A/N:

Sorry the first chapter was so short. The 'journey' continues. Thanks for all the reviews. Thanks for the confidence to put it in Highlander Medic already, Dr Dredd, I hope it lives up to expectation, eventually!

The end of Helensburgh is pronounced "burra" just like Edinburgh.

Faslane is pronounced Faz-lane.

Chapter 2

Carson alighted at the lower station, and began the long walk up the hill. There was a cold wind blowing off the Firth of Clyde. Incredibly for April, it wasn't raining. After he'd been walking for about ten minutes, he turned around and watched the waves scuttle along, white tips dancing. He breathed in the clean, chilled air, so distinct from the city assault on the senses. This was his home. He'd never felt part of the city, anyway. This was where he was from - Helensburgh, up the river.

Most of his university class were from Glasgow itself, staying at home while they studied. He did the same, but travelled just that bit farther, and it kept him apart a little. They would all go out together in the evenings, but he would be here, needing to get the last train, as if he might turn into a pumpkin if he didn't catch it. They had all taken up jobs around the city, and nothing seemed to have changed much. Now, he welcomed the sight of this town, knowing a relaxing weekend would distance him from the dogfight of his work.

He passed Hill House on the last leg of his walk. The work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Carson had always loved the clean lines, colours and style decades ahead of its time. Every time he saw it, it made him feel like he belonged.

He dumped his bag on the step and fished out his keys. His mother had the door open before he could pick out the right one, and threw her arms around him.

"Carson! My wee darling! Come away in, you must be gasping!" She fussed round him, always so happy to have her 'wee lad' home.

"You're right, mum. I would murder for a cup of tea." Carson grinned. He loved his home, and his parents. His heart gave a lurch as he thought about what he would have to tell them.

His mother led him into the kitchen, where his father was sat at the table. Magnus Beckett rose and gave his only son a strong hug.

"How are you, Carson? Good week?"

The younger Beckett smiled thinly. "Fine, dad. I'm tired, though."

Mary Beckett handed a cup of tea to her son. "You get that down you, Carson. Dinner's almost ready."

Over the meal, Carson broached the subject. "I've been thinking about what I want to do, you know, when I've finished this year."

Magnus and Mary exchanged glances. "Go, on, son," encouraged his father.

"I'm not sure what I want to do, but I know I don't want to work in Glasgow." Carson felt as if a great weight had lifted from his shoulders.

"Where would you go?" Magnus asked.

"Glasgow isn't what I thought it would be. What about Edinburgh? Or Dundee? Or London?"

The mention of the far-off capital was enough to make his mother gasp in horror. The reaction was not lost on Carson.

"It's not the end of the world, mum. Lots of people move away." Carson just couldn't think of anyone, except of course the ones who'd joined the navy.

Magnus Beckett cleared his throat. "Well, son, just think hard when you're making your choices. We just want you to be happy." He looked at his wife, and nodded reassuringly.

"It's not for months yet. I'll just have to see what comes along." Carson made light and smiled. "So, what's been happening round here?"

His parents visibly relaxed as they consciously pushed away the thought that their son might soon be more than a stone's throw from them. His father spoke, "They arrested some of the protesters the other day. It's the usual. Crack down before the summer season." Magnus was talking about the peace camp near the naval base along the coast, Faslane. It was the home of the British nuclear submarines, and a magnet for anti-nuclear protesters. There was a permanent camp that had been there ever since Carson could remember, but it rarely made the headlines now. Magnus Beckett ran an engineering company that, like many other businesses in the area, depended on the naval base for survival. Life for this town had always been a delicate balance of morals and necessity.

The family chit chat veered into innocuous topics, and Carson found himself more comfortable than he had been for a while. And yet…he knew he still had to find his path.

The next morning, Carson asked to borrow the family car. He had an idea where he would like to begin his quest. His mother handed over her keys, with a questioning look.

"Will you be home for lunch, Carson?"

"Aye, mum. I'm not going far, I might go and see Craig, then just drive up the coast a bit."

Mary Beckett calmed at her son's reassuring tone, and watched from the back door as he drove away.

0o0o0

Carson rang the doorbell. It opened, a little hesitantly, due to the early hour of the day. A lady who looked very like Mary Beckett peered round. The eyes grew wide as she recognised the young, dark haired man on the doorstep. "Carson! Come away in? Are you just yourself?"

"Aye, Auntie Margaret. I'm on my own. Is Craig in?"

"Of course. I'll shout on him. You're home for the weekend, I suppose. How's life in Glasgow? Are you staying for a cuppa?"

"Naw thanks Auntie. I'll not be long. Glasgow's fine."

"Craig! Your cousin Carson is here!" Margaret bellowed up the stairs, and motioned for Carson to go up.

Carson and Craig exchanged greetings and happenings. Craig was going to study Veterinary Medicine in Glasgow in October, and was cramming hard for his coming exams.

"I thought you had an unconditional offer?" Carson asked, knowing Craig's university place was secure already.

"I do. But I always needed to work harder than you, Carson. You're a natural brainiac."

Carson laughed. "Rubbish. You just worry more."

Craig noticed the look on his cousin's face. "Carson, are you OK?"

"Aye. It's just…I've told mum and dad I'm going to leave Glasgow after the summer. I'm not staying. That city's not for me."

Craig stared. "What? Where will you go?"

Carson rolled his eyes, and couldn't help smiling. "There's a whole world out there, Craig. I'm just not wanting to stick around here, that's all."

"You're mum'll be gutted."

"I know. She is." Carson swallowed hard.

As he was leaving his auntie's house, Carson fondled the ears of their cocker spaniel. It was a really daft dog, he thought. Then something else came to mind. "Auntie Margaret, can I take your dog for a walk? I'm going along the coast a bit…"

He figured it might make him look less suspicious…

A/N:

Don't worry, Fanwoman, your help and advice will come in handy soon-ish!

Now off you all go and get your maps out!