DCH 6
Defenders Chronicles: Highlander
By AmandaDoE
Chapter Six: Swift Action
Tori was walking down the streets in Seacouver. It had been a couple of weeks since she had first became immortal. Things have been unusually quiet. She had expected to run across an immortal or Duncan but that had yet to happen, which didn't really make sense.
Today, out of the clear blue, Tori had gotten a text message from Richie saying that Mac wanted to meet with her. Maybe things would take an interesting turn. Maybe he knew she was immortal. Who was she kidding? Of course, Duncan knew, at least he would know upon sensing her with this thing that Amanda described as the Buzz. The Buzz was something that happened when an immortal sensed another immortal. Tori couldn't help but to wonder if Duncan always knew if she was immortal before the changes.
Tori perked up. She got a strange feeling. It was like she could sense something somehow, but not by the usual human means. There was an odd presence in her mind, something that urged her to be alert. This must be the Buzz Amanda told me about.
A car pulled up and she saw Duncan and Richie. The former eyed. "We need to talk."
"Yeah." Tori nodded. "I think we do."
She got in the car with her friends before Duncan drove to the antique store and met up with Tessa at the loft.
"So, what's going on?" Tessa proceeded to ask.
"It's time to have a meeting with our new ally, Tori," Duncan stated.
"Ally?!" Richie and Tessa exclaimed in unison.
"It's okay," Tori assured the two. "I already know about MacLeod and immortals. As a matter of fact, I am one."
"You're immortal now?" Richie asked.
She paused a moment. This still felt weird. "I am," she said. "It happened after right my aunt was buried. That's when I met my teacher. She saved me from being beheaded by the guy who caused my first death."
"Yikes," Richie muttered.
"We're just glad you're okay," Tessa told her.
"Thanks," Tori said. "You need to know that there's more to me than just your average immortal."
"What do you mean?" Tessa asked.
"You're related to Flash Gordon, is that right?" Richie asked. "His niece?"
"That's what I told you when we first met," Tori answered. "I work at a place called the Intergalactic Union Agency, or IUA for short, and I'm good with technology, computers, and weapons, like my cousins."
Tessa and Richie looked impressed.
"Tori," Duncan said, "I wonder if you'd be willing to help us out sometime."
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Richie took a seat beside Tori's stool, watching as she slipped a thin headpiece on. An hour ago, near the antique store, they had both witnessed the end of a skirmish, right after they had come back from a walk. Tessa had been taken by unknown thugs, Duncan was heading to rescue her. Tori was providing remote assistance, and Richie felt a need to help out somehow.
The girl had made a lot of progress already.
"So let me make sure I've got everything right..." He was amazed by the skill she'd displayed — and maybe just a little bit irked as well. "You hacked your way into traffic cameras, tracked the villains to their secret lair...and now you're gonna hack their camera too?"
Tori frowned a tad. "They don't have a camera set up in there." It sounded like she'd finally reached her limits.
"Ah!" he uttered, triumphantly. "So even Slick Vic knows defeat at times."
Tori stroked her temple. She stared at the ceiling. "You keep talking to me like you hope that I'll fail — as though you think I'm utterly perfect or something."
Richie squirmed a bit. "I didn't say that."
"When I was a girl, little kids resented me for being 'too smart.' You seem to have the same maturity as some of them."
Richie turned away, regretting his words. He tended to speak before he thought sometimes. "Listen...Tor..."
"Hold on." She paused. "I've locked in on their signal."
"I thought you said they didn't have a camera in there."
"We can't watch the guys, but we can still hear them."
He folded his arms. "And how, exactly, are we going to do that?"
"Via the device that I planted on one." Tori moved back and sat the headpiece down. "I'm putting their discussion on speakerphone."
Within a few seconds, Richie could hear all the targets talking.
"Der MacLeod-Pfad führt nach Thailand," one of them said.
Richie scowled a little. "I don't speak Italian."
"It's actually German."
"I don't speak that either."
"No problem. I do."
He flinched in surprise.
"They said that the trail leads to Thailand." She stood.
"So let's catch 'em now, before they can leave."
"Hold on, hotshot..." She settled his wrist. "We might want to see where they lead us first. That way, we may nail the rest of their crew. I'm going to go and give my mother a call."
"Okay," Richie added. "I'll update MacLeod."
"Right." Tori nodded.
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Tori stood with Richie right across from her mother. The thugs were caught, and Tessa was safe. That had been the easy part of her day. This would likely prove a little tougher, though. She wanted to make this report alone, but Richie had been asked to attend as well. She really hoped that he would follow protocol.
Janet cupped her hands just on top of her desk, scowling as she studied Richie's lax demeanor. His head was to the side. A hand was in his pocket. He wasn't honoring the formalities.
Tori heaved a chuckle, then leaned toward her friend. "Arms held straight. Chin held high."
"Right!" he muttered, adjusting himself.
Janet made a nod. "I wanted to commend both of you on your work."
"Thanks, Jammin' Janet," he said with a smile.
Tori closed her eyes, stroking her brow.
"You will address me as 'leader,' Richard, even when you aren't really working for me."
He cleared his throat. "Sorry. Leader."
Tori looked aside.
"I'll say it with honor," Richie continued. "I've heard a whole lot of good things about you.
"Unfortunately, I can't report the same."
Richie squirmed a bit.
"But I certainly hope that will change in time," Janet revealed, "especially if you plan to socialize with my daughter."
Tori took a breath. "Are we all done now?"
Janet stared a moment. "You both are dismissed."
Tori turned to leave. Richie followed her.
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Notes: Story by AmandaDoE. Co-written by James.
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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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