Oh, and for Highlander fans, I'm sorry, but, in the future parts, I think I will place this fic in an alternate universe, because it could involve the notion of gathering and I don't want two of my favorite characters fighting ang killing each other at the end. Let's say that most of the immortals from the movie and the serie are dead, I'll tell you how, maybe .... Note: AU: Augur is away and Street never took his place. So who do you think will ?

.........

An other awful hard and boring day had passed and Liam, on this late, cold and windy evening, was walking through the deserted streets to his apartment, above the Flat Planet Cafe. Naturally, he could have used a car or even taken a shuttle for the night. He was responsible for these from the Embassy, and nobody, and especially no Volunteer, who worked under his orders, would have dared make any comment in front of him.
But, tonight, he needed to think alone, along with the calming and hypnotic rhythm of his shoes against the hard walkway. Since the day he was born, he had had really few hours for himself and therefor loved those minutes he took to come back home after all his duties had been taken care of.
Today was no exception : boring, exhausting ... After protecting all day long his Companion,Da'an, who had visited the new hospital, negotiated scientific exchanges with the President's specialists, argued reprobatively with him and reported menacingly to Zo'or about the new research lead in the moonbase, he had finally been dismissed. A normal Protector would have then come back home with an hour of paperwork to do. But Liam had other priorities : meeting with Renée and the heads of the North American Resistance cell in order to prepare the next attack against a Taelon secret facility in wich human children and teenagers, orphan or runaways, were implanted with MI in order to become the perfect soldiers against the Jaridians.They were all meant to die soon or to be used in geneticall manipulations. They had determined they would free them all next week, in three days. It was past midnight when he could flee from the Liberation HQ to get the much needed sleep he hoped he would have in a few minutes.
He felt tired, physically and emotionally. He couldn't remember a time when he could freely and simply live as the very young child he really was should have, protected, loved by his parents and siblings, laughing happily without any sorrows and dark thoughts, safe from any danger and treachery, loving and trusting everyone.... Liam had lost the comfort of his family the day he was born. He had lost his friend to death and distrust. He had lost his personal dreams to his duties and his hope to help Humanity against all the dark plans of desperate Taelons like Zo'or or T'than. This was for that only that he was going on living.
He felt more and more often lonely, disquieted and sad. If only he had but a friend, a confident, a brother with whom he did not need to conceal this simple truth that was his identity, his very unique nature, his wonderfull and yet terrifying abilities he tried so hard to restrain behind his humanity but, he knew it, powers that were still there, ready to resurface anytime. Understanding, friendship, kinship, that was all he wanted. Was it to much to ask the world for all he did for them ? And was he receving anything from anyone near him ? Of course not !
It was a very frustrated and depressed Liam who reached the back door of his apartment: he was definitively not up to any kind of socialisation in the club downstairs. When Augur had been there, he had come to the bar to talk to him, drink a coktail and spend loose time with his appointed big brother. Of course, there had also been Maya and other young men and women, merely acquaintances, he exchanged a few worlds with. But not much else. He could possess the memories of his three parents and the knowledge of the entire universe in a corner of his brain, but his inner self, the Liam that did not rely on all that, was but a shy child who would not satisfy himself with those meaningless enconters and chattings. He therefor frequently, since Augur was on the run, went back home directly, not even passing through the noisy and populated club.
All he was eager for now was his bed and rest. After getting undressed, indulging himself with a long hot and comforting shower, and sliding in his pajamas, he layed down in bed, wrapped in his old blanket, and fell quickly asleep from exhaustion.
With days such as those he had, sleeping was certainly not a problem for Liam. But he had made weird dreams, (or should he say nigntmares ?), for the past month. He didn't clearly remember what it was about the morning after but little impressions of confusion and maybe personnal and universal hope stayed with him all day long. He couldn't even determinate if it was really his imagination or his genetical memories that provided him with such a serie of chaotic pictures, sounds and words. But he only wished he could understand the meaning of what he considered more and more like a message from his destiny, his future or his past melted together.
Tonight, as the preceding ones, Liam had not to wait very long to start receiving the first waves of the dream. They came in short flash of pictures bombarding his brain. First a ball of fire falling down the sky and hitting the ground in a devastating impact. Then Strandhill and its stones, the theatre of a religious ceremony in costumes and attitudes that seemed thouthand of years old: a woman was lead by prietress and druids in the center of the stones were a big light was shining so blindly that Liam couldn't say what was its origin. After that, the picture of a new born baby, a little boy, alone, abandonned on the grass, in a dark blanket. An other flash showing undistinctly the face of a young man, brown haired, white skinned, hazel eyed, but which other details Liam could not see. Then came the final picture, terrifying and oppressive : prisonner of the ball, falling down in darkness, great pressure against each inch of his skin, illness and general weakness, mental and telepathic impressions of lightenings, of violence and death from an other being, faraway but strongly linked to him. Then, this image fading, from the night came out his father, Ha'gel as he remembered him from his vision, faintly glowing in the virtual plain. With his old, smiling, loving and understanding eyes, Ha'gel conveyed affection and hope in the hurting heart of his son and pronounces this same and unique sentence wich end he could not hear "You are not alone : find him, find your br..."
With these words, Liam traveled from this state of alternate consciousness to a slumber in which he started to forget the dream, the story and the last recommandation from his kimera father, as he had done every night for a month or maybe more. Only this unknown urge to find something or someone, he didn't remember exactely, this feeling he had a mission, a hope would remain in a few hours, when he would wake up.
.........

........

3 days later, 4PM, the Taelon Embassy, Washington DC.

Liam thought he would never manage to clear his desk from all the paperwork that was accumulated here for weeks. He hated this particular aspect of his job as the head protector of all Taelon entreprises in the North American Companion care. He would have never guessed the number of forms needed in order to coordinate the security of all the Taelons complexes and the duties and missions assignated to all the volunteers working directly under his command. He had to control everything and any verbal orders were to be confirmed on paper. The only protector who could manage to keep this boring and eternal chore was Sandoval. Liam often wondered if his father slept at all or was doing his paperwork in his dreams... A fact was certain, he hadn't inherited this particular ability. He would never be freed from paperwork !

And the miracle wouldn't happen this evening ! The only good point to paperwork was it made Liam forget for a few minutes that tonight, after all his official duties would be taken care of, he would once again risk his cover, freedom and life in the Liberation business. The raid he and the cells leaders had coordinated would take place at midnight, in the Taelon / Human scientific facility implanted in a deserted valley of the Rocky Mountains and known under the code name Alpha Base. Wasn't it a great date with action and danger ! Add to that, Liam had not slept well in weeks and felt tired. He wouldn't sleep for sure for the next 24 hours. What a wonderful perspective !

Liam would have go on this way with these self destructive and sarcastic consideration for a few more minutes, if his global had not interrupted this particular track of thoughts. Opening his global, he barely concealed a sigh when he realised that it was Da'an who had called him, certainly for another mission. Liam greeted his boss and former mentor and friend coldly and mecanicaly, waiting to know the reason of this disturbing communication.

"Major, I will require you to prepare my shuttle. I shall go to the mothership in 15 minutes" Da'an ordered his protector while watching with great interest, sympathy and pity, the exhaustion written on the face of the young hybrid he had always considered as his surogate child, his pupil and friend. The affection and admiration Da'an had had for him had never disappeared, but his determination not to betray his fellows Taelons and to assure first of all the well being and the survival of his specie went often against his most intimate feelings. He had helped, and would continue to do so, the leader of the Liberation against the crual and useless Taelon projects against humanity. But Liam seemed to wait a lot more from him, too much in deed. And since this fatefull day Da'an had betrayed the major trust and caused the death, the imprisonment and the brainwashing of thouthand Liberation members, the peaceful relationship they shared had drifted away, taking with it his greatest hope for the Taelon and Humanity. He had tryed to excuse himself, to seek understanding and to rebuild trust and friendship, but nothing had worked so far. Maybe showing a little bit of concern ....

"Are you all right, Liam", he inquired softly. "You seem really tired. I think you could use some rest" he added on a affectionate style.

"No, Kidding !" Liam thought harshly, while, keeping his facade and voice as neutral as he could, he reassured Da'an : "I am perfectly fine, thank you!" May be the tone had been a little bit to angry. He wanted so much to return to the days when he could speak quite freely and amicably with the one he had considered a guide, a friend. He certainly knew better now than giving again his trust and affection in order to be betrayed again by Da'an. He felt he had to stay very protective of himself and his feelings if he didn't want to suffer this way anymore, even if, in order to achieve this goal, he had to fight agains the remaining affection he felt for the Taelon. Better stay professional: "The shuttle will be ready waiting for you on the roof of the embassy in exacty 10 minutes" Liam forced himself to say calmly and coldly, endind the communication at the same minute.

The shuttle travel, ten minutes later, was uneasily quiet, the silence only troubled by the muffled sighs from Liam. The situation was clearly and horribly unsettling and disturbing. A few months ago, he could have asked Da'an for informations about new attrocities organised by Zo'or or T'than destroying life of hundreds of poor human. But now, any question he could ask could lead the Taelon on the way to find what the next Resistance move would be and then it would endanger himself and his fellow Liberation members and fighters. Of course he had many other means to learn useful knowlege for the cause : hacking in the mothership terminal, intercepting volunteers and scientifics'reports, gathering all that the many spies Resistance had placed among the volunteers, the scientific staff employed by the Taelons in their facilities, testimonies many people gave resistance cells all around the world about new projects Taelons had developped in their neighbouhood. But for Liam, the natural way was asking Da'an for information, advice and guidance.

Finally, Liam landed the shuttle a few minutes later in the mothership, ending this way the unconfortable situation. Da'an, who had to tell a few words to a Taelon of the diplomatic caste, sent the Major before him to anounce his arrival to Zo'or on the bridge. As he was going to come in the sight of the occupants of the head quarter of the Taelon empire on earth, when he heard the conversation Sandoval and Zo'or were having. He stopped on his tracks and started listening in on them. Sandoval was reporting to the Synod Leader informations about the same facility he was going to attack this evening. Any detail, any last minute change in the security system could kill all his team.

"As for the Alpha Base, following your instructions to get the best human neurology specialists to work for us" Sandoval was saying in his cold, expressionless and professional tone, "we had to abduct this young genious, MD Doctor, Adam Pierson, who had always rejected our offers of money and glory. I think that, if after seeing all the installation and the materials he could access, he still refuse to work for the Taelons, we can contemplate brainwashing him or even implanting him with a CVI. The new theories on this specific aerea could really help us with the developpement of our MI and our new generation of CVI. At the moment, he his retained in our facility, next to the children dormitories. I can tell you that under three days, he will have begun working for us."

"Very well, agent Sandoval. Inform me whenever Da'an land on board" Zo'or instructed his attache.

That is the moment Liam chose to make his presence known and make his anouncement. This information could prove to be very interesting and useful for the Liberation. A new specialist in the ranks of the Resistance represented a good assett to the cause. If he could manage to free and convince this DR Adam Pierson to trust him....

.........

~~~~~~~~~~

Alpha base, Rocky Mountains, 6PM, the same day.

Adam Pierson, MD Doctor, was locked in a pretty large comfortable and well furnished cell, in the center of a Taelon secret facility. He wondered what he had done wrong to be exposed this way to such a trouble and danger. He had been really carefull in deed.

When, twelve years ago, he had decided to start again medical studies, he had quickly excelled in every speciality he had tried. Of course, Adam had already mastered in each one during the long years ("should I say centuries", thought sarcastically Adam Pierson, once known as the 5000 years old immortal Methos), he had practiced every ways to heal human people. He couldn't deny he had had to learn a few stuff about new developpements in biochemistry and molecular medicines, but his experiences against illness and wounds could supply that.

This time, he had chosen neurology. There was so much then to discover about the brain and neural interactions. He didn't so much want to treat patients than to take an active part in discovering new natural and medical mysteries that could afterward save many people. In three years he had bested (does this world even exist ?)everyone and become THE specialist . Credits were then raining from everywhere. Every hospital and university wanted to buy his services and the notoriety his presence could give them.

But then, the Taelon had come, had given humanity pretty words and wonderful medical miracles, new revolutionary technologies. DR Pierson had been eager to understand all these, to improve his knowledge and healing abilities. He had no problem to be affected to one of the first human crew (sp?) who had been authorised to study Taelon science. Once again, he had mastered all of it in no time. Of course, along the years, he had developp a very impressive mind, and his base of knowledge was really huge to begin with. A little part of his brain, though, a region of his spirit and memories he could not access or reach, seemed to already know all those theories and materials. Methos didn't know why nor how. He had soon developp new medical applications and hypothesis that even Mi'gai and Ne'eg had been impressed about. Dr Park and Dr Bellman, his assistants, had learn from him CVI technical aspects and limits, and the way to change their programs.

Oh, yes ! DR Adam Pierson was the neurology genious. But, Methos tried very hard not to see his public name and his picture in the media. He made every thing he could in order to keep a low profile, only known by the other specialists, having little friends, living a sad and lonely existence. Publishing articles was the most he would do to expose himself to people, never making a public appearance in these mediatic conferences Taelons liked so much.

Of course he kept for himself his more important theories and discoveries. As much as he liked being accepted for the smart scientific he was, his pride woudn't blind him so much as to make him forget his old and very well developped survival instinct. He had seen so much in his life, done and been done so much that he could not really trust the Taelons. Six months after their arrival, Methos' oppinion was made: he had witnessed those tactics before, to conqueer and exploit people turned into slaves by giving them what they wanted, to submit them by their gifts and then, secretly taking more and more power, starting acting with double agendas....He had done it himself before !

At this point, he had decided to learn all he could from them them, and then to withdraw slowly in the shadows and disappear for a few decenies. He could not afford o de discovered for what he was, not really human, not really mortal, not really young: for the Taelons, a possible threat, a wonderful object of scientific study and examination.

As long as they had let him work in his lab, in Chicago Hospital, he hadn't worried to much. But then he had received really interesting and lucrative proposition from the Taelons to come work for them in their facilities and even on a secret moonbase. Of course he could not afford to be isolated from other humans. His answer had been polite but firmly negative.

Then, he had been surprised by the impromptu visite of the North American Companion Da'an himself, protected by Boone and three volunteers, certainly in order to convince him to accept all their propositions. He remembered clearly, allthough, the enconter as a pretty good moment in his life. After discussing scientific business for a few minutes, they had come to talk about their conception of life and their ideas about what made existence better as well in the philosophical way and in the most trivial matters. Two hours had were past without them noticing it.

They had come to a certain point of understanding that was really unseen in both their personal worlds. Da'an had seemed very impressed by the strength, the smart mind, sharp spirit Methos had then authorized himself to show the alien. The companion had also admired the kindness hidden under all the sarcasm the scientist could demonstrate, and most of all, the old, wise and sad weariness written in this young man had deeply touched him. Those instinctive and immediate feeling had been pretty much mutual, even if neither of them could understand why. Methos had really appreciated the open minded inquiries and opinion Da'an had shared with him.

He would certainly have liked to deepen this new born relationship (and Methos thought the companion wanted just that). But, once again the immortal survival instinct had kicked in full strength. All would go too dangerously if he did nothing. In a night, he had therefor stolen all the material he had access to and he could bring rapidly with him, had put it all in his van, along with the books he had never left behind himself for thousands of year, and personal stuff. In three hours, he had left the city, went away, disappearing from all those who could recognise him as him alone knew how.

It was three years ago. Since then, he had changed his identity and settle in a small city of Alaska, where life was as hard as it was calm and uneventful. He had accepted a post as the history teacher of the local high school, where, in a few weeks, he had conqueered the attention and the affection of all his students. His lessons were so much alive that the pupils would have sworn Professor John Adams had lived through all the events he told them about ....

In front of everyone, PR Adams was a nice and a little bit clumsy young teacher and neighbour. But, alone, during the night and the school vacations, he secretly worked in the lab he had organised in his house. Unknown to everyone, he made phenomenal scientific and medical progress. If he could rely on what the media showed people about Taelon projects, he had gain years on them.

Well, every thing had been well as long as he had acted in accordance with his first and most important life politic : keep a low, low, low profile, do not any exceptional action, never. Then one day, today to be clear, his good heart (the one he left sleeping for the most part of his life but that he could not dompt when it was awaken by something) had once again betrayed him. During a morning archeological expedition in the forest with his class, one of his best student, Mike, had sudenly grabbed his head with his two hands in a hurt gesture and with a cry fell inconscious on the ground, in the middle of nowhere.

Dr Pierson then resurfaced under Pr Adams' personality. Methos then, he examined the young lad, his unnaturally widely open eye and recognised immediately the problem : an aneuvrism had broken in his head, causing too much pressure on his brain. The only thing to do to save the teenager was a very old method Methos himself had been paid to use on a very angry egyptian general four thousands years ago. He had to make a little puncture through the Mike's skull in order to release the mortal pressure. He could do it blinded and even drunken. The problem was not here. He had to decide between breaking the security of his cover and letting this boy who trusted him and had all the future ahead to a certain death. He had no choice, in deed. After heating his swiss knife in fire, he began the short and very basic surgery, saving easily Mike.

Unknown to the teacher, one of Adams students called his father, a local TV reporter, and shown him via his global live what had happened. When the class came back to the city, a few hours later, lead by their teacher (who had called the authorities to ask them to evacuate the ill teenager by hellicopter), the whole North America had seen his "heroism" on the TV news.

Agent Sandoval was waiting for Dr Adam Pierson he had recognise finally after three years the genious had been missing, in Adams dining room. That was three hours ago. The volunteers had circled him and led him toward the nearer ID portal, along with a disk Methos had manage to grab, unseen to everyone in the room(the only disk on which he had engraved the result of his research these three years). One thing for sure, they would never exploit his discoveries if he was not willing to share it with them.

They had instantly arrived in a Taelon scientific facility, called, as Sandoval had told him, "Alpha Base". He had been politely told that one way or the other he would work here for the best interest of the Companions. Sandoval had then shown him around the installation and the scientific stuff and told the new found missing genious that "it was the best anyone could work on, the kind of offer any searcher could refuse. Imagine, the most modern, the most puissant labs !".

"Oh, yes! I believe you, two years late on me!" he had sarcastically thought, staying silent in front of the Companion Protector.
He had then been locked in this room, as an "Honor Guest, of course !". He meditated a few instants about his situation, deciding he would better cooperate for now, if only to prevent any torture session that would certainly betray his immortal nature. He would certainly find a way to escape later. After all, the Taelon were not even aware of his fantastic progress. He would buy his time.

For now, Methos had really nothing constructive to do. He then stated he'd better get some sleep. Rest could do him no wrong and a tired man would do to much mistakes to stay safe.

Ten minutes later, Methos was asleep and starting to live through the same dream that had come back nearly each night for a little over two years. The morning after, he was always confused and couldn't remember any detail, only impression, a mission, something or someone he should look for, a hope he would never be alone anymore. Anyway, the flashs and pictures began. A glowing ball coming up from the depth of the ocean to the air. Then, inside a church, a man and a woman he coud not see clearly, kissed and joined in a bright colonn. After that, a new face : the face of a new born baby; a new flash : the face of a five years old boy; a new flash : the indistinct face of an energic and kind young man. Finally, the sad and horrific feeling of loss, the death of someone he should love, which ghost went near his ear whispering : "Good bye ! I'm sorry! But know that you are not alone! Find him. Find your br...."

He had no chance to know the end and the meaning of this disturbing and heart breaking plea. He sudenly woke up when his door explooded......

~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~

Taelon Mothership, the same evening, 11 PM.

Liam had finally managed to finish his official work day for the Taelon. After driving Da'an back to the Washington Embassy, the major had excused himself and pretended to be ill to be authorized to leave early in order to prepare all he needed for the raid, tonight. Unfortunately, around 6 PM, as Liam was about to leave the embassy, Sandoval had called him to report on minor troubles in Georgetown. Nothing, really, but it was 10:30 PM when he had left his father. Liam thought that may be the FBI agent really enjoyed sadistically breaking his plans.

Anyway, he had not enough time to come back to his flat in order to pick up his black mask and equipment, nor the security code he had uploaded the previous day. He would have to access it again from one of the terminals of the mothership. With a little bit of luck, he could even manage to program an accidental malfunction of the facility security system for midnight. Yes, that was it ! He had done it and no none had seen him. He had been particularly careful, even if he would easily find any excuse, if needed. Now, stealing commando equipment from one of the volunteers dormmitories.

Finally, after sliding without undressing in black trousers and shirt, and picking up a mask which would hide his face, in case the video security would choose toreactivate itself before it was due to, he headed to the portals. He programmed quickly, after making sure no one would come, the coordinate of the light portal equipment the resistance would have installed now outside the Alpha base.

Outside the Alpha Base, 11:30.

The next second, he was among the members of the Liberation commando who were waiting for him. After greeting the late arrival of their leader, the group listened to Liam explaining them professionally the elements of the plans they already perfectly knew. It was really easy, in deed.

At Midnight, the security system would let them in. Two guards would keep watch on the many portals they had brought for a rapid evacuation of the children, portals that would destroy themselve ten minutes after the last transfert would happen. The eighteen other commando, lead by Liam, would neutralise (and possibly and preferably not kill) the five volunteers who haunted the corridors of the facility every night. "Surprise them, hit them unconscious and evacuate them out of the place, no need to make martyrs" were the words Liam told them. Then, when three groups of five would lead the children to the portal and direct them to the cells that, all around North America, had agreed to take care of these little victims, two would install a bomb that would destroy the empty facility five minutes before the portals. Himself would try to find and upload any new found scientific theories and applications. The last group leaving the facitlity had to enter Washington DC coordinates in the portals. If Liam had given for explanation that, in case they were found by new volunteers, that way the children could not be found and followed, the real reason was that Liam thought he maybe would not have enough time to type them and transfert himself before the portals would explode.

Liam had not mentionned the fact that he wanted to find and free someone else, Dr Pierson. It was a last instant plan change, and although the issue of this new mission, that he would keep for himself, could mean a lot for the Resistance and its scientific staff, he wouldn't endanger the rest of the commandos in this. One thing he wanted to be was loyal to his fellows Liberation members who risked enough their life as it was. He had no real idea of the place the specialist was locked in and he could loose a lot of time in this operation, may be to much.

0:15, in the Taelon facility, everything was going very well for the operation. The children, even if a little frightened and disturbed at first, were all finally happy to escape the fate they knew was waiting for them, as they had already seen so much of their oldest friend go and never come back. They would be all gone in the next three minutes. The bomb was set and would explose in an other eight minutes.

Liam had also found all the informations he wanted, but not the prisonner of the facility. He had really little time left, two minutes at most and the terminal was so slow today.... Oh ! Finally ! There it was ! North corridor, third door.

Leaving the room, he ran to the cell. Seing the kind of door he had to open without any key, he opted for a little explosive method. Thirty seconds were enough to break it and come in the room where a young man woke up in surprise. Dr Pierson seemed a little bit confused, but not as much as Liam had expected. Certainly not the hysterical reaction a mild mannered scientist should have had. In fact, his looks were more aware and willing to take any chance he was presented with.

"What is it ? What do you want ? Who are you ? Did you loose the key ?" the litany of questions came from the Dr mouth. But minutes were passing dramatically.

"No time for speaking. I'm Liberation. Come with me ! The building is going to blow away in thirty seconds !" Liam hurried the late prisonner in the corridor.

They both ran as fast as they could, finally escaping threw the principal door at the last moment. They were three feet away from the nearest portal when the choc of the explosion hit them along with the extreme heat of the fire. In a last effort and with great difficulty , Dr Pierson pulled along with himself the comatose and wounded commando who had saved him from the great danger he had been driven in, into the portal aerea and activated it before collapsing in inconsciousness.

~~~~~~

~~~~~~

Methos eyes opened slightly as a confused expression came on his face. He was completly disoriented, not remembering for a few seconds what had happened and why he had ewen been inconscious. Then, suddenly, it came back to his mind. He had been badly burnt in an explosion and had fleed. That much he knew. Right now, ten minutes after the heat blow, he was perfectly healed, as much as he could tell by the basicall check up he made on himself. It was not at all unexpected. After all, he was a very old immortal whose power and quickening gave him many advantages.

Right now, Methos, after these first exams, turned his attention to his surroundings ang conclued he had absolutely no remembrance of being there when he faded in unconsciousness. A second look taught him that he was in a sort of very large room, surrounded by boxes and many industrial and electronical stuff, a sort of warehouse. From the place he was, no one could see him from the building door, whereas he had a perfect point of view on anyone who would come in, thanks to a mirors systems. To sum it up, he was in a kind of strategical hideout, certainly owned by the Resistance movement.

A high window permitted him to see the monuments and skyscrappers of the city he had arrived. As soon as he had recognised the purple blue virtual glass building, the companion embassy, he guessed, as it was still night outside, that he was in Washington Dc. It had been at least fifty years he had not lived in the city. No one could then really suppose he would come here,where he had no hideout,appartment or even friends. He was safe for the next 48 hours, before Taelons agents would search for him in the whole country and not only locally, around the facility and in the place his official records told he had lived in.

On this optimistic and rather comforting thought, an something else went in front of his mind. He remembered that he had not been alone in his flee from the Taelon facility. A masked man, certainly a commando soldier, who had claimed to be part of Resistance had helped him out and saved him from a very painful death, that would have certainly exposed him as an unnatural creature in front of the investigators who would no doubt had been sent on the facility ruins by the Taelon. Who in deed was able nowadays resurecting from the deads ?

He then turned to his right and found the still body of his savior. A rapid check up revealed the man was still alive, even if barelly, as the slow pulse told him. The comatose commando was deeply wounded and burnt on his whole back. His skin had been blown away by the heat blast, and blood poured aboundantly from his wounds. His dislocated shoulder bone was quickly and skillfully removed in his right place by Dr Pierson gentle and expert hands. That was absolutely not the most important thing to do, but he had no material here to treat correctly his patient. He would have to find it soon or the death would not only be a possibility.

Emergency had propelled at the front of Methos complexe personality his medical awareness and compassion known under the name of Dr Adam Pierson. But soon, after the first examination, Methos and his high survival and distrusting instinct went back. He realised he had absolutely no idea who this man, this armed commando was and what he wanted him for. If he wasn't willing to let the man die, he had no desire to die himself.

A rapid search in the soldier pockets gave Methos all the answers he was looking for, but let him majorly dumbfounded, nervous and confused. In the man's wallet, he found his ID card and read it, his eyes widening and his mouth collapsing. This Resistance commando was in deed, if he could trust what he saw,the very public and notorious North American Companion protector, Major Liam Kinkaid. Removing the mask, he saw the face and had no doubts. This man who was highly integrated in the Taelon organisation was as powerfull, if not more, than any President of politicl man in the world. He had to report of his acts only in front of the Synod and his Companion. His responsabilities were really huge. Suspicious thoughts came then: better carefull than sorry.

Many questions and logical reasonnings went then flying in his head. Hypothesis were one by one ewamined and vallued, all of them rejected. Kinkaid was too well known to be in a covert infiltration mission in the Resistance ranks, because he would be recognised and killed on first sight. There was no interest for the Taelons to set Dr Pierson, who officially was only a gifted scientist, up. That was not his fidelity and loyalty they would test at the price of a new and modern Taelon facility. Finnaly, if the major had worked, in this particular mission, for the Companions security, sent to save him in order to lead him back to them afterward, he would have not introduced himself as a Resistance member. No, the only logical guess that remained, however fantastic and irrealistic, had to be the truth. Major Liam Kinkaid was in deed a Resistance member infiltrated luckily and skillfully in Taelon hyerarchy and HQ. Not only a mole, mind you, but also an active soldier who had no doubt accepted to endanger his life for the cause he defended.

Methos' admiration for his savior went extremly up at this realisation. This man, this kid was a hero, an other Boy scout, someone who reminded him of his late friend, MC Leod. His decision was very soon taken. He would heal and protect the kid (for him, after all, every mortal was a baby for him) as well as he could. He had a debt to the child that he did not want, for once, to forget.

But annalyse of feelings and reasons was definitively not for now. It was a dramatical medical emergency right now, It demanded rapid decisions and acts. The wounded comatose patient could not stay in this cold and dirty warehouse anymore if he didn't want to weaken and to endanger himself anymore with infection. He had already covered his bleeding back with the remains of his own shirt, but that was only a momentary treatment, in order to stabilize him an instant.

The reading on the ID card had informed Pierson of the address of his patient. Luckily, the Flat Planet Cafe was sited two block away from this warehouse, and, given the very late hour of the night, no one would see them walking in this state. With little effort, Methos propelled the still body upon his shoulder and began to walk slowly out of the door and down the deserted street.

It was half an hour later, around 2AM, when he reached panting heavily the back door of the club, the direct access to Liam appartment. He grabbed the keys he had found earlier in the wounded major's pocket, opened the door and finally came in the large room. A quick glance around taught him where was the bedroom and he hurried to put down gently his burden on the soft blanket covering the bed. He professionnaly and skillfully undressed his patient and began to wash as well and softly as he could the wounds and burns. But it was definitively not enough. A feever would certainly soon appear, along with delirium that would weaken the young lad even more.

A rapid search around the appartment had revealed that the first aid quit, even well furnished, could not provide him with the necessary stuff. Methos had to find a furnisher in the next hour or he would have to call hospitals, which would cause him and most of all the Taelon Protector unwanted interrogation from the authorities. If his memories were right, his former assistant, who he had taught quasi every thing, sharing with her his discoveries, as he had guessed she had Resistance sympathies: who did not knew she was Doors' lover ? He could call on her for help. She would not turn him out, he hoped.

Getting back to the living room, he turned on the terminal and dialed Dr Park number. Three minutes later, Melissa appeared on the screen, a little confused and half asleep, but, after checking twice on what she could see, she opened wide eyes and exclaimed when her voice had been returned to her:

"Dr Pierson ? Is that really you ? I thought you were dead ? What" the litany of questions would have gone on and on if her former boss had not interrupted her:

" Hello Melissa. I'm sorry to wake you up but I need your help. No, don't interrupt me. I have an emergency here, life or death matter. The only question I want hear from you is "what can I do for you?". I swear I will not endanger you anymore than necessary. Please, for old time sake."he pleaded, after using the authoritative but soft tone he used to take with her when she had worked for him.

After a short silence, the resignated voice of Melissa was heard asking "OK doc, What can I do for you ?"

A smile graced Pierson's face as he thanked her, detailing for her the medical items he needed. He then told her where she could bring all this: "the back room of a local club, the flat planet cafe". At these words, Methos saw that her face palled slightly and her eyes took a distant and worried glare. She however shook herself and exclaimed hurriedly before breacking the communication: "Oh my god, Liam ! I'll be there in half an hour. Please take care of him !"

A little startled, Methos thought back about all that had been told and expressed. Apparently, Melissa and Liam knew eachother, very well, if he had well seen. The quasi maternal affection and worry was obvious when he had told her the address. It would ease the whole situation, as he would not have to worry about any betrayal from his former assistant. It even acertained the fact that Liam was in deed Resistance....

He was suddenly interrupted in his thoughts by a moaning from the bedroom. His patient was on the verge of waking up in delirium induced by feever. Methos had anticipated it. If he had no medication here against those effects, he could use old methods. He had found a towel in the bathroom and had filled a cup with cold water. Cooling the patient temples would help him for the time he had to wait untill Melissa arrived.

As he walked toward the bed, Methos could hear Liam crying and calling someone or something, he could not understand the words from where he was. In this state, he seemed more a lost child afraid and deeply hurt than the soldier and resistant he had to be in front of every one. Methos had always thought that the thing told when drunk or delirious were truth, because the brain had then not enough energy or control to lie and hide the truth. It was now that he would know the inner thoughts and soul of his savior.

As he went nearer and bowed toward Liam, what he heard touched him deeply and enhanced the compassion and instinctive protectiveness he felt for the kid. "No Mum, no Dad! Don't leave me alone! don't die ! I need you ! I don't want to be alone ! Stay with me! PLEASE !",Liam was softly but desperately whispering. These words were heartfelt and disturbing. It was child's ones, really. Methos, whose heart was instinctively driven toward this brave and so sad lonely and frightened kid who lived in the man's soul, wanted to be all at once his friend, keeper, confident, teacher, big brother, surrogate father.

Methos' immediate reaction was to try to soothe his patient, using both gesture and voice. While his hand was lightly and gently stroking the child hair, Methos, without reflexion, poured reassuring and soft words in Liam ear. " Hush now, little one. Calm down. You are no longer alone. I'm here. I'll protect you. I'll always be ther for you. You will never be alone. Hush! I'm here. I'm here". These words seemed to be exactly the ones Liam's soul was waiting for, as he calmed down progressively. The comforting touched had a very soporific effect on the wounded child. Liam seemed to have fallen back into unconsciousness when Methos hand left his head, but as soon as it happened, a little frightened voice raised toward the unknown friend that had comforted him. "Don't go, please, don't leave me alone! Stay with me..." Methos put back his stroking hand on Liam's hair and hushed him to sleep:" Hush little one, I'm here. You are safe. I won't leave you. Sleep now, hush, hush, hush". He had chosen once again the good words, as sleep took his young protege.

That was the time Melissa chose to knock on Liam's back door. Methos hurried to open and let her in. After hugging her quickly and thanking her sincerly, Dr Pierson took all the medical materials from her and began to install and program them with the datas he had on the disc he had in his pocket, the result of his researchs the last three years. He had a revolutionary method that could restore any cell damage by mollecular rebuilding. In the most modern hospital, the only treatment would have been a skin graft, long weeks of recovery. But Liam would benefit of the best: in thirty minutes, any wound and burn would have disappear. That was it, the programming was perfectly adapted to the extent of the dammages.

Pierson went to the other room and began the treatment under the curious and stares of his former assistant who had run to Liam bedside as soon as she had arrived. The next thirty minutes, were not lazy at all : Melissa was still preoccupied and Adam had whatch everything carefully and to correct the data as the healing process went on. Finally no marks were left and Liam was healed. He was still weak and uncounscious but in a few hours, all the hurt, pain and wounds would be forgotten.

As soon as the process had ended, Dr Park had explained Dr Pierson that she could not stay any longer, because she has stolen the material at the hospital lab and that she had to give it back before the first scientist would go to work, at 5AM. She was however unwilling to leave, if she was not certain everything would be fine for Liam. Before closing the door behind her, he reassured her:

"Don't worry. I'll watch after him till he wakes up. He'll be fine. I swear."

The sincere tone he had used calmed her but astonished him. He had not yet thought about the exact words that had left his mouth when the feever had threaten Liam's life but he realised now that they had been in deed truthfull and heartfelt. He was really astonished when he discovered that but he swore to himself that he would be next to his savior whenever and for whatever he would need him, but before all to protect him from himself, his sadness and desperation, all the worries the delirious child had confided unknowingly to his healer. He came back at Liam bedside and guarded his sleep all the night, gently stroking his hair whenever the kid would moan.

It was 7AM when Liam opened his eyes difficultly on the sitting figure of an unknown sleeping man at his bedside....

~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~

Liam came out of unconsciousness very progressively. He had not even opened his eyes when he started to remember, not really clearly, though, what had happened before all went blank. He was part of a resistance mission and had been hit by a heat blast, after an explosion. He could not forget the great pain he had then felt. At this point, everything had gone blank. Only some impressions of pain, sorrow, loneliness, and then reassuring voice and stroking that had appeased him. Finally he could not feel his wounds anymore. It could not be painkillers, as his mind was quite clear. He had been healed. It could not have been more than a few hours before, however, his internal clock told him.

For now, Liam felt a little tired, just as if his life had been the goal of a terrible war all night long. But at the moment, he was very well and comfortable, the soft and hot blanket of the bed providing him with well being and security. He had no desire to get up. However, he had to know what had happened to him. He then opened difficultly hos eyes, discovering that it was nearly dawn and that he had been somehow transported to his own bedroom.

A side look surprised him greatly, as he saw that he was not alone in the room. A man, whose face was hidden in the dark, was seemingly asleep in the chair at his bedside. The stranger position appeared to be at most incomfortable, as if he had been there watching after him all night long, and had been defeated by exhaustion. His left hand was still rested on the pillow, near Liam's head. The new born day brought some light on the figure sprawled next to him. This face... he had already seen it before, in a dream, may be. From the back of his mind a flash ran through Liam's consciousness to disappear as soon as it had came : regognition, familiarity, a name, Methos, a kinship feeling. As soon as it had been lightly aknowledge, the thought was forgotten, as if it was not yet the right time for the discoreries and revelations.

Liam shook his head to clear his confused thoughts and started to sit up in his bed, but a little groan escaped his mouth as soon as his quite sore shoulder had had to support his whole weight. That light sound was all his companion needed to wake up and come suddenly to full awareness. One look on Liam told Methos that his patient was fully awake now. A good sign, for sure. But the questions, worries and distrust he could read on the child face would have to be gently and progressively removed. Methos had the feeling that if he brusked the things too much, he would never be able to earn his trust, and eventually his friendship. The better thing to do right now, he thought, was to keep a professional attitude.

"So, finally, you are awake ! How do you feel ?" he inquired in a very medical concerned voice. He had at the same time reached his hand toward Liam's wrist and checked his pulse, feeling in the same time for any sign of feever. That letf his patient really confused.

"Um....well, ...I think."replied Liam a little dumbfounded by the man's behavior. His wide green eyes were following every gesture and searching the man's face for any sign of bad intentions, but found none, only genuine concern. He had however to clear a few things as soon as possible. "Um... excuse me but who are you?.... And what happened ?"he asked hesitantly before adding with a last reflexion: "And what did you do to me ?"

While these questions were flying in the air unanswered for now, the stranger had finished his examination which seemed to have satisfied him, as he had relief written in his eyes and a smile grew on his face.

"Well ! You seem to have fully recovered. That's great !" Methos replied with happiness and a little bit if pride, before realising questions had been asked him. He decided then to redirect the talking on the path he considered more secure and less brutal.

"Now, calm down ! Doctor speaking !We don't want you to be exhausted, do we ?",he ordered his patient in a soft, gentle but authoritative tone that earned him a light nod of acceptance.

"So" he went on, "first thing : do you know who I am ? Do you recognise me ?" he inquired in order to know from where he would have to tell the story. His answer however was a confused look and an obvious hesitation. It seemed that Liam knew he had already seen his face but could not remember when or where. Of course, he had only seen him correctly for four second at most before running down the corridor. Methos would have to introduce himself : "Dr Adam Pierson. Nice to meet you ! You know, the man you saved last night in that Taelon facility during your Resistance raid."

If it was a little bit brutal, it was allthough very effective. Liam had obviously recognised him now. He was the last minute rescue mission he had assigned himself. The problem now was to learn how much the man he had freed knew and how much he would have to tell him. Of course he was aware that the man had been locked in a Taelon cell, waiting for torture or mental slavery, which should prevent this dr Pierson to want to have anything to do with Taelon authorities any time soon. Liam knew that logically he should be releaved by this conclusion, but his short life had been so full of deception that he was unable to refrein the questions that ran through his mind. Would he be once again berayed. How could he test this man and the trust he would put in him...

This train of thoughts were easily read by Methos. It was clear that the kid was reluctant to reciprocate even the introduction. Of course he had allready guessed that this Resistant member had never had the desire to ever entrust him with his name and, therefor his heavy secret. Agent double had to be carefull to survive, and Methos understood that perfectly. Who in deed knew his own true identity, Methos, the oldest Immortal ever? He had not told that to anyone, mortal or not,in more than twenty years and was not about to change that fact. He had to find an other way to calm the kid's suspicions and to make him accept him as an ally and not an enemy. He broke then a very heavy and disturbing silence.

"OK, kid." (These so truthfull (but never used with Liam) words so naturally and gently uttered startled Liam out of his dark thoughts and earned Methos all the attention he had wanted.) "Listen. I'll make you a deal. I believe you must be famished right now, hum! " A sincere nod and a hungry look was the best answer he would have hoped to receive. "The night has been really hard on your body. I suggest that you shower and get dressed as I cook you a good breakfast, and while you eat it, I'll answer all your questions as I can and I'll tell you what happened since you were knocked out. So, what do you say ?"

Liam could not say anything against that. It was exactly what his body and his mind wanted that he was freely and willingly presented with. The first shadows of distrust had been destroyed in an instant. "That sounds perfectly fine by me. Thanks doc.I'll follow you to the kitchen in a few minutes." Then, seing he was naked in his bed, he slightly blushed and added "if you could please give me my robe." Methos tossed it to his patient who had finally opened up to him a little. He hurried to the kitchen to hide the triomphant smile that crept on his face.

When, fifteen minutes later, Liam appeared in the dinig room, he was stuned to find there, on table, one plate full of eggs, bacon and potatoes, ("for his protein and fat needs") two other deep plates with pancakes and sugar ("for his quick energetic sugar needs"), fruits ("for vitamins") and cereals ("for slow sugar needs"), along with a glass of milk ("for the calcium needs") and a cup of coffee ("to wake him up", as dr Pierson explained him as soon as he saw him). He did not remembered a day, since he was born, anyone had ever done such a simple thing as to cook for him a traditional breakfast. He was secretly and genuinely pleased and touched, and even more when he das tested all that food, deliciously and perfectly prepared.

The first mouthfull taken, Liam looked up to Dr Pierson and expectantly asked him his first question. " So, Dr, as much as I appreciate all you are doing for me right now, I'd like to know a few things". As Methos good naturedly nodded, he went on : "OK, then....first of all I wonder how comes that I am here when the last thing I remember is falling outside the Taelon facility after the explosion." He then stared at Methos face waiting to judge the sincerity of his answer that came immediately.

Methos had thought how to start it and had decided he had better establish his intentions and the extent of his knowledge in order to augment the trust between them and reassure the kid. "Well, first thing I'd like to clear between us : I know who you are, Liam Kinkaid, US ranger major, Companion protector AND resistance member. But don't worry, I have absolutely no intention to reveal that secret to anyone, and least of all to the Taelons that, as you may or may not have guessed, would not let me free if they found me. I promise you that much. I have no interest in betraying you, on the contrary. It would only reveale them my position. Beside, I do not forget that you saved me last night."

Liam, who had not interrupted dr Pierson during his speach was greatly relieved, as he had read in the man's eyes his sincerity. He let him know that in direct terms, always looking him straight in the eyes. "I appreciate greatly this declaration and I believe you. I feel I can trust you, a kind of instinctive feeling.... however for now, I 'd like to understand what have happened to us, as I told you."

"OK, then, let's get back to the moment when the facility blew away. I was slightly in front of you, so the blast hit you first and your unconscious body sort of protected me. I had enough time before collapsing because of the choc, to drag you toward the ID portal and to activate it. I suppose the coordinates were preprogrammed" (Liam nodded in agreement)" and when I woke up, we were in a warehouse two blocks away from here. I search your wallet to find your ID and address and I carried you here. I called in for help my former assistant, one of your friend also, I think, Dr Melissa Park" (then again, Liam nodded but his eyes wide open and really surprised by the information). "She brought me what I needed to treat your injuries and went away. That's it, I guess. Other Questions ?" he asked in an playfull tone that enlightened the atmosphere a little bit.

Liam had been amazed by the relationship between this Pierson and Dr Park, that confimed the good impression he had about the man he had just met. He could even ask her for further informations. But most of all, it was the fact that this young man had been the boss, the teache of one of the greatest scientist in the world had startled him and intrigued him deeply, as well as interested his Resistance Leader personna.

He had however a last question that he needed to ask the man who, he knew it now, had saved his life, and deserved his thanks and admiration. "I think I own you many thanks, as it seems that you have saved my life." He smiled warmly and his eyes shone from sincerity as he told that.

Methos interrupted him with the same expression before Liam could ask the question that he was anxious and curious to hear answered. "You're very welcomed, major, as, if I recall it exactly, you have risked your life to free me and save me. I DO own YOU many thanks, kid!"

Liam blushed under the compliment and the aknowledgement he had so rarely received from people he had helped. He was really beginning to like the man. A few seconds of silence followed, which Liam ended with his question that redirected the conversation. "Um... I'm curious.... I still remember the heat and burns in my back. I think it was pretty bad, no? Why have I nothing left of.... I mean, how did you do that ? I mean, even the Taelons would have not manage to do that ?" He had wonder and genuine interest in his eyes.

"Well, it's pretty complexe and technicall, but, to sum it up, I can tell you that I developped the past two years a method to regenerate any kind of damaged cells, to restore any tissues and to heal any non-infected wound in the space of thirty minutes to two hours, depending on the state of the patient. Of course human experiments have not been made, as I was hiding from the Taelons since they so vigorously want me to work for them. I never trusted them, though." This declaration, really sincere and heartfelt, would, thought Methos, definitely attach Liam's interest to this providential dr, wonderful potential asset to his cause.

Liam had no voice left for a whole minute.This was maybe the greatest medical discovery and the best doctor in the world right now in front of him, if what had been done to him could be repeated. Imagine the advantages for Resistance by having this genious in its ranks. If he had well understood, it would not take a lot to convince the man to work for him. Only a few promises and securities would do marvels. He had to try franckly to win the game in a direct proposal.

"Listen Dr Pierson. I don't know if you have thought about it, but the Resistance could be the answer to your problems. We can protect you, we can hide you from the Taelons, we can give you founds to developp your discoveries, we can finally give you the security you will never find if you go on fleeing on your own. I'd like you to think about that and tell me what you think about it. Please consider it seriously." The bets were pretty good, if Liam could believe the annalyse he could make from Pierson expression. Very tempted, in deed...

Methos had not thought, 24 hours before, that he would even consider such a thing. He had always been very independant, always the lonely wanderer.But right now, he was willing to accept all that, as it would most certainly assure him the presence by his side of a friend he had come, in a few hours, to admire, like and feel deeply protectiveness and compassion for him. His decision was made. He would accept, but not on any conditions.

"Listen, major, I'm really interested by your proposal. But, can you really make it to me, directly. Don't you have any superior to ask before anything could be decided ?" he inquired, reluctant to promise things if Liam could not guarantee him it for sure.

This question startled Liam a few seconds. He had already decided he would trust this man but could he tell him that. Instinctively his mind told him yes. "In fact, I have no superior... I'm...um... the leader of the resistance, ....so everything that will be decided between us won't need any further approval." Liam confessed blushing and lowing his head. He then looked up to see Pierson's reaction. His eyes had gone wide with disbelief and admiration : Liam was more and more comfortable with the man in front of him: he really liked him. He appreciated his reactions and admired his actions the past 10 hours. He had selflessly saved his life, exposing himself for him. He had healed him and whatch him all thrugh the night.He had shown him compassion and gentleness in every gesture he had made. This was a friend he wanted to have and to keep as near as possible. He felt he could trust him with anything : he would never betray him, a little voice whispered in his soul and memories.

Methos answer interrupted these thoughts. "All right. I agree. But on this condition. In the resistance, I know only you and Dr Park. I do not want contacts with any one else in the movement. I do not want to endanger myself anymore than needed. But, for that only condition, I'll offer you my services, in anyway I'll be able to help YOU and your movement. Do we have a deal ?" He finally asked hope written on his face.

But he did not received an immediate answer, as Liam's global beeped loudly. The major, a little bit angry by this interruption, opened it quickly : it was Agent Sandoval who appeared, seemingly nervous, on the screen.

"Hello major. I need you to come immediately to the mothership." he ordered his colleague and subordinate.

"What is it, Sandoval, what happened for you calling me so early on one of my days off ?" he asked his father, even if he perfectly knew what would be the answer.

"One of the most recent and modern Taelon facility in the Rocky Mountain has been blown away this night. We need to investigate the case and find the terrorist as soon as possible. I'm expecting you on the bridge of the mothership in thirsty minutes. Don't be late." Sandoval ordered Liam before cutting suddenly the communication.

With a sigh, Liam turned toward Dr Pierson and excused himself "duty call, I'm sorry, but I must go. You can stay here till I come back , certainly not before tomorow in the morning, I think. I'll find you a place to live and work then. I have the perfect idea in mind. Trust me!". As soon as Methos had assured Liam that he would stay here, he took his coat and left his appartement.

~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~

Taelon Embassy, same day, 11 PM.

Liam was really exhausted. He wondered how he could manage to stand and even to be awake after the night and the folowing day he had suffered through. Anyway, the day was almost finished and in a few minutes, when he would have ended his report to Sandoval, he would be able to leave the Embassy, get back home and find the comfort and warmth of his bed. Oh, yes! that was all he wanted in the world at this moment in time.

When he had arrived on board the Mothership, at 9AM, Liam had been exposed the problem by his father. Sandoval had told him that a group of terrorist had come to destroy a taelon facility, "a mere medical research center". Trust was running high between the two Protectors, as always. He had then sent Liam to investigate on the still smoking ruins.

There, fireman, forensic and volunteers were searching the area in order to find any evidence of any kind. As far as they could tell, no one had been killed in the bombing, as it seemed that the terrorists had evacuated the facility first. Of course the fire had destroyed any valuable proof or indications of the identity of the commandos, or even their number. Liam was relieved to have once more managed to escape without leaving any proof behind him.

He came back to the Embassy to report the little information he had to give Sandoval and the Taelons, seven hours later. Zo'or's protector was, and it was an understatement, not pleased by the situation, this new attack and most of all, the lack of results of the investigations. However, as soon as he had been sure that noone had died in the facility, Sandoval decided to inform the Major of a little information that seemed to bother him greatly.

"We have an other preoccupation to think about : one of our scientist, a little doctor, Adam Pierson has been obviously abducted during the Resistance raid on the facility last night. I can't see what they want out of him, except maybe to hurt him because he worked for us. We have to localize him and rescue him as soon as possible." he announced, ordering then all the operations that would lead to this goal.

It was obvious to Liam that the Agent had not mentionned that this "little doctor" had not been here on his free will and may be would not have been to much disturbed and pained by this "abduction". But right now, every Volunteer in the country would look for him. Liam would have to hide Doc quickly and rapidly. No way he would give him back to the Taelons, to torture and break the man who had saved him and kindly taken care of him. No way !

And to "cheer" him up, Sandoval had ordered Liam to put his report on his desk, first thing in the morning. Liam for sure had been very "happy" with that, after all he was only standing asleep, exhausted in every inch of muscle he had. He was so happy to type paperwork till 11 PM when he only wanted to sleep. Finally he had finished and could leave.

Arriving in his appartment, around 12 AM, this night, there was no light. For a few seconds, he thought that Doc was gone, he had not waited for him, as he had told him this morning. But his worries lasted only untill he saw the lanky figure sprawled on the sofa sleeping deeply and snoring lightly. Liam felt deeply relieved. He would not have to make a race with Sandoval to search, find and then protect Doc as he deserved to be.

Walking in the kitchen, wondering if he would find something to ease is stomach, as he had not managed to eat anything since this morning, Liam was surprised to see that Doc, as he had unconsciously started to call him, had left him a note on the table. He was explaining that he had been to tired to wait for him for supper, but if Liam was hungry when he would be back, he had left him a plate in the microwave oven. He had added that Liam should eat something anyway, Doctor speaking. In the oven, as Liam could see when he opened it, was waiting for him a whole meal, with every thing he had always dreamt to eat when he was arriving late every night, with no will to stay in the kitchen for hours to cook a decent plate. It was quite simple but delicious, a real king's meal.

Liam was deeply touched by the kind and gentle attention. Since the day he was born, noone had ever done this for him. Cooking him a meal, worrying if he was well nourished or if he felt fine, tired or ill. No one had ever played the motherhen with him. He remembered that the first thing he had ever tasted had been champagne, thanks to Augur ! For them all he had always been an adult, never the child that he wanted to feel sometimes, secured, loved and protected by a family.

And all that, he was given freely by a stranger that had understood his deepest wishes, the needs of his soul and answered them generously. Wasn't he calling him Kid ? Overwhelmed by emotions, sorrow and hope, he fell asleep late that night, a tear threatening to fall from his eyes, and promising himself he would make a friend of this stranger.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~

The next morning, Liam woke up to the smell of coffee and pancakes flying from the kitchen. May be he was still dreaming, he thought as he pinched himself. No, definitely not. May be he had died during the night and was in Paradise. That was too good to be true. He got up, took a short shower and hurried to the kitchen table were Doc was waiting for him with a breakfast as magnificent, to his eyes, as it had been the previous day. Liam was very pleased, genuinely surprised and a little bit ill-at-ease receiving all that without even deserving it, as he saw it. His eyes were brightly shining from pleasure, anticipation and wonder, as a child before the Christmass tree, the 25th of december, in the morning. A smile graced his beautifull face.

That had not escaped to Methos. He had not expected such a genuine display of childish contentment, but was happy to have provocated it. He had made an other step in the Kid's trust, as he had hoped he would. He had to rebuild a new life, create new humans bonds and friendship. Strictly speaking, Methos did not need the help that the resistance was about to provide him. He was perfectly able to escape from the Taelons on hid own. He had learned that thouthands of years ago. He could flee in any country as discretly and easily as he wanted. He could hide in front of them all and never be seen. Moneywas no problem for him. Living as long as he had, he had accumulated gold, lands, mines, oil fields, bank accounts well fournished, stocks, paintings and precious art pieces, houses, castles, flats all over the world and in nearly every major cities. He was may be the wealthiest man in the world, unknown from everyone. He even could make up his accidental and public death and change hid identity.

No, that was not a security need that made him stay here. No. Interest in life was no more what he could do or find or earn. No, he had done it so many times. It had no more pleasure in itself to make him want to go on living. The reason he was still eager to live was to meet people, friends and to enlighten his life near their shinig existence. He had no geographical home. He had been everywhere, spent years in every country, in every civilisation in the world, at a time or an other. His home was where he felt loved and appreciated.

That was the reason why, when he had to change his life, he began it by making new friends around which he would make his existence for a few years or decades if he was lucky. Three thousands five hundreeds years before, he had met Kronos and become a Horseman; then, with Cesar, he had been a soldier and a spy; with St Colombanus, he had even been a monk; with Joe he had been his own Watcher; with Alexa he had been a loving husband, showing her the world before her death; with MacLeod he had become again an immortal, making foolish and heroical gestures to help the Boy scout in his fight against evil immortals, but most of all to save his life again and again until it was too late...

Right now, he had to rebuild a new life and had chosen to do it around his future relationship with Liam. He had to attach himself to this Kid, to make him his unfailing friend, to earn as soon as possible and for ever his trust and affection. The best way to achieve this goal ? to understand the kid and give him what he needed, to become the friend he would never be able to reject.

In this case, to get involved in Resistance matter; to show the kid he needed his help against the Taelons, even it was not really accurate; to take care of him concretly, as a mark of sympahy and genuine affection; to never betray his trust, as it seemed Liam had already been to much deceived in his life; to present him with an understanding and non jugemental attention, acting to protect the kid's feelings and worries. To sum it up, to be a big brother, a confident and a fellow Resistant, but never go on to quickly, to push it to much, which would raise suspicions and destroy all his efforts. It could seem to be a little Machiavellian and calculating, but the more genuine and good intentions that Methos could have were always turned into plans by his old cunning and smart mind. Wasn't he the master strategist ? For the moment his plans were : give him the attention he seems to have lacked his whole life, heal him, reassure him, comfort him, feed him, let him relax around him.

This was in good way. Liam seemed as much grateful as he was happy and surprised. Ill at ease and slushing, he sat at the table and thanked his benefactor. "I don't know what to say, except Thank you. I'm greatful for all you're doing for me! Really!",Liam assured. "But. You know you should not bother you with all that!" he added before tasting the first mouthful of pancake. "Wow! It's delicious" he then let escape.

Methos chuckled before responding to Liam " Don't trouble yourself with that. I was a little bit bored. I had to find something to do. Beside I'm a gourmet and I love cooking. I think I have been a chef, may be two centuries ago! By the way you need it, don't you ?"

"May be "groaned Liam, devouring what was in his plate.

"So, how do you feel, any aches, exhaustion, diziness?" he asked.His professional moral went to his help to end the silence that had been established for a few minutes.

"I'm fine, Doc. Thanks to you. You made miracles!" Liam replied.

Methos then changed the subject, knowing when he had to push a point and when to let it drop. He did not want Liam too much ill-at-ease. Beside, he was interested in what Liam had decided for him. "Um... you had said you would find me a hideout and a lab. I don't want to press you but I can't stay here too much. I don't want to disturb you anymore. I do certainly bother you. I'd like to know where you have thought to ..." his voice trailed off, blushing as if he did not want to be an annoyance to the Resistance Leader, who certainy had many other things to think about.

"No, no you don't disturb me here ! On the contrary, I've never eaten so well since you have been here." he joked, telling the truth however. "Beside I have the perfect hideout for you. A friend of mine was living here, but he had to leave...." he added sadly, before resuming talking " I'll take you there and help to install you as comfortably as possible as soon as I'll have finished. There is already all sort of electronic and medical material. I think you'll like it, Doc."

"If you say so, Major" replied Methos, using in purpose that term that he knew the Kid would not want him to call him.

"Please, call me Liam, Doc."

Methos chuckled discretly, triomphant. Every thing was going very well, in deed. In a week he would have achieved his goal and would have rebuild the fundations of his new life.

One hour later, Liam and Dr Pierson were walking toward a church, glancing all around them to see if no one would remark them. They came inside and went directly to the north wall. There, behind a trap, was a DNA annalyser on which Liam passed his finger. A door opened and the two men entered in a small elevator that lead them one hundreed meters under the church, into the old HQ of the Resistance, the place Augur had lived after Doors had abandonned it, the wonderful hideout that was left to Liam by his friend and that would shelter Doc for as long as he would need it.

Methos was really surprised by the address and the specifics of his new home. Liam had refused to tell him anything before they had arrived in this wonderful lair, but, as soon as he had seen it, Methos had been charmed and seduced by it. A safe place underground, extremely well urnished, as much for work than for living. And the perfect bonus: it was on holly ground. He definitely loved it. He did not hesitate to say so to Liam, who had watched him with laugthing eyes, certainly knowing instinctively that it would please him greatly.

" Wow! It's wonderful! And look at these computer. I could hack any computer in the world and even the mothership terminal in twenty second with that" he exclaimed, enthusiastic.

That last remark had not gone unnoticed by Liam who, Augur being gone, had no computer wizard to do it's magic for him and the Resistance. He decided however to let it wait for a few minutes. He had to seduce Doc by all the advantages of the place. He detailed him every security system and told him that "for now, I'm the only one whose DNA is registered in the computer linked with the digital annalyzer that open the doors of the elevator. When you'll have entered yours, will be the only one to be able to come down here."

"Wonderull, and safer than the White House! " Mehtos exclaimed.

"Here, give me a droplet of your blood. The computer will annalyze your DNA while we will visit the rest of the labs" suggested Liam when he arrived in front of the main terminal.

Methos complied, slightly reluctant at first to entrust a computer with his DNA. For all these years he had been a medic, he had never annalyzed it, afraid that it would not be normal and that anyone would find the result. But this computer was not linked to any other and could not be hacked, if he could trust what he had seen. No one would ever find out. Taking his swiss knife, he cut his finger, put a droplet on a glass and let the computer annalyze it. Then, Methos hurried lead his guide away, telling him he was eager to see the medical labs, his finger in his mouth in order to conceal the magical healing that was happening right now, with faint lightning running on the little wound and closing it.

As soon as they had left the room, the computer had shown the results a few seconds, neither Liam nor Methos seing it before the screen went blank, putting the information in its memory. They would certainly have been extremly surprised if they would have read it, however, Methos because he would then have been sure that he was not really human, and Liam because he would have known that he had found a sibling. If Liam had three DNA lines, two human and one Kimera, from Hagel, Methos had two DNA lines, one human, from his mother,dead more than 5000 years ago, and one Kimera, identical to Liam's one, from Hagel, his only father.

Never guessing they were missing a very important information, the two unknown brothers had finished the tour and were discussing the arrangements that could be done in order to improove the research possibilities, in the medical matters as well as in the hacking ones. Methos had assured Liam that he was willing to help HIM and the Resistance in both areas to thank him for all the help Liam was and would be providing him. Two hours later, the hideout once again ready to be occupied long term, Liam left to work, promising that he would visit his new friend and ally as often as ha could. Methos had even invited him to come and drink a beer whenever he would want to talk or have fun and Liam had accepted the open invitation. Then began their friendship, building every day, along with their trust and affection for each other.

~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~

Three months later, Methos was still living in his underground lair. Even if search for him had been quite abandonned, he rarely went out. He had far too much to do between his medical researchs and his hacking missions for the Resistance. No time to get bored indeed. He had been more and more involved in Resistance business, and was right now kind of indispensable to the cause. He had already saved many deadly injured Liberation members with his miraculous system.

He had freely taken the place occupied by Augur before he had had to flee. Now and then, Liam would arrive and ask for Doc's help with digging for information, changing data on Taemons files, finding technical solutions to any kind of problems .... acting as the genius he was. Methos was even often elaborating many plans for the Resistance raids, playing for Liam's benefits the master strategist he had become some 4500 years ago and that he had never ceased to be.

Methos had deinitely won Liam's trust and friendship. The kid was now visiting him every day, to talk about his problems, personnal or not, to search for advice that Methos was good to provide, to find here an understanding, attentive and compassionate ear. They would share a drink or one of these wonderful and delicious meal Liam had come to dream about at night. If Liam was sad or a little bit down, Doc would cheer him up, tease him gently and make him laugh. If he was at a loose to find the meaning someone's behavior ao thoughts and reactions, Doc's eyes would with old wisdom, knowledge and mischiel and he would analyse any problem just as if he could read in people minds. He really acted as and was indeed the precious ally and friend Liam needed annd had always wanted to find.

Methos was also winning all he had desires from this friendship. He was no more alone, had found someone to talk to, to protect, to have fun with, to help, to admire, to tease, to have affection for. Someone to enlighten his weary old life. Genuine affection and trust, along with some kind of innocence : that was a refreshing bath to his old cynical mind. He liked to play the confident and big brother to this brave and kind young man. Besides, the job was challenging, not that it was difficult for him, as he had been a hacker and a computer wizard since computers had been invented, but the emergency and the importance of the missions he was given and the plans he had to create, gave it a higher dimension. He felt useful to someone, to a cause, and it was worth a little trouble. Of course he was not really ready to risk his life lightly and everyone had understood that, never asking the scientist to come in a raid. This new life was really interesting indeed.

Methos knew he should be happy. But the news he had found about his kind, from whom he had been hiding for centuries, were really bad and Methos couldn't help but worry. The last time he had hacked in the Watcher's systems files, three days ago, he had been shocked and even afraid. There were only four immortal left in the whole world, including himself : Amanda, the Kurgan and Cassandra. Every one had died in the space of 5 years.

All had accelerated dramatically when the Taelons had arrived, and more so when, since, unknown to Methos, a ball had been brought from the deepest parts of the Ocean, Hagel had been freed and Liam had been born. The SI war had already taken so much. Duncan MacLeod had been murdered when, momentarily wounded, he had been surprised and killed without honor by the monster who had already killed his kinsman and teacher, Connor, Twenty years before in New York, the Kurgan. At the end of the war, the sanctuaries in which peaceful immortals used to live in had been destroyed and their inhabitants often killed by immoral immortals. The stronger and smarter ones had killed the others and had then started to kill each other. They had all been driven towards each other with only one imperative: kill, kill, kill.

Methos had managed however to escape nearly every fight for two centuries, except this time with MacLeod who seemed to attract this kind of battles to himself and of course to his allies. Methos had then played the rusted warrior with the overprotective Scott chieftain son, but 5000 years worth of experience could not be denied or forgotten. He was the most skilled, smart and devious swordfighter in the world. But that was not a fair battle that the oldest immortal feared. It was the cheating and the unnatural powers of some of his potential adversaries.

And now, the gathering was coming really quickly, Methos could sense it, even if, for some reason, he did not feel called by it as the other were. In no more than two days, two other immortals would have died. It could not be prevented, it was too late. The remaining other were all in the same city, in New York and would find and kill each other. In two days, maybe even sooner, one of them, the last other, would come to him, to try to kill him and become THE ONE, whatever it meant. Methos would have no choice but to defend his life and do his best.

This thought was suddenly interrupted by a beep from his computer, telling him that someone, Liam, no doubt, was in the elevator, on the way down here. That was fine by Methos. He needed to distract himself, to change his ideas, to think about something else, to keep his body and brain busy, to try to forget what could happen and destroy his world, his life as he had known it for the past fifty centuries. Methos shook his head, to clear his ideas and walked slowly toward the elevator, putting on his face a calmer mask. No need to worry the kid for matters he could not do anything about, really.

Liam, when he emerged from the elevator, seemed preoccupied. His greetings to Doc, even if kind and friendly, seemed worried, uncertain and distant. He had something on his mind that disturbed him. That much, Methos could read in his friend's eyes. He was not wrong. Liam was disquietted by a question he needed to ask Doc.

A problem had raised and the resistance would have to go on a raid against a Taelon facility, once again, the place from where all the Volunteers newly implanted with MI were dispatched all around the world. There, in the most secured lab, was a computer never linked to any other in the world or even to the mothership terminals, which had in his memory all the names, locations and activities of all the most secret Taelon facilities on earth. The security system of these files were hypersensitive and would destroy the information if any error was made during the hacking process, which could be made there, in the same lab.

The resistance needed that and the only one who could do it and be trusted was Doc, he had already prooved his abilities and ideas in many cases. However, Liam was not very pleased to be cornered to this solution. He did not want to put his friend life in danger in any of this missions. He was too precious to loose, for the cause, but first of all in a personnal point of view, for him. Liam could not decide what he would do, what he would say.

Methos could read this turnoil perfectly but was not able to guess what had caused it. He had to know it, though, in order to help the kid with what was troubling him. Ignoring the Liam's nervous little talk that told him nothing important, Methos inquired suddenly with a worried, direct and concern tone what happened.

"Liam, please, stop babling. I can see something disturbing you. I'm not blind! Tell me what's wrong ! You know that you can trust me, don't you ?" he exclaimed. Startled by this declaration, which prooved him once again how much Doc knew and could read him well and easily, Liam hesitated a whole minute before finally answering in a nervous tone.

"That is not the question ! Of course I trust you, Doc! But....um... I'm here to ask something from you and... I don't know if .... I can. I need your help... your hacking talents, to be precise. But... it will be dangerous and .... you could get hurt.... and I don't want it !". He stopped his hesitant confession then and looked up to see the reaction on Doc's face.

As he had anticipated and feared, his friend did not show any rejection nor refusal. His expression was open and accepting. Liam had been afraid of that, that Doc would agree and get killed during the raid. He had never reused any help to Liam before and would not be willing to let him down, no matter the cost. But Liam did not want to loose his best friend, not now and not ever. He would have to watch him, to take care of every thing and protect him all along the way. He could not do any less.

Liam then continued with the whole story and explanation. One minute later, he was rewarded by Methos unconditional and trusting agreement. Tonight, they would go and play commandos for the resistance, somewhere in Nevada. Liam would acquire new informations, and Methos would forget for a few hours the doom that would come much to soon.

~~~~~~~~~