Maxwell Sinclair Learns the New Truths

Maxwell Sinclair Learns the New Truths

(Continuation of Isle of Perdition, Dealing With A Code Red; Lara is Maxwell Sinclair's twin sister who is in a coma in St. Mungo's Hospital. Her mind is trapped in her brothers.)

TOM MATTHEWS

Tom stopped at the door leading to the Captain's Office. He had been sent to bring Tia Andreas and Lance Kildare to the island. Instead, he clutched a note in his hand as he thought, "Captain is not going to be pleased." The Captain had told him Landon was going to insist on coming and to let him. Tom shook his head as he read the note again.

Note:
Mr. Cole, I am sorry but unlike the rest of the Core members, I have my doubts about you. Since Dr. Maxwell is on your island and you have requested I come there; I am expecting that like my godfather Seth, you are trying to obtain information from Max. I am sorry but unless I can bring at least three other Core with me, I will have to agree with my second and third in command that your intentions are not as you have assured my fellow members. If that is proven to be true, then I will have no choice but to inform my aunt and uncle of your betrayal. Here is a list of those that will be occupying me in the order we will arrive: Danny, Miley, Tia, Landon. Mr. Cole, I am hoping to find that you are the man you have shown my friends and fellow members, you are.

Tia Andreas

Tom opened the door, walked up to the Captain's desk, handed him the note and stood at attention. He hoped there would not be too much yelling. The Captain, could get very creative with his phrases.

(OOC: Tom Matthews is an admin. character and can only be used to further the story by the administration.)

COLE

Cole looked up from his desk when the piece of paper landed in front of him. He looked behind Tom to see who was with him. Raising his eyebrows in Tom's direction, he read the note. He gave no reaction at first, but after a few seconds, the humor of the note took over and he laughed aloud. Shaking his head, he said, still snickering, "The girl has guts, I will give her that. After all the times she has been here before and the talks she and I have had, she still considers me the enemy."

Looking at Tom, he added, "At ease Tom. You can send a message back to here that I will agree to her demands . When they all have arrived show them into the Interrogation room where we do the mind-dives. It is comfortable, but will throw them off a little in what they are expecting. Let me know when they are here. When Lance arrives, take him to one of the regular interrogation rooms. It will be where he is expecting to be taken. Maxwell should be in his room by that time since he said he wanted to eat there. Neo can return to camp."

Receiving a "Yes Sir," and a sketched salute from Tom, Cole turned to the view screen. Max and Neo should be just starting their walk, Cole had to put it off for about half an hour, because Neo had been involved in blowgun training. Flicking on the screen he divided it into two. One was going through different views around the island and the other half, showed Max waiting for Neo, who was coming across the lawn from the trees.

NEO

As Neo came out of the trees, he saw Max standing by the front door of the barracks on the bottom step of the wraparound porch entrance. The man did not look good. All Neo had been told was to meet Max at the entrance and supervise his exercise session, which would consist of five circuits of the front lawn, which was the size of half an American football field. Max would be able to decide if they ran or walked. Neo would be willing to bet it would be walking. After he was finished, he could join Max for lunch in the main dining room if he liked. If Max wanted to eat in his room, Neo was to return to the campsite where he could get his lunch. The dining room had much better food, so he was hoping Max would opt for lunch there.

When he got close enough that he knew Max could hear him without him having to raise his voice he said, "Hello Max. Ready to start?" Waving his friend forward he started along the backside of the field.

Max tried to paste a smile on his face when he saw Neo coming from the trees. When Neo suggested they start immediately he nodded as he asked quietly, "Cooler, is it just us or do we have ears?"

Neo had set a quick pace, but he was not sure what condition Max was in, even though he knew Arianna insisted all of the Caretakers stay in condition. Giving Max a sidelong glance he said, "There are always ears, Max. Considering we have at least four troop members watching us and an elf with the hearing of a mountain lion, I think I can safely say we have ears listening." Neo pointed to a couple of spots around the perimeter of the field. "There is also cameras, and if I was a betting man, I would bet Cole is watching us right now. Why do you ask?" Neo kept up the pace. Five trips could take a long time at a walk.

Max smiled as he said with a sly grin as he looked into a camera, "Oh it is nothing really..." He paused just long enough to wink at Fixer through the camera, and then continued, "Just that your buddy Fixer, sent my godson Tom to invite a few guests, Tia and Lance being the main ones..." Sinclair stopped as he waited for the fireworks that he was sure to come.

Neo had taken several more steps before Max's words finally sunk in, and then he froze in mid stride and spun on his heels. Taking the two steps required to get him back to Max's position he quietly said, "Now why would he do that Max?" Neo turned and looked up at the camera with a tightly held puzzled expression on his face. "Come on," he said as he headed toward the barracks, only to be stopped by two of the men watching them. The tallest one said, "Sorry, the man needs to do five circuits of the field, before he returns to the barracks. It is the Captain's orders." Neo looked at the man and then tried to push past him. "I will explain to the Captain why we have not done the route." However, the man did not move and neither man blocking their way said a word. Neo looked at Mecum and said, "Tell Master Frank, I wish to talk with him immediately." Watching as Mecum closed his eyes, Neo held himself ridged.

Mecum opened his eyes and said, "Sorry Master Neo, but Master Frank says you and Master Maxwell must finish your exercise time before he will talk with you."

Neo looked unbelievingly at the elf and said, "That is not good enough." Looking back at the men blocking the way he said, "Marc you and Jefferies get out of my way, or lose a couple of teeth, because I am going to see the Captain." Both men shook their heads and took a harder stance in front of Neo. Neo had enough. Looking back at Max he suddenly turned and plowed into Jefferies sending him into Marc's side. Both men staggered and Neo made a run for the door. He only got about six steps before he found himself floating horizontally in the air, his arms bound to his side. It only took a quick glance to know Mecum had stopped him. The elf stood with his hand outstretched hand toward him. "Master Frank says Master Maxwell will make five trips around the field or he can return to his room, and take whatever punishment Master Frank thinks appropriate for not following his orders."

Neo let out a bellow, "Cole, you come and talk with me now!" All he saw was the elf shaking his head no. Neo looked at Maxwell.

Max smiled as he said to Neo, "The man wants five laps, Let's show him how we do five laps..." With that Maxwell took off at a dead run. He knew that Neo was right behind him if not about to pass him as furious as the Cooler was.

When Master Maxwell took off to follow Master Frank's orders, Mecum gently placed Master Neo back on the ground and started for the center of the field, where he could watch the humans. He had heard Master Maxwell say that Mistress Tia and Master Lance were coming for a visit. That would be nice, because both of them were a joy to serve.

Neo took off after Max as soon as his feet were on the ground and he regained his balance. He had never seen Max run so fast. He had always been very laid back during Caretaker training. Neo knew he had to catch him though, because he would not be able to keep up the pace he was running. He needed to pace himself or he would drop. The way Cole was being, they would probably just let him lie wherever he dropped until he could get up and finish. Neo said, when he got within ear shot, "Max, pace yourself or it will take longer because of rest periods your body will demand." When Max slowed slightly, Neo ran beside him. Neither one of them said anything, because all thoughts were on getting to Cole and wringing his neck.

Max and Neo finished their run with Sinclair being a little winded as he said, "I have a choice of eating spots, either with you or in my cell. Which do you think he will be expecting as I am doing the other one?" Sinclair was still worried about Lara but found her smiling.

Neo only smiled and waved his hand toward the door. Walking evenly and easily he let Max get close and whispered, "When I say run, you run and don't stop. Follow." When they were just inside the barracks doors, Neo pretended a move toward the dining room off to the left. Within half a step he spring to the right and yelled, "Run", taking off down the hall toward Cole's office. They didn't have far to go. Mecum would be the only one who could stop them, but nothing happened. If Neo had not been so mad, he might have thought how strange that was, but his only thought was to get to Cole and get him to change his mind.

As they approached the door, it swung open, causing Neo to stumble, because his body had been set to break it down. He found himself on his knees with Max beside him also on his knees in front of Cole's desk. Punta was standing slightly behind them with arm outstretched and fingers spread. Neo fought to move, but he was bound and his legs would not move from their positions. Looking up he found Cole sitting behind his desk smiling.

Max did as Neo instructed only to find them both bound on their knees in front of Cole's desk. Sinclair glared at Fixer as he said, "What Fixer afraid Neo can and will take you for having Tia as your guest? She is a kid and you bringing her here just shows your true nature. Try to explain now to Neo,,,"

Cole kept smiling but stood up. As he motioned to Punta to let the men up, he said, "Please take a chair and we will talk." Cole waited for Neo to make the next move. There was only about a fifty-fifty chance the man would just get up and sit in the chair, but he was willing to give him the chance.

Neo found his legs were working again and slowly rose trying to decide if he could get a bunch in on Cole, before he was taken down. Deciding against it, he stood in front of the chair with his arms crossed over his chest. Out of the corner of his eye he watched Max slowly rise and make his way into one of the chairs. The man's legs had stiffened from being on the floor with no cool down stretches. Neo could feel the burn in his own legs but fought the idea of giving into it. "Don't bring them here Cole. There is no need. Max and I are doing as you requested. Keep them away."

Max saw that Neo was standing. He said as he strained to push himself out of his seat, "This should be interesting."

Cole leaned forward on his desk in an even flat tone said, "Max stay in your seat. Neo will be joining you, in a second or two, when he decides sitting down in better than the alternatives." Cole made a quick glance in Punta's direction, before he brought his eyes back to Neo in a hard stare.

Neo dropped his hands to his side, hands fisted. Glancing at Max, he knew the man would not be able to help him in a fight. Neo knew enough about the island now to know there was no place to go even if he could get past all the obstacles. As he sat down it occurred to him it had been too easy for him and Max to even get to the office. His head shot toward Cole and saw the easy smile on the man's face. "You let us come into your office, why?"

Cole sat down himself and made himself comfortable leaning back in the large office chair. "It was the easiest way to keep you from fighting and doing damage out there. Besides I knew you had some questions and," Cole glanced at his watch, "my other guests should be arriving soon and I wouldn't want you to disturb their arrival." Cole chuckled, and relaxed even more in his chair.

Max was steaming as he saw Neo sit down. He shifted his eyes between the two men. Something in Neo's eyes told Max that Neo had realized something he had not. Max finally sat down after hearing Lara plead with him to follow his friend's lead. He glared at Fixer as he heard her crying.

When he saw both men had taken places in the chairs, and they had at least gotten past the point of appearing ready to jump on him, Cole sat up. He folded his arms in front of him and leaned forward. Glancing at Punta, he silently told the elf to bring mineral water to the two men and bring him a glass of wine. While Punta handed out the drinks he explained, "Lance has been invited because I thought he might be able to help Max adjust to being helped to get over some of his worries. Tia is coming because Max was so insistent on not missing his weekly visit with her. In the beginning, there was no other reason for requesting her visit. The young princess has decided to make this into a real visit though, because she has decided to bring friends. I originally expected Landon, but Tia has added to the list. She has decided to bring…" Cole looked at the note on his desk, "Danny, Miley and Landon. Seems she does not fully trust me so in all her wisdom she had decided to add to the group of people visiting my small island."

At first Neo just sat and stared, but then it hit him. Tia had mistakenly thought that there was safety in numbers, so she did have some trust that Cole would not harm any of them. Unfortunately, she only added to the people he could hold and use. He could see that to her it made sense, but it was a bad move. Slowly he got to his feet and stepped the short distance to the desk. Leaning on the front of it, he scathingly said, "Send them home Fixer. There is no need for any of them to be here and you know it." Having both Lance and Tia captive on the island at the same time, gave Fixer control over most of the Andreas family. Neo didn't move. He was afraid if he picked up his hands off the desk, one of them would end up in Cole's face.

Max gave a sly grin as he looked at Neo saying, "I wonder why? Maybe Tia can't get past the fact..." He stopped to stare at Fixer as he continue, "...The condition her Godfather Seth is in Thanks to you! Even if she did finally start trusting you, Landon never will and the names you read are people that have always had Tia's ear." His sister Lara was still crying and pleading with him to just let his friend handle it. Max realized that he was just too furious to.

Cole leaned back and relaxed in the office chair. Steepling his fingers in front of him, using the arms of the chair to rest his elbows, he tapped his fingers and watched Neo for a few moments. Saying the man was mad would have been an understatement. Cole would never harm any of the children and every member of his army knew if something bad happened to any of them when they were on the island, something worse would happen to each and every person connected even remotely to the problem. Extra people were even stationed to watch the monitors when the children were present. Neo was never going to believe that and Cole liked the small edge it gave him. Finally, Cole stood up and leaned on his own side of the desk. Looking dead into Neo's eyes he said, "They will not be sent home Cooler. Tia will get her weekly session with Max, a session which will not be monitored, at least not for sound. The others will be kept busy on several projects set for their ages. Now sit down, or you will not be permitted to great the children, because you will be tied to a pole at the training camp, learning how to dodge weapons being thrown at you. Pick Neo?"

Max tried to listen to judge Neo's reaction to the threat Fixer had hinted at. Lara was getting even more upset. Max glared at Fixer as he thought, "What has threatened my sister with that would make her that terrified? I failed to protect from them back then..." He was not about to fail her again. He looked at Neo and then at the man that was a threat to his sister.

Sinclair said with venom, "What Fixer! Cat got your tongue? As for hanging Neo up, I doubt the Core that are coming as you say will think very highly of you... your days of fooling them are over as is you fooling Cooler!"

Sitting back down in his chair, Cole leaned back, taking a relaxed posture. Looking at Punta he thought, "Talk with the girl. Calm her down so that her brother calms down." Cole received a nod and Punta walked to the corner of the room, jumped onto an air-chair and closed his eyes. Cole nodded, because he knew the elf was great with children.

Cole looked from where Neo still leaned on his desk. Glancing at Max he said, to him, not taking his eyes off Neo, "The children know who I am and they know that when I do something there is a good reason, even though I might not be able to tell them right away. The older ones are starting to get to the point to find out a little more about my island and maybe experience some of the areas, they have never been allowed to see. Listen to your sister Max, she understands what is at stake." Cole paused for a moment, the continued, "Neo you have been told to sit. Do I need to get Punta to show you where your chair is?" Cole looked at his watch. "I figure we have about fifteen minutes before the children arrive and I would like to find out how you want to handle their visit as far as being able to see them"

Max heard his sister as he dried her eyes, "I am sorry Maxy that my crying made you think I was scared about him hurting me. It is you I am worried about." Sinclair was unclear about what she meant. Lara answered him with her next feelings. His sister was more afraid of his bottled up rage and guilt then she was of Fixer She had foreseen it consume him and that is why she had cried. Max felt his anger leave as he thought to her, "I would never hurt you Lara. Can't you understand if I had come out of hiding...If I had protected you then..." He had been so weak and trusting back then. All he had wanted to do was hold and protect Lara. Sinclair's tears flowed as he realized that was the reason he realized that was the reason he was so angry at Fixer being the children.

Cole saw the tears start to flow down Max's cheeks. Looking toward Punta, he saw the elf walking back toward them. Punta gave him a slight nod and took his place behind and between Neo's chair and where Max sat. He put his hand gently on Max's shoulder for a few seconds then removed it and stood watching with his hands at his side. Cole looked at Max and said, "Your sister is really amazing, Max. She is very bright and cares for you." Cole looked at Neo and waited to see what his next move was going to be.

Neo felt Max's emotions and they almost overwhelmed him. He stared at his hands as first Fixer's words about the four Core members and then his words to Sinclair about his sister came finally into his mind. As he once again battled within himself to make sense of his blood brother's actions, Cooler said angered, "And just what do you intend Fixer?" Neo no longer wanted to remember that this man, who was the Fixer, was also his blood brother. Max had shown that the man would stop at nothing to get his way, including endangering a girl that Neo's nephew Troy had considered his baby sister. Shaking his head as he asked hardly able to contain his fury at this betrayal of trust from his blood brother, "Did you really think that any of us Caretakers would not be furious about Tia being here? You admit you have Moles on this island and yet you, Fixer, still are willing to endanger the children by having them brought here! What is to stop your traitors from using this to grab the Princess? And what is this about Lara, she is still in a medical induced coma."

Master Frank pointed to Master Neo and circled his finger in the air. Punta nodded and stretching his hand out, he magically pulled Neo into his chair. Master Frank had not made the sign to restrain him, but Punta was ready to act on his own if needed. Punta was having trouble understanding why Master Neo was having so much trouble with the children visiting Master Frank's island. They were guarded by elves and people alike. They were well fed and always had fun. He decided to stay on alert and would have the others be extra special in their care of the young humans. Punta was excited, because it had been a long time since Mistress Tia had visited. She was very wise for her age and Master Frank had explained she was a princess in the Magical world. Punta and the other Tocoferty elves all tried to answer her questions to the fullest. Punta looked at Master Frank for any further orders.

Cole relaxed as Neo was pulled into his chair. He had not told Punta to restrain him, but he also knew the elf would be on watch for any sudden moves. Leaning forward and folding his arms on his desk he said, "Now that everyone is seated," the shot a glance at Neo, "we need to decide if you two are going to be able to see the children." Cole looked at Max and continued, "I know you will see Tia, because you have a standing appointment with her. And Max, your meeting with the young girl will not be recorded or listened to. The cameras will of course be on because of security. The others were not invited per se so they will be kept separate and entertained as best as possible. They all know, because they have been here before, what I can offer them for entertainment, so I will let them choose. When you are done talking with Tia, they will all be returned to Hogwarts, whether they want to go or not." The children had all regularly asked to stay longer than scheduled visits, but Cole always made sure they stuck to schedules.

Neo and Max both shook their heads as Neo glared at Fixer. Neo had to at least make the elves aware and so said still fuming, "Fixer, you just don't get it, do you? I am not worried about your Specialists except maybe one. It is the fact that that one has friends that has me furious. You know better than most what I have in my head. Yet you would still risk them to get what you want? You would still risk William's daughter? If the MacIntosh Clan would do to me what they did, what makes you think for one moment that they would not jump at the chance? Especially if what we suspect is true? Fixer, if they are the ones that attacked Gabriel then can you guess what they would do with her? Gab is her cousin and now you have given them the prefect bargaining chip to use against him and us. Send them home cause if any harm comes to any of them..." He stopped only long enough to show Fixer, his seriousness of his next words. Then he finished, "I will hold you personally responsible!"

Cole looked at the coo-coo clock on the wall. Looking at Punta he mentally asked when the children were expected. Punta closed his eyes for a moment and then answered mentally that the children had arrived and were in the room where Master Max had undergone his mind-dive. He also said Master Lance was in a holding room awaiting his arrival. Cole smiled and said, "Too late gentlemen, all of our guests have arrived. Now you two will return to your own waiting areas. Max, Punta will go with you. Neo, Tarka will is waiting outside to return you to your unit. I will allow you to miss night maneuvers for tonight if you wish to say hello to the children before they return to Hogwarts. I will send a message to you." Cole stood up and waved toward the door.


Neo glared but refused to leave as he said, "You will send them back to Hogwarts now! I am not leaving until you do..." Max seemed on automatic pilot as he barely even blinked.

"I am afraid that is not an option Neo. Either return to your unit, or I will have you placed in one of the rooms. Then I will decide if you will be able to visit with the children or not, depending on my mood of course." Cole raised his eyebrows and wondered if Neo would get his message.

Neo stood up straight and with his arms at his side, made tight fists with his hands. "If he was in one of the locked rooms, he could be kept away from the children. If he was with his unit at least he would have the chance of maybe seeing them in the field and being able to talk with them later." he thought to himself. "I will go back to my unit. Fixer, you better have this under control or I will personally show you some of the new training your men have given me. From what I have learned, I can issue a challenge at any time to a contest of wills in the basement. I am very close to issuing that challenge, Cole, so don't screw up."

Cole only smiled. "Anytime Cooler, but be careful what you ask for." Cole had established the training principles of his small force. He had also made sure he was the best or close to it in all areas. He regularly went through all of the training levels. Anyone who held back when he was training with them learned quickly that he never held back. That person was forced to keep training with him; until Cole was sure, the man or woman gave their best. "Now leave." Looking at Max who had not even gotten up he added, "Max, go. You will be seeing Tia shortly as soon as I have a bit of an orientation time with them." Cole tried not to laugh at the expression on Max's face. "No, Max I am not going to yell at them or in any way hurt them, but I need to talk with them and see what is on their collective minds. Now go."

Neo turned and headed for the door. When he reached it he turned back to Cole and said, "I will be waiting Cole. Do not make me wait too long."

Fixer's words about having an orientation with the teens snapped Max out of the downward spiral he had found himself in. As he glared at Fixer, Sinclair said angry, "No, this I have got to see..." He was not about to miss Tia's expelling Fixer from her mind. He smiled as he remembered that even Tommy Andreas had started asking if he could link with her. The princess might not be as strong as Lance but she was most certainly a teen that hated her mind read.

"Max, I will give you the same option I gave Neo. You will either return to your room on your own, or you will return under restraint. I have promised Tia a session with you, but I can say how long the session is and I can change the circumstances. Tia knows me and she will agree to what I say on how it will be handled, because as I stated before she knows I have good reasons for everything I do. Now make your choice."

Max stood straight for a moment then looked at the large screen behind Cole's desk. He had an idea. Looking back at Cole he said, "I will agree to return to my room and cause no problems if you will have the view screen on in my room, tuned into where you are talking with the children."

Cole smiled and nodded. "That can be arranged very easily. Now go."

Max laughed all the way to his room as he told the elf next to him, "I am going to love seeing our young princess show Fixer just how she deals with bullies. He can't touch her without breaking our agreement and the minute he does not even Lara will want to hold me back..."

Neo had walked out of the room, in front of Max. When he heard Cole agree to let the view screen be on, when Fixer went to see the children, Neo felt a lot better. At least one of them could watch out for the children. As he followed Tarka to the jeep which would return him to the training grounds in the woods, he resigned himself to concentrate on the training and not be watching every moment for the signal he would return to the barracks. By the look at the sun it was early afternoon. It was going to be a long day.

MAXWELL

Max took the drink Tarka offered him and sat at the table in his room. He thought about reclining on the bed, but decided against it. He was tired and was afraid he would fall asleep. As he looked toward the screen, it lite up and he was looking at the room in which he had been in made to go through a mind-dive. Maxwell had to chuckle to himself. Tia and Miley stood near the chairs in the middle of the room. Danny and Landon each had taken a place on either side of the door. There was no elf in the room which was strange, because Cole had promised one would be present at all times. The kids really did not have a chance to overpower everyone, but it looked like they were going to at least take Fixer down, and get some answers. Max saw the handle on the door turn.

Cole had turned on the small view screen outside the door to see what was happening inside. He chuckled and looked over in the corner near the small kitchenette, noticing a slight shimmer in the air. Artkee had taken his position and was invisible to the children. Cole nodded to Tom and Jack who were both standing outside the door, "Tom you come in… Jack you are out here. The camera's are feeding to Maxwell and to the main computer center. Everyone is on high alert as long as the children are here. No one is offically off duty, while we have our young visitors." Cole received a salute and "Yes Captain, understood, from both men. Straightening his back and preparing for the hit from the boys he put a smile on his face and turned the door handle. As he entered he waved at Tia and Molly and then found himself on the floor under both Danny who had his legs and Landon to had his knee in his back and was pushing on his shoulders. "That is not a very nice greeting gentlemen. Now if you don't mind please get off me before Tom has to pull you off."


Tia gave a sly smile as she said pulling her Egyptian blade, "Don't even think it Tom! I want answers and I plan on getting them ,one way or another!" Tia walked over to where Fixer was, blocking her mind as she neared.

She asked playing with her ancestral blade, "Well Fixer, are you going to explain why my godfather seems to second guess himself and his mental thoughts are not the same as the words he is telling people?" She did a move that she had learned from watching her brother as she continued, "Don't you dare say you don't know what I am talking about, Frank Cole! You hold him for twelve hours and whatever you did ..."

Cole watched as Tia got closer. It seems the children were not checked for weapons. There would be some doing extra duty soon in his troop. He waited until Tia got closer, relaxing his mussels, while slowly leveraging his hands so he could move. He knew the children had been taught but they were still young, so he had a few moves they would not contemplate. When Tia was close and had knelt down to be closer to him, he took a slow breath, pushed with his hands, sending both boys flying to land on their backsides. Then with a quick smooth move, he disarmed the princess and gently pushed her back so she also landed on her backside. Pushing to a standing position, he handed the knife to Tom, saying, "Hang on to this please. She can have it back after she leaves." Looking over to the corner where Artkee was finally allowing himself to be seen he said, "Check to make sure there are no more surprises on the young people, please." Cole folded his arms across his chest and waited for the all clear from Artkee.

Max saw what was happening and started for the door as he said angrily, "I warned him not to hurt her!" He was scared though as he had never seen Tia angry enough to pull her daggers. He had to get to the children and pray he could talk Fixer into letting it slide. He tried the door as he said with fear, "Tia, what the heck were you thinking girl? I just hope I can get to Fixer before he chooses whatever the man usually does for that kind of stunt..."

Tia's hands went for her other blade and her special wand as she said angry that he could so easy disarm her, "Don't even think it! My father willed these to me and I will get my answers! I am tired of people thinking it is okay to mess with my family and think I will not get even! First my parents, my brother, my godmother, Justin and Jason, Troy and now Seth and Franco; well I have had enough and it is time I deliver a message of my own!"

While Cole was looking at the elf in the corner, both Landon and Danny had made it back to their feet. They stood poised to make running tackle for Cole, but learily looked toward Tom. They had dealt with the man before duing some of the training they had on the island. Neither of them underestimated any of the troops on the Isle of Perdition. They watched Tia for any signal they should attack.

Cole took a sidelong glance at the boys. He knew Tom was focusing on them at the moment so he brought his total attention back to Tia. She had her other blade just about out of its hiding place and her wand had dropped into her hand. He knew that the wand was a very special thing and gave her an extra boost in magic. Coming up with his foot he gently as he could knocked the blade out of her hand. Continuing with the spin, he grabbed her wrist and pulled the wand from her grasp. Quickly he threw the wand to Tarka, who grabbed it in midair. All magic except for elfin magic was blocked on the island, but there was no use taking chances. Darik had given her the wand, which meant there was some elfin magic connected with it. "Tia you know magic is blocked on this island. It is interesting what you have learned to do with the blades though. We can discuss that later. Now please go and sit on the couch so we can talk." Looking at the boy's he added, "That goes for you gentlemen also." Turning to Miley he said, "You too Miley."

Tom walked over and stood close to the boys, waving his hand in a gentle sweep toward the couch the Captain had indicated. All he said was, "Gentlemen," and waited.

From his place outside the door, Jack watched the small view screen carefully. He knew he was not supposed to enter and wouldn't unless there was a lot worse problem. The other half of the small screen showed Maxwell trying to get out of his locked room. There would be no way he could open the door and Punta seemed calm enough just sitting on an air-chair in the corner of the room, just watching the man.

Tia was too furious to care about the rule of magic on the island. She signaled the boys to stand their ground as she stood her's. The fifth year glared at Fixer as she said defiantly, "Not until you tell me what you did to Seth and undo it!"

Miley groaned as she saw things go from bad to worse as Tia's accidental magic unleashed the anger within. She looked from Landon to the love of her life Danny. Tia had never been this furious and that more than anything scared her.

Cole felt a rumble in the room. Some objects started to vibrate, not hard, but there was a definate movement. His eyes shot to Tarka and saw the elf holding the wand slightly out in front of him staring at it. Cole did not dare close his eyes, to try and get a non-verbal message for the elf, because of the children. As he watched, the wand started to glow and pulse. Tarka had put both hands on it and was concentrating to the exclusion of everything else in the room. His arm mussels were tense and he had planted his feet firmly on the floor. After a few moments, the elf started to relax, the glow disappeared from the wand, and the vibrations in the air stopped. Cole received a weak smile from the elf.

Tarka looked at Mistress Tia and said, "Young mistress your wand is strong and it is a gift from the magical essence which will serve you well, when you learn how to control it." He smiled as he continued, "For now though I have placed it in status. I will release it when you leave the island. I do recommend, Mistress Tia that you talk with Tocoferty Darik and have him instruct you better on its use. Much damage can be done to your surroundings, other people and even to yourself without control." Tarka bowed slightly to the Princess and placed the wand in his sleeve, where it stayed.

Cole rubbed his chin and to himself said, "Interesting." Then he relaxed a bit. He heard a grown from Miley's direction. The girl like the boys was waiting for Tia to direct the situation. "We seem to be at an impasse, Princess. Since I do not mind waiting for your childish stubbornness to go away, I think we might have a problem. All I have asked you to do is have a seat on the couch. I prefer to be comfortable while we talk." Cole again crossed his arms over his chest and looked into Tia's eyes. Raising one eyebrow, he silently asked her if she could be an adult about this whole thing.

Tia was shocked as she heard the elf. She said bewildered, "It was not even in my possession this time! I can't it is too powerful..." The princess stopped as she started to wonder why the wand had chosen her, "It never listens to me so why would such a powerful wand want me to wield it? I could not even keep it in my hands much less wield that kind of magic?" Tia felt the headache and herself weaken as once again her Blood Magic weakened her to the point of near collapse.

Miley looked to Tia and then to Landon and Danny. She was not sure what she should do. She had come because of Danny, and to support her friend.

Cole had enough. Using his commanding voice he said to the boys, "Get over here now and help Tia to the couch. Then all of you sit down NOW." He watched as the boys immediately went to Tia and stood one on each side of her. They lead her over to the couch, followed my Miley. Tom took up a position at the end of the couch, looking decrepitly relaxed. Once they were seated, Cole took one of the chairs leaned forward and placed his elbows on his knees. Interlacing his fingers, he glanced toward one of the hidden cameras and smiled. If he knew Max, the man had tried to get out the door and was now pacing back and forth in front of the large view screen in his room.

Turning his attention toward the children he said, "Tia, you were invited here today in order for you to have your weekly meeting with Maxwell Sinclair. It seems the man was really upset you might miss the meeting. He wanted to leave and come to you, but he could not because he had not finished his business here yet, so I told him I would bring you here. I offered to let you bring someone with you and you choose Landon and…" Cole looked at Miley and Danny, "others. I have also agreed to let them stay. While you are talking with Maxwell, they can take advantage of the training facilities or just enjoy the island. When you are finished with your session, you will all be returned to Hogwarts. Any questions?"

Tia said weakly, "You still have not answered me concerning my godfather? And Max knows our weekly sessions are Mondays!"

Miley frowned as it seemed that her best friend had once again forgot, because she knew that Tia and Cole had talked about what happened to Seth, when she had first started coming to the island. Miley was starting to worry how much of their studying for their OWLs would Tia retain. She looked to Fixer as she thought, "See what me and Danny wrote you about? And Tia having her daggers much less her special wand, it is not like her?"

Cole looked at Miley and mentally sent her a message saying he had never received an Owl from them, but he did agree that Tia bringing weapons to the island was strange. Facing Tia he asked, "Tia why did you think it was necessary to bring weapons to my island? You never have before. None of the Core ever thought it was necessary."

Tia shook her head as she said angry and confused, "I have never stepped foot on this island before today! You kidnapped and tortured my godfather, how dare you suggest that I would even consider coming without the means to make you pay!"

Cole sat back in his chair and considered what the girl had said. She was a frequent visitor to the island. She enjoyed mountain climbing and learning from many of the troop members. Apparently, there were some gaps in her memory. Looking at Tarka he nodded. The elf would now do a reading on the Princess. Landon had turned in his seat and was staring at Tia. He had personally accompanied her several times along with many of the Core members. They all considered the island a safe and fun place to visit and learn what some of the adults refused to teach them because they were either too young or it was figured they could not learn. Cole's troops had extremely high patient's levels. They had to, because the information gathering criteria they all lived by required patients. Everyone enjoyed showing the children they could learn.

Cole looked at the camera. Maxwell was not going to like what was going to happen next, but Cole had to find out what was going on. Cole slowly got up and walked around the small coffee table. He sat down across from Tia and took both her hands in his. Before she could turn away he said, "Tia look at me and only me." He was not worried about the other's interfering because if it was necessary Tarka would hold them where they sat. Tia fought his orders but eventually her eyes met his and Cole looked deep.

Miley reached over and grabbed Danny's hand when Cole came closer. She was not scared, because she trusted the man, but she was worried for Tia, and wondered if the man could really help her friend. Danny squeezed her hand and pulled her back so they were both resting comfortably on the couch. Danny also looked up at Tom to let him know that he and Miley were alright with whatever happened next.

Landon sat forward on the edge of the couch. He stared back and forth between Cole and Tia. He was not scared that Cole would physically hurt his Tia, and he was not even fightened the man would do something mentally to her, but he was confused. All he wanted to do was take Tia home and hold her. He needed to talk with Maxwell or with Brennan or with someone who could tell him what the right thing to do was at the moment. Landon started to reach out to Tia, but his wrist was grabbed by Tom and pulled back. When he looked up the man slowly shook his head no. Landon put his hands in his lap, but it took every bit of his will power to keep them there.

Max had watched and the fury rose within him. The Psy-Healer had had enough as he headed for the door as he said," Open this door and take me to where he has them Now!"

Punta just shook his head no. "No Master Maxwell, Master Frank has not requested your presence yet. He will let us know when it is the correct time for you to be there. Mistress Tia will be fine. Master Frank is just checking to see why she does not remember being here many times before."

Cole squeezed Tia's hands to keep her attention on him. Quietly he said, "Tia I want you to think about the mountain on the island… where is it… don't think just tell me."

Tia knew of no mountain but faintly she began to see one. Her headache was getting worse. She screamed, "Get out of my head! I did not invite you Fixer! Only my cousin and Max are allowed to use that door! Get out!" She was scared and began to mentally fight him with everything Lance and Max had taught her. In her mind, she heard a voice, which sounded like Jackson at school. "Get out Frank Cole! She is ours, you lost!" Then she heard Landon say, "I think not Jackson! You get out of Tia's head now!" It sounded like he was in her head also. Tia shook her head as she screamed when she heard Jackson's voice again. "You will never marry her as Mother promised your princess pet to me! Now Leave or I will make her suffer..."

Landon had not just sat and watched. He had learned partially by accident that he could sometimes read Tia's mind if she was upset enough and broadcasting her emotions. He had relaxed and concentrated on making the connection, glad he had because somehow Jackson had put thoughts in her head. As he tried to stay connected, he looked at Cole. He was going to need the man's help.

Cole caught Landon's glance and had heard through Tarka, what was going on in Tia's mind. Closing his own eyes, he mentally contacted the boy. "Congratulations, Landon on your abilities. We will talk later. For now, stay as much connected as you can. If you lose connection that is all right because Tarka…. can you feel him …. will be blocking what we can. See if you can mentally take her hand in her minds-eye. Concentrate young man, you can do this." Cole mentally watched as Landon reached out and took Tia's hand in her mind. "Good now thread your fingers with hers and try not to let go, even if she tries to break the connection." Cole was proud of the young man. It was normally very difficult for someone his age to achieve what the was doing. Cole turned his attention back to Tia, "Ok, Princess, I want you to concentrate on Landon. The other voices you hear have been put in your head in the past to confuse you. Find the mountain Tia." Cole opened his eyes to make sure Tarka had placed his hands on her head so he could block the headaches, she had been made to believe existed.

Tia was shaking but as soon as Landon grabbed her hand, she turned to him and said, "If what Fixer says is true Landon, then Jackson can't hurt me. So don't you let go!"

Landon smiled entwining his fingers even tighter, as he answered, "I have no intention of ever letting go, now find that mountain!"

Jackson's voice message was drowned out as the mountain came into focus. Landon said with delight, "She did it, Fixer! But how are we going to prevent this from happening again and how many other memories of Tia's have they messed with?" Landon was scared that his brother Jackson was erasing him and their love from Tia's mind. Getting a feeling of failure, Landon started losing his grip on Tia's hand. He was terrified that now that he had tapped his gift that his family would win in turning him as they had Jackson. He would lose Tia forever.

Tia felt Landon's grip loosen and grabbed his tighter saying, "Landon, I said don't let go! I need you, please?"

Cole had closed his eyes again, so he focused on the two people standing in front of him in his minds-eye. "Ok you two now just keep holding onto each other. Landon you are doing fantastic, I am very proud of you. When you return to the main land, I will let Darik know he needs to work with you on control. You are stronger than the other members of your family, so hang tight. I cannot promise this will not happen again, but you and Tia are joined now, so you will be able to help her. Tia, I want you to not be frightened, but it seems the other boy in your mind has decided to try and change your memories. If you trust Landon, and I know you do, I want you to promise me you will always ask him first if you are remembering correctly, if you have the slightest doubt." Cole reached farther up her arms with his physical hands. "You have the mountain so let's try for something you did on the mountain. Try and picture yourself on the side of the mountain. What are you and your friends doing?"

Tia nodded as she said remembering the first time Landon had kissed her, "It was on that mountain! Landon, you told me that you loved me and then before we free climbed down, you kissed me! I had been so scared to climb cause of my fear of heights but you dared me that I could not catch you..." Tia gave Landon a playful punch as she said, "You tricked me because instead of going into the woods as we usually did, you started climbing that mountain. When we reached the top, I knew that my fear of heights was not ever going to stop me again as long as I had your faith in me." The fifth year was furious that Jackson had dared to take that memory from her. She said with anger in her voice, "How dare you Jackson! That memory was special! Me and Landon are together...Get Use To It Cause I Love Only Landon!"

Cole grinned. The look on the physical face of Landon was priceless. He was proud, happy and a little embarrassed. If Cole was right, the embarrassment came from the fact Tia had told others of the kiss. In his mind, he nodded and said, "All right, now Tia I am going to bring you back to the real world. You will remember everything we have talked about here at this time. Establish it firmly in your head and in your heart that you are going to ask Landon if something is true, if you are worried. I want you both to talk about your past after you have had your meeting with Maxwell. Ready? See the light in front of you. Both of you need to walk toward it." Cole opened his eyes and waited until the two young people were mentally in the physical world.

As he saw the recognition enter their eyes, he smiled. "That was very well done you two. Great team work all around. Tia I am sorry you were worried before, but you should be able to find some grounding to being here now. You can go and visit Maxwell anytime you are ready. Landon, Miley and Danny can take advantage of the training ground where Neo is working out, or they can just hang around here if they like."

Tia shook her head as she said to the others, "Let's go exploring the island cause I for one want to insure that what Jackson tried is never happening again." She planned to insure that information about her visits to the island was recorded in her auto-journal.

Cole looked at the camera in the corner. He did not have to be able to see what was happening in Max's room to know the man was probably standing at the monitor yelling for Tia to be brought to him immediately. Cole sat back in his chair and relaxed his arms on the arms of the chair. "Tia, if I allow you to go exploring then don't you think Max is going to be upset?" Cole looked at his watch. Not waiting for an answer, he shook his head and continued, "It is now 3:00 pm. I will let you make the final decision. If you choose to go exploring then I will allow it for two hours. After that you will go and talk with Maxwell. I will have a jeep out front to take you where you wish to go. You will be accompanied by four troop members and others will be close. You will have to promise me, as normal, you will not go off the main paths and will immediately follow directions when given to you. Jack will be in charge of the outing. Tarka will also be along. If I hear of any problems I will immediately pull you back here and other outings will be cancelled. I hope I am making myself clear on this?" Cole looked into the eyes of each of the young people. The island was already on high-alert, so each step they took would be recorded and also a larger force would be virtually surrounding them at all times.

Cole had picked up on the auto-journal entries. While Tia was talking with Maxwell the journal would be checked by one of the elves and, due to security, some information would be deleted. It could not be helped. Island security was top of the line and would stay that way.

Tia smiled as she and the others headed for the door. She listened to Fixer and then said jokingly, "Aye, Aye Captain! At least for two hours, I won't have to hear the lecture about trusting you or about the reasons, this island is not safe? I just want to judge that for myself, Fixer. Even after what you did to my godfather Seth, I still want to..." Tia stopped as she wondered what it was she wanted.

Landon understanding finished for her, "Fixer, Tia and the rest of us, myself included just want to learn about you, ourselves... Instead of just taking others' words for what you truly are about? We are tired of people making our decisions for us though I understand why some of her protectors don't trust you. Maybe one day I will but I promised Tia that I would always support her right to make her own decisions about somebody and that includes you. Fixer, she is still upset about Seth so I would advise that you find time to talk with her about it because the more you avoid that subject the more she will push and look into finding out what you are really up to. Tia hates secrets!" With his hand firmly holding Tia's, Landon said, "Okay, we have two hours this trip, where to?"

Miley smiled as she said jokingly over her shoulder in Fixer's direction, "How about Fixer's file room?" She doubted that Fixer would allow it but she had to try

Danny inwardly groaned as he had accepted that Miley was at it again. This made the seventh time that Miley had hinted that she wanted to investigate the files Fixer had. He looked at one of his best friends Landon and shook his head. Daniel liked the island but agreed with Tia's protectors about trusting Fixer. The thing was they had all promised to follow Tia's lead so he had just kept his doubts about Fixer to himself. The man was not to be trusted and Danny for one would take this chance to prove her protectors right. " ...."Want to make a bet, we won't see those files Fixer!" he had the one thing in his pocket that would give him the ability, he figureed to get into the file room.

When the children stood up as a group, Cole stood and stepped out of the way. He nodded as he heard what Landon said, "Understood, Landon." When Tia and Landon were almost out the door he heard Miley and laughed calling after them. "Good try young lady, but I think not. Now have some fun." As Danny had passed, Cole had picked up several stray thoughts. Apparently, the young wizard thought he had the ability to get into his file room. Cole smiled thinking the rest of the afternoon might be very interesting. Cole nodded to Tarka, realizing the elf had also picked up on the thoughts as he followed the group. Jack had gone ahead to secure the jeep and make sure all other security matters were locked down tight.

As Tom came up he said, "I am going to visit with Lance and then Maxwell. You are in charge of security measures. Artkee is floating, and you can have Tarka call for Punta and Mecum if needed. Cole had Artkee as the floater, watching from above ground level, because the elf was quick and had the ability to sum up any situation immediately and act. "I have pulled Kimtu from watching the Dark Key. The being is locked down tight where he is. Kimtu has been assigned to Neo, so he can also be called. Lock the island tight Tom."

Tom nodded. "Aye, Captain. I have made this a training exercise so everyone on the island is involved and reports will come from all of them. Any security breaches will be taken care of immediately. You will be informed." Tom smartly saluted and took off at a trot toward the central security area.

Cole turned and looked at the camera. He smiled and shrugged. Max could not hear anything from where he was, just see it all. He turned on the mike and said, "She wants to explore before your talk. I have given them two hours. I need to go and talk with Lance first then I will be in to talk to you. Relax, Max, you are going to get your time with her. This is her choice." Cole shut off the monitor and headed out the door.

Maxwell was furious as he said, "I want to talk to her NOW, Fixer and then I want them back at Hogwarts! Also, William left those daggers and wand to her and they will be returned to her Now! Do you hear me Fixer, return Tia's property and Those Kids to Hogwarts or bring them to me NOW!" He was terrified for both the Core as well as his friend Lance. His legs almost gave out on him when the screen just went blank without an answer.

LANCE

Lance paced back and forth in the all too familiar holding room on Cole's Isle of Perdition. He had agreed to come because he had been told the some of the Core was coming to the island. When he had asked Tom, who, he had been told originally it was supposed to be Tia and a friend. Tia had decided to include Landon, Miley and Danny. He almost did not come because it would put two members of the Andres family under Cole's control. The thought of staying away had been fleeting. If the children were there he had to be.

He knew he had arrived about two or more hours ago, but he had not heard a word from anyone. The elf, Mecum, calmly sat in the corner on an air-chair, barely paying attention to him. When Lance had asked him a question he had just said, "Master Frank will answer all your questions when he is ready to come." Lance had told him that time better be soon and then had gone back to pacing. As he reached the window for the hundredth time, he heard the door open. He only stared as Fixer walked into the room, over to the table and took his usual seat, straddling one of the chairs he had turned around.

Cole smiled and said, "Welcome back Lance. I am pleased you could join me when once again I need your help. You know Tia, Landon, Danny and Miley are on the island. They are on an outing at the moment. Maxwell is also here and he is being rather stubborn, more stubborn than Franco was when you were here last." Cole had used Lance's presence as a way to get Franco Spellman to cooperate with him during last summer. He had discovered a long time ago that most of those connected with the protection of the Andreas family, were willing to take pain and discomfort on themselves, but when you put another person in the mix who would suffer when they did not cooperate then you usually got what you wanted. Lance was here again to insure Max let him start control over the Psy-healers life.

Lance glared at Fixer as he remembered what Fixer had done to get Saint to break. At the mention of the Core being on the island, Lance just wanted to explode but knew it would do no good. He really did not have much choice in coming. He just prayed that Tia and the other Core members would stay safe.

"Sit down please, Lance." Cole motioned to the other side of the table. "We need to talk. Maxwell has decided that there are a lot of things that are his fault. He has also decided he is not able to fight the dark forces which are trying to establish a stronger hold on the Wizarding World. You know the Dark Sect wants him as a priest because of his abilities to make people think they are doing the right thing. Brain-washing from the inside out would be the best discription I can come up with. I want to help him to understand where his true abilities should be used. Since he is being stubborn, I thought you might be able to help convince him, I only have his best interest at heart." Cole folded his arms on the table in front of him and smiled.

It was getting harder for Lance to hold his rage at this man in. There was no way he was going to help Fixer break yet another one of his friends. His mind went back to Fixer's subtle hint about the Core members that were on the island. His mind tried to reach out to his cousin but it was no use. He looked out the window hoping to catch a glimpse of his sweet cousin Tia. Clenching his fists as he glared at Fixer.

When Lance glanced at the window, Cole took a sidelong glance at the elf, who had walked up to the table and was staring at Lance. Mecum's hand was still down at his side, but his fingers were spread. He was waiting for the command to make Lance sit down. Looking back at Lance, he said, "Lance I said sit down. Mecum knows how to make you, unless you forgot. The children are off probably on the other side of the island by now. They are well guarded. The whole island is on high alert because of them. Tia is here to talk with Maxwell. When they have their meeting in less than two hours, then the children will be sent home, with no mishaps." Cole shook his head, "Although Danny has ideas of trying to get into my personal file room. I am thinking of letting him try. What do you think would be the proper punishment for the young man?" Cole probably would not punish Danny, but he would make sure the boy understood it was the wrong move to make. "Sit down, Lance. I will not say it again."

Lance shook his head as he got the subtle threat. He looked at Fixer and wondered if the man would really use Danny attempt at the File Room to get back at Lance for refusing to comply with Fixer. His thoughts went to Tia and as he sat down realized that he just could not take the chance to call Fixer's bluff. Inwardly cringing as he remembered that Fixer rarely bluffed.

"Now that is much better," Cole said. "What I need from you is for you to try and convince Maxwell that he should allow me to assist him strengthend his gift and not be frightened to take advantage of it. He has to learn to control it so it cannot be used by someone else. It will make him a better Psy-healer. You helped me with Franco. Since we had a good understanding between us, I decided to let you help me with Maxwell." Cole sat back and waited to see how Lance would react. With Franco Lance had been an unwilling assistant in helping Franco tame his inner monster.

Lance had listened to Fixer and now with his fists tight, Lance let the man know what he thought of it. He looked at Fixer with rage as he said, "You think I would help you after seeing what it did to Saint! I have no interest in helping now or ever again! I want the Core sent back to Hogwarts Now Fixer!" He knew he was risking Fixer and Khalid's wrath but Lance had fresh memories of the Level 6 Security Screening of both Franco and Seth.

Cole sat forward again and crossed his arms on the table in front of him. "Lance Saint can now use his abilities to change his form, where before he had no control over it. He also, thanks to me and my small island, has been able to get some much needed information for some of his stories he was having trouble getting data on before." Cole smiled and continued, "Yes he had to go through a level six security Screening, but that screening also pointed out to a few people that the Caretakers were willing to do it, if they thought something was wrong. It literally blocked some of the abilities of the Dark Sect to get to both Franco and Seth, because the Dark Sect cannot use a few of their methods knowing they would be found. Now you tell me where things are worse."

Lance shook his head as he said still angry, "The self doubt that both Frankie and Seth feel. Seth is not even sure the Council will even allow him to continue as the Minister of Magic. They both have felt they have betrayed their oaths. Seth is furious about how you paid him back for it taking three messages to get that meeting. Your attack on Pippen was uncalled for and now Seth has put you on his personal list, put you on his personal list, right under Shadow. I want the children sent back to Hogwarts and their contact with you to end! Now Fixer!" Lance had a bad feeling that he was about to see to what lengths Fixer was willing to go. Looking towards the window, Lance prayed he could protect the children but first he had to find them. The man raced for the window.

Cole did not move. Lance was about a foot away from the window when Cole calmly said, "Danny is on his way to my file room." Then he waited. Lance might still leave and if he did Cole would let him wander around a bit. There was no way off the island without him allowing it. The children were well guarded so even if Lance got close he would be captured. The island was also well set with security cameras and systems. Cole tried not to snicker because he knew Lance would eventually figure out that if he was hiding on the island, he would not be able to know what was going on with the children and even have a chance to intervene.

Lance paused as he asked, "What does that mean? What are you planning Fixer? Danny is just a curious kid..." Lance shook his head, as he knew that Fixer knew that he had struck a nerve. Lance was not leaving that room if there was even a chance that by doing so, he would be risking Fixer's wrath directed towards those kids. He waited only feet away from the window.
"Sit back down Lance. It is going to take Danny about ten minuets to make his way to the door to the file room. He is a very remorseful young man. I did not realize he knew about the elves hallways." Cole sat up a little straighter and grabbed the back of the straight back chair. "As far as what I am going to do, that is up to Danny. He is going to breaking and entering into my private area, which is against even wizard laws and definitely against mine. He is going to put himself in danger because as far as he is knows, no one knows where he is and that has always been one of my rules with the children and they know it. So he is breaking at least two laws of mine…" Cole leaned forward again and folded his arms on the table. "What do you think should be done to prove to the young man he has to follow adult rules and all laws of wherever he is a guest of."

Lance cringed as he asked, "And if I don't? Are you trying to make a point, if so just say it?"

Cole smiled, "It is all going to depend on what mood I am in Doc when I finally allow the trap to snap shut." Cole purposely used Lance's Caretaker codename. Cole looked at his watch and nodded to Mecum. The elf nodded back, closed his eyes and when he opened them, he smiled and walked over to retrieve the remote for the view screen. Bring it to Cole, he bowed slightly and then went and stood closely behind Lance's seat, waiting for the man to sit in the chair. Cole raised his eyebrows and said, "Sit Doc, and we can watch the young man at work. This should be very interesting."

Lance cringed more when his fear was confirmed. Danny had pushed his freedom and Fixer by breaking Fixer's rules. Danny was going to be taught one of Fixer's lessons. As Lance went back to his seat, he thought, "Danny and possibly the others just became insurance that I won't be pushing Fixer. I just will have to hope that I will be able to comply?" As he sat down, he asked trying to judge how badly or easy he could make Danny's punishment get by his actions, "So what are you thinking of doing to them?"

As Cole pushed some buttons on the remote he said, "I told you it all depends on what mood I am in and how far the boy goes." The large view screen on the wall near the door flickered on and showed the back of the kitchen in the barracks. Cole glanced at Lance, "This is about five minutes ago. I do not have camera's in the elf hallway he is in but…" Cole pushed a couple of buttons and a diagram of the first floor of the barracks, showed a red dot traveling along the front of the building in a hallway. "It seems our boy is resourceful. He has entered the hallway, I built for the elves to travel through. It runs along the front of the barracks, then down one flight under the main room and back up to travel the length of the next room. Danny should be making it to the door to the file room in about five minutes. We will now go to my office." Cole turned off the screen rose and started for the door, glancing over his shoulder only once, to make sure Lance was right behind him.

Danny shook his head as he entered the Elves hallway. He had to find something because this was his only shot. Danny knew that he had to get in and out without being caught. He did not trust the man that ran the island and so he was sure that the file room had the truth of the man's intentions. Danny was worried about Miley's heath and just prayed that this stunt would only bite him and not her.

When they reached his office, across the hall and about 20 feet down the passage way,from where they were, Cole keyed in the code and entered. "Have a seat there Doc," he said motioning to one of the chairs in front of his desk. He had moved to behind his desk, picked up another remote and started the screen up on the back wall. The red dot had moved farther along the passage. "He is almost directly behind this office at the moment. Another ten feet and he will be at the file room door."

Lance inwardly groaned as he followed Fixer. As he sat down, he thought to the boy to turn back.

Danny had his hand on the door but at the last minute, the fifth year got the strange feeling to leave. It was not a feeling of fear but one of being set up. Danny decided to trust the feeling and was about to leave when he heard something inside.

Just as the screen showed that Danny had arrived at the door an alarm went off in the file room. Someone else was in there. There was not time to stop Danny. Cole jumped up and ran to the wall off to the right and slapped the wall. A door slid open. Seconds after Danny entered the room so did Cole.

Stepping inside, Danny saw a man standing in the middle of the room with a file in his hand. The man turned and glared at Danny as he shouted, "Out of my way boy!" Danny was shocked as the man look almost like a younger version of Marco Spellman, Head of Tia's house Slytherin. Danny did not move but instead blew his whistle as this man pulled his blade.

Cole surged forward and shoved the boy out of the way. As he got back up, Jack came through the door from the elf hallway, kicked the blade out of the man's hand and took him down, pinning his to the ground chest first. It only took him a second to get the man's hands tied behind his back. Cole stood and said, "Get him up and show me who he is." While he waited for Jack to stand the man up, Cole grabbed Danny's arm and added, "You stay put young man."

Jack stood the intruder up and said, "His name is Thomas MacQuint, a new comer to us. He just finished Trainee training." Jack pushed the young man to his knees and grabbed his hair, "Talk to the Captain what are you doing here?" Alll the young man did was shake his head. Jack reached down and got the file which had dropped on the floor and handed it to Cole. "This was in his hand Captain."

Cole looked at the file and then glared at the young man kneeling in front of him. The file's title said Thomas MacIntosh . Looking closer to the boy he noticed a family resemblance. "You are a MacIntosh?" Still no answer from the trooper. "It won't do you any good to stay quiet, because I will know why you broke in here and why you wanted this file." Cole looked at Jack and said, "Take him to a cell and I will talk with him later." Glancing over his shoulder at Danny he added, "I have other business to take care of first."

Jack nodded and said, "Yes Captain." Manhandling the trooper he said as he dragged him to his feet and then out the door, through Cole's office and out into the hall, "Come on. We have a nice room for you. It is a little damp and cold but it is quiet and will give you time to think how you are going to explain to the Captain." Cole heard Jack chuckle as they left his office.

Cole turned and stared at Danny.

Danny stood tall as Jack lead the other man away. He heard the man whisper near him, "You are not smart boy but neither was I at your age. You need to wake up and realize that we both walked right into his hands."

Danny shook his head as he said, "If you knew that it was a trap, why enter it?"

The man laughed as he answered the boy, "I had no choose. Your hunt through this room...let's just say some people just want no connections."

Danny smiled as the man eyed a folder by Danny's feet. Danny reached down as he saw the name, Seth Wright. He turned about to leave as he said, "Tia needs to see this folder."

Cole grabbed Danny's upper arm as the young man turned to walk out of the room. Pulling the folder out of his hands he put it on top of a file cabinet. "You are not going anywhere except into my office." Cole let go of the boy's arm and made the sign to Mecum to bind the boys hands behind his back, then he headed for his desk. When he passed Lance who had just stood in the doorway, he said, "Take your seat Doc. The boy is about to learn a lesson."

Danny said as his hands were bound behind his back and he was shoved toward the chair, "At least I know that my instincts were right! I knew that the Core had no business trusting you Fixer and that folder on Seth will prove it to Tia." When he passed Lance standing in the door to Fixer's office, he wondered why he was there and then realized that the man was pleading with him to be quiet.

Lance slowly sat back down, never taking his eyes off the boy, as he talked antagonizing Fixer. He had to get the boy to not anger Fixer further. His eyes pleaded with Danny to be quiet and let him handle it. Turning to Fixer he asked, "What kind of lesson? It seems to me, you should be thanking the boy? He did catch somebody in your file room after all?" Lance hoped that he could get Fixer to let the boy's infraction go as the other man or woman seemed to be a bigger threat.

Cole kept his face expressionless as he sat back in his chair and rocked slightly watching the two sitting in the chairs. Lance was worried for the boy, which was normal. He was surprised on how strong Danny was staying, because he did not think the boy had it in him. Sitting forward and crossing his arms on his desk, he said, looking at Lance, with only an occasional glance at Danny, "The lesson is why someone should not break into my file room, leave his supervised protection and plan on stealing files and general information from my file room." Looking at Danny he said, "Others have died for less, after I have made sure they were acting alone." Cole sat back in his chair again. "The man would have been caught in about five seconds because the room is well supplied with security measures, so Danny all you did was put yourself in greater danger."


Cole stood up as he said, "Danny you will be taken to a cell until I can decide what your punishment will be." Just then Artkee walked in the door from the Elf hallway and Cole signalled him to take Danny into custody. "When Tia, Miley and Landon return from their side trip, I will let you know what I have decided. Think well Danny what you have done. Now go." Cole waved toward the door and stood and watched.

Danny smiled as he said, "I am going to enjoy seeing your face when Tia demands to see that file! I am not afraid of you Fixer..." Danny was sure that Fixer would refuse Tia's request to read the file. That refusal on Fixer's part would insure Tia never trusted Fixer again. He gave a sly grin, as all he had to do was insure Tia found out about that file. As he was lead away, Danny again wondered if Tia should also be informed about Lance being there.

Looking up at the Black Forest Coo Clock on the wall, Cole figured the others would be back anytime. He got up from his seat and walked to the small kitchenette, opened the refrigerator door and brought out two sparkling waters. Walking back to his desk, he handed Lance one of the iced bottles and sat down in the chair Danny had just vacated. Lance was sitting on the edge of his chair, giving Cole the impression that he was ready to jump up any moment. Lance's eyes were still shooting toward the door every few seconds. "Sit back Doc. The boy is not going to be held in the deepest dungeon, but he needs time to think. When Tia gets back, we will set his punishment and she will administer it." Cole sat back in his chair, crossed his legs out in front of him at the ankles and took a long sip of his drink.

Lance shook his head as he asked, "What file was Danny talking about?" He needed to think cause he had a bad feeling that the boy was right about how his young cousin would react when she learned of the file. He looked at Fixer as he said, "I really think you don't want to involve Tia. So why not have you and me discuss this error? I think we can figure something out, don't you? Unless you want Danny telling Tia about that file that the boy is so intent on Tia seeing?" Lance was hoping that Fixer was not wanting Tia to even suspect that Fixer had a file on Seth. He knew though that Fixer had his attention as Lance realized that thanks to Danny, things could get pretty bad for his cousin. He inwardly cringed as he thought,

Cole just chuckled and held his drink in both hands in front of him. "Tia knows my main job on this island, the reason I have established it, is to collect information. She knows I collect information on what happens, the how's, when, where and why's and on the people involved. She is smart enough to realize I have files on everyone who is of interest to me and may be of interest concerning information I am collecting. There is no way she would think I did not have a file on Seth Wright. She may ask to see the file, but since there is private information, which should not be known by some for their own safety she will not read the file. So you see Doc, I do not care if Danny tells her I have a file. Danny needs to learn there is punishment for wrong doing. The men and woman who work for me are expecting for him to get punished. If I do not punish him, someone else will think they can do something and can expect to not be punished." Cole sat up a little straighter and took a sip of his sparkling water. "That will not happen Doc. Danny is going to be punished, and Tia is going to be taught that being treated like an adult, like she is begging to be treated as, has its downsides also."

Lance shook his head as he said, "If you are that confident that Tia will not react as Danny suspects, then leave her to judge his guilt in this matter. Though I must agree with Danny where Tia is concerned. Fixer, it will not matter that she understands your purpose for the island. Tia follows her heart when it comes to those she calls family. My dear cousin will only know one thing, you have a file on Seth and she can't read it. Tia becomes extremely protective when she sees a threat to those she cares about. I am hoping I am wrong but the Caretakers have witness first hand how quickly Tia will put Seth and the Core before any other need. Now I know you planned on using what Danny did to get something from me, so let's stop chasing each other's tail." Doc stopped as he looked towards the window. Fixer was stalling as if he was waiting for the Core to witness Lance's deal.

Cole stayed relaxed in his chair and took another sip of his sparkling water. "Personally I think, Doc, Tia might surprise all of you. I know she is protective and this is going to be a test on if she has matured enough to put aside her personal feelings to start becoming the leader she is going to need to be someday. These were not her rules, but mine, so she will be working under my laws." Cole smile broadened, "As far as reading Seth's file, well maybe I can come to a compromise with that. She has an automatic diary that records her feelings, thoughts, and what happens to her running thanks to Tarik. I might be persuaded to let her read Seth's file if she allows me to read her diary. After all they equal each other because they are both files of information gathered." Cole looked at his empty bottle, then at Lance's, which still held about half in content. He signalled Mecum to get him another. He had a five mile run to do later so he wanted to be well hydrated. "As to your third point, yes I do plan on using what Danny did, but Doc, I have not decided yet whether it will be concerning Tia or Max, so just try and relax. I am afraid I will not be able to give you much warning when it happens, but we have worked together before so you know how I work."

Cole looked over at his desk as a small red light blinked on a slightly raised panel. "Ah it seems the children have returned. Do you want to be in on the meeting between Tia and I? Landon and Miley will not be allowed. They will probably give me a problem about that, but I have several unoccupied secured rooms available."

Lance inwardly cringed as his fear was confirmed. He prayed that Fixer would not have his cousin witness him striking a deal. He wanted so much to be there with Tia. He needed to be there, especially if her blood magic was tapped because of her fury. He nodded to Fixer as he said, "Landon and Miley will be more comfortable if they know I am there. Have the girl that Franco likes, watch them."

"Agreed. Now let me get Tia in here and we will see about taking care of Danny's little problem." Cole turned to Mecum and mentally said, "Have Artkee bring Tia to my office. Landon and Miley can go to the recreation room and wait. Make sure they get plenty of liquids and something to eat if they wish. Have Specialist Hope Jennings make sure they do not get into any mischief." Cole got up and went to sit behind his desk and to Lance he said, "Artkee will bring Tia here. I will leave you unbound, Doc, but don't interfere. You are permitted to give your opinion, but think before you speak."

Lance nodded as he said, "Agreed." He knew that it would most likely not be the last agreement with Fixer. The Doc thought to Landon that Tia would be fine, he would see to that. Lance was sure the message did not reach Landon but he hoped the feeling behind it did.

COLE

Cole looked at the small screen on his desk. Landon and Miley had been taken to the rec-room and were not happy. Hope Jennings was talking with them, but that did not stop Landon from stomping around. Cole had allowed Lance's thoughts to get to Landon, so the boy knew Tia would not be alone with Cole. Miley just stood in silence but she was constantly looking toward the door… the look of fear in her eyes told of her worry for Tia. A tray sat on one of the tables with water, fruit and small sandwiches. Several other troop members were playing some of the many games located around the room. The two would be fine.

The screen automatically divided itself and half showed Tia being led by Artkee arriving at Cole's office door. Cole reached out and pushed a button allowing the door to open. "She is here," he said as he glanced at Lance. Cole stood out of respect and courtesy, but did not come from behind his desk. He waved toward the chair he had vacated in front of his desk. "Please be seated Princess."

Tia had been furious but she felt from Landon calmness. She looked at Fixer as she, walked into the room and toward his desk, "Sorry but can this talk wait? I am missing a member and only came back to inform you that he was not where he told us he would be. He has us concerned as he has seemed troubled by something."

Lance had gotten up out of his seat and started toward Tia, as she entered the room. He saw the worry in her eyes concerning Danny's disappearance. Fighting to keep calmness in his voice he said to the girl as he lead her to the seat, "He is fine cousin."

Tia stopped in her tracks as Lance's attendance finally worked its way into her worried thoughts. She looked at her cousin as she said shocked to see him, "Lance, what are you doing here?" Turning a glared on Fixer, she thought to Landon, "I need you. Lance is here and that can't be good..."

Lance kept the smile plastered on his face, hoping Tia would see it was not in his eyes also. "I had a patient here. Now calm down please?" he added gently tugging her toward the chair, Cole wanted her to sit in. He could feel her fury and had to calm her down. Lance glanced at Fixer and said as calmly as he could, "Tia, do you really think Fixer could do to me what happened to Seth? Even the Dark One can't sense me unless I want him to. Tia, the one thing you should know by now, is that I treat anyone."

Tia gave her cousin a hug as she whispered, "Yes, I do cousin but that is why I am worried." Shooting another sharply pointed glance at Fixer as she took her seat, she said in just above a whisper. "He better not even be thinking of using me to hurt you!"

Lance said, "He's not Tia." Lance returned to his seat, but not before pulling his chair close enough to be able to reach out and touch his cousin for reassurance or possibly to hold her in her seat. He knew he had to keep the situation as calm as possible. Hopefully Fixer was right and Tia had emotionally grown past the point most thought her as having.

Once Tia was seated, Cole took his seat and dismissed Artkee. The elf was already being drawn in too many directions and although they did not need as much rest as human's they still needed some down time. Crossing his arms on his desk in a detectibly calm manor he said to Tia, "Danny is safe, although not enjoying himself at the moment. I need you to start thinking like an adult Tia. I know it is hard, but we have some trouble you are going to have to handle and I need you not thinking like the little girl you once were." Stopping only long enough to give Tia a chance to register his words, he continued. "Danny has gotten himself into some trouble. He has broken into my file room on the intent of going through my information. He also has done this in sacristies, so he removed himself from the protection I give all of you on this island and has put others in danger, by disobeying my rules. For this he will be punished."

Tia did not look at Lance as she knew her cousin. He was trying to shield her and that told her that at least where she was concerned, Lance did not trust Fixer. Tia stood up as she said furious, "I want to see Danny now! As for you laying a hand on any of my people, think again...I am thinking like an adult and believe me Fixer, I am not at all happy with you..."

Lance gently pulled Tia back into her seat as he felt her fury at Fixer. Once she was seated he said, "Why are you upset with Fixer? Even you have to admit that Danny broke trust with that stunt?"

Tia sadly nodded and then surprised Lance when she looked at Fixer as she said, "As leader of the Core, I will accept responsibility for any of my members."

Lance was floored as he knew Tia understood that she had just accepted whatever punishment Danny would have been given. He thought to Fixer, "I guess Tia has out thought both of us and hopefully shown you what a true leader is willing to do..." His cousin was taking Danny's place and that meant he had to talk to Fixer quickly. He had to get Tia out of this mess.

Cole nodded. "Sit back down, please Princess. Danny is being held and you will not see him until he is brought back into this office to hear the ruling against him. We need to talk about what the consequences of his actions are. I have laws on my island and he had broken at least two of them. There are consequences already mapped out for these offences and we need to discuss them. Lance is here if you wish to ask any questions and for support only. The final decision will be yours on what the punishment will be from the list of possibilities I will give you, but rest assured Tia, Danny is going to be punished. Now are you ready to hear the rest?"

Tia continued to stand and holding her arms at her side, hands in tight fists she attempted to keep her temper in check as she said, "I said I take the responsibility for my people so I will be standing in for Danny!"

Lance could say nothing so he kept a tight hold on his own temper and pressed his mouth into a fine line. He knew full well how stubborn his young cousin could be and was going to try his hardest to let her handle this.

"Sit, Princess now." Cole waited for Tia to slowly retake her seat then he said, "You will not take his punishment for him Tia, you will be the one to tell him what it is and then stand and watch it being given out. That is what a leader does. It will not be easy. I have had to do it and this will not be the only time as you come into being the leader you are destined to be, that you will have to hand out punishment. Now are you ready to hear what the consequences are?"

Tia shook her head as she said with fury, "Oh you can dish out the punishment Fixer but you are no true leader! A true leader is like Arianna, she has never had to punish any of my protectors. They respect her cause she can just with her voice make them beg for her forgiveness. That is the kind of leader I want to be. One that my people respect not out of fear but out of proving I can and would take whatever they do! Now I will take his place or you can return us to Hogwart's now!" She was furious that he thought she would respect his leadership.

Lance was at his wit's end but knew that Tia had dug in her heels. He hoped Air would forgiven him for the white lie. He looked at his cousin and said, "Tia Andreas, that was not fair. Air has had to lay into a few of the Caretakers. You have not even heard the choices. I know you are feeling like Fixer is changing how the Core will see you. Listen to the options and then choose the one that best fits how you lead the Core, okay? Then if you still think it is best that you take his place, you can do it knowing just what you are agreeing to. Tia what is the Andreas' motto?"

Tia listened and then said, "Nobody Else takes our fall! But Lance what does that have to do with this? He is not even giving Danny the chance to explain. He might have a good reason that at least would lessen the dress down. It is how I work."

Lance smiled as he answered, "The motto is a code of conduct. The reason I find it important here is, then why should you take Danny's?"

Tia laughed as she said still unsure, "Okay Lance you have a point but I still reserve the right to choose something different or take his place."

Cole could only shake his head. "Tia this is my island, thus it is my kingdom if you will. This means my laws are what governs here. You are a visitor to my kingdom, a welcome visitor, I might add. Danny broke the law, several of them. I happen to know some of the things Ari was forced to do, because her Caretaker laws were broken. Be assured she did not like having to do them, but several of her Caretakers were punished, in ways I hope you never have to experience."

"There was no reason for him to be in my private file room, other than to snoop or steal information. He did not tell anyone what he was going to do, so security could not protect him as they have done all of you since you have been coming here to learn and explore your abilities. Guilt is not the question here." Cole sat back in his seat, relaxing as best he could. "If he was an adult, and I am tempted to treat him as such, since all of you have asked to be treated not as children, then the punishment would be very harsh. For breaking and entering he would receive 50 lashes with a single tailed whip, for dodging security and thus putting others in jeopardy, because they would have to locate and solve any problems he would cause, the punishment would be a beating, by three specialists, with his hands tied behind his back. He picked up a file and started out of the room, so I will include stealing here, which holds a sentence of the administration of 3cc's of Ahewaai Serum, the Egyptian translation of which is Great Pain. This will cause four or more hours of pain, with any movement of any part of his body. After these are met, then he would be required to ask forgiveness on his knees. He would then be under three months of observation and probation." Cole watched as Tia's face started to show her understanding of what could be in store for Danny. "I have decided since Danny is not full grown and has not taken the full training qualification course for even Trainee states, I will back off slightly on these requirements. He will be required to choose two of the following: 10 prods with a cattle-prod set just below the burning point, a beating by two specialist without his hands being tied, and a 1cc shot of Ahewaai, which will cause pain for approximately an hour maybe a little more. He will still be required to ask forgiveness in the prescribed manor. The only other concession I will make is that he will be allowed to pass the punishment onto another person, with that person's agreement. But Tia, if he passes it on to anyone else all the adult requiremtns all three will be met to their fullest extent. Now let me know when you are ready to have Danny brought into the room?" Cole sat back and steepled his fingers in front of him, using the arms of the chair to rest his elbows on. Tia had slowly gone more and more pale as he talked, but she was sitting tall. This was going to be hard on her, but she had to learn there were two sides to being an adult and a leader.

Tia listened and then standing tall, she said, "I only have two things to ask. The first is the file, who's name was on it? And second, what is your trainee program consist of?" She had an idea that would hopefully show her wisdom but she needed a bargaining chip.

Cole kept his fingers steepled and did not answer right away. He rocked a couple of times then said, "Seth Wright was the name on the file. If you are thinking of saying or trying to get Danny into the training program, he is not old enough. He has to be at least 18 and be recommended by three of Specialists."

Tia kept her temper in check as she said, "That file will be destroyed before I leave here. You talk about Danny invaded your space, what about your mind dive on my godfather? When are you going to atone for your theft?"

Tia grinned as she said, "I am willing to start fresh and even think that I can come up with a punishment for Danny that will please your ideas. Might even be worse but it will be an option? The training with none of the rewards. His days off will be his days to train here along with your trainees until he completes the program. What do you think? Fixer, understand me clearly, I am willing to trust but you must first wipe the slate concerning Seth. If not then I will see that you are not somebody the Core should trust."

Lance smiled as Tia was not letting Danny escape punishment, his cousin had just chosen a different way. He looked at Fixer and wondered if he would agree. His cousin was testing Fixer as she always did. She was testing his heart.

Cole put his hands down in his lap and rocked a couple more times in his chair. He saw Lance's look in his direction. "Tia what your godfather was made to go through was a decision on my part which saved his life. There were others who would have done it, if I hadn't, and there would not have been much left of your godfather's mind. There are something's in this world, which you are not ready to learn about yet, princess." Cole sat forward and folded his arms on his desk. "As you get older and mature into your future role, truths will be told to you. Several of the Caretakers are privy to the information I obtained. As far as your godfather's file being destroyed, that is not going to happen. His information is woven within other files. It is my personal file room and you have no say so on what information is in it."

"Danny is not old enough and does not have the body strength or physical abilities to even start the Trainee program. There are reasons the requirements are established like they are. I wrote the process and unless I want to change it for everyone, I have no say on the requirements. Sometime in the future, maybe after next summer break, I might consider coming up with a pre-training program, but at the moment your suggestion will not work. Tia, my troops know what the punishment is for what Danny did. If he is not punished in a way, even close to what they are expecting, it will plant the seed of an idea that I do not stick to what I have put in place. How many of them do you think, would start to think they could get away with things? When would it stop, if first they got away with something small and then tried for more?"

Tia shook her head and Lance inwardly groaned as he heard her say the words that he had warned Fixer about, "You think I don't know! Why do you think I went against everything for what you could teach us? I might be fifteen but I have been a target since birth Mr.Cole and you have lead the Dark One to my godfather's door. On the day you stole what is in that file, my godfather got this..." Tia stopped her fury only long enough to throw her copy of the message to Fixer. She stood as she said, "You placed him in a state of mind that makes it possible for the Dark One to tap a part of him that will make him your worse nightmare. I was willing to give you the benefit of the doubt but if you won't hold yourself accountable then I must! There will be a long time before I ever trust any from this island. Danny will not be held accountable as long as you are not?"

Lance thought to Fixer, "Now you did it Fixer! My cousin knows all too well what the Dark One is capable of. It is the reason she has been seeing Max weekly and why I came here when you asked. Tia has already met the Dark One this past Summer only to come back to Hogwarts to hear what you and the Dark One did. We hide nothing from her now. I have been using my gift to try and give her some peace from his attacks."

He stood up and tried to calm her saying, "Tia, go have your session with Max.Danny can wait in his room while I chat with Fixer. Cole did not know sweetie as the Dark One has never before done what was done to you this past summer. You and Fixer are so stubborn but your father did trust him with your safety and he is doing what he believes will insure that. Tia, you trust my parents don't you?"

Tia nodded remembering what Molly did after Tia had been forced by Protector to attack Brennan.

Lance smiled knowing this was one thing that in Tia's eyes account for Fixer's file on Seth, "Tia, my parents and your father trained Fixer. And Tia, Danny was not the only one in Fixer's file room. Fixer is trying to insure that Danny thinks before he acts. Tia after you calm down, I am sure you and Fixer will find a punishment you both can agree on. This is what being a leader is all about, learning how to deal with other leaders."

"Tia you seem to be under the misconception that the Dark One, or even the Dark Sect, had me do what I did to your Godfather, this is not the case. What I did was to keep them from doing it. They received none of the information I discovered. Some of the information was given to Ari and some of it kept for future reference by me. Your Godfather will be fine, Tia. As far as the note is concerned, it was sent to make your Godfather think they had something to do with my research. The blocks I have been able to establish in your Godfather's mind will prevent the Dark Sect from entering and finding information he needs to hide."

In his mind he said to Lance, "She is not going to get out of this, Doc. She needs to learn."

Cole stood up and walked around to the front of his desk, where he sat on the edge. Crossing his arms across his chest he said, "Danny is going to be punished. Either you will officiate and curve some of the punishment or I will officiate and it will be totally up to me how much is metered out. Either way, Tia you will watch. Now decide what you want to do. Do you want to act like an adult and do what is necessary, or do you want to stand back, be treated like the child everyone else wants to treat you as and put me totally in charge." Cole stared at the girl.

Tia smiled but the fear was underlay-ed. Lance shook his head but only thought, " Fixer, are you sure it won't snap her back to what she was forced to endure at the order of the Dark One? Those scars Bren has carried since she was forced to use the Cutting Curse to save Molly from being put through extreme pain by her own brother Tommy. She has not talked about the attack not even to Max, I don't think? Fixer, I am worried that she is trying so hard to show her bravery that she loses herself."

Tia inwardly shook but she said, "I will not choose, Danny will. Then the Core will carry it out. You can watch but Miley won't as I want her returned to Hogwarts. She is not well and she loves Danny. I will still want to read that file but that can wait."

Cole unfolded his arms and grabbed the edge of the desk. He extended his legs out in front of him and crossed them at the ankles. "I will agree that Danny may choose his two forms of punishment from what I said earlier. But, the elves will administer the punishment. Miley will not go back to Hogwarts until all of you do, but she will be kept away from the punishment areas." Cole glanced at Lance. "You will be the one to tell him why he is being punished and give him his options and then both you and Landon will attend the punishments. Agreed?"

Lance looked at Tia and waited. He saw her smiled as she said, "Agreed!" Lance said with pride, "Even your father had a hard time with this part of being a leader, Tia. You did great. Maybe Fixer can tell you about his time serving under your father?"

Tia just nodded and that worried Lance. He looked at Fixer and prayed the man knew what he was doing. Tia had nightmares, which were affecting her studies.

Continuing to look at Tia Cole continued, "So you remember, Danny is being charged with, entering my private file room, breaking with security measures which could have resulted in endangerment to others and attempting to steal a file. He will have to choose two of the following conditions of punishment and then get on his knees and ask for my forgiveness. The first, 10 prods with a cattle-prod set just below the burning point; second choice, a beating by two of my elves with his hands untied: and the third choice, a 1cc shot of Ahewaai, which will cause pain with any movement of his body for approximately an hour maybe a little more. None of this is negotiable as of right now. When you are ready let me know and he will be brought here to my office where you can inform him of what is happening." Cole glanced at the clock on the wall. "It is now 5:15 pm. Danny may choose to be punished immediately or first thing in the morning. I have covered you all at school for one more day of absence."

Tia nodded but asked, "I thought his hands were to be tied if he chooses the beating?" She still was not happy about what she as a leader had to order done. Tia looked to her cousin and nodded. Lance had not said anything but Andreas' did not have to, as their eyes spoke volumes. Her cousin's eyes were giving the encouragement she needed and her nod towards him explained that she was accepting what needed to be done. Tia only prayed that both Danny and Miley would understand and forgive her.

Cole stood up and walked to behind his desk. He reached out and pushed several buttons then sat down. "Tia, Danny is being brought here now. At the moment his hands are tied, because I do not know what his reaction will be. Please come and stand beside my desk." As Tia walked to the position Cole was motioning to, Cole finished, "When he arrives he will be placed in front of you and you may say your part. This is not going to be easy Tia, I know that, but it must be done to show your control." Looking at Lance he said, "Lance you will keep your seat no matter what happens. If Danny decides to fight the elves will take care of the situation. Artkee who will enter with Danny and Mecum," Cole motioned toward the elf standing behind Lance, "will not hurt the boy at this time, but he will be restrained if needed. Do not interfere."

Tia nodded but thought, "I don't want to control my friends. I just want to be a good leader like my father was?" Tia looked at Lance and wished she had known her father as Lance and Marcus had. The fifth year could tell that Lance idolized her father.

Lance just nodded but deep down he was scared. Fixer had hinted that Lance's attitude had caused this. The doctor knew Fixer was making a point to Lance but Cole had not asked for any deals. That was what had Lance so worried because now Fixer had said that Tia and the other three were here for at least one more day. He looked at Fixer and wondered if the Core spending the night was a hint from Fixer.

Cole was very proud of the girl and knew her father would be also. William Andreas, her father had been a mentor to him. The man had taught him how to survive in an uncertain world and how to not loose site of the fact he could not control everything or everyone. He just needed to stay on his toes and in the game, and to think fast on his seat. The man was a master at what-if puzzles which made Cole and others think of all possibilities and act not just react to situations. He sat back in his chair and watched as the door to his office opened. Artkee was following the boy into the room.

Danny walked slowly into the room. His eyes shifted from Cole to Tia and to Lance. They had kept him in a dark, damp cell with his hands tied behind his back. When he had been told that Fixer was ready for him, it had taken him a few moments to get steady enough on his feet to walk up the stairs and down the hall. He was scared, but determined to try and act as if what was happening didn't bother him. He had taken a deep breath when they had reached the door, and straightened up his spine and shoulders as the door had opened. The first kink in his bravery armor was when he found Tia and Lance in the office. Either the situation had turned in his favor or he was in for a very hard drop into life. The elf took hold of his arm and he was guided to stand in front of Tia. Lance was behind him. With a sidelong glance, he noticed that Fixer was just sitting there, relaxed and watching. He used his eyes to ask Tia what was going to happen next.

Tia tried to school her face to show no emotion. This would be worse than what she had done to Bren because there was nobody else being punished if she did not follow though. Her mind was racing about how Miley would react. A voice said inside, "Did Danny think of Miley?" Tia shook her head as she found her voice, "Danny Foreman, you are being charged with, entering Frank Cole's private file room, breaking with security measures which could have resulted in endangerment to others and attempting to steal a file. How do you plead?"

Danny looked at Tia in stunned silence. His eyes went to Fixer and found the man had not moved. He even glanced behind him and found Lance sitting, tight lipped and looking at Tia. "Ah, I'm guilty of breaking into the man's file room, because we need to see what the traitor has hidden there." Pleadingly he said, "Tia, the man has a file on Seth Wright and others. Even you said, you wished you knew what was in the file. I…" With the stern look on Tia's face, Danny stopped and dropped his eyes. Then he straightened his back and looked up, "I plead guilty to all charges." There was nothing else he could do and he would not plead for mercy.

Tia then said sternly, "You have the choice of any two of the following punishments as prescribed by the law of this land. The first consists of 10 prods with a cattle-prod, which will be set just below the point of burning your skin. The second choice is a beating by two of the elves on this island. In addition, the third choice is a 1cc shot of Ahewaai, which will cause pain with any movement of your body for approximately an hour maybe a little more. Which two do you choose?"

Danny's mouth had gone dry. No matter what his choice he was in for a lot of pain. He stared at the floor trying to get his thoughts in order. His knees felt weak, but the realization that he had done this to himself slammed into his chest. With his actions he had put Tia, his leader into Fixer's hands. The man could have hurt all of them. A tear escaped from his right eye, as he thought of what could have or still possibly would happen to his Miley. She was going to be frightened, angry and sad to the point she might not forgive him for what he had caused. He just might lose her over this. Taking another breath, trying for deep only to find it shaky, he looked into Tia's eyes and said, "I will choose the Cattle-prod and the beating, but…." He stopped talking when he saw the look of desolation on Tia's face. She was having a hard time doing this. Danny shot Fixer a look which he hoped conveyed the fact he would never forgive the man for putting everyone through this. Tia should not have had to do the punishment.

The Slytherin needed Danny to understand what his actions had done to the team. With a heavy heart, Tia continued, "Danny just so you know if I had gotten to choose, you would have spent all your free time here on the island in Fixer's trainee program until you understood what it meant to be Core. We especially Miley have been worried sick about what happened to you. When I was asked to come to Fixer's office, Miley wanted to continue looking for you. Did you even think of what this would do to us as a group or her? Daniel, you were one of those who made me see what my running off was causing the group and now I find that you have done the same thing. So after you punishment is done, you will not only get on your knees and ask for Fixer's forgiveness but also Miley's. Do I make myself Clear? As far as being recognized as Core, you Daniel Fremont are on probation!"

Cole nodded and stood up. "Very well Princess, you have done your duty to your people." Turning to Danny he said, "I have arranged for all four of you to remain on this island until tomorrow evening. Daniel Foreman, you will also be able to choose to have the punishment carried out, either tonight after dinner or in the morning. What do you choose?"

Danny's shoulders slumped. "I choose tonight. Maybe then we can go home." He looked up one more time at Fixer. "Please don't hurt Miley… she had nothing to do with this, honest. I will accept your punishment, but leave her out of this, please?"

Walking around the front of his desk and taking his previous position he said, "None of the others will be punished for your mistake. Due to Miley's health, I will not make her watch the punishment although both Tia and Landon will be there." Turning to Tia he said, "You, Landon, and Miley will eat in the main dining room, where you will mind your manors. At 7:30 you will be lead out to the main grounds out front where the punishment will take place. It will be witnessed by any of my men and women who wish to attend. When the punishment is over you, Landon and Miley will be established in a room at my home." Turning to Danny he said, "You will be taken to medical and any injuries will be taken care of then you will join your friends at my home."

Tia let out the breath she was holding as she eased Danny's mind, "Miley is not even going to see your punishment Danny, only me and Landon. You are still going to beg her forgiveness but only after it is done." Tia's eyes glistened with unshed tears, as she realized that she would have to tell Miley what she had done. She just prayed that her best friend would forgive her. Tia went to the door to bolt before she cried in front of her cousin.

Lance had smiled at how much like her dad and his grandmother Arianna, Tia had sounded. He felt her emotions and that tore at him. Lance looked at Fixer as he knew for Tia's peace of mind, he had to get Fixer to lessen the punishments. Since Danny had chosen after dinner that did not give Lance much time. His thoughts told Fixer that they needed to talk while he said to Tia, "Tia, Miley will understand as I am sure Danny does. Danny did wrong even if in his mind he had all the best intentions. Now come sit down."
Lastly turning to Lance he asked, "Would you like to eat with the young people or do you have other ideas?"

As Tia sat down in her chair, Lance said calmly, " I was thinking we might eat dinner together like we did when William was alive, Fixer? We were friends once. You remember William's what if game?" He had to show that he was at least willing to consider what Fixer would want.

Tia looked at Danny, who still stood with his chin on his chest then sat down intent on hearing of her father. The thing was that Fixer had not said where Danny would be eating. She looked at Fixer and asked, "What about Danny? Where is he going to eat? Miley needs to know he is okay."

Cole looked first to Danny, "Daniel, you will be taken to a secured room where you will eat." Cole had sat on the front of his desk, holding on to the edge of it. He looked down at the floor for a moment. The young man had done better than he figured with what was taking place,so he decided to give him a little reward. Looking back up he added, "After you are in your room, Miley will be brought there for a maximum of thirty minutes. You can explain to her what ever you want too. When the time comes Artkee will bring you to the front lawn." When he saw Tia was about to object he looked at her and said, "No Tia, he will not eat with you and the others."

Looking over Danny's shoulder he said to Artkee, "Put the young man in the last room on the hallway. Master Jack will deliver Miley and be responsible for her. The boy is allowed to have anything he wants to eat, but only water to drink." Turning back to Danny he said, "Go with the elf." Cole waved his hand toward the door and watched as Danny was led out.

When the boy was gone, Cole turned to Lance and agreed, "All right Lance. We can have our dinner brought here. Tia you can go. Miley and Landon are still in the rec-room. Jack will take Miley to see Danny and you and Landon will go to the dining room and eat. If you finish before it is time to go outside, then return to the rec-room and wait there. Understood?"

Tia nodded but looked at her cousin hoping that he would tell her more about the times her father, him and Fixer spent together. Lance just hugged her and walked her to the door.

Lance went and sat back down saying still worried how Tia was really handling what had just happened concerning Danny, "Miley is one of Tia's best friends, Cole. Tia is not handling this at all well. I am worried that she believes she won't measure up to the leader her father was. You served under her father, talk to her. The Dark One made himself known to her by assaulting her mind this past Summer. He had Tommy hurt Molly until Tia did what he wanted, which was to use the Cutting Curse on Brennan. I don't know if my parents have told you about the attacks both on Tia's home and then on Tia's mind, but I am sure you can see and feel the effect? She is going within herself and even as her Blood Guardian; I have no clue how to help strengthen her mind. Not as long as he keeps attacking her self-image, esteem and confidence."

Cole reached behind him on the desk and pushed a button twice to let the kitchen know he was ready to eat and would have a dinner companion then he took the chair Tia had just vacated. "She is doing fine at the moment. You all have treated her like a child for so long, she has never learned to make her own decisions and to figure out the pro's and con's of the decisions. Remember the word games, William used to play. Some of those impossible to solve sinerio's drove us all crazy, but we had some great time arguing the possible outcomes with the choices which could be made. I have been using the same technique with my troops. I think I will start a small class with the Core," adding a small snicker, he continued, "that is if any of them want to come back to the island after this and keep learning." Looking off into the distance he added, "Danny is strong, and will survive this test. He will be a great asset someday to the Core and their future duties protecting the Princess." Turning his attention back to Lance he asked, "Now, Doc, why did you really want this time together?"

Lance nodded at Fixer assessment of Tia. William had made a lot of judgement calls concerning his daughter. Lance said sadly, "William gave us no options when it came to Tia. You know his orders regarding her better than anybody, including me."

He shook his head as he said, "It is not his ability to handle it but Tia's. As I said, Tia is not handling any of this well. She is closing herself off, even to me. I know even now you can lessen Danny's punishment, Fixer. You were hinting that your bad mood was what had it so sever. So Fixer, what if you were to lessen it? What would you want in return?

Before Cole could answer Lance's question their dinner was delivered and set on the table near the kitchenette. Cole led Lance over, thanked the man who had delivered the tray and told him they would serve themselves. "Sit, Lance." Cole motioned toward one of the chairs then sat in one of the other three. Serving the dinner onto the plates, he pored some wine for both of them and took a couple of bites, chewing slowly. After a few minutes, he put his fork down and said, "I have Neo here and he is doing quite well at working toward his Specialist badge. Maxwell is here and having a majorly hard time in convincing himself he should use his talents to read people's minds. The children are here and about to learn an adult lesson." Cole sat back and asked, "What are you offering Doc? At the moment the only thing I really need is a reason for Max to let me go back into his mind and establish a connection. I need to be able to connect with him whenever I require his assistance for any reason. Do you have something else in mind?"

Lance shook his head as he said, "I won't betray the children but since neither Neo nor Max are Andreas by blood... I am honor bound by William as Tia's Blood Guardian. You were there and that meant you knew Fixer that by having Tia deal with Danny, I would have no choice but to choose her over Max? I know that my parents are worried about both Tia and Max but Tia worries me more. What are you exactly asking for?" Lance was pretty sure that Fixer was not just wanting to place a connection in Maxwell's mind. There was more to this and he was pretty sure Lance was about to become Fixer's insurance. He just did not want to offer it if it was not necessary.

Cole had taken a couple more bites while Lance was talking. Taking one more and chewing slowly before he answered, he put down his fork and leaned back in his chair. "When you were here with Franco, and I needed to convince Franco he needed to try and use his abilities, I used you in various ways to make my point. I will not lie to Maxwell, so…." Cole taped his fingers on the table a couple of times, "I need to convince Maxwell if he does not do what I say, in any way, for the remaining time he is here, then any punishment for his refusals will fall on you, literally. I need the proverbial whipping boy , and I have decided you are a better choice than say someone else who I might have access to."

Lance nodded as he thought about who Fixer was hinting might be the other choice should Lance not agree. Thanks to Danny’s error in judgment Danny and Tia were both choices that Fixer could choose as whipping person Lance in deep thought asked Fixer, "And if I agree, how will your mood towards Danny's punishments be, Fixer?" Lance remembered that Fixer had offered that Danny could give his punishment to somebody else if the other person agreed. He thought of how much pain he would be in but if Fixer agreed then his cousin would not have this guilt she was feeling for what Danny was about to endure. He needed to see if Fixer would give the boy the option and so he continued, “Fixer, if I was to agree; would that put you in the kind of mood to give the boy the option of allowing an adult to take his place? I know Tia did not even let Danny know that option was available. You could fix that error? If he still chooses to take the punishment himself, then you have the option of lessen each as a possible reward for his willingness to accept responsibility for his actions or choose a harsher single punishment for him to take. Either way, you would get your troops understanding you hold everybody accountable but that honesty and accountability are also rewarded? So Fixer, how bad do you want me as your whipping boy for Max?”

Cole pushed back from the table, got up and walked over to the small bar he had in the kitchenette. He never totally took his eyes off Lance as he poured himself a drink. Holding his glass up, he offered one to Lance who shook his head no. Turning around he leaned his hip up against the bar and took a couple of sips of his wine. "I would be willing to still offer Danny the option of letting an adult step in for him, but Doc, be careful. The only reason I have been able to be as leant as I have been was that he is still considered a boy in most everyone's eyes. An adult would get the adult choices of 50 lashes with a single tail whip, or 4cc's of Ahewaai, which would give a minimum of 4 solid hours of pain, or a beating by three of my specialist, with his hands behind his back, until he was uncurious. Two of these would have to be chosen."

Cole walked over and sat back down at the table. Leaning back in the chair and streatching his legs out in front of him, crossing his ankles, he continued, "I will not lessen it to choosing only one, but…" pausing to take another sip, he agreed to, "I will lower the voltage on the cattle prod a little and make the touches last no more than three seconds…. each will sting hard but not enough to cause considerable pain. If he chooses the drug, it stays at 1 cc but I will reduce the amount of intentional bumps to the bed." Cole had not mentioned before that the bed would be intentionally bumped every ten minutes to make it so Danny would be forced to move. "If he chooses the beating, I will make it end before he passes out. That is the only concessions. Give me your decision and I will talk with him one more time before we go outside. It is now…" looking at the clock on the wall he added, "7 o'clock, we have half an hour to set things up.

Lance quietly listened. He had only taken a couple of bites of his food. Putting the fork down and pushing the plate away, he leaned on the table. It had crossed his mind to accept Fixers offer of wine, but decided against it. For one, he needed to be completely in control and two, he was not sure Fixer would not add something to his drink. Looking intently at the man he said, "I agree to your terms, Fixer." He had to figure out how to get Danny to let him take the boy's punishment. It would mean a lot of pain and he was now insurance that Max would do what Fixer wanted him to do, but the boy would be safe. His mind had already started to consider arguments of what to say to get the boy to allow him to be substituted but Danny could be stubborn, so he would have to think of a sure fire way of getting the boy to allow his substitution. Lance smiled as he realized that he had decided to accept before his cousin had even left

Cole nodded and turned to Artkee, who had entered the room. "Please have Danny brought back into my office. Only Danny. Miley is to be taken to one of the waiting rooms. Tia and Landon are to be taken to the tent outside. Also, Artkee, make sure everything is ready." The elf nodded and left. "I will allow you 10 minutes to convince the boy of whatever you wish too. After that ten minutes, we will start to prepare for the punishment."

Lance just nodded. He wondered if he had done the right thing by eating very little.

LANCE

Lance had hardly moved during the ten minutes it took for Danny to be brought into the room. He and Fixer had moved back to Fixer's desk. Lance sat in one of the chairs in the front and Fixer sat behind the desk, looking very relaxed. They had not said a word to each other. When the door opened, Lance turned in his chair and watched Danny being led into the room. His hands were tied behind his back and his complexion was whiter. The boy was scared but had become determined to act like he thought a man should act.

Danny looked from one man to the other several times, as Artkee led him to the chair near the desk. He was determined not to ask for mercy. He had talked with Miley for about 15 minutes, a talk which consisted mostly of her crying and him holding her. He tried to explain, but she held so tight he couldn't even look at her face most of the time. She had wanted to come to he punishment, but he made her promise she would stay away. There was no need for her to witness the results of his stupidity. When he had finally kissed her good bye, he had to forcibly pull her arms from around him and force her out the door.

Now he was back in Fixer's office, only minutes away from his punishment. He forcibly straightened his shoulders as he sat on the edge of the chair. Swallowing hard he looked from Lance to Cole and settled his eyes on the man behind the desk.

Cole stayed relaxed sitting back in the chair as he said, "You have been brought back to my office Danny, because Lance has requested to be able to talk with you for ten minutes and I have granted the request." Cole motioned toward Lance.

Lance smiled at Danny as he said, "I wanted to talk to you because Tia had forgotten an option you could have chosen. I have requested that Fixer inform you of the option."

Danny's eyes shot back to Cole, who sat forward in his chair and folded his arms on his desk, as he said, "Originally I told Tia, one of your options was to pass your punishment onto another person. With that person's consent, they would take the punishment at the original prescribed method. You have chosen the cattle prod and the beating, both of which had been lessened because of your age."

Sitting up as straight as he could, Danny cleared his throat and asked, praying his voice would not crack or otherwise embarrass him, "And what was the original prescribed methods, Mr. Cole?"

Cole nodded and told the boy, what he had told Lance earlier. He shot a glance to Lance wondering what kind of arguments he was going to try. The boy did not appear to him to be the type to give up the pain to someone else, especially when it was going to be worse. During the whole explanation he shook his head no. Looking at Lance he said, "No Lance, I did the deed and I will accept the punishment." There was no way he could have someone else suffer for him.

Lance looked at Danny as he said, "Danny, the one thing you don't know is that Tia reserved the right to as leader of the Core to take your place. I would rather it be me than her."

He turned to Fixer as he said, "You know Tia would not have reserved the right if she did not plan on using it, Fixer? Why else do you think she smiled when you agreed to her changes? It also explains why she did not tell him it was even on the list of options."

Danny jumped up. "No, Mr. Cole, please, you can't let her do that. I will take whatever punishment you dole out, but not to Tia, not to a girl, please sir, please." Danny was almost in tears. He would not allow that to happen. Swallowing hard he said, "If you can't keep her from pulling that card then I will pass it to Lance." Danny looked at Lance breathing harder, his friend, "Lance please make him keep her from even trying to do what she wants to do. I need to take the punishment please…." Danny looked back at Cole and said in almost a whisper, "Please Sir….. please."

Cole glanced at Lance and held the man's eyes. Turning back to Danny he said, "The way this punishment is going to play out is between you and Lance. I will say, though as leader of the group you belong to, she does have the right to set herself up as the one to receive the punishment for her people. I will have to consider her offer, when she formally makes it at the punishment site. I can promise you though that Tia will not totally have her own way. The decision is yours." Cole was still trying to leave the choice open. If Lance could talk the boy out of the punishment, it would be fine with him. The boy was strong, but the punishment was going to do damage to his body, because he had not worked at keeping it hard so it could take abuse. Cole again glanced at Lance, giving him permission to try again if he wished to.

Lance silently asked the elf that came in with Danny to show the boy in his mind what Danny was about to face. As he did, Lance said, "Danny, I still rather take the punishment. Before you answer, I have requested that Artkee show you in your mind what the punishment is going to do to you. If you think you can still handle it after you are shown, then I will abide by your decision, okay?"

Danny nodded and then stood up, trying not to take his eyes off of Lance. His eyes were forced shut and he saw himself in the yard outside the barracks.

Artkee had nodded to Master Lance and had looked at Master Frank for permisssion to do what Master Lance had asked. When he had received a nod, he had closed his eyes and entered Master Danny's mind. He would not have to go very deep, because he was just showing him what was going to happen. He was using the memories of other people's experiences and putting Danny's face and body onto their movements. First he walked the young human into the yard, with others sitting on bleachers watching. The yard was lite brightly. He walked the young human to the pole, and fastened his hands above his head so he was facing the crowd. The cattle-prod was turned on with a sizzling sound, and touched to the body on the pole. Artkee allowed Danny to feel the jolt. A few more jolts were given. Then the picture changed and Danny was in a ring with two of the elves. He was dressed only in sweat pants. The two elves raised their hands and waving them through the air, Danny was struck hard on several parts of his body. He was not able to protect himself, because the elves never got close enough to physically touch him with their hands. Again and again, they delivered blow, never concentrating on any one point of the young humans body. Artkee made sure Master Danny felt the blow.

Danny had stood tall until the first feel of the cattle prod. He knew he was still in Fixer's office, but he felt the sting, and it hurt bad. He felt the others. Before he had time to fully comprehend the feel of the prod, he felt the blows of the beating. Tears had started to escape under his tightly closed lids. When his eyes opened again, it took several breaths before he could even talk. Shaking his head no, he looked at Lance and said, "What you would receive would be worse than that… I can't do it to you." Danny turned his stare to Fixer and trying desperately to stand tall he said, "I will take the punishment Mr. Cole."

"Very well Danny," Cole said as he rose from his chair. Walking around the desk he stood within a couple of feet of the boy. Danny had fear in his eyes, but those eyes also held resolve to brave through what was going to happen. "I am going out now. Lance will stay here with you and in about five minutes you will be brought out into the yard. When you are there you will be tied to a post, with your hands behind you. I will announce what you have done and the punishment which is to be metered out to you. Then Punta will step forward and you will be proded with a cattle-prod ten times. At the end of that you will be taken to a fighting ring which is also set up out there and you will be beaten by Punta and Artkee. Normally you would be beaten by three Specialist until you passed out but I have made an agreement," Cole glanced momentarily toward Lance, "that you will not be made to lose consciousness. When that part of the punishment is finished, you will be led back to kneel in front of me. At that time you will apologize for what you did. Then you will be taken to the medical unit and checked out. When they have cleared you, I will have you brought back to one of the rooms and you may see your friends. Do you understand all of this?"

Danny had seen the look that Fixer gave Lance. Lance had made a deal with Fixer. He nodded to Fixer and asked, "Does Tia know that you used what I did to get Lance to make a bargain with you Fixer?"

Lance listened to Fixer and then shook his head in Danny's direction, as he said, "And she won't know either, will she Danny?"

Danny looked at the two men but said nothing.

Cole crossed his arms across his chest. "What is between Lance and me is between only the two of us. Lance knows what is at stake and he is willing to make it easier on everyone. You only worry about yourself. You may worry about Tia, Landon and Miley if you like, but Lance's agreements are not up for you to worry about." When Cole figured Danny understood what he had said, he headed toward the door. Just before he turned the handle he looked back and said, "I am not proud of you because what you did Danny, because it was wrong, but I am proud of you for standing up and taking your punishment like a man." Cole then turned and left.

Lance realized that Danny said nothing about not telling Tia. He had to convince the boy. Lance waited until he was sure Fixer was well out of earshot and Danny was paying attention. Lance walked closer to Danny and put his hand on the boys shoulder as he said, "Danny, I will promise you that the deal is one that will protect Tia. I know my cousin and cannot afford her to get on Fixer's bad side. So Danny, for now tell Tia none of what you have learned. Promise me?"

Danny looked intently at Lance but still said nothing. He was not going to take the chance of making a promise he might later decide to break.

Lance smiled at the boy. He had felt a slight shake in the boy's body, but there was nothing he could do for him now. "Come on Danny let's get this over with. I will be there. Hold on to your nerve and you will do fine. Lance walked the boy toward the door, followed by Mecum. He wished he could untie Danny's hands.

It seemed all too soon when they reached the front door of the barracks and the door opened.

COLE

Cole could see Jack standing at the front door of the barracks, from where he sat on the slightly raised platform about a hundred feet from the house. About 20 feet in front of him was the pole where Danny would be tied and off to the left was a standard size fighting ring where Tarka stood in one corner. When Punta was finished administering the cattle-prod part of the punishment he would take his place in the ring at the opposing corner of where Tarka stood. The elves would administer the beating part of the punishment. They could do it without even touching Danny. There would be a lot less bruising on the boy. He would still feel every air-punch but his skin would not be marked as bad. When Danny was taken to the hospital unit later, all the bruising would be healed, but the painful reminders would remain, for about a day.

On the raised platform off to his left sat Tia and Landon, with Kimtu standing behind them, for support and to keep them from interfering. Lance would be sitting on his right. No one would be behind Lance, because Cole was taking it for granted the man would be able to hold his place. The elves would be watching though.

Tia had a hard time not using her right to take Danny's place. She folded her hands in her lap and tried to concentrate of staying relaxed as possible. Her stomach felt like it was rolling. She looked to her left at Landon as he glared at Fixer. She had added the request to reserve the right to take Danny's place when they had been in Fixer's office, but she was waiting for Danny to be brought out before she made the formal request. When they had sat and eaten dinner, discussing what Danny had done and the consequences, Landon had made it clear, to everyone sitting n the dining room that he was not been pleased about any of the turn of events. Tia knew that he planning on having it out with both Danny and Fixer at some point. Miley was so scared for Danny, she had not even taken a bite of her food. Miley had not been allowed to attend the punishment phase because Danny did not want her there and she had been ill recently, so it was decided it would be too much for her. No one had been able to talk with her since Danny had been allowed to see her a little bit ago. Tia concentrated on breathing as normal as possible. Glancing at Fixer she saw he had sat up straighter. Apparently something was about to happen.

Cole could feel the anger coming for the two children. This was not an easy thing for him to do, but he could not tell them that. He had to stop the children from trying to snoop. If Danny had been caught doing what he did, in many other places, he would be in a lot worse condition and possibly be dead. He sat up straighter and signaled Jack to bring the boy out.

Jack saw the Captains signal and opened the door to the barracks. Motioning both Lance and Danny to come out, he put up his hand to stop them when they were on the porch. "Doc you need to go and sit on the platform with the Captain. I will bring the boy forward." When Lance did not move Jack stepped up closer to him and in almost a whisper said, "If you want to stay, you need to not make any trouble, Doctor. I have orders to send you back inside if you refuse to do this the Captains way."

Lance gave a sly grin as he whispered back, "Do you really think if I wanted to stop this, you or anybody short of my father could stop me? I made a deal with Fixer to allow this but don't even think of threatening me Jack Jennings or I just might reconsider." Lance was furious that Fixer did not accept him at his word. After a few deep breaths, Lance said, "I will sit only after we get in front of Fixer as I have a feeling my cousin is far from done. And Landon is also not in the best of moods if I can judge his expressions right." He just hoped Neo was ready as he was sure Tia's boyfriend was about to explode.


Jack looked toward the staging area. The Captain tilted his head, a sure sign he was reading the situation and then smiled and nodded. Jack had just received permission for Lance to walk to the area with him and Danny. Looking back at the doctor he said, "All right you may walk with us, but Doc, don't do anything we will all regret later, please." Jack stepped to the side and took the boy by the arm. "Come on young man, we all need to get this done."

Cole watched as the three started forward. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Tia, staring at the advancing threesome. Landon had gone to the edge of his seat. Cole looked behind the two young people and silently told Kimtu to be on his guard. He looked farther off to the left at the men and women who had opted to view the punishment. It had been recommended on the bulletined board in the main hall that all off-duty personnel come to the punishment. Sitting in the first row, with his squad Neo was glancing back and forth between Danny and Landon. Cole rubbed his chin. Something was about to happen. Cole caught Neo's eyes for a moment and slowly shook his head. The elves were ready to interfere if needed. Several troop members had also been put on alert to possibilities.

As the group reached the stage, Cole stood up and took a step forward to address the crowd.

Landon moved with lighting speed. As he reached Danny, his anger came to the top and he hit his friend in the jaw hard with his fist as he said in raged, "Danny of all the hair brain schemes!" He would have said more to Danny who was on the ground, if Lance had not stepped in-between them and shoved him away. As Lance looked over Landon's shoulder he noticed Tia rising to her feet, but he stood his ground in front of Landon. "You need to return to your seat, NOW, Landon before we all have to suffer for your reaction." Adding a glare he added, "Tia is about to make her move. Don't you think you should be beside her?" Lance watched as Landon looked between Danny, him and then at Tia. Slowly he turned and climbed back onto the platform to stand behind Tia.

Reaching down Lance helped Danny to pick himself up off the ground. The boy was moving his jaw so nothing was broken where Landon had connected. By the time Danny was on his feet Tia was formally requesting to take his place. Lance's eyes shot to Fixer. The man had promised he would not accept Tia's request, but he was not absolutely sure what Fixer would do any more. They both turned toward the stage.

Tia had jumped up when Landon had run off of the platform. She did not even have time to say anything before he had hit Danny in the jaw with a right-cross. This was a side of her boyfriend, which she had only seen once before in the Forbidden Forest. When she saw Lance step in-between Landon and Danny, who was lying on the ground she froze. When Landon came back and stood in front of her, she was able to slowly turn, straighten her backbone and in as a level a voice as she could command she said, "Frank Cole, as leader of the Core, and responsible for their actions, I formally request," she stopped for a moment, shook her head, and continued, "… I formally demand that I be allowed to take the place of my man, and receive the punishment which has been judged against him." Tia started to shake, but she fought to stand tall and not take her eyes off the Fixer.

Neo stood up and said with a questioning tone to his voice, "Captain?" When Cole looked his way and nodded, Neo walked calmly, calmer than the felt, to the platform, grabbed Landon by his shoulders and pulled him to his seat. Then he stood behind him, keeping his hands on the boys shoulders, leaned down and said directly into the boys ear, "Stay put, Landon or I will tie you up myself. You are only making it rougher on Danny by making Cole angrier. You want him to take it out on your friend?" Neo stood back up straighter and looked down at the top of the boys head waiting for some sort of reply.

Landon shook his head as he said just as quietly, "He had no business forcing Tia to do this, Neo. It is eating her up inside and she is..." He stopped as he felt Tia drifting further away. Landon loved her and at the moment he felt helpless. Landon knew that he should not have let her go alone to Fixer's office but Lance had assured him that Tia would be safe. Landon sadly shook his head as the only one he ever truly loved was far from safe.

Before Cole answered Tia's request he looked over to where, Neo had Landon sitting down and was holding the young man in place. Inwardly he smiled as he saw the love the boy had for the girl standing in front of him. He would make an excellent consort for Tia when she came into her power as leader of the Wizard Egyptian Council. Drawing his attention back to the girl he crossed his arms across his chest and said, "I am sorry Tia, but I am going to refuse your request. I admit you had the right to make it, and I would have done the same thing for my own men and women, but Danny needs to do this himself. Now please go and sit back down, so we can get this over with and move on to other things."

Tia shook her head as she said, "When I requested the right to reserve the right to take Danny's place, you accepted. It was not a request to request. I had reserved the right to take his place and now I am formally exercising that right, Mr. Cole!"

Landon's heart sank as he heard Tia play her ace-in-the-hole. He looked at Neo and then Lance but was unsure what anyone could do.

"Princes this is my island and I always have the right to change my mind. I am now exercising that right." Cole captured Tia's eyes and added, "Either you go sit down, or you will be taken into the barracks and will not be allowed to talk with any of your people until all of this is done and you are on your way home. If you remember that could be tomorrow evening. You choose." Cole continued to stare. He knew Tia was already too much of a leader to not want to be there to support one of her group, so he just had to wait until she realized the corner she was in and take her seat.

Tia felt somebody trying to get through into her mind. She looked at Landon who would be the most likely one, but he was looking toward Lance. Turning in that direction she saw Lance shake his head no. When Tia concentrated a little more, she could feel one of the elves blocking entry into her mind. In her thoughts she shouted, "No, get out. Stay out of my mind." The whole experience made her feel weak and a little dazed.

Hope Jennings watched Tia from behind the chairs on the platform where she had been standing as backup and saw the girl finally weakly go sit next to Landon. Hope looked at Fixer wondering if they had a problem. Tia had not been weak just moments before and Hope prayed Captain had an idea on what might have caused the young girl's weakness.

Cole look behind Tia and nodded to Hope adding a small smile. The Specialist was worried about the girl. He had hopes of getting Hope set as Tia's special trainer and advisor. The two would be good together. Looking around he decided it was time to continue. Standing on the edge of the platform he looked at Lance and then at Danny. The boy was still standing strong although there was still fear in his eyes. Cole turned toward the general assembly. "Daniel Foreman is being charged with breaking and entering, attempted theft and breaking security protocol. He has been questioned and has admitted to all the charges. His punishment will not be witnessed by all present." Turning to Lance and Danny he said, "Doctor, please take your position on the stage. Jack please position the accused."

Lance reached out and touched Danny's arm, glowered at Cole, and walked onto the platform to sit in the chair off to the right of Cole's chair. He sat forward and rested his elbows on his knees, interlacing his fingers.

Jack took Danny by the arm and walked him over to the pole were he untied his arms and then retied them behind the pole. Then Jack took two steps back.

Punta walked up and holding the cattle prod out in front of him turned it on. A slight sizzling sound could be heard as the prod came to life. Punta looked toward Master Frank for the go-ahead.

Cole moved his hands behind his back. He had made arrangements with the elf, that the juice on the prod would be turned down to half of it's highest setting. It would be enough to sting badly, but not enough to cause any damage. He had also set the boundaries of only having Danny's arms, legs and stomach as possible targets. Cole had been impressed with the boys fortitude and had decided to go a tad bit easier on him. Nodding he stood and watched with no expression on his face.

Punta took a step forward and touched Danny's right upper arm with the prod.

Danny gritted his teeth and stared straight ahead. He desperately tried not to look at the prod as it came closer again. The pain radiated from where the prod struck up and down his arm. Mentally he tried to prepare himself for the rest of the hits. Two, three, four, five he counted to himself as the current threatened to take him to his knees. Locking his knees he took some deep breaths. He could feel tears draining from his eyes, but he pretended they were not there. Six, seven, eight, the pain felt worse as he arched his back and knocked his head against the pole trying to get his brain off of the currents travels. Nine, one more to go… ten… he dropped his head forward, allowing his chin to rest on his chest. He relaxed his locked legs because he did not want to pass out. He would not give Fixer the knowledge he was brought to his knees. Danny leaned against the pole and brought his head up to look at the people on the platform.

Tia was crying and holding onto Landon's arm. She had turned her head away. Landon had his hand on the back of her head, caressing her hair, whispering to her. Landon's eyes were on him though. Danny knew Landon was mad at him, but he had a feeling he was angrier that Danny had put the Core at risk on Fixer's island. The Core never really admitted it but they needed Fixer to train them. Most of the other people in their lives still treated them as children, where Cole treated them as adults, at least to some extent. He was willing to show them how to fight, track, and survive on their own.

Danny looked away from his friends and toward Lance. The man sat bolt upright with his hands on the arms of the chair he was sitting in. With his eyes, he tried to say he was sorry, but wasn't sure it had come across.

Finally, Danny looked at Fixer. The man just stood unmoving on the edge of the platform, arms folded across his chest and feet planted shoulder width apart. After a moment, he watched as Fixer lowered his arms to his side and nodded. Jack stepped forward and undid Danny's arms steading him long enough to make sure he would not collapse. Then Jack lead him over to the boxing ring and held the ropes open so Danny could enter. "Stand in the middle of the ring, Daniel," was all the man said. Danny took the spot he was directed to and looked at the elf named Tarka standing in one corner and the elf Punta standing in another corner. His eyes traveled to where Fixer was standing on the edge of the platform.

Cole nodded when everyone was in position and said, "The next part of the punishment will be a beating by the elves. Danny when I figure you have had enough, I will call a halt. Your hands will not be tied, but the elves will not physically touch you." Cole nodded and folded his arms again across his chest blanking all expression from his face.

Danny kept changing his glance from one elf to the other as they reaised their arms out in front of them. Punta was the first to move. The elf bent his elbow and swept his arm in an arc in front of him. Danny grabbed his right side where a magical blasts his hard. He spun and found himself facing Tarka. Tarka lowerd his hand and then swept it upward about six inches. Danny's head was knocked back this time. His chin felt like Landon had doubled the strength of a blow. Danny breathed hard as he looked from elf to elf. All too quickly, he felt blows on his other side and again two to his face. A strong punch his right upper arm in a place the prod had hit earlier. Danny could not hold in the grunts of pain. A blow to the upper part of his back took him to his hands and knees. Stunned he still forced himself back to his feet. He was trying to watch the elves, but their movements were too quick, and he had no way to block the blows, he could only take them. Clinching his fists, he willed himself to stay on his feet. He was not going to act weak… he would not give Fixer the satisfaction of asking this to stop.

Cole looked over at Tia, who had buried her face in Landon's shoulder. Her shoulders were shaking with sobs. Landon visibly cringed each time Danny was hit by one of the elves blasts. The boy held onto Tia and his eyes shot daggers at Cole. Out of the corner of his eye, Cole looked at Lance, who was sitting straight upright, his spine galvanized into a ridged pole. Lance's eyes were on Danny, but they also darted to Cole every few seconds. Neo just stood behind Landon never letting go of the boy's shoulders. The Cooler looked straight ahead.

Looking back at the ring, Cole saw Danny again go to his knees, taking longer to stand this time. The boy never quite achieved a totally upright position. When Danny went to the mat for the third time, Cole raised his hand and said, "Enough. Bring Daniel to me."

Danny could hardly walk as the elves steadied him on his feet and took him to the side of the ring where they helped him through the ropes and handed him off to Jack. Jack grabbed the boys arm, and making sure he could stand led him over to the platform and up the one step so he stood in front of Cole. "On your knees Daniel." As the boy was helped to his knees Cole continued. "At this point I will accept your apology and we will be even. I want you know know something, though… and I tell you this in front of your leader and her second in command. If ever any of your Core, attempt to do what you have done again… and one of you knows and either does not stop them or does not tell me so I can take measures then I promise you, what you have gone through today, will seem like child's play for the other person and the Core itself. I am willing to train you and show you how to survive, but I will not have myself taken advangage of. I hope I have made myself perfectly clear." Cole glanced at Tia, who was wiping her eyes and looking at Danny. "Now you may give your apology."

Fixer's words had Danny's fists tight as he looked to his leaders. He shook his head as the reason for his actions came back into his mind. The man before him had secrets that Tia needed to know. Danny looked towards Landon and knew that Landon was not in any mood that bode well for Danny. He held his tongue, thinking, "The Core only trust those that are honest and truthful with us. Fixer is as neither he's holding secrets from Tia and Fixer thinks we won't do everything we can to find out. Think again! My only real mistake was upsetting Tia and Miley as it put me on the wrong side of Landon Russo and most likely has cost me, Miley. Next time, I will clear it though Landon, Luke and the other part of the protection force within the Core. I will also insure Tia and Miley are away from the island." He said still looking towards Landon and Tia, "I beg that you forgive me!" He had no intention of giving Fixer the pleasure of his apology. He was only sorry that his actions had placed his leader Tia in Fixer's hands. He thought of Miley and hoped he still had a chance with her.

Cole looked from the boy to Tia and Landon and then back to the boy. "Not good enough Daniel. You may ask their forgiveness later, and it will be up to them on how they take it. I require an apology from you for what you did. You agreed to all of these steps." Cole stopped and thought for a moment, then continued, "Maybe I should bring Miley out here and see what she thinks about you going back on your word to accept you punishment. If she sees you are not trust worthy here, I wonder what she would think about other things you have told her." Cole just waited.

Danny just shook his head in refusal, as he thought, " He better not dare touch her!." In his heart, he knew he would not risk Miley or Tia, so when he saw the look in Landon's eyes, Danny looked Fixer in the eyes as he said, "I ask that you forgive me, Mr. Cole." He never looked away. It made him physically sick to ask the man for forgiveness, but Fixer was right, he had agreed to all of the punishment parts. Someday he would get back at the man. Someday it would be just the two of them.

Cole nodded. "You may get up now Daniel." Looking at the troop members he said, "That concludes today's punishment. Please return to your regular duties." Cole walked to his chair and sat down. "Daniel you will be taken to the medical unit and check out. You are going to be sore for a few days, but you will have no markings which will show what has happened to you here today." Looking at Tia and Landon he said, "You two will be taken to the room where Miley is now staying. You may tell her as much or as little as you like. Daniel will join you there after the med-unit clears him. You will be my guests until tomorrow evening, after I make sure Daniel has recovered. There are two sets of bunk beds in the room. One of the elves will also remain with you. In the morning you will join me for breakfast at my house, then we shall see how the day goes." Not waiting for a reply from any of the children, he looked at Neo and said, "Neo you will return to your unit. I will permit you to see the children tomorrow afternoon." Lance was the last to get instructions. "Doc, you have a choice. You may go with Daniel to the medical unit or you may join me in my office. If you go to the med unit you can join me in my office when Daniel is released. Does anyone have any questions?"

Landon glared at Fixer but said nothing. He had his own way of finding out about Fixer. He placed his arm protectively around Tia and then said to Danny, "Daniel, you forgot I have my own ways of finding out things. Now go with Lance." He hated his mother's contacts but since a few of them kept tabs on Khalid for her, Landon knew just who to talk with. He gave a reassuring smile to Tia as he led her away.

Lance said, "I will see you once I am sure Danny is okay." He shook his head as he realized that Landon did not intend to leave the issue alone. Doc knew exactly who Landon's mother was and her contacts were going to be a problem. He thought to Fixer, "Landon's mother is Esmeralda, Fixer. If Landon checks with her contacts about you... you will have a problem. Either the Core will be told what Khalid wants believed and you will have what happened today happening often? Or, your cover will be blown? I never thought Landon would even think of using his mother's connections with the Dark Sect and Khalid to check you out? Fixer, he hates everything that woman stands for. Hope you have an idea as what happened to Danny can't happen again. Plus what Landon has up his sleeve won't happen on the island..." Lance was more than a little worried as Esmeralda Russo had a way of turning things to her benefit.

Cole stood up and walked over to where Tia and Landon stood, "Landon may I talk with you just a moment please over there." Cole motioned to the far end of the platform. Turning to Lance he said, "Doc can you come and stand with Tia a moment? I just want to have a few private words with Landon." As Lance walked toward them, Cole headed for the spot he indicated and waited for Landon.

Landon nodded and put Tia's hand in Lance's. He felt like punching Fixer but held his temper. After he had taken a couple of steps, he felt Tia firmly grab his arm and try and pull him back. With her eyes, she pleaded with him to just leave with her and go see Miley. Gently he plied her fingers from his arm and kissed her on the forehead. "It will be all right Tia. We will be right over there and Lance is here with you. I will be right back." He looked into her eyes, smiled and walked to where Fixer was standing.

Cole stood with his back to the others. If anything was wrong, one of the elves would take care of it. When Landon stood in front of him he crossed his arms over his chest he said in a low voice, "It seems you have an idea on how to find out information about me I might not want known. I know a little about your background, so I am thinking you may be considering going the same route as your brother Jackson, has gone. Do you really think that is wise?" He did not wait for an answer before continuing, "You do realize, I suppose that once you start asking them for favors, there is no getting out of the situation. Their payback methods are far more extream then mine are. Also, Landon, what about Tia? Are you willing to put her in their power, because they will use her, either to keep you doing what they want or to save some of the others. Correct me if I am wrong, but I have heard Jackson would love to have Tia as his girlfriend. Do you think she would agree to do that, if she thought it would save you?" Cole stared for a moment then added, "Think about it and we will talk later. I know you will come to the right conclusion where your friends are concerned." Cole added a smile and then stepped out of the way, so he was not blocking Landon.

Landon said almost to himself, "How do I protect Tia without letting Fixer do the same thing? I remember this island as my mother tried to get Khalid to give it to her. She had only wanted to try and buy me as she has Jackson." His brother only wanted Tia as revenge. He had turned his back on them and Jackson planned to use Tia to keep Landon in line. In Jackson's eyes, Landon knew too many of the family's secrets. He started to walk back towards Tia. He had seen too many meetings to be blind to what Fixer was.

He looked in Fixer's direction as he said, "For that to happen, he would have to get pass me. Anytime you feel you want that chat, I will be waiting...oh and Fixer, tell my grandfather that I did not like this place when I was here with her and I still hate it..." He wanted Fixer to be as scared as he was. His mother and Jackson just wanted to control her and Landon. His mother thought that true love did not enter into her plans. She wanted Tia in the family but only as a pawn. Landon reached for Tia's hand and drew her close.

Cole shook his head and as he walked back to where the children were standing, said, "Just take care Landon what you ask for… there are many times you get more than you want. I will protect Tia and the rest of you while you are on this island, but off of it I do not have much say so." Cole was not about to tell them all the places he had men and women stationed to watch for the safety of the children and what else was going on in the world. "Lance, come talk with me as soon as you get the young adults settled." With that Cole turned on his heels and headed for his house. He had some research to do.

LANCE

Lance put his hand on Fixers door to his office. He was not looking forward to this. He had just spent 45 minutes, checking to make sure Danny had no lasting effects for the punishment he had taken. The boy would be sore for a few days, sorer than he probably had been at any other point in his life, but he would be all right. Then Lance had gone to talk with Tia, Landon and Miley. Miley had been almost in hysterics, wondering where Danny was, but when Lance convinced her he would be there within the half hour, she settled down. At sat in a chair and stared at the door, but she was quiet. Tia, would not let go of Landon, but she was starting to think again. It had not been easy for her. It was the first times she had to act like the future ruler she was destined to be. The one who worried Lance was Landon. The boy was not thinking past the point of wanting to get revenge on Fixer. If he was let loose the next day and started to ask favors of the Dark Sect which his mother belonged to, then it was going to be difficult to keep him safe. If it came to either him or Tia, Lance would protect Tia, even if it meant keep the two of them apart and that would break more than just Tia's heart.

As Lance stared at the door lever, he was holding in his hand, he also considered what was about to happen. He had become surety for Maxwell's good behavior. Max was going to be furious with him for giving into Fixer, but the man had pulled his strings again and he had given his word. Hopefully it would not be as bad as when he acted as surety for Franco. Taking a deep breath he opened the door and walked in.

Cole looked up from the mountain of paper work which always seemed to be on his desk. He did seem to get much sleep lately. Along with trying to help the Caretakers, he had taken on added protection for the children, because there had been some inquires for the darker side of the magical world about the children's interest. Some of the one's who were destined to go the dark route, were finally reaching maturity and that just meant added problems for the ones who were still learning that the world was not always happy and rosey. When he saw Lance walk in, he closed the folder in front of him and motioned to the chair. "Would you like something to drink Doc?"

Lance shook his head. He went to sit down as he said, "You know Landon won't rest now until he insures you won't ever make Tia feel the way she did at Danny's punishment? You have made him want to get you back and I am not thrilled about what he has in mind. He cares deeply for Tia but I might have no choice but to keep them away from each other."

Cole got up and went to the kitchenette to retrieve a drink for him. He was going to have sweet-tea, even though he would have preferred Wine. Going back to his desk and sitting behind it he relaxed back into the chair and took a sip of his tea. Continuing to hold the mug in his hand, he said, "Doesn’t the boy understand what Tia's life is going to be like when she actually takes control. What I made her do today will be nothing compared to what she is going to have to do when she had 10 or a hundred people she needs to discipline." Cole shook his head and took another sip before continuing, "Maybe the boy is not right for her consort, but I suppose he has lost his heart to her." Cole put his drink down on the desk and sat forward, folding his arms on the desk in front of him. "You know Doc, I cannot allow him to go to the Dark Sector to get help. I already have men and women searching the caverns under the mountain for anything his mother may have left behind."

Lance sadly shook his head as he said, "Cole, they are Soul Bound. The thing is Tia has abilities that will only get more powerful after they marry. You have sensed their bond? With Landon being Antonio's son, think about what a marriage between the Andreas and Sadaki(Onaris) Clans would mean. Khalid might have taken the Surname of Onaris but his father was Abdo Sadaki. Tia already hates people holding secrets from her and seems to know when somebody is less then honest with answers. Landon's weakness is in part Tia. You saw his reaction to what she was feeling?"

It was interesting to Cole that Lance had not addressed his open threat of stopping Landon for contacting anyone in the Dark Sect. Watching Lance for a few long heartbeats Cole asked, "You know Landon will be available to be used to control Tia don't you? You better start training the boy before they come of age. If the boy does not learn then I will not be the only one who must make sure he cannot be used against her. His brother Jackson is already trying to make sure he is available when Landon is removed from the relationship, if he cannot be trained. Do you think Tia understands in anyway what might happen?"

Lance sadly shook his head as he thought, "It is for that very reason me and Tarik might have to break her heart. For Tia's sake, I might have to insure that Landon is kept away from her. He is not my responsibility, Tia is and the Dark One has already shown an interest in using the boy to control Tia." Lance sadly shook his head as he remembered what had happened in Tia's mind this summer. He doubted his cousin was as okay as she kept claiming. Her reaction at Danny's punishment told Lance that Tia was far from over the mental game that the Dark One had played with her.

He was sure Fixer was hoping Lance would give more that could be used byhim to either break Lance down, Landon or maybe even Tia. Doc shook his head but kept quiet.

"Lance answer me," Cole stared at Lance and added, "am I going to have to be the one to break them up and keep them apart or do you and someone else have a plan. I have never taken control of a child, because I know the trauma it causes, but Landon's relationship to Tia can become too dangerous."


Lance shook his head as he said with mixed emotions, "I won't let her be hurt like that Fixer..." Lance was torn between insuring his cousin's happiness and dealing with the threat Landon's words might bring. He got up and walked as he thought, "Not unless Landon gives me no choice as it would destroy what is left of my sweet cousin." Lance was unsure how to undo the damage already caused by the Dark One and Zia. All he did know was that Tia was once again pulling away and it was destroying him that he had no way to stop it or help her.

Cole sat back in his chair, steepling his fingers in front of him, using the arms of the chair to rest his elbows. He watched Lance pace. "If I decide that the boy is a threat to me or Tia, you will not have a choice on what will happen, Doctor. I have my own agenda and I will follow it and not let the Dark-Sect or any other group interfere with it. I do hope I am making myself clear on this point. Now sit down, because it is late and I want to go to bed. Tomorrow we start with Maxwell and the training he needs to strengthen and not be afraid to use his abilities. I will need you in my office by 8:00 am."

Lance was heading towards the door unknowingly as he said almost without thought, "I will be here..." Lance seemed to not have heard most of what Fixer had said. He was worried and needed to check on his cousin. Doc knew Tia did one of two things when she was in these kinds of moods. She would either go inside herself or she would bolt. Lance got the feeling she was about to bolt. He felt fear and a feeling of being desperate and that had him terrified. Lance just prayed that Fixer was unaware because the man would make good on his threat.

Signaling to Mecum who had entered the office as Lance's protection , he had the elf, stop Lance and get him forcibly into one of the chairs. "Sit Doctor. I will have the children checked on. You are acting as if you think Tia may run… She cannot go far and if she does, it opens up the whole question of being punished for evading security. Do you think she would risk that?"

Lance shook his head as he said angry, "Don't you even think of laying a hand on her! It is a wonder that she has kept it together this long. You never have had The Dark One invade your mind, have you Fixer? Believe me it is not something most can ever get away from. Tia was not even fifteen yet when the Dark One decided it was time that she knew what she really was up when he had went against everything he had been taught and went into Tia's mind after her. Lance shuddered still at the memory.

"Then all she had to do is stay put where I allow her to go until all four of them return home tomorrow afternoon. The lights have all been out in their room for the last half an hour and they are being watched. The window in their room has been sealed, so they are going nowhere tonight." Cole waved at Mecum to allow Lance to get up. "Go to your room doctor. We will talk again tomorrow. If everyone is good, and Danny heals as quickly as I think he will, I will send the children home in the morning. Landon may stay for a few extra hours… I have not decided on that yet, but that is a decision for morning also." Cole stood up and motioned toward the door.

Lance did not move but just said, "You still don't get it Cole. Tia is scared and desperate. She only does two things when she is like that." He was terrified that she had already bolted. Lance knew that Tia felt as if she had betrayed her best friend by what Fixer had her do. She was also worried about how Landon had acted. His cousin was falling apart and probably had been for a while. There was no way Lance was going to his room. Not without checking and insuring that Tia was still safe.

Cole sat back down and swiveled his chair around. Pushing some buttons on a recessed panel on his desk, he activated the large view screen on the wall behind him. With his finger tips he zeroed in on the bunks of the children. Miley was sound asleep; Danny was asleep also but tossing and turning. He would be having trouble finding a comfortable spot after what he had been put through earlier. Landon was laying there staring at the top bunk over his head. When the camera got to where Tia should be, Cole looked closer. It looked like she was there but there was not the normal movement of breathing under the covers. Cole pushed another button and the camera zoomed in closer. He hit his desk with his fist. Tia was gone. Changing the angle of the camera a little, he noticed Landon's eyes shift toward Tia's bed several times. The boy knew she was gone. He had not followed her, but he had also not told anyone she had left. Cole stood up and headed toward the door.

Lance went towards where Fixer was as he said, "I guess my senses are quicker then yours. Tia has indeed bolted?" He had to get to the children and then find his cousin.

Opening the door, knowing Lance was right behind him, Cole headed to where the children were sleeping. Putting his finger to his lips to tell the doctor to be quiet, he opened the room door, walked inside just far enough so he knew Landon would see him and crocked his finger, telling the boy to come into the hall. He waited just long enough for the boy to move although he first tried to pretend he did not see Cole. When Landon was in the hallway he grabbed the boy by his shirt, pushed him up against the wall and said, "Where is she, and how long has she been gone?" Cole held the boy by his shirt and glared at him.

Landon shrugged as he said, "Ask the men that was stationed at the door."

Cole tightened his grip on the boy's shirt and pushed a little harder toward the wall. "Don't get smart with me boy. The longer she is gone, the worse the chance someone could get to her or she could be hurt. You really want that to happen? Remember this is a big island. Now… where… is… she?" Cole emphasized each one of his words.

Landon shook his head as he said, "Ask the guard, he followed her!"

Cole froze for a moment then turned and shoved the boy back into the room. "Stay there if you know what is good for you. And Landon, you better hope I find her before something happens to her. Remember what I said to Danny, just a few hours ago. Not telling me about something is punishable by my rules." Cole waited to close the door just long enough to see the recognition of what he was saying sink into Landon's brain.

Landon shuddered as he tried to make Fixer believe it didn't worry him saying, "Then punish the guard as she got his permission and he followed..." He was scared though as he thought about where he had seen the guard before. The man was a lover to his older sister and one of Jackson's best friends.

Turning he headed down the hall. Using a com unit he had picked up he tapped the ear piece and said, "Code C… Tia… at least half an hour… night recon…. Bogie in our mitts… I want Neo in on this… heading for the compound now." As he reached the front door he turned and stopped Lance in his tracks. "No, doc you are not coming. You can go to the communications room and help watch the monitors… but you stay here."

Lance shook his head as he said, "I'm coming..."

Standing blocking the door Cole, "No doc, because you may chase her farther away if she knows we are following her. You are a specialist in Legilimency and Occlumency and you have not been able to stop broadcasting with your mind since you got here. I have not needed to even try to get into your mind. I need Tia to not know we are coming right off the bat, so I can corral her. If she is being followed we need to catch the person not let him know he needs to hid or hurt her trying to take her quicker. Here you stay Doctor, either on your own or with help from the elves."

Lance shook his head as he worried about Tia. He told Cole, "I warned you that what you had her do, affected her. Tia bolted and there is no way I am going to allow you or your men to upset her further, Fixer! As her Blood Guardian, I am coming and then she and the others are returning to Hogwarts..."

Landon was scared for Tia and said pleading, "Doc, please the guard that is following her? He is my brother's Jackson's best friend. I thought I recognized him when I saw him earlier but I noticed Neo eyeing him so I figured it was known information. Then when Tia saw him ,..." He stopped cause he knew it was going to be hard explaining the emotions that he had felt from her. Tia was scared but about so many that he had felt from her. Tia was scared but about so many things that he was unsure what had really set her off. He did know that Darrell was older by several years and was thought to be a squib.

When Cole heard Landon's voice, he looked behind where Lance was standing and found the boy standing there, trying to decide if he should stay or run back to the room. "I thought I told you to stay in the room. As long as you are here, come over here." Stepping off to the side he met the boy a few feet from the door and asked, "I am taking it for granted by what you have said, you would recognize the guard we are wondering about." When Landon shook his head yes, Cole continued, "Good then you will come with me." Turning back to Lance he said, "You are still going to stay here. I do not need both of the top Andreas' in danger." When Lance was about to say something else, he added, "No, Lance you stay. I want you at the communications room, helping to watch the bank of monitors." Cole looked toward Landon and thought for a second, then nodded and said to Lance, "I want you to connect with Landon. The elves will allow it for now. He is connected by feelings if nothing else to Tia and I need someone here who can interpret those feelings and get a clue on where she is. We will head for the volcano area, because I think she wants to see what might be in those caves. Some of the caves are clear, but some have not been explored yet and are not safe." Turning back to Landon he said, "Go get in the jeep out front, Landon, I will be there in a second." When the boy was out the door, Cole turned to Lance and said, "I need your help Doc. I can find here, that is not a problem, but she is going to be a little on the fragile side and with that I need you to give her the strength she needs. Now go." Cole turned on his heels and left.

Lance looked at Landon as he asked, "What is this friend of Jackson's name, Landon?"

Landon stared at the door as he answered, "I heard Jackson and Daphne call him, Darrell. Is it important, Lance?"

Lance nodded but said nothing. The Caretakers had been on the lookout for Darrell. The man had connections to the Dark Sect and possibly other dark wizards. Lance had been informed by Tia's brother Marcus, that he had put the teen in his place, back when Marcus had first arrived at St. Francis. It seemed that the boy had been terrorizing Tia. Marcus had not went into detail and only said that he had insured that the boy understood that Tia was now under Marcus' protection.

Landon smiled as he realized that Fixer was allowing him to come. He knew Darrell had been looking for a way to show his worth to Landon's mother. Landon's fist tightened as he said angrily as he went to the jeep, "Darrell, you better not have laid a hand on Tia!" He waited and wondered just how to protect Tia from Fixer. He hoped that during the jeep ride, he would come up with something.

Lance finally nodded to Fixer as he said, "Okay, but Fixer, I better not find out that you knew about that guard before hand? Darrell is somebody that Seth as well as others have been searching for. Darik might have informed you of why?"

Cole put his hand on the door and turned toward Lance. "I did not know he was on the island. Darik said he was a squib and I have no squibs on the island in the troops, everyone is tested to see what their level is… I will give you access to his records. See what you can find. Now I need to go. Neo will be with us. Stay tuned into Landon and help the boy. I am not the enemy here, Doctor and the boy needs to understand that, or I will have to teach him a few things I don't want to at this point." Cole did not wait until Lance had answered, he just tuned and walked out the door and got in the jeep.

CLOSED

See Legacy Wiki, Legilitimency, Occlumency and Mind-Diving for more information
(OOC: Tom Matthews is an admin. character and can only be used to further the story by the administration.)

Neo is off at the training camp
1:00 pm - Cole heads for Sinclair's room
2:15 pm - Cole leaves Sinclair's room.
2:30 pm - Max starts his nightmares, Cole is in his office.
3:15 pm - Punta wakes Max and gives him something to eat and drink.
5:30 pm - Cole returns to Max's room
6:00 pm - Max jumps out the window and heads to training ground
6:30 pm - Max reaches camp
7:30 pm - Max returned to his room by Neo
8:45 pm - Cole and Max head for night game
9:30 pm - Max becomes the "victim" in night mountain climbing rescue exercise.
4th Day of 3rd Week for Neo's Training, 2nd day of Sinclair's training
9:00 am - Cole starts Max's mind dive.
10:45 am - Max comes out of mind-dive
11:30 am - Max agrees to answer Coles questions.
1:00 pm - Children arrive and Lance also
1:30 pm - Neo returns to training grounds; Max goes back to his room
3:00 pm - Children head out to visit the island.
4:30 pm - Tia learns about Danny
5:30 pm - Tia and Danny sent off to eat.
7:00 pm - Lance tries to make a deal with Cole to lessen Danny's punishment
7:35 pm - Danny gets punished.
10:00 pm - Lance enters Coles office