Date: Mon, 10 Apr 1995 09:21:56 -0800 Reply-To: BrownK Sender: Highlander TV show stories From: BrownK Subject: Princes of the Universe (part 3) This is written by someone else and I am posting it to the list for him. His email address is "CMIKE@IBM.NET". Please send comments and questions to him --- Part 11: Conner's Quarters Conner returned from his walk in the arboretum with a smile on his face. He found Richie sitting on his sofa, waiting for him. "Hey, Conner. How was the sick-bay experience?" "Fine." Conner continued to smile. "What's with you, man? I haven't seen you this goofy-looking in years." "What? Oh, sorry, Richie. You were saying?" "What did that doctor do to you?" "Richie, she's wonderful. I don't care if we never reach Risa. She invited me to dinner. Tomorrow night, her quarters." "And you always say Duncan gets all the women. You stud, you." "Speaking of Duncan, where is he?" "Oh, he went back to the holodeck with Lieutenant Worf. He said he'd meet us at ten-forward. "Hey, do you like my new sword?" Richie held up his newly refurbished rapier. "Commander LaForge made me a new blade. It's a poly-duranium alloy. Whatever that means." "It's remarkable. It's about time you got a new blade. So what are you going to do with your other sword? You know, the tritanium one you got from Methos." "Well, I was thinking I'd give it to my first protege. That is, if I ever get one." "Don't worry, Richie, some poor Immortal child will latch on to you, just like Duncan latched on to me, and you latched on to him." "And you latched on to Ramierez," Richie said with a smirk. "Do you know what time it is?" Conner looked at his antique wristwatch. "Six thirty, Earth time." "You guys call ME old-fashioned. At least I don't carry around a wristwatch." "Hey, at least I don't go around asking people what time it is." "Yea, well, anyway. . . . That gives us two and a half hours before we meet the captain. Do you have any idea what Duncan has planned for this little meeting? I mean, how is he going to explain all this?" "I have no idea. Maybe he'll say we're from an alternate time-line. They'd probably buy that, on this ship." "So, what are you going to do 'til then?" "I was going to catch up on some reading. Do you have any better plans?" "Well, no. Not really. I guess I'll take a nap, I'm beat." "OK. I'll wake you up in two hours." "Alright, just come on it. I'm not a light sleeper." "No kidding. . ." Part 12: Bridge "Commander Data, have there been any more reports from the Corellias system?" asked Captain Picard. "No, sir. Captain, have you told our passengers that their trip to Risa will have to be postponed?" asked Data. "Not yet, Data, and I'm not looking forward to it, either. Duncan Macleod was one of my most respected teachers at the Academy. I hate to let him down like this." "I know how you feel, sir. I am sure he will understand." "I hope so, Data." "Captain, we're receiving a sub-space hail. The signal is weak," said ensign Gunn. "On screen." Picard stood up and straightened his uniform. A man appeared on the screen for an instant, and then the signal broke up. "Ensign, boost the signal." "Aye, sir." Ensign Gunn tapped the control panel in front of him. "There, sir. Signal strength boosted by seventy-five percent." The man appeared once again. "I am Captain Jean-Luc Picard, of the Federation Starship Enterprise." "Captain, I am Jorta Lyco, Vice Chancellor of the Corellias Government. We've been trying to hail you ever since Starfleet Command notified us of your coming. Unfortunately, our sub-space emitters aren't exactly up to par." "Yes, we had a hard time getting your signal cleaned up. I'd say our connection is tenuous, at best. What is the state of affairs on Corellias Five?" "I wish I could tell you, Captain. We've been cut off from the planet for days. We barely escaped." "Who is 'we', Vice Chancellor?" "There is myself, my family, and a six other cabinet members, and their families. Twenty-two of us in all. We're on the fifth moon of Corellias three. It's the only other Class-M world in our system." "Are you in any danger? Do you fear you were followed?" "No, I don't believe so. There was a great deal of confusion when we left, no one seems to know what went on. When we heard that the Chancellor was killed, and that Kerr Doran had taken over the complex, we got our families to the nearest shuttle and left the planet." "Kerr Doran? What is Kerr Doran? Some sort of military group?" "No. Kerr Doran is a man. No one knows where he came from. No one knows anything about him at all." "You mean a single man overthrew your entire government?" "We're not sure Captain. We don't know exactly what happened. We need help, supplies. We can't survive here for long." "I understand." Picard looked at Data. "How long, at maximum warp, until we're in transporter range, Data?" "Twenty-three hours, thirty-seven minutes, fifteen seconds, sir." "Well, it seems you'll only have to wait one more day. Can you hold out that long?" "I think so. We should have enough food for two more days, no more than that." "Vice Chancellor, do you have any idea what Doran is up to?" asked Commander Riker. "Like I said, we know next to nothing. We were mainly concerned with getting our families to safety." "Of course. Good luck, Vice Chancellor." "Yes, good luck. You should here from us in a few hours. I trust your sub-space receiver is in working order?" said Picard. "Yes. Well, at least it's better than our transmitter. Lyco out." The screen went blank. "Picard to engineering," "LaForge here, sir." "I need maximum warp, Mr. LaForge. For as long as we can have it." "No problem sir. I should be able to give you warp nine point five for thirty seven hours before the warp core even gets heated up, sir." "Make it so." "Amazing, this new ship has a lot to offer us, sir." Data smiled. "Yes. You know, Data, I still can't get used to your smiling all the time. It is a welcome distraction." "Thank you, sir. My emotion chip is working well beyond my expectations. It's proving to be a great challenge to control it." "Well, you're doing a terrific job, Data." Commander Riker gave Data a reassuring smile of his own. "Thank you, Commander." "Data, are you blushing?" asked counselor Deanna Troi. "No, Counselor, I am incapable of changing my skin tone, but I believe I am feeling all the emotions associated with the act of blushing, embarrassment, joy, and gratitude. Did I miss any?" "No, Data. You got them all," said Deanna, with a smile. "Well, it seems I have an appointment to keep. Number-one, you have the bridge." "Going to break the news, sir?" asked Riker. "Yes, Number-one. This will not be easy." "Good luck, sir." Part 13: Ten Forward Duncan was ready for his meeting with the Captain an hour early. He sat at the bar staring into space, literally. "May I help you," said a voice he thought he recognized. Duncan turned around to see who it was. "You look familiar to me," he said to the woman behind the bar. "Have we met before?" "Yes, it was a long time ago. It's nice to see you again, Duncan," Guinan said with a soft smile. "You'll have to forgive me, I-" He stopped short. He began to remember. (Flashback) Duncan walked paced up and down the walkway, in the cold San Francisco fog, for hours. "Where the hell are you, Douglas?" he said to himself. Suddenly, a coach pulled up and a man of about thirty stepped out. Duncan knew it was Douglas even before he turned around. "Duncan, sorry I'm late." "It's OK, Douglas. The party only started two hours ago. Come on." They headed to the large house up the block. "You know, I hear Mark Twain is here tonight" Douglas said, trying to lighten the mood. "Well, I hope he hasn't left yet. What kept you, anyway?" "I was with Sally. You know how it is . . . " "Yea, I know. You lose all sense of responsibility when you're around women." "I do not! Well, maybe a little. Anyway, we're here now, so let's make the best of it." They entered the house, and the party was in full swing. Duncan and Douglas mingled, and danced, and chatted. A black woman, dressed in a beautiful dress, approached Duncan. "I don't believe we've been introduced. My name is Ms. Guinan. And you are?" "Duncan Macleod." "Nice to meet you, Mr. Macleod." She was staring at Duncan a little uneasily. "Nice to meet you," Duncan took Guinan's hand and kissed it. "Please, call me Duncan." "OK, Duncan. Duncan, you and your friend, you're not human, are you?" Duncan smiled. "What else would we be?" He started to feel uneasy. She was not an Immortal, he didn't feel the buzz when she approached, yet she didn't seem to fit into the picture. He could see the wisdom in here eyes, wisdom well beyond her apparent age. She was definitely not a normal human being. "I'm not sure, but I know you're not human. At least you're not like any of these others." He could tell she wasn't crazy, joking, or trying a new, inventive come-on. It would have been useless to lie. "No, we're not. Neither are you, are you?" "Frankly, no. I'm not from this planet." Duncan could scarcely believe what he was hearing, but he did not doubt her for a moment. "Come, lets talk outside." "Yes, I think that's a marvelous idea." (Present) "Guinan?" "Ah, so you remember me." "Guinan, my god. It's been, what, five hundred years?" "About that, Highlander." "What are you doing here?" "As you can see, I'm the bartender. Can I get you something?" she asked with a smile. "Why don't you get us both something, and we can catch up. I don't believe you're here." "I hope you'll forgive me, but I don't drink on the job. I suggest you don't either, unless you want the Captain to figure out your little secret." "You're right. So, what happened to you that night? I remember there was some confusion about Mark Twain and an albino." Guinan smiled. "That was no albino. That was Commander Data, the android on this ship." "An android, in the nineteenth century?" Guinan related the story of how Data came to be in San Francisco, and the events that followed. Of how she had to leave because Mark Twain wouldn't stop badgering her with questions of whom she was, and where she came from. "So whatever happened to your friend, the other Immortal, Danson, was it?" "Douglas. He died." "Died? I thought your kind didn't die?" "There were some things I didn't tell you that night, Guinan. I'm immortal, but Douglas and I were not the only ones. We are part of a race of Immortals, and we must fight until only one remains. There is only one way to kill us, beheading." "Why do you have to fight? What's the purpose?" "We fight for the prize. The last Immortal gets the combined power of all the Immortals. Enough to rule the galaxy, surely." "It seems like more of a hassle than a goal, if you ask me." "Sometimes I feel the same way, but, our 'game' will go on for a long time. There are still many Immortals on Earth, and I just continue to live my life as I always have. One day at a time." "You said there are still many Immortals on Earth, but what about other planets?" "What do you mean?" "Come on, Macleod. You don't really believe that Earth is so special that it's cornered the market on Immortals, do you?" "I never thought of it that way." Duncan looked puzzled. "I've never encountered any, that I know of. And I don't know anyone who has." "Well, neither have I. Your kind give me a very, what's the word? Particular, sensation. Almost like Q, but not as menacing." "Q? What's Q?" "Never mind. Suffice it to say, I haven't encountered any more of you. I would've remembered that. Although, the only Immortals I've encountered from Earth are on this ship. Except for Douglas, of course." "I hope it stays that way. I really would hate to think of an Immortal Klingon after my head." "I don't know, from what I hear, you handled Worf's calisthenics program pretty well." "Where did you hear that?" Guinan merely smiled. "Here come your friends. We'll talk later." Duncan felt Conner and Richie approaching and turned toward the door. "How did you-" When he turned back, Guinan was gone. Part 14: Corellias Government Complex "How long until the Enterprise is in range?" "Approximately twenty hours, sir." Horgan looked around the control room anxiously. He was worried. Kerr was out of control, and he was scared. "I'll be in my chambers, if you need me. If the man wants me, call me." He was unwilling to say Doran's name aloud. They all were. "Yes, sir." Horgan left the control room and headed to his private chambers, on the other side of the complex. The fires had, for the most part, burned themselves out in a few short hours, and all that remained now was ashes. And bodies, can't forget the bodies. Doran had ordered them all killed. He still didn't know about those who escaped. He didn't know that Kerr was the one who ordered the shuttle bay closest to the living quarters untouched, so they could get out. At least, Horgan hoped Kerr didn't know. That was by no means certain, Kerr had a strange way of knowing things. Horgan reached his door and placed his thumb on the small access pad. The door opened to his small living quarters. He had few accoutrements, a bed, a food dispenser, a Corellias network access terminal, and a chest, containing his few personal items he brought with him from his home in the mountain city of Lorkeh. He noticed that he'd left his lighting system on. That was strange, since when he'd left this morning, it had been light out. Then he saw the large figure sitting in front of his terminal. "Who are you and what are you doing here? Never mind, just get out before I kill you." He took off his jacket and threw it onto the bed. Strapped to his waist was a very powerful disruptor, which he drew and aimed at the person in the chair. "Horgan! So nice of you to join me." The figure in the chair turned to face him. It was Kerr Doran Horgan's body went rigid, his hair stood on end, and the blood drained from his face. The disruptor fell from his hand. He couldn't speak. He just stood there, staring at Doran, unable to move. "Don't just stand there, Horgan. Come! Sit down!" Kerr smiled as he pointed to the chair on his left. "Uh, sir, I had no idea. . ." "Of course you didn't, not to worry, Horgan. I wasn't offended by your threats. That's one of the reasons I chose you. You're not afraid of the unknown. Now, sit down, so we can have ourselves a little chat." Horgan took the vacant seat. He was barely able to breath as he looked at Doran. Doran smiled at him, and seemed to be totally calm. "You know, Horgan, you really should relax. I don't know what you're so nervous about. I know all about you're little group of escapees, don't concern yourself with that. You were just doing what you thought was right. I can understand that. I used to be like you, you know. I used to be concerned with doing the right thing. I used to care about people. Do you know what changed that, Horgan?" Horgan shook his head. He relaxed a little. "It was an experience I had a long time ago, Horgan. It changed my life. My wife, Gaea, was killed, right in front of my eyes, Horgan. Ever since that day, ever since I exacted revenge for the death of my wife, I haven't cared about anything. That is, until just recently. Do you know what happened to me recently, Horgan? Do you know what I'm talking about?" "No, I'm sorry, sir, I don't." "It was the realization that I have what it takes to run this galaxy. The realization that I am the best qualified to lead us into a new age. I, and I alone, have the skill and power to do it, Horgan. You understand, Horgan, that I can't have anyone in my organization that doesn't believe that, don't you?" "Of course, sir." "Good. You believe that, don't you, Horgan?" "Yes sir." "Good. I'm glad we could have this little chat. Now, I shall leave you to your . . . well, to whatever it is you do when you're alone." "Very well, sir. Thank you for stopping by." "It was my pleasure. Oh, there's just one more thing before I go, Those escapees, I want them killed. Send an assault ship." "Sir? I don't understand, you said it was alright." "Yes, it is. You had a momentary loss of judgement. Perfectly understandable, and I'm sure it will never happen again. I am correct in assuming this, am I not?" "Sir, I can assure you, it will never happen again. I'll send the ship first thing tomorrow." "No, send it now. I don't want the Federation ship reaching them before we do." "But sir, all the ships are refueling, we exhausted our supplies during the raid." This was a blatant lie. Doran's smile disappeared. He grabbed Horgan by the collar and lifted him off his feet. "What do you take me for, Horgan? Do I look like a child to you?" "No, sir!" "I have warned you once. There will not be a second time. Do what I tell you, and do not attempt to lie to me. You can hide nothing from me. I know your very thoughts, your deepest secrets. I know you plan to betray me to the Federation, the only reason you are still alive is that not even you're betrayal can stop me. Now, do what I tell you, or I will personally take a scout ship to Lorkeh and disembowel your entire family with my teeth!" Horgan believed this threat, despite its apparent absurdity. Doran set Horgan back on his feet and smiled. "Now, send that ship." "Yes, sir." Doran left Horgan alone in his room, quaking. He went silently to his computer terminal and sent the order to the command room. Part 15: Ten Forward "So, Doctor, is Conner going to live?" Richie asked as the three of them walked to Ten-Forward. "I certainly hope so. He seems to be in perfect health. We'll just have to run that neural scan again, to be sure," said Beverly. "Don't try to weasel your way out of it, either, Highlander," she said to Conner. "Are you joking? I couldn't even, if I tried. Remember when I said you didn't seem like a Highlander to me? I was wrong." Beverly smiled. "Here we are. Ten-Forward." Richie and Conner both felt the buzz. "Well, Duncan's already here," Richie said, as the door opened. Duncan looked back toward the door, and saw Conner, Richie, and Doctor Crusher, enter. "How's it going, Mac?" asked Richie. "You look like you just saw a ghost. Are you alright man?" "I'm fine, Richie. Just a little headache." "Really?" asked Beverly. "Maybe I should have a look at you, too." "Uh, no. It's alright, Doctor. I think I just hit my head on the holodeck. Lieutenant Worf's calisthenics program can get a little hectic. I'll be fine in a minute." "Well, OK, but if you change you're mind, or it gets worse, let me know." "Yes, Doctor." "So, how do you know the Captain, Duncan?" she asked. "Well, I used to teach a little fencing course at the Academy. Jean-Luc was one of my best students." "You taught at the academy when Captain Picard was attending? It's amazing. You don't look old enough to have been born when Picard was at the Academy." "Yes, well, I hide my age well. Besides, all that fresh air and exercise keep me looking young." "I'd say so. Exactly how old are you, if you don't mind me asking?" "Well, uh, I-" "Here comes the Captain now," Conner said, and gestured toward the door. "Captain." Beverly smiled at Picard. "This is Conner Macleod, of the Clan Macleod, and Richie Ryan. You already know Duncan Macleod." Picard stared at Duncan in amazement. The diplomat in him took control immediately. "Mister Macleod, you're looking well." He shook Duncan's hand, and then turned to Conner. "A pleasure Mister Macleod." "Conner, please. And the pleasure is mine. You're sort of a legend back on Earth." They shook hands. "Thank you." Picard turned to Richie. "Mr. Ryan" "Nice to meet you, sir." Richie shook Picard's hand. "Well, shall we find a table?" asked Duncan. "Yes, let's," Picard said. They chose a table in a secluded corner. "Doctor, I wasn't expecting to see you here." "Well, Conner invited me, in lieu of a dinner date." "Well, it's a pleasant surprise." Picard turned to Duncan. "You know Mister Macleod, I must confess, I'm amazed at how well you've aged. You don't look a day older than you did at the Academy." "Thank you, Captain. Please, call me Duncan." "It's utterly astonishing. What's your secret?" "Exercise, and lots of fresh air. You know what Paris is like. Also, modern medical technology has had a lot to do with it. It's not something I like to talk about, but I was in an accident a few years ago, and almost didn't survive. Doctors had to reconstruct most of my body, and so I decided I'd rather have them give me my younger, healthier appearance, than my old wrinkled one. Would you have chosen any differently?" "Probably not. You always were the talk of all the female cadets." "Yes, Duncan always gets the girls," said Conner. "Almost always." He looked at Beverly and smiled. "So, Conner, did I hear the Beverly correctly? You're descended from legendary Clan Macleod?" "Aye, Duncan and I both." "You know, I've always been intrigued by Scottish history. The great clan wars, Rob Roy, all of it is very fascinating to me." "You should have been there," Conner said to himself. "What was that?" asked Beverly. "Oh, I said I wish I'd been there." "Yes, it was a simpler time," said Picard. "That it was. Although I'm sure none of us would want to be forced to drawn their own water, or hunt their own food to survive," Conner said. "True enough," said Duncan. "So, Captain, have you been keeping up with your fencing?" "Yes, although not as much as I'd like. Being the Captain of a Starship doesn't leave me with as much free time as I'd like. I miss the days of ignoring my studies at the Academy." "Don't be so modest, Captain. From what the other teachers told me you were an excellent student." "Well, from what the other students told me, you were the most popular teacher in the athletics department." "Captain, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you for the ride. We really appreciate the hospitality," said Richie. "Ah, well, that's something I have to discuss with you. Shortly after our departure, we received new orders from Starfleet. I'm afraid your trip will have to be delayed. I'm sorry." "You mean we have to stay on the ship for a few extra days?" "Yes, perhaps a week," Picard said, apologetically. "That's great!" Richie said. "That's excellent news, Captain. It'll give us some time to catch up. And to work on your fencing technique." Conner merely smiled. "I hope this will give us some time to get to know each other better." Beverly took Conner's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "I'm glad this worked out this way. I was not looking forward to breaking the news to you." "It's no problem at all, Captain. This is more fun than Risa, I'm sure." "Well, I've been to Risa. I'd probably agree with you on that note." "You didn't like Risa?" "No, Richie. It was not my cup of tea, so to speak. Although, it I did meet a very special person there." "Really? A woman?" Commander Riker's voice came over the comm. "Captain Picard to the bridge." Picard tapped his comm badge. "On my way, Number-One. "I am sorry, but duty calls. Beverly, gentlemen." He stood up. "We'll talk later, Captain." Picard nodded and then left. ================================================== Mike Coelho 'There can be only one' cmike@ibm.net -+==========|---------------------- -------------------------------------------------- =========================================================================