MacDermott paced the bridge of the Missouri like a caged beast. Back and forth the Captain of this Katana class vessel went, waiting. He hated to wait. His first officer, Tom Kern, approached cautiously. MacDermott asked him tersely with an obvious hint of sarcasm. "Have we heard Ambassador Montique's shuttle yet?"
"Yes Sir. They will rendezvous with us in 10 minutes." Kern said smiling.
MacDermott looked at him. Puzzled by the expression on Kern's face. "Don't tell me you're looking forward to being an ambassador's transport."
"I'm ready for an easy assignment." Kern said. "For a change." He added. "We deserve easy once in a while."
"This is one of the finest ships in the fleet." Duncan began. "I just can't believe you like this duty."
"Mac," Kern said quietly but with pride. "This is the finest ship in the fleet. We just can't be out there with phasers firing and photon torpedoes flying every day. May I make a candid observation, Sir?"
MacDermott looked at him and sighed. "Go ahead."
"You've been running at warp speed ever since you came back to duty after escaping from Gul Renat. You need a break. Have you considered a few days off? Sir." Kern told him. "Spend some time with Melora, one of your Highland adventures, whatever. I can run things." The first officer continued.
When Kern mentioned Melora, Duncan felt his ire beginning to rise. Was he getting angry because Kern was butting in or because Kern was right? He decided that it was because Kern was right. He had been burying himself in his job. Again.
"You're right, Tom. I have been living out of my ready room. I let my guard down. I got complacent. I let myself get captured by the Cardassians, got Lt. Hunter killed and almost got Kelley and myself killed. I guess I'm punishing myself for that." Duncan admitted.
"You didn't let yourself get captured, Mac. And in no way are you responsible for Hunter's death." Kern said softly enough for Kelley not to hear. The loss of Ellen Hunter was hard on the young helmsman. "What you did do, was save Kelley's life and your own. That's something you should be proud of. Sir."
"I'm the Captain of this ship. I'm responsible for everyone on board." He snapped. Duncan thought for a long moment. "You're right though. I'm going to take some time. Right after the Ambassador comes aboard, you are in command." Duncan said forcing himself to smile.
"Captain." Melora said from the tactical position. "Ambassador Montique's shuttle is hailing us."
He smiled at her. He had been neglecting her. He'd been sleeping in his ready room. The only time they were together was during dinner and that was only occasionally. "On screen."
A human man in his mid thirties with deep eyes. Eyes that looked like they have seen much in their life stared out of the screen. His brown hair looked like it should have been longer. MacDermott didn't know why. "Captain MacDermott." The words slid off the ambassador's lips with a slight Scottish accent.
"Yes Ambassador. Are you ready to beam over?" MacDermott replied.
"I am. I have two bags to beam over with me." Montique said.
MacDermott looked at the man; something about him bothered Duncan. MacDermott couldn't put a finger on it. "Very well, Sir. We'll see you aboard then." The viewscreen went back to showing the shuttle that hovered near the Missouri. "Tom, let's go welcome the Ambassador aboard." Duncan said unenthusiastically as they started to move to the lift. Ito stepped into the lift with the two officers. After what had happened to Duncan with the Cardassians she promised herself to keep a closer eye on him.
The three of them entered the transporter room. Behind the controls was Chief Percy. "All right Chief, energize."
Percy nodded. The transporter hummed and the Ambassador materialized on the pad.
MacDermott stepped forward as the Ambassador stepped off the platform with his bags in hand. One was an average piece of luggage. The other was nearly a yard long, but not more than 6 or 7 inches around. "Welcome to the Missouri, Ambassador. I'm Captain Duncan MacDermott." Duncan said shaking the Ambassador's hand. "This is my first officer, Commander Thomas Kern." The ambassador shook Kern's hand. "And this is Lt. Melora Ito. Security." Duncan finished.
The Ambassador took Melora's hand, bowed and kissed it lightly. "Pleased to meet you, Lieutenant." He said, as he stood upright again. "The women in starfleet just keep getting prettier and prettier." Montique said with a smile.
Melora flushed with embarrassment. "Thank you, Ambassador." Melora responded looking around the transporter room. She hadn't been around an ambassador since she worked on Ambassador Sarek's security detail. The Vulcan ambassador would have never shown so much emotion.
Montique stood straight. "Please everyone, call me Russell. I am not one big on formalities." Montique said.
Everyone relaxed a little. Duncan turned to Kern. "XO, would you show the Ambassador to the guest quarters?" Duncan said emphasizing the formality
"Right away, Captain." Kern responded. Tom picked up Montique's bag. As Kern reached for long narrow bag, Montique suddenly grabbed the bag and said very abruptly. "I'll take this one."
Kern looked up at MacDermott; who gave him a look that said I don't know. Looking back at the Ambassador. "Very well, Sir. Right this way." Kern offered pointing the way. Montique walked out of the transporter room with Kern following him.
MacDermott and Ito walked down the passage way toward the turbolift. "Why do you think the Ambassador tensed up like that when Kern reached for that bag?" Melora asked Duncan. She had not seen a lot of him in the past weeks. He'd sealed himself away, blaming himself for what happened.
"I don't know. I want to know what is in that bag though." Duncan commented. "Pull up the transporter logs they should tell us what's in it."
Melora nodded as they got on the turbolift. As the doors closed she turned to him. "Duncan, are you OK?"
He was deep in thought. "What, oh yes. I'm fine."
Melora knew when she was being patronized and she didn't like it. She turned around not trying to hide her dissatisfaction with the way that she was being treated.
Duncan noticed. "Computer. Halt."
Melora looked up as the lift stopped moving.
He looked at her, thinking of what Kern had said on the bridge earlier. "Melora?"
She turned and faced him. As his brown eyes opened a window right into his soul, they peered directly into hers. "Yes."
He looked at her trying to see what she was thinking. "I'm sorry. I know I've been distant lately. After what happened, I didn't want you to have to go through losing me again." He took her hands in his. "So I tried to separate our lives. I've decided I couldn't do it. Not to you, not to myself. I love you too much for that." He smiled.
"Duncan, you and your damned sense of nobility and chivalry." She admonished him. She had missed him terribly. She wrapped her arms around him and held him tight. He held her too. "As for what happened, it's part of putting on the uniform. We all take chances, with our lives and our hearts. I want you in my life now and forever. A day, a minute with you is better than a lifetime without you."
He held her for a little longer. "I love you, you know."
"I know." She said with a smile.
"Computer, resume."
In his quarters, Montique opened the long bag and removed a Samurai sword, carved hand-guard, razor-sharp, and feather-light. Its white ivory handle etched with the likeness of an oriental dragon. Its steel blade gleamed in the light. Montique removed the sword and ran his hand along the blade. This sword has been his constant companion for the last eight and a half centuries. His other companion, the memories of those centuries….
The year is 1541; it had been 5 years since Connor MacLeod's first death at the hand of the Immortal Kurgan. Five years since he was banished from his home, his clan. Connor MacLeod and his mentor Juan Sanchez Villa-Lobos Ramirez, a tall handsome Egyptian watched as Macleod's woman, Heather, a full-breasted, lusty, and apple-cheeked woman bought goods in the marketplace. Ramirez bought an apple, and bit into it. Far up the valley, MacLeod saw his home; it was a dot on the craggy mountainside. Ramirez wiped the juice of the apple from his mouth. "You will have no family. We cannot have children." The man in the peacock hat told Macleod.
As a band played and young girls danced around a maypole, MacLeod watched lovingly as Heather stuffed a squawking bird into a bag. "That won't please Heather. I'll tell you that for nothing." He said.
Ramirez shrugged as Heather held up the sack calling to Connor. "Here's dinner. Be off now. I fancy a new dress."
MacLeod smiled at her then turned his attention to a juggler.
Ramirez continued with the bad news. "You must leave her, brother."
MacLeod just scowled at Ramirez. The crowd whistled and laughed when the juggler dropped his balls. The two men continued to walk. Ramirez tells him. "I was born 2,437 years ago. In that time, I have had three wives." Ramirez paused to ogle a passing whore. After he bowed to the woman he continued his story. "The last was Shakiko, a Japanese princess." He held up his sword for MacLeod to examine. "Her father, Kamakura, a genius, made this for me in 593 BC It is the only one of its kind." He paused again remembering the love he shared with her. "Like his daughter." He tossed the sword to MacLeod. Connor caught the sword and tested its weight and balance. "When Shakiko died, I was shattered. I would save you that pain. Please -- let Heather go."
Connor would not hear him. "She's my wife, man. I love her." Connor explained as he watched her push through the crowd.
Ramirez continued trying to persuade him. "Then you will cause yourself great anguish. I buried Shakiko with my own hands." Ramirez almost choked on the emotion of the memory. "I had to go on, never again to hear the sound of her voice, her laughter. She left behind such a silence."
MacLeod turned in time to catch Heather as she jumped into his arms. She stretched the cloth out before him. "D'you like it? Tell me true." She asked him.
MacLeod watched Ramirez out of the corner of his eye. "Aye, blossom. It's fine." He told her with a smile.
Melora turned to the command deck. "Captain, I have the transporter logs." She told him.
MacDermott and Kern walked over the science station. "So what is our guest carrying in his bag?" Duncan asked rhetorically.
"A sword." Ito said looking at the display, not quite believing her own eyes.
The Klingon chief of security turned. "A weapon?"
MacDermott turned. "I'm sure it won't be a problem, T'Gerran."
The doors to the bridge opened as Montique exited the lift. "Ah, Captain MacDermott. We need to discuss our assignment." He said as he caught site of Duncan.
"I want to know everything about the Ambassador." MacDermott said quietly as he turned quickly. Ito switched the display. "Very well Ambassador. In my ready room." Duncan said directing him to the room just off the bridge.
The two men entered the Captain's ready room. Montique's attention was immediately drawn to the MacDermott family tartan that hung on the wall and to the broadsword that hung there too. MacDermott noticed his interest. "Ambassador, you have an interest in Scottish history?"
"Aye, I do." Montique said. "I attended the University in Aberdeen. I developed an appreciation for the land and her people."
"I see. Aberdeen is lovely. Nothing like the Highlands though." MacDermott said thinking how long it had been since he'd been home. "About the mission?" MacDermott asked.
"Oh yes." Montique was pulled back to the present. "Two days ago, the Excelsior class starship Montana crashed in the Rokaar System while patrolling the Romulan neutral zone. We have received coded disaster calls from the survivors. However, the Romulans won't let us in the zone." Montique removed a padd from his jacket. "We're to rendezvous with a Romulan warbird at these coordinates. My duty is to secure us a rite of passage into the zone. Your duty, Captain, is to see to the rescue of the survivors." Montique's dark eyes bored holes in MacDermott. "Do you have any questions?"
MacDermott matched his gaze. "No. It seems straightforward enough." Unlike the man he sat across from. "We'll proceed immediately."
"Thank you, Captain." Montique said. "Captain, May I ask a favor?"
"Of course."
"The use of one of your holodecks. Just for a short while."
MacDermott smiled. "Of course, Ambassador. I'll instruct the computer to allow you access right away." Duncan wondered what the Ambassador was going to do in there.
"Thank you, Captain. If there's nothing else, I'll begin preparations for the negotiations." Montique told him.
MacDermott steepled his fingers. "I think that would be a good idea."
Duncan watched him leave. He wondered what that man had to hide. "Computer, grant holodeck access to Ambassador Montique."
The computer bleeped. "Holodeck access granted."
Duncan walked out onto the bridge. "Captain's on the bridge." Kelley reported.
Stepping back to the tactical console. "Melora, the Ambassador attended the University of Aberdeen."
Melora nodded, understanding what he wanted, before returning to her duties.
He looked at her for a long time, taking in her features. It was like looking at her for the first time again.
Melora became aware of his gaze and turned to face him. "What's wrong, Duncan?" She asked in a whisper.
Her question brought him out of his trance. "Nothing. I've missed you. Dinner tonight?"
She was caught off guard by his invitation. "Of course." She smiled.
He smiled too. "Nineteen hundred, holodeck 2."
"I'm looking forward to it" She whispered.
MacDermott turned and looked at the Padd in his hand. "Helm, come to course 412 mark 15. Make your speed warp 7. "
Kelley moved his fingers over the LCARS interface. "Aye, Sir. 412 mark 15."
MacDermott settled into the center seat. "Engage."
The Missouri rolled to her new course and disappeared in a flash of light. The stars taking on the rainbow effect of moving through warp.
Montique took the isolinear chip out of his pocket and rolled in his fingers watching the light play off it. Inserting the chip into reader. "Load program, Heather 1." He commanded.
A few seconds later the computer announced. "Program complete, enter when ready." The big doors to the holodeck opened to reveal a rolling meadow. The tall grass blowing in the breeze. The sun was setting in a clear blue sky. Beyond the valley was a snow-covered glen. At the top of a hill was a grave. Montique climbed the hill slowly approaching the grave. At the head of the grave sticking out of the ground was a broadsword. In the hilt of the sword was etched the name MACLEOD. The sword glowed in the dying sunlight. He dropped gently to his knees and took a candle out of his pocket.
In the late 1500's MacLeod and his wife Heather left Jedburgh and moved east, and settled on a farm outside Montrose. The years became decades. Heather changed. Her youth faded. MacLeod had been with her constantly. At the end she lay in his arms and clutched a sheepskin doll. She stroked Macleod's ageless cheek. "My beautiful man. My husband."
Macleod replied to her softly. "I am that, my love."
Her eyes filled with tears as MacLeod fights for control of his emotions. He smoothed her gray hair. "I have never...really known."
Connor looked at her, confused. "What?"
"Why you stayed." She told him.
Macleod explained. "Because I love you as much now as the day I first met you."
"And I love you." Heather told him softly. She turned away from him as she began to cry.
Macleod was tormented; he cradled her head, and held her tight.
Heather said through the tears. "I don't want to die. I want to stay with you forever."
Macleod looked down at her and said softly. "I want that, too."
Heather looked up at him and asked. "Will you do something for me, Connor?"
Macleod responded. He would have given his own live if she could live. "What, blossom?"
"In years to come, will you light a candle and remember me on my Birthday?"
Connor responded. "Aye, love. I will"
Heather confessed. "I wanted to have your children." Heather collapsed and clung to him.
Connor said huskily. "They would have been strong and fine."
Heather struggled for breath as she pleaded. "Don't see me, Connor. Let me die in peace."
As his heart broke he rocked her back and forth.
"Where are we?" She asked. The end was drawing closer with each breath.
He told her. "We're in the Highlands. Where else? Running down a mountainside.
She smiled. Connor saw her, as she was when she was young. He continued telling her. "The sun's shining. It's not cold. We'll swim in the loch, maybe." She faded away. Closer to the end, "You've got your sheepskins on. And the boots I made for you." At that moment she died. He squeezed her tight and blinked back the tears. "When I met you at the fair, you said: 'You're all muck and muscle.' Then you smiled. What a beauty." He lowered her gently to the bed and closed her eyes. Through the tears Macleod sobbed. "Good night, my bonnie Heather. You were always beautiful to me." Later Connor buried her on top of a hill with his own hands. He marked the grave with the broadsword of the Clan Macleod.
Montique lit a candle and placed it on the ground at the head of the grave. "For you, my bonnie Heather. Happy birthday." He lit a second candle and set it next to the first. "And for you, Juan Ramirez. You were right, haggis. There will never be another." Connor remembered finding Ramirez's corpse at the forge after being killed by the Kurgan. "Take care of her, you overdressed Peacock." Montique sat there on his knees and watched the flames flicker in the breeze. After a long time he rose and walked down the hill. "Computer; arch." He commanded. The arch of the holodeck appeared in the middle of the field. Montique ran his fingers over the controls and removed his isolinear chip and returned it to his pocket. As the doors opened, Montique looked back over his shoulder at the empty holodeck and nearly ran headlong into MacDermott and Melora. MacDermott was carrying a blanket and Melora had a basket of food in her hand. "Excuse me, Captain, Lieutenant. I wasn't paying attention.
"My apologies Ambassador. I wasn't aware the holodeck was occupied." MacDermott offered.
"Quite all right. Captain. I was finished. If you'll excuse me." Montique said leaving the couple.
Duncan watched the ambassador until he was out of sight.
"Duncan…Duncan…What's wrong?" Melora asked him.
Duncan brought his attention back to her. "I don't know. Something about him. There's more to him than he's telling." Duncan explained.
"Why do you say that?" She asked him.
MacDermott had the image of Montique in his mind. "I don't know. Just a hunch." He pushed the thought from his mind. He looked at the woman he loved. "Where shall we eat tonight, the shores of Loch Shiel or the beach at Molokai?" Duncan asked her as he brought up the menu of programs.
"Molokai." She replied instantly.
Duncan smiled. "Molokai it is." He looked at her carefully. "Something more suited to the local than a duty uniform then. Something in white." He said as he pressed a few more keys.
"Program complete, enter when ready." The computer responded.
The doors opened. The two of them were standing in a grove of palm trees at the edge of the sand. Glowing before them like a golden orb was the setting sun. They watched the surf crash down on the sand. "Good choice." Duncan smiled, as he looked at her in her white bathing suit. The two of them walked out onto the sand and spread their blanket out. Nibbling on wine and cheese, Duncan lay on the blanket as Melora swam in the moonlit ocean. She came running to him across the sand. Duncan wrapped her wet body in the blanket and held her close. "I've been such a heel." He whispered.
She put a finger to his lips. "Shhh. That's in the past." She kissed him and pulled him down to the sand.
Montique returned to the holodeck to get in some practice with his sword. The display outside said it was occupied (private). He proceeded to Holodeck 1; the display there said occupied (public). The doors opened to show T'Gerran working on his hand to hand combat skills. The big Klingon, armed only with a Bat'leth, was taking on six Jem'Hadar soldiers. The Klingon was poetry in motion as he dispatched the holographic warriors. Montique wondered what it would be like to fight a warrior like that for the prize. He hoped he'd never have to. T'Gerran spun and neatly removed the head from the last of the warriors. Montique noticed that the Klingon had barely broken a sweat. Montique began to applaud. "Very impressive Commander."
Startled T'Gerran turned. Ambassador, I didn't see you there."
"Please call me Russell." Montique said. "I am truly impressed. I was wondering, I was going to do some holographic sparring with this." He said holding up the Katana. "Would you spar with me?"
"Ambassador. I am not sure if that would be appropriate." T'Gerran responded wiping his face with a towel.
"Neither of us are going to get hurt. Unless you are afraid of a soft Ambassador, a soft, human ambassador." Montique chided him.
A feral smiled crossed the Klingon's lips. "I am not afraid for me. I am afraid of hurting you."
"Don't be." Montique said as he spun the katana in his hand.
T'Gerran dropped his towel. The bat'leth danced in his hands as the two of them circled each other. Montique held the katana high above his head with one hand as the other was in front of him like some sort of homing device. Slowly they moved, getting the feel of each other. Each was trying to get a sense of his opponent. Montique attacked first. T'Gerran quickly deflected the attack and brought his weapon around to counter. Montique averted the blow. The two warriors began to circle again. The rhythm of attack and defend, rethink and regroup continued. The two men were sweating profusely, either from the activity or the stress of being at a draw. Montique drug the tip of his katana along the ground. The steel made sparks against the holographic rock floor. T'Gerran was distracted by the sparks and didn't see Montique move toward him with the speed of a cheetah. The Klingon barely avoided being wounded by the cold steel of the katana. T'Gerran countered but was off balance. He fell to his knees. Suddenly, he felt the blade of the sword against his throat. For a split second, he feared for his life. He realized that if Montique wanted him dead, he'd be dead already. T'Gerran looked at his opponent. Montique just smiled and said. "Never overextend your thrust." T'Gerran heard the Katana drop to the ground and felt a hand under his arm, helping him to his feet.
"Ambassador. I am impressed by your ability." T'Gerran admitted.
Montique smiled. "Years of practice, my friend. Years of practice." He said as he picked up his katana and handed T'Gerran his bat'leth.
"You handle your blade well. The captain is a swordsman himself." T'Gerran told Montique.
"Really?" The remark peaked Montique's interest. "I'll have to ask him to spar with me when our mission is over."
Duncan rolled over on his side and looked at Melora. The moonlight glistening off her naked body. "I love you."
She smiled at him. "I love you too. This was a wonderful evening."
He lay back on his back as she snuggled into the crook of his shoulder. Her fingers were idly playing across his stomach. She listened to his heart beating. "The next time we have leave. Let's go to Molokai. I want to see it for real." He said.
She rolled to where she could look into his eyes. "Anywhere, I'll go anywhere with you." She kissed him again.
Captain's Personal Log: Stardate 51235.8 ~ We are still in transit to the rendezvous with the Romulans to try to get access to the Rokaar system to rescue the crew of the Montana. The enigmatic Ambassador Montique is still onboard. I hope there is not a problem with the impending negotiations. I have decided it was wrong of me to isolate myself from Melora and everyone else. The torture at the hands of the Cardassians and the death of Lt. Hunter has left more of a mark on my psyche that I thought.
"Captain to the bridge." Costello's voice sounded.
MacDermott walked out onto the bridge. "Report."
The operations officer responded. "We're holding position at the designated coordinates. Orders Captain?" She asked nervously.
Melora spoke up. "Captain, there is a tachyon surge directly ahead. It could be a ship decloaking."
Five hundred meters off the bow of the Missouri, space wavered then slowly took the shape of a Romulan warbird. The huge ship dwarfed the Missouri.
"Shields Captain?" Costello asked.
"I'm not sure. I've never been this close to one before." He said. "Have they powered weapons?"
"No Sir." Melora replied.
"Leave our shields down. Call the Ambassador to the bridge." He ordered.
"Aye Captain. Ambassador Montique to the bridge." Costello called over the intercom.
Melora said. "We're being hailed, Captain"
MacDermott raised and eyebrow. This is a first. He thought. He'd never been in communication with a Romulan ship before. "Put them on the screen." Montique exited the lift as the words left MacDermott's mouth. "Ah Ambassador, just in time."
On the screen the image of the warbird was replaced with the symbol of the Romulan Empire; that was replaced with an image of two humanoids. One was clearly a Romulan; the other appeared to be human. The human was nearly two meters tall with long blond hair pulled back into a ponytail. "You are Ambassador Montique?" The Romulan asked.
Montique stiffened. He was staring at the human. How can it be? I killed him with my own hands. Even as he answered the Romulans question he never took his eyes off the human. "I am. And to whom am I speaking?"
The Romulan looked perturbed that Montique was not giving him his undivided attention. "I am Field Primus T'Cael of the Romulan Preatorate." He said with pride. "Welcome Ambassador and welcome to the valiant crew of the USS Missouri. We have heard of the exploits of Captain MacDermott and his fine crew."
"You're most gracious Primus. However time is of the essence. I suggest we meet face to face to discuss terms for the retrieval of the crew of the Montana. " Montique said.
"Yes, I suppose we should. In one hour aboard this vessel." It was not a question.
"Agreed. I will be escorted by the Captain and one security guard." Montique said. It was not a request. The battle of negotiation continued.
"Agreed, but leave your Klingon lapdog onboard your vessel. We don't want his stench on our ship." T'Cael said.
MacDermott shot a glance out of the corner of his eye. To T'Gerran's credit he didn't beam himself aboard the Romulan ship and gut the Primus right there on the bridge of his own ship. He just stood there as emotionless as a Vulcan did.
Montique looked around the bridge at the Klingon and smiled. "Very well, one hour."
"One hour." The screen went back to showing the warbird off the bow of the Missouri.
"Captain, I'll see you in the transporter room in one hour."
MacDermott looked at him. "Understood."
With that, Montique left the bridge.
"Melora, you're with me; XO, I know what you're going say. You heard the Ambassador." MacDermott said.
Kern didn't even open his mouth.
Alone in his room, Montique remembered the first time he'd met the man he had seen with the Romulans. It had been two years since Connor Macleod had been banished from his Clan and his home, years before he met Ramirez. Connor was in Jedburgh when he heard the news. Kanwulf the Viking had returned to Scotland killing and maiming anyone whom crossed his path. The latest information put Kanwulf in the area of Glenfinnan. Connor then received the terrible news. Kanwulf had killed his father Angus and his cousin Dougal.
Alone in their home that night as Macleod prepared to leave. Heather asked. "Why do you have to go my husband?
"They are my kin, woman, my family. Cannae understand?" He told her. "I have to avenge their deaths."
Heather held him. "Please love?" She said pleading.
Macleod shook free of her grasp. "I have to." And he stormed out the door.
It was dark when he knelt at the graves of his father and Dougal. "I will avenge you. I swear it." He pulled his father's sword from the dirt.
He moved through the countryside near Glenfinnan, when he felt it. A feeling that Ramirez would teach him later it was the feeling that another immortal was near.
A shadowy figure emerged from the trees. "I recognize that sword. The owner fought well for an old man, as did his kinsman."
"I'll do better. I'm his son." Connor said.
"You're much more, but you don't know, do you?" Kanwulf taunted.
"I know enough." Connor said as the attacked the Viking. Kanwulf defended himself with a battle-ax. It was unwieldy; too hard to control. A short battle ensued. Connor delivered a mortal blow, running the broadsword through the Viking's heart. Connor left Kanwulf for dead and returned the sword to his father's grave. He then returned to Heather.
MacDermott, Ito, and Montique materialized aboard the Romulan ship. As soon as the transporter effect released them a Centurion approached them. "Allow me a escort you to Primus T'Cael."
Montique bowed gracefully and the three of them followed the Centurion.
They entered a room. Montique felt it again, the presence of another immortal. The Primus, the human named Oluf, the Ambassador, MacDermott and Ito all took seats around a large table of a black material so shiny it looked like a mirror. "You want access to the Rokaar system?"
"Yes, Primus. One of our Starships, the Montana, crashed there. She was attacked by a flight of Dominion warships. I would remind you, that the Empire is now in the fight against the Dominion." Montique said.
"You don't have to remind me of what I already know. What assurances do I have that you won't use this as an opportunity to engage in covert activity against the Empire?" The Primus countered.
Montique looked at MacDermott and then back to the Primus. "You are more than welcome to accompany the rescue effort."
"That is acceptable." He then said to MacDermott directly. "Is it acceptable to Starfleet?"
"It is. All Starfleet is interested in is the return of our comrades." MacDermott said.
"Somehow I doubt that, but in the interest of intergalactic unity, I'll take you at your word." The Primus said.
As MacDermott and the Primus spoke, Montique watched Oluf. The eyes of the two immortals were locked.
"...Ambassador." The Primus said.
Montique snapped back to the task at hand. "My apologies. My mind drifted. You were saying?"
The Primus responded impatiently. "I was saying. That we should get underway, no need to have your comrades exposed to the elements any longer than necessary."
"Yes...Yes. You are quite right." Montique said. "If all is complete, we will take our leave of you know and return to our vessel."
"Agreed. It was a pleasure dealing with you Ambassador." The Primus said with a bow.
Montique bowed. "As it was you, Primus T'Cael."
"Oluf will escort you to the transporter facility." The Primus said.
The human said. "If you will follow me."
MacDermott, Ito, and Montique fell in behind the man. Montique's eyes bored holes in his back. The walk to the transporter room was silent except for the sound of the footfalls.
The three of them took their places on the hexagonal transporter platform. MacDermott and Montique were in the front and Ito in the back. As the big human, Oluf energized the transporter; Montique jumped off the pad. MacDermott tried to follow but it was too late. His atoms were on their way back to the Missouri.
Montique's sword was out as was Oluf's battle-ax. The two of them circled. "Highlander, you're still alive?" Oluf said recognizing Macleod.
"Aye Viking, I am. Now I'll finish what I should have 800 years ago." Montique said as the blade of his sword made contact with the battle-ax. Kanwulf pushed Macleod away. Macleod rushed again. He slashed at the Viking with his sword. Kanwulf countered. Macleod blocked the blow. The ax cut cleanly through the transporter console. The console erupted in a shower of sparks. The two immortals continued to fight. Kanwulf hit Macleod with his fist. Connor landed hard on his back. The Viking reared back to deliver a mortal blow. Connor rolled as the blade cut into the transporter platform. Connor kicked Kanwulf in the knee. The Highlander could feel the knee break when he did. Kanwulf screamed as he hobbled to his feet. Swinging the ax back and forth. Connor jumped back to avoid the razor sharp blade. The two immortals fought on. The two were close together. Macleod hit the Viking with the butt of his sword. Kanwulf was dazed for a moment. That was all the time Macleod needed. He drove the katana into the Viking's chest. Kanwulf laughed as Macleod pulled the sword back and he fell to his knees. The Viking knew it was over. On his knees he waited. Macleod said with the sword high above his head. "There can be only one." He brought the sword down and neatly separated the Viking from his head.
Macleod burst onto the bridge of the Missouri. "T'Gerran get a transporter lock on the Ambassador? What's he doing over there?" He asked rhetorically.
"Captain. I can't get a transporter lock. There is a large energy discharge. It seems to be centered around the Ambassador." T'Gerran explained.
This is getting stranger and stranger. MacDermott thought. "Keep trying." Duncan ordered.
On the Romulan ship, Macleod held his arms out as Kanwulf's quickening overcame him. The immortal energy of the Viking flowed into Macleod. The discharge of energy blew circuits all over the Romulan ship.
The Primus was on the bridge of his ship as monitors flickered and systems went up and down in response to the massive energy being released. "What is happening?" The Primus asked.
"Unknown Primus. There is a massive energy discharge in the transporter chamber." A Centurion explained. "The chamber the Federation people used." He added.
That was all the explanation he needed. "Lock all weapons on the Federation ship." He ordered.
"Captain!" T'Gerran exclaimed. "The Romulans are powering up their weapons."
"Shields up. Red alert." Kern ordered.
MacDermott cut him off. "Belay that order. Can you get a lock on the Ambassador?"
"Yes Sir."
MacDermott ordered. "Beam him aboard and then bring him to me." MacDermott was furious.
"Energizing, Captain." T'Gerran said.
"Helm, as soon as he's aboard get us the hell out of the way of those Romulan weapons." Duncan said remembering the pasting they got the last time they faced a Romulan warbird. Had it not been for the heroic efforts of the Captain Sands and the crew of the Apocalypse they surely would not have survived.
"Aye Captain." Kelley said already plotting a course.
"Captain the Amba..." T'Gerran's words were cut off by the impact of the Romulan ship on the unshielded Missouri.
MacDermott didn't care if Montique was onboard or not. "Shields up. Get us out of here!"
The Missouri shook as the disrupters struck the ship's shields. Kelley took the Missouri directly underneath the Warbird. The shields flared as the touched the warbird's shields. "Helm, set course 335 mark 65."
Montique entered the bridge followed by two security guards. MacDermott turned. "What the hell happened over there Montique?"
"Something that was a long time coming." Montique replied cryptically as the bridge shook again.
"What does that mean?" MacDermott asked impatiently.
The bridge shook again. Montique pushed MacDermott out of the way as a panel exploded next to the two men. Montique took the full force of the explosion in the chest. He collapsed, dead. MacDermott crawled over to him and checked his pulse, there wasn't one. The bridge became quiet. "What happened?" Duncan asked.
"We're out of weapon's range." T'Gerran told him.
"T'Gerran, help me get him to sickbay. Maybe the doctor can help him." He said.
"Aye Captain." The Klingon said as he bent over to help the Captain pick the Ambassador up. As they entered the lift. "XO, keep things together up there. I'll be in sickbay."
"Yes Sir." Kern said.
They entered sickbay with the Ambassador's body. "Doctor. The Ambassador may be dead. Is there anything you can do?" MacDermott said.
"Lay him here." She said pointing to the biobed. MacDermott and T'Gerran lay his body on the table and stood back as Meyer went to work. She tore the Ambassador's shirt open revealing his wounds. His chest was bloody and burnt. The tricorder showed no brain activity, but some peculiar energy readings. "Captain, take a look at these readings. I can't explain them." She said holding the tricorder out for him to see. "The Ambassador is dead, but I can't explain these."
"That's very peculiar." MacDermott commented. "Doctor are you sure the Ambassador is dead?" He asked after seeing Montique's pop open.
"Very sure, Captain." She replied.
MacDermott smiled. "Would you mind checking again. Just to satisfy you commanding officer."
"No, Sir. Not that my readings are going to change, but...what the devil is going on?" She said looking into Montique's eyes.
"I've been called the devil before, Doctor. It wasn't true then and it's not true now." Montique said remembering the day in Glenfinnan when he was cast out.
MacDermott stepped up to the table. Montique was now sitting up. The wounds on his chest were completely healed. There were no scars. "Then what are you then?" MacDermott asked.
"I'm a man, just like you, Captain. Oh and by the way, you're welcome." Montique said.
MacDermott would have no more of his secrecy. "Ambassador, you are not just like me. Yes, thank you. If that panel had blown up in my face like that, I'd be getting cold on that table. We've also done some checking; there is no record of a Russell Montique before your graduation from the University of Aberdeen. Would you care to explain yourself, and what happened on the Romulan ship?" MacDermott didn't ask."
"I'm not sure you'll understand, so let me start with the Warbird. The human that was with them; he killed my father. I had my vengeance against him." He explained.
T'Gerran smiled. To kill to avenge family was very honorable.
"I can accept that. I don't condone it, but I can accept it." MacDermott said. "What about this energy discharge? It was centered around you." MacDermott said.
"Aye, It was. That's a little harder to explain. Like I said you may not understand." Montique told them.
"Try me." MacDermott insisted.
Montique took a deep breath. "I am Connor Macleod of the Clan Macleod. I was born in 1618 in the village of Glenfinnan on the shores of Loch Shiel" He paused. "And I am immortal."
Meyer spoke up. "That's impossible."
Macleod countered. "Then explain how I'm standing here."
"I...I can't." She said.
"I understand Doctor." He reached in his boot and pulled out a dirk. The dirk had a blade about 4 inches long and it was razor sharp. T'Gerran immediately stepped up to defend his Captain and the doctor. "Don't worry my friend." He said to the Klingon. Connor flipped the dirk around and held it out for the doctor. "This was my father's. The man on the Warbird killed him nearly 800 years ago. This is all I have left of my father's. Take it." He said.
Meyer tentatively took the dirk. It was pointed directly at Macleod's abdomen. "I cannae die." With that he took Meyer's hand in his and forced the blade into his own stomach. With a grimace he twisted the blade, opening his abdomen against the dirk. Meyer released the dirk and backed off. Macleod's blood stained her hands. Macleod fell to his knees. T'Gerran and MacDermott helped him to his feet. They all stood and watched as the wound in Macleod's' stomach healed before their eyes.
Duncan watched in amazement as his mind went back to when he was a boy in Glenfinnan. His grandfather Thomas MacDermott would spin tales for all the children of the immortal Macleods of Glenfinnan. "They're true aren't they?" He said quietly.
"Macleod looked at him, puzzled. "What?"
MacDermott told him. "The legends. The legend of the Macleods who couldn't die. The legend of Connor Macleod, who after being killed in battle with Frasiers buy a warrior called the Kurgan, he came back to life and was cast out for consorting with the devil. My grandfather told me these legends."
"Yes the legends are true. I heard them also at the University in Aberdeen." Macleod told him.
"There was another Macleod," MacDermott said remembering more. "Duncan, was he immortal too?" MacDermott asked.
Macleod remembered his cousin. "Aye, he was."
"What happened to him?" MacDermott asked.
"I don't know. I've lost track of him. I haven't seen him in nearly one hundred years." Connor said.
T'Gerran said. "This is very hard to believe. You are an excellent warrior. But to be impossible to kill, that would be a great advantage to have in battle."
"I can die. The only way to kill one of us is for us to lose our head. When that happens, the one who kills us receives what is called a quickening. It's the life force of our kind. That was the energy discharge you detected." Macleod explained further.
The deck shifted underneath them. MacDermott slapped his combadge. "Bridge, what's happening?"
Costello brushed the hair back from her face. "Captain, the Romulans are in weapons range again." She told him.
"Evasive maneuvers. Fire at will. Target their weapons and shields only. If we destroy them; we'll never get to the crew of the Montana." MacDermott ordered.
"Understood, Captain." Amanda said.
MacDermott said. "I'm on my way to up." He turned to Macleod. "Ambassador, If you're truly what you say you are. I've got an idea that may get us out of this situation." He looked at T'Gerran. "Let's go." The three men left sickbay as MacDermott began to explain his plan.
MacDermott stepped from the lift. Macleod and T'Gerran followed. Everyone on the bridge stared in disbelief at the site of the Ambassador. MacDermott told the bridge crew when he noticed them watching Macleod. "I'll explain later. XO what's our status?"
"The warbird fired one shot and took a position off our bow." Kern reported still looking at the ambassador out of the corner of his eye.
"Very well. He turned to the Klingon. "Hail the warbird."
"Aye Captain." The console beeped as he opened the channel. "Captain the warbird is responding."
"On screen." Duncan ordered.
The screen changed from the warbird to an image of the Field Primus sitting in the command chair. "Captain, you are to turn over the Ambassador for trial. He is charged with the murder of a compatriot of the Romulan Empire."
Duncan held up his hand. "Primus, the man the Ambassador killed was a man who killed the Ambassador's father. He was doing what any son would do. What would you have done if you came across the man who killed your father?"
The Primus thought for a minute. "You make a good point Captain. However, I cannot let this escape punishment."
"Primus, all I want is to be able to rescue the crew of the Montana. What will it take for you to allow me do that?" Duncan told him.
"Captain MacDermott, The only thing that will make me allow you into the Rokaar system is to see the death of Ambassador Montique. I would prefer to do it myself, but I am confident you won't allow us on your vessel." The Primus said.
The Romulan played directly into MacDermott's hand. If he had to kill Montique to rescue the Montana, so be it. "Primus, I agree to your terms. The Ambassador will be executed immediately." Duncan announced.
Kern's head snapped around at the announcement. He made a slashing motion across his throat. T'Gerran muted the transmission. "Captain?" Kern said.
"It's all right XO. I know what I'm doing." MacDermott told him, he shut off all further protests with a raised hand. "T'Gerran reopen the channel."
"Aye Captain." T'Gerran said.
"We are waiting, Captain." The Romulan said pushing.
MacDermott walked over exaggerating the ceremony. "Ambassador Montique. In violation of several Federation and moral laws and having heard your confession to these charges. I sentence you to death."
As the Primus watched on the view screen, MacDermott took Macleod's dirk from T'Gerran and approached the Ambassador. Duncan gave Connor a look that said Trust me. Montique smiled and whispered. "What the hell, eh?"
"Ambassador Montique do you have any last words before sentence is carried out?" Duncan continued playing his role as executioner.
"Aye, I want to apologize to the Romulan Empire my crimes." Connor lied playing his role as a condemned man.
"Without further delay. The sentence of death will be carried out." Duncan said as he walked around behind Connor. Silently, he raised the dirk above his head and brought it down into Connor's chest. Macleod clutched at the blade before collapsing to the floor in death. Duncan walked around, back to the viewscreen. "Primus, it is done. Are you satisfied? The federation does not tolerate this sort of behavior."
The Primus considered MacDermott for a moment. "Captain, I didn't know that the federation could be so...so, well, Romulan in their punishments."
MacDermott smiled. "I'm happy to hear that. Do we have clearance to enter the Rokaar system?" MacDermott asked.
"Yes. I will enter the authorization into the Romulan network immediately." Primus T'Cael said.
MacDermott smiled again. "Thank you, Primus. We will proceed immediately then. It has been a pleasure dealing with you. I do apologize for the trouble the ambassador caused you."
"Yes, Captain," The Primus' eyes narrowed. "If I find that you have deceived us. I will hunt you down with every asset at my disposal, do I make myself clear?" The Primus asked sternly.
MacDermott's smile vanished. "Perfectly sir." The communication link was broken. The screen showed the Romulan warbird begin to turn away and then she disappeared as she cloaked. Duncan turned to face the helm. "Jared, set a course for the Rokaar system, warp 8."
Jared was staring at the body of Ambassador Montique. "Um...Aye Aye Sir."
"T'Gerran keep an eye open. Make sure the warbird is not shadowing us."
T'Gerran smiled at him the way only a Klingon can smile. "Yes sir."
It was at that moment Macleod sat up and pulled the dirk from his chest. "Well how was my performance?"
The color drained from Kern's face as he turned to see Macleod alive. "What the hell?"
MacDermott smiled. "I'll explain it all later. Let's concentrate on getting the Montana survivors on board. Shall we?" MacDermott said.
"Yes sir." Kern said halfheartedly.
Captain's Log: Stardate 51324.5 ~ The crew of the Montana has been successfully lifted from Rokaar III with minimal loss of life. After recovering her computer files the hull of the Montana was destroyed by quantum torpedoes preventing any sensitive information from falling into Romulan hands. The Montana survivors are being housed in the shuttle bay until we reach Starbase 47. I have explained to the bridge crew, what exactly Ambassador Montique is. I not sure they believed me. I will be meeting the Ambassador in a few minutes to discuss his future.
"Computer, save entry and prepare this entry for the 100 year..." MacDermott paused and wondered if Macleod would still be alive in one hundred year or one thousand years. "...the 100 year secure archive."
The one hundred year archive was a secure holding area were starship captains could send log entries, data files, or anything else they deemed important enough to keep secret. MacDermott would have preferred a longer archive, but 100 years was the longest time you could specify. The owner of the data and only in person could they access the archived data. No subspace transmission of this data was allowed.
The computer responded. "File saved and being secured for archival."
MacDermott rose out of his chair and stepped to the replicator. "Tea with honey.... Hot." He commanded the computer.
The cup of steaming hot liquid formed before his eyes. Duncan took the cup from the replicator and sighed as the warm liquid flowed down his throat. He walked over to the swords hanging on his wall and studied them. They looked different to him now somehow. He wasn't sure how, they just looked different. The door buzzer interrupted his thoughts.
"Come."
The doors opened and Macleod walked in. "Ah, Mr. Macleod, care for anything?"
"No, no thank you." Connor replied. "Those are fine swords, MacDermott. I knew some of your ancestors you know. I guess they're your ancestors. They were named MacDermott and they lived in Glenfinnan in the late 1620's. There was Angus, Ian, and Jenny that I remember. Ah Jenny. She was a fine lass, red hair, fiery temper, ah a bonnie lass she was."
Duncan smiled. "So Macleod, what are you going to do? You can't go back to being an Ambassador. I'm sure the Romulans have reported the incident to the Federation council."
"Aye, you're probably right. Well it's time that Russell Montique died. I'll become someone else. I've done hundreds of times before. Anyway, Montique died on the bridge." Connor said with a wink.
Macleod matched his smile. "Aye, he did, didn't he?"
Connor looked at the swords on the wall. "Leonheart says you're a fair swordsman yourself." Connor said.
MacDermott looked at the swords on the wall. "Yes, I guess I am. Why?"
"I don't know. Before I left I thought maybe we could spar a little on the holodeck. I beat the Klingon you know." Macleod said. "Barely." He added.
"Really?" Duncan took the bait. "You're on."
Two hours later, MacDermott and Macleod were on the holodeck. The steel of their blades sparked as they met. Duncan held his sword in front of him, parrying off the attacks by Macleod. Duncan was too busy defending himself to mount much of an offense. He didn't have the luxury of not dying should be stabbed. He reminded Connor of that fact often. Finally Connor used to blade of his sword to twist the sword from MacDermott's hands. It landed in the holographic ground a few meters from him. Duncan backed up as Macleod came in for the final attack. MacDermott was confident that Macleod wouldn't cut him in two. As Connor swung the sword forward, Duncan remembered a move that Worf had taught him a long time ago. As the sword approached Duncan's waist Duncan twisted and grabbed the handle of the sword swinging along with it. As he came around he pitched Macleod over his hip. Macleod released the sword and stepped forward. MacDermott swung the sword and stopped it right at the base of Macleod's neck. Connor felt the cool steel against his neck. For a split second he thought that 800 years would come to end just like that. Then he heard MacDermott laugh. Connor turned around to see MacDermott laughing. "What is so funny?"
MacDermott stopped laughing. "Nothing."
"Do you have anything else to say?" Connor said.
"Aye, There can be only one." Duncan said with a smile as he returned the sword to its owner. "May it be Connor Macleod."
Connor nodded in gratitude.
Later in MacDermott's ready room, Duncan poured them each another scotch. The scotch he got from Gorman. As he poured he wondered what had happened to his friend. He set the bottle down and asked Macleod. "So please tell me more about the Kurgan and Juan Ramirez?"
Macleod poured the scotch down and laughed. "Ramirez that overdressed peacock. He rowed me out into the middle of a loch...."
The characters of Connor Macleod, Heather, Juan Ramirez, and the Kurgan are the creation of Gregory Widen. No infringment was intended. I only hope if someone reads this story who hasn't seen the movie they will go out and rent it, as it is one of the greatest movies of all time. Thank you.