Post by Admin on Aug 7, 2020 19:03:46 GMT
Dealing with a One-eyed Code Red (Part 1)
(Combined threads from Previous site)
One-Eye Jackson
One-Eye Jackson was still furious. He had finally lost the military troops that had chased him all over the island. He had given them a merry chase and once he was pretty sure he had lost them he went back to look for Brennan.
It had taken some time to find the window that was where Brennan was being held. He held off drawing his friend and pupil's attention. Once he was almost sure Bren was alone, One-Eye picked up a small rock and tossed it in the window.
He waited a few moments until he saw Bren at the window then stood just enough as to have Bren see him. Putting his finger to his lips saying, “Quiet Bren, we will talk once I get us out of here. Let's go.”
One-Eye noticed Bren was looking behind, as he turned to see what Bren was seeing, One-Eye Jackson felt strong arms grab him and force him to his knees. He heard, “Captain, we have the Bird. Specialist Gloria Kildare was correct, The One-Eyed Bird was outside the Guest's window. What are your orders?”
(OCC: Threads that expain how I got to this point.
uhlegacy.yuku.com/topic/848/Re-Two-Days-Scramble-for-Protection-CLOSED#.WMOWN1UrKM8 , uhlegacy.yuku.com/topic/873/Frank-Cole-Returns#.WMOkZlUrKM8 )
(OCC: Bren's actions are stated here as he is one of my characters and One-Eye Jackson is one of many Admin characters)
COLE
Cole turned from the 70 inch monitor, on the wall behind his desk, and tipped up his glass of wine, finishing it in one gulp. For the last five hours he had watched Jackson being chased all over his island. He had used it as a training exercise. The men and woman of his small army were told to not capture the man, but to keep him in sight. Two women and one man earned promotions for their expertise in getting close to the man without him knowing they were in touching distance on three occasions. Cole needed to see what the man did, how he reacted, where he was trying to get to. Now he knew. Getting Brennan off the island, which was impossible unless Cole wanted to let them leave, was Jacksons mission.
Now it was time to get the man in for a talk. The man was a Caretaker Code Red. He had information needed and needed possible help to get back to the normal world, after being held captive for so long. Several people wanted to find out if Jackson was a sleeper also. Cole figured he was going to have to go deep with the man. Since he never asked permission to use whatever he wanted to, to find information, the door was open to all of his methods. "Take him to room three. Stay with him until I get there."
Cole turned off the monitor and put away the files. He still had four reports he had to read, but the rest of his day was clear of meetings. Walking out the door, he headed down the hall to Examination Room 3. Turning on the small monitor pad outside the door he watched as Jackson appeared to relax into one of the four metal chairs set around the small square metal table. Cole reached to his left and pushed a few buttons, turning the air-conditioning cooler, and the lights one level lower, finally sending a mental request for Punta to join them. Taking a calming breath and blowing it out, he opened the door and entered the room.
Cole paid no attention to Jackson. He walked over to a hidden cabinet at the head of the hospital bed, opened it and removed two small vials and two syringes. Walking casually back to the table, he put the vials and needles down. Taking each needle in turn he filled them and layed them back on the table. As he finished, Punta walked into the room, bowed slightly and took up a position, three feet behind Jackson's chair. Cole nodded at the trooper, who nodded back and left without a word.
Grabbing the chair across from Jackson, Cole turned it and straddled it. Putting his hands on the back of the chair he said, "Hands flat on the table, fingers spread." Jackson didn't move. "You can either do this the easy way, or I will tie you up and painfully force you to do it another way. Your choice." Cole waited.
JACKSON
Jackson was nervous as he saw the needles. Glaring at the man Frank Cole One-Eye said arrogantly, "You can try! If Marcus Linthux got nothing from me in two years then you and this island are in for a very rude wake-up call! As for that traitor at the school, I will personally deal with Marcus Linthux's man after I deal with you!"
The Head of the Hit Wizards was not one for following rules or taking threats to those he cared about lightly. Getting up, One-Eye was not about to let either Tarik or this island endanger a school he loved. He had been held twice now and both times the Medjai Joseph and the lovely Sasha trusted was involved. Tarik Sadiki would pay dearly but only after he and Bren got off the island. "That means taking this man Frank Cole down and getting Brennan off this island. Then I can get Seth's permission to bring the Hit Wizards and Aurors to shut this island threat down! 1- 2- 3 easy. Fixer...Bren free...take down island...take out Tarik!"
COLE
Cole shook his head. He crossed his arms on the table and slowly fingered one of the needles. Looking over at Punta he nodded.
The elf nodded back and stuck out his hand, finger spread. He pointed the hand toward the man Master Cole was trying to talk with and concentrated. When the man stood up straighter, his arms going to his side and his feet carrying him back to the chair, Punta smiled. After another few moments he had the man back in the chair and unable to move.
"Allow his arms and hands to move."
Punta again nodded and pulled his index finger back in. Now the man the Master was taking to would be able to move his head, neck, shoulders, arms and hands, but nothing else. Punta walked toward the man and scooted his chair in a little closer, then stepped back, dropped his hand to his side and waited.
"Now as I was saying, Hands flat on the table, fingers spread, or am I going to have to get my friend to do it for you. At the moment we are only going to talk."
JACKSON
One-Eye Jackson tried to move his legs and arms. Even his neck was frozen, barely allowing him to talk and swallow. He couldn't show this man, fear because then he would lose part of the battle. "Release me!"
When the elf only released him partly, Jackson pounded the table with his fist. He said cockily, "What Mr. Cole you afraid I can and will take you! Kidnapping the Head of the Hit Wizards let alone the Head of Hogwart's Security will put both you, this island and That Medjai on The Minister's Personal List! I do believe you two might have made the first and second spots? You most certainly made mine! With Linthux third!"
COLE
"Maybe I will let you try and prove how good you are later. For now all I require, Mr. Jackson Amos Rozakis, is for you to put your hands on the table and spread your fingers. Nothing else." Cole stared at the man. He didn't want to have to make Punta follow this simple little rule or dive into the man's head and give away the fact he could mind-dive at a moment's notice.
Cole chuckled. "You will discover in the future you were not kidnapped you were sent here to be tested. As far as the Ministry coming to the island, they can't even find it. The only reason you are here is because I allowed it. Now let me guess, by 'That Medjai' you are talking about Tarik Sadaki, the Runes professor at the school. He isn't your enemy Jackson. He was actually placed at the school by the Ministry to protect several of its students."
"Now for the last time, put your hands flat on the table and spread your fingers. You have until the count of three. One... Two..."
(OOC: Information about mind diving can be found in Legacy Wiki, Magical Items, Legilimency, Occlumency and Mind-Diving)
JACKSON
One-Eye was through listening to those that thought he would betray his oath as a TOE. "Then maybe that Medjai should not have set me up two years ago. Until then I was willing to hear his side but now I know like his brother Tarik Sadiki is willing to kill anybody that gets too close. I learned a lot about those brothers and if Marcus Linthux had not been there waiting instead of Tarik, I might have believed I was mistaken like Joseph told me but that meet was a trap and now the only man other than me to know about Tarik's betrayal is dead."
Jackson was inwardly scared as this Frank Cole seemed to be asking such a small thing but One-Eye was not about to relax. Barely in a whisper, "Two years of constant torture and endless questions and the only reason I am still breathing is I kept my guard up and now I am caught by a man that Sasha doesn't trust but she is married to the very man that set me up. My Guard stays up and Hopefully this guy lowers his."
COLE
Cole looked down at the table. He really didn't want to do it this way but... "...three" He nodded to Punta, who stepped forward touched Jackson's temple with two fingers and pushed slightly. Cole watched as Jackson's stiffly put his hands on the table, flattened his palms and spread his fingers. The man's face was contorted in his try to fight what he was being made to do.
"It doesn't have to be this way Jackson." Cole fingered the needle again. "I already know quite a bit about you. I know you are TOE, although they go be a different name now. I know you take your job seriously, as I do mine. I know you were a Quidditch Seeker your last two years in school and ranked fourth at Wizards Chess at the school team tryouts. I know you like Gobstones and Exploding Snap and hate hot drinks although you tolerate tea. I know that, Blaine Busby, the first Minister of Magic you served under put you in for every award he could, because you were just that good."
Cole stopped for a moment and stared. "I know it was one Aaron Ackland, who took part of your sight. I don't want any huge secrets from you. We are just going to talk and find out where your head is at. I have been hired to find out if you are still safe to be out and about. As I said before I want to do this the easy way, because other ways..." Cole fingered the syringe, "can be time consuming and harmful."
"I can make your mind an open book which I and anyone I choose can read," Cole closed his eyes and dove to the second level in Jackson's mind, just to show him he could get in. In Jackson's mind Cole was now standing beside him. Jackson would be able to feel his presence like a physical touch. "What I am showing you is only the second level of the ancient art of Mind-diving. There are eight levels altogether."
"I will give you a choice Jackson. You can talk with me and answer my questions without assistance. Or you can have me use one of these drugs, both of which have been developed by me in my lab. I know you have a high tolerance for pain but I assure you I can cause pain unmatched by anything any of the others have put you through, and I will not leave a mark. So what's it going to be?"
JACKSON
Jackson shook his head. The man sitting across the table from him had no idea of what he went through. "Get Out of My Head!"
He thought about what the guy was saying. "If things are as you are saying then tell me what drink I sent to the Minister's table the night we first met?
[/quote] ".....So what's it going to be?" [/quote]
Also before I even think of chatting with you, I want to chat with the Head of Hogwart's Security and then I want him back at Hogwart's!" He had trained that kid but Bren was a natural at Profiling
COLE
Cole snickered and leaned a bit more forward on his arms. He mentally got out of Jackson's head and smiled. He didn't want to do a mind dive on the person. Vulnerability and trust were lost when you did it.
"Let's see. First you sent the Aurors sitting in the corner of the Shadow Lounge all Salem Soda's. Which I might add they appreciated." Cole wasn't going to tell the man the people sitting in the corner were not from the Ministry, but they were part of his private army. They were there at the request of one of the Caretaker Group as backup. "Then you sent a Salem Soda to the Minister. It was delivered by the bouncer Gab Lupin, who vouched for you."
"I am afraid Brennan is here until I clear him to go back to work. You see Jackson, I have been hired to run security scans, of a sort on several people. You and Brennan are at the top of that list at the moment. I am authorized to use any, and let me repeat any means I wish to use. I am afraid you have no choice but to be here and answer my questions. If you would like Brennan to be brought into the room, I am sure I can find a reason for him to be here. He also takes pain very well but he has a couple phobias which can make him.... shall we say jittery. You will not leave until I decide you are not a threat to the people I work for, and the people they protect. Again, the question is which method do you prefer I use to find my answers from you?"
JACKSON
One-Eye Jackson smiled at the memory that night gave him. “The next morning Seth was personal protector to Minister Coulton and I made a new friend. Now so much has changed but at least I have a boss I can trust. Seth being Minister is the only good news I have heard. Maybe I can get a signal to Seth using that memory? Seth should still have the usual rules during meetings.”
He said as he nodded, “Well at least I know you do your homework. Since thanks to you I am going to miss my first official meeting with my new boss. Let me send him a message telling him I will catch the next Shadow Lounge meet. I will even send a special drink with it.” One-Eye planned on alerting his friends at Shadow Lounge by having Gabriel bring Seth a butterbeer instead of Jackson usual Salem Soda Pop. He also planned on alerting Seth to look for the name “James Spellman” which One-Eye had seen on the island.
He had to lower this guy's guard and so had to get the guy to think One-Eye trusted his word. That meant Jackson had to let the guy get his answers. “Okay but I still plan on chatting with that kid. So you are like a Security Detail, I can believe that. I can even understand certain people being worried since Seth is now Minister.” Jackson was telling the truth as now he knew what had Marcus Linthux so furious that last torture session. ”That lady had interrupted by handing Linthux a note from somebody on the Council. Linthux yelled that he wanted that appointment stopped and then turned to me in earnest and demanded intel on Seth Wright. Those elves rescue might have just saved my life as Linthux almost killed me during the torture. Now that I think on it, the way he questioned about Tarik might mean they don't fully have the Medjai in their pocket? Maybe two years Tarik is second guessing the SEVEN?”
“Show you trust me and depending on the questions, I will answer what I can.” Jackson was hoping the man was wanting his answers as bad as Linthux had and would foolishly give him full mobility.
COLE
Chuckling Cole shook his head. "Good try. I will make sure your regrets about not being at the meet will be delivered.
"You will be allowed to talk with Brennan after we have had our little discussion and Brennan and I have also had a talk. " It occurred to Cole it would be interesting to see what the two men talked about. "Brennan is very mixed up at the moment and I plan on helping him understand what he needs to do." Cole knew he was phrasing his plans as if he planned on brainwashing Brennan, but that was far from the truth. Cole liked Brennan and he had agreed with the Caretakers the young man needed some help to understand why he felt certain ways about some things.
"Now as far as showing you I trust you, that would be very difficult because I don't. You have enough of a background for me to know you are trying to stall. You have three minutes to choose the method of our talk. One, I ask questions and you do not hesitate to give me complete and detailed answers. Or, two I use some of my little liquid here to help you understand why talking is in your best interest. Three, I will bring Brennan in here and use him to help you decide if you want to answer me. I have several techniques where I could just take the information, but there would not be much of you left, and I have made several promises, I will keep my damage to a minimum."
Cole's eyes went to Punta. The Elf was listening with his inner ear. Cole closed his eyes for three seconds and tuned in to the conversation. " and Master Brennan is insisting he be taken to where Master Frank is talking with Master Jackson. I have already had to restrain him twice. Two chairs will need to be replaced. What should I do? The Elf Kimtu, who was guarding Brennan, needed assistance. "Bring him to the room I am in. Cole mentally said. His answer was "Yes master Frank, immediately."
Cole looked at Jackson. "It seems Brennan has made your decision for you. He is insisting on being brought into this meeting." Cole crossed his folded arms comfortably on the table and smiled. This should be interesting.
JACKSON
One-Eye Jackson grinned as he thought about the welcome the New Minister of Magic would have waiting for this mercenary. Laughing, “I hope you try mercenary as that old man can handle you or any you send. So I hope you try to attend something that you have no business at!” Jackson only knew of one that slip through Seth's traps and that was Shadow.
“You are not chatting with either the Kid or me! Unless you want to tell me who you work for and just what your boss wants with Brennan? Because I am not telling you nothing and I am not even thinking of letting you anywhere near my pupil.” One-Eye was scared but for Brennan Dawson.
One-Eye inwardly cringed as he said furious, “What have you been doing to Bren, you leave that kid alone! He was put through enough growing up. Nobody is turning him on my watch! Got It Leave Him Alone!”
One-Eye shook his head about to tell the mercenary where to take his threats when the door started to move.
One-Eye watched as an elf he thought he recognized lead four very large men dragged a semiconscious Bren into the room. “What have you done to him? Is this because I was caught outside his window?” He kept looking at the elf, it was the same one that saved his life by getting him and Alwart out. “You owned by this mercenary? Why save me then?” One-Eye was now extremely worried he now owed a man that could destroy his friends. He could only think of one man with this amount of clout. “What could the Dark Medjai want that he would help me by sending this elf and the others? I won't betray my oath and I am not betraying that girl! Now have those guys stop whatever you ordered done! Bren goes back to Hogwarts now!” He was scared that he was pushing both this mercenary as well as the Dark Medjai. He looked at Bren and shook, “Please...”
COLE
Cole watched Jackson. He was unsure if he would tell Jackson, Seth Wright had been instrumental in getting Jackson to the Isle of Perdition so Cole could try and de-brief him in a safe environment incase the man was a sleeper. Off the island any number of people could activate a sleeper and no one would be the wiser. On his island he had the elves to help and a small army who would do anything he requested on a moments notice.
"Let me see if I have this right. You are sitting here and have no way of getting off the island, even if I was to let you out of this room. You know Brennan is in another room under my control. You think you can prevent me from have any type of chat I want with either of you. I have never had a problem finding out the information I require in the past and I don't plan on you preventing me from finding out what information you hold in your head, or what information I require from Brennan Dawson. He is no longer your pupil, Jackson. He is a grown man and I will treat him as such." Cole leaned a little bit more forward. "You have nothing to say in what I do on this island."
Cole leaned back and grabbed the back of the chair. "I am fully aware of Brennan's background. He has been here before. My employer just wants to make sure Mr. Dawson is not a threat to himself, the school or the magical community at large."
Cole pointed toward the bed, motioning for the men to deposit Brennan there. One of them said, "Captain he is not fully out."
"Ok then put him in that chair." Cole motioned to one of the other four chairs. "Stand by him until you know he is awake enough to stay up under his own power.
"I haven't done anything to him. He was comfortable in his room. He's the one who decided to fight and try and get to you. My men kept him contained. They have not hurt him. Right Mr. Dawson?"
Cole reached over and lifted one of Brennan's eyelids. The boy was mostly playing possum. "Brennan open your eyes. I know you are able to. Place you hands flat on the table and spread your fingers. You know the drill."
Kimtu looked first to Master Frank. He knew better than to say anything, until he found out how Master Frank wanted him to act. Sometimes he was to act dumb because that was how most of the human's saw him and his people. When Master Frank smile, Kimtu knew he could act as himself. He walked over to where Master Jackson sat and bowed respectively. "I belong to no human. I am a Tocoferty with the Village Clan of this Isle. I have come here to learn, observe humans and assist Master Frank when he needs it. You were saved because Master Frank wished you to be saved." Kimtu bowed again and went to stand near Master Brennan, incase his healing skills were needed.
Cole was not surprised when Jackson automatically thought he was working for a Dark Medjai, Khalid in particular. "I have not said I work for the Dark Medjai. I am a Mercenary, Jackson. I work for myself. I take the jobs I want to take, the ones I think I can complete with the least amount of problems to those who follow me. At the moment I have been hired to debrief you and make an assessment on your mental stability. I have also been asked to check on Mr. Dawson here." Cole chuckled when Brennan cracked his eyes open, placed his hands flat on the table and spread his fingers. He knew that maneuver would go a long way to make Cole not use more force.
"Both you and Brennan will remain as my guest until I feel good about giving a glowing report to my employers. Are you ready to answer questions or do I need to resort to other methods?" Cole purposely looked down at the three bottles.
BRENNAN
(Combined threads from Previous site)
One-Eye Jackson
One-Eye Jackson was still furious. He had finally lost the military troops that had chased him all over the island. He had given them a merry chase and once he was pretty sure he had lost them he went back to look for Brennan.
It had taken some time to find the window that was where Brennan was being held. He held off drawing his friend and pupil's attention. Once he was almost sure Bren was alone, One-Eye picked up a small rock and tossed it in the window.
He waited a few moments until he saw Bren at the window then stood just enough as to have Bren see him. Putting his finger to his lips saying, “Quiet Bren, we will talk once I get us out of here. Let's go.”
One-Eye noticed Bren was looking behind, as he turned to see what Bren was seeing, One-Eye Jackson felt strong arms grab him and force him to his knees. He heard, “Captain, we have the Bird. Specialist Gloria Kildare was correct, The One-Eyed Bird was outside the Guest's window. What are your orders?”
(OCC: Threads that expain how I got to this point.
uhlegacy.yuku.com/topic/848/Re-Two-Days-Scramble-for-Protection-CLOSED#.WMOWN1UrKM8 , uhlegacy.yuku.com/topic/873/Frank-Cole-Returns#.WMOkZlUrKM8 )
(OCC: Bren's actions are stated here as he is one of my characters and One-Eye Jackson is one of many Admin characters)
COLE
Cole turned from the 70 inch monitor, on the wall behind his desk, and tipped up his glass of wine, finishing it in one gulp. For the last five hours he had watched Jackson being chased all over his island. He had used it as a training exercise. The men and woman of his small army were told to not capture the man, but to keep him in sight. Two women and one man earned promotions for their expertise in getting close to the man without him knowing they were in touching distance on three occasions. Cole needed to see what the man did, how he reacted, where he was trying to get to. Now he knew. Getting Brennan off the island, which was impossible unless Cole wanted to let them leave, was Jacksons mission.
Now it was time to get the man in for a talk. The man was a Caretaker Code Red. He had information needed and needed possible help to get back to the normal world, after being held captive for so long. Several people wanted to find out if Jackson was a sleeper also. Cole figured he was going to have to go deep with the man. Since he never asked permission to use whatever he wanted to, to find information, the door was open to all of his methods. "Take him to room three. Stay with him until I get there."
Cole turned off the monitor and put away the files. He still had four reports he had to read, but the rest of his day was clear of meetings. Walking out the door, he headed down the hall to Examination Room 3. Turning on the small monitor pad outside the door he watched as Jackson appeared to relax into one of the four metal chairs set around the small square metal table. Cole reached to his left and pushed a few buttons, turning the air-conditioning cooler, and the lights one level lower, finally sending a mental request for Punta to join them. Taking a calming breath and blowing it out, he opened the door and entered the room.
Cole paid no attention to Jackson. He walked over to a hidden cabinet at the head of the hospital bed, opened it and removed two small vials and two syringes. Walking casually back to the table, he put the vials and needles down. Taking each needle in turn he filled them and layed them back on the table. As he finished, Punta walked into the room, bowed slightly and took up a position, three feet behind Jackson's chair. Cole nodded at the trooper, who nodded back and left without a word.
Grabbing the chair across from Jackson, Cole turned it and straddled it. Putting his hands on the back of the chair he said, "Hands flat on the table, fingers spread." Jackson didn't move. "You can either do this the easy way, or I will tie you up and painfully force you to do it another way. Your choice." Cole waited.
JACKSON
Jackson was nervous as he saw the needles. Glaring at the man Frank Cole One-Eye said arrogantly, "You can try! If Marcus Linthux got nothing from me in two years then you and this island are in for a very rude wake-up call! As for that traitor at the school, I will personally deal with Marcus Linthux's man after I deal with you!"
The Head of the Hit Wizards was not one for following rules or taking threats to those he cared about lightly. Getting up, One-Eye was not about to let either Tarik or this island endanger a school he loved. He had been held twice now and both times the Medjai Joseph and the lovely Sasha trusted was involved. Tarik Sadiki would pay dearly but only after he and Bren got off the island. "That means taking this man Frank Cole down and getting Brennan off this island. Then I can get Seth's permission to bring the Hit Wizards and Aurors to shut this island threat down! 1- 2- 3 easy. Fixer...Bren free...take down island...take out Tarik!"
COLE
Cole shook his head. He crossed his arms on the table and slowly fingered one of the needles. Looking over at Punta he nodded.
The elf nodded back and stuck out his hand, finger spread. He pointed the hand toward the man Master Cole was trying to talk with and concentrated. When the man stood up straighter, his arms going to his side and his feet carrying him back to the chair, Punta smiled. After another few moments he had the man back in the chair and unable to move.
"Allow his arms and hands to move."
Punta again nodded and pulled his index finger back in. Now the man the Master was taking to would be able to move his head, neck, shoulders, arms and hands, but nothing else. Punta walked toward the man and scooted his chair in a little closer, then stepped back, dropped his hand to his side and waited.
"Now as I was saying, Hands flat on the table, fingers spread, or am I going to have to get my friend to do it for you. At the moment we are only going to talk."
JACKSON
One-Eye Jackson tried to move his legs and arms. Even his neck was frozen, barely allowing him to talk and swallow. He couldn't show this man, fear because then he would lose part of the battle. "Release me!"
"Allow his arms and hands to move."
When the elf only released him partly, Jackson pounded the table with his fist. He said cockily, "What Mr. Cole you afraid I can and will take you! Kidnapping the Head of the Hit Wizards let alone the Head of Hogwart's Security will put both you, this island and That Medjai on The Minister's Personal List! I do believe you two might have made the first and second spots? You most certainly made mine! With Linthux third!"
COLE
"What Mr. Cole you afraid I can and will take you! ..."
"Maybe I will let you try and prove how good you are later. For now all I require, Mr. Jackson Amos Rozakis, is for you to put your hands on the table and spread your fingers. Nothing else." Cole stared at the man. He didn't want to have to make Punta follow this simple little rule or dive into the man's head and give away the fact he could mind-dive at a moment's notice.
" ... Kidnapping the Head of the Hit Wizards let alone the Head of Hogwart's Security will put both you, this island and That Medjai on The Minister's Personal List! ... I do believe you two might have made the first and second spots? You most certainly made mine! With Linthux third!"
Cole chuckled. "You will discover in the future you were not kidnapped you were sent here to be tested. As far as the Ministry coming to the island, they can't even find it. The only reason you are here is because I allowed it. Now let me guess, by 'That Medjai' you are talking about Tarik Sadaki, the Runes professor at the school. He isn't your enemy Jackson. He was actually placed at the school by the Ministry to protect several of its students."
"Now for the last time, put your hands flat on the table and spread your fingers. You have until the count of three. One... Two..."
(OOC: Information about mind diving can be found in Legacy Wiki, Magical Items, Legilimency, Occlumency and Mind-Diving)
JACKSON
One-Eye was through listening to those that thought he would betray his oath as a TOE. "Then maybe that Medjai should not have set me up two years ago. Until then I was willing to hear his side but now I know like his brother Tarik Sadiki is willing to kill anybody that gets too close. I learned a lot about those brothers and if Marcus Linthux had not been there waiting instead of Tarik, I might have believed I was mistaken like Joseph told me but that meet was a trap and now the only man other than me to know about Tarik's betrayal is dead."
Jackson was inwardly scared as this Frank Cole seemed to be asking such a small thing but One-Eye was not about to relax. Barely in a whisper, "Two years of constant torture and endless questions and the only reason I am still breathing is I kept my guard up and now I am caught by a man that Sasha doesn't trust but she is married to the very man that set me up. My Guard stays up and Hopefully this guy lowers his."
COLE
Cole looked down at the table. He really didn't want to do it this way but... "...three" He nodded to Punta, who stepped forward touched Jackson's temple with two fingers and pushed slightly. Cole watched as Jackson's stiffly put his hands on the table, flattened his palms and spread his fingers. The man's face was contorted in his try to fight what he was being made to do.
"It doesn't have to be this way Jackson." Cole fingered the needle again. "I already know quite a bit about you. I know you are TOE, although they go be a different name now. I know you take your job seriously, as I do mine. I know you were a Quidditch Seeker your last two years in school and ranked fourth at Wizards Chess at the school team tryouts. I know you like Gobstones and Exploding Snap and hate hot drinks although you tolerate tea. I know that, Blaine Busby, the first Minister of Magic you served under put you in for every award he could, because you were just that good."
Cole stopped for a moment and stared. "I know it was one Aaron Ackland, who took part of your sight. I don't want any huge secrets from you. We are just going to talk and find out where your head is at. I have been hired to find out if you are still safe to be out and about. As I said before I want to do this the easy way, because other ways..." Cole fingered the syringe, "can be time consuming and harmful."
"I can make your mind an open book which I and anyone I choose can read," Cole closed his eyes and dove to the second level in Jackson's mind, just to show him he could get in. In Jackson's mind Cole was now standing beside him. Jackson would be able to feel his presence like a physical touch. "What I am showing you is only the second level of the ancient art of Mind-diving. There are eight levels altogether."
"I will give you a choice Jackson. You can talk with me and answer my questions without assistance. Or you can have me use one of these drugs, both of which have been developed by me in my lab. I know you have a high tolerance for pain but I assure you I can cause pain unmatched by anything any of the others have put you through, and I will not leave a mark. So what's it going to be?"
JACKSON
Jackson would be able to feel his presence like a physical touch. "What I am showing you is only the second level of the ancient art of Mind-diving. There are eight levels altogether."
Jackson shook his head. The man sitting across the table from him had no idea of what he went through. "Get Out of My Head!"
"I already know quite a bit about you...."
He thought about what the guy was saying. "If things are as you are saying then tell me what drink I sent to the Minister's table the night we first met?
[/quote] ".....So what's it going to be?" [/quote]
Also before I even think of chatting with you, I want to chat with the Head of Hogwart's Security and then I want him back at Hogwart's!" He had trained that kid but Bren was a natural at Profiling
COLE
Jackson shook his head. The man sitting across the table from him had no idea of what he went through. "Get Out of My Head!"
Cole snickered and leaned a bit more forward on his arms. He mentally got out of Jackson's head and smiled. He didn't want to do a mind dive on the person. Vulnerability and trust were lost when you did it.
He thought about what the guy was saying. "If things are as you are saying then tell me what drink I sent to the Minister's table the night we first met?
"Let's see. First you sent the Aurors sitting in the corner of the Shadow Lounge all Salem Soda's. Which I might add they appreciated." Cole wasn't going to tell the man the people sitting in the corner were not from the Ministry, but they were part of his private army. They were there at the request of one of the Caretaker Group as backup. "Then you sent a Salem Soda to the Minister. It was delivered by the bouncer Gab Lupin, who vouched for you."
Also before I even think of chatting with you, I want to chat with the Head of Hogwart's Security and then I want him back at Hogwart's!" He had trained that kid but Bren was a natural at Profiling.
"I am afraid Brennan is here until I clear him to go back to work. You see Jackson, I have been hired to run security scans, of a sort on several people. You and Brennan are at the top of that list at the moment. I am authorized to use any, and let me repeat any means I wish to use. I am afraid you have no choice but to be here and answer my questions. If you would like Brennan to be brought into the room, I am sure I can find a reason for him to be here. He also takes pain very well but he has a couple phobias which can make him.... shall we say jittery. You will not leave until I decide you are not a threat to the people I work for, and the people they protect. Again, the question is which method do you prefer I use to find my answers from you?"
JACKSON
"Let's see. First you sent the Aurors sitting in the corner of the Shadow Lounge all Salem Soda's. Which I might add they appreciated." ..."Then you sent a Salem Soda to the Minister. It was delivered by the bouncer Gab Lupin, who vouched for you."
One-Eye Jackson smiled at the memory that night gave him. “The next morning Seth was personal protector to Minister Coulton and I made a new friend. Now so much has changed but at least I have a boss I can trust. Seth being Minister is the only good news I have heard. Maybe I can get a signal to Seth using that memory? Seth should still have the usual rules during meetings.”
He said as he nodded, “Well at least I know you do your homework. Since thanks to you I am going to miss my first official meeting with my new boss. Let me send him a message telling him I will catch the next Shadow Lounge meet. I will even send a special drink with it.” One-Eye planned on alerting his friends at Shadow Lounge by having Gabriel bring Seth a butterbeer instead of Jackson usual Salem Soda Pop. He also planned on alerting Seth to look for the name “James Spellman” which One-Eye had seen on the island.
"I am afraid Brennan is here until I clear him to go back to work. You see Jackson, I have been hired to run security scans, of a sort on several people. You and Brennan are at the top of that list at the moment. I am authorized to use any, and let me repeat any means I wish to use. I am afraid you have no choice but to be here and answer my questions. If you would like Brennan to be brought into the room, I am sure I can find a reason for him to be here. He also takes pain very well but he has a couple phobias which can make him.... shall we say jittery. You will not leave until I decide you are not a threat to the people I work for, and the people they protect. Again, the question is which method do you prefer I use to find my answers from you?"
He had to lower this guy's guard and so had to get the guy to think One-Eye trusted his word. That meant Jackson had to let the guy get his answers. “Okay but I still plan on chatting with that kid. So you are like a Security Detail, I can believe that. I can even understand certain people being worried since Seth is now Minister.” Jackson was telling the truth as now he knew what had Marcus Linthux so furious that last torture session. ”That lady had interrupted by handing Linthux a note from somebody on the Council. Linthux yelled that he wanted that appointment stopped and then turned to me in earnest and demanded intel on Seth Wright. Those elves rescue might have just saved my life as Linthux almost killed me during the torture. Now that I think on it, the way he questioned about Tarik might mean they don't fully have the Medjai in their pocket? Maybe two years Tarik is second guessing the SEVEN?”
“Show you trust me and depending on the questions, I will answer what I can.” Jackson was hoping the man was wanting his answers as bad as Linthux had and would foolishly give him full mobility.
COLE
"... Let me send him a message telling him I will catch the next Shadow Lounge meet. I will even send a special drink with it.” ...
Chuckling Cole shook his head. "Good try. I will make sure your regrets about not being at the meet will be delivered.
... “Okay but I still plan on chatting with that kid. So you are like a Security Detail, I can believe that. I can even understand certain people being worried since Seth is now Minister.” ... ”... Those elves rescue might have just saved my life as Linthux almost killed me during the torture. ...
"You will be allowed to talk with Brennan after we have had our little discussion and Brennan and I have also had a talk. " It occurred to Cole it would be interesting to see what the two men talked about. "Brennan is very mixed up at the moment and I plan on helping him understand what he needs to do." Cole knew he was phrasing his plans as if he planned on brainwashing Brennan, but that was far from the truth. Cole liked Brennan and he had agreed with the Caretakers the young man needed some help to understand why he felt certain ways about some things.
“Show you trust me and depending on the questions, I will answer what I can.” Jackson was hoping the man was wanting his answers as bad as Linthux had and would foolishly give him full mobility.
"Now as far as showing you I trust you, that would be very difficult because I don't. You have enough of a background for me to know you are trying to stall. You have three minutes to choose the method of our talk. One, I ask questions and you do not hesitate to give me complete and detailed answers. Or, two I use some of my little liquid here to help you understand why talking is in your best interest. Three, I will bring Brennan in here and use him to help you decide if you want to answer me. I have several techniques where I could just take the information, but there would not be much of you left, and I have made several promises, I will keep my damage to a minimum."
Cole's eyes went to Punta. The Elf was listening with his inner ear. Cole closed his eyes for three seconds and tuned in to the conversation. " and Master Brennan is insisting he be taken to where Master Frank is talking with Master Jackson. I have already had to restrain him twice. Two chairs will need to be replaced. What should I do? The Elf Kimtu, who was guarding Brennan, needed assistance. "Bring him to the room I am in. Cole mentally said. His answer was "Yes master Frank, immediately."
Cole looked at Jackson. "It seems Brennan has made your decision for you. He is insisting on being brought into this meeting." Cole crossed his folded arms comfortably on the table and smiled. This should be interesting.
JACKSON
Chuckling Cole shook his head. "Good try. I will make sure your regrets about not being at the meet will be delivered.
One-Eye Jackson grinned as he thought about the welcome the New Minister of Magic would have waiting for this mercenary. Laughing, “I hope you try mercenary as that old man can handle you or any you send. So I hope you try to attend something that you have no business at!” Jackson only knew of one that slip through Seth's traps and that was Shadow.
"You will be allowed to talk with Brennan after we have had our little discussion and Brennan and I have also had a talk. "
“You are not chatting with either the Kid or me! Unless you want to tell me who you work for and just what your boss wants with Brennan? Because I am not telling you nothing and I am not even thinking of letting you anywhere near my pupil.” One-Eye was scared but for Brennan Dawson.
"Brennan is very mixed up at the moment and I plan on helping him understand what he needs to do."
One-Eye inwardly cringed as he said furious, “What have you been doing to Bren, you leave that kid alone! He was put through enough growing up. Nobody is turning him on my watch! Got It Leave Him Alone!”
"Now as far as showing you I trust you, that would be very difficult because I don't. You have enough of a background for me to know you are trying to stall. You have three minutes to choose the method of our talk. One, I ask questions and you do not hesitate to give me complete and detailed answers. Or, two I use some of my little liquid here to help you understand why talking is in your best interest. Three, I will bring Brennan in here and use him to help you decide if you want to answer me. I have several techniques where I could just take the information, but there would not be much of you left, and I have made several promises, I will keep my damage to a minimum."
One-Eye shook his head about to tell the mercenary where to take his threats when the door started to move.
Cole looked at Jackson. "It seems Brennan has made your decision for you. He is insisting on being brought into this meeting." Cole crossed his folded arms comfortably on the table and smiled.
One-Eye watched as an elf he thought he recognized lead four very large men dragged a semiconscious Bren into the room. “What have you done to him? Is this because I was caught outside his window?” He kept looking at the elf, it was the same one that saved his life by getting him and Alwart out. “You owned by this mercenary? Why save me then?” One-Eye was now extremely worried he now owed a man that could destroy his friends. He could only think of one man with this amount of clout. “What could the Dark Medjai want that he would help me by sending this elf and the others? I won't betray my oath and I am not betraying that girl! Now have those guys stop whatever you ordered done! Bren goes back to Hogwarts now!” He was scared that he was pushing both this mercenary as well as the Dark Medjai. He looked at Bren and shook, “Please...”
COLE
“I hope you try mercenary as that old man can handle you or any you send.
Cole watched Jackson. He was unsure if he would tell Jackson, Seth Wright had been instrumental in getting Jackson to the Isle of Perdition so Cole could try and de-brief him in a safe environment incase the man was a sleeper. Off the island any number of people could activate a sleeper and no one would be the wiser. On his island he had the elves to help and a small army who would do anything he requested on a moments notice.
“You are not chatting with either the Kid or me! Unless you want to tell me who you work for and just what your boss wants with Brennan? Because I am not telling you nothing and I am not even thinking of letting you anywhere near my pupil.”
"Let me see if I have this right. You are sitting here and have no way of getting off the island, even if I was to let you out of this room. You know Brennan is in another room under my control. You think you can prevent me from have any type of chat I want with either of you. I have never had a problem finding out the information I require in the past and I don't plan on you preventing me from finding out what information you hold in your head, or what information I require from Brennan Dawson. He is no longer your pupil, Jackson. He is a grown man and I will treat him as such." Cole leaned a little bit more forward. "You have nothing to say in what I do on this island."
One-Eye inwardly cringed as he said furious, “What have you been doing to Bren, you leave that kid alone! He was put through enough growing up. Nobody is turning him on my watch! Got It Leave Him Alone!”
Cole leaned back and grabbed the back of the chair. "I am fully aware of Brennan's background. He has been here before. My employer just wants to make sure Mr. Dawson is not a threat to himself, the school or the magical community at large."
One-Eye watched as an elf he thought he recognized lead four very large men dragged a semiconscious Bren into the room.
Cole pointed toward the bed, motioning for the men to deposit Brennan there. One of them said, "Captain he is not fully out."
"Ok then put him in that chair." Cole motioned to one of the other four chairs. "Stand by him until you know he is awake enough to stay up under his own power.
“What have you done to him? Is this because I was caught outside his window?”
"I haven't done anything to him. He was comfortable in his room. He's the one who decided to fight and try and get to you. My men kept him contained. They have not hurt him. Right Mr. Dawson?"
Cole reached over and lifted one of Brennan's eyelids. The boy was mostly playing possum. "Brennan open your eyes. I know you are able to. Place you hands flat on the table and spread your fingers. You know the drill."
He kept looking at the elf, it was the same one that saved his life by getting him and Alwart out. ... “You owned by this mercenary? Why save me then?” One-Eye was now extremely worried he now owed a man that could destroy his friends.
Kimtu looked first to Master Frank. He knew better than to say anything, until he found out how Master Frank wanted him to act. Sometimes he was to act dumb because that was how most of the human's saw him and his people. When Master Frank smile, Kimtu knew he could act as himself. He walked over to where Master Jackson sat and bowed respectively. "I belong to no human. I am a Tocoferty with the Village Clan of this Isle. I have come here to learn, observe humans and assist Master Frank when he needs it. You were saved because Master Frank wished you to be saved." Kimtu bowed again and went to stand near Master Brennan, incase his healing skills were needed.
“What could the Dark Medjai want that he would help me by sending this elf and the others? I won't betray my oath and I am not betraying that girl! Now have those guys stop whatever you ordered done! Bren goes back to Hogwarts now!” He was scared that he was pushing both this mercenary as well as the Dark Medjai. He looked at Bren and shook, “Please...”
Cole was not surprised when Jackson automatically thought he was working for a Dark Medjai, Khalid in particular. "I have not said I work for the Dark Medjai. I am a Mercenary, Jackson. I work for myself. I take the jobs I want to take, the ones I think I can complete with the least amount of problems to those who follow me. At the moment I have been hired to debrief you and make an assessment on your mental stability. I have also been asked to check on Mr. Dawson here." Cole chuckled when Brennan cracked his eyes open, placed his hands flat on the table and spread his fingers. He knew that maneuver would go a long way to make Cole not use more force.
"Both you and Brennan will remain as my guest until I feel good about giving a glowing report to my employers. Are you ready to answer questions or do I need to resort to other methods?" Cole purposely looked down at the three bottles.
BRENNAN
"Let me see if I have this right. You are sitting here and have no way of getting off the island, even if I was to let you out of this room. You know Brennan is in another room under my control. You think you can prevent me from have any type of chat I want with either of you. I have never had a problem finding out the information I require in the past and I don't plan on you preventing me from finding out what information you hold in your head, or what information I require from Brennan Dawson. He is no longer your pupil, Jackson. He is a grown man and I will treat him as such." Cole leaned a little bit more forward. "You have nothing to say in what I do on this island."[/quote
One-Eye Jackson glared at the strange man, “You would be surprised at just what I'm capable of Mr. Cole! I'm head the Hit Wizards for a reason. When it comes to you messing with the head of One of My Top Hit Wizards...”
One-Eye stopped as he showed just what his specialty was as he ask the elf guarding him in the pure Elvin language if he could check on Bren.
“I make it my business! Now you will take Me to Brennan as I plan on reeducating Mr. Dawson on How to Deal with Those Under Your Leadership! I will also Ensure Mr. Dawson learns How I feel about His recurring Self-Doubt! Now if you kindly Get Out of My Way, It is Time I return Mr. Dawson to His Duties!”
One-Eye headed for the Door. He hoped the man dared try to stop him. “Now that I don't have kids to worry about I can show this mercenary just how good I am even without a wand! I want answers and this man seems to have them.” He just wished the implant was already behind his patch. Then his new eye would bring poetic justice to the Dark Wizards that took his eye
“And just who might that be Mr. Cole cause I get mighty upset with Dark Wizards think they can kidnap one of My Hitwizards especially a Hit wizard of Mr. Dawson's caliber!” One-Eye wondered just what Intel Bren had dug up this time to warrant such imprisonment. “Could Bren have finally found the Dark Medjai Khalid Onaris?”
One-Eye knew why Khalid wanted One-Eye Jackson to disappear. “I know about his plant inside Hogwarts. I can also place his man Shadow at several kidnappings. I became a major threat not only to the SEVEN but to the Dark Medjai personally. How he learned about my specialty concerning the elves is beyond me but I intend to find out! As he insured I never got near that elf again. I hope the elf is okay. Maybe Kimtu sent the rescuers?” He was worried though cause the man codenamed the Fixer seemed to have conned several staff members at Hogwarts.
He knew this man was extremely dangerous and was on Alwart's personal list for several jobs the man had pulled off in Germany. “One that has Alwart most furious resulted in the extermination of Alwart's parents and younger siblings. Only Alwart's cousin Hank survived though Alwart believes that Hank was the target of the attack. Maybe it is time to have a private chat with Hank Reynolds?'
One-Eye was pretty sure that his special pocket still had the envelope that Alwart gave One-Eye the night they had decided to confront Hank at Hogshead
One-Eye watched as Bren seemed to be agreeing with Mr. Cole. He knew though it had to be out of fear cause Brennan looked as if the four huge guys had beaten the Kid, as One-Eye called Bren, severally.
Glaring at Mr. Cole, he said furious but inwardly fearful he was the cause, “I might only have one eye but I know the look of a severe beating when I see it. Now either Your Goons release My Pupil or I Make Them!” He was worried about pushing this mercenary to far and the man once again having his goons take it out on Brennan.
Brennan was scared as he listened to his Master Fixer and his friend. Doing as he was told was the only way to keep his friend alive was to fix the error and prove his loyalty.
His new Master had tested him with his old Master. “I failed that test and made my Master look bad. I should have not resisted and fought thus proving that under my new Master Fixer I had indeed learned my place. Instead I forced Master Cole to have to punish me in front of my old Master's step-son Damir. I must make this right cause it could risk Luke if I fail to fix my error.”
One-Eye's worst fear was now reality. “Owe a Dark Wizard a Life Debt is one Debt I swore never to owe. Yet I owe this man my Life as the elf confirmed that he and the other elves were sent by Mr. Cole.”[/i
One-Eye was sweating as he prayed that this Debt would not cost him everything he stood for
Looking towards the Elf he thought, “I hope I owe the Life Debt to you my little friend. Though I doubt it and now I fear my Debt will destroy everything I believe in. I will repay it as it is a value I hold to but my friend's instincts have never been wrong and Sasha don't trust Mr. Cole. In fact I think she has placed him on her list under Daniel Marsden. That scares me as she fears but hates Daniel. I will admit but only to you my rescuer, it scares me as Sasha is not known to fear and hate many. By the way might I ask your name?”
“You did not have to as I know your history Mr. Cole. I even know of a Personal List you have made! Though I doubt you will be heading to Azkaban when he catches you.“ One-Eye will inform Alwart as soon as he got back to the Ministry
Getting up from the table, Brennan dropped to his knees in front of Master Fixer, "What must I do to fix my error Master? My friend was only worried about me. Please I will fix the error I made on the other island. I should have trusted you instead questioning you. How do I right this, Master?"
One-Eye Jackson could not believe his ears, "Brennan, he is not your Master, no one is. You are sounding a lot like you used to."He glared at Fixer, "What is Bren talking about another island? "
Bren had never looked up as he asked shakily, "If you are worried about my friend telling about this place, I will talk to him? Please Master don't kill him."
COLE
Cole listened in on what Jackson was mentally telling Kimtu. The man was fluent in the elf's dialect. Cole wondered if he could speak all the dialects. That would be a nice addition to his group of specialist. Again the thought of trying to get Jackson to work for him, floated through his head. Maybe Arianna, head of the Caretakers would be interested in the man as part of her team.
Cole sat still and watched the man. He motioned for Punta to not stop him. "Please sit back down in your seat, Jackson." When he didn't Cole continued. "I will not be taking you to Brennan. Although if you keep this up Brennan will most likely end up here. It will be totally up to you why Brennan is brought here and how he is treated when he enters this room
Cole was getting images about a possible implant Jackson wanted inserted into his missing eye socket. He had heard about the laser implant, but didn't know of anyone who had taken the chance to have the surgery done. There were some nasty side effects, which had been reported about the live trials which had been conducted. Cole made a mental note to check on the information again.
"I am a mercenary Jackson. I work for who I want. I turn down jobs all the time. It is none of your business who I work for. Just know the people are very interested in finding out what you remember about being a captive. They have given me a lot of leeway in finding out the information. I have promised them you will survive but not much else."
"I said sit down Jackson. I will not say it again." Cole sat forward in his seat and leaned more on his folded arms. He nodded to Punta, who walked over to a hidden drawer under the built-in cabinet, opened it and withdrew a black envelope. He brought it back to the table and handed it to Cole. Cole smiled and threw it into the center of the table. "I said sit down and we will talk."
"Please sit down Jackson. You really have no say so at the moment on what happens here or what happens to anyone on my island."
Cole nodded. He knew Jackson was someone who always paid his debt, and at the moment Cole held the debt of his freedom and life in his hand. Once he got Jackson to believe he only wanted to help him, the man was going to be a good asset.
Cole tuned in on Jackson's little silent talk with Kimtu. It was interesting the man knew he could talk with the elf through thoughts. Cole stayed mentally quiet. A persons inner thought usually told a very different story then what they projected to the outside world.
Cole gave a miniscule nod to Kimtu, giving him permission to answer Jackson's questions. He also rubbed his ear, telling Kimtu to answer verbally. "My name is Kimtu. You do not owe me a debt, as I said before the only reason I assisted you was because of Maser Frank. To him you owe the debt of your freedom and your life. Only he can decide when the debt has been paid in full. He has shown myself and my clan brothers honesty." Kimtu bowed slowly and then turned back to Master Brennan.
"I welcome anyone to try and catch me. All they have to do is ask and I will bring them to my island for a nice long stay." Cole chuckled. No one got on his island without permission. When he was off the island he was protected by at least one of the elves at all time. Not necessarily something he needed, but something he agreed to with his Elvin friends. They were very protective.
Cole looked down at Brennan, kneeling beside his chair. His goal was to get Brennan back to thinking of him as a friend and not his new Master. The machine on the Werewolf Clan island had done a job on the boys brain. Cole had been put on the machine also, but Cole had planned ahead before he allowed himself to be captured, so he could go undercover. He had his Key, or his subconscious, divided off from his conscious. Enough had been left to allow for normal body functions and allow anyone who was searching to see he had a subconscious, but the main part had been safely locked away by the elves. When he was brought home his Key was brought out of hiding and Cole became whole again. He still made sure he always had a elf close by because it had taken a lot out of his Key to stay in hiding.
Cole reached out and patted Brennan's head. "The error was not yours Brennan. You have done nothing wrong. I am not pleased that you fought my care but I understand you have a connection with Jackson, so this time I will forgive you. Please sit back up at the table. Put your hands flat on the table and spread your fingers. You must show your friend the proper way to obey me."
Cole smiled as Brennan did what he requested with no hesitation. "Thank you Brennan."
"Brennan was held, along with a few others, on an island and he was made to believe he must obey a member of a werewolf clan. I rescued him and he now stays here until I can try and undo the damage done to him. It will do you no good to try and convince Brennan I am not his Master. In his world I am, at the moment. Now what I require from you is that to retain your seat, put your hands flat on the table and spread your fingers."
As Cole waited to see what Jackson would do he turned to Brennan. "I will allow you to talk with him in a bit, Brennan. I guarantee I am not planning on killing him. If he doesn't learn his place soon though, I am afraid he is going to be in a lot of pain. Would you be willing to take that pain for him, Brennan? Would you be willing to let me use my serums on your body to save him?" Cole wondered if he threatened Brennan, if Jackson would start doing as he asked.
JACKSON
“Stay Away from my Pupil!” One-Eye was losing his patience with this man. He had to find Brennan.
He was nervous as it seemed this man might be the one Linthux said Daniel had hired to keep One-Eye's crush entertained. “ Do we really have a child together? It was one night. The kid would be about to show his first magic. Unless he is a Squib?” One-Eye cringed as he remembered what Daniel had ordered should the boy fail his test.
Jackson watched as the envelope he had thought well hidden was tossed on the table. He had underestimated this man and now fury raged inside him. "How dare you go through my robes!" He had to be careful though as his patch constantly reminded him
Unsure how to handle the problem in front of him, One-Eye chose to ask the elf that had handed Frank Cole the envelope, “You my little friend should have left the Owl where it was. I planned on confronting the man about it. Now kindly put it back please as the man who wants your Master's head will not be pleased it is back in that Murderer's hands instead of my friend's cousin's hands.”
The Head of the Hitwizards cringed as he walked to the window to think. Looking out he saw a familiar face as his hands reached for his head. “You work for me now. Unless you want certain people to learn the truth. I can make her disappear...” Thinking the voice was an external one, One-Eye turned to the man and furious, “I work for the Ministry, not a Dark Wizard! Tell them what you want cause my loyalty won't falter. Go near that kid and you will regret it!”
Jackson gave a sly grin, “Keep thinking that, Killer! For this German Auror , it's Personal. Oh and I doubt the elves will interfere.” One-Eye loved when targets thought they were untouchable. “Like the Medjai. Only bad thing concerning that bust is I once again have to break Sasha's heart.” The Medjai traitor was going to pay dearly for the hurt this was going to cause.
He watched as Brennan turned back into that scared kid he had first picked to teach cause the boy who had passed every test to become an Auror except the Psychic-Eval. Later as he had gotten to understand the problems that faced the young man through his chats with varies elves who had dealt with Brennan and his secret past, One-Eye grew to admire the young man's dedication. “Bren, you are stronger than this. The elves know it and so do I. Now snap out of that mind-trap and get to doing what you do best! Give Me something even the smallest crack...”
One-Eye stopped as he a strange thought came to him, “Brennan, do what you do best on that envelope. I know a certain German Auror would be happy to get the intel.” He inwardly smiled as he hoped that once Brennan started on the Owl that both him and Alwart agreed was a threat directed at Alwart's cousin Hank, whatever brainwashing the man did would be gone.
Brennan slowly nodded. “I have to make this error right.” He went towards his friend and tried to force him into the chair. He was grabbed and headed for the door.
One-Eye heard, “No, I will not betray my Master's trust. And You will learn your place.” Just as his hand reached the door, he felt Brennan yank him towards the wall.
COLE
Cole chuckled. "Brennan was your pupil a long time ago. You taught him well, and I will admit he is good, but he is still young and lacks experience. That lack of experience has put him where he is today. He has been brainwashed and it is my job to deprogram him. You, at the moment, have nothing to say or do about it."
Cole smiled. "I have no problem going through yours or anyone else's robes, luggage, bags, or anything else they bring on my island. This is my island, so anything on it is mine." Cole knew he was sounding egotistical. He had no problem with anyone having their private items, but everyone on the Isle of Perdition knew, if Cole required the item or thought the item was a danger to his island, Cole had the final say on what happened to it or how it was used. It was just the way things worked.
Cole heard the unspoken words through his link with Punta. Jackson had a natural gift of languages and apparently could speak all the dialects of the five elfin clans on the Isle of Skye. His five elfin guests and assistants were all Tocoferty (Princes in the human language) representatives of each of those Elfin Clans. Cole had given each of them permission to set up Clan homes on his island. He could use someone like Jackson if the man ever relearned what was truly important.
Cole watched as Jackson walked toward the window. He appeared to be seeing someone out there. Looking at Punta, the elf nodded and sent a mental message to one of his brothers. The area would be checked. Punta also sent him what Jackson was hearing in his head. When he turned and told Cole to not go near the Kid, Cole sent his own mental message to find out who the kid was. The child would need to be protected.
Apparently Jackson did not have a clue of the relationship between Cole and the elves. The elves had promised to protect the island and everyone on it. In return Cole let them observe human's and taught them human ways. The elfin clans were older than any of the human governments or organizations, but they had kept to themselves. As the human population grew, they had realized they needed to learn about the creatures who now co-inhabited the planet. Luckily they liked humans and thought we could learn how to live together.
Cole looked at Brennan who was looking at him for guidance. Looking at Jackson he said, "Brennan will not be profiling anything unless I give my permission. I have read the missive."
"I plan on letting Brennan profile the note. When he is done he will be returned to his room, where he will rest. You need to sit down before any of this happens though."
Cole glanced at Brennan who was listening to every word he said. Cole smiled. "While Brennan rests, you Jackson and I will have a in-depth discussion about the past two years and your future. My questions will be answered. How much discomfort you are in during our discussion will be totally up to you." Cole fingered one of the hypodermic syringes. "You have no say in the order all this happens."
Cole held up his hand to stop Punta from interfering. He wasn't sure Brennan had the strength to take on Jackson, but Brennan needed to feel he was doing something right, so Cole was going to let him so he would be able to give the man some positive feedback.
As they got closer to the wall, Cole signaled Punta to help. He watched as Punta pointed his hand toward Jackson, fingers spread and closed his eyes for a couple seconds. When he opened them Jackson was forced toward the wall, his arms and legs spread eagled as Brennan shackled him in to the restraints. Cole turned his chair so when he straddled it he could turn his head right and see Brennan and left he would be able to see Jackson. "That's much better. Brennan well done, I am proud of you. You may sit over there." Cole pointed to the chair on the other side of the table.
Cole reached out for the envelope, opened it and laid it on the table in front of Brennan. "Brennan you may begin...." Chuckling he added, "Jackson you may listen. If you can be good I may let you down and I may not give you a shot which will cause pain. It is up to you.... Start Brennan, please."
Letter in envelope.
Hank,
Roses are Red but I prefer Black. Nosy Tanks endanger those close especially pretty cousins.
Back off and keep your mouth shut or remaining family problems will be solved with the delivery of a Wreath of Black Roses.
I'll be In touch my old Friend!
BRENNAN
Bren inwardly smiled, 'Even when I was just a kid, One-Eye kept encouraging me. Now though I have to protect him and that means pretending to still be in the mind-trap Fixer saved me from.' The profiler just hoped Damir had not brainwashed Frank Cole and the Fixer was considering Bren's boss as a possible Code-Red.
Brennan shook his head unsure what a letter had to do with anything. He was worried about Tia but was unsure how to ask.
Sherlock smiled shakily, “Master, the young princess? Is my friend a possible threat?”
Bren was inwardly smiling. 'One-Eye sounds normal but so did I. How is Frank Cole going to know if my boss is still loyal to his oath?'
“Yes My Lord!” Bren said bowing. He prayed that One-Eye Jackson would forgive him.
“This part 'Hank' shows that the writer was targeting Hank. It is not much but it does show that the writer was close enough to know where Hank was born.”, Bren was worried cause it seemed Alwart was blaming Fixer.
“This part'Roses are Red but I prefer Black.' narrows down the list of senders as Black Roses are rare. It does open the possibility that Hank knows who is sending Rosa the flowers and scaring her.” Bren had to change his next question. “My Lord, has Huntress seen this threat?”
“'Nosy Tanks endanger those close especially pretty cousins.' could mean that Hank knows who and why it was sent. It also shows that the writer is not Fixer as he would have addressed the note to Tank not Hank. Am I right Frank Cole? This note looks familiar and I am praying it...” Brennan's head hurt and he was having trouble focusing as memories flooded back. 'You will deliver my present Pet or Suffer!' Sherlock was shaking as he pleaded with Fixer to understand. He started towards the threat to the family. The dagger up his sleeve would make quick work of the Gatherer the only man that stood between his Master and leadership of the PACT.
COLE
Cole folded his arms on the back of his chair and rubbed his chin. "To answer your question Brennan. Huntress has not seen the message. I am still trying to determine the necesity for that to happen."
He let his eyes wonder from Brennan to Jackson to see if he caught the change in Brennan. Something had just set off a trigger. Cole knew to a certain extent, Brennan had been programmed to carry out some type of mission for the Werewolf Clan. The note had reminded Brennan of something he was supposed to do. Cole watched as Brennan stuck out his hand and appeared to be grabbing something. There was nothing in his hand. When the young man got up out of his chair and looked at Cole with murder in his eyes, then started toward him, Cole just stood and waited. He had to let this play out. Only then would the trigger be deprogrammed, because Brennan's brain would think he had carried out the mission.
Brennan continued toward him, his hand positioned as if he was holding a knife. When he got within two feet, he stabbed his hand forward again and again. Cole wanted to see what would happen next so he sat down in the chair, and tilted his head to the side as if he was unconscious. Brennan starred at him for a few moments then smiled and took the invisible knife in both of his hands and jammed his hands into his own chest. Then he fell to the floor.
Cole immediately called Punta and Kimtu over. If Brennan was too far into his head he could actually die, if his brain thought he was holding a knife. His brain would shut down. The elves knelt beside Brennan and spread their hands over his body. Suddenly Brennan took several gulps of air and then settled down. Punta looked up and said, "He will survive Master Frank. We will keep in under for an hour or two to make sure he has come back from the memory."
"Take him to his room."
"Yes master Frank, as you wish." Both elves placed their hands over Brennan, closed their eyes and stayed that way for a few heartbeats. When they opened them, Brennan started to float. They had him out the door in under ten seconds.
Cole stood and walked over to where Jackson hung on the wall. "Now where were we?"
JACKSON
One-Eye watched in disbelief. “No Bren! Stop.” He had saw similar acts when he would watch Brennan at Hogwarts. He prayed that Brennan's profile was right about Fixer. Bren had trusted very few with the nightmares that tormented him. 'It took me years to gain that young man's trust and now I am about to tell the one man that thinks he controls Bren,'
“Fixer, let me down as something in that note is having Brennan sleep walking again.” Fighting the chains, One-Eye Jackson pleaded, “Don't hurt him. It's not his fault. Somebody did this to him when he was only eight years old. Let me down and I will help wake him.”
He watched in horror as the memory played out. Fighting the chains as he said, “Please let me help snap him out of that time.” Something Brennan had said years ago finally clinked. In barely a whisper, “Please let me be wrong about what you are reliving. Please Bren, don't be the one that helped the writer of that note kidnap Alwart's younger sister. Don't let the girl from your nightmares be the 'pretty cousin' referred to in that note?”
One-Eye asked Punta in the Elvin tongue, “Is the Kid finally free from his past? I thought years ago having him talk about his nightmares would free his mind from whatever damaged his soul during his captivity. I guess I was wrong.”
He started fighting the chains, “ As for where were we, you're going to release me and let me help Brennan! I still can't believe somebody would ever think to make an eight year old into a killer. Now let me down as Bren is a Hufflepuff. I won't let this destroy him as it almost did his fifth year!” He was visiting the fifth years to see if any were Hit Wizard material. One-Eye smiled as he remembered taking a liking to the shy kid from his own house. 'I spent most of my spare time checking up on the boy.' He would be dang if this was going to destroy the last of Bren's soul. “I won't lose him to the darkness that he believes plagues his soul.”
COLE
Cole looked back and forth between Brennan, no lying on the floor and Jackson hanging spread-eagle on the wall. He had to let the whole thing play out. Only this way would Brennan's brain think he had carried out what he had been programmed so many years ago to do. Cole had not been positive he was the original target, but now that was confirmed.
Punta looked first to Master Frank. Receiving a nod he said to Master Jackson, "The human has carried out what his mind told him he had to do when it was triggered. His mind now thinks he has done the deed, so the program ends. We will observe and carefully correct any lasting effects. Master Brennan will not even remember what he has done her today."
Cole watched the man continue to struggle. If he let Jackson down the man would go straight for Brennan and that would mean continuing to fight with him. "Brennan is safe. The elves will take good care of him. When he awakes, I promise you, you will be able to see and talk with him." Cole leaned up against the small table and stretched his legs out in front of him, crossing his legs at the ankles. "You and I need to talk about the last two years of your life. I need details to hand over to those who have hired me to make sure you are not a threat to yourself of to the Wizarding world in general. I need to prove to them you have not been programmed, like Brennan to carry out some future act. I am not the bad guy here."
Cole looked out the window. He stood and sent a mental message for Punta to return to the room. When the elf re-entered he said, "Take him down off the walls. Hands shackled behind him. We are going for a little ride." Cole looked back at Jackson and Punta took him down and tied his hands behind his back. "I think we need a change of scenery. Let me show you my island."
Cole chuckled to himself. He would take Jackson to the training grounds. He knew of at least one person there who would help him prove he was not working for the Dark Wizards.
Cole led the way out of the room, followed by Jackson and then Punta. He had a jeep and driver always waiting at the front door. They got in and Cole motioned toward the training area. A short ride later, Cole pulled Jackson out of the jeep and had Punta remove the restraints. He knew eventually Jackson would try and escape and that would be alright. No one got on his island or off his island without his permission.
It had been a while since his mean had played "Cat and Mouse", a game Cole usually reserved for the newer recruits. The game consisted of having someone designated as the mouse given a one hour head start to "escape". Then the trainees would have to find him or her. Most of the time, once found the game was over, but Cole had played the game with some "visitors" and each time they were found, they were shown they had been found, but were allowed to keep running. One man was allowed to run for three days, not allowed to sleep, eat, or rest. Eventually the man just gave up. He man was now one of Cole's Training Sergeants. The whole island was under video surveillance but his troops were not allowed to see the video until after, when they would learn what they did right and wrong. It was a fantastic learning tool.
Jackson was led over to where a group of about twenty men and women were learning offence and defense maneuvers. Cole stood there and watched, paying close attention to Jackson.
JACKSON
The new Head of the Hit Wizards smiled. He never understood how he had learned the Elvin languages so well. 'It did not even happen until the day Bren got a lucky shot in during training. I had not even noticed until the medic said that if I was going to get injury then maybe it should not be by a new cadet that is already cut. Me and Bren had both just laughed the injuries off and shook hands. I remember asking Bren if I should correct the medic as Bren was only a fifth year. Come to think of it Bren later did not even remember the sparing at all. But I knew that I needed to chat with the Head of the Hitwizards at the time about Brennan's potential.'
One-Eye laughed, “As if I fully trusted you. I will though inform a certain German Auror that he is mistaken about you being the writer of that threat. Bren is hardly ever wrong so I have learned to trust his profiling skills. I wished he had agreed to profile the Medjai two years ago. Instead he said if I wanted the truth about Tarik then I should talk with Tarik.” 'That decision cost me two years. Two years I plan on repaying in spades.' One-Eye Jackson wished he had been wrong cause not only would it hurt his new leader Sasha but a young girl that TOE protected was way too trusting of the man two years ago
“I think you should send me and Bren back to the Ministry when he wakes. Minister of Magic might decide to find this place and shut you down. He is still not at all pleased with you.” Jackson was truly unsure of Seth's feelings towards the man but one thing One-Eye was keenly aware of is he felt uneasy being around the man. 'It is taking everything I have to keep my guard up. The elves and Bren trust this man and yet Sasha doesn't. I am torn between trusting and investigating.'
“If you are not the bad guy then why does Sasha want you taken down? She really don't like you and she is my boss. Plus I never talk about my job or assignments. So I am sorry the answer is No!” Jackson started wishing he had waited until he was off the wall before he refused. His headache was back and Linthux's threat echoed in his mind, 'The Medjai or your daughter. One is coming to chat with me. You pest choose which!'
One-Eye shook his head as he whispered, “Neither!” He had to find his ex-girlfriend and the daughter she had told him was not his. 'Marcus Linthux was too sure for it to be a ruse. I wonder if she was afraid I would not want her because her elder child was not mine? I barely remember the boy but we seemed to hit it off okay. I even remember asking the boy if he was okay about me dating his mom. Lyre, seemed okay as long as I did not try and replace his true father. I even promised to look into it. Then...' One-Eye shook his head as he once again wondered why he could not remember just how him and Julie had lost contact
He watched as the elf he had talked to came back into the room. 'Maybe Bren is awake? Especially if that man is letting me off the wall. A ride, shackles?' He shook his head. “If you are taking me to Bren then the shackles are not needed? If not, well I have no intention of any such thing being ever put on me again!” He turned to the elf and spoke so only the elf would understand, “I will fight you on this issue. I spent two years shackled. I swore never again. I won't let Marcus Linthux win. I wish I could trust Frank Cole like it seems you guys and Brennan do but I can't forget this man never took a side and Sasha doesn't trust him. She leads TOE and so her orders are the ones I must follow.”
One-Eye knew he was fighting a losing battle but he had to try and not allow the shackles. 'Two years of not being able to give Marcus Linthux's torturers the butt-kicking they deserved. He almost broke me especially threatening my daughter. It was Alwart that kept me sane and of course the payback I swore I would one-day give when I got free. Starting with the Medjai.'
He fought the shackles. “The only thing I want to see is...” A voice in his head said, 'Yes see the island. Then gain Fixer's trust and have him bring the betrayer to you. The Medjai killed Joseph when all Daniel wanted to do was talk to him. He then help kill Daniel Marsden after promising to bring Tia to Daniel.'
One-Eye settled down as he said, “Okay, I will see your island but remove the shackles. You trust me, I might learn to trust you.”
He started for the group in a circle around a woman. 'Julie'
He got between Julie and the men coming at her. “Julia, get behind me. By the way, Where is my daughter?”
As the men came near, One-Eye's reflexes went into self defense. “I am glad I was right about you being the enemy Fixer. So Linthux hired you to do the one thing his torturers could not do? Break Me! Now where is Linthux keeping My Daughter!” He would deal first with Fixer's men and then he would deal with Fixer and the Medjai. He dropped a few that dared think they could get to Julia through him. The next thing he heard was “Sorry Love” before lights went out
COLE
Cole looked at Punta, who was feeding him what was going on in Jackson's head. Sometime during the two years Jackson was being held by the Werewolf Clan, he had broken, a fact not surprising to Cole. Being brainwashed and tortured for two years would break any man. Someone had worked hard to get Jackson to believe Tarik had killed the Head master at the school and the leader of the Dark Seven, an organization of Dark Wizards which had been destroyed. At least most thought they had been destroyed. Cole inwardly shook his head because he knew different.
Cole used hand signals to tell the group to not kill the man, but they could attack. Cole wanted to see what the man could and would do. He knew Julie would be here. Julie was one of his troops. Her specialty was infiltration of just about anywhere, whether getting in and getting out, or going undercover. She was just back from assignment at the moment. The assignment had been to infiltrate the Werewolf Clan home and ended with her bringing both her 18-year-old son, Lyre, and her 5-year-old daughter, Mia, out of the mess. Lyre had known who she was... Mia did to some extent. Mia had the mindset of the Clan, but she was young enough to be retrained. Lyre had never lost his need and want to be free. Cole smiled, the young man was doing quite well as a trainee. It appeared his specialty was going to be electronics.
Julie's eyes shot to Cole and he nodded. She was being given permission to play along. He watched as she stood behind him with her hands on her hips. Jackson was focused on the men encircling him. Cole smiled at the love in the woman's eyes.
Jackson's question confirmed he knew about his daughter Mia. Julie had not been sure he would remember. They had set it up so Jackson would see the little girl out of the window of his holding room, but Mia could not see him. It was slow going, but the little girl was being deprogrammed of her belief the Werewolf Clan were her family. It would take a long while but the elves were happy with the results so far. The bond between Mia and her mother, Julie, had was continually being strengthened on a day to day basis.
Ah, Jackson. They did break you and now we will try and bring you back. The man did not believe his girlfriend, and mother of his daughter, was part of Cole's troops. He was not processing the fact, she was dressed in the same green t-shirt and camouflage pants as the rest of the people standing around. When she looked to him for guidance on what to do, he gave her one more hand signal.
Cole walked to the middle of the group. He checked out the couple of men who Jackson had gotten the better of. They had gone to attention when he stepped into the now ring of troops. "At ease. We will review what happened later. I understand you were holding back so it will be fine." Everything in the training area was being filmed. All three men nodded and stepped back. They knew he was not angry with them.
Walking over to Julie he asked, "You alright?" He received a nod. "Ok, lay him out on one of the cots over by the wall. I want him kept outside. And Julie, you did good. He thinks I am the enemy here. If he tries to escape let him. If he tries to take you with him, go. It will be a non-lethal game of Cat and Mouse. Your daughter stays in the compound though. You can tell him she has been removed if you like. Let's keep with the idea you are here involuntarily. Go change. When you come back you can sit with him. I need him talking to someone and if that person is you fine. Let him try and get off the island. I promise I won't let it go on for too long." Receiving a "Yes Sire and a salute," Julie left to change.
Cole decided to get in some personal training while he waited for Jackson to come to, which should only be a half hour at the outside. If Jackson stuck around he would try and explain to him why Julie was there. If he took off then he would designate the team who would join the Cat and Mouse training exercise. Cole looked at Jackson more time and then headed for the obstacle course.
JACKSON
Jackson hears movement around. Slowly opening his eyes to get his bearings. 'How did they knock me out?' He got worried knowing that Julia was behind him. 'Where's is she? Did they hurt her to get to me? It was the only way to knock me out.'
He felt a hand on his shoulder. His reflexes kicked in. Seeing her hands guard her face One-Eye stopped within inches of hurting the mother of his daughter. “Julie, you okay? They did not hurt you, did they?”
He looked to find the man that Linthux had hired to break him. The man seemed distracted so he asked Julia, “ How did Linthux get you? Does he have our daughter or is she here? I know you, who is that man using to keep you here? Lyre or our daughter?” He would tear the man apart if either child is hurt. He hugged the woman he never forgot. “Before you disappeared right before our child's birth, I got you a ring. I went to ask you to marry me to find the house empty as if you had never been there. It hurt Julie to think you did not feel the same. It still hurts. How did Linthux find out and how did The Seven get to you and more importantly her?”
COLE
Cole took the towel from the recruit. He had run the course three times which was normal for him. He had his eye on a couple of the soldiers and wanted to check their performance. Looking over at the cot he considered what he wanted to do next. It appeared the man was not going to run, probably because he thought Cole had power over his daughter and the boy Lyre. He bent down and asked Punta, "Where is Lyre?"
"He is on maneuvers in the swamp, Master Frank. Would you like him recalled?"
"No, but let me know when his team is back?"
"Of course."
Cole walked toward the cot. He caught Julia's eyes before Jackson looked up. Good girl, you're staying alert. When he got closer he leaned up against the wall of the building and studied Jackson, then said, "Sergeant, you can return to your training."
Julia stood up quickly and snapped a salute. "Yes Captain." She gave another look to Jackson, turned and walked away toward another group starting calisthenics.
Jackson had jumped up. "Sit down Jackson. No harm is going to come to her. She is a very valuable member of my team." Cole chuckled. The look of horror on Jackson's face was understandable. "She has been with me ever since she returned from the undercover job of rescuing Lyre and her daughter Mia from the Werewolf Clan island. Just before the girl was born I found out Julia was being threatened so I put her into protective cusady. When Mia was three, about the same time you were captured, the child went missing. Two of my men died that day trying to protect her. I found out where she was and it took me a year to get Julia onto their island and then get her, Mia and Lyre off. She has been back here for the last four months.
"The child is well although she asks to be able to go home to the Werewolf's. This will not be allowed of course. We are working with her and Julia has custody of her. It is hard on Julia because Mia was told her mother gave her up because she was not wanted. She was told her father only wants to kill her because he doesn't want a daughter. The Clan did a real job on her. She knows Lyre is her brother and that is one good thing because he can show her she is safe here and that we are not out to take advantage of her.
"I haven't decided yet whether you will be introduced to her at the moment. We will see..."
Cole threw the towel into a bucket at the corner of the building. Cole pulled up a stool and sat two feet away from Jackson. "What I need from you Jackson is information about where you were held, what questions you remember being asked and who you remember seeing. I have others who I still need to rescue and your information is going to help me."
One-Eye Jackson glared at the strange man, “You would be surprised at just what I'm capable of Mr. Cole! I'm head the Hit Wizards for a reason. When it comes to you messing with the head of One of My Top Hit Wizards...”
One-Eye stopped as he showed just what his specialty was as he ask the elf guarding him in the pure Elvin language if he could check on Bren.
“I make it my business! Now you will take Me to Brennan as I plan on reeducating Mr. Dawson on How to Deal with Those Under Your Leadership! I will also Ensure Mr. Dawson learns How I feel about His recurring Self-Doubt! Now if you kindly Get Out of My Way, It is Time I return Mr. Dawson to His Duties!”
One-Eye headed for the Door. He hoped the man dared try to stop him. “Now that I don't have kids to worry about I can show this mercenary just how good I am even without a wand! I want answers and this man seems to have them.” He just wished the implant was already behind his patch. Then his new eye would bring poetic justice to the Dark Wizards that took his eye
Cole leaned back and grabbed the back of the chair. "I am fully aware of Brennan's background. He has been here before. My employer just wants to make sure Mr. Dawson is not a threat to himself, the school or the magical community at large."
“And just who might that be Mr. Cole cause I get mighty upset with Dark Wizards think they can kidnap one of My Hitwizards especially a Hit wizard of Mr. Dawson's caliber!” One-Eye wondered just what Intel Bren had dug up this time to warrant such imprisonment. “Could Bren have finally found the Dark Medjai Khalid Onaris?”
One-Eye knew why Khalid wanted One-Eye Jackson to disappear. “I know about his plant inside Hogwarts. I can also place his man Shadow at several kidnappings. I became a major threat not only to the SEVEN but to the Dark Medjai personally. How he learned about my specialty concerning the elves is beyond me but I intend to find out! As he insured I never got near that elf again. I hope the elf is okay. Maybe Kimtu sent the rescuers?” He was worried though cause the man codenamed the Fixer seemed to have conned several staff members at Hogwarts.
He knew this man was extremely dangerous and was on Alwart's personal list for several jobs the man had pulled off in Germany. “One that has Alwart most furious resulted in the extermination of Alwart's parents and younger siblings. Only Alwart's cousin Hank survived though Alwart believes that Hank was the target of the attack. Maybe it is time to have a private chat with Hank Reynolds?'
One-Eye was pretty sure that his special pocket still had the envelope that Alwart gave One-Eye the night they had decided to confront Hank at Hogshead
"I haven't done anything to him. He was comfortable in his room. He's the one who decided to fight and try and get to you. My men kept him contained. They have not hurt him. Right Mr. Dawson?"
One-Eye watched as Bren seemed to be agreeing with Mr. Cole. He knew though it had to be out of fear cause Brennan looked as if the four huge guys had beaten the Kid, as One-Eye called Bren, severally.
Glaring at Mr. Cole, he said furious but inwardly fearful he was the cause, “I might only have one eye but I know the look of a severe beating when I see it. Now either Your Goons release My Pupil or I Make Them!” He was worried about pushing this mercenary to far and the man once again having his goons take it out on Brennan.
"Brennan open your eyes. I know you are able to. Place you hands flat on the table and spread your fingers. You know the drill."
Brennan was scared as he listened to his Master Fixer and his friend. Doing as he was told was the only way to keep his friend alive was to fix the error and prove his loyalty.
His new Master had tested him with his old Master. “I failed that test and made my Master look bad. I should have not resisted and fought thus proving that under my new Master Fixer I had indeed learned my place. Instead I forced Master Cole to have to punish me in front of my old Master's step-son Damir. I must make this right cause it could risk Luke if I fail to fix my error.”
"I belong to no human. I am a Tocoferty with the Village Clan of this Isle. I have come here to learn, observe humans and assist Master Frank when he needs it. You were saved because Master Frank wished you to be saved." Kimtu bowed again and went to stand near Master Brennan, in case his healing skills were needed.
One-Eye's worst fear was now reality. “Owe a Dark Wizard a Life Debt is one Debt I swore never to owe. Yet I owe this man my Life as the elf confirmed that he and the other elves were sent by Mr. Cole.”[/i
One-Eye was sweating as he prayed that this Debt would not cost him everything he stood for
Looking towards the Elf he thought, “I hope I owe the Life Debt to you my little friend. Though I doubt it and now I fear my Debt will destroy everything I believe in. I will repay it as it is a value I hold to but my friend's instincts have never been wrong and Sasha don't trust Mr. Cole. In fact I think she has placed him on her list under Daniel Marsden. That scares me as she fears but hates Daniel. I will admit but only to you my rescuer, it scares me as Sasha is not known to fear and hate many. By the way might I ask your name?”
"I have not said I work for the Dark Medjai. I am a Mercenary, Jackson. I work for myself. I take the jobs I want to take, the ones I think I can complete with the least amount of problems to those who follow me. At the moment I have been hired to debrief you and make an assessment on your mental stability. I have also been asked to check on Mr. Dawson here." Cole chuckled when Brennan cracked his eyes open, placed his hands flat on the table and spread his fingers. He knew that maneuver would go a long way to make Cole not use more force.
“You did not have to as I know your history Mr. Cole. I even know of a Personal List you have made! Though I doubt you will be heading to Azkaban when he catches you.“ One-Eye will inform Alwart as soon as he got back to the Ministry
"Both you and Brennan will remain as my guest until I feel good about giving a glowing report to my employers. Are you ready to answer questions or do I need to resort to other methods?" Cole purposely looked down at the three bottles.
Getting up from the table, Brennan dropped to his knees in front of Master Fixer, "What must I do to fix my error Master? My friend was only worried about me. Please I will fix the error I made on the other island. I should have trusted you instead questioning you. How do I right this, Master?"
One-Eye Jackson could not believe his ears, "Brennan, he is not your Master, no one is. You are sounding a lot like you used to."He glared at Fixer, "What is Bren talking about another island? "
Bren had never looked up as he asked shakily, "If you are worried about my friend telling about this place, I will talk to him? Please Master don't kill him."
COLE
One-Eye Jackson glared at the strange man, “You would be surprised at just what I'm capable of Mr. Cole! I'm head the Hit Wizards for a reason. When it comes to you messing with the head of One of My Top Hit Wizards...”
One-Eye stopped as he showed just what his specialty was as he ask the elf guarding him in the pure Elvin language if he could check on Bren.
One-Eye stopped as he showed just what his specialty was as he ask the elf guarding him in the pure Elvin language if he could check on Bren.
Cole listened in on what Jackson was mentally telling Kimtu. The man was fluent in the elf's dialect. Cole wondered if he could speak all the dialects. That would be a nice addition to his group of specialist. Again the thought of trying to get Jackson to work for him, floated through his head. Maybe Arianna, head of the Caretakers would be interested in the man as part of her team.
“I make it my business! Now you will take me to Brennan as I plan on re-educating Mr. Dawson on How about His recurring Self-Doubt! Now if you kindly Get Out of My Way, It is Time I return Mr. Dawson to His Duties!”
Cole sat still and watched the man. He motioned for Punta to not stop him. "Please sit back down in your seat, Jackson." When he didn't Cole continued. "I will not be taking you to Brennan. Although if you keep this up Brennan will most likely end up here. It will be totally up to you why Brennan is brought here and how he is treated when he enters this room
He just wished the implant was already behind his patch. Then his new eye would bring poetic justice to the Dark Wizards that took his eye
Cole was getting images about a possible implant Jackson wanted inserted into his missing eye socket. He had heard about the laser implant, but didn't know of anyone who had taken the chance to have the surgery done. There were some nasty side effects, which had been reported about the live trials which had been conducted. Cole made a mental note to check on the information again.
“And just who might that be Mr. Cole cause I get mighty upset with Dark Wizards think they can kidnap one of My Hitwizards especially a Hit wizard of Mr. Dawson's caliber!”
"I am a mercenary Jackson. I work for who I want. I turn down jobs all the time. It is none of your business who I work for. Just know the people are very interested in finding out what you remember about being a captive. They have given me a lot of leeway in finding out the information. I have promised them you will survive but not much else."
One-Eye was pretty sure that his special pocket still had the envelope that Alwart gave One-Eye the night they had decided to confront Hank at Hogshead
"I said sit down Jackson. I will not say it again." Cole sat forward in his seat and leaned more on his folded arms. He nodded to Punta, who walked over to a hidden drawer under the built-in cabinet, opened it and withdrew a black envelope. He brought it back to the table and handed it to Cole. Cole smiled and threw it into the center of the table. "I said sit down and we will talk."
One-Eye watched as an elf he thought he recognized led four very large men who dragged a semiconscious Bren into the room.
Glaring at Mr. Cole, he said furious but inwardly fearful he was the cause, “I might only have one eye but I know the look of a severe beating when I see it. Now either Your Goons release My Pupil or I Make Them!” He was worried about pushing this mercenary too far and the man once again having his goons take it out on Brennan,
Glaring at Mr. Cole, he said furious but inwardly fearful he was the cause, “I might only have one eye but I know the look of a severe beating when I see it. Now either Your Goons release My Pupil or I Make Them!” He was worried about pushing this mercenary too far and the man once again having his goons take it out on Brennan,
"Please sit down Jackson. You really have no say so at the moment on what happens here or what happens to anyone on my island."
One-Eye's worst fear was now reality. “Owe a Dark Wizard a Life Debt is one Debt I swore never to owe. Yet I owe this man my Life as the elf confirmed that he and the other elves were sent by Mr. Cole.”[/i
One-Eye was sweating as he prayed that this Debt would not cost him everything he stood for.
One-Eye was sweating as he prayed that this Debt would not cost him everything he stood for.
Cole nodded. He knew Jackson was someone who always paid his debt, and at the moment Cole held the debt of his freedom and life in his hand. Once he got Jackson to believe he only wanted to help him, the man was going to be a good asset.
Looking towards the Elf he thought, “I hope I owe the Life Debt to you my little friend. Though I doubt it and now I fear my Debt will destroy everything I believe in. I will repay it as it is a value I hold to but my friend's instincts have never been wrong and Sasha doesn't trust Mr. Cole. In fact I think she has placed him on her list under Daniel Marsden. That scares me as she fears but hates Daniel. I will admit but only to you my rescuer, it scares me as Sasha is not known to fear and hate many.”
Cole tuned in on Jackson's little silent talk with Kimtu. It was interesting the man knew he could talk with the elf through thoughts. Cole stayed mentally quiet. A persons inner thought usually told a very different story then what they projected to the outside world.
"..... By the way might I ask your name?"
Cole gave a miniscule nod to Kimtu, giving him permission to answer Jackson's questions. He also rubbed his ear, telling Kimtu to answer verbally. "My name is Kimtu. You do not owe me a debt, as I said before the only reason I assisted you was because of Maser Frank. To him you owe the debt of your freedom and your life. Only he can decide when the debt has been paid in full. He has shown myself and my clan brothers honesty." Kimtu bowed slowly and then turned back to Master Brennan.
“You did not have to as I know your history Mr. Cole. I even know of a Personal List you have made! Though I doubt you will be heading to Azkaban when he catches you.“ One-Eye will inform Alwart as soon as he got back to the Ministry
"I welcome anyone to try and catch me. All they have to do is ask and I will bring them to my island for a nice long stay." Cole chuckled. No one got on his island without permission. When he was off the island he was protected by at least one of the elves at all time. Not necessarily something he needed, but something he agreed to with his Elvin friends. They were very protective.
(Brennan was brought into the room) Getting up from the table, Brennan dropped to his knees in front of Master Fixer, "What must I do to fix my error Master? My friend was only worried about me. Please I will fix the error I made on the other island. I should have trusted you instead questioning you. How do I make this right, Master?"
Cole looked down at Brennan, kneeling beside his chair. His goal was to get Brennan back to thinking of him as a friend and not his new Master. The machine on the Werewolf Clan island had done a job on the boys brain. Cole had been put on the machine also, but Cole had planned ahead before he allowed himself to be captured, so he could go undercover. He had his Key, or his subconscious, divided off from his conscious. Enough had been left to allow for normal body functions and allow anyone who was searching to see he had a subconscious, but the main part had been safely locked away by the elves. When he was brought home his Key was brought out of hiding and Cole became whole again. He still made sure he always had a elf close by because it had taken a lot out of his Key to stay in hiding.
Cole reached out and patted Brennan's head. "The error was not yours Brennan. You have done nothing wrong. I am not pleased that you fought my care but I understand you have a connection with Jackson, so this time I will forgive you. Please sit back up at the table. Put your hands flat on the table and spread your fingers. You must show your friend the proper way to obey me."
Cole smiled as Brennan did what he requested with no hesitation. "Thank you Brennan."
One-Eye Jackson could not believe his ears, "Brennan, he is not your Master, no one is. You are sounding a lot like you used to." He glared at Fixer, "What is Bren talking about another island?"
"Brennan was held, along with a few others, on an island and he was made to believe he must obey a member of a werewolf clan. I rescued him and he now stays here until I can try and undo the damage done to him. It will do you no good to try and convince Brennan I am not his Master. In his world I am, at the moment. Now what I require from you is that to retain your seat, put your hands flat on the table and spread your fingers."
Bren had never looked up as he asked shakily, "If you are worried about my friend telling about this place, I will talk to him? Please Master don't kill him."
As Cole waited to see what Jackson would do he turned to Brennan. "I will allow you to talk with him in a bit, Brennan. I guarantee I am not planning on killing him. If he doesn't learn his place soon though, I am afraid he is going to be in a lot of pain. Would you be willing to take that pain for him, Brennan? Would you be willing to let me use my serums on your body to save him?" Cole wondered if he threatened Brennan, if Jackson would start doing as he asked.
JACKSON
... "I will not be taking you to Brennan. Although if you keep this up Brennan will most likely end up here. It will be totally up to you why Brennan is brought here and how he is treated when he enters this room.”
“Stay Away from my Pupil!” One-Eye was losing his patience with this man. He had to find Brennan.
"I am a mercenary Jackson. I work for who I want. I turn down jobs all the time. It is none of your business who I work for. Just know the people are very interested in finding out what you remember about being a captive. They have given me a lot of leeway in finding out the information. I have promised them you will survive but not much else."
He was nervous as it seemed this man might be the one Linthux said Daniel had hired to keep One-Eye's crush entertained. “ Do we really have a child together? It was one night. The kid would be about to show his first magic. Unless he is a Squib?” One-Eye cringed as he remembered what Daniel had ordered should the boy fail his test.
"I said sit down Jackson. I will not say it again." Cole sat forward in his seat and leaned more on his folded arms. He nodded to Punta, who walked over to a hidden drawer under the built-in cabinet, opened it and withdrew a black envelope. He brought it back to the table and handed it to Cole. Cole smiled and threw it into the center of the table. "I said sit down and we will talk."
Jackson watched as the envelope he had thought well hidden was tossed on the table. He had underestimated this man and now fury raged inside him. "How dare you go through my robes!" He had to be careful though as his patch constantly reminded him
"Please sit down Jackson. You really have no say so at the moment on what happens here or what happens to anyone on my island."
Unsure how to handle the problem in front of him, One-Eye chose to ask the elf that had handed Frank Cole the envelope, “You my little friend should have left the Owl where it was. I planned on confronting the man about it. Now kindly put it back please as the man who wants your Master's head will not be pleased it is back in that Murderer's hands instead of my friend's cousin's hands.”
Cole gave a miniscule nod to Kimtu, giving him permission to answer Jackson's questions. He also rubbed his ear, telling Kimtu to answer verbally. "My name is Kimtu. You do not owe me a debt, as I said before the only reason I assisted you was because of Maser Frank. To him you owe the debt of your freedom and your life. Only he can decide when the debt has been paid in full. He has shown myself and my clan brothers honest." Kimtu bowed slowly and then turned back to Master Brennan.
The Head of the Hitwizards cringed as he walked to the window to think. Looking out he saw a familiar face as his hands reached for his head. “You work for me now. Unless you want certain people to learn the truth. I can make her disappear...” Thinking the voice was an external one, One-Eye turned to the man and furious, “I work for the Ministry, not a Dark Wizard! Tell them what you want cause my loyalty won't falter. Go near that kid and you will regret it!”
"I welcome anyone to try and catch me. All they have to do is ask and I will bring them to my island for a nice long stay." Cole chuckled. ...
Jackson gave a sly grin, “Keep thinking that, Killer! For this German Auror , it's Personal. Oh and I doubt the elves will interfere.” One-Eye loved when targets thought they were untouchable. “Like the Medjai. Only bad thing concerning that bust is I once again have to break Sasha's heart.” The Medjai traitor was going to pay dearly for the hurt this was going to cause.
Cole reached out and patted Brennan's head. "The error was not yours Brennan. You have done nothing wrong. I am not pleased that you fought my care but I understand you have a connection with Jackson, so this time I will forgive you. Please sit back up at the table. Put your hands flat on the table and spread your fingers. You must show your friend the proper way to obey me." ... Cole smiled as Brennan did what he requested with no hesitation. "Thank you Brennan."
He watched as Brennan turned back into that scared kid he had first picked to teach cause the boy who had passed every test to become an Auror except the Psychic-Eval. Later as he had gotten to understand the problems that faced the young man through his chats with varies elves who had dealt with Brennan and his secret past, One-Eye grew to admire the young man's dedication. “Bren, you are stronger than this. The elves know it and so do I. Now snap out of that mind-trap and get to doing what you do best! Give Me something even the smallest crack...”
"Brennan was held, along with a few others, on an island and he was made to believe he must obey a member of a werewolf clan. I rescued him and he now stays here until I can try and undo the damage done to him. It will do you no good to try and convince Brennan I am not his Master. In his world I am, at the moment. Now what I require from you is that to retain your seat, put your hands flat on the table and spread your fingers."
One-Eye stopped as he a strange thought came to him, “Brennan, do what you do best on that envelope. I know a certain German Auror would be happy to get the intel.” He inwardly smiled as he hoped that once Brennan started on the Owl that both him and Alwart agreed was a threat directed at Alwart's cousin Hank, whatever brainwashing the man did would be gone.
As Cole waited to see what Jackson would do he turned to Brennan. "I will allow you to talk with him in a bit, Brennan. I guarantee I am not planning on killing him. If he doesn't learn his place soon though, I am afraid he is going to be in allot of pain. Would you be willing to take that pain for him, Brennan? Would you be willing to let me use my serums on your body to save him?" Cole wondered if he threatened Brennan, if Jackson would start doing as he asked.
Brennan slowly nodded. “I have to make this error right.” He went towards his friend and tried to force him into the chair. He was grabbed and headed for the door.
One-Eye heard, “No, I will not betray my Master's trust. And You will learn your place.” Just as his hand reached the door, he felt Brennan yank him towards the wall.
COLE
“Stay Away from my Pupil!” One-Eye was losing his patience with this man. He had to find Brennan.
Cole chuckled. "Brennan was your pupil a long time ago. You taught him well, and I will admit he is good, but he is still young and lacks experience. That lack of experience has put him where he is today. He has been brainwashed and it is my job to deprogram him. You, at the moment, have nothing to say or do about it."
Jackson watched as the envelope he had thought well hidden was tossed on the table. He had underestimated this man and now fury raged inside him. "How dare you go through my robes!" He had to be careful though as his patch constantly reminded him.
Cole smiled. "I have no problem going through yours or anyone else's robes, luggage, bags, or anything else they bring on my island. This is my island, so anything on it is mine." Cole knew he was sounding egotistical. He had no problem with anyone having their private items, but everyone on the Isle of Perdition knew, if Cole required the item or thought the item was a danger to his island, Cole had the final say on what happened to it or how it was used. It was just the way things worked.
Unsure how to handle the problem in front of him, One-Eye chose to ask the elf that had handed Frank Cole the envelope,(in Punta's dialect) “You my little friend should have left the Owl where it was. I planned on confronting a man about it. Now kindly put it back please as the man who wants your Master's head will not be pleased it is back in that Murderer's hands instead of my friend's cousin's hands.”
Cole heard the unspoken words through his link with Punta. Jackson had a natural gift of languages and apparently could speak all the dialects of the five elfin clans on the Isle of Skye. His five elfin guests and assistants were all Tocoferty (Princes in the human language) representatives of each of those Elfin Clans. Cole had given each of them permission to set up Clan homes on his island. He could use someone like Jackson if the man ever relearned what was truly important.
The Head of the Hitwizards cringed as he walked to the window to think. Looking out he saw a familiar face as his hands reached for his head. “You work for me now. Unless you want certain people to learn the truth. I can make her disappear...” Thinking the voice was an external one, One-Eye turned to the man and furious, “I work for the Ministry, not a Dark Wizard! Tell them what you want cause my loyalty won't falter. Go near that kid and you will regret it!”
Cole watched as Jackson walked toward the window. He appeared to be seeing someone out there. Looking at Punta, the elf nodded and sent a mental message to one of his brothers. The area would be checked. Punta also sent him what Jackson was hearing in his head. When he turned and told Cole to not go near the Kid, Cole sent his own mental message to find out who the kid was. The child would need to be protected.
(Cole) "I welcome anyone to try and catch me. All they have to do is ask and I will bring them to my island for a nice long stay." Cole chuckled. ...
(Jackson) ... “Keep thinking that, Killer! For this German Auror , it's Personal. Oh and I doubt the elves will interfere.”
(Jackson) ... “Keep thinking that, Killer! For this German Auror , it's Personal. Oh and I doubt the elves will interfere.”
Apparently Jackson did not have a clue of the relationship between Cole and the elves. The elves had promised to protect the island and everyone on it. In return Cole let them observe human's and taught them human ways. The elfin clans were older than any of the human governments or organizations, but they had kept to themselves. As the human population grew, they had realized they needed to learn about the creatures who now co-inhabited the planet. Luckily they liked humans and thought we could learn how to live together.
He watched as Brennan turn back into that scared kid he had first picked to teach cause the boy who had pasted every test to become an Auror except the Psychic-Eval. ... “Bren, you are stronger than this. The elves know it and so do I. Now snap out of that mind-trap and get to doing what you do best! Give Me something even the smallest crack...”
Cole looked at Brennan who was looking at him for guidance. Looking at Jackson he said, "Brennan will not be profiling anything unless I give my permission. I have read the missive."
“Bren, you are stronger than this. The elves know it and so do I. Now snap out of that mindtrap and get to doing what you do best! Give Me something even the smallest crack... Brennan, do what you do best on that envelope. ...
"I plan on letting Brennan profile the note. When he is done he will be returned to his room, where he will rest. You need to sit down before any of this happens though."
Cole glanced at Brennan who was listening to every word he said. Cole smiled. "While Brennan rests, you Jackson and I will have a in-depth discussion about the past two years and your future. My questions will be answered. How much discomfort you are in during our discussion will be totally up to you." Cole fingered one of the hypodermic syringes. "You have no say in the order all this happens."
Brennan slowly nodded. “I have to make this error right.” He went towards his friend and tried to force him into the chair. He was grabbed and headed for the door. ...
Cole held up his hand to stop Punta from interfering. He wasn't sure Brennan had the strength to take on Jackson, but Brennan needed to feel he was doing something right, so Cole was going to let him so he would be able to give the man some positive feedback.
One-Eye heard, “No, I will not betray my Master's trust. And You will learn your place.” Just as his hand reached the door, he felt Brennan yank him towards the wall.
As they got closer to the wall, Cole signaled Punta to help. He watched as Punta pointed his hand toward Jackson, fingers spread and closed his eyes for a couple seconds. When he opened them Jackson was forced toward the wall, his arms and legs spread eagled as Brennan shackled him in to the restraints. Cole turned his chair so when he straddled it he could turn his head right and see Brennan and left he would be able to see Jackson. "That's much better. Brennan well done, I am proud of you. You may sit over there." Cole pointed to the chair on the other side of the table.
Cole reached out for the envelope, opened it and laid it on the table in front of Brennan. "Brennan you may begin...." Chuckling he added, "Jackson you may listen. If you can be good I may let you down and I may not give you a shot which will cause pain. It is up to you.... Start Brennan, please."
Letter in envelope.
Hank,
Roses are Red but I prefer Black. Nosy Tanks endanger those close especially pretty cousins.
Back off and keep your mouth shut or remaining family problems will be solved with the delivery of a Wreath of Black Roses.
I'll be In touch my old Friend!
BRENNAN
... “Bren, you are stronger than this. The elves know it and so do I. Now snap out of that mind-trap and get to doing what you do best! Give Me something even the smallest crack...”
Bren inwardly smiled, 'Even when I was just a kid, One-Eye kept encouraging me. Now though I have to protect him and that means pretending to still be in the mind-trap Fixer saved me from.' The profiler just hoped Damir had not brainwashed Frank Cole and the Fixer was considering Bren's boss as a possible Code-Red.
Cole looked at Brennan who was looking at him for guidance. Looking at Jackson he said, "Brennan will not be profiling anything unless I give my permission. I have read the missive."
Brennan shook his head unsure what a letter had to do with anything. He was worried about Tia but was unsure how to ask.
"I plan on letting Brennan profile the note. ... While Brennan rest, you Jackson and I will have a in-depth discussion about the past two years and your future. My questions will be answered. How much discomfort you are in during our discussion will be totally up to you." Cole fingered one of the hypodermic syringes. "You have no say in the order all this happens."
Sherlock smiled shakily, “Master, the young princess? Is my friend a possible threat?”
One-Eye heard, “No, I will not betray my Master's trust. And You will learn your place.” Just as his hand reached the door, he felt Brennan yank him towards the wall.
Bren was inwardly smiling. 'One-Eye sounds normal but so did I. How is Frank Cole going to know if my boss is still loyal to his oath?'
... Jackson was forced toward the wall, his arms and legs spread eagle ...Cole pointed to the chair on the other side of the table. ..."Brennan you may begin.... Jackson you may listen. ... Start Brennan, please."
“Yes My Lord!” Bren said bowing. He prayed that One-Eye Jackson would forgive him.
Letter in envelope. Hank, Roses are Red but I prefer Black. Nosy Tanks endanger those close especially pretty cousins. Back off and keep your mouth shut or remaining family problems will be solved with the delivery of a Wreath of Black Roses. I'll be In touch my old Friend!
“This part 'Hank' shows that the writer was targeting Hank. It is not much but it does show that the writer was close enough to know where Hank was born.”, Bren was worried cause it seemed Alwart was blaming Fixer.
“This part'Roses are Red but I prefer Black.' narrows down the list of senders as Black Roses are rare. It does open the possibility that Hank knows who is sending Rosa the flowers and scaring her.” Bren had to change his next question. “My Lord, has Huntress seen this threat?”
“'Nosy Tanks endanger those close especially pretty cousins.' could mean that Hank knows who and why it was sent. It also shows that the writer is not Fixer as he would have addressed the note to Tank not Hank. Am I right Frank Cole? This note looks familiar and I am praying it...” Brennan's head hurt and he was having trouble focusing as memories flooded back. 'You will deliver my present Pet or Suffer!' Sherlock was shaking as he pleaded with Fixer to understand. He started towards the threat to the family. The dagger up his sleeve would make quick work of the Gatherer the only man that stood between his Master and leadership of the PACT.
COLE
Bren had to change his next question. “My Lord, has Huntress seen this threat?”
Cole folded his arms on the back of his chair and rubbed his chin. "To answer your question Brennan. Huntress has not seen the message. I am still trying to determine the necesity for that to happen."
“'Nosy Tanks endanger those close especially pretty cousins.' could mean that Hank knows who and why it was sent. It also shows that the writer is not Fixer as he would have addressed the note to Tank not Hank. Am I right Frank Cole? This note looks familiar and I am praying it...” Brennan's head hurt and he was having trouble focusing as memories flooded back.
He let his eyes wonder from Brennan to Jackson to see if he caught the change in Brennan. Something had just set off a trigger. Cole knew to a certain extent, Brennan had been programmed to carry out some type of mission for the Werewolf Clan. The note had reminded Brennan of something he was supposed to do. Cole watched as Brennan stuck out his hand and appeared to be grabbing something. There was nothing in his hand. When the young man got up out of his chair and looked at Cole with murder in his eyes, then started toward him, Cole just stood and waited. He had to let this play out. Only then would the trigger be deprogrammed, because Brennan's brain would think he had carried out the mission.
Brennan continued toward him, his hand positioned as if he was holding a knife. When he got within two feet, he stabbed his hand forward again and again. Cole wanted to see what would happen next so he sat down in the chair, and tilted his head to the side as if he was unconscious. Brennan starred at him for a few moments then smiled and took the invisible knife in both of his hands and jammed his hands into his own chest. Then he fell to the floor.
Cole immediately called Punta and Kimtu over. If Brennan was too far into his head he could actually die, if his brain thought he was holding a knife. His brain would shut down. The elves knelt beside Brennan and spread their hands over his body. Suddenly Brennan took several gulps of air and then settled down. Punta looked up and said, "He will survive Master Frank. We will keep in under for an hour or two to make sure he has come back from the memory."
"Take him to his room."
"Yes master Frank, as you wish." Both elves placed their hands over Brennan, closed their eyes and stayed that way for a few heartbeats. When they opened them, Brennan started to float. They had him out the door in under ten seconds.
Cole stood and walked over to where Jackson hung on the wall. "Now where were we?"
JACKSON
Brennan continued toward him, his hand positioned as if he was holding a knife. When he got within two feet, he stabbed his hand forward again and again. Cole wanted to see what would happen next so he sat down in the chair, and tilted his head to the side as if he was unconscious. Brennan starred at him for a few moments then smiled and took the invisible knife in both of his hands and jammed his hands into his own chest. Then he fell to the floor.
One-Eye watched in disbelief. “No Bren! Stop.” He had saw similar acts when he would watch Brennan at Hogwarts. He prayed that Brennan's profile was right about Fixer. Bren had trusted very few with the nightmares that tormented him. 'It took me years to gain that young man's trust and now I am about to tell the one man that thinks he controls Bren,'
“Fixer, let me down as something in that note is having Brennan sleep walking again.” Fighting the chains, One-Eye Jackson pleaded, “Don't hurt him. It's not his fault. Somebody did this to him when he was only eight years old. Let me down and I will help wake him.”
He watched in horror as the memory played out. Fighting the chains as he said, “Please let me help snap him out of that time.” Something Brennan had said years ago finally clinked. In barely a whisper, “Please let me be wrong about what you are reliving. Please Bren, don't be the one that helped the writer of that note kidnap Alwart's younger sister. Don't let the girl from your nightmares be the 'pretty cousin' referred to in that note?”
Punta looked up and said, "He will survive Master Frank. We will keep in under for an hour or two to make sure he has come back from the memory."
One-Eye asked Punta in the Elvin tongue, “Is the Kid finally free from his past? I thought years ago having him talk about his nightmares would free his mind from whatever damaged his soul during his captivity. I guess I was wrong.”
Cole stood and walked over to where Jackson hung on the wall. "Now where were we?"
He started fighting the chains, “ As for where were we, you're going to release me and let me help Brennan! I still can't believe somebody would ever think to make an eight year old into a killer. Now let me down as Bren is a Hufflepuff. I won't let this destroy him as it almost did his fifth year!” He was visiting the fifth years to see if any were Hit Wizard material. One-Eye smiled as he remembered taking a liking to the shy kid from his own house. 'I spent most of my spare time checking up on the boy.' He would be dang if this was going to destroy the last of Bren's soul. “I won't lose him to the darkness that he believes plagues his soul.”
COLE
“Fixer, let me down as something in that note is having Brennan sleep walking again.” Fighting the chains, One-Eye Jackson pleaded, “Don't hurt him. It's not his fault. Somebody did this to him when he was only eight years old. Let me down and I will help wake him.”
Cole looked back and forth between Brennan, no lying on the floor and Jackson hanging spread-eagle on the wall. He had to let the whole thing play out. Only this way would Brennan's brain think he had carried out what he had been programmed so many years ago to do. Cole had not been positive he was the original target, but now that was confirmed.
One-Eye asked Punta in the Elvin tongue, “Is the Kid finally free from his past? I thought years ago having him talk about his nightmares would free his mind from whatever damaged his soul during his captivity. I guess I was wrong.”
Punta looked first to Master Frank. Receiving a nod he said to Master Jackson, "The human has carried out what his mind told him he had to do when it was triggered. His mind now thinks he has done the deed, so the program ends. We will observe and carefully correct any lasting effects. Master Brennan will not even remember what he has done her today."
Both elves placed their hands over Brennan, closed their eyes and stayed that way for a few heartbeats. When they opened them, Brennan started to float. They had him out the door in under ten seconds.
(Jackson) started fighting the chains, “ As for where were we, you're going to release me and let me help Brennan! ........”
(Jackson) started fighting the chains, “ As for where were we, you're going to release me and let me help Brennan! ........”
Cole watched the man continue to struggle. If he let Jackson down the man would go straight for Brennan and that would mean continuing to fight with him. "Brennan is safe. The elves will take good care of him. When he awakes, I promise you, you will be able to see and talk with him." Cole leaned up against the small table and stretched his legs out in front of him, crossing his legs at the ankles. "You and I need to talk about the last two years of your life. I need details to hand over to those who have hired me to make sure you are not a threat to yourself of to the Wizarding world in general. I need to prove to them you have not been programmed, like Brennan to carry out some future act. I am not the bad guy here."
Cole looked out the window. He stood and sent a mental message for Punta to return to the room. When the elf re-entered he said, "Take him down off the walls. Hands shackled behind him. We are going for a little ride." Cole looked back at Jackson and Punta took him down and tied his hands behind his back. "I think we need a change of scenery. Let me show you my island."
Cole chuckled to himself. He would take Jackson to the training grounds. He knew of at least one person there who would help him prove he was not working for the Dark Wizards.
Cole led the way out of the room, followed by Jackson and then Punta. He had a jeep and driver always waiting at the front door. They got in and Cole motioned toward the training area. A short ride later, Cole pulled Jackson out of the jeep and had Punta remove the restraints. He knew eventually Jackson would try and escape and that would be alright. No one got on his island or off his island without his permission.
It had been a while since his mean had played "Cat and Mouse", a game Cole usually reserved for the newer recruits. The game consisted of having someone designated as the mouse given a one hour head start to "escape". Then the trainees would have to find him or her. Most of the time, once found the game was over, but Cole had played the game with some "visitors" and each time they were found, they were shown they had been found, but were allowed to keep running. One man was allowed to run for three days, not allowed to sleep, eat, or rest. Eventually the man just gave up. He man was now one of Cole's Training Sergeants. The whole island was under video surveillance but his troops were not allowed to see the video until after, when they would learn what they did right and wrong. It was a fantastic learning tool.
Jackson was led over to where a group of about twenty men and women were learning offence and defense maneuvers. Cole stood there and watched, paying close attention to Jackson.
JACKSON
Punta looked first to Master Frank. Receiving a nod he said to Master Jackson, "The human has carried out what his mind told him he had to do when it was triggered. His mind now thinks he has done the deed, so the program ends. We will observe and carefully correct any lasting effects. Master Brennan will not even remember what he has done here today."
The new Head of the Hit Wizards smiled. He never understood how he had learned the Elvin languages so well. 'It did not even happen until the day Bren got a lucky shot in during training. I had not even noticed until the medic said that if I was going to get injury then maybe it should not be by a new cadet that is already cut. Me and Bren had both just laughed the injuries off and shook hands. I remember asking Bren if I should correct the medic as Bren was only a fifth year. Come to think of it Bren later did not even remember the sparing at all. But I knew that I needed to chat with the Head of the Hitwizards at the time about Brennan's potential.'
Cole watched the man continue to struggle. If he let Jackson down the man would go straight for Brennan and that would mean continuing to fight with him. "Brennan is safe. The elves will take good care of him. When he awakes, I promise you, you will be able to see and talk with him."
One-Eye laughed, “As if I fully trusted you. I will though inform a certain German Auror that he is mistaken about you being the writer of that threat. Bren is hardly ever wrong so I have learned to trust his profiling skills. I wished he had agreed to profile the Medjai two years ago. Instead he said if I wanted the truth about Tarik then I should talk with Tarik.” 'That decision cost me two years. Two years I plan on repaying in spades.' One-Eye Jackson wished he had been wrong cause not only would it hurt his new leader Sasha but a young girl that TOE protected was way too trusting of the man two years ago
“I think you should send me and Bren back to the Ministry when he wakes. Minister of Magic might decide to find this place and shut you down. He is still not at all pleased with you.” Jackson was truly unsure of Seth's feelings towards the man but one thing One-Eye was keenly aware of is he felt uneasy being around the man. 'It is taking everything I have to keep my guard up. The elves and Bren trust this man and yet Sasha doesn't. I am torn between trusting and investigating.'
Cole leaned up against the small table and stretched his legs out in front of him, crossing his legs at the ankles. "You and I need to talk about the last two years of your life. I need details to hand over to those who have hired me to make sure you are not a threat to yourself or to the Wizarding world in general. I need to prove to them you have not been programmed, like Brennan to carry out some future act. I am not the bad guy here."
“If you are not the bad guy then why does Sasha want you taken down? She really don't like you and she is my boss. Plus I never talk about my job or assignments. So I am sorry the answer is No!” Jackson started wishing he had waited until he was off the wall before he refused. His headache was back and Linthux's threat echoed in his mind, 'The Medjai or your daughter. One is coming to chat with me. You pest choose which!'
One-Eye shook his head as he whispered, “Neither!” He had to find his ex-girlfriend and the daughter she had told him was not his. 'Marcus Linthux was too sure for it to be a ruse. I wonder if she was afraid I would not want her because her elder child was not mine? I barely remember the boy but we seemed to hit it off okay. I even remember asking the boy if he was okay about me dating his mom. Lyre, seemed okay as long as I did not try and replace his true father. I even promised to look into it. Then...' One-Eye shook his head as he once again wondered why he could not remember just how him and Julie had lost contact
Cole looked out the window. He stood and sent a mental message for Punta to return to the room. When the elf re-entered he said, "Take him down off the walls. Hands shackled behind him. We are going for a little ride."
He watched as the elf he had talked to came back into the room. 'Maybe Bren is awake? Especially if that man is letting me off the wall. A ride, shackles?' He shook his head. “If you are taking me to Bren then the shackles are not needed? If not, well I have no intention of any such thing being ever put on me again!” He turned to the elf and spoke so only the elf would understand, “I will fight you on this issue. I spent two years shackled. I swore never again. I won't let Marcus Linthux win. I wish I could trust Frank Cole like it seems you guys and Brennan do but I can't forget this man never took a side and Sasha doesn't trust him. She leads TOE and so her orders are the ones I must follow.”
Cole looked back at Jackson and Punta took him down and tied his hands behind his back. "I think we need a change of scenery. Let me show you my island."
One-Eye knew he was fighting a losing battle but he had to try and not allow the shackles. 'Two years of not being able to give Marcus Linthux's torturers the butt-kicking they deserved. He almost broke me especially threatening my daughter. It was Alwart that kept me sane and of course the payback I swore I would one-day give when I got free. Starting with the Medjai.'
He fought the shackles. “The only thing I want to see is...” A voice in his head said, 'Yes see the island. Then gain Fixer's trust and have him bring the betrayer to you. The Medjai killed Joseph when all Daniel wanted to do was talk to him. He then help kill Daniel Marsden after promising to bring Tia to Daniel.'
One-Eye settled down as he said, “Okay, I will see your island but remove the shackles. You trust me, I might learn to trust you.”
Jackson was led over to where a group of about twenty men and women were learning offense and defense maneuvers. Cole stood there and watched, paying close attention to Jackson.
He started for the group in a circle around a woman. 'Julie'
He got between Julie and the men coming at her. “Julia, get behind me. By the way, Where is my daughter?”
As the men came near, One-Eye's reflexes went into self defense. “I am glad I was right about you being the enemy Fixer. So Linthux hired you to do the one thing his torturers could not do? Break Me! Now where is Linthux keeping My Daughter!” He would deal first with Fixer's men and then he would deal with Fixer and the Medjai. He dropped a few that dared think they could get to Julia through him. The next thing he heard was “Sorry Love” before lights went out
COLE
... 'Two years of not being able to give Marcus Linthux's torturers the butt-kicking they deserved. He almost broke me especially threatening my daughter. It was Alwart that kept me sane and of course the payback I swore I would one-day give when I got free. Starting with the Medjai.'
... 'Yes see the island. Then gain Fixer's trust and have him bring the betrayer to you. The Medjai killed Joseph when all Daniel wanted to do was talk to him. He then help kill Daniel Marsden after promising to bring Tia to Daniel.'
... 'Yes see the island. Then gain Fixer's trust and have him bring the betrayer to you. The Medjai killed Joseph when all Daniel wanted to do was talk to him. He then help kill Daniel Marsden after promising to bring Tia to Daniel.'
Cole looked at Punta, who was feeding him what was going on in Jackson's head. Sometime during the two years Jackson was being held by the Werewolf Clan, he had broken, a fact not surprising to Cole. Being brainwashed and tortured for two years would break any man. Someone had worked hard to get Jackson to believe Tarik had killed the Head master at the school and the leader of the Dark Seven, an organization of Dark Wizards which had been destroyed. At least most thought they had been destroyed. Cole inwardly shook his head because he knew different.
As soon as the shackles were removed, One-Eye went into defense mode. His old instructor had tried to teach him Martial Arts. “So where is Bren?”
Jackson was led over to where a group of about twenty men and women were learning offense and defense maneuvers. Cole stood there and watched, paying close attention to Jackson.
(Jackson) started for the group in a circle around a woman. 'Julie'
(Jackson) started for the group in a circle around a woman. 'Julie'
Cole used hand signals to tell the group to not kill the man, but they could attack. Cole wanted to see what the man could and would do. He knew Julie would be here. Julie was one of his troops. Her specialty was infiltration of just about anywhere, whether getting in and getting out, or going undercover. She was just back from assignment at the moment. The assignment had been to infiltrate the Werewolf Clan home and ended with her bringing both her 18-year-old son, Lyre, and her 5-year-old daughter, Mia, out of the mess. Lyre had known who she was... Mia did to some extent. Mia had the mindset of the Clan, but she was young enough to be retrained. Lyre had never lost his need and want to be free. Cole smiled, the young man was doing quite well as a trainee. It appeared his specialty was going to be electronics.
He got between Julie and the men coming at her. “Julia, get behind me...."
Julie's eyes shot to Cole and he nodded. She was being given permission to play along. He watched as she stood behind him with her hands on her hips. Jackson was focused on the men encircling him. Cole smiled at the love in the woman's eyes.
".... By the way, where is my daughter?”
Jackson's question confirmed he knew about his daughter Mia. Julie had not been sure he would remember. They had set it up so Jackson would see the little girl out of the window of his holding room, but Mia could not see him. It was slow going, but the little girl was being deprogrammed of her belief the Werewolf Clan were her family. It would take a long while but the elves were happy with the results so far. The bond between Mia and her mother, Julie, had was continually being strengthened on a day to day basis.
As the men came near, One-Eye's reflexes went into self defense. “I am glad I was right about you being the enemy Fixer. So Linthux hired you to do the one thing his torturers could not do? Break Me! Now where is Linthux keeping My Daughter!” He would deal first with Fixer's men and then he would deal with Fixer and the Medjai. He dropped a few that dared think they could get to Julia through him.
Ah, Jackson. They did break you and now we will try and bring you back. The man did not believe his girlfriend, and mother of his daughter, was part of Cole's troops. He was not processing the fact, she was dressed in the same green t-shirt and camouflage pants as the rest of the people standing around. When she looked to him for guidance on what to do, he gave her one more hand signal.
The next thing he heard was “Sorry Love” before lights went out.
Cole walked to the middle of the group. He checked out the couple of men who Jackson had gotten the better of. They had gone to attention when he stepped into the now ring of troops. "At ease. We will review what happened later. I understand you were holding back so it will be fine." Everything in the training area was being filmed. All three men nodded and stepped back. They knew he was not angry with them.
Walking over to Julie he asked, "You alright?" He received a nod. "Ok, lay him out on one of the cots over by the wall. I want him kept outside. And Julie, you did good. He thinks I am the enemy here. If he tries to escape let him. If he tries to take you with him, go. It will be a non-lethal game of Cat and Mouse. Your daughter stays in the compound though. You can tell him she has been removed if you like. Let's keep with the idea you are here involuntarily. Go change. When you come back you can sit with him. I need him talking to someone and if that person is you fine. Let him try and get off the island. I promise I won't let it go on for too long." Receiving a "Yes Sire and a salute," Julie left to change.
Cole decided to get in some personal training while he waited for Jackson to come to, which should only be a half hour at the outside. If Jackson stuck around he would try and explain to him why Julie was there. If he took off then he would designate the team who would join the Cat and Mouse training exercise. Cole looked at Jackson more time and then headed for the obstacle course.
JACKSON
Jackson hears movement around. Slowly opening his eyes to get his bearings. 'How did they knock me out?' He got worried knowing that Julia was behind him. 'Where's is she? Did they hurt her to get to me? It was the only way to knock me out.'
He felt a hand on his shoulder. His reflexes kicked in. Seeing her hands guard her face One-Eye stopped within inches of hurting the mother of his daughter. “Julie, you okay? They did not hurt you, did they?”
He looked to find the man that Linthux had hired to break him. The man seemed distracted so he asked Julia, “ How did Linthux get you? Does he have our daughter or is she here? I know you, who is that man using to keep you here? Lyre or our daughter?” He would tear the man apart if either child is hurt. He hugged the woman he never forgot. “Before you disappeared right before our child's birth, I got you a ring. I went to ask you to marry me to find the house empty as if you had never been there. It hurt Julie to think you did not feel the same. It still hurts. How did Linthux find out and how did The Seven get to you and more importantly her?”
COLE
Cole took the towel from the recruit. He had run the course three times which was normal for him. He had his eye on a couple of the soldiers and wanted to check their performance. Looking over at the cot he considered what he wanted to do next. It appeared the man was not going to run, probably because he thought Cole had power over his daughter and the boy Lyre. He bent down and asked Punta, "Where is Lyre?"
"He is on maneuvers in the swamp, Master Frank. Would you like him recalled?"
"No, but let me know when his team is back?"
"Of course."
Cole walked toward the cot. He caught Julia's eyes before Jackson looked up. Good girl, you're staying alert. When he got closer he leaned up against the wall of the building and studied Jackson, then said, "Sergeant, you can return to your training."
Julia stood up quickly and snapped a salute. "Yes Captain." She gave another look to Jackson, turned and walked away toward another group starting calisthenics.
Jackson had jumped up. "Sit down Jackson. No harm is going to come to her. She is a very valuable member of my team." Cole chuckled. The look of horror on Jackson's face was understandable. "She has been with me ever since she returned from the undercover job of rescuing Lyre and her daughter Mia from the Werewolf Clan island. Just before the girl was born I found out Julia was being threatened so I put her into protective cusady. When Mia was three, about the same time you were captured, the child went missing. Two of my men died that day trying to protect her. I found out where she was and it took me a year to get Julia onto their island and then get her, Mia and Lyre off. She has been back here for the last four months.
"The child is well although she asks to be able to go home to the Werewolf's. This will not be allowed of course. We are working with her and Julia has custody of her. It is hard on Julia because Mia was told her mother gave her up because she was not wanted. She was told her father only wants to kill her because he doesn't want a daughter. The Clan did a real job on her. She knows Lyre is her brother and that is one good thing because he can show her she is safe here and that we are not out to take advantage of her.
"I haven't decided yet whether you will be introduced to her at the moment. We will see..."
Cole threw the towel into a bucket at the corner of the building. Cole pulled up a stool and sat two feet away from Jackson. "What I need from you Jackson is information about where you were held, what questions you remember being asked and who you remember seeing. I have others who I still need to rescue and your information is going to help me."