Bordeaux

Finally something happens!

Between these:

H-H-H-H-H

I put connections and thoughts Joe makes and has simultaneously or in parallel with ongoing events. This indicates there is no loss in time between the conversation or event above and below.

H-H-H-H-H

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Chapter specific Warnings: Branding, Slavery

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Another morning. But today we will have the journal to read, and make a report out of, at least. No other news from Bordeaux, however.

Steven is tense, but also determined. "Everyone in Spec-ops is aware of the risks. Temporary or permanent, that's the same. We're only part of them as Researchers, they will get back to us when there's time. Until then; we have an assignment."

- - - Adam Jaeger: Bordeaux - - -

Mateo and I arrived to keep an eye on the location. I left him outside to carefully make my way inside. The security is good, but I thought I made it until I suddenly find myself in front of Kronos.

"Disobedient pet." Kronos seems delighted.

A long-fingered hand comes around me from behind, wrapping around my throat before I can react. I instinctively try to get lose. The hand squeezes my airways expertly, holding me without effort. I still, and immediately the grip loosens, slightly.

"Oh… How so, Brother?" Pierson's calm voice in my ear isn't comforting. He's pushing my chin up with two fingers, forcing me to meet Kronos' eyes head on.

"I've told them not to Watch or follow me." Kronos grins. "It has been too long since I saw you play, Brother."

"Ah, but he didn't. There are three more of us here, they just followed their charges. How did you think I knew where to find them, Brother?" Pierson points out, still calm. "They're just mortals, you need to be explicit in your instructions." Pierson says (demands?) firmly.

Kronos glares, mostly behind me.

"A clean death, Brother. Unless you prefer him to convey new rules." Pierson suggests with calm indifference, adding. "I refuse to go looking for another. Not when we have a fully useful one right here."

I'm not stupid enough to be armed, and Pierson just demonstrated how minimal my chances are at getting away. Besides, any resistance might change the current equilibrium we've been maintaining. A clean death, and upgraded rules, that's a good outcome for the Watchers. I force myself to relax, I will not be trying to get lose.

"You would grant him mercy?" Kronos spits angrily.

"You know how much I appreciate loyalty, Brother." There is ice in Pierson's voice now. "Kneel." He orders me, releasing his grip carefully.

I obey as fast as I can. Watcher please, no torture. There will be no rescue, and I doubt I'll be able to kill myself.

Kronos seems nearly impressed, then sneers at Pierson. "He's just trying to get out alive!"

"No, Brother." A hand momentarily on top of my head before Pierson steps around me, flanking Kronos. Turning back to watch me over Kronos' shoulder, he states: "He's trying to do his duty."

For all that Pierson superficially looks just like always, with the large sweater hanging off of him. There is nothing familiar about the man standing behind Kronos, holding my slightly better fate in his hands. Tall proud and arrogantly relaxed, he is regally unconcerned when looking down at me with expressionless black eyes.

But his move did make Kronos relax a fraction. "I suppose you would know, Brother." Kronos smiles over his shoulder at Pierson.

The only reply is a slight lowering of his chin, and a nearly imperceptible smirk.

"I should have let you play with that doctor in Romania."

"Mm." Pierson almost agrees, until pointing out with a condescending sneer. "But that would have deprived our dear brother his vengeance."

"Let's see how loyal he is." Kronos grins. "This way, pet." He walks away.

I hesitate a moment until Pierson's narrow-eyed frown has me scrambling to catch up.

I almost lose my courage when we enter a smithy. There are some highly modern machinery along the walls, but also more traditional tools. The forge is lit, and the heat has dried the otherwise damp base.

"Clothes off, pet." Kronos leers at me. I can almost taste his wish for me to refuse him.

I pray more sincerely than ever before while undressing. Trying to ignore Kronos watching me. Everything, since he said nothing else.

In the corner of my eye, Pierson is poking something that looks a lot like a brand-iron in the forge. I'm almost relieved. You didn't brand what you intended to slaughter. "Brand and kill" is a very modern concept.

I'm not looking forward to this, naturally, but as a proof of loyalty… I have read about hundreds of worse "tests."

Kronos seems almost disappointed when I drop my briefs on top of the rest. He starts clearing one of the workbenches. A standalone table; bolted to the floor.

Pierson smirks our way. I'm not sure if it's my fear or Kronos irritation that amuses him. When he catches me looking, he rises the brand iron for me to see.

A simple enough design. Four rectangular bars, converging in a square, about ⅔ down. Not even 2" (~5cm) in total diameter. I can survive this.

"Come here, pet." Kronos gestures at the empty workbench with a cruel smile.

I do as I'm told.

Pierson has left the iron in the forge. Staying close to Kronos he's placing a rag on the other side of the bench: Ordering me. "One hand here."

Kronos smirks happily when I bend over to grab the other side of the steel table.

Pierson steps in front of Kronos and places another rag. "And the other." Making me spread my arms wide. He pushes something into my mouth… Thick leather. I bite down on it, knowing I'll be glad for it soon.

Kronos eyes follows Pierson heading for the forge with a smile.

"I suggest getting a good grip, Watcher. Neither of us will be pleased if you move too much." Pierson warns me with a cool voice.

I shift to get a better grip of the table. Suddenly very grateful for the rags when I discover the raw edge under the table. I get just enough time to shift the rags to protect my fingers.

Then, without any further warning, a burning pain explodes on my hip. I bite the leather and hold on to the table, not even trying to hold back my scream.

The pain is both too much and almost secondary, I focus on holding still. My sight blacks out momentarily. A cool hand at the small of my back.

I notice Pierson hand the brand-iron to Kronos, before taking a firm grip in my hair. "You can let go now."

I obey. Once more grateful for the rags, without them I would probably have hurt my hands badly. Not to forget the leather piece in my mouth. The lack of warning too, not giving me time to tense up.

I'm letting Pierson pull me on my feet. He maneuvers me to an empty space in the room with ease. Keeping the firm grip of my hair, he move around me taking the leather from my mouth with the other hand. A cold warning look before he says. "Kneel."

I obey. The hand in my hair is keeping me from falling when my legs give out. letting me go once I have my balance.

Pierson returns back behind me. His hand coming up around my throat, forcing me to look up at Kronos again.

"New Rules, pet. And no more "creative interpretations"…"

I'm well aware we were toeing the line by following them. Kronos mean grin makes very clear our policy should have been keeping a security distance to the line.

"… You won't follow any of my Brothers. And under no circumstances, will anyone of you, enter our home again." Kronos gestures around him.

"Yes, sirs. I understand, sirs." Let this be enough, please Watcher!

Kronos looks up behind me. "You brought the trash. You get rid of it."

"Of course, Brother."

Kronos leaves without further preamble.

Moving to my uninjured side Pierson holds out the other arm for me, hand around the throat dropping to the shoulder. "Can you stand?" He asks

I give it a try.

As soon as I begin moving the arm comes around me giving additional support instead. "I'd try to give you first aid, but I honestly don't think there's anything here that wouldn't make it worse."

Pierson's black humor and sarcastic drawl is jarring. I giggle a little hysterically at the whole situation. But I am grateful when he starts leading me towards the exit without detours, arm firmly around my back for continued support.

The outside air comes as a shock to my pain hazed body; I haven't quite thought about still being completely naked.

"You should get every shot there is, don't forget that. Go to Paris, not Lyon, for care. Dr. Hiya Aesha is the best we have for brands." Pierson orders me. The cold voice piercing through my haze effortlessly.

"Y's, Sir." I respond, trying to get a look at his face.

He scans the surroundings, expressionless, looking for something.

Then, suddenly, Mateo is with us. Pierson must've signaled him somehow.

"Tepid water. Bottled, or even better, sterile. Do not use boiled tap water! Actually, stop using tap water at all, all of you. Antibacterial salve on the burn, make sure it can breathe. Multispectral antibiotics, and any other shots possible. Get him to Dr. Hiya Aesha, in Paris, at the soonest." Pierson commands him.

"Y… yes." Mateo agrees, taking over supporting me.

Back at our surveillance station Mateo injects me with morphine and the antibiotics, while slowly pouring two bottles of water over the brand.

I give him the relevant information: Our new rules, and the warning. I also have Mateo confirm I'm going to Paris, before allowing myself to pass out.

- - - End Report - - -

Holy God, they branded him?! Methos branded him…

Steven just shuffles the rest of the papers we got until he looks up at me with one in hand. "Dr. Hiya Aesha says it's among the neatest brands she's ever seen, and she works with people doing it professionally. She also writes that the pressure was "amazingly even", and that no part of the brand exceeds a category two."

"Category two? That's blisters, right?" I ask. Is it even possible to brand someone "lightly"? And I don't even wanna know how you work with branding professionally! Not as a Doctor, rather than Veterinarian, at least. Or how Methos knew that.

"I think so, yes." Steven nod, still reading. "She thinks that: "If Adam is careful, the scarring will be minimal." She also comments that the brand is placed so that he will be able to sit normally within days, and is easily covered once it's healed.

Depending on how it heals, she has made a couple of recommendations for how to change the brand to make it unrecognizable. Saying a worse burn would have made that nearly impossible without extensive cosmetic surgery."

I'm still having problems with Methos branding someone like a "professional". Better than a professional. Whatever the Hell that means!

"You've known Pierson a long time, haven't you?" There's a lot of understanding in Steven's eyes, more than someone his age should be able to have.

I nod. "More than a decade. Probably not even a drip in the ocean for him, but it's a long time for me."

"You use another name for him in your head." He says it like a fact.

I startle, it just came out of nowhere. How the hell? What am I going to do now? I can't… Well, I won't, tell them he's Methos. Not since no one has actually used that name on him yet.

Not allowing me to comment Steven continues. "Don't worry, we won't tell anyone. Or ask you. You're good, too good. That's what gave it away." He explains. "After knowing him for a decade as "Adam", you haven't mistakenly said that, not once, since we began calling him Pierson."

Fucking hell on a stick! "I'll remember that." That's one way of noticing, but not a bad one, actually. I've thought many times that Methos tendency to be a flawed human makes him terribly difficult to spot as an Immortal. Something Duncan just can't do, not even when he tries. Just like many other Immortals. Conscious flaws… Not going there.

"The Stall Family were with Lady Rebecca from when we were first gifted to her." Steven says.

"Gifted?"

Steven grins, launching into a story. "My ancestors were captured and then sold as slaves. Their new owner promised that they would be kept together; if they remained loyal. But would be punished, and permanently separated; if the betrayed their buyer. They were twins, so they listened.

My family have promised not to talk about any of the Immortals that remain alive, but we maintain the Chronicles. They will be handed over to the Watchers if the Immortals are no more. Like we are currently doing with Lady Rebecca's Chronicles."

"Doing? Shouldn't it be done or will do?" If he's trying to distract me away from my shock… he's doing very well!

"The Old Families have something called the Servants Oath. It means some of us are individually oath-bound directly to a specific Immortal, that includes keeping their confidences.

In Lady Rebecca's case: They still need to guard all information about Immortals she deemed her friends or family. Amanda is among the precious few still alive, but she isn't the only one." Steven explains. "The Immortal who bought my ancestors extracted similar oaths, I would break them giving you too many details."

H-H-H-H-H

Oh… that explains the whole "families get invited". Because that takes generations of devotion. They save everything, but not where others could get it by mistake, protecting "their" Immortal.

I like the imagery. That's taking Immortal and mortal friends one step further.

A "Servants Oath," implies an uneven power balance. But historically, until quite recently, it would have been nearly impossible to cultivate a relationship over generations without that implication. Especially if the Old Families have made religion out of Watching too.

If I get an opportunity; I will ask Methos if there is any family that he wants me to give my diaries to. Not that we've talked about it, but I'm sure he knows I'm writing everything in my diaries. Actually, it would be a relief not to have it all at home…

Maybe I'll be handing my diaries to them if I don't get a chance to ask Methos too. Otherwise they'll just end up in the general Watchers libraries when I die anyways.

H-H-H-H-H

"In an increasingly cruel game, the twin's new owner used them to spy on, and finally betray, another Immortal. The twins, naturally, became ever more apprehensive of their situation. However, they were not about to betray their owner. Mostly since their owner was, by far, crueler and more creative than the one being betrayed.

But once the owner had won, the promise to my ancestors was kept. That is the only positive thing they said about their first buyer, before being gifted to Lady Rebecca.

My ancestors were gifted to Lady Rebecca, for her promise never to separate them. There they were treated well, and could buy their freedom within a few years. Immediately being hired as servants instead. There were two other families already serving her, they welcomed my ancestors and explained about the Watchers."

Wow. Now I understand why he thought about this story. And that he's serious when saying none of them will ask, or expect me to betray Methos. "Loyalty, huh?"

"Yes!" Steven nods, excited. "It's something all old Immortals seem to take very seriously. Just like oaths and debts are essential. Especially between Immortals, of course, but not only.

If we add this to the knowledge that oaths and vows can actually, at least partially, protect you from the various mind powers that Old Immortals sometimes exhibits…

By the way, I actually think I might have solved why Toy reacted the way he did to Cassandra. Toy's vows won't allow him to Chronicle a lie. So, since the effect of Cassandra's voice would have him writing a story that was essentially "not the one he heard": He couldn't remember it at all instead! Maybe not the intended effect of the protection either, but if there's a backlash from Cassandra's instability, it's reasonable that it could have an effect on the usual protections as well! Sorry... I'll try to stay on the subject." Steven is excited and embarrassed at the same time.

I nod, this is interesting. Not that I've a clue what "the subject" is supposed to be. But whatever, I'm learning things here!

"Your Duncan isn't old enough to be considered Old, in that aspect. Still, he's from a time and culture that considered oaths and debts important, so he'll behave a little like that. But Pierson… Even without other knowledge, his behavior is a dead giveaway that he's an Old one. I don't doubt Pierson would have reacted very differently if Adam hadn't kept to his vows."

This isn't new information for me, but I haven't quite considered it from this perspective. But damn it! Branding someone, isn't being "nice" to them.

"Anyways, we can't just keep calling Pierson "the unidentified Immortal" in our reports forever. Any suggestions? I've considered all the horsemen, but the only one we know he isn't is Death. Because Cassandra said Kronos is Death… But then Pierson said he was Death too… Damn, never mind, he could apparently be any of them. I…"

H-H-H-H-H

I kind of want to just let him go on. Steven is brilliant, and has really considered most very carefully despite his slightly incoherent rambling. I'm getting so many new insights here.

But how we got from me knowing Methos, "Pierson", to Stall Family history, to the effects of oaths and vows on Immortal mind powers, to what to officially call Methos in our reports… That I won't ever understand!

H-H-H-H-H

"Stop!" I try. It works. Steven seems a little stunned. "You haven't reported that it's Pierson?" I clarify.

He shakes his head energetically. "So far no one has used ANY name on him when we've been able to overhear. Unless we count Kronos' "Brother." And while it just became very apparent that Pierson knows about the Watchers, that in itself isn't an identification. So did both Kronos and Cassandra, after all."

True enough. I hadn't quite realized there has been NO names, I've been a little focused on if "The" name was mentioned.

"The Horseman?" I suggest. Briefly wondering if Methos will laugh, or kill me for that name.

"Yes, that works." Steven nods eagerly. "All the others have been named, so he remains the unnamed Horseman." A hesitant look my way. "Cassandra didn't happen to give you any name?"

I laugh, because this I can answer almost truthfully. "She had plenty of names. One that she used more than once, was Dae-Baman, or something like that. I haven't had the time to search for a translation or history of that. Otherwise; "That Man" and "Your Friend" was sneered repeatedly. So was; The Rapist Bastard, Cursed Murderer and Devils Spawn."

The last surprises me a little. While she has spent time in monasteries, like most older Immortals, she's never quite committed to Christianity.

"She also used several names in other languages, all I've managed to translate have been curse words like worm, dung or similar. She's not very creative in her cursing, evil spirit and demon were quite normal too."

"I'll make a note to research Dae-Baman, but we will call him The Horseman for now." Steven agrees. Adding with a nervous smile. "Beyond that it goes against the rules for acceptable names. Adding him to the Chronicles under a curse name, when he might read it sometime… That feels a little too risky for me."

I feel a little stupid. We're sitting in Watcher's headquarters, including our largest library and research staff… I should have thought about researching Dae-Baman a couple days ago, right when we came here.

Well, hindsight is 20/20. And for all that I've been bored, I've not actually relaxed at any time.

Even if the Methos I know would, probably, take the curse names as a joke, I can definitely understand Steven's hesitation. "The Horseman sounds good to me." I agree. Silently wondering how much the rule not to use curse names in chronicles actually stems from a fear of the Immortal learning of it?

~ O ~

We have made a, somewhat, coherent report out of Adam's Journal. It's interesting how much we had to cut out. I thoroughly approve of Research's official stance that the Journals will be saved for future research.

We've had the afternoon to search the library for a translation or mention of any Dae-Baman. Both of us thinks it's probably a curse name of some kind. But, theoretically, it can be a name to be found in a Chronicle or Historical text somewhere too.

We have actually just given up for the night when the next news reaches us. We return to our nook in the Library to read them.

A number of reports and journals. Including a recommended reading order. A journal is usually a sign of close contact, or overheard conversations…

We shrug, and I hand the first to Steven, he's a much faster reader than me.

It's not long before Steven hands me the first page. I make sure to read meticulously, knowing Steven will want to reread it again for missed details. I don't usually need that when I concentrate.

- - - Tara Drivas: Hotel de Sèze - - -

Duncan MacLeod came down into the lobby, continuing out the doors with purpose in his steps.

I gave Andrea and Mateo, the heads up. But remained in the lobby myself, since Cassandra was not with him.

- - - End Report - - -

- - - Wilhelm "Willie" Michalski: Outside Hotel de Sèze - - -

We had scouted all secluded places within easy walking distance when we got here. Now we position ourselves at the most likely ones for an Immortal meeting.

Unsurprisingly Duncan leads us to a church. Luckily, it's the one Sarah entered a couple of minutes ago.

- - - End Report - - -

A very disappointing first page. But hopefully Sarah's Journal is up next.

~ O ~

When Steven finally hands me the next page, I have to be careful not to rip it from his hand.

- - - Sarah Bomani: Bordeaux - - -

When I sneak into the Church Pierson is already there, sitting up in the front of the Church. Our eyes meet briefly. He makes a quick gesture for the pews by the side entrance. I move that way.

Duncan enters shortly after, keeping his distance. "Well. I'm here."

"Yeah. Thanks." Pierson remain seated, only turning a little in Duncan's direction.

"Why'd you lie to me?" Duncan accuses him immediately.

Pierson seems like he is about to argue. But instead asks, "About what?"

"About Cassandra. About who you were."

A tired sigh, followed by the dry answer. "I have been many things, MacLeod." It has a tone of many repetitions.

"And who are you now?"

Pierson scoffs. "Why do you think I didn't tell you? I knew how you'd react. What I've done you can't forgive. That's not in your nature. Will you accept it?" I would interpret his attitude as slightly mocking and condescending.

"Accept what?!" Duncan walks closer. "That a friend I trusted with my life slaughtered innocent people. For what, a few head of cattle?" For all his annoyance, he still stops at an unthreatening distance. "What are you going to tell me? That's how the world was?"

"No." Pierson rises. "The world was how we made it!" Then, rather than moving closer, he moves away. Turning away from Duncan.

"No. The world was how you chose to make it. How you chose to slaughter her people and burn her village!" Duncan is upset, but remaining where he stands.

Pierson takes a couple of deep breaths. "And I chose to take her prisoner." The tone, the whole attitude is calmer, focused; a prelude.

"And?" Duncan seems willing, almost hopefully eager to hear the rest.

"There's more." Pierson invites Duncan along with a gesture, moving towards the exit. "I kept her for myself. Began withdrawing from the others."

They leave through the side door. Allowing me to keep within hearing distance as they slowly wander the dark graveyard. I can't help wondering if that was planned as Pierson tells the story:

"She was a survivor, she adapted to her position. Not quite a slave like the others, more like a wife would have been treated in those days.

She cared for my needs, and my tent, the way a wife would have. And in return I made sure she had food, better clothes, and she got to ride with me when we moved. Maybe she forgot she was a slave, I certainly did.

I should have known Kronos would never allow that to stand. Kronos reminded me of my position, and hers, demanded his right to the spoils. She was shocked and betrayed when I let him drag her away, expecting me to defend her. Soon enough her cries for me stopped.

Later the whole camp was alerted by Kronos enraged howling. I saw Kronos stumble out of the tent before collapsing, temporarily dead. The others were too occupied to be useful. I saw her running away. I could have stopped her, but I didn't.

She escaped across the wilderness. And she must have died a dozen times from heat and thirst, before she found a village that would take her in." Pierson turns to Duncan, stopping to face him. "And I bet it was worth it, just to get away from us."

- - - End Page 1 - - -

I look up, but Steven isn't done with the next page yet, I was a little too eager.

"Not quite a slave like the others, more like a wife would have been treated in those days." Not a good position, but relatively speaking, it could have been much worse.

It's impossible to know how long she was with them, she said a year at some point, but it wasn't when she was at her most coherent. For all I know; it could be centuries.

Not that I actually think that, but a decade could easily disappear with only other Immortals around. Cassandra never indicated any care about the other slaves in the camp, so even if they were mortals it's not sure she would have noticed. She would have had to focus on securing her own position.

"She was shocked and betrayed when I let him drag her away, expecting me to defend her." And that is the core of her anger, the betrayal of what little security she had managed to carve for herself. Methos refusal to protect her against Kronos.

And I can understand that, it must've hurt. Just as Duncan perceives Methos as betraying him now.

But what about Methos loyalty to his brothers? Shouldn't that count too? Methos is loyal, he returns loyalty with the same. I think Methos is in a terrible position right now. No matter what he does, he will have to betray someone. And everyone will hate him in the end.

Right now, I am very glad the others in the team are aware of the balance. Because if we get out of this without letting Methos down, I might get to see him again.

Steven is finally done with the next page.

- - - Page 2 - - -

"So, what are you doing with Kronos now?" Duncan asks, still keeping a little distance.

"Same as always … trying to survive!" Pierson snarls, then calms down and tells Duncan. "And if you want Cassandra to live, you'll get her as far away from here as you can."

Duncan scoffs, moving closer. "What. And let Kronos go?"

Pierson stays where he is. "You don't have a choice, MacLeod." Not even moving out of the way when Duncan passes him, he just keeps arguing. "You can't stop him. I can't stop him. Nobody can!"

"Yeah, four guys on horseback are gonna rule the world." Duncan says sarcastically, turning back towards Pierson again.

"The world doesn't change. Not in a few hundred years. Not in a few thousand." Pierson argues, advancing on Duncan. Looking him in the eyes he says, "It's only the details that change." Then, walking right past, he explains. "Kronos didn't torch those villages for a few coins. He torched them to watch them burn. And now he'll have a nuclear bomb, or a planeload of Napalm, but the effect will be the same… The world living in fear of the Horsemen."

"You expect me to just let that happen?" Duncan closes on Pierson again. "You should know me better than that."

Pierson stops Duncan with a touch in the chest, holding his ground, answering calmly. "I came to warn you. The first step towards Kronos' brave new world will happen tonight."

"Where? When?"

"In a fountain at Place de Quinconces."

"You set a bomb?" Agitated Duncan moves past Pierson.

"Do you know anything about Ebola, MacLeod?" Pierson asks Duncan's back.

Duncan stops and turns around.

It's Pierson's turn to advance. "Well, there are worse things in the world… If you look. And Kronos looked." He circles Duncan. "He's bred a virus. No cure. It's very exotic. He's got cages of monkeys he's been testing it on. He's got enough to destroy half of Europe." Duncan starts to follow him around, but stops and lets Pierson pass behind him instead. From behind Duncan, Pierson continues. "Now, a little bit in a fountain will only kill a few. But it's a start."

"The water supply's next."

"Bright boy." Pierson agrees.

"Let's go." Duncan turns to lead them out of there.

"Oh, no, no!" Pierson denies with his whole body. Explaining with absolute confidence. "If I go up against him, I lose."

Duncan stiffly turns back. "Going with the winner?"

Pierson makes a face that can closest be described as a smile. It contains a good amount of distain.

"So, why are you here then? What game are you playing?" Duncan demands to know.

Pierson remains aloof and calm. "It's in the bottom fountain just above the water line. White, then black, then red.

"Don't do this. You have a choice." Duncan tries.

"And you have…" He checks the time. "… twenty-four minutes." Pierson answers, almost mockingly.

Duncan only hesitates a moment before he leaves, stopping himself from looking back once, then he is out of there.

- - - End Page 2 - - -

I'm beginning to wonder if Methos wrote this himself, the perfect page cuts are uncanny. But it actually seems as if Sarah has used the whole page, it's probably a coincidence.

That Methos doesn't think he is able to take Kronos doesn't surprise me. Both because he has admitted he doesn't get that angry anymore, but also because he has said "swordplay" isn't his favorite pastime. That he didn't just disappear without a trace did surprise me; until now.

A virus worse than Ebola... I don't know exactly where Methos draws the line. But a significant part Europe is apparently more than he will accept without, at least trying to stop it. But I also recognize that he probably won't stop it "at all cost". After all, some would survive. It wouldn't be the first time he lived through a decimation; we have several on record for him.

Methos thinks "nobody" can take Kronos. That doesn't mean he wouldn't be open for other solutions. But, of course, Duncan didn't offer. Probably didn't even register the attempt at finding a solution together.

I hope Methos will accept the Watchers help instead, I'm pretty sure the team would be ready to help him in this situation. Methos knew Sarah was there, this could all be a conscious effort to give a relatively friendly image from his side.

I doubt it's for Duncan's benefit: He's to black and white to see it that way. He did pick up on Methos playing both sides, and that Methos doesn't think he can win against Kronos. But probably missed that it seems like Methos doesn't actually trust Kronos. That changes things; probably more than I can truly understand.

The team seems surprisingly unhostile, considering Methos branded one of them. But Steven's story did confirm that they are probably better equipped than I'll ever be for the "bigger picture".

I am very aware that even the "good" old Immortals are... were, I don't know that anyone firmly in that category is still alive. But Rebecca was actually officially ruling at various times, that's not something a woman would have been allowed to do without proving herself to be capable of hard decisions. But same goes for any older Immortal.

But still, Methos branded Adam… Yeah, I'm having problems with that one. I really hope I'll get a chance to talk to Methos eventually, that he doesn't decide to disappear entirely.

I probably should be more worried about whether both Duncan and Methos will get out of it alive. But so far Methos has been several steps ahead of everyone, and if he wanted Duncan dead he could have done it in a lot less complicated way. I trust his plan is getting them both out alive, and hopefully stopping whatever Kronos plan is.

I snap the third page as soon as Steven starts putting it down.

- - - Page 3 - - -

Pierson watches Duncan leave, then he turns straight to me. "There's a significantly larger container of the virus somewhere in the local water reservoir. You need to contact authorities. Find that, and make sure they are discreet! Kronos has a remote detonator, he's itching for an excuse to escalate."

He drops a thick envelope from a gloved hand. "Send a text message when you have neutralized it. I won't make a move before then." Strolling out of there as if he has all night.

- - - Analysis of events in Journal - - -

Even knowing Pierson was aware of my presence the exchange, confrontation, between Pierson and Duncan was very strange in some ways. They both used gestures and body language that I found very difficult to interpret.

I suspect there is quite a bit of history between them, and that more of the communication was non-verbal than my report might suggest. I've chosen not to guess at gestures or facial reactions that weren't obvious. For fear of misdirecting future researchers.

Also, for all that the meeting was very emotionally charged, there was no violence between them. Pierson had no issues turning his back to Duncan, and Duncan let Pierson circle behind him without fear.

They were on Holy Ground, and both knew this. But both should also be aware Holy Ground doesn't prevent them from physically dragging the other one out of there.

- - - After the Immortals had left - - -

I picked up the envelope Pierson left for me. There were two other envelopes in it. The larger contained various instructions for us, including a couple of identities and a back story that allows us to work with local authorities and similar. And a phone number, of course.

The other has schematics for the bomb, a sample of the virus, and a report of events that can be handed over to whoever ends up being officially responsible for this.

I get people moving and meet up with Toy. A couple of phone calls confirmed the covers Pierson gave us are solid. Far too solid to be a quick job.

I read up on our new cover and call the anti-terrorist section of Interpol.

- - - End Report - - -

Bullshit! I don't know what part, or if it's everything. But something in this report smells like bull. Not; Kronos will unleash "worse than Ebola" on the world. Methos' "stick to bottled water" yesterday, makes so much more sense now.

I'm not surprised that Methos has prepared a cover that allows him to work with both Watchers and law enforcement, he has been a step ahead of everyone so far. Hopefully, that includes Kronos!

I've already recognized that Methos survival instincts won't let him jeopardize his position with Kronos. I know he doesn't usually lose when playing chess. I already knew Methos is good at bluffing and acting when needed. But I probably needed the insight that he's a good poker player too. That type of game requires an ability to gamble on good odds, not certainties…

Duncan's reaction feels right… Almost, maybe. I think about it, with focus on Duncan's reactions. Yeah, no. Duncan's not through with Methos, no matter how much he claims so. It must have hurt when Methos refused to help him. But, of course, Duncan will put a threat like that ahead of his own feelings.

I think again, with my focus on Methos' reactions this time.

It's very abrupt, between Sarah entering the church and Duncan arriving. That might just be her writing style, however. A lot of Watchers tend to ignore everything that isn't direct contact with Immortals.

I wouldn't have been surprised if Methos had talked, or at least communicated more with her. But don't have a good enough feel for either, at this time, to do more than suspect Sarah didn't report quite the whole interaction with Methos. But otherwise, it feels right.

There's something, but I can't see it, not now at least.

I assume we would have heard something if Duncan failed to stop the first bomb, or if the other one has been used. That still leaves a lot that can go wrong.

I reach for the next page; Steven was a lot faster this time.

- - - Tara Drivas: Hotel de Sèze - - -

Andrea joined me at the hotel lobby Café almost immediately. She had not even gotten her espresso before Kronos walks in. He is closely followed by Caspari, and the one we are calling Silas, they stopped just inside the doors.

Kronos went talking to the receptionist in fluent, but heavily Italian accented, French. The receptionist was flustered and eager to help him. Not even a minute later the three men were headed for the elevators.

I left to warn Willie.

He was in the garage under the hotel, keeping an eye on the other exit. I was still there when Kronos came strutting out of the elevator, with Kaspari and Silas behind him.

Silas was carrying a dead or unconscious Cassandra over the shoulder, doing absolutely nothing to hide her. Caspari expertly broke into and started a van. Kronos stood beside him, searching the garage until he spotted us. With a grin in our direction, he got in next to Caspari behind the wheel. Silas threw Cassandra in the back and got in after her.

We did not follow them.

The van had barely left when Sarah did a conference call to the entire team. "Anyone in an uncompromised position, head for Place de Quinconces immediately." Were the first words out of her mouth.

Willie started the car; I dove for the map book. We, and a couple of the local Watchers helping us, confirmed we were on our way.

Mateo was already on his way to relieve Toy. Sarah told him to continue, and ask Toy to pick her up when he was coming.

Sarah gave us a quick what, why and when, Duncan was going to Place de Quinconces. Then we divided our positions.

- - - End Report - - -

- - - William "Mateo": Old Submarine base - - -

Once I had confirmation that Sarah had eyes on Duncan and the Unknown Immortal; I left the park I had been staking out, going straight to our watch-post by the submarine base, to relieve Toy.

He told me that the three named Immortals had left, just before we told him Duncan had left the Hotel. He has not seen the Unknown Immortal today.

I did not have to wait very long before a Ford Transit pulled in, in front of the gate. Kronos got out the passenger door and opened. Walking in behind the van.

Silas got out from the back, with a woman over the shoulder. The hair color matches Cassandra, I assume it was her. Laughing and talking, the trio disappeared into the base with the woman.

Less than 15 minutes later Caspian and Silas took the van and left again.

- - - End Report - - -

Two short reports, no wonder Steven was quick.

But Duncan will definitely think Methos betrayed him now. I'm not so sure…

I can certainly see Methos making that choice. Trading Cassandra for the chance to warn Duncan and the Watchers, and through that the authorities. But I don't think he would've mentioned getting her to safety when talking to Duncan, not if he knew she'd be taken before he got back… Unless Methos is actually trying to piss Duncan off.

Trying to follow Methos thought processes is giving me a headache. I put down the paper and wait for the next.

- - - Tara Drivas: Place de Quinconces - - -

Once at the carnevalé Sarah pulls me aside, handing me an Identification and quick instructions.

Then I head for the fountain, we know Duncan MacLeod will go there. I only hope I, and more importantly Duncan MacLeod, will be there in time. I'm met by people running away. And find, a very wet Duncan, by the fountain.

I quickly give him the background information and identification provided. Duncan MacLeod is angry, but uses it skillfully with the Police, and later INTERPOL. Flawlessly pretending I'm a colleague that he knows somewhat, but not very well.

We are quickly transferred to an INTERPOL office at the outskirts of the city. Once there, Duncan MacLeod manages to charm everyone, he is allowed to leave within a couple of hours, unprecedented when dealing with a case like this.

I assumed we would be there all night, but he left me to inform INTERPOL and French Police of the other bomb. I'm not sure if Duncan MacLeod even stayed long enough to hear about the other "undercover agent still in the terrorist group", or the second, larger, bomb.

I get hold of Sarah, sending a report of our progress so far, she promises to come and help me explain.

- - - End Report - - -

- - - Wilhelm "Willie" Michalski - - -

Pierson provided Sarah with an Identity of being both Duncan's and Pierson's handler. Tara has a background in law enforcement, no one is surprised she gets the job of being one.

Toy sent me to get a short break once I had dropped Tara at Place de Quinconces. Knowing we will probably have few chances later tonight. About two hours later I released Andrea for some rest. Taking her position at a café, outside the discreet building used by local INTERPOL.

I hadn't even finished my second coffee before Duncan exits the building, without Tara. First, he seems to be intent on walking back to the hotel, but after consulting a map he starts looking for a Taxi.

Not the easiest in the middle of the night when there was a "terrorist attack" earlier that evening. He is soon directed for the nearest buss central by a local walking her dog.

I make a quick call to inform Toy, following Duncan.

Duncan rounds a corner and pauses, looking around. Caspari and "Silas" step out of the shadows, taunting him. I'm hiding behind a car, listening to the two Horsemen Challenging Duncan. Explicitly saying that if Duncan manages to take one of them, the other will take him.

Duncan makes a couple of passes at Caspari while retreating, but stays clear of the larger Horseman. When Duncan makes his stand on the bridge he passed earlier, the other two Immortals respect this choice. The larger man watches, impatiently swinging his enormous two-handed battle-axe.

I keep waiting for the Police to show up. French people are not as jaded as Americans about people running around with weapons, and that axe is conspicuous! At least Caspari has a weapon easier to hide, it mostly looks like a war-saber, but definitely a custom piece.

It's not the longest fight I've seen, and Duncan wins. When "Silas" advances to make fact of the earlier threat, Duncan jumps off the bridge.

The Quickening is spectacular, some of it may be the distance between Caspari's body and Duncan MacLeod, but the discharge is enormous.

The smell of burned out wires and absolute silence that follows is foreboding. Honestly, I am a little worried: it seems likely we will have, at least, two more of the same caliber before this is over. I am not sure Bordeaux can stand it.

Moments later I see the hospital a bit up the river come back to life, closely followed by a number of other official buildings. Then the street lights flicker back to life too.

The large man remaining on the bridge is clearly unhappy about the outcome, he picks up Caspari's sword and leaves the body. It seems he is headed downstream, I can only assume looking for Duncan.

I try my cellular. A little surprised that I have coverage, I report and ask Toy for help with cleanup.

- - - End Report - - -

And that's it. Damn-it!

Normally a Watcher would have followed Silas, but I understand why Willie didn't. Kronos certainly made his stance clear. I wouldn't risk it either.

It's unlikely that Silas will be able to find and corner Duncan alone. But I'm not 100% sure Duncan would need to be cornered to accept a Challenge, and just finding Duncan might be easier.

I guess Silas will do as we, stake out the hotel and wait.

Steven is on the phone when I look up. It's half past three in the morning; I feel sorry for whomever he's calling.

He hangs up and fills me in: "Dr. Gerard is a Watcher virologist, usually he researches the historical plagues and similar. He lives here, and will be in the cafeteria in half an hour. I figured we could use something to eat too."

Sometimes I forget how much competence there is within the Watchers.

~ O ~

Dr. Gerard is very concerned that it's supposed to be able to survive in cold water long enough to infect humans. Actually asking if we're sure it isn't some kind of poison instead, the water dispersion would make more sense that way.

We don't have answers for him, naturally.

He continues his analysis with the information we've been given, reminding us repeatedly that there's not enough information for any level of certainty.

But if it's as deadly as implied, and is a virus, the World will never be the same after. "Worse than Ebola" wouldn't stay confined to Bordeaux. Depending on incubation time, of course. Probably not even to France or Europe, with how people travel today.

He does mention that it might not be very contagious - if it's designed to be manually spread. But we probably won't know for weeks, and by then it might be too late…

And that's just from reading the report… I'm almost hoping Kronos is running a hoax.

But then Dr. Gerard and Steven starts discussing the various historical plagues that has been tracked back to Immortal interference.

Apparently, there IS an Immortal called Pestilence. He would arrive riding: The color of the horse would vary between light chestnut, buckskin, dun, or occasionally an isabelle. The last, they tell me, is what the Palomino color is called in other horses. Either way, a "pale horse".

He always wore a black mask, later it would be the iconic beak mask the plague doctors wore. He would make an appointment with the local authorities, be that secular or religious. Demanding a tribute for sparing the area from the plague.

Unexplained sudden major outbreaks in places that didn't pay have been confirmed. Even if that isn't certain in anyway, and could easily be explained with an immune Immortal dropping infected things there.

The unexplained pockets of unaffected areas, in otherwise plague ravaged regions, a few times when the local Bishop or Cardinal not only paid, but offered the double for being saved, those are harder to explain naturally.

We look up the information on Pestilence. It's not much, he has dark hair and is "quite tall". But so are about 60% of the European male Immortals… By that description I can't even rule out Methos. The only one of "the Horsemen" we can de be sure it wasn't is Silas.

~ O ~

It's six in the morning and I'm weighing pros and cons about trying to get some sleep.

On one hand: I won't be the one to make decisions, I don't actually have to be alert.

On the other hand: It might take days before this is over. And if everything goes really bad, I might end up in an apocalypse.

All in all… I will just consider myself in the middle of a war zone, and get what sleep I can.