DCH 22
Defenders Chronicles: Highlander
By AmandaDoE
Chapter Twenty-Two: Suspended Sabotage
Richie was seated next to Tori as the Defenders were having dinner. Tonight, everyone was present except for Rick and LJ. The former had informed Tori that he was going to show LJ an invention of his before they left, but they have yet to return. This seemed to be unusual according to what their fathers had said.
"You know something, Lothar," Richie spoke up, "dinner is quite amazing tonight."
"I agree with you," Tori added.
"Thanks, you guys," Lothar replied.
Suddenly, LJ arrived in the dinner. He appeared to be bothered by something.
"Now this is a first," Lothar spoke up, "my son being late for dinner."
"Where's Rick?" Flash asked, looking at the area in hopes to find his son.
"Rick, uh," LJ slightly stammered, "he...he...oh, his new invention didn't work, and he was upset. He wanted to be alone for awhile."
"Knowing Rick," Tori assured him, "he'll get over it. I had inventions that didn't work before. I was bummed and ended up getting over it."
"Yeah," Mandrake added, "Rick is a level headed young man."
"Strange," Flash noted, "I don't remember Rick ever reacting so emotionally before. LJ, what was Rick's new invention?"
"Uh," LJ answered, "a Wave Interference device, Flash."
Richie glanced at LJ, as if he was unsure if LJ was being fully truthful.
Moments later, the alarms went off. It was time for action.
Dynak appeared on the screen, "Ming attack to commence at sunrise."
"Ming couldn't have attacked at the worst time," Richie stated with his lips curled. Tori glanced over at him. Ming was planning to attack the Alaskan Power Station which couldn't be good as it was where the new prototype generator is being tested.
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"Awaken, Earthling," Ming's voice chimed in LJ's head, "Go to Flash Gordon's swordship. Do as I instructed."
LJ woke up and looked around. He got up from his bed. He paused for a moment when he thought his father was awake and was going to stop him or ask questions. Luckily, that wasn't the case and LJ hurried back to proceed with his plan.
LJ opened the panels to the ship and snipped the cords.
"Now the laser cannon."
LJ made his way to the laser cannon.
"What do you think you're doing?"
He turned to see Richie standing there with his sword in hand.
"Richie," LJ asked, "did you follow me here?"
"No, I was staying at the Terry," Richie sarcastically replied before answering in a normal tone, "What do you think?! I saw you snip the cords on Flash's ship. What the hell is going on here?!"
"This doesn't concern you!" LJ exclaimed, "Besides, you wouldn't understand what's going on!"
"That is one of those Immortals," Ming instructed, "take care of him!"
LJ only glared at Richie for a moment.
"What the hell you mean I wouldn't understand?" Richie asked.
"I'm sorry about this," LJ answered before he proceeded to knock him out. Then, he proceeded to gag him and tie him up before lugging him to the cargo of the Terry. Tori was going to fry him for this for sure if she were to find out.
"Good," Ming replied, "Now proceed with the plan."
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Tori was shocked. She couldn't believe what had happened. Flash and Phantom were nearly killed in a crash after the ship was caught on fire during a fight. Luckily, the ship was repairable as the fire wasn't too severe. Then, Lothar was nearly shot and Jedda and Mandrake were injured after the laser cannons malfunctioned.
She suspected something wasn't right. Not only that, Richie was nowhere to be found. He wasn't present during the battle and that was strange because he'd let her know where he was and not disappear without notice.
She walked over to LJ, "You've been acting really strange since last night."
"What do you mean?" LJ asked, clearly playing dumb.
"First, Rick is missing," Tori explained, "then, the machines malfunction, now I am noticing that Richie is missing."
"Oh Richie," LJ spoke up, "well, he decided to go look for Rick."
Tori didn't buy this, but she decided to play along for the time being, "Well, I hope Richie can find Rick. He could have told me what he was doing before taking off."
"I agree," LJ quipped.
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Tori looked around the cargo. Along with most of the Defenders, she suspected sabotage among the team, and unlike the rest of the team, she suspected LJ. First, the malfunction of the ship and cannons, then no word from Rick, or even Richie, now LJ was acting even more fishy.
Now, LJ and Tori were on Monitor while the others went to look for both Richie and Rick. LJ was hiding from her, and she was determined to find out what was going on.
She was startled upon hearing loud pounding on the doorway, followed by muffled yelling.
"What the..." Tori muttered. She opened the cargo door, and Richie came falling out of the cargo door, and landed on the floor, bound and gagged, "Richie!"
Tori removed the gag from Richie, who then spit on the floor.
"What happened?" she asked in worry.
"LJ has sabotaged Flash's ship and probably did the same with those cannons!" Richie exclaimed.
"What?!" Tori exclaimed as she used her Tachi to free Richie from the ropes. She then exclaimed again, "I knew it!"
"You knew?" Richie asked, adjusting his arms and glancing at his sword, which luckily was in his position.
"Well, I started having suspicion," Tori explained, "I knew it wasn't like you to disappear without a word. Then, there was that sabotage. LJ was acting off since Rick suddenly disappeared. My uncle suspects he is in trouble, and they're now in groups looking for him."
"Let's go figure out what is going on with LJ," Richie insisted, "he's clearly hiding something from us. Where is he?"
"I'll take you to him," Tori answered, "I managed to get a secret microchip device on his leg."
"Let's go," Richie turned to leave. Tori followed suit.
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LJ made his way to the cave where Rick was being held. He saw the ice robots as well as Rick as he was being held in suspended animation.
"LJ!" he heard Tori shout. He turned to see Tori behind him with Richie in tow. Both of them had their swords.
"What are you two..." LJ started to ask, "You managed to find Richie?"
"Yeah," Tori answered ,"now what gives? Why are you sabotaging the Defenders?"
"You're about to find out," LJ replied before he used the wave interference device to free Rick from the suspended animation.
"So, there was a reason behind what he was doing," Richie stated as LJ hurried to get Rick and they got in the van. They met up with the two boys in the van just as the men of frost were attacking, and trying to prevent them from escaping.
Richie used his sword to decapitate a couple of ice robots that joined in the fight, while Tori swung in a kick to beat down a frost person and they made their way to join the boys in the van.
"You know something," Richie spoke up, "if it wasn't for Rick, I swear, I'd pummel you right now for pulling that stunt! I'd rip your tongue out, I..."
"Richie," Tori grabbed his arm, "that's not necessary."
"Extreme much?" LJ asked.
"Well," Tori replied, "you did tie him up and gag him. He has a right to be riled up."
The group heard Rick come to as the three managed to escape the cavern.
"He's coming to," Tori announced.
"Just as we made our grand escape," Richie added.
"What..." Rick grabbed his head as he came to, "Tori, Richie, LJ, what's going on?"
"We'll tell you later," LJ answered.
"LJ is right," Tori added, "it's a long story. In the meantime, you need to stay down."
Rick complied as LJ, Tori and Richie prepared to help the Defenders and LJ prepared to rectify his mistake with sabotaging the team.
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"So," Richie asked, "it was a nano chip Ming implanted on him?"
"Yes," Tori answered, "Ming must have planted the device on LJ to make him do his dirty work or he'd kill Rick if he didn't comply."
"Ming sure is one dirty schemer," Richie crossed his arms.
They looked on as LJ was getting the chip removed after the Defenders have saved New York after Tori have informed them about everything, from Rick's disappearance to the sabotage to Ming's plans for New York.
"Will he be okay?" Rick asked as Tori and Richie made it to the medical room where LJ was resting.
"Yes, Rick," the Phantom answered, "the implant has been removed, and LJ should be as good as new."
"Thank goodness," Tori sighed with relief.
"I'm going to hang in for a minute," Rick informed the team.
"Richie and I are going to do the same," Tori added.
"Why?" Rick asked.
"We'll explain in a bit," Richie smirked as the rest of the Defenders left.
LJ proceeded to explain everything that had happened while Rick was held captive, from the sabotage to restraining Richie to keep him from blabbing to the rest of the team.
"I'm sorry for restraining you like that," LJ apologized to Richie the second he came to.
"It's all right," Richie accepted the apology, "I wouldn't had fully lashed out like that if I'd known."
"Rich, you probably would have," Tori replied.
"Yeah," Richie nodded with a grin, "I probably would."
Rick looked at his best friend in awe as he helped him sit up, "I wanna thank you, LJ. All three of you. Tori and Richie for trying to keep an eye out on things the best you could, and LJ, you really went out on a limb for me. You're a true friend."
"The only way to have a friend," LJ replied, "is to be a friend."
"Tori and I are going to let you guys hang out," Richie told the two guys.
"We'll be here if you need us," Tori added before she left the medical room with Richie.
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Author's Note:
It was fun to write one of my favorite episodes with a twist. I almost didn't go through with it in favor of something else, but then I decided, nah, let's stick with this. We nearly got this Season 2 arc in the bag.
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Chapters
Tori Gordon, a teenage operative for the Intergalactic Union Agency, transfers to a branch in Washington State, where she becomes involved in a battle between supernatural forces.
While reflecting on personal matters, Tori witnesses a stunning occurrence.
Richie introduces Tori to his friends, Duncan and Tessa, who detail the secret affairs of immortals.
As Tori begins learning more about her true nature, a teacher offers assistance.
Tori informs the Defenders that she plans to help Duncan and his companions.
Tori and Richie continue bonding as the IUA works with Duncan.
Tori is given a new task by her mother Janet.
Duncan and the group encounter Tori's teacher, Amanda. Tori learns that Duncan and Amanda have history.
9: Two Families, One Adventure
The Defenders arrive in Paris, where they unite with Tori's team.
Tori tends to an ailing Richie.
The group gains allies while investigating a new matter.
The search for Horton begins.
An old friend of Tori's reveals a darker side. Janet becomes involved in the current operation.
Duncan is told to be wary of a dark prophesy.
The team is menaced by Annie Devlin, an old associate of Duncan's.
Duncan begins refining Tori's skills.
Richie and Tori continue bonding.
A new woman comes into Richie's life.
Janet takes steps to make Richie an IUA operative.
Tori and her allies confront a number of enemies in the city.
The teams head out for a day of fun.
Rick's capture leads to a compromising situation as LJ and the others attempt a rescue.
Lucy, a dangerous immortal, targets Richie. Tori intervenes.
The IUA investigates when one of the Phantom's acquaintances is victimized by an immortal.
Richie and Tori return to Paris to assist with the mission, which is complicated by police involvement.
Duncan meets a woman who bears a strong resemblance to Tessa.
27: Can't Help Falling In Love
Kern, a vindictive old associate, returns to challenge Duncan.
Duncan attempts to work with the unstable David Keogh.
Charlie prepares to depart.
The group meet a girl named Michelle, who has just discovered her immortal nature.
Tori and Richie attempt to care for a younger boy named Kenny.
Everyone prepares for a holiday.
A mysterious statue creates chaos.
Joe and the team find others in need of their help.
Jedda and Tori have an intimate conversation.
Kalas haunts Richie and the others.
Duncan prepares for battle with Kalas and finds a surprise.
Kalas searches for Methos.
Tori worries as Richie begins taking chances.
Anne arrives.
41: The Exorcism of Richie Ryan
Richie requires assistance in getting back to normal.
The Defenders step in to assist with Kalas, and to help prevent the truth about Duncan's kind from leaking.
Duncan prepares to confront Kalas.
Duncan embarks on a private journey to Scotland. Jedda and Tori spar before an audience.
45: Walking On Shattered Glass
Duncan tries to intervene as Charlie clashes with Cord.
The current situation reminds Tori of a well-known scenario.
Amanda and Richie follow Duncan on a journey in secret, and end up defending themselves from a horde of ice robots.
The friends see Kenny again. Duncan suspects that a certain immortal is pursuing the child.
Seacouver is targeted by an ambitious supernatural woman named Sierra.
Duncan, Tori, and Richie investigate a matter from Duncan's past alongside the police.
The group is challenged by a charismatic new antagonist, Kamir.
The spellcaster Kristin Gilles arrives and pursues Richie. Mandrake offers assistance in thwarting her.
Duncan and his friends attempt to aid a pianist.
Anne and Jack participate in the latest endeavor.
Duncan falls under a dark influence temporarily.
Methos and the others reflect.
The exploits of Flash and his famed allies from Mongo are chronicled. Meanwhile, Zorelda reemerges.
The team members engage in sparring and storytelling during downtime.
The groups attempt to rescue Joe, who has been lured into a trap.
As tensions rise and truths are revealed, the team bands together in their effort to help Joe.
Richie makes a monumental decision.
As Tori and Richie prepare for the big day, opposing forces on Mongo makes plans of their own.
Katarina and Castra attempt to unite with the Defenders before Zorelda makes her move.
Zorelda arrives on Earth.
65: Setting Up The Rescue Mission
The groups outline their rescue effort.
Zorelda begins enacting her plan for Richie.
67: Mongo Showdown — Part One
Methos and Duncan engage in action on Mongo.
68: Mongo Showdown — Part Two
As the battle continues, Tori confronts Zorelda.
The group deals with the repercussions of their adventure and return to Earth.
Duncan's ally, Cassandra, relays a vision.
Tori and Richie encounter a cult. Duncan pursues Clay.
The Ryans foster a mysterious child who bears a resemblance to Tori.
Amanda and Maurice return as a new enigma arises.
Amanda engages in more questionable activity.
The group tries helping a woman who might be stalked by an old acquaintance of Duncan's.
76: All That Glitters Is Not Golden
Richie seeks to assist a childhood friend who's dealing with legal issues.
The Ryans encounter an apparent impostor, who also approaches Hadea.
An adversary known as Kronos targets Tori, seeking to exploit her intellect.
Richie and Duncan move to counter Kronos.
80: The Ransom of Richard Redstone
The Ryans depart for an undercover mission overseas.
The group make new acquaintances while pursuing a lead tied to a mysterious dancing event.
The enigmatic Keane arrives, wreaking havoc on several people's lives.
Duncan deals with a mischievous adversary named Byron. Jedda and Rick prepare for parenthood. Both Katarina and Jedda sense danger ahead.
Ming and Octon turn to a new ally.
Duncan is haunted.
The shape-shifter initiates a confrontation.
Ming shifts his focus to an isolated girl.
The Defenders unite with Tori's friends in an effort to stop Ahriman.
A climactic battle occurs as the Defenders clash with Ming, while Tori and Richie attempt to aid their friends.
90: Aftermath: The World Changes Forever
Everyone is affected by the recent events, which will have lasting repercussions.
Richie copes. Duncan travels overseas.
Joe, Amanda, and Duncan continue to hunt the enemy.
April locates Richie and provides an update on the current situation.
Richie is confronted by the opponent again.
Joe leads the investigation as everyone bands together.
The final clash begins.
Duncan makes a crucial discovery.
The key element to the plan is obtained.
The team proceeds with their endeavor.
100: The Last Stand — Part One
The group discovers that only one person can assist Duncan.
101: The Last Stand — Part Two
The battle reaches a conclusion.
Series finale.
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