Permanent SRU, Mason's Family & Three Eejits (Idiots)


SRU HQ – Commander Holleran's Office

Norm hung up the phone and leaned back in his chair. It was always good to talk to his old friend William. Well almost always. When they were discussing Sam, not so much. But this call was a mixed bag.

He was just about to push out of his chair and go deliver the news when there was a knock on his door. Norm called out "Come in."

The door opened and Norm was not surprised who were standing there. Greg, Ed and Spike entered the Commander's office.

Greg asked "Sir do you have a moment?"

Norm motioned for them to have a seat as he said "I was just on my way to find you Greg. I just got off the phone with General Braddock."

Spike said "I just got off the phone with Jules. She said Sam has a broken ulna. Is that what the General called about?"

Norm nodded but added "Yes that was part of it. I needed to let you all know that Jude and Kaleb will be staying with the team for the next three weeks."

Ed was confused "Jude I understand, but Kaleb? Not that he isn't good but he is covering for Jules. Jude is covering for Sam."

Norm grinned "Well neither of them will be back for three weeks."

Greg asked "Why?"

"They both have more than enough vacation and comp time on the books. Did Jules tell you how Sam's arm was busted?" Norm stated and asked.

Spike nodded "Yeah, a bar brawl keeping three drunken idiots away from Mason's fiancée."

Ed grinned "That is just like Samo. Jules said he was pretty beat up too. Said Jim would be giving Spike a call later with an update that includes proper dosages of muscle relaxers for him."

Greg grinned recalling Jules telling them that Sam recalled some good memories of his friend Matt while under the influence of the muscle relaxer. He had wished he could have been there to hear the good memories.

Norm sighed "Yes he was. According to General Braddock what he did not only saved Marsaili but she is expecting. Those men could have hurt the baby too. Mason called the General and asked him to intervene, to call me. They all wanted to do something nice to thank Sam. Getting them extra time off was part of it since Sam would be out on the injured list for several weeks anyways."

Spike's eyes smiled as he asked "What else is part of it?"

Holleran explained the plan to the team. All of them heartily agreed. That would be a great way to say thank you.

Greg wondered aloud "Spike, Jules did not say anything about that to you did she?"

Spike shook his head no.

Norm said "They don't know yet so no calling Jules or Sam and saying anything. Mason and Marsaili plan to tell them after the wedding tonight. They wanted all the ducks in a row first before they said anything to them."

Ed leaned back "I can't think of two people that deserve that more." He sat up and then said "Jude and Kaleb are great assets to SRU. I've heard that there might be openings on Team Five and Four soon. I want them to have first crack at those positions."

The Commander nodded "Already spoken with the Sergeants. The timing for Jules' return will be perfect for Kaleb to shift over to Team Five permanently. We will have a bit of a gap with Jude for Team Four before Sam is back in action."

Greg looked thoughtful and said "Chad could cover on Team One to allow Jude to move to Team Four. We need to begin looking for new reserve officers. We are losing our go to guys but I'm really glad they are getting permanent positions."

Norm agreed "Good, I'll call Chad's Commander and arrange it. But I'll leave it to you Greg to pull some files and do a round of recruiting. We should probably start looking for five potentials. Having the reserve officers has been extremely helpful."

Ed chuckled "That's another thing that improved SRU after Sam came along. Just wish it didn't stem from him getting injured."

Greg stood "I'll send Jude and Kaleb in so you can give them the good news."

Norm shook his head "No they are on your team. You can do the honors. If things are slow today I'll authorize Team One taking off an hour early so you all can go celebrate with them."

Ed and Spike stood too and then the all headed out. Spike was thinking about Sam and Jules and how they would react when Mason told them how they were going to thank them. It was perfect and Sam and Jules would love it.


Mac'IlleMhìcheil Estate – Breakfast Room

Most of the usual crew plus many of Marsaili's family were gathered in the breakfast room for luncheon. Mason stood quickly when four familiar figures entered the room. His parents and his two other sisters had arrived. He smiled as he went forward.

His mother hugged him and then pulled back "You are a sight for sore eyes little one."

Winds and Blaze shared a look and a smirk at Mason being called little one.

Mason grinned "Màthair I'm not so little anymore. Actually I have never been little."

"Nonsense. You will always be my little boy no matter how big you are Murchadh-Ailpein. We've missed you. You need to make it home more often" Beathag Srònaich'O' Naoimhín stated.

Mason nodded "I will try." Mason then hugged his father and his two sisters. He asked his eldest sister "Where are your husbands and kids?"

Nansaidh Campbell answered "They are taking the luggage to the little cottage that Marsaili's family has graciously arranged for us. They will be over shortly."

Mason grinned and then turned to the room to introduce his parents and sisters. He cleared his throat and said to the room "Hey everyone, I'd like to introduce you to my parents and two other sisters."

Conversation stopped and everyone turned to face Mason. Mason continued "This is my athair Benneit Srònaich'O' Naoimhín, my màthair Beathag. My eldest sister Nansaidh Campbell she goes by Nan. My next older sister Eimhir MacTavish, she likes to be called Em. Their husbands and kids will join us in a bit."

Many people rose and came forward to welcome Mason's family. Blaze, Winds, Jim and Heather waited for the thong to clear before they introduced themselves. When they met Mason's parents they were told to call then Benneit and Bea instead of Mr. and Mrs. Srònaich'O' Naoimhín. Everyone appreciated the easier names.

Blaze sat back down with his coffee and turned to Winds "I can see where Mason got his looks."

Winds nodded "Never seen a prettier family. His mother and sisters are all so stunning. They could all be models."

Heather added "His father is no slouch either. My goodness is that what Mason looked like before the accident?"

Jim smiled "Yeah, he was voted most handsome all four years of high school and had a modeling contract all lined up. He decided he'd rather play in the sand with us though."

Heather giggled. Mason's father was extremely handsome. He was a big as Mason and still very fit. The silver that was just beginning to grace his auburn hair at the temples added a distinguished flare. His face was still young looking but the laugh lines around his eyes were showing and only enhanced his face.

She thought that Winds was right about Mason's mother and sisters too. They were all taller than average with long legs. While Cala took more after their father and Mason with auburn hair, Nan and Em looked a lot like their mother. They had refined facial features with high cheek bones, big beautiful brown eyes and gorgeous golden blonde hair.

Heather thought that they all could be models. But none of them were haughty like some with looks like that could be. They all had warm laughs and were free with hugs and smiles. Heather liked them instantly and saw where Mason's tenderness came from.

Her eyes tracked to the entrance of the breakfast room when a hush fell. Heather saw Sam and Jules enter the room. She saw the bruising on Sam's jaw and the way he held himself stiffly. Jim was right that Sam would be sore today. But at least he was here and there were no internal injuries.

Heather joined in as spontaneous applause was started by Marsaili's family.

Jules and Sam entered the room to find it filled with many more people than normal. They had barely taken more than three steps into the room when the room erupted in clapping. Jules looked up at Sam with a demure smile. This was for him. She joined in with the clapping.

Sam was unsure what to do when the clapping began. It stopped him for a moment. He looked at Jules and then she began clapping too. He smiled slightly and nodded towards Marsaili's father who was coming forward with his hand outstretched. Sam shook his hand with his left instead of right in deference to his broken arm.

Then he was surrounded by Marsaili's family as they all began thanking him for what he did last night. Lady Ailis was the one to save him from the throng and guided him to a chair next to Blaze. She kissed his cheek and whispered thank you before she stepped back.

Laird Gillebrìde cleared his throat and stated loudly "Samuel Braddock you have the appreciation of the entire clan. We thank you for your gallant behavior and bravery last evening. We are in your debt and will seek a way to show you how much we appreciate what you did. Sit, eat, relax young man."

Sam nodded to the Laird. He was speechless and a little embarrassed by all the attention. But the Laird's statement had the effect of everyone returning to their lunches.

Having just arrived Mason's family didn't know what was going on. But Benneit Srònaich'O' Naoimhín recognized the name Sam Braddock as the man his son called Blondie. Sam was the man who had saved his son from certain death on more than one occasion. But most especially when the Humvee they were riding in hit an IED and his son was impaled in the chest.

His son had been so distraught when he learned he nearly killed the young man he considered a little brother. They had spoken often about that over the years. It still pained his son's heart.

Benneit found himself moving toward the young man. He owed this man so much. They were a demonstrative family and always comfortable with showing their feelings. Benneit wrapped his large strong arms around Sam and hugged him tightly before he could even be introduced.

Sam hissed in pain. The hug was unexpected and put pressure on his stomach as he was squeezed. By the looks of the man he could be none other than Mason's father. The resemblance was striking.

Hearing a hiss of pain Benneit instantly released Sam. He stepped back and there was regret and apology on the man's face as he said "I'm so sorry. I forget my strength at times." Then he saw the bruising on Sam's jaw.

Sam forced a grin "No worries. I'm okay. I'm Sam. You must be Mason's dad." He stuck out his left hand to shake even though it was not the proper one.

Benneit noticed the cast on the right hand and quickly grasped the outstretched left hand in both his hands and shook it heartily "Yes, yes I am. I've wanted to meet you for a very long time young man. I've wanted to thank you personally for saving my son's life. Thank you. If there is ever anything I can do for you, you just call me" Benneit expressed his feelings of gratitude in an unrestrained and heartfelt manner.

Mason sidled up and said "Athair, you can start by letting go of Blondie's hand. You're crushing it."

Benneit realized he was hurting the young man again. He released Sam's hand quickly and his face was contrite. "A thousand pardons."

Sam just smiled. He liked Mason's dad.

Mason asked with concern "Did the hug hurt your stomach?"

Sam shook his head.

Benneit whipped his head to Mason "His stomach?"

Mason quickly explained what happened last night. Benneit now understood the clapping and the statement by Marsaili's grandfather. He was apologizing again when Jules set a plate of food down for Sam.

Sam said "Fìor snog coinneachadh ribh Mr. Srònaich'O' Naoimhín."
(Very nice meeting you Mr. Srònaich'O' Naoimhín)

Benneit looked in amazement and his grin was broad as the smile crinkled the lines around his eyes "Tha a ' Ghàidhlig!"
(You have the Gaelic!)

Mason laughed "That always makes it sound like it is a disease rather than a language."

Sam grinned "My dad said the same thing when he was teaching me."

Benneit asked "Is your athair Scottish?"

Sam shook his head "No. But he loves languages and especially Ghàidhlig. He said it was a great language to use in covert missions because so few people speak it. I just like the sounds of the language. I never had much use for it in my line of work. However, it did come in handy once. Remember Mason?"

Mason nodded "Yes it did. Saved our butts that day."

He thought that Blondie's speaking to him in Gaelic and Mike restraining him had saved him from killing Savelievich in cold blood. If he had done that then the shit would have hit the fan and who knows what might have happened. They might have all died and not have been able to save Dom's girls.

Benneit waited wondering if he would hear more. When the minute drug out he realized it was another item his son could never tell him about so he smiled and said "Well I'll let you get to your lunch Sam. And please call me Benneit."

Sam nodded then sat down carefully and began to eat his lunch after he thanked Jules for bringing him a plate.

Mason watched as Blondie slowly and carefully sat down next to Blaze and Jules. He felt badly that Blondie was hurting but was relieved to see it was not as bad as his imagination had conjured up last night. His call to General Braddock this morning to ask for help in setting up something special for Blondie and Jules was fruitful. Things were starting to come together.

His phone started ringing and Mason answered it with a smile in his voice "Hey Red Baron how you doing?"

[Mike Galloway laughed "Snoopy, I'm doin' good. The General said you needed to talk to me."]

"Yeah I do" Mason said as he walked out of the room to continue his conversation so Blondie could not overhear.

Jules turned to Sam and asked "Who's Red Baron?"

Sam shrugged "No idea." Sam turned to Blaze "You got a clue?"

Blaze shook his head "Not a one. Maybe a new recruit?" Then Blaze asked "How ya doing kiddo?"

Sam answered "I'm good. I don't see Marsaili. Is she okay?"

Jules replied "You won't see her until the wedding. She is upstairs resting and getting pampered by her sisters. Bad luck for Mason to see his bride before the wedding."

Mason strode back in with a furrowed brow and went directly to the Laird and spoke quietly. Then he came over to Blondie and said "Blondie, hate to interrupt your lunch but the Laird would like you to join us in the Study."

Sam put down his fork. The expression on Mason's face did not bode well "Sure, what's up?"

Blaze put down his fork "Do you need my help too?"

Mason looked at Blaze and then Winds, Jim and Jules "You all can come. The three eejits from last night are here."

Jim looked at Sam and asked "Did you take your meds?"

Sam rolled his eyes "Yes."

Jim chuckled but looked at Mason "Sam will be delayed a few minutes Mason. He needs something in his stomach with those meds. I want him to eat his lunch."

Mason nodded "Okay. Sam when you are done join us in the study."

Sam reluctantly sat down. He was about to resist when he saw all the eyes land on him and bore into him. Crap he was gonna be mother-henned to death today. The Star-trek saying popped into his head Resistance is Futile. He picked up his fork and took a bite of the penne pasta with basil pesto. He was rewarded with smiles. The bright one on Jules' face made giving in worth it.

Jules said "I'll stay with Sam until he's done."

The others nodded and headed for the Study.


Mac'IlleMhìcheil Estate – Study

Sam utilized his old skill of cramming food in fast and arrived at the study only a few minutes after everyone else. He and Jules walked in and saw the three guys standing off to one side.

The three idiots or 'eejits' as Mason called them had their heads bowed as they stood in front of the Laird. But Sam could see that two of them were sporting quite a few bruises on their faces.

Big guy one's face was liberally showing bruising. That was the guy that Mason went after. Big guy three, the one he had lost it on, looked like he might have a broken nose and he was sporting two black eyes with one very swollen. Sam internally sighed when he realized that he had done more damage than he should have. He should have had more control. Sam smirked when he saw big guy two cover his privates when Jules followed him into the room.

Sam also noted that they were much younger than he thought last night. The dark bar concealed how young they really were. In the bright light of day it was clear that these guys were very young. Sam didn't think they were more than twenty.

He thought back to when he was nineteen and twenty. He and Matt were wild. They started quite a number of brawls at that age and drank way too much. The only difference is that they fought fair. And more importantly neither he nor Matt ever attacked women. No always meant no, no matter how drunk he was. There was no excuse regardless of age for assaulting a woman.

As Jules and he made their way to the only two open chairs left in the room, Sam noted who all was in the room.

The Laird was seated in a large imposing chair behind a huge ornate wooden desk that looked hundreds of years old. His expression was carefully schooled and one of a man that was used to being in charge.

On one side Wallace stood straight and tall with an expression that was full of rage. Sam could see that Wallace had a ways to go to learn to hold his emotions in check. But Wallace was young and had time to learn to do that.

Mason stood on the Laird's other side. He did a better job of concealing his rage. But Sam could see the tenseness of Mason's muscles. And his eyes never left the man that had dragged Marsaili out of the men's room. Mason was ready for action in an instant if needed.

Off to the side near the window sat Blaze, Winds, Jim, Heather, Cala and Wynfreda. The only one missing was Marsaili. Sam was glad she was not in here. Marsaili did not need a reminder of last night on her wedding day.

There were four others in the room too. Three older men and one woman Sam could not see clearly yet. Sam suspected the older men were the fathers of Hagen, Bobby and Robbie. He wasn't sure who was who yet. He only thought of them as big guys one, two and three. If the older men were their fathers, Sam was glad he was not one of their son's. The older men looked thoroughly pissed off and kept giving the younger men glares.

As he sat down Sam finally got a good look at the woman. Sam turned to Jules and whispered "What is she doing here?"

Jules shrugged with a confused look that mirrored Sam's and said "I don't know. I guess we will find out."

Sam could not suppress a small chuckle "Not unless she speaks Gaelic. Otherwise we won't understand a single thing she says."

Jules smiled too. Sam was so right. Even though nurse Moire supposedly spoke English it was Scottish English. Between the heavy accents and wholly Scottish terms they could not understand what she said.

After they both sat down, Laird Gillebrìde nodded to them then turned to the men standing in front of him and sternly stated "We are ready now. Speak your peace."

Mr. Stephen MacIllIanain, the older man behind big guy one that attacked Marsaili, cleared his throat and said in a thick Scottish brogue "Mo mhac Hagen imbibed cus deoch-làidir mu dheireadh feasgar Laird agus modhail ann an dòigh Despicable a dh'ionnsaigh do a h-ogha. Tha e ag adhbharachadh cron oirre agus tha e an seo a chur a-steach sam bith peanasachadh thu dùil gun riatanach mar Ceannard den Chlann'."

Laird Gillebrìde interrupted "In English please, not all my guests have the Gàidhlig."

Hagen's father repeated in English "My son Hagen imbibed too much alcohol last evening Laird and behaved in a despicable manner towards your granddaughter. He caused her harm and is here to submit to any punishments you deem necessary as Chief of the Clan."

Mr. Robert MacMhìcheil, the older man next to big guy two, the one that repeatedly punched Sam in the stomach and jaw while he was pinned and the one that Jules' took down, stepped forward and said "My Bobby likewise drank too much and got into a brawl. He too is here to submit to punishment."

Bobby glanced at Jules. How the hell did that little woman best him he was wondering? She was scarier today than last night with the glare she was giving him. He quickly lowered his eyes but inside he was seething. Being here before the Chief was not fair. It was just a brawl. Like any Friday night at the tavern. Just guys blowing off steam.

Mr. James MacNìll, the older man behind big guy three, the one who broke Sam's arm, was last to speak "Ochanee, ma eejit sin Robbie, daen ye ill. Mo dochter Moire cried early this mornin tae find oot whit time tae be here fur the waddin. Moire talkit wi her brither an fand oot he wis ina fecht at the inns yestreen. A'm bid him no tae go tae the inns yestreen but Robbie is a thran callan. A've rebuikit sair him for his feckless drucken eejit behavior. In troth ma sin is a gulpin and a hasp. I'm fair riz, gasted an affa dowie that he skaithed yer granddochter and veesitor. Robbie's nieves are hemmers. His mither wud greet in sair peety at the hingin tha lugs thing Robbie daen. A cam here in a crack. A'd be ableeged for yer help with this gulpin callan. A'm afeart what A say is no eneuch to haud doun him frae herry. Robbie wisnae misleared and no a ill callan. Hooanivver he needs tae gie thocht tae the wrang he daen."

Disgust was evident in the man's tone but beyond that Sam, Jules, Blaze, Jim, Winds, Mason, Heather and Cala had no clue what he said. Sam, Jules and Jim thought it was just the same as last night with Moire. It might be English but they did not understand.

Wallace saw the confused looks on their faces and translated "Mr. MacNìll spoke a Scottish English dialect. Basically he said, alas my idiot son Robbie, did you wrong. My daughter Moire called early this morning to find out when to be here for the wedding."

"Moire spoke with her brother and found out he was in a fight at the pub last night. I told him not to go to the pub last night but Robbie is an obstinate young man. I've scolded him firmly for his careless, drunken idiot behavior. In truth my son is thick-witted and a problem. I'm angry, shocked and awfully sad that he harmed your granddaughter and visitor."

"Robbie's fists are like hammers. His mother would cry in great shame at miserable thing Robbie done. I came here straight away. I'd be obliged for your help with this thick-witted boy."

"I'm afraid what I say is not enough to keep him from getting up to mischief. Robbie wasn't brought up badly and is not a bad young man. However he needs to consider and think about the wrong he did."

Realizing those in attendance did not understand him, Mr. MacNìll spoke slowly forming his words carefully not used to speaking English on a regular basis. Disgust was still evident in his tone as he said "As Moire spoke to Robbie about the brawl she realized she treated the young man that defended your granddaughter last night. His injuries were significant. It disgusts me that Robbie has so little control and used his size to harm another."

Mr. MacNìll concluded "Whatever punishment you deem will not be the only punishment he receives. He has already had his bum blistered like a laddie and he will be working the farm from before sun up to after sun down for the foreseeable future. He will not have a spare moment to go to the tavern."

Sam looked at Jules then back at Robbie. So Moire was sister of the guy that nearly punched Jules. Anger surged in Sam. But he remained quiet and waited to see what the Laird would do.

Laird Gillebrìde sat with a contemplative look on his face for a long time. He leaned back and steepled his fingers as he took ample time to look over each of the young men in front of him. He was trying to discern their caliber. He was trying to quell his internal rage too. The fact that they were here, perhaps at the behest of their fathers, but here nonetheless meant he needed to carefully consider what to do.

Part of Gillebrìde wanted to call the police and press charges and be done with it. But was that the right thing to do? Would it solve the problem or create new problems?

Clan Chief did not hold the same weight it did once upon a time, but some harkened to the old ways and looked to him to resolve issues within the clan. These three fathers he knew held those beliefs. Their sons were on the cusp of manhood and making mistakes as they tried to transition into being a man by their actions not just by age.

However, these young men needed to be held accountable and suitably punished. Gillebrìde assumed they already knew what they did was wrong by their appearance here. He felt they needed life experience to calm their wild ways.

The three young men shifted nervously never lifting their heads as the Chief looked them over. None of them had been brought before the Chief before. They were nervous and did not know what to expect.

Moire, Robbie's older sister had laid into him when she figured out what Robbie had done. Then she had spoken with her father. Robbie's father in turn called Hagen's and Bobby's fathers once he learned of how much damage they had done to the guy.

Their fathers had discussed the need to come to the Chief. They hoped to keep it within the clan rather than involve the police. But none of the three were sure what the Chief would do. He might call the cops.

Robbie still felt the heat on his backside where his father had taken the strap to his rear. He wasn't sure he would be able to sit down comfortably for the next few days. He felt like a little boy again rather than a man after having to drop his breeks and present his bare bum to his father.

But Robbie understood why his father had done it. He had gotten so drunk last night he lost all brains. He used his size and fists to hurt someone. He broke the guy's arm with a single punch. Robbie swallowed hard recalling that punch. He chanced a glance at the small brown haired woman. He was swinging at her head. If not for the guy sitting next to her he could have killed her.

Robbie shuddered inside at that thought. He was so damned stupid when he drank. His life would be over if he had killed her. Hell, her life would have been over and that scared him the most. Robbie was sick inside that he could almost kill someone with his fists.

Part of him wanted to break down and cry like a baby asking for forgiveness. But he didn't. He stood here with his head bowed. He would take whatever punishment the Chief deemed appropriate for his behavior. Robbie silently vowed to himself to never drink so much again.

Hagen was nursing a sore head and backside. He knew all three of them had been treated to a paddling. His father had him go get a switch from the tree next to the house. He had not been switched but once before in his life. He had deserved it then and he deserved it now.

He was disgusted with himself for the way he behaved. Hagen could not believe that he did that to a defenseless woman. To the Chief's granddaughter no less. That was not how he treated lasses. But excess beer and three shots of Scotch had him doing things he wouldn't normally do.

Christ when he screwed up he screwed up big. Somehow Hagen ken he needed to make up for that disgusting behavior. Hagen knew he deserved every single punch the man next to the Chief landed on him if not more. If he was not drunk and had seen anyone do what he had done to Marsaili, Hagen would have beat them down. Hagen closed his eyes and waited for the Chief to seal his fate.

Bobby glanced at the man he punched in the stomach and jaw. The bruising he saw on his face was significant and had to hurt. But that man gave as good as he got though. Bobby saw Robbie's face and he was more bruised up than that man.

Robbie may have broken that guys arm but that man had broken Robbie's nose and given him two black eyes. One of which was still nearly swollen shut. Bruised face and bruised face, broken nose and broken arm. It was equal as far as Bobby was concerned.

It was a bar brawl, plain and simple. There was no reason for his father to haul him here and put him before the Chief. Bobby was still angry at his father for that and for the whipping he received. Bobby was nearly twenty two and there was no reason for his father to discipline him by using the paddle. It was just a bar brawl he did not touch Marsaili, that was all Hagen.

And, if that weren't enough, Bobby had already had the indignity of being unmanned by that scary little woman. He had already been razzed mercilessly for that. He had gotten several picture texts with him on the floor and her standing over him while he cowered.

Now he was standing before the Chief of the Clan to be punished again for a simple bar brawl. He glanced at the Chief and was not sure what the consequences would be. But he still felt he did not deserve to be here.

Laird Gillebrìde finished looking over the young men and then turned to look at Sam. Sam was the most injured party in this mess. Marsaili although scared was not truly injured. Sam on the other hand endured significant pain last evening, was sporting bruises, most unseen and he had a broken arm that would prevent him from returning to work for some time.

Gillebrìde decided that he needed to speak with Sam in addition to each of the young men. Though they looked contrite, looks might be deceiving. Gillebrìde needed to hear each of the young men's accounts of what happened before he made his final decision on what to do with them.

He spoke with authority "I will speak alone with each young man. I have the account of what happened from my granddaughter and my guests. I will listen to each lad before I pass judgement. Sam I'd like you to stay but all others will please leave the room."

Mason looked at the Laird and said "If Blondie stays then I stay. I do not trust them and I will not leave my brother alone in the same room as them. Not after what they did."

Sam gave Mason a look that said 'what do you think they will do and I can take care of myself thank you very much'.

Mason only scowled. He was not taking any chances. Two of the three looked contrite to him but the third, the one called Bobby did not. He was not leaving Blondie alone.

Laird Gillebrìde nodded "As Marsaili's fiancée you have a right to be here and represent her. You may stay Mason. I will speak with Hagen MacIllIanain first then Bobby MacMhìcheil and lastly Robbie MacNìll. Wallace please show the others to the billiard's room to wait."

Everyone but the Laird, Sam, Mason and Hagen left the room.

Gillebrìde asked "How old are you lad?"

Hagen answered "Nineteen."

Mason clenched his fists and growled "Do you not know how to treat a lady?"

Wincing and looking remorseful Hagen responded "Yes. I'm so sorry. I guess I do not handle so much beer and scotch well. Is she … she okay? I hope I did not hurt her badly. I'm … so sorry. You can hit me again if you wish. I deserve it."

"Don't tempt me" Mason said more controlled.

The Laid ordered "Tell me your part in this."

Hagen was shamed faced as he related "Me and Bobby and Robbie went to the tavern after a long week working the farms. Bobby and Robbie are cousins. But I guess you know that already Laird. Anyways we talked Robbie into going. He turned eighteen a month ago. His da said he could not go but Bobby talked him into it. Teased him that he was a man now and he dinnae have to do everything his da telt him."

"We were there for several hours drinking beer after beer and I hae three scotch's. The lassies were paying us no never mind. I saw Marsaili head back to the restroom. She's so pretty and I'd never seen her here before. I decided to talk to her. Bobby and Robbie followed me. I thought she was just playin hard to get when she said no. I guess I was too into my cups and I did more than talk."

Sam stared at Hagen, his eyes icy and his voice steel toned "No always means no even if it doesn't. You do not get to judge whether it means yes. No is no! Don't you forget that ever. Do you have a sister?"

Hagen shook his head "No."

"I assume you have a mother" Sam said. Hagen nodded yes and Sam continued "Imagine what you would want to do if a man accosted your mother the way you did Marsaili."

Hagen blanched "I'd want to kill him."

Sam stated firmly "I did not want to kill you, only protect my brother's fiancée. Mason however wanted to kill you. You are damned lucky Wallace and Winds were there or you would be six feet under."

Hagen looked between Sam and Mason. He saw the confirmation of Sam's words on Mason's face. But there was absolutely no resemblance between them. Confused Hagen asked "You two are brothers?"

Laird Gillebrìde smiled slightly "You are lucky to be alive laddie. They are brothers of the finest kind, brothers in arms. You tangled with two of Her Majesty's finest Canadian Special Forces soldiers and lived."

Sam corrected "I'm not Special Forces anymore."

"Point taken" the Laird said then looked at Hagen "I stand corrected, you tangled with one current and one former soldier who is now a sniper for an elite SRU team."

Hagen thought a cop and a soldier. He was truly lucky he was not dead. He said "I'm so sorry. I will submit to any punishment that you deem appropriate. Please tell Marsaili I wish I could go back and change what I did, how I behaved."

He turned to Sam and said "I'm sorry for holding you too while Bobby hit you. That wasn't right."

Sam nodded.

The Laird said "You may go wait in the billiard's room. Please send in Bobby."

Several minutes later Bobby entered the room with a swagger. Now that his father was not in the room he stood defiantly with his head up and no remorse. He did nothing wrong. It was a simple brawl in a bar between men.

Laird Gillebrìde noted the change in attitude in Bobby without his father present. He was right to speak with them alone. The lad was showing his true colors. He asked "How old are you lad?"

Bobby answered "Twenty one, why?"

The Laird did not answer but ordered "Tell me your part in this."

Bobby smugly said "What is there to tell? It was a bar brawl. Just men letting off some steam on a Friday night, no big deal."

Mason took a step forward his anger rising at the smug idiot "You call attacking a pregnant woman no big deal. You call hitting a man repeatedly that is held so he cannot defend himself no big deal?"

Bobby took a step back at the ferocity of the words.

Laird Gillebrìde keyed in on one word 'pregnant'. He looked at Mason as his face became ashen "Marsaili is pregnant?"

Mason closed his eyes. Damn he wasn't supposed to say anything yet. Opening his eyes he met the Laird's gaze head on "Yes Sir. We were going to announce it after the wedding tonight."

Gillebrìde was feeling two things. Absolute joy at the news and utter terror that Marsaili had been attacked in that condition. His voice was full of concern "The bairn?"

Mason took a deep breath "Okay. Both are okay."

The Laird allowed his joy to come forward first "I am so very pleased to hear that. I will keep your secret. Ailis is going to be tickled pink for a new great grandchild. Congratulations."

Mason breathed a sigh of relief. He was not too sure how the Laird was going to take the news.

Sam looked at Mason, he was failing big time at keeping that secret. But given the circumstances Sam was sure Marsaili would forgive him.

Gillebrìde turned on Bobby and his anger was clear to see. Sam thought he could give the General a run for his money on instilling fear with just a look. Sam saw Bobby falter and step back several steps like he wanted to run.

Bobby was shaking. The Laird was glaring at him and he thought he was gonna die. His voice shook when he said "I dinnae ken she was pregnant. Besides it was Hagen that went after her. I was just brawling."

Laird Gillebrìde roared "Brawling is one thing. Three against one is quite another. You pummeled Sam while Hagen held him. You could've killed him."

Bobby defended "He got kicks in. Knocked me into a table."

Sam had this brute's number. He felt he did nothing wrong. Sam knew how to handle an idiot like this. He snickered "You were bested by a wee lassie. Jules had you on your ass in seconds flat and cowering. How's it feel to be bested by a wee lassie."

Mason grinned seeing what Sam was doing and added "Not much of a man if a girl can get him to the ground and keep him there."

Laird Gillebrìde joined in and snorted "Not much of a man if he has to have his buddies hold a man so he can hit him."

Bobby glared at them and his fists clenched.

Mason saw that and said "Best not try anything here. Sam is a cop. He might just press assault charges against you."

His knees wobbled as Bobby said "I hit a cop?"

Sam smiled and said "Yeah and my partner took you out. You're just lucky Jules did not have her Remi or Glock."

Bobby's eyes bugged out "She's a cop too?"

Laird Gillebrìde tired of the young man before him. He got the measure of him so he said "Return to the billiard's room and send Robbie in."

Backing out of the room Bobby was now really worried. He assaulted a cop. He could be going to prison. His swagger and attitude was gone for the moment. He needed to rethink this.

Robbie entered the room. He was very nervous. Hagen told him that Sam was Special Forces and a cop and that Mason was Special Forces. He found out that Blaze and Winds were Special Forces and that Marsaili worked for the General of Canadian Special Forces.

But he paled when he found out that Sam was the son of the General and the little woman he swung at was also a cop but more importantly was Sam's fiancée. Robbie thought he was a dead man for sure.

His head was bowed and Robbie shook as he stood in front of the Laird and waited for him to speak.

The Laird asked the same first question of Robbie "How old are you lad?"

Robbie's voice shook as he answered "Eighteen last month Sir."

"Tell me your part in this" Laird Gillebrìde ordered.

Speaking to the rug Robbie stammered out "I disobeyed my da and went to the tavern to drink with my cousin Bobby and friend Hagen. We drank way too much. Hagen's girlfriend broke up with him at my birthday party last month. We were trying to find him a girl. But all the local girls were ignoring us. He saw Marsaili and decided someone new might be nice."

He looked up at Mason and his lips quivered "I'm sorry we bothered and scared your fiancée. When she said no we should have backed off. I have no excuse other than I'm stupid when I drink too much. I don't think. That is why my da didn't want me to go to the tavern."

Robbie turned his gaze to Sam and tears welled in his eyes "I'm sorry I broke your arm. But I'm glad too. If you hadnae blocked it I would've hurt that pretty fiancée of yours badly. It makes me sick to think of what might have happened."

He looked down at his large hands as he held them out in front of him "These should be cut off. I could kill someone with them. My da is right they are hammers."

Robbie looked at the Laird as the tears dripped down and said "You should call the cops and have me arrested and locked away so I cannae hurt anyone again."

Mason looked at the young man and something about the way he said it tugged at his heart. He remembered looking at his hands after he found out he had nearly choked Blondie to death and thought much the same thing.

Sam looked at Mason unsure what to think. This boy, and at just eighteen he was still a boy, was remorseful. He needed help and guidance not jail.

Laird Gillebrìde spoke calmly "Laddie I will think on it. Return to the billiard's room. I will call you all back when I have made a decision."

Robbie nodded and solemnly said again "I'm sorry." Then he turned and walked out with sagging shoulders.

Mason, Sam and Gillebrìde heard the sob and the muttered "I'm so stupid, I did such a stupid thing. I deserve whatever they do to me."

When the door closed Gillebrìde asked "So what do you two want to do? Call the police and file assault charges?"

Mason and Sam shared a look and Mason said "Apollo?"

Sam nodded.

Mason turned to Gillebrìde and said "No Sir, we prefer rehabilitation to jail for those three. Hagen and Robbie should be easy. They know what they did was wrong. Bobby will be a tougher nut to crack. But if it is done right they might all turn out to be fine men."

The Laird smiled. He knew he liked Mason and Sam. This was just another example of why. He asked "So what do you have in mind?"

Mason asked that Wallace, Blaze, Winds, Jim and Jules join them and then the group of them discussed options for the next hour. Once the plan was outlined the Laird had the rest brought back in.

When the three lads were standing in front of him Laird Gillebrìde stated "I have given this matter due consideration. The gravity of what occurred must be impressed on these young men. Unfortunately, our country has a serious problem with young drinkers."

Gillebrìde sighed then said "Alcohol related deaths and injuries are too high. Excessive drinking causes so many problems and impairs thinking causing good folk to do things they normally would not. Therefore the following will be the punishment for your lack of judgement and atrocious behavior."

Robbie tensed and he expected the cops at any moment. Hagen blanched and looked at Mason, would he beat the crap oot of him now? Bobby simply stared and thought this is bullshit, it was just a brawl.

Laird Gillebrìde stated "Each of you will attend a six month drinking awareness and anger management program to address your behaviors. You all will also receive education about violence against women. You will do one hundred hours of community service working at hospital and or the morgue with victims and families of drunk drivers and abused women. As part of that community service you will also work with the local police to educate teens about underage drinking and over drinking. When you have completed all of that you will then act as sponsors for other troubled young men for a year."

Taking a deep breath he concluded "It is our hope that this will afford each of you the opportunity to learn from your mistakes, adjust your behaviors and become productive, responsible men in your community."

Robbie's mouth dropped open. He was stunned he was not going to jail. He stammered out "Thank you Laird. You will not regret your decision."

Hagen was just as stunned and his voice was unsteady as he asked "Why not jail?"

Sam looked at Hagen and said "Mason and I prefer restitution and rehabilitation instead of retribution."

Bobby thought this is a load of crap but it is better than jail. He looked at the little brown haired woman and thought at least he could fend off the jokes now telling his friends that she was a cop that was trained. He was not unmanned by just a slip of a girl.

The Laird looked at the lad's fathers and said "Wallace will provide you with the details of the programs on Monday. I expect you to ensure that your boys complete the programs. If they do not I will file assault charges on behalf of Marsaili and Sam. Now if you all will excuse us, we have a wedding to get ready for."