A Test of Loyalty - Part V - On The Other Side , closed

A Test of Loyalty - Part V - On The Other Side , closed (Everywhere Else)
(combined posts from old site)

FRANK COLE
So far it had been a normal morning for Frank Cole. He had risen at 5:30 am, had his two energy bars and headed out to morning exercises with his troops. At 7:30 he headed for his office for breakfast and a shower. The paperwork on his desk was starting to slowly go down. He had turned over some of the daily reports to Jack, and the man had not been happy. Cole chuckled. Jack wanted to be in charge and he was good at it, but he didn't like the paperwork which went along with the command position. He had been smart though and turned some of it over to Tom who was his adjutant. Cole had explained that if he didn't know what was going on with the troops he was not going to be able to make the decisions he needed to. Jack and Tom also didn't realize that Cole was still reading the dailies from the different group officers, plus the reports Jack and Tom were giving him three days a week. He trusted both men but he always took his own advice and never asked of his men something he was not ready to do also. At this point, all he had to do was read, and only react if he saw things differently than the two men. He saw them personally every morning during calisthenics because they also attended. The full exercise routine was offered three times a day and only a directive from him, Jack or Tom would get any of the troop members out of it.

At 8:00 Cole headed to the guest room where Lance was being housed. Knocking on the door he let himself in. "Good morning Lance. You ready for the day?"

LANCE KILDARE
Lance sat at the table. He had been up out of bed since around 6:30 am. Somewhere during the night, he had been able to get some sleep, but not much. Artkee had gotten him the latest Medical Journals, both Wizard and Muggle. His breakfast was perfect. Pushing the dishes back which would allow Artkee to clear the table, a job he had made very clear was his, Lance thumbed through the Wizard journal. The Muggle one he would save for later. He was a good doctor but some of the invasive surgery the Muggles did was beyond his stomachs ability to allow for food digestion.

As he reached the last page and had set the magazine down, the door opened and Cole entered.

"Good morning Lance. You ready for the day?"

Lance turned slightly in his chair and crossed his legs at the knees. In a way he trusted Cole, but he also knew the man would use anyone he could if he thought it would help whatever it was he was trying to accomplish. "I'm as ready as you have allowed me to be, without explaining anything. The elves have allowed me to feel Jonathan, but I am sure they are blocking Jon from knowing I am here. The man trusts me, Cole, and I don't want him hurt, it is going to be a real blow to him to find out he belongs on this side of evil and now is expected to plan on the other side. Care to elaborate on what might be happening today."

FRANK COLE
Cole looked at his watch. He wanted to be in Jonathan's room by 8:30 am or as close as he could to then. The young man had given all his meals over the last three days on time. He was asked and was given reading material and even writing materials. Of course, everything he wrote down had transcribed to Cole's automatic private journal. It was mostly about how he missed his family and how he was going to see if he could find information, which would help them. He had even written a last will and testament. The elf Kimtu was assigned to the man, and was giving daily reports on what he ate, and what he did to occupy his time.

Walking over to the table Cole straddled one of the four straight back chairs, and folded his arms on the table in front of him. "What is going to happen Doc, is we are going to work on deprogramming Jonathan and convincing him to come over to work with us. He trusts you, enough to go through the blood brother ceremony, so you are here to help. Jon already feels there is something different about him and his adopted family. They have not trusted him with most of their inner Clan secrets or ceremonies. He has not been allowed to turn into a werewolf, although he is well past the age to do so. He prefers working in the hospital curing people instead of out working for the family spreading destruction and fear.

"I am going to send you into his room first for a few hours, so you can help him come to the realization of what is happening. At that point I will enter and we will begin in ernest to show him where he truly belongs. I am prepared to do a level 6 mind-dive on him. In fact, with the help of the elves, his mind has already been prepared to take the dive." Cole pushed himself out of the chair and motioned toward the door. "Now Doc, if you please. You will have two hours alone with him. This time will be less if I think I must enter into your discussion."

Cole lead the way out of the room and down the hall. He stopped in front of one of the door and turned on the small view screen. Jonathan was sitting in a chair at the table. Turning to Lance he said, "Good luck Doc. I will of course be watching."

JONATHAN MACINTOSH
Jonathan had been in this weird room for three days, with only an elf as company. When he was first been brought to the island, he had nightly flashbacks of when the elves that freed Khalid, from his father's clutches and taken him prisoner because he had been in the cell. He shook his head and cringed as he remembered the beating the Khalid, the Dark Medjai had ordered, which he had only been saved from because Frank Cole had been given permission to bring him to this island. Jon had not sleep well on either island. Besides the worry on what the man had planned for him he was also scared. His father Matthew MacIntosh, had plans for his blood brother Lance Kildare, and being stuck on this island, in this locked room was not going to allow him to try to stop the plan. He had overheard Matthew and Markus, his Uncle, talking about a recently werewolf bitten man, who they would insure was alone with Lance on the next set of full moons. When the man turned totally during the moon cycle, he would attack Lance and either kill him or turn him also.

Jonathan had gone to the window several times, but there were always guards in view and he was sure the elf would try and prevent his leaving. Since they were on the island, he had no idea how he would bet back to the mainland. but realized that Fixer would have insure that he was not able to escape.As he remembered that the Dark Medjai had hinted that as long as he was Fixer's prisoner then he would stay alive, Jonathan realized Fixer must have convinced Khalid that Jon would never be allowed to leave. Jonathan sadly shook his head as he sat down again at the table and put his head on his arms. Jonathan just had to pray that Frank Cole would one day soon bring Lance to the island or let him go and find his blood brother.

His mind wondered as the graduated Hufflepuff thought of his cousin Travis Jr. His cousin had come to Fixer's island months ago on his father's orders. Travis Jr. was a lot like Jonathan and even had looked up to Jon. Jonathan felt responsible, especially since his father Matthew had said that Travis Jr. had probably been killed by Khalid and Fixer. Jonathan prayed his cousin was still alive but only knew that his younger cousin had never returned.

At first he didn't realize the door to the room was opening. He just lifted his head and waited to see what was going to happen next. Out of the corner of his eye he saw the elf, whos name was Kimtu rise and walk toward the door.

LANCE KILDARE
Lance stood outside the door and watched as Cole turned on the small view screen. Jonathan had his head down on the table. He didn't look mistreated. Even from this distance, Lance was getting readings of boredom, mistrust, worry and a edge of fear. Back in his room, Cole had told him he had two hours, but Lance knew that could change in the wink of an eye. Cole always left that option open. Straightening up, he squared his shoulders and looked at Cole, "I'm ready. Give me as much time as you can. The man is scared." Receiving a nod, Lance reached down and slowly pushed the door open. Walking in he stopped just inside the door, slowly turned and closed the door then turned back to Jonathan and tried to smile.

Before the door was open wide enough to allow someone to walk through, Jonathan closed his eyes and sat statue still. He couldn't keep his body from visibly cringing as he said, "What ever you have planed Fixer, I already told you that it won't have Matthew back off! Holding me is not going to affect Matthew's plans in the slightest." Jon had no idea what Fixer had up his sleeve but he knew getting himself released was not even an option. The graduated Hufflepuff closed his eyes as he tried to prepare for the worst.

Lance stood for several long heartbeats before he quietly walked over to the table. Jonathan was resigned he was going to be mistreated. Cole had said that Jonathan was going to be deprogrammed and would eventually be convinced of the truth that he was a McChey not a MacIntosh. Normally this would probably not have been hard, because Jon did not have the evil in him, that seemed to be part of the general makeup of the Clan. However, Matthew MacIntosh had raised him and Jonathan did feel the man was his father, whether blood or not. Sitting in the chair on the closest side to his blood brother, facing the door he had just entered by, Lance quietly said, "Jon open your eyes. It is just the two of us."

Jonathan was unsure he had truly heard his blood brother. He shook his head but found himself slowly opening his eyes. "Lance, what are you doing here?" Jon asked scared for his best friend. Putting his arms around Lance, he said in his ear, "Matthew has targeted you. I overheard him and uncle Markus saying that by the end of the next set of full moons, our friendship would not be a problem. The newly bitten is close to you and I can't even stop the person." He was doubting himself and his choice fifteen years ago. He whispered, "If I had just..." His eyes were wet as he realized, "Matthew blames Lance for my betrayal. He will never see that I just want to heal?" He turned slowly towards the window as he said wondering if Fixer planned to hurt Lance just to hurt him, "Lance, you need to leave. Please, you know that Matthew... Fixer has no intention of me ever leave and even if he did, Khalid has ordered my death... He foolishly thinks it will hurt Matthew..."

Lance returned the hug and then waited until Jon had regained his seat. "I am not leaving Jon. I have gained permission from Cole to talk with you for a short period of time." Lance looked toward the window, then back to Jon. Motioning his thumb toward the window he said, "That is not a way out, Jon. You are on an island in the middle of the North Sea as far as I can tell. The only way off is by the portal and that is regulated by Cole." Lance folded his arms on the table in front of him. "Cole does not want you dead, Jon. In fact, he wants you well, as you can tell by the way you have been treated. You have had regular meals, and have been kept in relative comfort. There are a lot of worse places on this island to be kept. It will hurt Mathew MacIntosh to have you here, because the Dark Sect leader will be uncertain of what you will do or say and that will worry him. A man who likes and craves, as Mathew does to be totally in charge, does not like loose ends, and you are a very large loose end at the moment." Lance wondered how far Cole would let him go in telling what was about to happen. He decided to see how far he could push the envelope. "Jon you have been brought here to be told some truths you are not going to like. I am here to confirm what I can."

Jon shook his head as he said uncertain, "Lance, do you really think Fixer can stop a death order issued by your great uncle? The only reason my body is not being presented along with my cousins' is because Fixer has promised I will never leave here. Your Uncle Khalid and Matthew are both as bad as a person can get. Lance, you know I have lost any voice in what the Clan does. Mathew has never forgotten my choice fifteen years ago but he believes it was because of you and our friendship that I set the meeting with those Aurors." Jon was shaking now as he finished, "He will never forgive either of us for being friends or for that kid never returning. Fixer is just giving him a reason to declare open season." He was curious about the truths that Fixer and Lance knew. His blood brother seemed to trust Fixer. He shook his head as he said, "Lance, the only thing I care about is insuring my sins don't destroy you. You befriended me even when I revealed my family's secret. I promised you then that you would be protected from my family and now thanks to Khalid and Fixer's fury at Matthew..." He stopped then said crying, "I can't keep my promise and stop Matthew and Markus' assassin..."

Lance did not take his eye off of Jonathan, but out of the corners he saw Kimtu and Artkee advancing on the table from the corner, where they had stationed themselves. Kimtu walked and stood behind Jon and Artkee took up a position behind him. Lance had learned to trust the elves so he tried not to jerk as Artkee put his hand on his shoulder. There was a warms emanating from the touch. Looking over at Jon he saw Kimtu had done the same thing. Jon had jerked and was visually shaking as he looked at the elf's hand on his shoulder. After a few seconds, Jonathan turned his head toward the wall across from him, closed his eyes and dropped his chin to his chest. When he reopened his eyes, they were clearer. Both elves took on step back but did not leave. Lance smiled and said, "You can trust them Jon. Their job is to protect you and keep you alive. The only time they will not interfere is if Cole tells them to stand down and not get involved. You have been given to Cole, by Khalid to do as he pleases. As far as the outside world is concerned you are here as a prisoner and to be questioned, using any methods Cole thinks will get quick answers. The real reason…. " Lance felt a sharp pain in his head so he knew he could not continue along that path, "… well I will let Cole explain that part. I am expected to give you a complete physical. Magic does not normally work on this island due to a dampening system of the elves. Cole can use it if he wants but no one else but the elves have the ability, unless they give it up." Lance looked at Kimtu and received a nod. "I will be able to use my medical magic abilities to diagnose anything which might be wrong. So…" Lance stood and took the wand which Artkee handed him. "Please hold still Jon… this has to be a deep search."

Cole had returned to his office and turned on the large view screen behind his desk. He had it divided into four quadrants. One showed the Training grounds in the woods; one showed slide through different views of the rooms of the barracks; one showed the outside of the barracks; and the last one showed what was happening between Jonathan MacIntosh and Lance Kildare. He had decided to let Lance continue until he was going to give the real reason Jonathan was being held away. Cole wanted the man on edge a little longer on that issue. Deprogramming was not an easy thing to carry out and Cole was going to need all the edginess he could get. Cole had not ordered a medical evaluation of Jonathan, but it was a good idea so he allowed it.

Cole reached out a pushed a couple buttons on the recessed control panel of his desk. On a small screen there, he now had a view of the young man Travis MacIntosh, Jr. The boy had been caught in his personal file room, trying to remove copies of some of the MacIntosh Clan information. Travis had been kept in the holding cell for several weeks. It had been made comfortable with bedding, a table and chair, adequate lighting upgrade and the man, who was not much more than a boy, had been taken outside at least once a day for exercise. The boy had also been given books, writing materials and even a few solitaire games. It had been interesting watching him try and make weapons out of some of the game pieces, all of which had been confiscated as he had finished them. Once a day, the boy had been questioned using a rapped fire question session. All the sessions had been recorded and the men who had done the questioning, Specialist, who specialized in integration had given written reports on their feelings and iseas of what had happened during each session. At the moment the boy was very confused and just starting to identify with his captures. The Muggles called it the Stockholm Syndrome and Cole used what was happening as training exercises to prepare his men to fight the problem if they needed to.

When Maxwell Sinclair had visited ]/i] Cole's Isle of Perdition, Cole had sent the young man back to the main land with him so the Caretakers could question him. Cole had several reports already of how the boy was progressing. Turned out Travis had been looking for a way to get away from the Clan and had broken into Cole's file room to remove information which might have connected him with the Clan. It was being suggested that Cole let Travis return and join his small army again. Cole was still undecided on that notion though.



Looking at the clock on the wall, it was 9:30 am. Cole decided to give Lance a few more minutes, then he was going to have to get this process started.

Jon sadly shook his head as he tried to get his blood brother realize he was being used. "Lance, leave please. I can't let you be hurt because of me. Matthew was right. Even now my choices cause those I care about pain and suffering." He remembered watching as Matthew allowed the feeders to kill his baby brother Scotty just because Jon choice to not hunt for Brennan. He shook as he remembered telling Matthew that he had informed the Auror's wife, Cassandra Dawson, that the boy, her adopted son, was to be kept close as he was marked. Matthew had planned on the boy's first kill be the Auror. Shaking his head as he thought, "Wonder what happened to Scotty's friend, Brennan Dawson?" He was not even sure how much more the Auror could take. Jon had asked Matthew to release the man and he cringed as he remember the sly grin that Markus and Matthew had given.

Lance had stood and started running his wand about three inches off Jon's skin, from the top of his head to his feet. He had to tune out the depths of Jon's sadness he was reading so he could concentrate on his other readings. Lance kept going even with the cringes Jon was making, with his body fighting the evasiveness of contain sensitive areas of his body. There had not been time for Lance to desensitize the areas. He would have loved to do a small mind-dive in order to try and comfort his blood brother, but he knew Cole would not allow it. Retaking his seat and handing his medical wand to Artkee he folded his arms on the table and said, "Jon, we don't have much time left. You are in good condition but…" Lance glanced toward the small partially hidden at the bottom of the large screen monitor at the far end of the room, near the door, "You have two trackers located in your body. They are not sending out information at the moment because the whole island is blocked, but they have to be removed soon. One can be detonated from another point, causing poison to be sent through your system and the other is very close to your brain stem and could be used to paralyze you. Both will require an operation. Both of the operations I can perform, but Jon you cannot be awake during the operations." Lance tried not to outwardly cringe, because he knew Cole would have already started things in motion for complete the operations, immediately.

Cole sat up straighter in his chair. Two trackers, which had not been picked up by his people, were in someone, on his island. Cole pushed a couple of buttons and quietly said, "Jack, I want all operators of the receiving equipment and the monitoring centers, who have been on duty since, MacIntosh has been here, quarantined immediately. It appears they missed a couple of trackers in our guest and I want to know why." With that done, Cole pushed two more buttons and said, "I need the operating room, readied immediately. Lance Kildare will be performing the operation. Any nurses or practitioners with a level three or higher may assist."

Cole stood and stretched. Looked like the day just go more interesting. Turning to Punta he said, "I want an elf in the operating room and on checking the quarantine equipment operators. I need to know if it is an equipment malfunction or if I have someone who is purposely not giving me information. If you find someone, hold them below, no specials." Receiving a nod for the elf, Cole headed for the door and Jon's room.


Jon just nodded as he said , "I know Lance. Matthew is not taking any chances that I will betray the Clan again. We all had them inserted as soon as Matthew became Alpha. Leave it as only my death can disarm them." Jonathan cringed as he remembered the grin Markus had when the new rules were enforced.

Lance scrubbed his face with his hands then raked his fingers through his hair. Refolding his arms he looked at Jon, knowing Cole was on his way and said, "Then I guess my friend you are going to have to die."

As the words came out the door to the room opened. Cole walked in pointed to Jon and opened and closed his raised fist. Jon was now bound to the chair. Slowly Cole walked to his usual chair across the table from where Jon was bound. He straddled the straight back chair and folded his arms on the table in front of him. Looking at Lance he nodded toward the table and Lance took the hint, placing his palms flat on the table with his fingers spread. Smiling Cole said, "Well gentlemen it seems we have a problem."

Jonathan felt the bonds and started struggling against them. He had to protect Lance. Glaring at Fixer, Jon said, "Your beef is with me and my Clan, Lance is not involved! Leave him..." He had never felt more scared as he realized that his best friend had every intention of trying to remove the trackers that his uncle Markus had implanted as the Enforcer of the Clan and Matthew's second

He shook his head as he tried to get Lance to understand, "Lance please I can't lose you like Scotty. Leave and understand that Matthew is the only thing..." His head started to give the headache that meant he was close to triggering the punishment in his head.

Cole looked past the shoulder of the struggling man and said. "Calm him." Kimtu stepped forward and placed two fingers on Jonathan's temple. Jonathan went very still and stared at him. "I know you can understand what I am saying Jonathan. You will not be able to react though. I am going to tell you what is about to happen. " Glancing at Lance who was watching his blood-brother closely he continued. "Lance is going to be with you the whole time. You are going to be taken from here to a fully equipped operating room, containing both Muggle and Wizard medical equipment. When we get there you are going to be laid on your stomach and prepped for surgery. If we can keep you awake we will but that will be up to Lance, who will be doing the operation to remove both of the devices. I have been listening so I know what your worries are so as Lance told you before, you may have to die techniquely, in order to remove the trackers, but you will not stay dead, Jonathan." Cole leaned a little forward on his arms and added, "You see I need you alive. You and I have a lot of talking to do. Now I will allow you to talk." Cole nodded to Kimtu who removed one of the two fingers.

Jonathan shook his head as he pleaded with his eyes as he said, "You don't understand, I don't care as long as Lance is nowhere near me. I deserve it but I promised..." He was not going to have Lance accidental activate the fail safe.

Cole signaled with his hand and Jonathan floated out of the chair and his body was soon parallel to the floor. Cole walked over to him and laid his hand on the man's shoulder. The elves have a containment field already set around the two devices." Glancing at Lance he motioned for the doctor to follow. "Lance you can wash up in the small room off of the operating room. There is a window between the two so you will be able to see what is happening while you get ready." As Jon was floated down the hall, Cole continued, "Ra-bell will be here momentarily. You worked with him before on Franco remember. He has been studying more since you trusted him to act as your second before."

When they reached the operating room, Cole accepted the salute from Tom and opened the door. Jon was floated into the room and Lance headed for the small wash room off to the side. Jon was laid face down on the table. Cole walked up close and said, "You will stay restrained as long as you are awake, Jonathan. Please do not fight the bonds because it will only make it more difficult for Lance to proceed." Cole turned toward the door and smiled as Ra-bell, one of the Tocoferty elves from Khalid's island walked in. Nodding he motioned to where Lance was just finishing up his prep. Ra-bell followed the human procedures. He knew it was better for the Human patient to think he was sterile, although the elves could do a better job with their methods.

Jon was scared but could do nothing. His eyes darted around the medical room. Everything seemed to be first class. He raised his head enough to see Lance and the new elf finishing their scrub. Swallowing hard he looked at Fixer with daggers in his eyes as he said, "Send Lance away cause Matthew and Markus would like nothing better than Lance Kildare dead. Please, don't make this easier for Markus, Matthew already..." The headache was extreme and Jonathan understood that Markus planned him to be Lance's killer. He cringed wondering just when he had been bitten.

Cole stood near the door. He was out of the sterile field the elves had erected. Turning on the large screen, he divided it into four quadrants, training grounds, barracks interior, barracks exterior and the main computer and information gathering room. Five men and one woman were sitting around a table in the conference area and being guarded by two very capable Interrogation specialists. At the moment they were just being watched, which if you knew what you were looking for could be very informative, though watching body language and listening to the general conversations. Jack was standing in the corner, confirming with Holly Jennings, who was second in command under Gloria, the Specialist in charge of external security. Gloria was sitting at the table. Cole smiled because she was attempting to look very relaxed but her eyes were taking in everything, including the fact they were being filmed. As Lance walked back into the main area, followed by Ra-bell, Cole could feel the tension mount in the room. "Jonathan, Lance stays because he is the best I have to help you. Lance, this is your show. You are calling the shots."

Lance nodded at Cole's statement and took his place at the edge of the table. There were two male nurses present to assist. The elves were allowing only Lance to use his magical abilities. Everyone else was blocked.

Jon fought his bindings as he said angry but also scared, "Lance is not yours, Fixer! I will admit he is the best but you are not going to force Lance into betraying his ideals not like...." The headache had Jonathan in tears.

Lance looked down at Jonathan. "It is alright Jonathan. Now I am going to put you to sleep for a little while." Cole nodded at Ra-bell who touched Jonathan's temple with three fingers and closed his eyes. Jonathan still continued to fight the restraints for his efforts became less and less. Soon the man was asleep. Lance nodded and pointed his wand at Jon's neck, making a small incision. Ra-bell held his hand over the incision and a small disk the size of a half a galleon emerged from the slit and floated to a small box on the stand by the table. Kimtu walked forward and picked up the box, holding one hand on the bottom of it and one hand over the top. The elf left the room with the box.

Lance moved the wand down Jon's should blade and made another small slit close to the location of his heart. Ra-bell again placed his hand about two inches above the slit and another small disc floated up. This time Artkee stepped forward and held a box for the disc. Ra-bell place it in the box which Artkee sealed with a lid and walked out the door. A moment later Kimtu returned smiling. All he did was nod and return to his position on the other side of the table near the back wall. Ra-bell magically closed the two incisions and then stepped back.

Lance stepped back and held out his hands for Punta to sterilize, then he turned to Cole. "Those were the only two devices, but I have no way of knowing if mental triggers have been set. I know you don't want a mind-dive done because you want him kept off center, for the deprogramming, but be careful."

Cole nodded. "I will have the elves check while he is still asleep. He will be immediately moved back to his room." Pausing for a moment he continued, "I want you away from him for a while Lance. I need to start the deprogramming and I need him to feel like he is all alone. You can watch the procedures from your room if you like or you can return to Hogwarts."

Lance made sure all of the area was being cleaned, and that Jon was being gently floated out of the room toward his room. It contained a hospital bed, so it would be easy to monitor him there. "Thanks gentlemen for your help," he said to the nurses. Turning to Ra-ball, he shallowly bowed and said, "I was honored Tocoferty Ra-bell for you assistance." The Elf bowed back and added a smile. "The human thinks he is a werewolf, Master Lance but he does not have the necessary parts to his blood to be one. With this Ra-bell bowed to Cole and left the room, without saying another word. Lance looked at Cole who motioned toward the door. Following Cole out he said, "If Jon thinks he has been bitten he will be worried he is going to become a werewolf. He told me, Matthew MacIntosh said someone was out to attack me during the next full-moon cycle. Apparently he thinks he is the one. This could be a problem Cole."

Cole nodded and opened the door to Jonathan's room, allowing the still unconscious young man to be floated in and carefully settled into the bed. Walking over he considered restraining the man, but decided to wait. Turning to Lance he said, "You can return to your room now Doc. Your view screen is already on and turned into this room. Please do not hesitate to ask for anything you require, but I am afraid, you are restricted to the main areas of the barracks. Artkee will be with you for the moment, but he will be replaced later." Cole motioned toward the door.

Lance nodded. Walked over and checked Jon's pulse and looked into his eyes. Nodding again he walked toward the door, turning only once as he reached for the handle. "Let me know if you need anything else Cole. I am not sure how he is going to react when you wake him." Lance turned and left the room.


(OOC: This is a combined post by Barbie and Jane, we hope you are enjoying the thread.)

FRANK COLE
Cole stood beside the bed leaning on the railing, which was raised. After a moments thought he signaled Punta to bind the young man in the bed. When Jonathan's wrists were bound to the side railings, Cole nodded giving Punta permission to wake the young man. If Jonathan jumped too much the headache and the pain from the two slits in his skin should make him still quickly. He looked at his watch. It was 11:05 am. Cole needed to get to the security holding room to check on what was happening there. First he would make sure Jonathan was awake and understood what was about to happen.

Jonathan woke with a start. The first thing he noticed was the white ceiling, so he was on his back again. Slowly he turned his head and found Cole standing beside the bed, casually leaning on a railing. He saw a hand strapped to the railing and slowly figured out it was his hand. Trying to raise, he felt a stabbing pain in his neck and shoulder. Jon surveyed the rest of the room, he could see without picking his head up. Lance should be here. He was his doctor and Jon knew he would not voluntarily leave until he knew he was going to be fine. Panicking he started fearing that Lance had been hurt or killed while trying to remove the triggers. His eyes went back to Cole. Trying unsuccessfully to keep the fear from his voice he asked, "Lance?"

Not moving from his relaxed position, Cole said, "Lance is in another room. He is all right. He checked you out before I required him to leave. Both devices have been removed and deactivated. They tried to use Muggle technology, so it was not hard to make them ineffective. You have one two inch slit in your neck and another in your shoulder, here…" Cole reached down and touched the slit on Jonathan's shoulder. Both slits had been magically closed. The pain would still be there for a couple of days but no infection would appear. "I will be leaving you now for about three or so hours. I have some other business to take care of. You will have at least one elf here at all times. When you are ready you may get up and have something to eat." Cole signaled Punta to release Jonathan's hands and then he lowered the side of the bed. Stepping back. "I personally recommend you get some sleep because it will be a while before you get more." Cole turned and headed toward the door.

Jonathan only said angry, "I want to see Lance then I want him released now!" He got out of bed as soon as his hands were free. His head hurt but he was determined to find Lance and so headed for the door.

Cole turned and stood in front of the man with his arms folded across his chest. He wasn't worried that Jonathan could get by him, because he would still be very weak. "I am afraid you are going nowhere, Jonathan. If you do as I say, eventually Lance may be permitted to visit with you." Cole gave him a hard stare, "Until that time you will rest for a few hours while I take care of some other business, and then you and I are going to have a very long, involved discussion." Cole added a little smirk to his next sentence. "Oh course, if you insist on Lance coming back into the room now then I will bring him back and hang him on the wall over there and show you my own personal preference for persuasion using his body." Cole put his hands on his hips and added, "It is up to you."

Jon panicked and fisted his hands at his side He angrily, "You are not touching Lance! I told you Matthew does not include me in the Clan business. You are wasting your time trying to get his plans from me as he considers me unworthy of his time. Let Lance go as he knows nothing about my family's business." Jonathan was sure that Fixer lied that Lance was okay.

Cole only chuckled and said, "Jonathan, I have many ways to find out what is happening in your clan. The reason you are here is not to give me what little information you might have. You are here so that I have a thorn in Mathew's side wondering what information I might be getting from you and to tell you a few truths." Cole reached out and gently but firmly pushed Jonathan back a couple of step. He turned his back and again headed for the door. His mussels were tense waiting for a swing Jonathan might decide to take.

Jonathan shook his head and took two steps toward the door, following Cole, as he said, "Matthew could care less what I say or do. He gave me a chance fifteen years ago and I chose wrong in his eyes. Since then I have no Clan. Now release Lance!"

Cole looked back over his shoulder and shook his head, "No Jonathan. Lance will stay where he is at the moment and you will get some rest. I will be back in three hours." With that, Cole opened the door, and started to leave.

Jon inwardly smiled, as he knew he had to time it right. Just as the door opened, Jonathan bolted towards the door. He had just about made it when Cole fist hit him just above his nose. The man had backhanded him, by just raising his arm. Jon staggered back and barely kept on his feet. Going into a fighting stance he tried again to charge through the still open door which Cole was blocking. Again he found himself staggering back from a blow to his stomach. This time he was unable to stay on his feet and sat hard on the floor. He shook his head trying to clear it.

Cole's words echoed in Jonathan's head, "I will see you in three hours Jonathan. I sure hope my temper clears before I see Lance." Cole stepped out the door and locked it. Turning he turned on the small view screen outside the door.

Jon shook his head as he thought, "He just admitted Lance is a prisoner and now I might have made Lance's stay very painful?" He did not get up but said, "Please, I only have your word that Lance is okay. I was not trying to escape, I just wanted to see that Lance is okay. Please don't hurt Lance because of my mistake..." He only heard the door lock. He got up as his eyes started to tear. Jon feared that if Lance was not dead before he could be if Fixer stayed in the mood he was presently in. Jon laid down on the bed and turned toward the wall. He was unsure as the tears flowed freely just how to protect Lance now.

Raking his hand through his hair, Cole turned off the view screen and headed for the security room. He had to find out why the two devices in Jonathan's body had not been discovered. He wondered how many more Muggle devices might be on the island.

(OOC: This is a combined post by Barbie and Jane, we hope you are enjoying the thread.)

LANCE KILDARE
Lance had spent most of the last two and a half hours watching Jon sleep, get up and pace the room, sit at the table, stand at the window and then start the whole process over again. He had asked Tarka who had taken Artkee place, to get food delivered to Jon. It had been, but it sat untouched on the table. Lance shook his head. His friend needed to eat something. The Doctor was not sure how bad Jon was going to fight the de-programming. Jon had always talked to Lance and told the truth about how he felt about his family's methods, but still Matthew MacIntosh had raised him, taught him and protected him. Jon thought of the Dark Wizard as his father and no matter how much you may disagree with a parent, when it comes down to it most people would defend the family unit.

The door to Lance's room opened and Cole entered. "I thought I would fill you in a little on what we discovered about the devices you found in Jonathan's body." Cole straddled one of the seats at the small hardwood table, where Lance sat, watching the monitor and watched for a few moments. Jonathan was standing at the window in his room. "The devices were both Muggle in origin with a few tweaks. They are both inactive at the moment. Both trackers are going on a little trip. One of my specialist is going to make a tour of the world and take them with him." Smiling, Cole added, I sure would love to see Matthew Macintosh's face when the blips start showing up all over the world."

Cole stood and turned toward the door. "Just thought you should know." Looking at his watch he added, "I'm going to go and start with Jonathan. Hang in there Doc, because at the moment I am not sure how bad this is going to get. If you need to get a message to me do it though the elves mind link. Mecum has replaced Kimtu." Cole started to the door.

Lance turned in his seat and rested his elbows on the table and the back of the chair he was sitting in. "Jon thinks he is the one who was bite and is about to turn. Do me a favor and get that out of his head if possible first. He's confused Cole. He has fought all his life to be accepted by the Clan so he is probably going to have a need to fight the idea he is not one of them. He's my friend, Fixer and I don't want him hurt."

Cole stopped and turned toward the Doctor. "He is going to be hurt, Doc. I can't prevent that. I will try to keep the hurt, mental and emotional though. You know about deprogramming. There is no easy way to do this, but I need him to accept the fact he is a McChey. I need what little information he can give us. Watch Lance and listen. I will take any of your suggestions into consideration. Mind you though I do not promise to use all of them."

Turning again, Cole left the room and headed for Jonathan's room.

Lance turned back to the monitor and watched.

(OOC: Lance and Cole are both my characters. Jonathan MacIntosh is an Admin character.)

LANCE (MAXWELL) SINCLAIR
Maxwell Sinclair followed Cole's guard to the barracks. Travis, the youngman who had come with him tried to stay in step, but he was also looking around. The boy, of 19,, was scared but he had come because his cousin was here. Lance had sent a note to Max, explaining that Jon was being deprogrammed and one of the sticking points was he thought Travis Jr. had been killed by Cole on Khalid's orders. Apparently the boy's father, Travis Sr. also thought his son had been murdered in cold blood. Max glanced over at the young man and received a shaky smile. It had taken more convincing Arianna to let the boy return, thus pulling him out of Caretaker protective custody, than it had taken to get Travis to agree to come.

Anyone who had met and talked with Travis, soon realized he was intelligent, willing to help where he could and had not been taken in by his Uncle Matthew's ideals. The boy stood by his word in all the situations where he had been secretly tested. Max was hoping they were not going to be here long, but there was no telling with Cole in charge of everything.

Travis looked around as he thought about how Jon had gotten into Fixer's hands, "Jon, It is time for you to learn the truth but just how to do that without just changing the man you are owing? You helped me find myself cousin and now maybe I can do the same? Just how did my favorite cousin get into this mess and can I really ask Max to help me get him out? I can't ask Fixer cause there is always the chance it will just make things worse for Jonathan." Travis Jr. was torn between trusting his head and going with his gut by asking Maxwell to helping free Jonathan. His cousin was no threat to Fixer but the man that ran the island did things for his own reasons. Travis cringed as he prayed that Jon was still okay and not hurt.

When they reached the barracks they were escorted to Cole's office. The trooper knocked twice and then opened the door and motioned them in. Cole was sitting behind his desk and Punta stood with him. The two elves Mecum and Tarka stood off to the side. Apparently they were assigned to Travis and him. Maxwell walked confidently and took a seat in one of the captain chairs located in front of the desk. He motioned Travis to the other. The boy had looked from him to Cole, but slowly took a seat, positioning his body to match the relaxed position Max had taken.

Cole looked up from the stack of papers, which always occupied his desk. It was a little smaller than normal, because he had started delegating some of the reports to others, namely Tom and Jack. They didn't like it much, but if they wanted to hold their positions of authority, they would just have accept the fact it was not all training and fighting in their worlds now. "Good afternoon gentlemen. Glad you could join us so quickly."

Max nodded, crossed his legs at the knees and asked, "Lance's note said you are holding Jonathan MacIntosh. It also said you were trying to deprogram him. The third point of the note said Jonathan believes Travis has been killed by you, because of something Khalid ordered and you want to show Jonathan that he is still alive." Max glanced at Travis, who sat ridgedly still in his chair. So why did you bring us to your office?"

Cole used a few moments to straighten the papers on his desk and place them off to the side. Then he folded his arms on his desk and with a smile said, "I wanted both of you to know you will not be staying long. As soon as Jonathan sees Travis is alive and Travis," Cole turned to Travis, "you will be allowed to talk with him, but only in my presence. He needs to realize his allegiance needs to change and that information he may give to me, will be used to help others, including any who want to change the Clan hierarchy. You know as well as I do I cannot promise him there will be no collateral damage, but information will help to keep it to a minimum."

Bringing his attention back so it was divided between the two men in front of him, Cole continued, "Jonathan has been well treated and Lance has been acting as the incentive to try and get him to talk to me. Lance will be leaving very shortly also. I am going to allow the Doctor one last very short visit, then he needs to get back to Hogwarts. So any questions gentlemen?"

Travis shook his head as he looked at Max not liking Fixer's plans for his cousin. He had to get Jon away from here and he prayed Max and Lance would help. Jonathan was a doctor and Travis had no intention of allowing Fixer to twist Jon into his weapon or informant.

Max had been listening to Travis with his mind. The boy was interested in only one thing, getting his cousin out of Cole's hands. Glancing at Travis and then looking at Cole he said, "I think we are ready to see Jonathan now." Max knew Cole had picked up on the same messages, but he had to play this as if Travis was going to help.

Cole stood and motioned the two men toward the door. When they were in the hall it pointed to another door on the other side and motioned them to proceed him. Mecum stepped in front and unlocked the door, opening so they could all enter. Jonathan was seated at the table. Cole motioned Max and Travis to take seats and then he straddled his normal seat. The four elves took up positions just behind their charges.

Travis went straight to his cousin as he asked, "Jon, you okay cousin?"

Jon had been lying his head on the table as the door opened. When he heard Travis, he nearly jumped out of his skin as he said shuddering, "B-u-u-t Ma-t-t-h-ew said..."

Cole gave Travis and Jonathan a moment then said, as he motioned Max and Travis to take seats, "Gentlemen, please be seated." Cole then straddled his normal seat waiting for the men to comply.

Travis hugged Jon as he whispered, "Matthew lied Jon. Fixer might have no business messing with your head but you are just learning what Matthew is truly like. Jon when you get home talk with my grandfather Travis Sr. He can finally tell you things that Matthew has forbidden any of us to talk about. Now to get you to those that can help you deal with all this?"

Jon just dropped his head as he said quietly, "The day I leave this island I am dead Travis. Khalid has ordered my death as a message to Matthew. The only reason I am not like Markus' sons is because Fixer still thinks I am useful in the area of knowledge.of our lair and clan members. I doubt I will live long after he gets his answers. Travis Jr. I..."

Travis turned towards Fixer as he said, angry, "I did not come here to help you get your answers just so you could kill him. Khalid wants to send Matthew a message send an owl. Jon is leaving now!" He got up and reached for a very depressed Jonathan.

Cole sat up straighter and grabbed the back of his straight back chair. "Travis you will sit back down now. Then maybe I will answer some of your concerns."

Jon heard Fixer and started trying to pull Travis into the nearest chair. He feared that Travis was just getting Fixer in a worse mood and his young cousin would only be made to pay. He looked man who he had only known as a young boy before wondering just who the boy had become.

Max looked at Cole, who nodded to his silent request to get up. Walking around to the other side of the table, Max held the boy by his shoulders and forced him to turn to look at him. "Travis, we are here to support your cousin. The only reason you were allowed to come was to prove to Jonathan you were still alive. Since that has been achieved, any further reactions by you will only get you sent away. If you want to stay a little longer, I would recommend you sit immediately and listen." Max let go of Travis' shoulders and raised his eyebrows.

Travis sat but said sadly, "Max, what about what is planned for Jon afterwards? I can't let Fixer and Khalid kill him just to send a message to Matthew. You know what Matthew would do. He cares nothing for those that he deems unworthy. Jonathan trusts very few and I understand what Jon is going through. Max, help him like you did me, please?"

Cole again relaxed his folded arms on the table in front of him. Turning to Travis he said, "Travis I said before the only reason you are here is to show your cousin that you are alive. Now we have proved that so… "There was a knock at the door, which Cole signaled could be opened. Lance came in followed closely by Artkee. The elf bowed to Cole and said, "Sorry Master Frank but Master Lance has received a message for the school, that he is needed there as soon as he can arrive. I gave him permission to make a request to be able to leave."

Cole turned to Artkee and said, "You acted correctly Artkee." Turning to Lance he said, "I was going to let you leave soon anyway, so say your good-bys and," he glanced at Travis, "give any advice you think necessary." Turning back to the others he said, "Lance has five minutes."

Jon was now even more worried as he asked Lance, "Take Travis with you my friend. Fixer has Khalid's orders and I know Travis enough to know that Travis won't like it. I will never help Matthew but I can't help Fixer either. Maybe one day Sasha will learn of me?" He needed to get Travis safe and away before Travis angered Fixer further. He looked at Travis as he remember how much some of his cousins had looked up to him. Jon was their hero but he always only had just wanted Matthew's approval and love. His head hurt, as did his heart knowing Matthew would never give either.

Lance looked at Cole to try and figure out what the man would be willing to do. Travis had served his purpose and Cole knew the Caretakers were make progr ess with his finding out he could be a real help on the side he always wanted to be on.

Cole steepled his fingers in front of him and looked around the table over the top of his fingertips. He didn't want to keep Travis there, because the boy was coming around under the care of the Caretakers and the others connected with them. Folding his arms back onto the table he said, "Lance, Travis and Maxwell will both be going with you. Do you have anything you want to say to Jon before you leave."

Lance shook his head no and waited.

Travis shook his head and then stared at Cole, as he said, "I am not leaving Jon here. Khalid's death order is not going to be carried out."

"In the death order part you are correct Travis," said Cole. "But you are leaving, along with Maxwell and Lance. Your job here is done. Now if you will follow the elves to the platform, they will send you to anywhere you back to where you were you were from originally." Turning to Max he said, "Thank you for coming, Maxwell."

Travis folded his arms across his chest and stared straight ahead. They were going to have to forcibly make him leave and he would fight them all the way. It he left there would be no witness to what this man would do to his cousin. Glancing sideways at Jon, he could see a pleading in the man's eyes silently begging him to go, but how could he. He saw Cole raise his hand, with open fist. When the man closed his fingers, Travis felt himself rise out of the chair. He tried to grab the table but his arms were plastered to his side. He was headed toward the door, and couldn't stop the movement. "No, please, I have to stay. I can't leave, please." His body kept moving. He heard Maxwell saying something, but by this time he was out the door and headed down the hall.

Maxwell had watched, but did nothing. Travis had to leave. "Follow them Lance, I will be right there. By the time we reach the mainland the boy may need your help." Maxwell turned to Jon and said, "Listen to him Jonathan. It will be easier and you may learn something important." To Cole he said, as he headed toward the door, "I will wait for your summons, Sir." Max heard the lock of the door as it closed behind him.

(OOC: This is a combined post by Barbie and Jane; we hope you are enjoying the thread.)

FRANK COLE
When the door lock clicked, Cole turned back to the man sitting across the table from him. He steepled his fingers and looked over the top of them. Somehow he needed to change things up a little. He had been nice and proven to the man that the person he had always called father had lied to him; he had proven that his cousin was still alive. It was time to get him reacting to being on the island. He decided to just stare and see what the man would do.

Jon watched as Travis Jr. left. He was glad, as both his cousin and his blood brother were now safe he hoped. Jon looked at Fixer as he asked, "What now? I can't help remembering that Khalid ordered you to kill me as a message to Matthew. The only reason I am alive is you want information Fixer so the longer I resist the longer that message is not delivered. Sorry if you think I am being stubborn but Matthew might not care but I would. So what are you going to try now cause Matthew might be somebody I would give info about but there are Clan members that are nothing like him?" Jon was unsure how much Fixer answered to Khalid and how long he would stay breathing.

Cole lowered his hands and slowly pushed himself out of his chair. Walking around to the other side of the table he stood about three feet away from Jonathan and simply said, "Stand up."

Jon stood as tall as he could while trying to hide his fear of what was surely his fate. He did not know what was coming but he said while standing with his back to Fixer, "I guess my reprieve is up?" He was not going to plead but show strength in the eyes of death.

"Turn around, Jonathan and face your future." Cole added a crispness to his voice. It was time the man found out why his men called him Captain.

Jon slowly turned but only said, "Watching my death is not my problem. It is not knowing just who that man was that left with Lance and Travis, is. I will accept my fate, I just hope the man that called you sir does not hurt them." The man had told Jon to listen to Fixer that he might learn something important. He sadly shook his head as he asked, "Just what is that guy's orders in regards to Lance and Travis?"

Cole pushed the small metal table and chair out of the way, and slowly walked around Jonathan, studying him. Ending back in front of the man, now only two feet away he said, "You have not been given permission to speak. I have decided to let you join my little army, so from this point on you are Trainee McChey." Cole leaned in a little closer. "Lance and Travis are being well taken care of, that is all you need to know at the moment Trainee McChey. Your job from this point on, until I tell you different, is to follow orders and stay alive." Leaning in a little farther, Cole said, in his Captain's voice, "Am I making myself clear, Trainee McChey?"

Jon shook his head as he asked, "And if I choose not to join? I am a doctor not a fighter. I heal not kill. As I said I am willing to accept my death."

"The only answer I should be hearing from you Trainee McChey is either yes sir, if you understand, or no sir if you need a further explanation." Cole slowly walked around Jonathan ending up behind him. "The question was Trainee McChey, do you understand that from this point on your only job is to follow orders and try and stay alive."

Jon just shook his head as he tried to explain, "My name is Jonathan MacIntosh not trainee McChey. I am a healer not a fighter. I need to know what happens if I refuse your offer? What happens to Lance and Travis?"

"Your name is Trainee McChey and you are a healer who needs to have some basic training so that you will be allowed to heal." Since he was standing behind Jonathan, Cole allowed a small smile to turn up the corners of his lips because of the play on the word heal. Jonathan did need to heal. He needed to know he was a valuable individual and could help with the un-qualified war against Matthew MacIntosh and those of the man's clan who wanted only power, not caring who got hurt. "At the moment Lance and Travis are not part of the equation, but they could be drawn into the results of your stubbornness, very quickly. With you Trainee McChey, I have all the time in the world. You are mine to do with as I please. At the moment it pleases me to make you a recruit. I do not recommend you change my mind on this fact. Now do you understand your job, Trainee McChey?"

Jon heard and cringed as he understood what Fixer hinted at. He nodded as he said, "Yes I understand but it is Trainee MacIntosh not McChey. I can't change what I am but as long as it keeps Travis and Lance safe I will train but I am not killing anybody. I will heal your men but I won't fight."

Cole nodded to himself. "Very good Trainee McChey." Walking around to the front of the man, Cole continued, "It is now 3:30 in the afternoon." Turning to Punta he said, "Please have Specialist Jennings join us. Trainee McChey needs to be introduced." Receiving a nod from the elf Cole walked to the back cabinet, unlocked it and took out a set of fatigues. Walking back to Jonathan he through the shirt and pants hard against the man's chest and said, "Change."

Jon was about to shake his head but took the clothes. He knew that Fixer was good for his word. Jon asked as he changed, "Why do you insist I go by a name that I will never be? Do you really think Matthew will allow me to contact them? He won't and I won't endanger them especially a sister I never met. I am a MacIntosh and that means death for any I care about." He wondered if this Sasha would even believe him if he did introduce himself. He shook his head as he feared for the older sister he never knew. Jon knew that Matthew would just use or kill Sasha to hurt Jonathan. He had to keep his birth family safe and that meant keeping his distance.

Cole just stood and watched Jonathan change. Just as the man finished, Jack Jennings walked into the room, exchanged salutes with Cole and stood waiting for orders. "Welcome Jennings, this is Trainee McChey. He thinks he should be called Trainee MacIntosh," Cole had to bite the inside of his mouth to hold back the smile, when Jack heard the name he had used. He had to give the man credit though, because the only evidence of his question at the name disappeared quickly form his face. "I want him put through Trainee training. You can start with all the introductory courses, but as far as the physical part, I want him in level one to start." Cole knew he was throwing Jonathan in over what would probably be physically over his head, but he wanted the man not to be able to think, just survive.

Jack nodded and walked around the man he was now going to have under his command. After the one trip around he stood in front of Jonathan and said, "Trainee McChey show me your hands."

Jon had seen the look the man had given before. The man hated the Clan and Jon looked at Fixer as he asked, "How many others here hate my family Fixer? Is that why you called me McChey? You say it is my birth name but you never explained why I should trust a family that never even looked for me. Why should I care what my birth name is? The only family I ever knew was the Clan and the only father I know is Matthew MacIntosh. So why should I even care about this family that seems to not even care..." Jon did care though and just maybe one day he could resist it to at least protect the young girl that he now knew was his niece. He cringed as he remembered Liam McRyan. The boy was Markus' son's child or so Jon had been told. Jon was unsure if he should tell Lance that Liam was writing Markus about the Core, he shook his head as he was unsure if this Core was in any real danger.

Jack walked up very close to the new trainee and said, "You have not been given permision to talk to the Captain, Trainee McChey." Jack had not been in on the earlier part of this man's entry onto the island, but he was going to play this as if this was a brand new recruit just off the platform unless the Captain said otherwise.

Cole said, "I will answer a couple of your questions as long as we are in this room, Trainee McChey. Your past Clan has caused the deaths of at least eight siblings of men and women in my Specialist group. They know better than to judge you for what others have done, but I can promise you they will judge you for what you do. Specialist Jennings, is my second in command, so I would not get under his skin. It is going to be hard enough on you, and he can make it much harder. The McChey's never knew you existed and still don't unless they are told. When and if you gain enough of my trust through the members of my troop, then you will be introduced." Cole was not going to mention he had heard Jonathan's concerns about the Core.

Turning to Jack, Cole continued, "Trainee McChey will spend tonight at the training ground. He will be allowed on night maneuvers and he is not to be given a tent or sleeping bag. These things he will earn. He will run the obstacle course every day, once in the morning and once in the afternoon. Tomorrow he will watch the gauntlet being run and the day after tomorrow he will run the gauntlet. That should get him up to speed." Turning back to Jonathan he said, "When you have finished Trainee training. I will decide if you get to go into the medical unit and use your brain. Now," Cole looked at his watch, "I have an appointment in ten minutes. Any other questions Trainee McChey?"

Jon shook his head as he said, "Then leave them in the dark about me as I will not be talking to them." He was hoping his words were taken wrong. Jon would rather have his birth family think he hated or blamed them then for Matthew to order the Clan to hurt or kill them.

He looked at the man that hated his Clan. He hid a grin as he said, "The Clan usually rubs others the wrong way but I am just a doctor. I would prefer nobody here see me as a McChey. If the others are upset with my last name then call me Jonathan but the only last name I will use is MacIntosh. He is not my Captain, as I never intend to fight. I will give this a chance but only to keep Travis and Lance safe. I care nothing for this war that is coming." His eyes and body told a different story. He wondered if any would recognize him as the doctor that kept getting on the island. He had treated a lot of those here but at the moment Jon found it hard to accept that Fixer would go against Khalid's death order. He had always wanted friends like Lance but now all he wanted was to keep his distance from those that didn't stand a chance against Matthew and Markus.

Jack looked at Cole, asking silently if he could take the lead. Receiving a nod he said as the walked around the new Trainee. "You lie, Trainee McChey, and that is the name you will answer too, because it is the only name that will get you food, a reasonably comfortable place to sleep and even sleep itself. As to your lies, I know what happens on this island. The Captain just told you I am second in command and I take that position very seriously. You are going to run into some of the people you helped. And Trainee McChey, you were never snuck onto this island. You were a loud to be here, because the Captain said you could, so give up the pretence. Now, Attention, Trainee McChey." Jack finished with a solid command to his voice.

Jon gave a slight smile as he asked, "Jack, do you have any idea how Matthew would deal with the fact that I know now that he is not my birth father? I will tell you, he has told Lance that if I was ever told he would give me to the Feeders. Do you think he would not also have plans for my birth family? You are right I do care and would love to go by my true name. The problem is Jack, I can't protect them from Matthew or Markus. So to keep them safe I can never let on that I know and that means not going by McChey ever. You can do me a favor though?" He really wanted to get to know his true family.

Jack stopped in back of Jonathan and leaned in close. "You will call me Sir, Trainee. And you may request your favor, and I may grant it."

Jon smiled as he said, "Okay Sir, tell me about them? Uncle Markus has a grandson that is writing him about students called the Core. Matthew has been having meetings with Markus. I heard the names Tia and Brennan mentioned and it was not in a good way."

Jack looked at the Captain and received a nod. "The Captain will tell you anything concerning them he wishes you to know." Jack gave Jonathan a not so gentle push toward the door. "When the Captain wants to talk with you, he will request your presence. Until then Trainee Jones, you will keep your mouth shut, follow order and just maybe survive your first week. Now move…" Jack gave Jonathan another shove and then stepped back because he could see the young man's mussels in his back tighten.

Cole stood back and off to the side. He had known there were students sending information out of the school, but he had not until now known the identity of the new name he picked up from Jonathan's mind. He knew Punta had picked it up also and would be getting word to Darik, in Hogsmeade and thus to the school. Maybe the boy could be used to feed false information. That would be the Caretakers job though. He smiled as he saw Jonathan's back mussels tighten. The man was just about to learn an important lesson.

Jon had heard the name Jones and smiled. He could accept that as his last name for now. . He wanted to know his true family's ideals. When he was shoved the second time he threw the right-cross punch as an automatic reaction. He only had a moment to realize he had not connected with Jack's face, before he felt the man deliver a left-cross to his face and a solid punch to his stomach which doubled him over.

Jack just stepped back and shook his head. The man had nerve but he was going to have to not react in anger. That could get you killed. Grabbing Jonathan by the collar he pulled him to his feet and shoved him toward the door, where he bounced off only to be caught again. By this time Kimtu had opened the door, so Jack shoved the man out, turned and gave the Captain a salute and followed the groans coming from the hall.

Cole smiled as the door closed. Jonathan was not making a good start but he would do fine once they had him settled in and he realized he was here to stay. Tomarrow Cole would run the gauntlet with Jonathan in attendance. He also planned to watch some of the training and maybe join in. He liked to train with his men because it taught him about them and taught them to trust him. Smiling he headed for his office.
CLOSED

(OOC: This is a combined post by Barbie and Jane; we hope you are enjoying tad.)