The Showdown
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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I wake up hungry, I only wake up hungry after sleeping a "full night". A glance at the time tells me 14:12, that's about 8h of sleep then. Another look towards the other bed confirms that Steven is already up. Unsurprising, he's a morning person.
I eventually find him in the cafeteria reading a couple of reports.
"I didn't think it was necessary to wake you up just to read that Duncan got back to the hotel. Once there he asked for Cassandra. When the hotel staff knew nothing he returned to the room." Steven unceremoniously greets me, when I join him.
As much as I want to know as soon as possible; I can't honestly disagree with that logic.
Duncan didn't know Kronos got Cassandra! I hadn't truly realized he wouldn't have known already.
When I think about it it's obvious. Duncan essentially ran straight from meting Methos to Place de Quinconces. Then got interrogated by INTERPOL. Followed by the Challenge…
Damn! I can't imagine how he felt last night; coming back to an empty hotel-room after that day.
~ O ~
The report from the liaison with INTERPOL is a little thicker, but essentially boils down to: "They believe the threat." and "Let's find that other container ASAP!"
Reading between the lines of Tara and Sarah's very clinical reports of their experiences: Neither was impressed with Duncan's behavior yesterday.
Very impressed by his charisma, and his ability to talk his way to whatever he wants? Definitely. Not by how of he accepted and used the cover provided, but couldn't be bothered to help the Watchers back.
That makes me think some more. This means Duncan never heard about the larger bomb already being planted. Nor that Methos is cooperating with the Watchers and INTERPOL… Everything must look really bad from Duncan's point of view.
But that IS partially because he chose to leave without talking to Tara.
I KNOW Duncan has valid reasons for being distrustful of the Watchers. With several experiences to underscore his qualms. I resolve to spend the afternoon telling Steven about mine and Duncan's rocky start. Hopefully creating an understanding for his hesitancy to trust the Watchers…
~ O ~
I begin with the Hunters and Horton, doing a detour to explain about Charlie on the way.
Then explain how Tessa's memory was being used against Duncan, at the same time as Richie was being duped to set Duncan further off balance.
I tell Steven how I had almost repaired the damage; when Rita's interference in The Game, leading to May-Ling Shen's death, among others, upset the cart again. Only to be followed by the beginnings of the Kalas incident almost immediately.
Finding an older, non-hostile Immortal among the Watchers calmed Duncan down a little. I mention that that was when I learned that "Pierson" is Immortal. Also, for the first time ever, I dare to tell anyone the story of my kidnapping.
An edited version, naturally, but still… It feels good that someone else knows about it even happening. Because that one is something I've never dared write down.
Steven is thoughtful when we head for the cafeteria for dinner, I can only hope.
~ O ~
After dinner Steven gets a quick call from Toy.
INTERPOL is looking for the bomb. Their science people have confirmed a virus capable of hibernating in cold water. At least, once warm enough to wake it appears to have a very short lifespan, but they seem pretty terrified anyways.
A short report that Duncan is searching for Kronos and the others is included too.
After the call Steven asks me whether we should approach Duncan, to give him the location of the old submarine base.
I can't help wondering why Duncan hasn't already asked whoever is following him. He must be aware they're there, and that they should know where to find Kronos. "Not before they've found the bomb, Duncan doesn't do well with inactivity." I decide.
If Duncan wanted to be in on the plans he could have, his choice.
~ O ~
Later that night Steven hesitantly admits that Toy has called a few Old Family members in Research, to go through everything "Adam Pierson" has touched while in the Watchers.
"Toy wanted to make sure Pierson isn't using The Watchers for headhunting. They're being discreet, and they will only record their work within the Old Family network. Eh… unless they find signs of headhunting. I'm not entirely sure what will happen then, actually."
Steven seems somewhere between embarrassed and uncertain. I get the impression he isn't too happy about being settled with telling me this.
It's one of those things that is a rock hard, if unspoken code within The Watchers: You don't make decisions about "someone else's Immortal" without, at the very least (!) informing them. Probably something that is just as true for the Old Families.
Steven confirms my suspicion by being surprised at how calmly I take the news.
While I'm used to thinking of Duncan as "mine", I have to agree that from the Team's perspective Methos is mine too. Interestingly enough I've never considered it that way. Probably because I considered Methos "Adam's Immortal" and then never reconsidered that. Which, in hindsight, is pretty hilarious.
I'm a little surprised, however, to figure out that I'm not actually at all worried about Methos headhunting. And mostly just curious, rather than worried about what he has done to his own Chronicles. Despite Methos "I'm just a guy", he has never claimed to be a particularly "good person." But I have never had reason to doubt Methos commitment to the Watchers.
~ O ~
I decide to continue telling Steven about the rest of the entire Kalas debacle. This time with a dual focus on both Duncan and Methos. Telling him of Methos inability, or unwillingness to take revenge on Kalas himself. Explaining Methos voiced differentiation between revenge and self-defense.
Then the agreement Methos and I did. That allowed "Adam Pierson" to move officially to Seacouver, but staying in the Watchers. But also how he did deal with Kristin, when Duncan couldn't. Only to fall in love soon after, and take personal leave.
I mention that Methos did get involved when Duncan took the dark Quickening, but that I don't know much of what happened. I also admit to having very little knowledge about what happened between Methos Duncan and Amanda with the crystals. But I know that there were rogue Watchers involved, possibly Hunters.
Based on his reactions; I think Steven begins to understand Duncan's hesitation to trust Watchers he doesn't know personally.
I gloss over everything that doesn't involve the Watchers and realize that, except for asking Methos about Cochrane's Chronicle, Duncan's next encounter with Watchers… Is the whole Shapiro/Galati mess!
I have a hard time talking about that, but Steven is a good listener. I try not to see his eyes darting to my chest when I talk about waking up in a wine cellar.
I assume he's aware of what happened and who were involved, but I still outline who made what decisions. If only to get to the point of why Duncan wants nothing to do with the Watchers, but Methos chose to remain and work within the Watchers instead.
I'm actually quite proud of myself for not naming Methos out loud once in the whole day, so far.
~ O ~
"Eirene deserved better than that." Steven mutters with a sigh.
I'm confused, it takes me a moment to recognize the name with his strange pronunciation. Irene Galati… "She certainly did. The Hunters took out far too many of the good ones." I agree.
"Almost right after all that, Cassandra showed up in Seacouver. Making Duncan kill her Student… And that's not even half a year ago." Steven realizes with a worried frown. "Will Duncan hunt Watchers? We've been working with the understanding that Duncan is relatively safe."
"He wouldn't hurt anyone unless they are a threat. But it's very unlikely he'll be anything but grudgingly civil." I try to reassure Steven, without destroying all the work I just put into making him understand Duncan's attitude.
Steven nods thoughtfully. "It's understandable but unfortunate. Especially if Pierson was part of the reason Duncan held back on his grudge for the Watchers."
That's a twist I haven't even considered…
~ O ~
Unable to relax I spend the rest of the evening with my guitar, picking mostly randomly. Steven has already retired for the night when the next set of news comes in.
First Sarah messages: French navy divers found and neutralized the "bomb" in the reservoir. When I informed Dr. Pierson of this he asked me to inform Duncan MacLeod of where Cassandra was last spotted. Expect Duncan MacLeod at the old Submarine base soon.
I wake Steven. The expected call comes within half an hour.
"Joe 'n Steven here." I answer, putting it on speaker.
"Duncan just arrived. We are currently sitting outside the old submarine base." Toy doesn't bother with niceties giving his report. "Sarah and Tara are still with INTERPOL, we have to make do without them.
Naturally, we won't be sending anyone inside either way. At least, Willie is in a boat with fairly good chances of seeing a Quickening. He is staying far out, but has a clear sightline into the base from the water side. That's as good as we'll get, I think."
"Yeah." We agree, settling in for a nerve-wrecking wait.
It's not a long wait. It never really is with Duncan involved. Toy tells us when Willie reports witnessing a Quickening, but is unable to figure whose. On Toy's side apparently nothing is visible. According to Willie the lightshow was maybe a little longer than the average, but not much.
We are a little stumped: Sure, the sizes of Quickenings are unpredictable, but generally they follow the age and power of the loser somewhat. And there's NO ONE supposed to be in that building that isn't expected to blackout a block, or you know "the whole town".
While the old submarine base IS relatively isolated, it's not the way it was when still in military use. It's connected to the main grid, and the original surrounding base has long since been repurposed.
Actually, the building Tony and the others are using as watch-post is probably built on an old military building: the open space in front of the submarine-docks was likely an inner courtyard originally. There really should be no way for a major Quickening to go essentially unnoticed…
Damned it, Kalas blacked out large parts of Paris! He's a baby compared to most in that building, and Duncan has had a LOT of powerful Quickenings…
A few minutes after Willie told us there was a Quickening our speculations are interrupted by Andrea's hiss: "Someone is coming out the front."
"It's Cassandra." Mateo confirms. "She seems slightly disoriented and in a bit of a hurry to get out of here."
"Willie, I'll need you to get back here. Andrea and Mateo will follow Cassandra for now." Toy decides.
"On the way." Willie confirms.
"Cassandra stole the van." Toy keeps us informed.
~ O ~
Of all the Immortals in that base Cassandra is almost the worst one for me to have confirmed surviving. I can't imagine any scenario where Cassandra leaves, alone, that has both Duncan and Methos surviving…
Mateo doesn't use understatements or sarcasm, not that I've noticed at least, so I take the description literally.
If Methos is dead; Cassandra might leave if Duncan decides to take care of his body, but she wouldn't be in a hurry.
If Duncan lost; Cassandra might have killed whomever survived the final showdown, but getting out quickly wouldn't be a priority then.
If Duncan lost and Cassandra is running: she should have been in more than "a bit of a hurry."
The silence is oppressive while we wait for further movement.
Or not truly, Toy is talking with someone on another phone. He seems to be trying to get extra manpower to help out. If the multiple "Thank you" and "I appreciate it" are anything to go by; he's successful.
His sudden silence has me and Steven holding our breaths.
"Duncan MacLeod is exiting the building. He seems slightly worse for wear but otherwise fine. He is looking around carefully…" Toy reports almost mechanically, taking a deep breath continuing with firmer voice. "He seems to intend walking out of here. I will follow him. Willie will keep an eye on the location, I'll leave you here."
Steven and I exchange slightly confused looks at first, but the following silence make it clear Toy simply left the phone we're on at the surveillance post.
I don't think I've wished to be in fighting condition this much for years. Then I remember my promise to Methos and realize I'd be in this position either way.
I notice Steven has been writing in shorthand and spend a few moments trying to decipher it. Just to have something to focus on. It's not impossible since I know what has been said, but I quickly lose my attention when I hear someone on the other side of the phone again.
"Everything seems calm." Willie announces his arrival at the watch point.
Both Steven and I take relieved breaths, at the same time as we exchange frustrated looks.
Now, while it does feel good to have someone else as frustrated as me, it doesn't really help with that frustration much.
~ O ~
After almost half an hour of tense silence Willie asks. "If he survived wouldn't Pierson have contacted us for help with the cleanup by now?"
"Not necessarily. I would imagine he would try to make sure there is nothing contagious still around, first." Steven answers almost immediately.
I don't know if I'm relieved or angry at the renewed hope that piece of logic installs. Probably because I'm not sure whether I was more angry or relieved that Duncan survived but can't be bothered to inform me about Methos. Illogical I know, Methos is far more likely to contact me right now.
Nothing more is said for another half-hour. I spend most of that time trying to figure what Methos would need to do in order to prevent the virus spreading.
If the research that was delivered with the sample is correct (and I assume it is, since it was obviously stolen from Kronos) the virus won't survive saltwater or temperatures above ~45°c (~113F) But will survive in hibernation for almost anything else. That's what makes it so dangerous, and also very difficult to decontaminate entirely.
There was a note about the virus only being able to hibernate once, and being very vulnerable when active. But I don't know enough to say what that means in practicality. But I do know our contracts in various intelligence organizations around the world are currently VERY nervous.
On second thought, I'm actually almost glad I'm not sitting outside that old Submarine base. This is bad, but sitting just outside and not being able to go in there making sure… That would be pure hell.
~ O ~
Willie's phone rings. "Oui?" He answers quickly.
The speaker on our phone isn't good enough to pick up anything but the fact that someone is speaking to him.
It's not long before he finishes the one-sided conversation with a "Merci."
A deep sigh before he fills us in. "That was Sarah. She got a call that a decontamination team can be sent in now. They will saltwater bomb the base before entering, local firefight helicopters are already in the air. That gives me a little time, I have to get out before they arrive."
The call is ended.
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~ O ~ Two weeks later ~ O ~
Toy lost Duncan within the hour. It was clearly intentional, and following someone who knows they're followed and doesn't want it is difficult. Besides, Toy admitted he didn't prioritize other resources to follow Duncan at the time.
Duncan predictably reappeared back in Paris a few days after we lost him.
Steven and I have also relocated to Paris. My assignment is there, and the danger seems to have passed. But it's mostly for Adam's sake, not that he seems to need it. He's incredibly laid back about the whole thing.
"What is there to be upset about?" Adam shrugs. "It was the best possible outcome in the situation. The excuse that we were Watching "the other Immortals" in the base was paper thin, and everyone present knew it."
A bit thoughtfully he continues. "I was actually surprised I was let go alive, or that Kronos didn't demand Pierson to prove HIS loyalty more… decisively.
Hell. It's not like it's even going to be any significant scarring! I've several worse scars from earlier experiences. Being a Spec-ops Watcher is never safe, nothing new there."
I don't have much to say about that, it's an indisputable fact for Spec-ops and unassigned Watchers. Not that there's much difference between the two. The only real difference is that Spec-ops regularly deal with less directly Immortal matters.
~ O ~
Cassandra went straight to another hotel in Bordeaux. She stayed inside for two days, before she booked a ticket for Vancouver a couple of days later. She has been known to live in rural areas before, but might also have been headed for Seacouver.
The third day Cassandra went shopping for necessities. After half the day she suddenly left everything and headed for nearest Holy Ground, looking outright panicked. The following week she spent (we assume) trying to lose whomever she felt.
No Watcher managed to spot anyone following her. The second day of running Cassandra spotted one of the Watchers following her, and killed him before anyone else had time to react.
By then Sarah had joined us in Paris. Doing overall organization while Toy was closer to Cassandra. Neither was happy about the dead Watcher, but reluctantly admitted they probably shouldn't hold it against Cassandra, considering she was clearly in a near panic state of mind.
Adam and Steven also argue that we can't expect old Immortals to view life the way we do. Giving several examples of historical societies with vastly different views of what a human life is worth.
H-H-H-H-H
I see their point. But can't help thinking she had no problems torturing Watchers not even watching her, before. As far as I've been able to assert, Cassandra hasn't shown herself to care for anyone. She was obviously just using Duncan, both last time and this.
In contrast I have Methos behavior. While I have huge issues with branding someone! I can emphasize with the feeling of torn loyalties. Maybe it's just that I can somewhat understand Methos choices, trying to minimize casualties without actually betraying anyone important to him.
But the point is that there are people that I know are important to him. While Cassandra, from my point of view, remains an utter mystery. I don't know of any living being she has an equal friendship with. And she has apparently been killing indiscriminately, without any reason I can understand.
Maybe I would see it differently if she explained her thoughts, but that's unlikely to happen.
H-H-H-H-H
With almost a dozen extra Watchers on duty, utilizing far more and newer technology than ever before, we did manage to keep up with her after that. Cassandra still found and tried to attack, or capture Watchers a few times. But with everyone on alert she never got hold of anyone.
Cassandra joined the Benedictine nuns at Mater Ecclesiae Abbey (northern Italy) five days ago, and hasn't poked her nose outside since. The Vatican Watchers has assigned one of the nuns as her Watcher for now.
Once the Vatican assigned Cassandra a Watcher the others in of the team also headed for Paris. They arrived about the same time as Richie decided to grace France with his presence, despite not being supposed to be in the country at all!
We actually got a few laughs about the whole debacle when Duncan got himself involved too. I don't know if I feel jealous or sorry for the young Watchers in training trying to keep up with those two right now.
~ O ~
We still have no traces of Methos. It's mostly a personal worry for me, but no one's entirely comfortable without actually knowing for sure whether he got out or not.
The identity Methos used was moved to Silas picture. Sarah confirms it was done with the knowledge of INTERPOL; to protect the identity of "the agent" for future infiltrations. Since Duncan hasn't been available to deny Silas as his partner, the official story is that he died heroically stopping Kronos from spreading the... whatever it was. I just hope the cover isn't the truth.
~ O ~
I don't know what to think about the report that landed in my hands today: The one facility that had the (lets go with virus, even if the researchers were half convinced it wasn't one in the end) was destroyed tonight. Two of the five researchers died, but no one else was even injured. What those two were doing in the facility without having logged in or being noticed isn't known; investigation is ongoing.
I'm not unhappy that every scrap of the virus, and the research on it, is gone! But one of France's major disease research facilities is functionally destroyed. Billions of dollars, and years of research were destroyed as well…
Since the Watchers didn't do it (it was discussed but considered unnecessary) that means it has to be Methos…
The Spec-ops team just sort of collectively shrugs: "So he made a different risk analysis." But then they are far more blasé about it than I, having had to do similar things at various times.
H-H-H-H-H
I've always been a bit wary of the power a Regional Head of Operations has within the Watchers.
Learning (when I gained the position myself) that I don't even have to report anywhere if I order a kill on a mortal: That certainly didn't lessen my discomfort at all!
The fact that Spec-ops teams will refuse if they don't get a good explanation of why did, a little.
We talked about it extensively last time Cassandra was in Seacouver. They called it down to top oversight, in opposition to the top down that is traditional in most governments.
I argued that I can still order one of my ordinary Watchers to do it.
Someone asked if they would (wish I could remember who).
Not all, of course, but some might. Most would be very uncomfortable and need a good explanation, so that's similar to a Spec-ops. But several would do it and only ask after.
"That type of loyalty is precious, don't squander it." Sarah told me. "And if you were less wary of the power, I would be far more of you." She added, advising me: "Don't isolate yourself from other Watchers or Regional Heads, and don't isolate your people. They provide a sounding board, and you provide one for others."
I agreed silently at the time. I don't like the politics that always goes around at the Region Head meetings, but it was sound advice and I have taken it more seriously since.
I also like the idea that every Watcher has a role of oversight. I have made sure that my people knows that, and have them spread it.
H-H-H-H-H
We discuss idly about why the research and two researchers were blown up. Mostly as a strategic and tactic thought-exercise, too late for anything else after all.
A lot of interesting theories and thoughts comes up. Like Methos having access to different information, and what types of information would have had the Team do a different risk analysis. I find myself agreeing with them on most the theoretical decisions they make.
Methos being less concerned about collateral is also lifted. But the counter argument "there shouldn't have been any collateral that time of the night" is immediately made.
Then, naturally the discussion whether those two were planned kills, and what could have triggered that. Considering the other three researchers, including the top ranking one, were left untouched.
Our consensus is that they were either completely unplanned for, or executed for a reason. And that there probably was good reason for an execution; if that was what it was.
"They were selling it." A familiar voice explains.
I can confirm that everyone around the table is armed (including myself), and quick to draw, despite French laws being highly restrictive about carrying any type of weapons as a civilian.
Methos isn't particularly phased by being met with half a dozen guns. He only raises an eyebrow slightly, looking vaguely amused as we tuck away our weapons in various speeds and levels of embarrassment.
"Sir, are you hungry? Can I get you some coffee?" Adam practically jumps up to offer his chair.
"Milk and sugar, please. Thank you, Adam." Methos accepts the chair with a calm and polite smile. Behaving unlike anything I've ever seen on him before. There is an authority around Methos that I can only relate to the time he had me kidnapped.
I will have to consider further implications between Adam and Methos first interaction later, have to focus on the now. While I did relax more than the others when recognizing Methos, I was the only one that didn't relax further when he took the seat.
"Would you like a sandwich? We have salami." Toy quickly follows up on Adam's offer.
Giving me a quick flashback to my own thoughts on guests, hospitality and old Immortals when I was kidnapped. Salt and bread? Everyone's intentions are clear at least, there really is something about sharing a meal that disarms hostility, somehow.
"A salami sandwich sounds delicious. Thank you." Methos accepts gracefully with a slight nod around the table. Accepting Toy's offer as the team-leader, rather than the personal thank you he gave Adam.
Once Methos has had his first sip and bite; I can't hold back anymore. "Man, it's good to see you in one piece! You had me a bit worried there." I have no idea what name to use. I probably should use Adam, actually, despite the possibility of confusion.
"Me too, Joe." Methos agrees with a more genuine smile, also relaxing a little more.
We need to talk, but can't in this company. Toy kindly solves my difficulty to find a safe topic, asking: "Just to clarify your first statement. The two dead scientists were trying to sell the virus?"
"Correct." Methos elaborates. "They auctioned the virus, with all known copies of the information. The fact that they actually followed through on that last was unexpected, but saved me a lot of work.
While they would never been able to work with any type of research again, I decided that removing them was better for long-term safety. All the scientists still remember what they studied, even if their paperwork is stolen. But those two were already proven unreliable."
The matter-of-fact recital is received with further relaxation among the team and they maintain light small-talk while Methos finishes his sandwich.
Several polite attempts at getting a name out of Methos are made, which he deflects without fail. Eventually we settle on Pierson as his address, removing the Mr. to signify casual use. Adam keeps calling him Sir, and neither Methos or Toy does anything to change that.
Once Methos has finished his sandwich, to my great surprise, he and Toy head right into a negotiation of Methos near future. The tone is straightforward, but pleasant and the others input is encouraged.
They agree to Methos remaining within the Watchers, naturally under the condition not to headhunt. Interestingly, Toy is more interested in finding out if he can forward information on Immortals the Watchers are considering stopping, than he is about making Methos promise only to take heads in self-defense.
Methos is amendable to receiving information. He even makes a point to express he does not believe Watchers should ever be killing Immortals. He also emphasizes that Hunting is never acceptable.
The points are clearly noted by everyone, with certain levels of nervousness in some cases.
"I believe everyone will be happier with Immortals regulating themselves." Andrea agrees quietly, not looking up.
Methos nods in her direction: "Sometimes there is no opportunity to find an ideal solution in an emergency. I hope we can find a way for a mutually comfortable cooperation for the future, however." Essentially giving his tactic approval of past events.
More than one relieved breath is let out, with nods and agreeing sounds following.
Andrea initiates a discussion about upgrading Watcher policies in regards to official Immortal contacts. Details about modified rules for "any Watcher in direct contact with Immortals" (me) are agreed upon. The Old Families "servant's oath" and other Watcher branches rules (mainly "north eastern branch") are also referenced for further mutual expectations.
Methos easily agrees to "deal" with Immortals who are a danger to the secret, warning he'll delegate the actual hunting to others most the time. But he doesn't seem very enthusiastic when the question about stopping Immortals who mostly kills mortals is raised.
He didn't shut it down completely, so he's obviously open for some negotiation. Luckily Adam also picked up on that, and a few questions later the whole team has agreed that perspective does make a difference in deciding what is "bad behavior".
Eventually an agreement that Methos might deal with the worst ones (at his discretion), but that the Watchers will also provide him with information about Immortals who, not only breaks rules of The Game but also those who force Challenges by threats or similar.
That last is definitely a hard decision for most the Team. But they argued hard on the morality issue, so they couldn't exactly back out when it was about Immortals; not without having the whole negotiation fall.
Once an agreement is made Methos dismisses the team. Toy glances my way to insure I'm comfortable with being left alone with Methos. Not that I know what he could do if I wasn't, but I nod a little.
H-H-H-H-H
Methos appeared perfectly comfortable with both straight out claiming it was HIS decision to deal with the researchers, and about the decision he made. But he did tell us the reason he made the decision. Or A reason, at least.
Saying he made the decision himself also reinforced that he's not a follower; separating himself from Duncan in the eyes of the others. I know Methos has put effort into his friendship with Duncan, but I'm not sure how Duncan's behavior through this will affect things in the future.
Respecting hospitality and being polite are common features in old Immortals. Fitting himself neatly into their preconceived notions… Our. I'm just as guilty of that one.
He gave them a template: Fitting himself into the most comfortable slot he can find at this time. Painting himself as ruthless, but only if forced into it. Otherwise reasonable, possible to work with. More or less reinforcing the impression I started.
I can't help wondering how consciously? The "Adam" I first got to know could never be that ruthless outside of a chessboard. The Methos that had me kidnapped however? Yes.
Right now; I'm not entirely sure what is, and what isn't an act. This person at the table is not the Methos I've gotten to know. This is someone, something, crafted for the purpose of getting cooperation from Toy and his team. But it has me questioning if the Methos I know is also crafted, and exactly for what purpose?
I can't fault him for not wanting to be hunted by one of the Watchers best spec-ops teams.
One of the two teams in Europe-America and North Africa that has executed sanctioned hits on Immortals the last decade. I know Andrea was directly involved in at least two executions of Immortals. And know for a fact that Methos knows of, at least one of them.
It was before I knew Adam Pierson is Methos. Don and I discussed it thoroughly while Adam said only a little. He didn't disagree with the decision; saying it would have been dangerous for the secrecy of Immortals if no one did anything. But he clearly wasn't thrilled about it either.
At the time I didn't put it in the context of a "lost Quickening", but after his comments on both Kalas and Kristin; it's clear that bothers him to some extent.
I can't help noticing the assumptions both parties made about the Immortal being somewhat protective of their contact person, or that the Watchers won't be allowed to choose the contact person without the Immortals input.
I'm not sure if I'm amused or insulted by the way everyone ignored my presence entirely, while discussing MY potential official position as some kind of contact person for Immortals… But the possibility of officially being allowed to be friends with certain Immortals was enough of a bribe to keep me quiet.
Besides, what they were discussing is clearly making way for more than one contact in the future. I'm a little curious about how they intend to get these changes approved by the Tribunal, but the Old Families have clout when they choose to use it. I'm sure they'll be able to, somehow.
I didn't know the North Eastern Branch already had some form of official contact with Immortals before. But I'm not surprised that it's been kept from the European Branch considering the last years.
Nor can I say that Methos "less than friendly" reminder about Hunters was particularly surprising. It wasn't actually taken as a personal threat by the team, but they didn't take it lightly either.
Methos is Old and does Not have the same perspective as a mortal, or even a younger Immortal about morality. Still I was honestly surprised he insisted on the information about those who "forces" Challenges… I think I will have to discuss his view on rules for Challenges, sometime fairly soon, actually.
Wonder if he has had that discussion with Duncan? And if the consensus of unofficial ethics has changed much over the millennia Methos has been alive? It's ridiculous to assume that it hasn't changed.
H-H-H-H-H
The teams departure is followed by a few moments of silence.
"You just threw my guests out of my bar." I complain in half-true outrage. Holding off on using any names while reaching for the surveillance detector.
"I apologize, Joe. I didn't think they would leave you alone with me otherwise. They seem to like you." Methos shrugs, watching me use it with sharp eyes.
Confirming none of the team left any surprises I put the device back in the drawer. "Alright old man, what the fuck…?" I realize I can't even voice my questions, not knowing how much I actually want to know about this whole debacle.
"Pretty much." Methos agrees. Sagging in the chair, more exhausted than his usual lazy sprawl, he looks up at me. "I definitely expected Duncan to at least use the resources that the Watchers represent." He shrugs with studied nonchalance. "It worked out in the end."
He seemed to have the situation mostly in hand from my point of view. With emphasis on MOSTLY. I rather hold on to that illusion; I don't think I actually want to know how many times Methos had to scramble for an emergency solution. Not considering how nerve-wrecking it was, even when thinking he was several steps ahead of everyone.
"Cassandra isn't exactly a fan of the Watchers. She was strongly opposed to anything more than the absolute necessities." I point out.
"I probably underestimated Cassandra's influence on him, and overestimated his willingness to at least listen to me. I knew she was far too unstable to use her "voice" effectively. I just forgot that ninety percent of Duncan's brain resides in his balls. And "honor" is only applicable at HIS convenience." Methos sneers bitterly.
I have to do a double take at the bitterness. But actually, I can sort of see where he comes from: Duncan was aggressive and had mostly decided to believe Cassandra even before confronting Methos. That probably felt… feels like betrayal to Methos. Especially since he knows damned well that she's only marginally better than he was back as a "Horseman". Well, not really… probably. But from my perspective it's a huge difference between "a couple of weeks ago" and "a couple of millennia ago"
I have to agree that Duncan does tend to think with his dick, and he has been forced to choose between honor and morality more than once. I don't quite agree with Methos; but I can see why he would consider Duncan's choices made by convenience.
Methos and Duncan have very different views on both honor and morality. Methos would deny having either, of course, but his behavior says otherwise. I might not always agree with, or understand his views, but that doesn't prevent them from clearly being there.
Experience aside; I probably land somewhere between them. My view on honor is probably closer to what Methos seems to live by. My morality lines up better with Duncan, most the time.
I suddenly realize my position, if I'm going to be Methos official Watcher contact and he isn't on speaking terms with Duncan... "So… you and Duncan are through?" I use Duncan's wording to prevent Methos from assuming that I take sides in this.
"He said so. Didn't he?" Methos looks up at me with another contemptuous frown. "Far be it from me to go against Duncan MacLeod of the clan MacLeod, the ultimate paragon of virtue and divine wisdom."
He sighs. "I won't hide, or leave my position with the Watchers. Neither will I run after the brat trying to "fix" or "explain" anything. But I have no intention of making it more difficult than necessary for you either, Joe."
"Thanks." I'm relieved he understands. "So, how will this contact person thing work? It sounded like there actually is precedent?"
"There are several Watcher branches that has either liaisons or contact persons. The Vatican was in negotiations with the Euro-North American Tribunal for a similar solution as already exists. Darius used to be their official liaison, that might have been the trigger for the Hunters to go after him."
God, I hope that wasn't it! Unfortunately, it sounds horribly plausible. Why would Methos put himself in this risk? Can't someone else be "the Immortal contact" instead?
"Don't worry Joe, I won't be careless." Methos reads me. "I have no intention of staying the only contact, or remain forever. But I do want to be sure the system gets established as soon as possible, considering recent events within the Watchers. It has been very effective in keeping a balance in other parts of the world."
Methos is trying to keep the Watchers, as an organization, on the right track. Or the Euro-North American branch, it's easy to forget we're not the whole world. Actually, there's some pressure of making an independent North American branch…
I realize there's not much else to ask. I would want to know all the details, of course! But honestly, I don't need any more. Methos is a crafty old bastard; nothing new to me. He is morally grey, also not news. The rest we will solve as it goes.