stinks."
"Didn't you enjoy it earlier?" Claire leaned down and kissed Ed.
Ed and Claire were suddenly looking at each other in a new spectrum. "I like blue," Claire said.
"So do I," Ed said as he pulled her down for a passionate kiss.
~*~
The month that Ed had spent with Arnaud he had managed to at least keep up his offshore exercises, he needed…no…wanted to surf. He wasn't about to let the gland keep him from doing what he loved.
Ed rose early the next morning. Trying to be as quiet as possible, he sifted through his drawer to find his surfing trunks. When he found them he put them on and quietly went down the stairs. He put his finger up to his mouth and motioned for Pavlov not to bark. He quietly left the house and started to jog along the shoreline. It was a boring part of his routine, but this morning it gave him a chance to clear his mind. He didn't know how long he ran up and down the beach, but when he checked his watch he had ran for nearly thirty minutes. During that time all he thought about was the gland, his experiments before and after the implantation. He kicked himself for not recognizing right away what Arnaud was up to. He went through the mental check of the moments leading up to Arnaud's betrayal. Ed just didn't see any signs of how his life was about to make a drastic turn.
Ed ended up back at the house; he looked up towards the bedroom. He smiled as he pictured Claire still asleep in the bed; he checked his watch and knew that she would be waking up soon. He went to the small shed that housed his boards. Smiling like a child on Christmas morning, he picked up his favorite and laid it flat on the two sawhorses. He reached for the wax and started to work on the board. He hummed as he waxed the area of the board where his feet would be. When he was finished with the intimate ritual, he fastened the ankle strap to his leg, and then tucked the board under his arm. He walked out of the shed and stood between the house and the shoreline; with his eyes closed, he took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. He repeated this several times to relax. He opened his eyes to look at the ocean, "No fear," he said with determination in his voice and dashed out to the ocean.
Claire woke up and saw that Ed was gone again. She hopped out of bed and called out to him, but he didn't answer. She heard Pavlov bark and rushed downstairs. The door was unlocked and she ran out onto the porch just in time to see Ed run out to the surf. She smiled when she saw him plant the board on the water and dove on top of it. A wave was coming in and Ed pushed the board down in the water so he could go under the wave. He reappeared a few seconds later and continued to paddle out.
"He's surfing again, this is a good sign," Claire said to Pavlov as she held him. She went back inside and fixed a pot of coffee. Pavlov had scampered down the shoreline as if to keep an eye on him. While waiting for the coffee to finish, she sat down on the porch to watch Ed.
He floated on the board as the waves went by. He didn't like to take them right away, he studied them, to see how the waves broke, study the wind and its direction. Satisfied that he could catch some waves and still be safe, he waited. He saw a good set coming in and he started to take off.
Claire sat on the edge of her seat and started to cheer him on, "Go for it, hon, you can do it, you can beat it."
Ed reached the perfect spot and stood on his feet. He flew over the water, his body moved and the board followed his commands. Claire clapped and screeched like a school girl. Ed did wipe out, but that didn't stop him. He got back on the board and paddled out again. He had surfed for a good 30 minutes and during his last ride he got close to shore. He was still on top of the wave, then with a flick of his hips and movement of his legs, the board turned around 180 degrees, he was backwards. He repeated the motions and he turned the board another 180 degrees, now he faced forward again. Ed repeated the trick one more time. It was as if he danced over the last part of the wave. He jumped off the board and picked it up before the fins got damaged. He ran up to the house and smiled, "Morning babe," Ed took a drink of water, "How'd you sleep?"
"Not good, actually, I was worried about you," Claire said.
Ed set his board up against the railing. He kissed Claire and then sat down on his weight bench, "I'm sorry if I gave you a rough night…again." Ed picked up a dumbbell.
"Not your fault, you're going to have them and that's perfectly understandable. But I'm glad to see that you're going back to your routine," Claire said with a smile.
"I'm not going to let it completely alter my lifestyle. I'm still Ed, a surfer, a scientist, a lover…" Ed said with a wink.
"And a good one at one that."
"Good? That's it…just good? Boy, you really know how to make a guy go limp," Ed said as he worked his other arm.
"Hmm…I have the cure for that," Claire said smiling.
"Yeah, I know you do," Ed said as he lay down on the bench. He picked up a light barbell and in a circular motion he moved the bar from above his chest to behind his head holding his arms parallel to the floor for a few seconds, and then brought it back up.
Claire watched as Ed worked his triceps. When she first him, she didn't realize how many exercises he did just to surf. He did shoulder extensions, worked his abs, and finished with leg lunges using a barbell.
"I have a few more exercises and then I'll be back up," he kissed her, rubbed his hand across her cheek while he said, "I'm fine. No fear, right?"
Claire nodded, "Yeah…no fear."
Ed kissed her gain and then he ran back down to the water. He dove in the water and started to swim out into the surf. She knew what he was going to do and she hated this part. Pavlov scampered down to the shoreline to watch and wait. The little dog seemed to know how long Ed could stay underwater. As Ed went under, Claire looked at her watch and timed how long he was underwater.
Pavlov was like a nervous mother. At first he would sit calmly and then he would start to fidget a little and let out a bark. "Bloody hell, I wish he would do this out of the water," Claire watched as Ed's head came up from the water. He took another deep breath and went under again.
The doctors in Mexico and Los Angeles credited his surfing fitness to saving his life after being shot. If Ed had not been in shape he probably would have died. Ed went through his routine three times a week since they moved to the beach house. At this point, she pictured Ed in her mind carrying a huge rock he had found underwater. He did this to help strengthen and increase his lung capacity. After another twenty minutes or so, Ed was headed back up to the house with Pavlov running along side him.
After Ed was done, he went up stairs to shower and get ready for work. Claire snuck in the shower behind him and grabbed the soap. She reached around him and started to rub his chest.
Ed moaned, "Hmm…feels good."
"Now, what can I do to help that limp part of you?" Claire said seductively.
Ed closed his eyes trying to concentrate on not quicksilvering, "I don't think that's a problem right now."
Claire reached down, "Hmm…you're right, not an issue at the moment."
"But my disappearing leg is," Ed tried to shake quicksilver off his leg, "Damn, why the appendages?" Ed's left arm joined his left leg.
Claire took a step back, "Now this looks interesting. Actually, it looks strange."
"Well, I guess showering together is out of the question, there's ice forming on me. I feel like the iceberg that sank the Titanic, if you get my drift," Ed said disappointed.
Claire laughed, "I'm pretty sure I know what you're talking about. Guess I'll have to just wash up quickly and wait for you on the bed."
Ed growled deep in his throat, "This is really going to be frustrating."
After washing up, Claire waited for Ed on the bed. She could hear him shaving, she smiled. That was usually the last thing he did. He stepped from the bathroom in a towel and walked over to the bed. He sat down, leaned back sideways and propped himself up on his elbow.
Claire looked at him, "What you thinking about?"
Ed let out a sigh, "The unknown I guess. My life seems to take these sudden turns lately. It's really annoying at times."
Claire smiled, "That's what makes life exciting." She thought for a moment, "Do you regret, you know, being in San Diego that day when Arnaud mistook you for Darien. I mean, what if you waited a day later or earlier, you might not be going through all this."
Ed looked at Claire and brushed the hair from her face, "Then I wouldn't have had the pleasure of you tugging on my boxers. First impressions tend to make a big difference in forging a relationship. At that point, I knew you were the right woman for me."
Claire blushed and then hit Ed on the arm, "I'm being serious. Do you regret it with all that's happened to you?"
"Look, if Arnaud had taken Darien instead of me, he might have extracted the gland and Darien would be dead. Lewis and Lynch would have taken Stark and God knows what would have happened then. Darcy would still be in Lewis' hands. Too many other things would have happened that could be worse."
Claire sat up on the bed, "Ed, you almost died and now you have a gland in your head that I don't know how to remove. Can it get any worse?"
"As far as the gland goes, that's a part of my life now and I have to deal with that one day at a time. Death is inevitable, one way or another it gets you." Ed took her hand in his, "It's all worth it cause you're in my life now."
"Ed, you're really okay with this?" Claire couldn't believe the turn around from last night. Ed had gone through a roller coaster ride with his emotions during the past two days. First he sat on the beach with Darien and they both passed out on the porch. He spent the good part of the day passed out trying to get over a hangover and then typed everything out he could remember, determined to find the answer to quicksilver madness. Then last night, she woke again to find him drinking himself into a stupor on the balcony. Then in the morning, she found him surfing and then worked out. Now he sounded as if he's accepted it.
"I know, not what you expected to hear. The workout I had this morning cleared my mind. There's nothing I can do about the gland being in my head now. It's a done deal. It's in there and maybe until I die." He paused and sat up on the bed to look her straight in the eyes, "Look, it's kind of like surfing. You can either sit on your board all day long or paddle out and take your chances on the waves. Sure, you don't know what kind of ride you're going to have, you may wipe out or you may rip. But the point is, if you sit on your board you'll never become one with the wave, you'll never risk wiping out and then getting back on that board to conquer the ocean. You'll only spend the rest of your life wondering what would have happened if you had just taken that wave. It's all about taking that leap of faith."
Claire put her hand on Ed's cheek and smiled.
Ed stated sternly, "With or without the help of my Keeper, I'm going to find the answer."
Claire looked at him suspiciously, "Ed, you're planning something aren't you?"
"You can't stop me, Claire. You can tell the Official if you want. But I'm not about to let some bureaucratic desk jockey keep me from finding the cure. I don't care if the gland stays in my head or not, but I will find a way to stop this madness that looms over my head or in my head." Ed looked at Claire, wondering if she would choose him over the agency.
Claire looked down at the bed, "I'm not your Keeper and what you do concerning yours is none of my business." Claire leaned in closer to Ed and looked him in the eyes, "Just be careful."
Ed smiled, "I will."
Claire frowned. Ed saw it, "What?"
"I would never have condoned anything like this with Darien," Claire stated.
"But?" Ed asked.
"But that was until the Official blackmailed me with Darien's life. If the Official finds out…"
"I know," Ed thought for a moment, "I'll take full responsibility for my actions. But you know I just can't sit here and watch from the sidelines."
"I know that's the scientist in you. I'll help out in anyway I can." Claire stated.
"I can't let you do that and risk your job. I'll have to do this on my own," Ed said. "Now, where were we before we were so rudely interrupted by disappearing body parts?" Ed paused, "Ahh…maybe we shouldn't. I've had three shots of counteragent already in less than three days. I don't think it's a good idea."
Claire frowned, "You're right, maybe we should continue this later."
"Like after a week? Man, this is really going to be tough." Ed got up off the bed.
Claire stood up, "I'm sorry, hon, but you know until we know more about the gland. I wouldn't want to risk you becoming immune or in need of more counteragent."
Ed shook his head, "Yeah, I know. It's okay, I'll manage with cold showers."
Claire hugged him, "This won't be easy on me either."
They hugged each other tight. "We better get ready for work, and you get to meet your Keeper," Claire said as she smiled.
Ed rolled his eyes, "Lucky me."
~*~
Claire walked into the Official's office first followed a few moments later by Ed. The Official glared at the pair, "I hope that this won't be a normal occurrence. I told you both from the beginning that I won't tolerate my agents coming in late. I can't keep you both apart after hours but I can when you're on Agency time."
"Yes sir," Claire replied sheepishly.
"Of course, it won't happen again," Ed replied. 'At least not this week,' Ed thought to himself.
Walter walked in, "Ah, Ed, glad you could make it." He looked at the Official briefly and then turned his gaze towards Ed, "After you're through here, I want you to go home and rest. You've had a rough couple of weeks and I don't have to remind you of happened two days ago."
Ed looked at the Official who didn't seem too pleased, "If it's okay, I would rather stay here and get some work done. I missed a lot of time and I have some things I need to catch up on. I promise, if I get too tired to work I'll go home."
Walter glanced at Claire. She shook her head in agreement. He looked back at Ed and patted him on his shoulder, "Good to have you back, Ed. Now I have someone here for you to meet."
Ed looked down at the floor, 'This is where the bomb drops.'
"Ed, this is your Keeper," Walter said holding his hand out.
Ed looked up and saw a black man walk in wearing a lab coat. He glanced quickly at Claire and then back at the man who stood nearly five inches shorter than him. Claire had to fight to stifle her laugh.
Walter continued, "Due to the high level of secrecy, you will only know him as Keeper. This is for his safety and that of his family."
Ed put his hand out, "Nice to meet you."
"Likewise, Dr. Tate." The Keeper said shaking Ed's hand. "The first thing I would like to do is to run some tests and do a complete physical."
Ed shook his head, "Ah no, no way, no physical."
"Dr. Tate, it's procedure," The Official blurted out.
"Dr. Tate, we're both professionals here. You know that in order for me to help I need to do a complete exam on you."
Ed looked at Walter for help. "Sorry, Ed, but protocol is protocol," Walter said.
Ed looked at Claire. She shrugged her shoulders, "I had to do the same with Darien, sorry hon."
Ed sighed in defeat, "Let's get this over with." He reluctantly started to walk out the door when he stopped to look at Walter, "I just may take you up on that offer and go home after all."
Ed and his Keeper left the office. Claire looked at Walter, "Doctors make the worst patients don't they?"
Walter smiled, "Yes, we do, Dr. Keeply."
Claire smiled, "If that's all, I have some work in the lab that needs my attention," Claire said as she chuckled softly. 'He looks like Taye Diggs,' she thought to herself.
The Official nodded and Claire left the Office. Walter looked at him, "Ed doesn't go on any missions unless I agree. I need him here in the lab doing what he does best."
"The gland in his head is fashioned after government property. Therefore, he is a receptacle for government property. If I need him for a mission, he will go on it." The Official stated.
Eberts watched the two men go through a verbal exchange again. He figured that the last argument never ended and this was only a continuation of it. The Official looked at Eberts, "Eberts, go file or something."
"Ah, yes sir," Eberts left the room.
~*~
After his grueling exam, Ed went to the Keep. He slid the card through and the door opened. He walked inside and Claire was quick to turn around, she smiled when she saw him, "So, how did it go?"
"Not one of my favorite things to do."
"Now you know how women feel going to the gynecologist," Claire wrapped her arms around his neck.
Ed looked off towards the ceiling and shook his head, "Yeah, I can see your point. I would rather have had you doing the testicular exam."
Claire gave Ed an astonished laugh, "Is sex all you have on your mind?"
"Well, considering that I was held captive by Arnaud for a month then my answer is yes. But that's not what I meant, all I could think about was you…"
"Awww…"
"…holding my…"
Claire slapped Ed on his shoulder to interrupt him, "Ed Tate!"
He smiled at her, "I'm kidding, seriously, I was thinking about where to take you out to dinner tonight."
"Really?"
"Yes, I've put you through hell these past two nights and you deserve it…we deserve it," Ed kissed her softly on the lips.
"Mmmm…" Claire hummed during the kiss and then she broke it off, "So, where are we going?"
"Well, I'm taking you to the Laurel Restaurant and Bar," Ed smiled.
Claire stared at Ed stunned, "Are you sure?"
"You want to go somewhere else?"
"No, no…I would love to go there."
"Good, we have dinner reservations at 7," Ed embraced her and kissed her, "This is your night."
"I love you," Claire said.
"I love you too." Ed turned around and left the Keep to go back up to his office.
~*~
Later on that afternoon, Claire walked into the big lab upstairs and saw Ed busy staring into a microscope. He was concentrating so hard he didn't hear her come in. She watched him as he slightly backed away from the microscope, stared off into space, mumbled something and went back to looking at the specimen. His lab coat was buttoned all the way up and he wore the standard protection in the lab, gloves and goggles. It was nice to see him at work again in familiar surroundings.
Ed rolled over to the computer and started a program. He stared at the screen as the DNA Program started.
Claire noticed that he quickly glanced at his tattoo and made a face. "Everything okay, hon?" She asked.
Ed jumped with a holler and immediately disappeared.
"Oh, Ed! I'm sorry," Claire came a little further into the room, "Where are you?" She said waving her hands in front of her like she was a blind person making sure she wasn't going to bump into anything.
"I'm here," Ed said trying to catch his breath and calm his heart. "Just ahh…just give me a moment and I'll be back," Ed exhaled noisily.
Claire snickered, "I'm really sorry, I didn't mean to scare you."
"No, it's alright. I was so wrapped up in what I was doing. How long were you standing there anyway?" Ed could feel himself calming down.
"Just a couple of seconds," Claire watched as Ed reappeared in a burst of silver flakes. She smiled.
Ed sat down, "Oh."
Claire nodded and walked over to him. She bent down and kissed him lightly on the lips, "You're busy aren't you?"
"Yeah, I'm running a DNA program on a new case Walter has me working on."
"So, I take it then the SARS case is over?" Claire asked.
"Yeah, it's nature. But now I'm working on a serial killer case. I have about twenty samples to go through." Ed pointed to the folder on the table.
Claire glanced through it and shuddered at the pictures, "This is horrible, Ed. I didn't know you did this sort of thing."
"Well, unfortunately forensic anthropology is par for the course. But usually I get older cases, much older. Walter sent this to me because it's the same M.O. that Lynch used. Sever the heads of the men and rape the women. I helped Sloan on that case for Ann Coulter," Ed said numbly as he went through the samples. "I have hair, tissue, blood and semen samples taken from the victims. I have to see if they all match up and see if the killer is a dominant or human."
"Ed, that's sordid," Claire said as she sat down. "How many samples have you gone through?"
"I've gone through five already," Ed paused, and looked at Claire with trepidation, "So far they come from the same person and he's a dominant."
"Oh my God, what are you going to do?" Claire said as she picked up the file and started to go through it, "All these people."
"Yeah, I know, but Claire, this is nothing from what I saw in the cave we rescued Kelly and Darcy from. There were piles of shoes, glasses, purses, wallets…I have no idea how many but each had a good size pile."
"Did Lynch kill all those people?"
"I don't know, but I doubt it. Now this isn't Lynch or a clone of him at least. The DNA is different, either this is a copycat or someone has decided to pick up where Lynch left off."
There was a knock at the door. "Come in!" Ed yelled out.
Eberts poked his head in, "Ah, excuse me, Dr. Tate for intruding."
"Nah, it's okay Eberts, what'd you need?" Ed asked as he stood up and approached Eberts.
"I just need for you to fill out these forms for the Official," Eberts handed Ed a rather thick envelope.
Ed removed his gloves and took the file in his hand. "You've got to be kidding me, this is thicker than my post graduate application," Ed looked inside and did a double take. He took his goggles off and put them on the table to get a better look at the contents of the envelope.
"The Official expects this on his desk as soon as possible. I'm sure you'll find it easy to review," Eberts stood there with his arms behind his back. "If you have any questions, Dr. Tate, you know where to find me."
Ed looked at Eberts happy, but confused, "I will, Eberts, thank you." Ed watched as Eberts left the lab. He went back to going over the paper work. He looked at Claire for a moment, "You hungry?" Ed motioned for Claire to say 'yes'.
"Uhmm…yeah, I am actually."
Ed smiled at her gleefully, "Good, let's go down to the coffee shop and get us a snack." He grabbed her arm and led her out of the lab.
"Ed, what's…"
"Shh…the walls have ears." They walked down the stairs and went out the front door.
"Okay, now will you tell me what that was all about," Claire said as they walked across the street.
"I'm sorry about that, but Eberts left a note saying the lab might be bugged," Ed said as they walked down the sidewalk.
"Eberts? What are you talking about?" Claire said.
"Take a look at this," Ed stopped and handed her the envelope.
Claire looked through it, suddenly a look of both surprise and shock spread across her features, "My research? But how?" Claire started to walk towards the coffee shop.
"I don't know, but looks like I owe him another big thank you. It looks like copies of the originals but I can work with that," Ed said as they walked.
"Ed, this is fantastic," Claire said as she brushed the hair from her face. She handed it back to Ed and he pulled out a print out on some test results. He stopped suddenly. Claire watched him, "What is it?"
"There's an increase in the dopamine levels. The toxin must have affected the Limbic System in some way." Ed looked at Claire.
Claire thought for a moment and then continued, "That's interesting, now what are you thinking?"
Ed held the door opened for her and they walked inside, "We'll talk more in just a moment." They ordered and when they got their coffee, they sat down at a table and talked. Ed folded his hands around the coffee cup as he continued, "The amygdala plays an important role on the mediation and control of major emotional behaviors like friendship, love and affection, on the expression of mood and, mainly, on fear, rage and aggression. The amygdala, being the center for identification of danger, is fundamental for self preservation. When triggered, it gives rise to fear and anxiety which leads to a stage of alertness, getting ready to flight or fight. Now, we know that there are two, one for each hemisphere, when both of them receive electrical stimulus it elicits catastrophic acts of violent aggressive behavior."
Claire looked at him, "Ed, I think you got something there. The toxin would have to affect the entire Limbic System."
"Exactly, the Limbic System is connected to the central nervous system, brainstem and the gland is connected to the…"
"Central nervous system and brainstem…yes, of course."
"Okay, now check this out, the ventral tegmental area, located in the mesencephalic part of the brainstem, there is a compact group of dopamine-secreting neurons whose axons end in the nucleus accumbens. The spontaneous firing or the electrical stimulation of neurons belonging to that region produces pleasurable sensations, some of them similar to uhmm…well, orgasm. Many people, who for a genetic error have a reduction of D2 receptors in the accumbens nucleus, become sooner or later incapable to obtain satisfaction from the common pleasures of life. This is when they seek atypical and noxious 'pleasurable' alternatives, like alcoholism, cocaine addiction, impulsive gambling and other compulsive behaviors. Certain brainstem structures, like the nuclei of the cranial nerves, are stimulated by impulses coming from the cortex and the striatum; they're responsible for the physiognomic expressions of anger, joy, sadness, tenderness, those kinds of emotions. Now, I'm thinking that the toxin is affecting most of the frontal lobe area and the brainstem."
"Ed, that all makes sense with how this mutation works. This wasn't Darien's case at all. Arnaud really did some research this time around." Claire took a sip from her coffee.
"Well, it's only a theory, but it's a good place to start. Arnaud ended up leaving me a clue to the riddle, but not the complete answer. The dopamine levels rise and this creates the 'reward' experience. In the case of quicksilver madness, it's an unnatural reward experience. Another words the euphoria doesn't come from food, sex, water, etc…but from the toxin. It must have the same kind of effect of cocaine or an amphetamine has on the dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens, but without the side effects of those narcotics."
"So, what do we do now?" Claire asked.
"Well, we know that the primary macrogangelia is grafted to the brainstem…"Ed looked at Claire for any hint of realization.
"Whoa…wait, then that means that the toxin must be coming from the primary macrogangelia?" Claire paused, "But the toxin is also in your blood stream."
"True, but what if Arnaud designed it that way to throw us off. What if the toxin in my blood is not what's causing quicksilver madness but the toxin released into the Limbic System? It would still be the same amount of toxin from both the primary and secondary macroganglia and that's why the monitor picks it up in my blood."
Claire smiled, "Oh Ed, I think you're on to something. The toxin would travel to the ventral tegmental area and then go to the Limbic System," Claire stated.
"Now you're speaking my language," Ed said as he took a sip of his coffee. "But again, only a theory, there's only one way to find out for sure," Ed stared at Claire with seriousness on his face.
"Ed…no…I won't put you through that," Claire said adamantly.
"Do you think I want to? I don't. But it might be the only way to know for sure. I only need to go as far as stage three, maybe even stage two. You can study the Limbic System…" Ed stopped as he watched Claire vehemently shook her head in disagreement. Ed leaned back in his chair and let out a sigh. He ran his finger across his bottom lip as he stared off at the floor. "Okay, I'll just have to use whatever I can get my hands on," Ed finally said.
"Don't be mad, I'm sorry, I just…I just don't want to see you go through all that again," Claire said sympathetically.
Ed smiled at her, "I know, believe me I love it that you care about me. I'm just glad you talked me out of it." Ed looked at his watch, "We better get back or they'll become suspicious."
"Speaking of suspicious, did your Keeper ask about the vials of counteragent?" Claire asked.
"Actually, he was more curious about all needle marks on my arms."
"Bloody hell, I forgot all about that, what did you tell him?" Claire asked in a fretful tone.
"I told him that you and Arnaud used me as a pin cushion. He believed it. As far as the counteragent, he doesn't know about the extra vials. Apparently Eberts must have told Hobbes and Darien that he gave them to you and neither one included that bit of information in their reports. As far as the Official and my Keeper knows, the syringe with the counteragent was it."
Claire let out a long sigh of relief, "I saw my life flash before my eyes."
Ed chuckled, "Relax, Claire, it's all covered."
TBC…