Date: Fri, 14 Oct 1994 18:29:13 EDT Reply-To: Highlander TV show stories Sender: Highlander TV show stories From: the dungeon of souls Subject: "Unwelcome Inheritance" Act I, part 6 "Unwelcome Inheritance" by Caile Donachaidh Kane Act I, part 6 comments to NOTE: In the author's opinion, this is the weakest part of the story. Rest assured, it improves. -Caile _Part 6_ Duncan and Shae stood in the doorway, watching Richie work on the benchpress. Charlie was sparring with a young Hispanic boy. Duncan pulled the elevator grille down behind them and turned to Shae. She was wearing black leggings and a large black tank top. His eyes went to her black suede gloves and his breath caught in his throat. She shouldn't have to wear them, he thought angrily. "Hey, Richie, c'm'ere," he called. Richie stood up and nodded to Duncan. He said something to Charlie, and they both came over to where Duncan and Shae were standing. "Hey, Mac, what's goin' on?" Shae unsheathed her katana and handed the scabbard to Charlie. "Get a sword, Richie," Duncan said. "You and Shae are going to match." "Hey, all right!" Richie exclaimed. He fairly ran across the gym to the office, and lifted a katana of the back wall. Charlie turned to Duncan with a puzzled expression. "Are you *nuts*? Richie isn't ready to match, not even with *her*." Shae raised her eyebrows. "If you're suggesting that my skill is inferior, then I'll take *you* on next." She strode across the room and met Richie on the mat. They bowed to each other and began to fight. Richie parried somewhat successfully for a few minutes, but it was clear who was in control of the battle. She beat him back off the mat, back against the wall. With one effortless stroke, she knocked the sword from his hands and brought her blade up to his neck. "Touche," she said, and stepped back with a laugh. Richie looked furious. "Next time..." "Next time," Duncan said, walking over to them, "Shae won't be proving a point. Next time, she'll be showing you how to end a fight as cleanly as she does. Is that clear?" Richie clenched his teeth. "Yes, Mac, but... can I talk to you? Please?" "Sure, Richie, in my office. Will you wait here, Shae?" "Yes, of course." Richie followed Duncan into the office slamming the door. "What the hell was that?! Is that why she's here? To kick my ass all over the place?!" "Richie, you lost. To a woman. To a very beautiful woman, I might add, who is not much older than you. Is that what's got you so mad?" Richie looked away. "Well? Am I right?" "YES!" he exploded. "All right? Are you happy now? You've succeeded in embarassing me, so just send her home. " "That's not why she's here, Richie." "Then why *is* she here?" "You don't need to know. But what you *do* need to know," Duncan punctuated his speech by poking Richie in the chest, "is that Shae was a professional *before* she became immortal , and that is why, instead of paying rent, she's going to train you. Do you understand?" "Yes. But I don't like it." Duncan sighed and covered his eyes with his hand for a moment, leaning on the desk, then looked back up. "You weren't asked to like it, Richie. Just trust me. Once you get over the fact that she's an... extremely attractive young lady, I think you'll do just fine." "You know you're impossible to argue with?" Richie said irritably. "You're not the first person who's told me that." He grinned at Richie. Richie smiled back, begrudgingly, but it was still a smile. "Just one more thing, Mac. Why *is* Shae here?" "She has a problem, and I'm going to help her solve it. If I can. All you really need to know is that it's more difficult than any of your fencing troubles." "What kind of problem?" Duncan shook his head. " I don't think even *she* knows." ********** further parts wiil be forthcoming =========================================================================