DCH 59
Defenders Chronicles: Highlander
By AmandaDoE
Chapter Fifty-Nine: Judgment Day
Joe was sitting on a stool in an empty, dark room, playing the guitar. He was reflecting on his friendships.
First, he was thinking about Tori and Richie. They were doing okay now, given everything they've been through, especially the Dark Quickening. Joe thought a vacation would do them good, away from MacLeod. From what he understood, while Tori's Watcher was still Adeola Winters, Richie had a new Watcher by the name of Claire Bailey.
Then there was MacLeod, Duncan MacLeod. He was the immortal Joe was assigned to. He found himself amazed with this immortal in particular. Joe knew everything about Duncan from his history to the women he loved, and for the past two years, Duncan had been one of Joe's good friends.
The phone rang, causing Joe to stop playing his guitar and he answered the phone, "Joe's."
"This is Jack Shapiro."
"Hey, Jack," Joe replied in a friendly manner, "How the hell are you? Man, it's been a long time."
"Duncan MacLeod is dead," Shapiro went straight to the point.
Joe's expression became sober, "Say that again."
"Duncan MacLeod is dead."
"Are you sure there's no mistake?" Joe asked.
"There's no mistake about it," Shapiro answered.
Joe sighed sadly.
"Problem?" Shapiro asked.
"No, no, no, uh," Joe answered, "Duncan MacLeod is – Duncan MacLeod was my assignment."
"Will you make it to Paris to make the terminal report?" Shapiro asked.
"Yeah," Joe answered, "I will, uh, be on the next plane, okay?"
"Sounds good to me."
"See you later," Joe said before he hung up the phone.
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Paris
Joe stepped out of the car and handed the cash to the driver, "Viola."
"Monsieur, are you all right?" the driver asked.
"Yeah, I'm, uh, I'm fine. Thank you," Joe answered, "Thank you."
The cab pulled away and then Joe sighed, pulling out a tape recorder, turned it on and spoke into it, "Terminal report on the immortal Duncan MacLeod."
"Dawson?"
"Tuesday, two PM," Joe continued with his report.
"Dawson!"
Joe turned to see Duncan as he was appearing to be jogging and he mouthed, "MacLeod."
He then spoke loudly, walking towards Duncan, "MacLeod, it's you!"
"Somebody's gonna catch hell for this," Joe said to himself.
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Duncan was jogging nearby until he saw Joe nearby and called for him. He then saw a car screeching to a halt behind the watcher.
"Hey, watch it!" Joe exclaimed.
Two men jumped out of the car, grabbed Joe.
"What are you – Aaaah!" Joe yelled as he was being manhandled into the car.
Duncan ran towards the car. He grabbed onto the luggage rack as it took off past him. The car speeded down the quay, twisting and turning and eventually throwing Duncan off before racing away.
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Duncan was sensing the Buzz and hurried down the quay into the thick fog. Suspecting an immortal responsible for taking Joe, Duncan drawn his sword as he reached the Pont de la Tournelle bridge.
"I'm Duncan MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod," Duncan announced himself.
"Yes, I know," Methos reacted as Duncan swung his sword around his neck.
Duncan lowered his sword and sighed, "I was expecting someone else."
"Not a close friend, I assume?" Methos asked.
"Dawson was here this morning," Duncan answered, "Someone grabbed him outside the barge."
"Why?" Methos asked.
"I don't know!" Duncan answered, "Maybe they're after me. Damn him. What's he doing here?"
"Something is going on with the watchers," Methos explained, "Security's intense. That's why I didn't come to the barge."
"You're going to have to find out who's out there for me," Duncan told him.
"Look," Methos insisted, "if I start questioning people, sooner or later, one of them starts questioning me."
"You owe him," Duncan stressed. Methos shook his head. Then the Highlander continued, "Methos, what other watcher would have kept your secret, that you, an immortal, are masquerading as a watcher named Adam Pierson?"
"That was his choice," Methos affirmed.
"Yes, it was," Duncan replied.
"Okay, I'll find out what I can," Methos relented.
"Thanks," Duncan replied. He gave him a small smile and left.
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Tori smiled as she was snuggling in bed with Richie. They were enjoying the morning together after watching April graduating the academy the night before. Within a couple of days, April Gordon would move back to the mansion and become a part of the Defenders of the Earth full time.
"Good morning, beautiful," Richie greeted his girlfriend.
"Good morning," Tori smiled at him. They held each other's hands.
"How did you enjoy last night?" Richie asked.
"You kidding?" Tori chuckled, "April has finally graduated the space academy, and she will become a full time Defender within a couple of days."
"Exciting to see your cousin, huh?" Richie smiled.
"Yeah."
Tori heard a beep on her laptop.
"What could be going on this morning?" Richie asked as he sat up from the bed. Tori followed suit before she went to answer the laptop. Janet appeared on screen.
"Mom, what's going on?" Tori asked.
"We have a situation in Paris," Janet answered as Richie joined the conversation.
"Paris?!" Richie and Tori exclaimed in unison.
"Are you two love birds ready for the day?" Flash asked as he entered the room, noticing the couple talking on the laptop.
"Is this a bad timing?" Flash asked.
"I was just about to inform Richie and Tori about their next mission," Janet answered, "they will be heading back to Paris."
"I see," Flash nodded, noticing that his sister meant business.
"One of your allies, Methos, sent us information just now," Janet explained, "Joe Dawson has been taken and it's suspected it's a fellow watcher that is responsible."
Flash looked surprised while Richie and Tori were apprehensive as they knew they would be around MacLeod again in this case, but they knew they owe Joe, especially for what he done for them, saving their lives.
"A plane will be ready for you two," Janet told the couple, "and it will be here within the hour to take you two to Lyon."
"Lyon?!" Richie and Tori exclaimed in unison.
"Are you sure you're not making this up?" Flash asked.
Janet scoffed before she answered, "Steven, you know I mean business with this."
Flash chuckled nervously, "I know. I know."
"Besides, Methos goes under the alias of the watcher Adam Pierson," Janet added, "in case you haven't paid attention."
She took a deep breath before telling Richie and Tori, "Methos said Lyon is where the new Watcher Headquarters might be located at."
"If it's a watcher affair, why do we need to get involved?" Richie asked.
"Methos is also immortal," Janet answered, "and some of our allies are also watchers, helping us keep track of immortals, who's good and who's evil. There are also agents in our agency who are immortal. Besides, didn't Mr. Dawson save your life, Richard?"
Richie nodded, "Yes. He did."
"I think it would be a good idea that you two return the favor," Janet gave him a small smile.
"We'll get ready for the mission, Leader," Richie relented.
"Can't wait to help Joe the best that we can," Tori added.
Janet nodded, "You are dismissed."
The screen turned off. Tori and Richie faced each other.
"Are you two okay?" Flash asked.
"We feel some inner conflict, Uncle," Tori answered, "We do know that Mac is no longer under the influence of the dark quickening."
"Ah, yes, I remember you two telling me that," Flash replied, "I was furious hearing what he did to you guys when he attacked you two."
He took a deep breath, trying to keep himself calm.
"When it's all said and done, we should be there for Joe," Tori added in, "Whatever's going on with him. I mean, if it wasn't for him, Richie would have been dead, and most likely me too after he had….some fun with me."
"Yeah, we should do this for Joe's sake," Richie chimed in, "Joe shot MacLeod before he could take my head."
There was a pause of silence as Tori and Richie stood up and Flash glared at them.
"Do you need any of the Defenders to help you two?" Flash asked.
"No," Tori shook her head as she held Richie's hand, "This is our fight. You guys should focus on getting ready for April returning to the team full time."
Flash nodded, "All right."
"In the meantime," Richie stated, "we will be getting ready for our mission."
"Good luck," Flash told the couple.
"Thanks," Richie and Tori replied in unison before they prepared to get ready for their trip to Paris.
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Joe found himself blindfolded as he was being taken to a room, but he was unsure what was going on, let alone where he was.
"Damn it. Who are you and where the hell are we going?!" Joe demanded as he was being led down a hall way, "How long are you going to keep this up?!"
He stumbled on the rug, "What the…."
He heard a guard mutter something.
"Oh! Ah! Damn it!" Joe yelled, "If you'd let me take this off, I could walk!"
The men remained silent, gripping his hands to prevent him from removing his blindfold.
"Okay, okay, you got me," Joe replied, "I'm helpless, all right? Just – how – Tell me what's going on."
They led him into a room before removing his blindfold.
"Oh!" Joe exclaimed as he raised his hand against the sudden light. He noticed the room was some kind of children's bedroom or nursery.
"All right, somebody start talking!" Joe demanded. He turned around but his kidnappers have already left the room, shutting the door behind them. He tried to open the door, but it was locked.
"Open up!" Joe shouted, "Open up! Who the hell are you?"
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Jacob Galati removed his motorcycle helmet, turned off his motorcycle and dismounted. He boarded the barge and prowled around.
Galati watched another man lighting a cigarette as he was on the embarkment. He noticed the watcher tattoo on the man's wrist, and recognized him as a watcher before Galati smiled to himself.
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Methos was sitting on a park bench, feeding pigeons as Duncan approached him, "They're definitely watching your barge. Phone's probably tapped as well."
"Who is?" Duncan asked. He looked on as Methos remained silent, "Methos?"
"It's not an immortal," Methos answered, "It's the Watchers."
"Dawson was taken by his own people?" Duncan glanced at him in surprise, "Why? Where is he?"
"I wasn't able to find out."
"You're a watcher, damn it," Duncan stressed, "You should be able to find out."
Methos stood up, picked up his paper and explained, "The rumor is the Watcher Tribunal are putting him on trial for treason, and I got back up to help Joe."
He left before Duncan could say anything. Methos wasn't sure how he was going to let Duncan know the help he called for were Richie and Tori by using the Intergalactic Union Agency. He hoped this would work out okay, and hoped Richie and Tori would get past their reluctance towards Duncan to help Joe.
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Richie sighed as he sat on the seat on the jet. They had said their goodbyes to the Defenders prior to making it to the jet, and the couple had hoped to see them again after April had joined the Defenders full time, preferably after this situation with the watchers trial.
"What exactly is going on here?" Richie asked Tori, "The Watchers took Joe? Why?"
"From what the email said," Tori answered, "there's a rumor which the Watcher Tribunal is planning to put Joe on trial for treason and Methos told the IUA about it, and mom decided it's better to be safe than sorry."
"For treason?!" Richie exclaimed in surprise.
"Apparently for breaking his oath as a watcher," Tori stated.
"That's bull," Richie replied, crossing his arms.
"I don't agree with it either," Tori shook her head, "Joe's done so much for us than those guys realize. Joe stepping in to help us did more good than bad."
"You think?" Richie scoffed before he bit into some of his chips, "They should realize by now that times change, even for the watchers."
"I guess they're stuck in their old ways," Tori sighed sadly.
"When are we supposed to be in Paris?" Richie asked impatiently.
"Real soon," Tori answered, "I can't wait to see how this turns out."
"Same for me," Richie nodded.
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Duncan drove up the lane. He parked the car and approached the Realtor at the front door of the chateau.
"Excuse me?" Duncan asked her, "Is the estate for sale?"
"I'm sorry," the Realtor answered, "It was sold some time ago. That sign should really be taken away."
She picked up the real estate sign by the front door.
"Uh, the man that just left on the bike…..is he the new buyer?" Duncan asked.
"No," the Realtor answered, "Just someone who wanted to get in touch with the old owners."
"That's a coincident," Duncan replied, "So am I."
"I'm afraid I can't help you either," the Realtor told the Highlander, "The estate was listed under a holding company. All the business was done by phone."
"Well, if they – if they sold this one," Duncan stated, "they must have bought another one somewhere else."
"Not with me, and not in Paris," the Realtor replied, "I'd have heard about any sale that big. Are you in the market for an estate?"
"No, uh, thank you very much," Duncan replied.
He returned to his car and drove off.
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Joe was playing with a squirt gun in the nursery where he was being held, still unsure where he was or what was going on. He looked up as the door opened, "Well, if it isn't Ken and Barbie! Love the decor, fellas."
The two men reached for him.
"All right!" Joe waved the two men away from touching him before he got to his feet, "Getting a little careless, aren't we? I've seen your faces now."
"It won't matter now," the black man informed him.
"Okay," Joe replied as the two men escorted him out of the room.
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"If you were going to kill me, you would have done it by now, right?" Joe said as the two men were taking him to a dark room, what appeared to be a basement, "So just tell me what you want. Give me a clue. What is it? What is going on? Who are you guys?"
The two men left Joe in the darkened room, and Joe was even more confused with what the hell was going on.
"If it's money you're after, you got the wrong guy!" Joe called out, "It's a mistake!"
"It's no mistake, Joe."
Joe looked around the darkened room, "Jack? Jack, is that you?"
Shapiro leaned forward into the light, "I wish I could say it's good to see you, Joe."
"What the hell is this about?!" Joe demanded, "You snatch me off the street? You lock me up? You're my own people! Damn it, Jack. You're my friend!"
"That's why I'm here to judge you," Shapiro replied.
"For what?" Joe asked.
Shapiro nodded to the man next to him, "Tell him, Tarvise."
Tarvise stood up, and walked towards Joe, "Joseph Dawson, you are charged with betraying your oath, with consorting with an immortal and falsifying chronicles."
"How do you plead?" Shapiro asked.
Joe scoffed, "I don't believe this. You haul my ass all the way to Paris – for this?"
"In the past three years, we've lost eighty agents," Shapiro explained, "In the fifty years before that, we've lost two."
"So?"
"So…..it's been just three years since you had your first little talk with MacLeod," Shapiro inquired.
"Oh, now you wait a minute!" Joe exclaimed.
"You should've kept your mouth shut," Shapiro stressed.
"Now we have to shut it for you," Tarvise added.
"Fine. You want me out?" Joe replied, "I'm gone, and you can keep the gold watch."
"You're not being dismissed for your crimes," Tarvise declared, "It's gone far beyond that. An example must be made. If we decide you are guilty, the penalty is death."
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Tori and Richie looked around the area of Paris.
"This looks all too familiar," Richie stated with a small smile on his face, "The wonderful streets of Paris."
"Except we are here for a friend," Tori added, "Starting with meeting up with Methos at the location he told us he and MacLeod were at."
"Where would that be exactly?" Richie asked.
"At the new Watchers Headquarters," Tori answered, "Outside those headquarters anyway. It's just a couple of blocks away"
"The agency knew what they were doing when they asked us to come here," Richie replied, "Let's hurry."
The couple hurried over to the headquarters.
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Duncan dodged from tree to tree, moving close to the chateau. He sensed the Buzz, drawn his sword and found Methos hiding behind another tree, his sword also drawn. Both immortals hid behind nearby trees.
"We've got to stop meeting like this," Methos stated, "People will talk."
"I thought you said you didn't know where he was being held?" Duncan declared.
Methos joined him at the tree he was at, "I didn't. I managed a little research, okay? How did you find out?"
"I did some research of my own," Duncan answered.
"MacLeod, he's in enough trouble as it is," Methos insisted, "You shouldn't be here."
"And you should?"
"Okay. Like you say, I owe him one."
"Glad to hear it. Now let's figure a way in."
The two immortals took off together, dodging from tree to tree.
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Methos approached the entrance gate.
"Hold it," the gate guard stopped Methos and leaned over as he rolled down the window, "Your ID please."
Methos gave him his identification and the guard looked at it before asking, "What's your business here?"
"It's Pierson – Adam Pierson," Methos explained, "I'm in research. I'm attached to the Methos project, okay? Check it out."
He looked up as Duncan was climbed a wall nearby.
The guard shook his head, "You're not on the list."
"They've shut the library in Paris and moved everything here," Methos informed the guard.
"Come back next week."
"Next week? This is urgent!"
Methos noticed as Duncan was almost over the wall.
"Urgent?"
"If I lose Methos because of this," Methos warned the guard, "it'll be on your head!"
"The assignment's been around for five thousand years," the guard informed him, "Another week won't kill you."
Methos noticed Duncan reaching the top of the wall and going over it before he rolled up his window, "Bloody bureaucrat!"
Methos then drove off in a screech of tires.
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Joe looked on as a young man entered the room, carrying a tray of food.
"Well, well, what's this?" Joe asked, "The last meal for the condemned man, huh?"
He picked up the plastic fork, poked at the salad and piece of meat, observing the content of the tray, "You know, I don't know about this sour cream. You see, I'm, uh – I have to watch my cholesterol, I suppose I can live dangerously for the last couple of hours, huh?"
Joe sighed before he continued, "Nah, forget it."
He tossed the fork back onto the tray, "I lost my appetite."
The man sat the tray on the table and left the room. Joe sat back on the bed and opened a book. Suddenly, he heard a smack and a thud in the hallway and sat up from the bed.
Duncan entered the room, carrying an unconscious man over his shoulder, "Ugh, this place come like this, or they build it specially for you?"
"MacLeod, get out of here now!" Joe exclaimed.
Duncan placed the unconscious man on the other bed, "Grab some more sheets. We'll tie him up and we can get out of here."
Joe sighed, "It's not gonna work, MacLeod."
"It won't if you don't get yourself in gear," Duncan replied as he was getting the sheets tied up, "There are guards all over this place. Come on."
"Yeah," Joe informed him as he glanced around the room, "Security cameras too."
Duncan looked up to see a camera, "Oh."
Joe spoke in a deep Southern accent, "Was nice of you to come by though."
"Hey, don't mention it," Duncan replied before he sat on the bed as Joe leaned back again.
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Tori eyed Richie as they hid behind the walls of the headquarters. They noticed a couple of guards nearby.
"Did you notice one of the guards here is a female?" Richie asked.
"What does that have to do with anything?" Tori interjected.
Before the couple could say anything else, they noticed the guards coming closer towards them. They got their tasers and stunned the two guards that were close to them before they dragged them away and then changed into the guards' attires.
"What do you think?" Richie asked.
"I dunno," Tori answered, "I think we blend in with the guards."
"What now?"
"We go and help Joe the best we can."
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"Duncan MacLeod following you here?" Shapiro stated as both Joe and Duncan stood before him and the rest of the Tribunal, "Oh, this is a real mess, Joe."
"Yeah – kidnapping isn't," Duncan replied.
"We did not kidnap Dawson," Tarvise insisted.
"No, you threw him in a car, threatened his life – what would you call it?" Duncan stated.
"Following our rules," Tarvise answered.
"Joe took the same oath that we all did," Shapiro affirmed, "He swore that under no circumstances – that is no circumstances – was he to reveal our existence to immortals. Yet here you are."
"I'm not your enemy," Duncan stressed.
"Your presence here only proves how dangerous it is for immortals to know we exist," Tarvise chimed in.
"MacLeod is no danger to the Watchers!" Joe exclaimed.
"I'm not so sure about that," Shapiro replied before asking Duncan, "How many others have you told?"
"Only those I trust," Duncan answered.
"Ah, and do you trust all the ones that they told?" Shapiro replied before going in with his explanation, "You see? That's how it starts, Joe, and it ends in death!"
He tosses some photos on the desk, "Detroit, New York, Rome – Those are our brothers and sisters, Joe. They're dead! All killed by immortals!"
He then pointed at Duncan.
"You can't try him for crimes he didn't commit," Duncan stressed, "He's no more responsible for this than you are!"
"He knew what he was doing when he trashed his oath," Shapiro interjected.
"He had no choice," Duncan argued, "I found him."
Two Years Ago
"My friend Darius had been murdered, and the only clue I had to his killers was an ancient book Tori and I found near his body. The book led me to Dawson."
"I'm an antique dealer," Duncan told the elderly man, "I came across this book, but I can't tell much about it."
The man looked at the book, "I'm afraid it's not worth much in this condition."
"Well," Duncan replied, "I'm really just curious."
"Beautiful illustrations," the man noted, "Probably the work of the monks."
"Yeah, perhaps," Duncan replied, "Ever seen it before?"
"No," the man answered before saying, "I might be interested in buying it."
"Really?" Duncan replied, "I thought you said it wasn't worth very much."
"It's for me. I have a weakness for beautiful things."
"I'm sorry. It's not for sale."
"Dawson covered, but he didn't have a chance. It was that book and the other Watchers that gave the game away."
"For as long as your kind's been around," Joe explained, "we've been watching."
"No Immortal have ever discovered you?" Duncan asked.
"Ah, why would they notice another face in the crowd?" Joe proceeded to ask, "I mean, even one as extraordinary as mine?"
"And this?" Duncan asked, holding up Darius' chronicle.
"It's one of our chronicles," Joe answered, "That disappeared five hundred years ago. Somehow, Darius got it. It's, uh, it's part of a record we keep of Immortals."
"So you can hunt us?" Duncan asked.
"No, no," Joe answered, "We observe, we record, but we never interfere."
The Present
"So you took it upon yourself to betray our secret – a secret generations of Watchers have died to protect," Tarvise stated.
"I did what I had to do," Joe argued.
"What you had to do?" Shapiro interjected, "or what you wanted to do?"
"Horton and others were killing immortals," Joe stressed, "If I hadn't told MacLeod, he would have thought all Watchers were murderers."
"The group Horton led were Watchers," Duncan added, "Watchers that were renegades, who wanted to wipe us out of existence. Darius wasn't the first immortal they'd hunted and killed. He wanted to kill every immortal, good or evil, it made no difference to him. He was obsessed."
Three Years Ago
"Who could have done this?" Tori gasped. She eyed something that a part of her wished she didn't; it looked like a decapitated body. It looked like the body belonging to Darius. She cried out in horror as she tapped Duncan's arm to get his attention. Tori clasped her hands to her mouth in shock at the sight.
"Darius!" Duncan screamed as he hurried to his friend's body, "Darius!"
Months Later
"Cut the crap! This is happening right under your nose," Duncan insisted, "You're not stupid – maybe you're just blind."
"Why don't you tell me what I'm supposed to see?" Joe asked.
"How about a softball coach who's running a death squad on the side," Duncan suggested.
"You're talking about James," Joe stated, implying Horton.
"No, I'm talking about Ginga Din," Duncan sarcastically replied before stating, "Don't you get it? Horton killed Darius."
The Present
"What Horton did was irrelevant," Shapiro interjected, "The bottom line is that you betrayed us, Joe."
"What do you mean?" Joe asked.
"I mean that MacLeod became more important to you than your oath, than your duty," Shapiro answered.
"His fight with Killian was part of the Game," Tarvise added, "and you interfered – you used us to interfere."
Months Ago
"Amanda….two immortals go off together," Joe explained as Amanda was pacing his bar, "we both know what happened."
He sighed, "I'm sorry."
"Look, Joe," Amanda replied as she was trying to get him to help her find Killian so she can help Duncan, "I would know if he was dead."
"Killian crossed the line," Joe told the Tribunal, "He wanted to get at MacLeod and he didn't care how many people he killed to do it. He was totally without conscience."
"And if he's not alive, then I want to know where to find Killian," Amanda told him.
"All right," Joe relented, "I'll see what I can find out."
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Henson entered the bar, "Joe Dawson?"
He eyed her as the Watcher walked over to him.
Henson introduced herself, "Andrea Henson. I watch Simon Killian."
"I'm, uh, writing my close up on MacLeod," Joe replied.
"He's not dead," Henson informed him, "They shot him, but Killian didn't take his head. He's locked him in one of those old cells at the abandoned Air Force base."
Joe looked on in awe, surprised at the revelation.
"You didn't know?" Henson asked.
"No. I... I didn't know," Joe answered.
"You're not going to get involved…..are you, Joe?" Henson asked.
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"Get used to your new home, MacLeod," Killian told his prisoner, "No one's used this brig in forty years, and the only one who knows you're down here thinks you're dead."
"So what's my sentence, Colonel, sir?" Duncan asked before he saluted him mockingly.
"Fair is fair," Killian answered, "I did seventy years; you'll do seventy years. Unless, of course, someone takes my head. Then you'll be here forever."
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Duncan sensed the Buzz. As the lock on the shelter door started clicking, Duncan reached up and unscrewed the hanging light bulb, then hid behind a stack of boxes.
Amanda entered the shelter, "My first safe in years."
Duncan rose up from the boxes, "Amanda?"
Amanda smiled before she stepped forward to him, "Duncan."
"What are you doing here?" Duncan asked.
"Did you miss me?" Amanda interjected before she messed with the lock to get the cell door open.
"More than you'll ever know," Duncan answered before he asked, "How did you find me?"
"I had a little help from a friend," Amanda answered before she got the cell door open and Joe entered the room.
"Hello, Mac," Joe said.
The Present
"You've been breaking the rules for years," Shapiro walked over to the table and he laughed, "Not only did you betrayed us, you underestimated us."
There was a pause of silence as neither Duncan or Joe said anything.
"What's the matter, nothing to say?" Shapiro asked. Joe shook his head "no".
"Joe broke his oath because there were things that needed to be done," Duncan interjected. He pulled away from the guards holding him, grabbed a gun from one of them and pointed it at Shapiro before telling the other guard, "Your gun, now, or they die."
"Hey, you're way out of line, MacLeod," Shapiro warned him as the other guard handed his gun over.
"Mac, think about what you're doing," Joe told his friend.
"I am. I'm proving a point," Duncan replied as he pointed the gun at Shapiro and asked, "Are you telling me it would've been better if he had stayed out of it? If he'd let immortals like Ward and Barnes keep on killing? Huh?"
Duncan put down the second gun before holding Travise at gun point, "How many men could you see die before you did something about it? Before you stopped it? You think Barnes would have thanked you?"
Two Years Ago
Duncan watched the medics load the gurney into the ambulance before he saw Joe nearby and confronted him, "I thought I told you not to follow me."
"You found Father Morton," Joe replied.
"Yeah, but not before Barnes did," Duncan interjected, "I want his files, Dawson."
"It's being printed," Joe informed him, "Josh should be on his way with it by now."
"It might keep someone else alive," Duncan stated before getting in his T-bird and driving away.
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"Yeah, hold on one second," Richie said into the phone before he turned to Duncan, "It's for you, Mac."
"Dawson?" Duncan asked before he took the phone.
"Yeah," Richie answered.
"What do you got?" Duncan asked as he was on the phone with Joe.
"He killed Singer last night," Joe answered.
"Yeah, tell me something I don't know."
"I think we found him."
"Go on."
"That old asylum out past Route 3?"
"Yeah, I know it."
"I'd like to be able to do more, MacLeod."
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"Duncan, if you care about me," Michael yelled, "you're going to have to kill Barnes now!"
"Forgive me, my friend," Duncan raised his katana, "I have a promise to keep."
Barnes growled before Duncan beheaded Michael.
"If it wasn't for Dawson, I wouldn't have been able to stop Nicholas Ward."
Months Later
"Knock, knock," Joe greeted Duncan as he stepped out from the fog.
"What did you find out?" Duncan asked.
"Well, the Parisian police think they might have a serial killer," Joe answered, "They can't be sure, but three men all about the same age have been murdered."
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Duncan entered the house and heard dial tone beeping. He looked over to find Peter strangled by the phone cord.
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Ward swung for the beheading blow, but Duncan blocked it, slashed Ward across the chest, and knocked the sword from his hand.
"Not great enough," Duncan told him.
"Everyone's a critic," Ward muttered before Duncan beheaded him and took his quickening.
The Present
"All right. All right, MacLeod," Shapiro replied, "All right."
Duncan stood down, and tossed the guns back to the ground.
"You see, that rule book," Joe told the Tribunal as Shapiro removed his glasses, "it looks a lot different out in the street than it does down here."
"So you made up your own rules," Tarvise stated, "and now you will suffer the penalty prescribed in our code."
"Which is?" Duncan asked.
"They're going to blow my brains out tomorrow," Joe answered, "Tradition. You gotta love it."
"You can't do that!" Duncan exclaimed.
"Do you think this is easy for me?" Shapiro asked.
"How many times have you, or any of you, been out there facing what he faces?" Duncan interjected, "Feeling what he feels?"
"This is not about his feelings," Shapiro stressed as he shown the papers to his face, "This is about justice."
"Then if you want justice, let his peers judge him!" Duncan interjected, "People like him. People who have been forced to stand by and do nothing, watch innocents die because your rule book says record and do nothing!"
"You are not part of this organization," Tarvise told the Highlander, "You have no right to a voice here."
"Then who speaks for Dawson?" Duncan asked.
No answered.
"You don't want a trial," Duncan stated, "You don't want justice. You just want an excuse to commit murder."
"Now just…." Tarvise started to say.
Shapiro raised his hand, "Stop it."
Tarvise returned to his desk.
"Is this what you want, Joe?" Shapiro asked.
"Jack, I don't want any of this," Joe answered, "but yeah, I want a jury."
Joe and Duncan looked on as Shapiro and Tarvise were whispering to one another.
Moments later, Shapiro nodded, looking over at the pair, "All right. All right. You'll have your jury, but only if you're judged with him, MacLeod. If he's found guilty, you're found guilty. If he dies….you die."
Joe looked over at Duncan, "Mac, please don't do it."
"Agreed?" Shapiro asked Duncan.
"Agreed," Duncan answered.
Joe looked at Duncan, then looked away.
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Duncan looked at the blue teddy bear, "I'm not your enemy."
He then responded as the bear, "Your prescence here only proves how dangerous it is for immortals to know we exist. Ha – ha – ha – ha."
Duncan punched the bear in the nose before it squeaked and he threw the bear across the room.
"I'm a little tired of this decor in here," Duncan said as he looked around the room before he lifted a nearby tablecloth to reveal a hidden microphone, "I think it's time to redecorate."
He pulled the microphone free and tossed it to Joe, "Here. Lip synch something, will you?"
Joe sighed before he asked, "A little late for this, isn't it?"
"Better late than never," Duncan answered before he pulled the security camera down from the wall, "So how much do they know?"
"Enough," Joe explained, "I've been doctoring the reports for awhile now. You know, just leaving out what I don't want them to know."
He sighed again, "Jack was right. I underestimated them. I was watching you and they were watching me. Mac, you've got to distance yourself from me."
"I thought you liked me," Duncan stated.
"Come on, man, this is your life!" Joe exclaimed, "I dug this hole for myself."
"No, you didn't dig it alone," Duncan argued, "If we're getting out of here, we get out together."
Suddenly, a guard entered the room, "Very funny. Privacy isn't an option here, MacLeod."
"Sure you don't want to reconsider?" Joe asked.
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Galati came up behind a young man as he exited a pub, "Hi. You're assigned to Duncan MacLeod, aren't you?"
"I don't know what you're talking about," the young man replied.
"It's okay, it's all right," Galati assured him, "I'm one of you, see?"
He raised his hand, and showed his Watcher tattoo on his wrist, "I just got transferred in from South Africa. Jacob Galati."
"David Shapiro," the young man introduced himself before he shook Galati's hand, "It's funny. There's an immortal named Jacob Galati."
"I know, and he just killed you," Galati declared before he flicked his switchblade, stabbed David and rubbed the fake tattoo off his wrist with an alcohol wipe.
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Richie looked on as he and Tori were sneaking their way to find Joe.
"Ah, man," he stated, "this is like one of those spy movies, or even something like The Man from UNCLE, or….."
"If you dare to mention Totally Spies, I swear to God," Tori warned her boyfriend, "That show brings shame to France and rips off those shows and Charlie's Angels, among other things."
"I wasn't going to even dare," Richie chuckled.
Suddenly, they both sensed the Buzz.
"We've got company," Tori declared.
"You've got that right."
The couple turned to see Methos standing nearby.
"Methos, what are you doing here?" Richie asked.
"Saw an opening, and thought you might want a fellow immortal to help out," Methos answered.
"I have a feeling we'll need all the help we can get," Tori replied.
"I wasn't able to enter through the main gate," Methos stated, "so, I gotta thank you two for allowing me to come here."
Richie nodded, "It's no problem."
Suddenly, six guards surrounded the three immortals.
"Stay where you are," one of the guards ordered, "and drop your weapons."
"Do we really need to do this?" Richie asked.
"You can either do this the easy way, or we can do this the hard way," the second guard suggested.
"We better do what they say," Methos suggested.
Tori and Richie dropped their weapons.
"Needless to say, our mission's a bust," Richie stated.
"For right now," Tori nodded.
"Address your business," another guard told the group.
"If you want the truth," Richie stated, "We're here to testify on Joe Dawson's behalf."
"He's right." Tori sighed.
"We'll see if they'll let you," the first guard replied before the six guards manhandled Richie, Tori and Methos.
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"Boy, they pulled out all the stops," Joe stated as five watchers were seated at the side of the room while he and Duncan looked on.
"Your fan club?" Duncan asked.
"Nah, the regional coordinators," Joe answered, "South Africa, Asia – Wow. South America, Australia, Europe. The big shots."
"Oh. Glad to see we're a hot ticket," Duncan replied.
"Good morning, Jack," Joe greeted Shapiro as he entered the room, "I trust you slept well."
"I slept like hell," Shapiro replied, "How about you?"
"Like a baby."
Shapiro told Tarvise, "It's time."
Tarvise stood up, and began his opening statement, "Joseph Dawson has admitted that he breached our secret, that he told MacLeod who we are and what we do. That is a matter of record, but what I am about to show you is evidence of the worst crime that a Watcher can commit."
He held up a sheaf of papers, "Falsified reports. Chronicles that will leave lies in the record. All this to cover up his own agenda."
Tarvise then told Joe, "You reported that MacLeod killed the immortal Throne because of an ancient grudge between them, right?"
Joe nodded.
"But you omitted a rather important detail," Tarvise said, "Thorne killed a woman named Lauren Gayle, your lover."
"She wasn't robbed," Joe replied, "She wasn't raped. Someone just opened the door and killed her."
Months Ago
Joe stepped out of his car, looking forward to see his girlfriend, whistling with contentment. He walked over to the doorway and knocked on the door, "Lauren."
No answer.
"Lauren?" he called out again.
Again, no answer. Joe rattled the doorknob, trying to get in. Seconds later, he saw a man strangling Lauren.
"Lauren!" Joe yelled from outside, "Lauren! No!"
He used his cane to beat on the door window, "Lauren! Lauren!"
The attacker dropped Lauren's lifeless body on the floor as Joe broke through the window.
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Joe sighed, "I didn't even get a look at the bastard's face."
"You did what you could," Duncan assured his friend.
"Yeah? Well, that was not enough!" Joe exclaimed, "Do you know what that feels like?"
"Yes," Duncan answered calmly.
"Do you?"
"Yes, I do."
"Well, then do something for me."
"Whatever you need."
Joe looked at Duncan, "You help me find this son of a bitch."
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"Thorne," Joe motioned to the stolen items, "Is this what this is about? Tell me, is this what you killed Lauren for? For these – these things?"
He raised his cane to strike the table.
"No!" Thorne exclaimed before he ran towards Joe and knocked him down.
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Joe was loading his revolver.
"You can't kill him with that, Joe," Duncan told his friend.
"I know," Joe replied, "but I can sure as hell slow him down until I can."
"You won't get close enough to use it," Duncan insisted, "Let me do this….for the both of us."
The Present
"I would've fought Thorne anyway," Duncan insisted to the jury, "Dawson didn't change that."
"But you admit you interfered," Tarvise told Joe.
"I admit I loved her," Joe affirmed, "I admit I am a human being. If you want me to apologize for that, you can all go to hell."
The door opened and Duncan sensed the Buzz.
Duncan and Joe exchanged a look. They looked as a guard went to the Tribune and whispered to Shapiro.
"All right," Shapiro approved the request.
"Pierson for the defense," Joe muttered under his breath, "Perfect."
They looked on in surprise as not only was Methos present in the room, but Richie and Tori were as well.
Duncan's eyes widened in surprise, "Richie, Tori."
Tori and Richie eyed Duncan and gave him a respectful nod. He returned the favor.
"Who are you?" Shapiro asked the trio.
"My name is Adam Pierson," Methos answered, "I'm a researcher."
"My name is Richie Ryan, sir," Richie introduced himself, "and you might as well know my girlfriend and I are immortals too."
"And I am the girlfriend," Tori added in, "My name is Tori Gordon, related to the renown Flash Gordon."
"We don't need the opinions of researchers," Tarvise replied.
"And there are more immortals who know about us?" Shapiro chimed in, "You are seriously in a hole, Dawson."
"Give me a break!" Richie exclaimed, "Dawson here has done more good for us than you can expect!"
"He's right," Tori added, "Joe saved our lives when Duncan MacLeod was under the influence of the dark quickening."
"He shot MacLeod before he could take my head," Richie chimed in, "If it wasn't for Joe Dawson, I'd be dead."
Months Ago
Tori and Richie both sensed the Buzz, and turned to see Duncan enter the dojo.
"Mac," Tori spoke up first.
"You okay?" Richie asked.
"Yeah," Duncan answered, "I'm fine."
"We were getting a little worried about you," Tori stated.
"You were?" Duncan asked, "Why?"
"Well, you found Coltec," Richie stated.
"Yeah," Duncan replied, "I found him."
"We know how much you like the guy," Tori stated.
"We're sorry," Richie added.
"You're sorry," Duncan glanced at the pair.
"Yeah, well," Richie said, "you did what you had to do, but I know how much you hated it."
"Hated it?" Duncan flashed an evil smile, "You're wrong."
He drawn out his katana and slashed Richie across the chest, "I loved it."
"Mac?" Tori glanced in shock.
Richie backed away, "What are you doing, Mac?"
"You're a smart little boy," Duncan stated, "Why don't you figure it out?"
He attacked again, prompting Richie to defend himself. Duncan gave Richie's leg a cut as he toyed with him. Tori gasped in shock and she prepared to get out her Tachi to fight.
"Aht! Aht! Aht!" Duncan grabbed Tori by her hair, making her drop her sword, "You know the rules, girl. Not two against one."
"Mac, what the hell are you doing?!" Richie exclaimed in more shock.
Ignoring him, Duncan eyed Tori with lust, "You have some nice honkers, and I'll have my fun with you, honkers and all, after I have taken your boyfriend's head."
"Leave her out of this!" Richie exclaimed, defending himself as Duncan resumed his duel with him.
Tori shook in a mix of anger and fear as she backed to a wall, grabbing a nearby railing.
"Whatever happened, Mac," Richie insisted, "we can work it out."
"Sorry," Duncan replied, "wrong number."
He attacked again, gave Richie's shoulder a cut before bowing mockingly. Then the two men fought before Duncan cut Richie again, smacked a kiss on top of his head, and finally disarmed him.
"Just tell me why," Richie pleaded in worry and asked, "The teacher kills the pupil? Is that what this is all about? Is it because there can be only one? Is that it?"
Duncan laughed before answering, "That's as good a reason as any."
"No!" Tori yelled in worry, unable to contain her worry any longer.
"Yes," Duncan smirked before he raised his sword, preparing to behead Richie. Suddenly, Duncan was shot multiple times before he fell to the ground, dead.
Tori followed Richie's glance and they saw Joe, who pulled the trigger. Then, she hurried to Richie's side and helped him up as Joe walked over to them.
"Are you two all right?" he asked them.
"Yeah," Richie answered.
"Thanks to you," Tori added.
"Aw, Joe, what the hell," Richie stated in disbelief, "He tried to kill me, and there was no telling what he was going to do to Tori afterwards."
"Just get out of here," Joe insisted, "both of you."
"You saw what he did, Joe," Richie glanced over at Duncan's body.
"He's right," Tori added, following her boyfriend's glance, "we have to help him."
"Don't you get it?" Joe stressed, "This is not MacLeod. Not the one we knew. This man is not your friend."
"Joe?!" Tori exclaimed in shock.
"Oh, Joe," Richie added.
"And when he comes to," Joe spoke up, overriding them both, "he'll take your head, Richie, and there's no telling what he will do to Tori before he does the same to her!"
Richie saw Tori close to hyperventilating. They both knew it was true as they picked up their swords.
"What about you?" Richie asked.
"Will he…." Tori started to ask.
"There's nothing in it for him," Joe answered, "I'm not immortal. No quickening."
To both Tori and Richie, they feel it was not to hope on as Joe himself wasn't convinced.
"Please, go," Joe insisted before Richie or Tori could object, "please!"
"Okay," Richie finally relented.
"Please."
"Damn it!" Richie exclaimed before he left.
Tori eyed Joe as she took a deep breath. She was relieved that Richie was okay, but she was now angry with Duncan, in fact she was shaking, but if this was this Dark Quickening they heard about, she wanted Joe to give the Highlander an important warning. She walked over to the Watcher.
"Tori?" Joe eyed her, slightly confused.
"If this happens to be the Dark Quickening you mentioned," Tori told him, "and he does come out of it somehow, you tell Duncan MacLeod if he ever pulls a stunt like that again, I won't hesitate next time. He goes. I won't hesitate to take him out, got it?"
Joe nodded, "Clear and loud, and don't worry, I'll tell him."
"Good," Tori nodded before turning to leave, joining Richie.
The Present
"There's not much else for Richie or myself to say from here," Tori concluded her statement, "Joe is a trusted ally, even if he wasn't following your precious rules."
"Even if MacLeod was under the influence of the Dark Quickening," Tarvise spoke up, "he still interfered."
"Are you two through?" Shapiro asked.
"Yes," Tori answered.
"There's nothing else to say," Richie added.
"Take them out," Shapiro told the guards.
The guards manhandled the couple out of the room.
"They did try," Joe told Duncan, "They really did."
"As for me," Methos spoke up, "I didn't come to give you an opinion. I came to give you this."
He handed Shapiro a leather bound volume, "I found that in an Italian library, misfiled as a fairy tale. It's the private journal of a Watcher, a Methos Watcher."
"Watchers don't keep journals," Tarvise stated.
"Well, this one had to," Methos replied, "You see, he found out a great deal about his subject, and the more he discovered, the more he came to like him. To – to admire him."
"I know there's a point somewhere here, son," Shapiro stated.
"They became friends, but because of our rules, he couldn't put that in his report," Methos explained, "Think about it. The man knew Methos, but – what stories they must have shared, what histories we might know, if we didn't force men like him, and Joe Dawson, to hide what they have learnt, and how many others? How much more knowledge has been lost to us? I say let friendship thrive. Let him record all he has learned. Learn."
"Are you through?" Shapiro asked.
"Yes, sir," Methos answered.
Shapiro then motioned the guards, who then manhandled Methos out of the room.
"If a true version of history isn't what you're after, think of the good that's come of Dawson bending your rules," Duncan insisted.
"Dead immortals? Murdered watchers?" Shapiro asked.
"If it wasn't for Dawson," Duncan answered, "Horton would still be killing immortals now, and everything you stood for would've been destroyed. If we hadn't worked together, Kalas would've revealed both our secrets to the world. Joe didn't tell him about the watchers, yet he found out about it anyway, and he didn't hesitate to use you in any way he could. He wanted power over me, and you gave it to him."
One Year Ago
"Try again," Kalas didn't accept the answer as he touched the metal rods to Roger's arms, causing a blue spark of electricity between them. Roger screamed and jerked violently.
"Why were you following me?" Kalas asked again. Roger refused to answer, prompting him to reply, "I think it's going to be a very long night."
He held the metal rods near Roger's head.
"I... I... I'm your Watcher," Roger finally answered.
Kalas stepped back, "My Watcher, and that's supposed to mean something to me?"
"Immortals," Roger explained, "We know what you are. We've been observing you for centuries."
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"I want MacLeod," Kalas told Joe on the phone.
Joe looked at Duncan while on the phone, "He's not here."
"Then find him!" Kalas insisted, "That's what you Watchers do, isn't it, and tell him to meet me tonight, otherwise we're all on CNN."
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"One of your people created a database. Immortals, their watchers – everything on computer. Kalas had it, and he was ready to use it," Duncan told the Tribunal.
Duncan stabbed Kalas, "Hear that, Kalas? That's the fat lady singing."
He pulled his sword out, and swung at Kalas' sword, breaking the blade.
"If that information had gotten out, none of us would've been safe: Watchers, Immortals – everything would have been destroyed."
"You have me at a disadvantage, MacLeod," Kalas declared, "but remember, if you do kill me, you're finished too."
"Maybe it's worth it if it rids the world of you," Duncan replied.
"Stay noble, MacLeod," Kalas said, "It's what you're good at."
He threw his broken sword aside, "Do it!"
Lighting and thunder erupted around them.
"The Eiffel Tower," Duncan declared, "the world's biggest lighting rod."
The Present
"If I didn't know MacLeod," Joe told the Tribunal, "we didn't work together, Kalas would have told the world about all of us."
"Oh no, Joe, you can't chicken and egg this thing," Shapiro interjected, "Maybe if you didn't know MacLeod, Kalas wouldn't have found the disk. The only thing that's clear here is that you trashed your oath."
"His oath? His oath?" Duncan argued, "I've spent my entire existence fighting other immortals. Men who hold life cheap. I live – no, I survive…..because I value life."
He pointed to the jury members, "Yours, and yours, and even his."
He pointed at Shapiro upon the last line before he continued, "If you value Joe Dawson's life less than you value a set of rules, then you become as unprincipled and as evil as the men I fight, because like them you lose all your humanity."
"Excuse me, Mr. Shapiro?" a woman approached the watcher before handing him a note and leaving the room.
"Maybe we've got a shot," Joe told Duncan quietly.
"You know them better than I do," Duncan replied quietly.
Shapiro read the note, "This trial is over. Another watcher has been killed."
The jury reacted, murmuring.
"Who?" Joe asked.
"It was my son, MacLeod," Shapiro answered, his voice breaking, "He was Dawson's replacement. Your new Watcher."
"I'm sorry, but I had nothing to do with it," Duncan insisted.
"Jack, you can't blame him for this," Joe added.
"No! Not alone," Shapiro replied, "I blame you. The jury will withdraw to consider the verdict."
Nadia, the Eastern Europe Watcher, stood up and declared, "We don't have to withdraw. We find them guilty as charged."
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"Well, how about a smoke?" Duncan asked as he entered the room with Joe at gunpoint, "Oh, come on. You guys are big on tradition. Every condemned man gets a cigarette."
He suddenly busted into action, grabbing the two guards' guns and taking both men out before facing Joe, "Come on! Let's go!"
"Sorry, MacLeod," Joe declined.
"Duncan grabbed the keyring off the guard, "Come on. What are you talking about? We're not dead yet. We will be if we stay here. Come on! Let's go!"
"You go," Joe replied, "I'm, I'm staying."
"What are you talking about?" Duncan asked, surprised.
He then faced Joe, who said, "I knew the deal when I signed on. I knew the risks if I broke the rules."
"Joe, they're going to put a bullet in your head tomorrow," Duncan stressed, "and you won't be coming back."
"I'm guilty, MacLeod," Joe argued.
"Of what?"
"I believed in the oath I took. I lived half my life by it!"
"Oh, you're as bad as they are."
"I'm a Watcher."
"Joe, they're going to kill you," Duncan stressed, "They've made up their minds."
"So have I," Joe interjected.
Duncan grabbed him, "I'm not letting you stay here!"
"Please, MacLeod!" Joe exclaimed.
"Joe, is it worth your life?" Duncan asked.
"Please," Joe softly said.
Duncan let go of Joe, and stepped back, "Come on. It's your last chance. Come on."
Joe didn't move from where he stood. Duncan tossed him the keyring, "If you change your mind."
"Say goodbye to Richie and Tori for me," Joe told the Highlander.
Duncan nodded.
"Goodbye, Duncan MacLeod," Joe said to him as Duncan left the room, "and good luck."
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"Damn him," Duncan was pacing past Methos' car, turned and faced the other direction, "Setting himself up like that, waiting to die. He'll go down without a word."
"It sounds like that's the way he wants it," Methos replied.
"So, that's it, isn't it?" Richie asked, "Joe is going to die, and there's nothing we can do about it?!"
"I'm afraid so, hot shot," Tori answered before she sighed and stated, "It wouldn't be the first time the IUA failed in a mission."
"Well, what did he expect me to do, stay there and die with him?" Duncan asked.
"Well, I wouldn't, Mac," Richie answered, "I wouldn't even let him stay there!"
"He made up his mind, Richie," Duncan stressed.
"You need a vacation, MacLeod," Methos spoke up, "I hear New Zealand's very nice this time of year."
"Look, you did your best, I did my best, and even they did their best," Duncan said as he gestured towards Methos, then himself, then to Tori and Richie, "If he wants to sit there like a – like a lamb going to the slaughter, then let him. There's nothing else to do. I'm not going back for him."
"No," Methos replied, "Wouldn't be sensible."
Tori nodded and Richie sighed roughly before he looked down. They appeared to be resigned about this.
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Joe walked over the courtyard where he was going to be executed. This wasn't how he expected his life to end, much less how he wanted his life to end, but this was the price he had to pay for breaking his oath.
Shapiro approached Joe, "Joseph."
"You smell that, Jack," Joe asked before he inhaled, "The rosemary. Nasturtiums. They're out early this year. It's going to be a beautiful summer."
Shapiro nodded sadly, "Last request?"
"Yeah," Joe answered, "I'd like to die of old age."
"It's not my choice, Joe," Shapiro told him, "I hope you believe that. It's a question of principle."
"Principle's not going to give the order to shoot, Jack," Joe interjected, "You are. There is something you can do for me. Pull the trigger, buddy."
He looked at Tarvise, "I hate that putz."
Tarvise chuckled, "Jack?"
He took out a gun and Shapiro walked over to him. Tarvise informed him, "It's time."
He then handed the gun to him. Shapiro then looked at the gun before he handed it back, "You're going to have to do this. I can't."
He then proceeded to leave.
"Jack, say hello to Shirley and the girls for me," Joe called out before he said to himself as Shapiro left, "I don't blame you, buddy. I wouldn't want you to watch this either."
Joe looked on a bit before he said, "All right, Charlie, move your ass. I got an appointment to keep."
Tarvise tapped Joe on the shoulder, "On your knees."
Joe chuckled, "Not in this lifetime."
Tarvise cocked the hand gun and pointed it at the back of Joe's head. Joe crossed himself in the process.
Suddenly, Joe heard a barrage of gunshots. It wasn't such him being hit from what he could tell and he blacked out.
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"You two didn't have to come," Duncan said as Tori and Richie were right behind him after Duncan parked near the entrance.
"We owe Joe," Richie insisted, "He saved our lives, and he's our friend too."
"Richie's right," Tori added.
The three immortals walked to the front gate warily. They saw that the gates were ajar, and Duncan pushed them open with a frown. They found the gate guard lying dead with a wire wrapped around his throat as a motorcyclist drove off before they could do anything.
"What now?" Richie asked.
"We gotta find Joe," Tori answered. Duncan nodded before they hurried to the courtyard.
"Oh my God!" Tori cried out as the three immortals saw bodies sprawled on the grass. They looked to see Joe.
"No, no, no, no, no," Tori cried as her hand clasped to her mouth as tears fell down her face.
"It can't be," Richie tearfully added in, comforting his girlfriend, "Joe. It can't be."
Duncan knelt besides Joe, and felt for a pulse, "Joe? Joe!"
To Be Continued...
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Author's Commentary:
"What do you think?" Richie asked.
"I dunno," Tori answered, "I think we blend in with the guards."
"What now?"
"We go and help Joe the best we can."
I thought it would be interesting to see the IUA try to help Joe, hence Tori and Richie are tasked to try to help Joe and take part of the trial along with Methos.
"Did you miss me?" Amanda interjected before she messed with the lock to get the cell door open.
"More than you'll ever know," Duncan answered before he asked, "How did you find me?"
"I had a little help from a friend," Amanda answered before she got the cell door open and Joe entered the room.
"Hello, Mac," Joe said.
All these scenes are from the Season 4 episode "The Colonel." While Duncan and Joe did make amends in this episodes, I didn't cover this episode, but I don't think it'll be in the Lost Tales.
"Duncan, if you care about me," Michael yelled, "you're going to have to kill Barnes now!"
"Forgive me, my friend," Duncan raised his katana, "I have a promise to keep."
Barnes growled before Duncan beheaded Michael.
These scenes are from the Season 2 episode "Turnabout", the episode before the life altering episode that was "The Darkness", and also the same episode Charlie Desalvo debuted in. Unlike "The Colonel", however, I am actually debating on whether or not to include this episode, along with "Studies in Light", in the upcoming side story featuring the lost tales.
"Everyone's a critic," Ward muttered before Duncan beheaded him and took his Quickening.
This episode was from the Season 2 episode "The Vampire" and as Tori and Richie were with the Defenders during that time, this episode will not be in the lost files. I think this flashback is good enough here.
"Address your business," another guard told the group.
"If you want the truth," Richie stated, "We're here to testify on Joe Dawson's behalf."
"He's right." Tori sighed.
"We'll see if they'll let you," the first guard replied before the six guards manhandled Richie, Tori and Methos.
Harry2 pointed out that this scene was somewhat similar to the Wandererverse story "Calling out the Clan", Part 3 of that story, which I thought was a good point.
This scene was a set up to Richie and Tori being at the trial with Methos and seeing Duncan for the first time since the dark quickening ordeal.
"I want MacLeod," Kalas told Joe on the phone.
Joe looked at Duncan while on the phone, "He's not here."
"Then find him!" Kalas insisted, "That's what you Watchers do, isn't it, and tell him to meet me tonight, otherwise we're all on CNN."
This, ladies and gentlemen, is a deleted scene from the Season 3 arc finale. I failed to write this little bit in for whatever reason, but I have it here now.
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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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