========================================================================= Date: Wed, 17 Apr 1996 19:01:00 PDT Reply-To: Mike Goldman Sender: Highlander TV show stories From: Mike Goldman Subject: "A Dangerous Game" (11/13) HL Story "...when you become something else..." Joe led Anne down to the basement with Duncan and Richie following behind. At the bottom of the steps, he flipped on the lights and the person in the cage shielded their eyes as they came closer. Upon arriving in front of the cage, the person stood up and insouciantly leaned against one of the posts. "So, you've brought someone else to meet me?" Stefan said. Anne stepped forward slightly. "I'm Anne Lindsay. I'd like to talk to Rory." Stefan looked blank for a moment. "Anne Lindsay? Ah yes, the doctor. Well, I'm sorry, Doctor, but Rory isn't allowed to come out right now." "Isn't allowed?" "Well, I need to be in control in order to insure things go according to schedule. You understand." Stefan began brushing imaginary dirt off his person as Anne looked back at Joe, Duncan and Richie. Their expressions told her that they had no idea what to do, either. She turned back to again ask Stefan if she could talk to Rory when she saw the expression on Stefan's face change to one of surprise and dismay. Sinking down to a kneeling position, he covered his head with his hands and let out a low moan. "Nooooo...." After a few minutes, the head raised and Rory's blue eyes were looking at them. "Rory!" Joe rushed forward, Duncan and Richie behind him. Rory pulled herself up slowly and pressed her fingers through the fence links and Joe grabbed them with his. "What am I doing in here?" she asked. "Did...?" Joe nodded. "Help me...what's going on?" she pleaded. "I don't know." he admitted. "We're trying to find out now, but there's just too little to go on. How long did you know Stefan?" "I don't really remember..." she said quickly, her gaze sliding away from his as she held his fingers so tight he felt the chain link cut into them. "I'm sorry," she apologized, taking her hand away and pressing her palms to her temples. "It's like I can *feel* something trying to get out. If I talk about him, it would make it easier for him." Anne put her hand on Joe's shoulder. "Let me talk to her." Reluctantly Joe moved away. "Hi Rory, remember me?" She nodded, palms still pressed to her temples. "We're all trying to find a way to help you." said Anne, "but, until then, it was suggested that you might try taking some sedatives to try and help you maintain control." Rory put her hands down and looked at Macleod, cocking an eyebrow. "Your idea, huh?" Mac shrugged. "If you don't think--" "No," she interrupted. "It sounds like something viable at least. But I don't think Stefan's going to willingly take any pills." "The sedative I have for you is Haldol which can be given intramuscularly." Anne went into doctor mode. "it targets schizophrenics as well as patients who are agitated and violent--" Rory chuckled mirthlessly and looked around her. "Apparently, that would be me." "There are some side effects," Anne continued. "nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, slurred speech among them. I'm not saying all these--or any of them--will happen to you, but I thought you should know." Rory looked at all their faces: Richie, Duncan, Anne and Joe -- no, not Joe. That hurt too much. She had a vague recollection of Stefan's previous conversation with him. "OK." she decided. "What do I do?" She turned to the men. "Can I go in there?" They looked at each other and Joe slowly shook his head. "Come up to the fence and roll up your sleeve." she directed Rory, digging into her purse which she had placed on the ground next to her. Rory did as she was told, pushing up her T-shirt sleeve and Anne punched the needle into the small vial and drew out the dosage. Tapping the syringe to get rid of any air bubbles, she grabbed the small antiseptic wipe next to it and opened it. Taking the wipe, she disinfected a small area of Rory's upper arm and then carefully stabbed the needle in, bringing a small hiss from her patient. She finished the injection and slowly withdrew the needle, wiping away the small bead of blood. As she watched, the miniscule injection wound closed itself and she shook her head, knowing she'd never quite get used to that. "I gave you a low dose until we see what your side effects are." Rory nodded, sinking back down onto the floor. "You alright?" Duncan asked. "In what sense would you be askin'?" she tried to respond, but her smile and tone were brittle. "I'm startin' to feel a little ill. Could you all leave now?" Three of them nodded, but Joe refused. "I'm going to stay." he said. "Please, Joe," she whispered, looking up at him, eyes bright. "I don't want you to see me like this." His mouth worked but no sound came out. "Please?" she asked again. He nodded and wheeled around, walking quickly towards the stairs. Richie and Anne left after him. Duncan stayed behind for a moment. "Rory?" he said. She looked up at him. "I know we have our differences, but I will help do whatever I can to find out what's going on." "Thanks, Macleod," she said. "Just look after Joe, will ye?" He nodded and she closed her eyes, tilting her head back to rest against the fence. He went up the stairs, closing the door behind him. >> Lori mgoldman@cts.com Bass Player/Musical Director for the SJD Kick-Ass House Band CFW/WAR Chief for Smokin' Joe Dawson in the first HL WAR