A Time To Learn (Brennan, Cole)(Part 1)

A Time To Learn (Brennan, Cole)(Part 1) (Everywhere Else 2013
(Combined threads from old site)
(Happening the same time as Two Brothers In Trouble)

Brennan Dawson


Still seeing some fright in the girls face, he added, "Brennan there is going to watch around us as we go. You are safe. Ready?"

Brennan had looked at his watch, and realized it was 10:30 am. He had been hoping to make it to Sasha's official first meeting as Head Mistress. It would be the first time all of the teachers and important staff would be assembled into on room. He picked up his pace as he realized Max and Lance had gotten too far ahead of him for it to be safe. They had just left the tree line and he only had one more rather large tree to pass. As he got to the tree, two elves stepped out, whom he thought he recognized, bowed and pointed their hands at him. Everything went black.

Fixer straddled the second chair at the table in the interrogation room. Brennan, who was lying in the bed on the other side of the room, had not woken up yet. Frank figured he would be opening his eyes anytime. He had the elves, remove all of the clothing from the Caretaker except for a pair of jockey-shorts. The room was kept at 68 degrees, so the Profiler would be chilly, allowing Cole to offer him a pair of sweats and a t-shirt, which would establish a connection. This was his plan anyway. If Bren had been Neo who was in another room, Cole would have him tied into the bed. Frank smiled at Tarka, the elf who would be in charge of Brennan's comforts or lack thereof. The elf stood at the head of the bed, ready to take Brennan in control, if he got too out of hand. He had been instructed to hold off until the last minute though. Cole needed to see how hard Brennan would fight or even if he would fight. Fixers eyes shot back to the bed, as Brennan's eyes fluttered open.

Bren felt cold as he started to open his eyes. What happened? Where was he? was all he could think about. He was laying down on a hospital bed. Did he have another black out? Did he hurt his friends? "Nedea!", he said worried that his programming had kicked in and he had killed. He jumped up to find that he was in his boxers. Embarrassed he covered quickly as he said not looking around and still confused, "Lance, Max...please I thought I had the wall up...I would never have stayed with her there if I knew...You guys know...how much I hate this...I would never hurt anybody...especially her or..." He was going to say the Princess and the Core but he heard somebody clear their throat. He then got a flash of memory of elves. Anger welled up inside him as he said, "I won't be your puppet Shadow or is that you, Zia?"

Cole cleared his throat again and said, "Welcome, Brennan Dawson to the Island of Perdition. Please come and have a seat." Frank waited for the young man to get his bearings, as he quietly added, "It is all right at the moment. Shadow is not here and neither is Zia. You are safe from them at the moment." Cole signaled to Tarka, to gently but firmly led the young man over to the table. "Give yourself a minute…. Try taking a couple of deep breaths."

Bren barely heard the man though the fog in his mind. Confused he asked, "Lance, Max.." He had been about to say Nedea but remembered that Shadow loved to fool his victims with Polyjuice potion. Angry as he said worried, "What have you done with my friends? Where are they?"

When the elf tried to help him, Bren said as he jerked his arm away, "I am not going anywhere until Shadow tells me what he has done to my friends!" Just then Bren heard, "Not Shadow. You need this! He is not Shadow. Hear his words...they ring true...Please Bren calm down..."

Bren froze as he recognized the voice, "Mom" then finally realizing that his Blood Magic seemed to sense his confusion and had tapped.

"Brennan, come and sit down. The only people in the room are you, Tarka there and myself. My name is Frank Cole, but you might have heard of me as the Fixer." Cole leaned onto the back of the chair and watched Brennan's hesitant moves.

Bren shook his head still confused as he wondered where he had heard that name. Once he realized that this was the man that made it to where Seth and Franco had went through a Level 10 Caretakers Security Check, Profiler got furious as he said, "You! Thanks to you...Two Men that's Loyalty would never be Questioned....Just went through the works!" As He thought of how to bring this man in...

Cole held up his hand to stop Brennan from talking. Sitting up straighter he said very slowly, "I … said … please … have … a … seat …. Profiler." Then he signaled Tarka to forcibly bring Brennan to the table if he did not come immediately by himself.

Bren shook his head as he said, "I am not doing anything until my clothes are returned. Then Fixer, me and you are taking a trip to the Ministry where you will reverse what you did to both Seth and Franco." He looked at the elf as he said, "Don't even think of forcing me or I might forget your an elf, my little friend. Your boss is not one of my favorite people and mostly will never be..."

Fixer just shook his head. Nodding to Tarka, he watched as the elf, raised his hand toward Brennan. The profiler's arms shot down to his side and were stuck. Tarka then force Brennan toward the chair and put him in it. Brennan's legs became bound to the legs of the chair.

It happened so fast that before Bren could react, he was already seated in the chair that Fixer had pointed to earlier. Something told Brennan that this elf was no house-elf and instead was actually working with Fixer. That made him wonder if this man was as bad as he pretended.

"I asked nicely Mr. Dawson for you to sit down. You choose not to follow my directions so we are going to have to do this the hard way."

Upon hearing this, Bren said as he cleared the fog from his mind, “You mean there is an easier way. That I find hard to believe seeing as one moment I am at the school with my clothes and then I am here, without my clothes. You will find that I get very uncooperative when somebody kidnaps me just to talk. It puts me in a very bad mood as it is something I swore would never happen again.” The flashback to the shack had come to the surface before he had been able to stop it. Shadow had used him and others against Luke. His cousin would never admit but that day the old Luke had been destroyed. The Luke that had left that Shack was more secretive and angry. Bren blamed himself for the change. He had been Shadow's prisoner for months and when Shadow had finally released Bren, it was a Bren that was programmed. Profiler knew that he should give custody of Luke back to Seth or even force Luke's brother William to take responsibility.

Shaking his head as he realized why he won't, it was the fact of him being Luke's legal guardian that kept Bren from just giving up, “Fearing what would happen to Luke if I let this programming win, is what keeps me fighting. I don't have the heart to disappoint Luke or Tia. Those kids went to bat for me when most adults were giving up on me as a lost cause. I can't, no, I won't let them down!”He looked at Fixer.

Fixer waited until Brennan's eyes returned to the present. He glanced toward Tarka to see if there was something he needed to take care of before they continued. Tarka shook his head no, but Cole knew by the look on his face. There would be a report he would have to take care of later. He decided to continue, "I was planning on letting you get dressed soon, but now that can wait."

With a more determined look on his face, Bren said, “There is nothing you could do that Shadow, Zia and the Dark One have not already done. I won't be controlled. Not by them and especially not by you! So why not give me my clothes, return me to the school and then forget it's location? Cause Mr. Fixer, If you think you can do to me what you did to Seth and Franco? Think again as I am not like them as I have an edge that makes me a force to be recon with.” He prayed that Fixer knew nothing of Blood Magic mixed with a slight bit of Elves blood. Bren shook his head as the blood magic noticed the fact that Fixer also had blood-magic and it seemed a little elfin blood also. thought came, “He has both and extremely strong. Maybe I should see if I can get more than I give?”

"It really is good to see such confidence in someone as young as you are, Brennan." Cole folded his arms on the table and leaned forward. Closing his eyes for a few seconds he opened them and smiled broadly. "Ah I see you have blood magic and if my senses are correct, you also have some elfin blood." Cole paused but then continued, "We will discuss that later. Something you are going to find out, Brennan. This is my island … I am totally in charge … things are done my way and I have many ways of persuasion if you disagree. If you understand that FACT then we can continue."

Profiler smiled as he said, “Okay so I understand the fact that this is your island. What I can't understand is why have I been brought here and why my clothes had been removed? I will be noticed gone, as the New Headmistress hates people not attending one of her meeting. Plus I was with others, once they notice that I am not behind them a couple things will happen at the same time..”

"You have already been missed, Profiler." Cole chuckled. "At the moment I am not worried about the school or the people in it." Fixer sat up straighter and stared at Brennan. "I know that you are cold, so if you promise not to try and do something drastic, I will have Tarka, un-bind you and let you put on some sweat pants and a t-shirt. As to why you are here, I need you to fill in a little information for me. Your profiling skills are very interesting."

Bren shook his head as he said, "You don't get it Fixer. I don't want sweat pants and a T-shirt! I want my clothes. As for giving you information, No! If I gave nothing to Shadow...then you will get even less! Now return me to the school before those things that are put into motion upon them noticing my absence."

"I do get it Caretaker. You will not get your clothes back until I am ready to let you leave. If you get cold, let me know and we will see what we can do about some clothes. It will be up to you Profiler." Cole thought he might take a little of the wind out of Brennan preverbal sails. "There is no magic except by the five elves on this island, not even by me. There is no mental link among anyone on the island. There is a total blackout around the island and to within five miles up. Even a Muggle satellite cannot pinpoint the land mass." Cole chuckled at the look on Brennan's face. "As far as information, what we are going to do is discuss some people. I will not bring up a name of a child or student at the school."

Bren shook his head as he remembered back, "I am not joking Fixer. Certain precautions were put into place to protect those students. Release me or face the aftermath! I did not betray that school to Shadow and I am not going to betray them now! The answer is No!" Bren realized that Fixer knew about the bond. He wondered if this was a trap for the very men that could find him using their bond. Unknowingly to him, Bren said, "Could I be bait yet again? I won't allow that not again."

Cole shook his head and then stood up. He walked over to the wall and leaned against it very close to where the set of four maniacal were fastened, the ties which could hold anyone spread eagle on the wall. He never mentioned them. Crossing his arms across his chest, he stood there and stared at Brennan. The boy was scared that he was going to be used to hurt his friends. "Bren I am not using you as bait. I actually do not want to attract other of your friends here. Franco was here and will be returning, because of an agreement I have with him. Seth was never here. I do not want information about the school Profiler. Some of them work at the school, and some of the ones who I want you to Profile for me, do not work anywhere near the school." Cole looked at his watch. Franco would be arriving soon. "I have another appointment to keep in a few moments. When I leave I am going to have Tarka, release your bonds. There are a set of clothes on the bed and the bathroom, is through that door." Cole shot his thumb toward the door leading to the bathroom. "Tarka will stay in the room with you. If you are hungry, let him know." Cole stood up straight and took a couple of steps toward the door.

Bren shook his head as he said, "I am not Profiling for you, Fixer!" He had a feeling Fixer was not going to take No for an answer.

Frank Cole
Cole felt more refreshed. He had been able to get a shower, get something to eat and do a daily check on what was happening on the island, via the view screen in his room. There had also been a stack of reports on his desk from the team leaders of the hunt for Lucas when he had been there.

As he arrived at Brennan's door, he looked at his watch. It was 2:05 pm. Turning on the small view screen he saw, Tarka standing in the corner and Brennan passing the room. When the little mini-screen came on Tarka had shot a glance at the door. The elf was ready if needed to subdue the Profiler.

Bren shook his head as he said, "I am not Profiling for you, Fixer!" He had a feeling Fixer was not going to take No for an answer.

The last thing Cole had heard when he left the room was Brennan refusing to do any profiling. Cole had chuckled, not sure if Brennan had heard him before he had shut the door. The boy would be profiling for him, hopefully without too much physical pain involved. Cole also knew from the reports he had been given that he had to tread softly where the mental pain would be involved. Brennan had been brain washed and most of the reports showed that the possibility existed that he had some sort of trigger in his head to do something for the Shadow. Cole and Shadow were on equal standing with Khalid, but he was positive Shadow did not know that and depending on how much had been wiped from Khalid's mind, Cole was not sure how much Khalid himself would accept the idea. Cole was walking a tightrope with the whole situation. Shadow could not get on the island, but there were ways he could play this human chess game which would force Cole's hand.

It was not something he had to worry about at the moment. He had people watching the Shadow Lounge and also a few stationed in several other places, watching for any move on Shadows part. Cole turned the handle and entered the room.

Bren watched as Fixer re-entered the room. He had to find out if Fixer got his orders from Khalid or from Shadow. The Profiler had struck a deal with the Shadow on the last day of his captivity at Shadow's hand. If Fixer got his orders from Shadow then Brennan might have no choice but if Fixer's orders came from Khalid, well the deal was with Shadow only, so Bren had the right to refuse. The programming was a different matter as Bren had a feeling Shadow had no idea what Zia Zebo had been doing at night.

He decided to stay by the window and just ignore Fixer for the moment.

Cole watched Brennan for a moment then walked over to the chair opposite where Brennan had been sitting when he left, turned it around and straddled it. Placing his arms on the back of the straight back chair he said, "Ignoring me is not going to make this go any faster. Care to join me at the table?" When Brennan did not move Cole added, "or do I have to have Tarka persuade you again to join me?"

Bren heard Fixer and added another piece to the Fixer puzzle, subject will not be ignored?" He shrugged as he said heading over to the table, "Might as Well."

Once there, Bren stood by his seat. He was playing a dangerous game as he was acting in different ways to see just how Fixer responded. With each bit of information, the Profiler hoped to get into this man's head with the possibly of finding something that the Caretakers could use.

Cole raised his eyebrows. The shaking his head he said, "So you want to play games… please have a seat Brennan or this may get uglier than either of us want it too." Cole kept his voice very calm, but the edge of obedience still filtered into it. Tarka had even walked over to stand at the end of the table. Cole could see the elf spread his fingers at this side, preparing to have Brenna follow orders.

Bren chuckled as he said, "Sorry Fixer, you said join you at the table. You never said How and I prefer to stand...since I have the choice." He added to his Fixer puzzle, "used to being obey. Sets his own rules?" Bren wondered what Fixer would do should his rules be used against him. It was something for his blood magic gift to work on.

Cole made a pyramid with his hand by placing his elbows on the back of the chair. Putting his chin on the top of his fingers, he just looked at the Profiler. "I was hoping to let you be comfortable during our discussions, Profiler. It seems you prefer to fight me at every turn, so…" Cole stuck up two fingers and crossed them. Tarka nodded, put up his hand, and forced Brennan to the wall behind Cole, where Brennan was fastened, spread eagle in the set of manical, fastened to the wall. When he was fastened tight, Cole stood up, turned his chair around and sat back down. "Since you prefer to stand then I will let you stand. If at any time you would like to sit down though, please let me know and you can have a seat in the other chair."

Bren was worried by Fixer's actions. He had been unable to stop the elf from fastening him to the wall. He pretended to get comfortable while at the same time he tested the bonds. He found that they were semi-loose but not enough to free himself. The Profiler realized by Fixer's words he could request to sit at the table. The problem with that was Bren had been bound to a chair for most of his month of captivity with Shadow and then during his debrief. He hated being bound but it felt worst being bound to a chair. Bren had learned to mask his fears pretty well and realized that the Fixer had a bad habit of turning one's fears and weaknesses against them. Profiler decided not to let on that being bound to the wall bothered him. If he did, Bren was sure that he would not be getting off anytime soon.

Bren chuckled as he said, "No this is fine. What Fixer, getting upset that you can't push my buttons but that I can and am pushing yours? How does it feel having the tables turned?" Bren had to keep his mind off being hooked to this wall that didn't involve chairs or him profiling his friends. And he needed to do it before Fixer realized his secret.

Cole made a circular motion with his index finger and Tarka tightened the bonds on Brennan, forcing the Profiler into a greater spread eagle. Looking at Brennan he said, "We have not even gotten to the point where I am pushing your buttons as you say. You need to understand something Profiler. I am in total control here. I can have you hanging on the wall where your feet do not touch the floor, or I can have you bound in the bed over there," Cole shot his thumb over his shoulder, "or I can have you put into the chair behind me. If you decide to take the chair, I will not bind your arms or your hands." Cole watched as the information sunk into Brennan's brain. The boy was scared of sitting down in the chair and Frank could feel the fear radiating from Brennan's body. He looked at Tarka and received a nod. The Elf confirmed what he was reading from the Profiler. "I do hate to be looking up all the time while I am talking with someone."

Bren got the feeling that Fixer knew but how. Then it hit him as he said without meaning to, "Empathy, Fixer is an empathy." Bren realized that piece of the Fixer puzzle changed things as the Profiler wondered if Fixer was at the same level of empathy as Tarik.

Bren knew that he might as well choose the chair as Fixer had read him as easily as a book. The man had said his hands and arms were not going to be bound. He said, "I will take you for your word Fixer and choose the chair. But that is all that I agree to and if you are an empathic then you know exactly why I must decline to profile for you especially my friends."

Cole smiled and nodded. Signaling Tarka to move Brennan to the chair. The elf nodded, raised his hand and released the bonds on Brennan's arms and legs. With hand still raised he waited for the human to make his way to the other chair. When the human was seated, Tarka pointed his hand and made sure the human could not move the lower part of his body. He also made sure he was bound at his hips and his legs to the chair. Turning toward Master Frank, he nodded and returned to the corner of the room, where he relaxed in his air-chair.

Turning his chair back around and sitting back down, Cole relaxed his arms onto the back of the chair and smiled, "Now that is much better. Would you like something to drink Brennan, before we start our talk?"

Bren shook his head as he felt his legs become unmovable. He then chuckled as he said, "I have to give that one as you never said anything about not binding my legs." He just had to pray that his legs being bound would not get to him.

Bren answered Fixer by saying, "There is nothing to talk about as I answered your request to profile for you and your gift should be insuring you know that it would be a waste of your time to try and change my mind."

Cole smiled. He got up out of the chair and walked to the cabinet, which was hidden in the wall at the head of the bed. Opening it, he made sure Brennan was able to see the various whips, medicine bottles, syringes, cloths and other pieces of possible persuasion devices. Reaching into the bottom of the cabinet, he pulled out a pitcher and two glasses. Normally he would have Tarka get refreshments, but the little elf had already worked past his normal hours and Cole knew he was tired. Closing the cabinet to reached below it and opened the small refrigerator door. Putting the pitcher up under a spout he pushed the button and filled the jug, three-quarters full of Pumpkin Juice, which was not one of his favorites, but he knew it was one of Brennan's. Then he carried the pitcher back to the table, poured two mugs of juice, pushed one toward Brennan and took the other to his seat. After relaxing back into the seat, he took a sip, put the mug down and said, "All right let's get started."

Bren watched Fixer and tried to hide his concern about what he saw. He had said nothing about a drink but found that Fixer had brought his favorite, Pumpkin Juice and sat it down in front of him. Fixer's last words had the Profiler worried, as it seemed Fixer had not heard him. Bren shook his head as he said puzzled, "Fixer, I said there was nothing to talk about as I already told you that I won't Profile for you, especially my friends!"

Cole took another sip of the Pumpkin Juice. Smiling broadly, he said with enthusiasm, "Ah that taste good. Very refreshing." Motioning toward Brennan's glass with his own he added, "I promise you it is not doctored Profiler." Chuckling, he put his own mug down and went on. "You have a rare talent for profiling other, Brennan. It is one of the highest on the scales that I have seen. You should be very proud of yourself." Cole stopped and stared at Brennan, then continued, "… but as you know Profiler, you are not the only one who has this talent. It comes to some at a very young age actually. Several of the students at the school have it." By the expressions Brennan was attempting to hide and by the feelings radiating from the man's body, Cole knew he was getting his point across about the children being in danger of his talking to them. . "I am against frightening children needlessly, but the information I need is important. There are several adults who are showing promising signs of rivaling your abilities. I suppose if you insist on not helping me, then I could have others brought to my little oasis here. I will even let you choose who and watch as I question them. I may be angrier by that time though, so they may spend a little more time either on the wall or under other forms of duress." Cole allowed his eyes to glance toward the cabinet.

Bren's mind went to the only two that he had seen with the talent, Silvia and Luke's older brother William. Silvia was already showing great skill in both profiling as well as second sight. Bren was proud of her. William on the other hand had the skill but not nearly as powerful as he feared using it. The Profiler was scared, as he knew that Fixer would indeed follow through with his threat. He just could not bring himself to profile for Fixer. Voicing his thoughts to once again get Fixer to understand that what he was asking was impossible for Bren, "Fixer, don't you think I know that I will be profiling the very people that risked everything for me? I can't, I won't betray the faith and trust they have shown in me!" He had been close to tactical suicide when his friends had shown him what true friendship and teamwork was. Bren would never forget what they risked for him. He would never betray the trust they showed him.

Cole did not move at first, but soon straightened up in his chair and said, "I understand your dilemma, Profiler, but I will get my information." Looking at Tarka, he motioned for the elf to come to the table. Turning his head so Brennan could not see what he was saying, he whispered in the elf's ear, "Who is he most afraid of me bringing here?" Tarka could not read words in people's minds but he could pick up images. The elf placed his hand on Cole's arm and closed his eyes. Two images jumped into Cole's mind. Cole nodded and motioned for the elf to return to his air-chair. Turning back to Brennan, he said, "Since you cannot give me the information I need, then I will let you choose between the two people you have thought about, so they can come to the island and undergo some persuasion. So who will it be the young girl, I think her name is Silvia Sadaki the Professor's daughter or will it be William Wright? Choose Profiler, or I will and I will pick the one I think is the easiest to get information from. You can always give me the information yourself, of course." Cole looked at Brennan and waited.

Bren shook his head as his mind revealed what he feared that William was actually the easier for Fixer to get. His cousins either of them would break but Silvia's added gift of Seer gave her an edge in fighting Fixer. He wanted neither here and so tried once again to convince Fixer to leave it alone saying, "Fixer, I can't. Your empathy skill should having you understanding just what you are asking. You can't use either of them cause neither are able to profile with you trusting that what they give is right. Please, don't follow this path."

Cole sat up very straight and put as blank of an expression as he could manage on his face. "I know what I am asking Brennan. I also know how important the information is to me and to others who will eventually have need of it." Cole wished he could tell Brennan the truth of why he needed the information. He was on a mission to help strengthen the Caretakers and any other group who would eventually be in the process of taking down the Dark One. He did not dare go easy though, because if Shadow decided to take an interest in what he was doing, it had to appear that he was being as underhanded and evil as the man who thought he was going to inherit everything of Khalid's including the organization Khalid ran. He had plans of making sure Brennan did not know, when he left what information he had given, but until that point he had to have the boy acting naturally. Cole was filming the whole thing, and although he had a top of the line security system, both electronically and human, in place…. information did leak from time to time. "I said either pick one of them, agree to tell me yourself or I will pick… make your decision now, Profiler or live with the consequences of watching someone else give me the information, because I promise you, you will watch."

Bren knew that Fixer was giving him the chance to profile for the man himself. He inwardly shook until he realized that at least Fixer was not doing what Shadow had done to first Luke and then to Ash. This was just as bad but at least neither was good enough to give Fixer too much. William was the weaker of the two but the easiest to grab and break. Bren smiled as he realized that who Fixer worked for might just be enough to make Will clam up.

He said, "But Fixer, it is the others that insure that I can't as anything you get from the profiles would at sometime find their way into Ornaris' hands. I won't choose as neither are good enough for what you need. You might break them but neither will give you anything you can trust."

Cole nodded and went to the view screen. Retrieving the control panel out of the table top, he pushed a series of buttons. Turning back to Brennan, he smiled and pointed at the screen, "I am glad you let me choose Profiler, because you see the choice was made before you even arrived."

About a week prior to the present time, Cole had invited William Wright, a fellow Mercenary to the island to help him profile the tape, which had been given to him by Marco Spellman, and some pictures he had retrieved from Franco mother's vault. Cole had met William at several of the Wizard Mercenary Conventions, he visited and where he gave Muggle demonstrations. They had become friends, with William helping during the demo's. During this time, Cole had discovered William was a very good profiler and could catch things he missed. He was a little reluctant to show the tape to William because it showed his cousin, the Quints mother being killed, but Cole needed the information and he needed it from a member of the family, because only they would be able to pick out any differences in the situation.

When William had arrived, Cole had served him a light lunch and told him what he had in his possession. William had gotten a promise from Cole that when it was discovered who the shadowy figures were, Cole would use his small army to bring the people to justice, not deluding himself that William meant, the law. Cole had agreed.

Cole had taped the whole profiling session, during which he mockingly threatened William to do better. It was a game they played between the two of them often, to help sharpen their interrogation skills. During this session, William had played the victim. When they had finished, both men had analyzed what had been done, but the analysis was not on the tapes.

After dinner they had gone to the gym and had a good workout trying to beat each other's brains out. It had been a lot of fun. Cole had won the bout, ending with a sharp pike up against William's throat as he lay on the mat. The men who had been invited to witness the fun, had given both of them a round of applause, but Cole had also edited out that information.

When he played the tape for Brennan, he played some of the fight first, including the ending, then he played William acting as a victim and profiling the video tape, with the pictures stun out on the table. The whole thing, gave the impression that William had been interrogated after being beaten and forced to do it. As far as he would let Brennan know. William was still in another room.

Cole turned back to Brennan and watched his face as the video played. When it was done he said, "That happened before you got here, Profiler. William is a little worse for wear at the moment, but I think he will be able to continue, very soon."

Bren had not been able to turn away from the screen. Fixer had forced William to profile which for as long as Bren could remember Will hated and feared. The Profiler was furious and was almost certain from what he watched that Will had not gotten into those killers' heads. Bren cringed as he continued to watch and started to notice things. He asked Fixer, "Why bring me here then if you already had William?"

Cole turned off the view screen and walked back to the table. Straddling the chair, he said as soon as he was seated. "William has his uses, but you are better at Profiling then he is." Smiling Cole looked at Brennan and asked, "Tell me you were not able to pick out things which William missed." Cole raised his eyebrows and watched for Brennan's expressions.

Bren shrugged as he said, "I have no idea as I don't know what he might have figured out. Why do you want that video even profiled? It was not done by the Ornaris Family that is for sure. They are not that messy. And they don't leave witnesses or at least not a tape. So why is this of interest to you? And why not just ask the girl that watched the whole thing though you only see her shadow on the tape?"

Cole smiled. "Very good Brennan. The girl was so traumatized by the whole thing she does not even remember being there, because you see it was her mother who was murdered. I take on many jobs and finding the people who committed the murder has become one of my most important. Anything you can add would be good." Cole wanted to see if he could keep Brennan talking. Brennan loved to do profiling and once he started normally he could not help himself… he had to keep going until every clue was dug out.

Bren sadly shook his head as he said, "Poor kid and here I was so sure that it was a profile for Khalid or Shadow that you wanted. I had you profiled all wrong and I am sorry for that Fixer. I guess Zia got into my head more than even Sinclair guessed. Oh course I will help find these maniacs. I need to see the video and possibly blow-ups of the area especially the killers. Also anything else that might help; pictures, notes, anything. You see Fixer where William has the gift he fears it as I once did. Plus his specialty is body language where mine is more overall. Just wish I knew what they had said to both their victim and that girl?" Bren made a mental note to inform Air that not all of the info Fixer was gather was for Khalid or Shadow's use. It seemed that Frank Cole was still working for the good guys as well.

"I will have Tarka bring you what I have. There are some pictures which I will have him make 8 by 10's of. The tape had no sound to it, when it came into my possession. I had Lance Kildare look at some of the pictures, thinking he could tell me about some of the injuries, but the man only said it was by a blunt instrument. Some may consider him a good doctor, but either he has no clue about forensics or he just decided, I did not need to know."

Bren shook his head as he said, "Please have yourself or somebody else get the items. Tarka is exhausted, let him rest. As for Lance, you are wrong, he is the best. Fixer, the only reason he would not have helped is one the family are under his care. Or he thought the info would be given to somebody it shouldn't? You have to understand Lance is Magi and like Tarik, he has a high moral code he lives by. Lance was forced to break that code once long ago. He has sworn never to break it again."

Bren smiled as he said, "You are welcome Frank. You have got to understand the Caretakers. They guard some very important people that Khalid and Shadow have done everything in their power to control or destroy. I guess finding out they are one of your clients as sent up warning flags where you are concerned? Air can't afford anything that they can use against those we protect to fall into her older brother's hands. If you can assure them of that, I think you will find them more willing to help? I am for one glad that they are not your only client."

Cole nodded. "Thank you for that information Brennan. I will remember it if I ever have to deal with the doctor again." Cole looked over at Tarka and said, "You may go and rest. Tell Artkee to bring the items, Master Brennan has requested. Tell him also to please have the chef prepare, some sandwiches. Master Brennan will be busy for a while I think."

Tarka had hoped down from his air-chair as soon as Cole had looked his way. Bowing he said, "Yes, Master Frank, I understand." Looking at Brennan he said, "Thank you Master Brennan for the time off." With that the elf left the room. Cole turned to Brennan and said, "I will make sure everything arrives that you need. Artkee will be given permission to release you so you can move around. I have several other things which need to be done. Take your time and make notes.
When I return we will see what marvels you have been able to accomplish." Cole stood up, but before he went to the door, he said, "I know you did not choose to come here Brennan, but I really appreciate your help in this matter." Turning he headed toward the door. Cole needed to get back to Franco.

Cole opened the door, but before stepping through he turned and said one last thing to the Profiler. "I understand you have a hobby Brennan. I will send one of my elves to get your gaitar and song book, from your apartment, as payment for helping."

As the elf thanked him, Bren beamed as he said, "You need the rest my little friend."
When his guitar and songbook were mentioned, Bren said, "They are not at my apartment but at the school as I have been teaching the Core the songs. As for my bonds, honestly I had forgotten they were even there. You will find that trust goes a long way, especially with the Core. Whatever you do Frank, don't ever betray it once you earn it. Believe me, you will live to regret it. Once the Caretakers realize that you are not helping the Ornaris to destroy those they protect, I am sure Air will stop worrying. Once she stops, the rest will follow."

Cole only nodded and then left.

(OOC: This thread is a combined post by Barbie and Jane, Enjoy! Air-chair: The elves appear to be sitting in a chair, which does not exist. Their legs are usually crossed. This thread is also happening the same time as "Two Brothers In Trouble" located in this site. For other references to background you can check out: ARCHIVED (Jan-June 2013) Hospital Wing, Taking Notes, (Lance, Richard, Brennan, Invite); ARCHIVED (Jan - June 2013) Mysterious Isles, Family Ties Are the Hardest To Break (Fixer); ARCHIVED (Jan-June 2012) Shrieking Shack, Door to Destiny (Luke, Brennan, Valentine); ARCHIVED (Jan.-June 2013), Breaking the Man, Not Breaking the Spirit.)

Brennan


Bren went through what the elf Artkee had brought and it had taken almost three hours to do a thorough search of it all. The video had given him something's but not as much as the blow-ups. He smiled as he watched the little elf watch him. Pulling at a blow-up of one of the killers, he said pointing to the ring on the man's hand, "We find who's family crest this is, my little Friend and we have a lead to at least one of the killers. Are you interested in learning how to profile?" Just as the little elf started to answer, the door started to open.

It had been three hour since Cole had walked out of Brennan's room. He had not meant to stay gone that long, but Franco and Neo had needed to be situated. Walking in the room, he found Brennan sitting at the table, spread with photo's and a notebook with notes going all directions on the page. He looked at the view screen and it was stopped on one screen. Walking over and straddling his normal seat he asked, "So Profiler, what have you discovered? You have me a killer yet? Sorry I was gone for so long but I had another matter to take care of." Cole smiled, knowing Brennan loved to Profile.

Bren showed him the blow-up that he had shown the elf as he said, "We might have lead to at least one of the killers. You know this crest?"

Cole looked at the blow up staring at the ring on the man's finger. He put the picture down and closed his eyes. The scene which jammed itself in his eyes was of a man standing in the main room of his house. Cole was worried, because his wife was going to be home any minute and he had to get the man to leave. Instead they had shot him with drugs to get him to talk. Soon they found out about his wife, and made him watch as they beat her. Then they left. She lost the baby she was carrying and died in his arms from internal bleeding.

Cole pounded his hand on the table. "The man's name was Macintosh. He is not alive at the moment, and I promise you he did not die quickly." Cole had taken his time sending the man to Hades. "You get anything else, Profiler." Cole needed to get away from the memories assaulting his mind.

Bren nodded as he saw the pain and anger in Fixer's face. He said, "You sure it is the same man? He is hooded so could it be a brother to the one that is dead? The ring is a family crest so this Macintosh line could be large but I hope you are right for that girl's sake. If these people are toast already, she won't have to worry about what he said to her. Wish you had a lip reader?"

Cole took a deep breath, crossed his arms on the table and considered Brennan's thoughts on the possibility of it not being the man he killed. "I do not usually go after relatives of people who cross me or cause me grief, because I figure it is not their fault. I will check though and see if there is another member of the family who would fit the age and build. So why do you need a lip reader, Profiler?"

Bren smiled as he said, "If you are that sure than at least one of the killers is dealt with. I am more worried about the man that has the girl's arm. Whatever he is saying, she turned deathly white. A lip reader is good when there is no sound. Do you have one?"

Cole nodded. "I have several which would fit you bill." Cole reached out and started to stack up all the pictures. He added the full notebook of Brennan's scribbled notes to the top of the stack and placed the stack on the edge of the table. Then he turned back to Brennan and said, "I will have one of them watch the film and I will let you know what they say. For now though we need to move on. I need you to Profile another person, Professor Tarik Sadiki." The professor had come more into Cole's life over the past couple of months and he was wondering about the man.

Bren shook his head as he said, "Sorry but there are some wizards I just don't profile and Tarik is one of those people." Bren wondered just what Fixer wanted with Tarik. He looked at the man as he wondered if this man was a problem and had the profiler been tricked.

"You did such a good job on the photo's and the video, I thought we would keep going. It is the reason you are here. I was hoping I would not have to add any incentives to you continuing Brennan." Brennan still did not know that Neo and Franco were on the island.

Bren got up and crossed the length of the room. He turned and just studied Fixer as he said, "As I said Tarik is not one that I profile. Threats don't bother me much Fixer. Tarik is Medjai and since they have a high moral code. I personally don't do any profiling into their heads. Especially his."

Cole stayed in his seat and just watched Brennan. Signaling to Artkee to bring him the remote control to the view screen, Cole said, "I think I can convince you that you can tell me a little about Tarik, just some simple things like his likes, dislikes, abilities and disabilities." Artkee handed Cole the remote and without looking at the screen, Cole pointed the remote and pushed several buttons. On the screen was Neo lying in bed, resting. It had only been about an hour since the man had gone through the pain of the pressure points. Cole was not thinking of using him again this soon, but letting Brennan know about how the man had given surety for Brennan being good also, might be all he needed.

"I know you recognize the man in the bed, Brennan. You will also notice the room he is resting in looks exactly like this one." Cole chuckled and waited for the situation to sink into Brennan's brain.

Bren listened and then shook his head. Neo was a guest of Fixer's as well. He looked at Fixer as he said, "Was what I just profiled for you, just a trick? A way to get me to trust you? Fixer, one thing you will learn about me. I don't profile family or friends. Tarik is both. Neo might be your guest but I won't help you or your client get into Tarik's head." Bren was worried as Neo seemed to be not feeling at all well.

Cole chuckled. "Come sit down Brennan. Neo is not exactly a guest. At first he was here only because of…," Cole pushed another button and the screen split in half showing a sleeping Franco one the second half. "Franco is here to get some help with a problem he has, and he is refusing to co-operate with the help I need to give him, which he has to have before he can leave. Neo, is going to help get Franco to agree. I have told Franco that if he does not agree with me, Neo will be the one to receive the encouragement, or punishment if you want to look at it like that. Since Neo is already standing in like a royal whipping boy of old for Franco, I think I will allow him to stand in for you also. He has already had a rough time over the last three hours. I really do not want to disturb him at the moment," Cole caught Brennan's eyes and he added, "but I will Profiler. It is your decision."

Bren looked at his friends and then said, "You did not answer my question Fixer. Was the last profile I did a rouse to gain my trust?"

"No I can truthfully say it was not to trick you…. It was more to see how you work and get you working on something. Now we will continue and the subject of our conversation is Tarik Sadiki. So, Profiler what have you decided…. Do I wake Neo and have him join us, or do you start giving me some information.

Bren shook his head as he said, "I will say only one thing about Uncle Tarik. Nobody ever crosses him without learning to regret their mistake. That is if they live long enough."

"I am afraid that is not enough, Profiler.". Cole said as he shook his head. "You are going to have to do better than that. Let's start slow…. Give me one good point in Tarik's favor and one thing against him. You may choose the things." Frank watched Brennan, pace. "Oh and do sit down."

Bren shook his head as he said still standing, "I sit only with friends Fixer. With ones I no longer trust, I rather stand. I will not betray Uncle Tarik's trust in me. Especially since only two would want that information and neither are going to get it…"

"It looks like I will have to…" Cole stopped when Artkee handed him a scrapbook. Cole looked at the elf and silently asked, "What's this?" Artkee just signed to Cole to look in the book. Opening it up, he realized it was a scrapbook of times important to Brennan. There were newspaper articles, pictures and even some notes and feelings. Turning the page, Cole found something, which might get Brennan talking and possibly give Neo a little more time to recuperate.

Cole had an idea so he opened the album and turned it around so Brennan, who was still refusing to sit, could see the picture. Frank knew it was Tarik Sadiki. "Tell me everything you can about this picture Brennan. Give me the who, where, when and why of the picture." Cole needed to get Brennan profiling.

Bren looked at the picture of Tarik and started remembering. Saying almost to himself, "That article was taken when Franco interviewed Tarik. The wizardry world had been shocked to find that one of Egypt's Royal Magi was teaching at Hogwarts. Tarik was embarrassed by all the attention and even told Franco that he did not see why it was such a big deal." Bren grinned as he remembered reading the article and profiling this Egyptian Prince, a year before he had seen him. The profile notes had even impressed Tarik, when Bren had given them to him. Tarik had smiled as he had told Bren that he had a very rare gift as nobody had ever gotten as much information about a Medjai as Bren had gotten on him. The Profiler had promised his uncle Tarik that nobody would get any of that Profile from him.

Cole listened to what Brennan was quietly saying as the Profiler got a faraway look in his eyes. He made note to himself to talk to Franco about the notes Brennan had given him. Franco was the type to keep copies of all of that type of thing, because he was so gung-ho on knowing and remembering the facts. The school would also have some type of background check on Tarik in their files. There would also be information somewhere in Egypt on the Royal Wizardry family. Khalid could get that information. "Professor Tarik, would make a good teacher, he has strong empathy abilities. Did you pick up on that when you first interviewed him?"

Bren smiled as he shook his head saying, "I did not meet uncle Tarik until a year later. Franco had planned a follow up article and had asked for some insight in to this man. Franco at that time was worried about Tarik knowing so much about Tia. The Spellman Quints have always seen Tia as family and as such had been extremely protective of her. Tarik sent up warning bells, as he knew more about what was happening than he was letting anybody know. It was only later when Arianna showed up that the Spellman boys realized that Tarik was one of the people they gathered information for. Tarik has never to my knowledge held it against them."

Cole knew some background on the Sadiki family so he tried a different question. "I can imagine his elfin blood, would have been a problem for them. It must have been one of the reasons Franco planned a follow-up article. I hope you were able to relieve their minds about that and the empathy."
Bren shook his head as he said, "The Quints don't know about the elf link that I know of. I only recently found out about the blood link Tarik's grandfather made with an elf. I am not even sure Tarik knows, as the man doesn't reveal much. I was able to relieve their minds, as I knew from how guarded he was that he was protecting Tia instead of being one of the problems. The questions he was asking, gave hint that even though he worried about Shadow, he considered others more of a threat. The thing was his disappearances and the fact he asked questions but never revealed why he was asking. He was interested in learning about Daniel Marsden and sort of gave the impression that he did not believe what the Ministry was selling concerning the man. He also asked questions about others that were connected to Tia and her friends. It got Gabriel and the Spellman's worried and nervous."

Cole started to put some of the facts he had found out in his mind. He would be able to review the interview later, but for now he needed to find a way to have Brennan tell him of any weaknesses he might know about. He now knew Tarik was a Royal Magi, with strong empathy powers, very much connected with keeping Tia alive and happy, a Rune's Professor at the school, and respected, from the fact he had married the Head Mistress. "Daniel Marsden was a Dark Wizard with a lot of power. Tarik must have been a little worried about going up against the man. Marsden was a user and Tarik knows a lot about Runes. You think there was a connection there?" Cole had heard rumors there was some missing Runes manuscrips. It would be interesting to find them. If Tarik could read them, then they may give him some information on what was supposedly supposed to happen with the Dark One.

Bren stopped and stared at Fixer finally seeing why the man was interested in Tarik. Shaking his head, "You are after a way to get Tarik to translate the Runes that Marsden requested. Forget it as Tarik had Darik destroyed them. Something he read already stopped him cold. Marsden could not even find a way or threat to get Tarik started again."

"Well if they are all destroyed then why am I getting bits and pieces of information, some of the original copies are still out there." Cole shrugged his shoulders, attempting to make Brennan think it really wasn't that important to him. If Cole could get his hands on one of the phantom copies then Tarik was going to get a visit. His empathic abilities could probably be used against him. It would depend on how much Tarik could turn off the ability, and how far he could be pushed before his Blood-lust from the elfin connection took hold. It was an interesting problem.

Cole looked at his watch. It was now 8:30 pm. He did not want to continue much longer. He was tired and he wanted all his [/i] guest [/i] to get some sleep. "It's 8:30. Let's take one more picture and see what you can do. I will say Profiler, I am impressed." Cole thumbed through the album and found a picture of Maxwell Sinclair, the Psy-healer. The man was a doctor so he would not give information about his patients, but Cole needed to know the man's strengths and weaknesses. He might personally need him someday for himself or one of his troops. Turning the albam back toward Brennan, who was at least leaning on the chair and table, Cole asked, "This is Maxwell Sinclair, if I am right. I have only heard good reports about him. When, where and why was this photo taken?"

Bren shook his head as he said, "I have no clue as this is the first I have seen that photo. Is there writing on the back?" He was glad that Fixer was off Tarik. This picture worried him though as he saw the hooded man in the background. Bren wondered if Max had just been threatened and the Psy-healer had sent Bren the picture to try and get info that could help. The only other possibility is that Bren had been sent the photo by somebody daring him to stop Max's death or abduction. Either way, this was one photo that Bren was extremely interested in as not many could get the drop on Lance Maxwell Sinclair.

Cole carefully removed the picture from the album and turned it over. On the back it had printed, "This came today…. The messenger said the only verbal message was Guess Who . Hope you can make something of it…. Talk to you when you are feeling better. Max" Cole looked at Brennan, for a few long seconds before he read it aloud. After he read it, he sat up straight, holding onto the back of the chair and waited. Brennan looked surprised the picture was even in the album. This told Cole, either it had come duing one of Brennan's blackouts or someone else had access to the album.

Bren nodded as he heard the message from Max. He looked at Fixer as he asked already sure the man's answer would be no, "And you did not send the picture to Max? Well since Maxwell is in the Dark One's cross hairs, I would bet money on the cloaked individual is Zia Zebo. It was Max's testimony that sent her and her husband to Azkaban. Max was five when they were tried. Lucas' father-in-law sealed the deal with his vote."

"When was the picture taken and where?" Cole did not recognize any of the background.

Bren shrugged as he said, "About mid-day and as for where..." Bren stopped as something caught his eye. The photographer had caught Tia in a piece of the moving picture. Profiler went into Caretaker mode as he realized that picture could have only been taken this past summer as that was the only time Tia had been to Sinclair's private clinic. Zia had gotten that close to Tia and that unnerved Brennan.

Cole caught the jump of Brennan's mussels. "Keep going Profiler…. You are not done yet. What else is in the picture." Frank sat forward and crossed his arms on the table again. "Don't hold back Brennan, or we will definitely make this part of our talk, when Neo finally joins us."

Bren was furious as he, Martin and Jessica had guarded Tia the whole time the girl had her treatment. He shook his head as he said quietly, "There was no way this picture should have been able to be taken. They were never without at least two of us there. We would have seen that witch...She would have been stopped. The only day they were alone was right before they left to bring Tia to Hogwarts. Even then it was only long enough for us to pack and make our reports. But there were two guards that I told not to even think about leaving their posts."

"Names of the guards?" It was not just a question, but also a demand. These were two people Frank had to find. If they were in the codebook then they would disappear, if not then he would make sure the Ministry got an anonymous tip about them.

Bren shook his head as he realized he had spoken his thoughts. He and Martin would deal with Matthew and Claude. It had been their first big assignment and if Bren had any say it would be their last for a long time. They were brothers and where Matthew was okay as a Hit Wizard. Bren had never liked the older brother Claude. He was an Auror with a major chip on his shoulder. Whatever happened, Bren was sure the more experienced Claude had talked or conned Matthew into leaving his post.

Cole glanced at Artkee who had jumped down from his air-chair and started to leave. The elf looked back at him and Cole nodded. To anyone else it would appear the elf had just asked permission to leave. To Cole it signified the elf had picked up on the two names and had gone to check things out. Within seconds, Tarka took the other elves place in the room. Frank turned back to Brennan and said, "Ok, so you won't tell me their names, but why was the Princess in the picture. I thought you all had the situation with her bound up tight. Maybe I will see where else you may have missed a step." Cole knew the statement would get to Brennan. His only concern at the moment though was to get Brennan to second and third guess their procedures. Holes always existed no matter how good the plan. You had to plan for that one little unexpected miss-step which always popped up. "I gather you never got back to Max on this little piece of information. I will be happy to let him know for you." Cole chuckled. The two men who had left their post would be caught and questioned. He might even let them live, if they could be mind-wiped, or proved useful in another way.

Bren shook his head as he said, "Like I said this is my first time seeing that picture. As for why Tia was there, it is none of your business. I would like to see you try and have a chat with Max. Then maybe we will finally know exactly what you are really up to. Max is the best at what he does."

Frank smiled. He was planning to have a talk with Maxwell Sinclair. Cole was reasonably sure with the elfin blood he had in his veins, that he could either block Maxwell from reading him or send him off on a false trail. "I think I will take you up on that challenge, Profiler. I love a good challenge. I know the man has two sides to his business, Wizard and Muggle. With the people I know, I should be able to put him through his paces. Maybe I will even invite him to the island." Cole chuckled. A thought came to him, "Tell me Brennan, if this Zia person was able to get so close, why didn't the Psy-healer pick up on her? That is number two for the bad guys and zero for the Caretakers." Cole just slowly shook his head. Cole picked up the picture and asked, "By the way who do you think the shadow is of the person holding his wand out, standing near the street? Could this be the third strike on your score card?"

Bren looked at the picture and his jaw dropped, as he was furious. The shadow belonged to Claude and his wand was pointed at Tia and not at Zia. He wondered where Matthew had been.

"Ah, I see by your expression Profiler, the man makes you worried, but since Max is not reacting to him being there, you know who he is…" Cole said, raising his left eyebrow. "Possibly one of the guards. Looks like he needs glasses though on seeing where he is supposed to point his wand. I think we have strik three on the score card?.... Tell me Brennan, how have the Caretakers lasted so long?" Cole laughed and got up. Looking at his watch he said, "It is 9:30 and I am tired. We will continue this in the morning, say around eight or so. .." Reaching toward the table, Cole turned off the view screen. Putting the remote in his pocket, he picked up the stack of pictures and notes Brennan had made. Before turning to the door he said, "Get some rest Profiler… I think I can promise you tomorrow is going to be a very busy and exciting day…" With another little chuckle he added, "The three of you might even survive it."

Cole walked to the door, turned the handle, nodded to Tarka and left.

Bren waited until Fixer left before saying almost under his breath, "Claude, I have thought a lot of things you could be. But until now, a traitor was not one of them. My problem is whether your brother Matthew was in on this and I was wrong about him or if you are so dark that you would do something to stop your own brother from sounding the alarm? Fixer is right though we have gotten sloppy and Arianna is going to have a fit when she finds out."

(OOC: This is a combined post by Barbie and Jane, we hope you enjoy it)

COLE
Cole turned on the mini-view screen outside the door to Brennan's room. The Profiler was up and pacing. He was definitely nervous. Cole watched as Brennan raked his hands through his hair several times. Frank could not use drugs on Brennan, because the young man was programmed by the Dark Witch named Zia and the Dark One could still get into his mind. Looking at the table, Cole saw the photo album opened. Whatever page it was opened to would be the page they would start with. Tarka was still on duty, sitting patiently in his air-chair in the corner. At first Cole thought he was asleep, but after several seconds the elf opened his eyes, smiled and jumped down. He realized Frank was there.

Cole squared his shoulders put a smile on his face and opened the door. When he stepped in he stood near the door, waiting to see what Brennan would do when he realized he had arrived.

Brennan had been thinking since he woke up and just what he planned to do once Fixer got there. He knew that the man intended to have Bren profile for him. He had tried to not give anything useful but that album contained several pictures of his friends and family.

He had decided that the only way Fixer would gain nothing useful was to remove the album from Fixer's grasp. Bren wanted to do it while Fixer watched and hoped his blood magic was enough. As soon as he saw Fixer, Profiler thought of the album's removal and his blood magic being unleashed.

Cole did not move. Brennan had closed his eyes and was concentrating on something. Frank looked at Tarka, who touched a finger to his head and pointed to the album then to the window. Cole shook his head and laughed. "No, Brennan you cannot get rid of the album, sorry. You see there is a magic damper covering the whole island. Only pure Elfin magic works here. I need my men to learn how to operate in the world without the use of magic. With guests like yourself also visiting, I needed to make sure they enjoyed their stay and did not try and disrupt life here."

Walking over to the table Cole pulled out a chair turned it around and straddled it. He then pulled the album in front of him. Looking at the picture and smiling, he asked Brennan, "Have you decided to sit yet, or are you going to wear yourself out during our little talk?" Cole sat holding the back of the straight back chair. He was interested in seeing what Brennan would try next.

When Bren heard Fixer talking as if nothing had happened he opened his eyes. The album remaind on the table exactly where he had left it earlier. He watched as Cole made his way to the table and sat down. Somehow, he had to get rid of the album. His only other choice was through the window at the back of the room. He had not tried to escape that way, because Tarka had been in the room all night and he knew there had to be guards out there somewhere. A low level of panic set in.

Bren acted like it had been no big deal and started to move towards the table. As he got there instead of sitting down, Bren grabbed the album and ran back to the window. Once there, he threw the book as hard as he could. The moment it left his hand, Bren felt relief. That was short lived as within seconds the album flew back in the room. It landed and the floor close to where Fixer sat. Bren felt anger and disappointment, as nothing seemed to get rid of that album. As Bren did not trust the Fixer, he trusted himself even less. Profiler knew that he had to get to that album and destroy those pictures. At a dead run, he went for where the album sat.

Cole stood up as the Brennan attempted to send the book out the window. He watched as it landed almost at his feet. When he looked up Brennan was coming at him, his eyes on the book. Frank drew back and when Brennan was close enough, jammed his fist into the man's jaw. Brennan spun and dropped to his knees. Cole bent down, picked up the album and laid it on the table. Then he sat on the edge of the table, and waited to see what Brennan was going to try next.

Bren still felt the punch to his jaw as he got up. Profiler saw that the album was right back where it had began. He looked from it to Fixer as he said, "I am not going to give you information to use against my friends. I can't allow my gift to be used to betray them. It is bad enough that I am already a threat because of this..." He stopped as he realized it wasn't Fixer he did not trust but himself. He was still a threat to his friends and family.

Turning, Cole straddled the chair once again and pointed to the other chair across the table. "Sit down Profiler," he said in a no-nonsense voice.

Bren shook his head as he sat down. In a fit of desperation, he lashed out his arm knocking the album off the table. Profiler knew that he was once again sinking into that downward spiral that he had barely made it out of with the help of his friends. Thanks to Fixer wanting him to profile his friends, Bren wondered if he was repaying them by betraying them. He put his head down as he said in barely a whisper terrified, "Why me? Can't you see that they stood by me when no one else would? You are asking me to repay their trust in me by profiling them so you can use that information against them. I can't do it. I can't betray them like that. It is bad enough that Zia made me a ..." The pain in his head increased but he was too hurt and confused to care. It was happening all over again. Slamming his fist down on the table as he said, "And once again I can't do a thing to stop it."

Cole leaned forward and folded his arms on the table in front of him. He stared at Brennan wondering to himself, "How am I going to get this man to work for me without drugs. Using Neo will just send him into a deeper spiral. " . Cole glanced at Tarka who had come over and picked up the album off the floor. The elf just shook his head as he stood two feet away from the end of the table and waited. Tarka was going to be no help with the getting Brennan to profile, but Cole could tell the elf was waiting to see if he could help otherwise. Looking back at Brennan, he decided to just keep going with what was at least partially working. "Profiler we will continue." Cole opened the book to the page they were at earlier and found the picture of Lance Kildare, in an office shaking someone's hand. Frank turned the album around so Brennan could see the picture clearly. "You know the drill, Profiler, Who, When, Where, Why. Go!" Cole sat staring, waiting for Brennan to pick up his head and look at the picture. "I checked before I came in here, Profiler. Cooler is awake. He is talking with his brother at the moment, but I will have no problem interrupting that talk and having him join us."

Bren barely even looked at the picture as he said, "Please not Lance, I can't not when his secrets should never be known. He's Tia's cousin and holds the main power of the Andreas line. Until Tia reaches the age to legally take her rightful place, he and Tarik run the Medjai council as her proxy. It is bad enough that thanks to me, Lance was tricked into revealing himself to the Dark One. Please don't have me..." Lance had revealed himself to save Bren and nearly gotten trapped in Bren's mind.

Cole needed to try a different tactic. "Do not tell me about Lance, profile the picture. Who could the other man be, where might it be taking place, why could it be happening, what is happening. Lance has been my guest here, and I have no problems calling him back. In fact if Franco continues on the road he is on, Lance may have to come back." Cole leaned just a little farther forward and moved the album closer to Brennan. "Answer my questions, Profiler."

Bren got a small smile as he said, "The other man is easy. That is Alwart Friedmann. That picture was taken right after Tara woke up exactly five years ago. Tara had been in a coma for eleven years until then. Alwart who had been finally transferred to from Berlin was thanking Lance for never giving up on Tara."

"Very good, Brennan. I know Lance is very good at his job. He also spends a lot of time at the school. It must be a letdown for him to not be at the hospital involved in all the excitement there. If he had to choose between the two, which do you think he would choose." Cole was fishing to see if he could figure out if Lance held the school or the hospital more important. He was also trying to find out what else the doctor did at the school. For such a bright man, he spent more than adequate time somewhere, where he was not really medically needed.

Bren said almost absentmindedly, "The school."

"Yes, Brennan, The School, Hogwarts, where you are head of security. Do not evade my questions, Profiler. The technique will serve no other purpose than to make things difficult for you and Neo, and thus his brother. Lance spends a lot of time at Hogwarts, and other than you having problems, Adrian Ackland having problems, and the occasional headache or scraped knee, there does not seem to be much for him to do. When I need him, I do not want to pull him away from anything important. What are his other duties at the school?"

Bren cringed, as he said still having a hard time looking Fixer in the eyes, "Please don't do this. Nobody can know what he is really doing there. Please, I can't do that to them." He felt the fear of the Dark One finding out that Lance was there to help train Tia. Bren shook his head as he realized that Lance had used his authority as Tia's Blood-Guardian to stay as close to his cousin as he possible could.

"Brennan, look at me," Cole said with absolute authority. "What would be one ability the Dark One would be afraid of running up against in Lance Kildare?"

Bren shook his head as he realized that where Lance's skills were concerned, he must not waver. He looked at the screen knowing that Neo and Franco would be paying for what he was going to do. He shook his head as he said, "Those are secrets that even the Spellman's are not worth."

"Are you really sure of that Brennan?" Cole raised his hand and crossed his fingers, letting Tarka know he needed to bind Brennan's legs to the chair. Then he got up and went to the view screen, pushed a button and quietly said, "Neo, this room now." Turning on the screen, he saw Neo standing beside the bed talking to his brother. He waited a few seconds until the men noticed the screen on and said, "Mecum, bind." Neo's hands went down to his side and his arms were securely plastered against his side. Cole nodded and as two men walked into the room he said, "Sorry Cooler, need you here. He will be back, Franco." Cole left the screen on long enough to make sure Neo was on his way and Kimtu could continue to hold contact with the now struggling Franco. Cole turned off the screen and walked to the table. Just as he re-straddled the chair, the door opened and Neo was walked in. Cole motioned to the shackles on the wall and said, "Spread eagle, facing out." Turning back to Brennan, he raised one eyebrow, silently asking if Brennan wanted to change his mind.

Bren was fearful for his friends but his cousin Lance's secrets were more important to keep hidden. He watched with regret in his eyes but knew Neo would understand as he said, "Sorry, I won't profile Lance. Neo is one of my best friends but Lance's abilities are too important..."

Neo understood both men. Bren was so afraid of betraying the family that welcomed him as one of them that he wasn't profiling the one he should. Fixer for some reason understood that the Caretakers' weaknesses were going to one day destroy them and for some reason knew that Lance's skills were important. He nodded to Bren as he said to Fixer, "Don't you understand Fixer? This choice of Bren's is tearing him up inside. In his eyes, telling you is telling the Dark One. He won't betray Lance like that, not even to save me."

Then realizing what must be done Neo thought, "Fixer, the only ones he might do it for is Max, Richard, Antonio, The Core and of course Lance himself. Though they are also the same ones that Bren won't betray, as the bond between them is too great. Use me to get information about anybody else you want but not those. He won't betray them just for me. And whatever you do Fixer, don't use The Core." Neo prayed that he had read Fixer right as he just insured that one of the only team of bonded members would be visiting the island.

Cole raked his hands through his hair. He had to believe what Neo was telling him through thoughts. Neo was honor bound to help him to get Brennan to talk. If the man said it would not do any good to use him, he was not just trying to save himself the pain. Cole looked around the room at each occupant. Slamming his palms down on the table he said, "I think it is time to invite some other guests to my little island. At this rate I am going to have to open up a new wing of interrogation rooms, one just for Caretakers. Cole called Tarka over an whispered into this ear, "Get me Richard Greene from the school. Bring him to this room, or where ever I am when he arrives." Tarka nodded and left. A few seconds later Punta entered, walked up to Cole and said, "You sumoned me Master Frank?" Cole had to keep a straight face. He never summoned his elf friends, but they were good at following with the program of making everyone else think they were servant house elves.

Cole nodded said, "Master Brennan, is being very stubborn in answering my questions. I am going to ask him some more. If he continues to be stubborn, I want you to show him and Master Neo, how a mind-dive to level six can control the body functions of that one, especially the bodies ability to make itself think it is in pain. Do you understand?" At first Punta only looked at Cole, but slowly he lowered his eyes and nodded. Frank knew the elves hated to cause pain to humans, but he would not be physically harming Neo, just making his body believe it was in pain. Sometimes the body would manifest the results of what the pain was supposedly being caused by, but that was rectified easily enough.

Turning to Brennan he said, "We will leave the subject of Lance at the moment, and change to…." Cole thought for a moment, because there were other Caretakers in the web. "Tell me about Charitee Charms. She is a beautiful lady and I know she is owner of the Café, but she also places orders for things which would not normally be purchased by a café owner."

Bren cringed as that was one Caretaker that Neo was worth. He knew that her and Councilman Fairmont were long time friends. Profiler was pretty sure that both wanted to take things to the next step but were unsure if the other wanted the same. Charity was possibly the only adult that Lucas would do anything for. Looking at Neo as he said, "Why would you be interested in her, Fixer?" He tried to bluff as he said, "She is a contact, nothing more."

Cole turned his chair so he was facing the door. This put Neo, who was fastened to the wall on his left and Brennan who was sitting on the other side of the table on his right. When he looked at Neo who had put a look of resolve on his face, he shook his head and shrugged. Turning to Punta he said, "Legs first." Punta nodded and streatched out his hand toward Neo's legs. Neo clinched his eyes shut. His head was thrown back against the wall from the pain, Punta was making his mind think his legs were suffering. Coolers legs jurked and spasmed and a grown was forced out of between Neo's clinched teeth. Cole nodded and Punta lowered his hand.

Fixer turned back toward Brennan and said, "Would you like to add to the description? I know she is a Caretaker, I know she supplies information and goods. Who does she order from, who is her greatest weakness and what is in the locked room at the end of the hallway on the second floor?" Cole held up his hand ready to signal Punta again.

Bren watched as Neo felt the pain and realized that his bluff had not worked. He listened to what Fixer wanted and with a heavy heart said, "Stop please Fixer. Her codename is Charity. She gets our supplies, which are stored in that locked room. Her weakness is Lucas, though I have no idea if he is aware of that fact. Her supplier is Calliway Business Suppliers in Ireland. Now please leave Neo alone."

"Now that was very well done Brennan. I think Neo would have hoped you would have told me sooner, but I am sure he understands." Cole turned to Neo and with a chuckle asked, "Right Cooler." Turning back to Brennan he said, "Let's see who is next. Pippin English I think would be a good candidate. She is so kind, and the people at the Ministry love her, but she has a background, which makes her worth unclear. So tell me about Pippin, Brennan. What are her strengths and weaknesses?" Cole again raised his hand, in preparation of having Punta act on Neo.

Neo shook his head as he realized that Bren was not planning on allowing a repeat of his pain.

Bren swallowed hard as he said, "Seth and Pippen are engaged to be married. She is the reason the Caretakers learn so much as she is not called Auntie for nothing. Her main strength is people underestimate her. Her weakness is her leg. However, please Fixer, don't hurt her as it would destroy Seth. Somebody has already targeted her last term as a message to Seth. The problem was he never paid any mind to the owl and so never opened the note. He is still blaming himself now that he knows that her accident was no accident."

Cole nodded and smiled at Neo. "You are doing very well Profiler. That is two down. At this rate we will be able to get through most of the Caretakers before lunch. I think our next person of interest is Sasha McChey or should I say Sasha Sadiki. I wouldn't think being Head Mistress of the school, would leave her much time, but on the off chance she does get out into the big wide world, I think you should tell me her codename, strengths and weaknesses." Cole did not raise his hand this time, hoping Brennan would just follow suit and keep going.

Bren stared at Fixer as he said, "She is Tia's physical guardian. Please Tia has been through too much already. Please don't make Sasha one of your targets. Tia, Mikhail and Silvia will never forgive me if she was harmed because I told you. Please Fixer...not her" It was what he feared that something he revealed would be used to against or hurt Tia or the rest of the Core.

Neo looked at Bren and thought to Fixer, "Unsure about Sasha but at least now I have an idea of why he almost took his life rather than having his programming kick in. Fixer, did you mention the Core?"

Cole thought back to Neo, "No, I have not mentioned the name or any of the children's names.
He is bringing them up himself. Aloud he said, "Brennan I told you when you first got here I am not interested in any of the children. Only one of them has been here, and I was careful to make it very enjoyable for her… she thought it was a party. You are not allow to bring up the children. Sasha is a grownup, thus I will treat her in that category. Then only way any of the young people will find out any connection is if one of you, one of the adults in their lives, bring up that connection. Now answer me." Cole raised his hand and caught Punta's eyes. The elf half raised his hand, ready to carry out his orders.

Bren relaxed a little but still was unsure. He looked to Neo and cringed hoping that Tarik would protect his new aunt. He would just have to hope that this would backfire on Fixer, "She is the Raven and no it is not because she is a Ravenclaw. She is called that because she is a Seer and like the Raven her visions heralds Dead. Though her visions are also her weakness. Getting to her is going to be impossible as she is too well guarded." His head dropped as he realized that she had never forgiven herself for what the Seven had done. Bren shook as he heard a voice saying, "Thank you sleeper. I was unaware Sasha still had her gift. She didn't listen to me last time but with everything that is happening...just maybe I can use.."

Bren went ghost white as he said quietly,"Please no...it would destroy her...Don't use her gift against her like you did Daniel..."

Neo watched Bren and alerted Fixer, "He is here and he just realized that Sasha is still a Seer. If what Bren is saying is right? The Dark One plans on turning her using her gift. Sasha has always feared that she is too much like Daniel."

Cole went into high alert. Signaling to Punta to connect with the other four elves, he motioned to block Brennan's thoughts. Punta nodded and closed his eyes. Mecum walked up behind Brennan and placed two fingers on each side of his head at his temples, while whispering in his ear, "It is all right Master Brennan, let us in…. we can block the one who is trying to read you and use you. That's it, young Master, relax and let us work our magic." Cole watched as Punta sat down on the floor and put one of his hands to his temple and raised the other hand so Tarka who was sitting beside him could place a raised palm to join with him and his other raised palm to join with Kimtu. As the connection was made Artkee entered the room and joined the circle on the floor. Mecum did not leave his place behind Brennan or break the connection. The elf's circle started to glow in the center. The glow turned into a ball of energy and floated toward Brennan, where it stopped in front of him about three inches for is forehead. A pulsing beam of light emanated from the ball and struck Brennan between the eyes. Mecum again whispered in Brennan's ear, "Accept the light, young Master, it is only us." Mecum nodded and Punta, the strongest of the five elves, said, "Septimus, you are not welcome here… the human's are ours and not yours anymore. Do not fight us on this Septimus… we have not come for you yet…" Punta looked like he was in pain, but then sat back up straight and smiled. Slowly he lowered is hands as did the other four. Mecum did not let go until he was signaled by Punta it was safe. When he took his hands away, the ball of energy dissipated and Brennan slumped forward breathing hard. Punta walked over to the slumping human and put a finger on either side of his neck at the base of his skull and pressed lightly. Brennan sat up suddenly and took several deep breaths, then opened his eyes. Blinking he silently asked what had happened.

Neo watched and prayed that he had done the right thing. He was amazed when he saw the Circle of Protection be done. He said still in shock of witnessing a sacred ceremony, "Bren it is alright, Tal'mac has told me about this. Even if you don't trust Fixer, trust them."

He looked at Fixer as he said knowing the elves at the moment had Bren, "You just shown me the truth of why Marco trusts you. I hope the elves can keep that knowledge from the Dark One. Cause he had chosen Bren as his vessel. If he finds out what side you are really one, he will mark you as a problem."
Cole nodded and let out a breath he did not realize he was holding. Looking at Neo he nodded again. The elves had all gotten up off the floor, bowed to Frank and stood waiting to see what was needed next. Mecum had joined the other three. Punta still stood beside Brennan. Punta whispered into Brenna's ear, "You are free from the Dark One, Master Brennan. He no longer has you as a sleeper. He cannot read your thoughts. You owe this to Master Frank." Punta backed up a step and waited.

Bren was confused by what Punta had told him. Barely lifting his head, he looked at Fixer and said, "Don't you know Fixer? Khalid is called the Dark Medjai for a reason. He has been in the Dark Sect since he was twelve. The Dark Sect serve the Dark One. Why do you think we have been leery of your requests? Any of that info that Khalid asked you to get can and will most likely be given to either Shadow or the Dark One. Now by what you did..."

He looked at Neo and then back to Fixer as he finished, "Khalid is going to throw a fit if not get a hold of Shadow. Fixer, I would say thanks but I will give you a piece of information instead. There is certain girl that is working on part of the runes that you need translated. She is doing it as a surprise for Tarik. If you can promise no harm will come to her? Then I will tell you when she has neared completion."

Cole watched Brennan. Finally he nodded to Brennan's request. "Do not tell me now who it is Brennan. Wait until it is closer to completion. I do not want to involve any of the children." Cole could see how tired Brennan was, so he said, "We are going to end this for now. I will be back later." Standing up, Frank told Mecum to take Neo down and to release Brennan from the chair. Cole looked at Neo and said, "You will be returned to Franco's room, where you can finish your conversation. Brennan you need to get some rest. I would like to remind both of you there are three guards outside who's only job is to keep you in your rooms. Do not try to escape or I will go back to binding you down. We have a busy afternoon ahead of us gentlemen."

Cole looked at the elves. "Tarka you will stay here. Kimtu and Mecum you will go with Neo to Franco's room. Artkee you still have the project you were working on. Punta you will be in charge of meeting any other guests which may arrive." Richard should be arriving within the hour and he wanted to get some island work done before they started that series of questions. "Are there any questions?" Receiving only shakes of the heads from everyone, Cole calmly walked out the door.

(OOC: This is a combined post by Barbie and Jane, we hope you enjoy reading it!)