Disclaimers: Methos and the concept of immortality are registered trademarks of Davis/ Panzer Productions, Rysher Entertainment and Gaumont Television. The rest is mine. I make no money off this. I just wanted to create my own futuristic view of the universe for fun. If I did something wrong, e-mail me. If I did something right, I really want you to e-mail me. This is a story in my Immortal Edition Series.

Methos entered the large room. Algorian music, which resembled twentieth-century rock music, blared through hidden speakers. Half of the room's occupants were either drunk or unconscious. So this is Nin-yah Koro's idea of a good time, Methos thought. Well, he'd be celebrating too if it was his six thousandth birthday. Methos was fifty-five thousand, give or take a century. Nin-yah Koro was one of the oldest and most respected people on Algoria, and Methos was only five hundred years younger than the Algorian leader. He spotted the leader a sitting at a table, as drunk as his advisors. It didn't take much to get an Algorian drunk, no matter how old and experienced he was.

It didn't take much to get a Hemern drunk, either. Members of all three races, including humans, in the Alliance were here for Nin-yah Koro's birthday party, which he had every five hundred years. Methos could see a group of Hemerns in a corner, and he had to stay away from them during the evening somehow if he didn't want to break his back five times. Drunk Hemerns were worse than drunk Algorians, that was for sure. Both races wer very rough when it came to partying. Dancing usually was stomping and fighting, only in sync with the music.

Speaking of which, another group of Hemerns were walking to the dance floor. Methos quickly got out of their way, walking over to Nin-yah Koro's table.

"Greetings, Koro," Methos said.

"Ah, Methos!" the Algorian boomed. "I'm glad you could make it!"

"Well, I try to keep three-hundred year old appointments," Methos replied. He tried to sound cheerful, but there was an edge to his voice.

Koro didn't miss it. "I heard about your wife. I am sorry for your loss. I hope you do not hold it against me? If you did, we may have another war, and both of our governments wouldn't like that."

"I may have forgiven, but I haven't forgotten, Koro. I do not trust you. I'm only hear because the Alliance wants its oldest member present."

"You shouldn't trust me. You have no reason to. But I have nothing planned at my own party."

"I'll believe it when I see it, Koro." With that, Methos bowed and walked away.

He walked over to the bar. "Human, Scotch," he told the bartender. Unlike Koro, it would take a lot of alcohol to get Methos drunk. He surveyed the room, and watched the Hemerns shake the ground with their stomps. Everyone was conversing or dancing, trying to be heard over the loud speakers. Methos looked at the Hemerns, the Algorians, and the humans, all having a good time and getting drunk. Methos ordered another Scotch and drank part of it down, then looked around again. He saw something in the corner of his eye, and when he turned to look, he almost died from choking.

Walking past the crowds of people, but behind the stomping Hemerns, was the most beautiful woman Methos had ever seen. She had long, wavy brown hair and deep brown eyes, and wore a beautiful block gown and high heels. Methos felt mesmerized by her, and he felt like he should know her somehow. The answer came in his fogged brain. Veronica? Methos thought. But how could that be? Veronica died three hundred and thirty years ago. Methos could still remember her, as if it had been yesterday…

Methos watched as children led by smiling parents walked up and down the street. Many of them came up to his porch, saying the usual 'trick or treat.' Sometimes he was willing to take them up on their casual offer. But every time he'd just smile and give them a few bars of the store bought candy. They'd leave after saying thank you, never taking their eyes off the sweets that he'd just dropped into their bags.

To Methos, Halloween was just a useless holiday, dreamed up so kids would have an excuse for getting more candy. He sighed. Sighing had come his favorite thing to do some days. Was he ever bored sometimes. For the last one hundred and eleven years, ever since the world learned of his Immortality and his true age, he'd been meeting president after president of every nation, going to their parties and attending meetings. In between all of that, he'd been asked to go to Cairo when they'd discovered new Egyptians records they couldn't decipher, or when they wanted an eyewitness account of some historical era. Between all of that though, life was dull. Recently, the peace talks with the Algorians started. Methos was an ambassador for the talks, whether he wanted to be or not. He couldn't disappear. Everyone on the planet recognized him. He couldn't 'die', either. Everyone would know he was still alive. So he had to help. Now, he was on vacation, so he could relax for a month or two, not long enough for his standards, but to the government, it was more than enough. Watching kids and their parents as they walked down the street didn't help. He'd wanted a child of his own for so long it was depressing. But he knew he couldn't have one. It was just another price for this cursed immortality. He could adopt, of course. But then there was the commitment. He just didn't have the time. Someday he would have the time, but not now.

You've had five thousand years, old man, a voice spoke up in his thoughts. How much more time do you need?

"Trick or treat."

The voice that spoke wasn't a kid's, but an older woman's. When Methos looked up, he found himself staring into deep, dark brown eyes. For a moment he was lost in its depths until she spoke, bringing him back to reality.

"You don't look like you've had a good day." She said. She pointed at the patio chair across the patio table. "Mind if I sit here?"

"No, go right ahead."

She sat and waited until the next group of kids had left before she spoke again. "You're Methos, right? The Immortal man?"

Methos nodded. "Yes, I am. And you are?"

She extended her hand behind the bowl of candy sitting on the table. Methos shook it as she answered, "Veronica Lowry."

"Veronica Lowry," he said, trying it on his tongue. "Isn't your sister the secretary of defense?"

Veronica nodded. "She's more of a tactician and politician than I am."

Methos managed to smile before two boys dressed in star trek uniforms, one captain and the other medical, took his attention. As he handed them their candy, he could feel Veronica's lovely eyes watching him. When they left, she asked, "Seen enough Halloweens, Methos?"

He turned to her. "You could say that."

The crowds of costumed creatures began to thin on the sidewalks. Veronica looked at her watch, using the light connected to the wall of Methos' house to see by. "I'm afraid I have to go, Methos. I promised my brother I'd watch his son and daughter while he worked the late shift."

Both of them stood. "Where will you be staying?", asked Methos.

"One thirty-two East Maple Street."

"Would you like to go on a date?"

"Sure. How about tomorrow?"

"Great time for me." Methos grinned, and she grinned in return. "I'll pick you up at seven."

"I'll see you then, Methos." Veronica's grin changed into a smile as she walked down the sidewalk.

"Can't wait." He called back.

"Mr. Methos? Mr. Methos?"

Methos blinked, slowly returning from the past. He looked around for the mysterious woman, but she had disappeared in the crowds. That annoying voice called him again. Methos turned and saw another woman, with blond hair and brown eyes, calling him. She extended her hand and introduced herself, and began chatting. But Methos wasn't listening. He kept glancing around the room, looking for the mysterious woman.

Then, he thought he saw a glimpse of long brown hair. "Excuse me," he told the woman, cutting her off in mid-sentence. He left the bar and walked through the crowds. He could see brown hair only a few feet away. Then she stopped and turned to the left. There was no mistaking those deep brown eyes. Methos quickened his pace, even more desperate to talk to this woman than before. Somehow, he managed to get around the dancers and chatters, and he was standing next to her. "Excuse me, Miss?"

The mysterious woman turned to look at him. Her eyes were identical to Veronica's, and seemed to look deep into his soul. Methos felt a chill go through his loose clothing. Half of him wanted to leave, but those eyes mesmerized the other half.

"Yes?" she asked. Her voice was just as beautiful as Veronica's had. But this wasn't Veronica, no matter how much she looked like her. Methos had to restrain himself from reaching out and kissing her.

"Hi," Methos said. He offered his hand. "Methos."

The mysterious woman shook his hand. "Valerie Clemens."

"Valerie," Methos said. He smiled. "That's a pretty name."

"Thanks," she gestured to the dance floor. "Want to dance?"

Methos would have declined, had it been someone else. Hemern stompers were very dangerous, especially when they lifted their legs up high for the chorus. But he just couldn't say 'no' to those deep brown eyes. "Sure."

The rest of the night swept by without Methos realizing it. He hadn't planned on having any fun at Nin-yah Koro's birthday party, but that's exactly what happened. Before he realized it, it was past midnight. Most of the patrons were out cold. Methos and Valerie had settled down at a booth, talking about mundane things. They drank, too, but not too much. When Valerie looked at her watch, Methos suppressed a look of disappointment. "Oh, I have to go," Valerie began. "I have to get to work by nine tomorrow."

"Yeah," Methos replied. They stood up and walked to the bar's front door. When they were outside, Valerie turned to Methos. The planet's three moons shined with a heavenly light on Valerie's hair. Methos found it hard to listen to what Valerie was saying as he stared at it.

Valerie smiled. "Thanks for a greet evening, Methos," she said. "I really enjoyed it."

Methos smiled. "I did, too. Do you want to go out for dinner sometime?"

Valerie laughed. "Blunt, are you?" She smiled. "Yes, I'd like that."

"Let's say, Friday night? Eight o'clock at the restaurant down the street?"

"Sounds great. I'll see you then."

Neither of them moved. "You said you had to go," Methos reminded her, edging closer to her.

"Yeah, I did," Valerie said, walking closer. Their lips touched. They pulled away, but couldn't stay away. Both of them moved in for a deeper, more passionate kiss. They came up for air, gasping. Reluctantly, they backed away.

Methos smiled. "I'll see you Friday."

Valerie smiled back. "I'm looking forward to it."

This time, they did leave, heading in different directions down the street.

Earth, November, 2167

Soon, Veronica and Methos were dating often. Methos knew he was madly in love. Will he ever learn? After all the death he'd witnessed, after all the times his heart had been broken, he would think he would. But he never did. He'd been married seventy times already, and had fallen in love more times than that. But it still wasn't enough. He doubted it would ever be enough.

A few weeks after October 31^st, Veronica asked Methos if he would like to meet Veronica's brother and his kids. He said yes. So here he was, coming to a different house much further from his house than Veronica's for Thanksgiving dinner. The temperature was so low, no matter how much clothing he wore, he could still feel the cold air on his butt. He was freezing, and if the heater in Veronica's brother's house was broken, Methos knew he wouldn't be in a good mood.

He waited, however impatiently, until someone answered the door. Methos' bad mood faded as he gazed upon Nicky, who began to shiver as the cold air came through the door. She ushered him inside before too much cold air could came in. The heater, thankfully, was working, and Methos' skin temperature changed from numb to burning. He placed his coat on the rack next to the door and followed Nicky into the first room to the right.

This was the living room, and it was large, with a narrow platform surrounding the main floor. A white carpet covered the main floor, and bookshelves lined all four walls, except the entrance and a wide doorway on the other side, displaying the left side of a kitchen.

Lying on the floor, staring at the flatscreen tv, were a boy and a girl. The boy had short brown hair, and was slightly smaller than the girl. The girl had dark hair as well that went only past her shoulders. They turned to look at them when they entered. Seeing who it was, they got up and ran over to them, abandoning the program Methos recognized as Spiderman in the Twentieth Century.

"Hey! John, Sam!" Veronica called. The too kids looked over their shoulders at them, then got up and ran over. "This is Methos. He's going to be staying for Thanksgiving dinner. Methos, this is John and Samantha Lowry. John's ten and Sam's nine."

"Hi." Methos managed to get out before he was assaulted by their questions. He looked up at Veronica for help. A smile lit her face, and she began to laugh at his fatigued expression.

"Okay, you too, I'm sure he can answer your questions later."

A man dressed in a plaid apron appeared from the kitchen. "Hello," he said to their guest.

Veronica and Methos walked across the living room. "Mike, you already know Methos. Methos, this is Michael Lowry, my brother."

The two men shook hands. Michael regarded him with his eyes. Oldest man or not, Methos knew he would probably be given the same treatment Nicky's other dates and boyfriends had.

A bell went off in the kitchen, and Michael set back to work. Nicky went to help him, leaving Methos in living room with the kids. As soon as the other adults had left, they went back to their interrogating. Methos looked back at the kitchen. Nicky was watching them, her eyes twinkling. This time, however, she did not interfere. Methos gave her a look that said 'I'll get you for this', but the smile never once wavered from her face.

The night went surprisingly well, despite Michael's protectiveness over his sister. When he got home, however, he found a message waiting for him on his videophone. Cursing in several languages no translator of ancient languages would understand, he sat down and played the message. It said he was one of the delegates chosen to show the Algorians around Earth during their visit, starting tomorrow. Methos groaned before sitting on his bed. He needed a vacation. Maybe after the Algorians left, he could convince his superiors to give him a vacation. He'd return to duty after a few centuries tops.

Methos left the next day for Washington. The Algorian leader, Kin-yah Koro, as it turned out, was his senior by five hundred years. Little could surprise him after over five thousand years, and this was one of the rare times that something did. Nin-yah Koro was very happy. He invited Methos to his six thousandth birthday party in 2500. Not wanting to risk doing something unacceptable in the Algorian society, Methos accepted.

Now, weeks later, Methos returned to the hotel room the government had rented for him in the city. He was tired from the time he spent with the Algorian and his trustees that morning and afternoon, and then the dinner party he'd attended with Nin-yah Koro and Pierre Mouton, the current President of Earth. He hoped to get at least a few hours of sleep before he had to get up and do the same thing the next day.

As he entered the hotel room, he heard the videophone on the nightstand chime. He sat on the bed and pressed a button on the keyboard.

The hotel receptionist appeared on the screen. "Mr. Methos, you have a call from a Veronica Lowry. Should I patch her through?"

Methos smiled. It had been yesterday when he'd called last, but it seemed like too long. It would be good to talk to her again. "Yes, it's all right."

The next image was of Veronica. Methos's smile faded when he saw her red eyes and the tears falling down her cheeks. "Veronica?"

Veronica looked up from her lap. When she spoke, her voice was full of emotion. "Hi, Methos. I wasn't sure I'd reach you. I've been trying all day, and the receptionist said you were busy."

"Veronica, what's wrong?"

"It's Michael. He-" she was broken off by a sob. "He was attacked by a group of terrorists last night. He was on his way home, and his hover car broke down. Some guys appeared, and they recognized Michael as Jessie's sister, and they attacked him. He-he- he tried to fight back, but-but-"

Methos felt like cursing in five hundred languages, and did. Veronica watched him as he went through his fit, temporarily shocked from crying. She hadn't seen him so angry before. He wished he was there now. He wished he could hold her in his arms and comfort her. Curse all of the politics on Earth. They just needed him in Washington, didn't they? They'd die if he wasn't there. And now, he wouldn't get any sleep. Veronica needed him. "I'm coming over."

The only light came from the moons shining over the hotel. Several hover cars, Algorian and human, were parked in the parking lot next to the large building. In one of the cars, three figures sat, watching the hotel, or more particularly a room on the six floor, Methos' room. The three Algorians sat and watched, barely moving at all. One Algorian stirred, lighting a cheap cigarette imported from Earth with a lighter, then he blew smoke into the Algorian sitting in front of him. The latter coughed.

"Jan-yay, you need to cut down on those cigarettes." The coughing figure said. She turned to look at her companion. "You know what it does to the human anatomy. Ours isn't that different."

Jan-yay ignored her. He turned to the figure sitting next to her. "Lar-no, why don't we go up right now? He's alone."

Lar-no shook his head. "No. Remember what HE said. Methos is alone in his room, but someone might here from somewhere else in the hotel." He turned away when a smoke ring drifted in his direction. "Jane-a's right. You should cut back on those things, Jan-yay."

Jan-yay scowled. "Why do you care so much about these things? They aren't our major concern right now. HE has promised us so much, what's one cigarette? Methos is our father's enemy. If we get rid of him, our father will be proud of us. HE has said so."

"That's right, Jan-yay," a fourth voice whispered. The three siblings turned and looked at the back seat across from Jan-yay. A figure sat there, so hidden in shadows his figure was completely dark. His voice seemed to float to them on a gush of wind. It didn't matter that no winds were blowing that night. "If you kill Methos, your father will be very proud."

"How shall we kill him?" Lar-no asked.

"Stab him in the heart and keep the knife in place," the dark figure ordered. "Do this somewhere private. Take the knife out when I come. Then I will behead him, and your father will be proud."

"We will do as you ask," Jane-a told him. "Anything for out farther."

The demon smiled. His eyes, which they hadn't been able to see before then, flashed red. "Excellent," it said.

2500, Algorian Planet

Methos sat up abruptly. He was breathing heavily, and tears fell down his cheeks. His bed sheets seemed heavy and hot, and hastily, Methos threw them off. It had been a dream, only a dream. But most of that had happened. Alexa, Veronica, Cassandra, and Richie had been real people or demons, and all of them were deceased. Two killed in the Game, one killed in a torpedo blast, another by a disease whose cure was found five years later.

Veronica's death was the most recent one in the dream. Her memories were still fresh on his mind from that evening. Oh, Veronica…

Methos entered the restaurant. The place served food that was as close to human food as Algorians were likely to cook. It wasn't that bad, compared to yak's milk.

He spotted Valerie sitting at one of the tables. He walked over there. "Hi," he said.

Valerie looked up and smiled. "Methos."

Methos sat in the chair across from Valerie. "Sorry I'm late," then he reconsidered. "Am I late?"

Valerie smiled. "No, you aren't that late. It's okay. I was running late myself."

Methos smiled. He loved her voice. It was sweet, without any sarcasm at all. He picked up a menu. "Did you order yet?"

"No, I was waiting for you." Valerie picked up her menu. She made a face. "A Boggsburger? What is that?"

"I think it's the Algorian version of a cheeseburger, but I could be wrong. They get the cheese from boggles."

"Those slimy things they treat like dogs? Gross."

They ended up ordering salads, because that sounded like it wasn't lethal to humans. They had wine imported from Earth with their salads.

Valerie and Methos stayed at the restaurant for a long time, chatting like they had two nights before. Valerie had two brothers. Both of them were ambassadors on Algoria, the Algorian homeworld. Valerie was a teacher, and she was tutoring some of Nin-yah Koro's children.

"So," Valerie said, finishing her story. "Do you have any family?"

Methos' face fell. He looked down at his plate. "No. It's been awhile since I had anyone."

"No kids?"

Methos shook his head. "I can't have children."

"I'm sorry," Valerie apologized. "I didn't mean to cause you pain."

"No, it's alright." Methos said.

They sat in silence for a moment. Finally, Valerie spoke up. "So, it's true that Immortals can't have children?"

Methos looked up and smiled. "I didn't know you recognized me."

Valerie shrugged. "If you're wondering if your age bothers me, it doesn't." She smiled. "I do work for a six thousand year old Algorian."

Methos smirked. "Yeah."

"What happened to your family?" Valerie asked. "That is, if you don't mind…"

"No, it's alright." Methos took a deep breath. "It's been three hundred years since I last had a wife."

"What happened?"

Methos took a deep breath. "We were living in Paris, France, when something I hoped would never happen happened."

2170, Paris, France

The Funeral had been like many Methos had attended before. It was held in Paris. He would have preferred staying in __, but Veronica had asked him to come to Paris, so he came. That was three years ago. Now they were living there, because Veronica wanted to be close to her brother. Michael's kids were visiting Stephanie in Washington, and would be back in a few months.

They were living in MacLeod's old barge along the Seine. The old wooden thing stood out among the other ships. Although it was an antique, Methos had kept it in good condition, so it was safe to live in.

Yesterday, they visited the cemetery. Methos showed Veronica Alexa's and Jennifer's grave, not far away from Michael's. They'd stayed there for a long time, both gripped in their personal pain. Then they'd left and gone back home and had a pleasant evening to cheer themselves up.

They'd gotten married over a year ago in Darius' church in Paris. It had been a perfect day, one of the few Methos had in his long life, and he often reflected back on it for happiness while Veronica was at work and he wasn't.

Now, it was morning, and Methos kissed Veronica before walking up the stairs onto the top deck and down the plank. He started on the long walk through Paris. He was on his way to a meeting with the Alliance Congress. They and the Hemerns were the only members of the United Planetary Alliance. The Algorians no longer trusted the Alliance, claiming it had little security because of the number of terrorist attacks in the last few years. Kin-yah Koro, the leader of the Algorians, had seemed friendly and understanding when Methos met him, but Methos guessed there were more sides to him, and he was right.

Tension between the Alliance and the Algorians had increased in the last few months, and they knew that at any moment the Algorians would attack, and there was nothing they could do to convince them not to. Even though Earth was still recovering from World War III, its fleet of starships already had, and so was the Hemern fleet. Both races were ready to go to war, but it was unlikely that they would win against the power of the Algorians.

A noise louder than the hover cars passing along the streets of Paris broke Methos out of his thoughts. All around him, tourists and citizens were looking up at the source of the noise, terror on their faces.

Methos tensed as he listened. He knew that noise. He'd heard it very often while he'd shown Kin-yah Koro around Earth three years ago. He turned around slowly and looked at the sky.

Five Algorian warships flew overhead. The orange, yellow, and white ships contrasted with the blue sky. The front of each ship had two inner curves, with three points on each tip. A curved white window shielded the bridge above the point in the middle.

There were few things that had ever managed to scare Methos. One was Kronos. Algorian ships that could cause the destruction of the Earth in only a few shots was another.

Two lights appeared from their holds, and Methos realized they were torpedoes as they began to fall toward the Earth. The world seemed to freeze as thousands of people watched its descent. It sailed over skyscrapers and the Eiffel Tower, falling toward the water of the Seine. This, however, wasn't a good thing. The water had been polluted during World War III, and Earth Environmental services hadn't managed to clean it all up yet. The fire spread quickly as it ignited with oil and other toxic chemicals on the water's surface, burning ships to senders as the fire spread.

The seconds that followed seemed to stretch into minutes as green shields were being activated around Paris to protect its buildings from destruction. Green shields began to spread over the river to protect the parts not touched by the fire and the ships on it. As the shields activated, one thought flashed through Methos' mind: Veronica. He turned in the direction of the river and ran all the way to where the barge was tethered. He ran down the steps that led down the wall. The barge was visible not far away. Methos ran across the concrete towards it, trying to outrun the fire eating up the bridge in the background. Once, he could run across a burning desert for thirty six miles without stopping. Now, it seemed his limbs refused to let him go fast enough. He wasn't going to make it on time.

He could see Veronica appear on deck and stare at the fire. She started to run towards the plank, but she was too late. The fire was upon her. It surrounded the barge and kept going.

"Veronica!" Methos cried. The fire contacted with the gas tank in the engine, and the barge exploded. Methos, who was only a few feet away from the plank by then, was picked up off the ground and thrown back. His head collided with the wall, and he dropped to the ground. "Veronica…" Methos said before he died.

A second later, a green barrier appeared between the fire covering the Seine and the dock.

*****

Methos woke from death with a gasp and a headache. His hand went to his forehead immediately, only to drop back to his side when he remembered what had happened only seconds before his death. He stared at the river beyond the green shields at the space MacLeod's barge had occupied only moments before. Methos blinked, allowing tears to slide down his face. "Veronica…" he whispered, his throat hoarse. He could remember the look on her face as their eyes met, micro-seconds before the flames consumed her…

The noise of a hover ambulance floated over the wall. A medical team came down the stairs towards him, a gerdie hovering between them.

Methos stood up as they approached, but almost fell over in the attempt. Two medics helped him stay steady until he could use his own legs, while another medic took his pulse and checked his rapidly-healing burns.

"Mademoiselle," he said, addressing the woman inspecting his damages. "Mademoiselle, you don't have to do that. I don't need medical attention."

"These are three degree burns, Miseur. I'd say you do." She looked back down at his leg and frooze. "But…but…the burns…they were here a minute ago…" She continued to stammered helplessly. The men who'd assisted him in keeping his balance glanced down. They'd seen the burns as well, and were just as shocked as she was.

"Please, let me explain." Methos said. "I am Methos."

Three faces turned to look at him with surprise. "Methos…" one of the men said. "Aren't you that five thousand year old Immortal?"

"Oui."

"I guess that means you won't be needing our help, huh?" the woman asked.

"No, I won't. Thanks anyway."

"Nice meeting you, Miseur Methos." She started walked with the gernie back towards the stairs. "Come on Francais, Michael. There are other patients who need us." "Auvior." Methos called.

"Auvior." They disappeared at the top of the stairs.

Without the distraction the medics had caused, Methos' thoughts drifted back to what had happened that morning. His gaze drifted back to where the barge had been tethered, half hoping it was still there. To his dismay, all he saw was fire finally being put out by the water below the pollution in the Seine.

He blinked rapidly, stopping the flow of tears that he knew he could not control if he did not stop himself now. He turned towards the stairs and began to walk towards them. He had to get out. Now. He needed to get away for awhile. At that moment, the way he was feeling, Mars sounded like a good place to go. It was supposed to be nice this time of year.

"Methos!"

Methos turned at the sound. He was only a few away from the door of his hover car. He wanted to get away from Paris immediately, maybe even move to the new colony on Mars, but the person who was calling him had other plans.

A woman with a surgical gown on and a white coat was standing on the sidewalk. She'd obviously recognized him, while he did not. "Dr. Methos," she said. Great, She knows I can't die and she knows about my days as a medical doctor, he thought. "Will you assist us? We could use some more hands."

"I'm afraid my medical expertise is a little outdated."

"We could still use the help."

She isn't going to give up, he thought. He sighed and followed her to the nearest hospital.

The waiting room was overcrowded with survivors who had been too close to the water to avoid injury. The more serious injuries were being treated right now, so these people would have to wait.

An ambulance caught the doctor's and Methos' attention. She started running toward the paramedics who were already wheeling a man who had been burned seriously to the doors. She called over her shoulder at Methos, "You can help the people in the waiting room. Just go to the guy at the desk and say you're here to help. They'll help you get started."

Methos did as he was told. The man at the desk handed him a med kit, and Methos turned to his first patients. Most of the people there only had a few scratches and cuts, while some were only slightly more serious. He stayed there the rest of the day and through the night. Around 1 a. m., the crowds began to break up, and he was told to take a break. Of course, that came after the doctors there asked for tissue samples of his Immortal DNA. Then, the same doctors took notes as they watched his skin heal. Methos had let them take their samples, knowing the faster he cooperated, the sooner they would stop pestering him. Now, he sat in one of the waiting rooms, drinking the coffee the doctor he'd met earlier had given him. She sat nearby drinking coffee too.

"Thanks for helping, Ambassador," she told him.

Methos shrugged. "You never mentioned your name."

She smiled. " Rachel McGregor."

Methos smiled. Of course she was a Scott. Who else would be able to get him to do anything so easily. "Pleasure to meet you, Dr. McGregor." His watch/beeper beeped. He glanced at the message on the screen. The Alliance council wanted to speak to him. Methos sighed. "Do you have a phone anywhere?" he asked the doctor.

Rachel nodded. "Behind the desk," she said, pointing to the nearest information desk. Methos nodded his thanks and walked over, dialing the number on the miniature keyboard connected below the screen. He sat in the chair behind the desk and waited for someone to pick up his call.

The Alliance council appeared on the small screen, surrounding the president at his seat. "Ambassador Methos," the president said in greeting. "Are you in a private area?"

Methos glanced up at Rachel. She pointed at a door behind the desk, and Methos smiled gratefully. "Just a minute," he told the men and women on the screen. He picked up the videophone and walked into the office. Setting the phone on the desk, he sat down and said, "Okay. We're alone."

"We're voting on if we should declare war on the Algorians. What's your vote?"

At the mention of the race, memories of the past twenty-four hours returned full force, along with his hatred. A look reminiscent of his days as Death fell on his features, and the members of the council felt a chill in the room. "I vote 'yea'."

Methos looked at the table, the napkins, the walls, anywhere but Valerie's face. "I was so angry. All I could think about was revenge. I assisted in attacking Algorian outposts in the Algorian-Alliance War. A lot of people died. When the war ended, I didn't feel any better. Sense was finally making its way to the surface. I knew Veronica would have hated what I had become. That made me feel ashamed. Since then, all I could think about were what ifs. What if I hated voted for the war? Would it have happened? What if we hadn't moved to Paris?" he sighed. "I pulled myself into a depression."

"What changed it?" Valerie asked.

Methos shrugged and took a sip of his wine. "I couldn't mope forever, no matter how much I wanted to. I had to move on." He sighed. "You probably hate me now."

"No. I don't," Valerie assured him. "I had heard about the Methos/Nin-yah Koro feud."

"Is it that public?"

"No. But I am Koro's children's teacher, remember?"

Methos smiled. "Yeah." He glanced at the watch. "It's getting late." He stood up and pulled Valerie's chair back for her. "I'll walk you home."

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