Nikki is in the kitchen loading the dishwasher after dinner.
Methos sprawls on the couch looking at the ceiling.[Methos] So, what are we going to do to her? We can't let her go to prison.Methos asks Aldria indicating the den.
Joe wakes up and looks up at the ceiling while he waits for his vision to focus. He moves and feels a sharp pain in his shoulder...reminding him what had happened and where he was. As his vision focuses he slowly sits up and swings his legs over the edge of the bed. He sits there for a few minutes to make sure he isn't dizzy then cautiously stands up.
Nikki puts foil over the left overs and puts them in the fridge.
Joe tucks his left thumb into the waistline of his pants to immobilize his arm and slowly walks out of the bedroom.[Nikki] Anyone want another beer? Or a cup of coffee?
Nikki calls out from the kitchen.[Ally] I don't know. If she wasn't hunting mortals, I'd say send her to jail, and we could arrange an 'accident' later.Ally sighs.[Joe] I'll take a beer.Joe says from the doorway between the kitchen and the hall.[Methos] Another beer would be nice, thanks.Nikki is startled to hear Joe's voice and whirls around.[Nikki] What are you doing out of bed?
Methos says absentmindedly then he sits up when he hears Joe's voice.[Joe] Didn't want to miss any of the excitement.Joe says with a grin.[Methos] And what are you doing out of bed?Methos repeats after Nikki.
Nikki shakes her head.[Nikki] Well go sit down before you fall down.
Nikki orders.[Joe] Yes mam![Ally] Yes, please sit, Joe. We don't want you falling and ending up with a concussion on top of everything!Ally laughs teasingly.
Joe says and salutes Nikki. He walks into the front room. Not thinking he can make it into the sunken living room he takes a seat at the dining room table.
Nikki carries a couple bottles of beer out of the kitchen and hands one to Methos and one to Ally.[Joe] What about me?Joe asks as Nikki passes him by.[Methos] To keep you in bed we'd have to tie you up, right Joe?Methos shakes his head as he takes the beer bottle from Nikki.[Nikki] None for you. Not after just being patched back up under heavy sedation. Want a cup of coffee instead?
Nikki answers Joe and heads back into the kitchen.[Joe] I'd like to see you try, Pierson.Joe says to Methos with a scowl.[Methos] Don't tempt me, I might do just that, Dawson.Methos replies with a chuckle.[Ally] Would the two of you stop acting like babies!Ally laughs.[Ally] You're both old enough to act better![Nikki] My thoughts exactly, Ally. Thank you.
Nikki says from the kitchen.[Methos] Nah, he's nothing more than a kid. What's fifty years to an Immortal?Methos shrugs before he takes a sip.
Joe grumbles and winks at Methos.[Ally] Fifty years to a mortal makes him old enough.Ally says, then points a finger at Methos, "And don't make me take you down a peg or two!"[Nikki] We may take the fun out of everything but you sure turn to us when you NEED something. Right Ally?
Nikki says as she brings a cup of coffee out of the kitchen and sets it on the dining room table in front of Joe.[Ally] Absolutely![Methos] And yes, no matter who old we are they always act like our mothers.Ally agrees with a laugh.
Methos smirks teasingly to Aldria and Nikki.[Ally] Men are such babies! And yes, Methos, we do. Again, men are babies. No matter whether they're five, fifty, or five thousand!Ally laughs.
Nikki sticks her tongue out at Methos then disappears back into the kitchen.[Methos] Oh I'm a baby, huh? I think you just called yourself a ****.Methos chuckles amused.[Ally] Yes, well, I'm still younger than you, boy.Ally laughs and copies Nikki by sticking her tongue out at Methos.[Nikki] Isn't everyone?
Nikki says coming out of the kitchen with a beer for herself.[Nikki] Younger than him I mean.
Nikki adds.
Joe takes a sip of his coffee and is glad that Nikki had given him that instead of the beer as it hits the spot.[Ally] Well, physically anyway. Mentally...Ally trails off teasingly as she agrees with Nikki.[Methos] If you don't cut it out I'm leaving. And then you can decide what to do to that woman.Methos says as he sprawls on the couch again careful not to spill his beer.[Joe] As if you'd leave before the beer's gone.Joe says to Methos teasingly.[Methos] I didn't say when.Methos shrugs unconcerned.
Nikki rolls her eyes and sets her beer on the table then checks Joe's wound.[Ally] Methos, we all know you're going to leave eventually. But by the time the beer's done we should be done with... what's her name.Ally shrugs.[Nikki] Are you in much pain?
Nikki asks Joe.[Methos] Well, Joe, since you're up you get to decide what to do with that woman, it was you she tried to kill.Methos says side glancing at Joe.[Methos] One of us could kill her and it's the perfect place to bury the body anyway.[Joe] No.Joe answers Nikki then looks over at Methos.[Joe] I'd be lying if I said that never crossed my mind earlier.Joe says.[Joe] But I don't think she deserves that now.Joe adds.
Nikki re-bandages Joe's wound and picks up her beer. She takes a seat across the table from Joe and listens to the conversation.
Methos raises his eyebrows looking at Joe.[Methos] So what does she deserve? A medal?Joe shakes his head.[Joe] No. But she was acting on what she thought was the truth. I honestly can't say I might not have done the same thing if I had been in her shoes. Can you?Nikki wonders what they are talking about and looks at Ally to see if she knows.[Methos] Hmm, no.Methos replies with a sigh, thinking about the past.[Methos] Actually I have.[Joe] I also don't want her turned over to authorities. It would raise too many questions we don't and can't answer.Joe adds and takes a sip of his coffee.[Nikki] Would someone please tell me what is going on?
Nikki interjects curiously
Joe looks at Methos and quirks an eyebrow.[Joe] You haven't filled her in?Joe asks Methos.[Methos] So what do we do to her? We can't just set her free, she'll try to kill you again.Methos asks Joe leaving Nikki's question unanswered of now.[Joe] Just let me talk to her first.Joe suggests.[Methos] And no, I didn't tell her yet. No time.[Joe] Where is she?[Nikki] If you're talking about the broad who stabbed you....she's tied up in my den.
Nikki answers Joe.
Joe gets to his feet.[Joe] Just give me a few minutes alone with her.Joe says holding his hand up to Methos.[Methos] Fine.Nikki looks at Methos for direction.[Ally] Joe, I'm not sure that's such a good idea.Ally says slowly.
Methos shrugs then he murmurs under his breath, " It's your funeral."[Joe] Why not?Joe stops and looks at Ally.[Ally] I don't think it's a good idea for any of us, to be alone with her. And doubly goes for you.Ally says with a shrug.[Joe] She's tied up....right?[Ally] Yup.Joe asks looking from one Immortal to the other.
Ally nods.[Joe] Then how can she hurt me?Joe asks with a shrug.[Joe] All I have to do is call for help if she gets loose and there are 3 of you out here to deal with her. Right?Nikki hopes nobody takes anyone's head inside of her house. She hates the thought of replacing all of her windows after the quickening and having to clean up the blood.[Methos] If you have time to call for help.Methos shakes his head while he takes a deep breath.[Ally] I still don't think it's a good idea for you to go in alone.Ally says.[Joe] I'm not an invalid. I can still move quick enough. [Methos] Do I have to remind you Immortals are dangerous?[Nikki] Not all of us.
Nikki interjects.[Nikki] May an outsider make a suggestion here?
Nikki asks looking from one person to the other.
Joe looks down at Nikki questioningly.[Methos] Why not? We realize it's your place.Methos smirks amused she's asking permission to speak on her own house.[Ally] Nikki, just butt in when you have to say something. It's your house and we're guests here.Ally points out.[Nikki] She doesn't know me. She might feel less threatened by me. I could go in there with Joe and stand in the background while he talks to her.
Nikki suggests.[Joe] She's got a point.[Ally] That'd be good with me.Joe says nodding and looks back at Methos and Ally.
Ally shrugs, then looks at Joe.[Ally] I just don't want you going in by yourself. Pick on of us to go with, and I'd be fine.[Methos] She wasn't feeling threatened by me, I made sure of that, I wanted her to speak.[Nikki] Just hang on a second, Joe.
Nikki says and gets up. She hurries into her "office" and returns with her laptop.[Joe] What's that for?Joe asks.[Nikki] I'm assuming you will want some sort of record of your conversation. You never know. It might come in handy.
Nikki answers with a shrug.
Joe gets and idea and nods.
Methos shrugs and buries on the couch again sipping his beer. If Joe wanted that way so be it.[Joe] Yeah. Good thinking, Red.[Nikki] I have my moments. Granted...not many...but a few.
Nikki says with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.[Nikki] After you, sir.
Nikki says and gestures to the door to the den.
Joe glances over at Methos and waggles a thumb in Nikki's direction.[Joe] She can be so cute sometimes.Joe says with a grin and then walks toward the den door.
Kim was fighting the ropes trying to get free but stops when she feels someone coming. She looks up at the door and waits.
Nikki walks over to where her sword is leaning and picks it up then follows Joe into the den.
Joe walks into the den and pulls a chair over so he is sitting in front of Kim.[Joe] Relax. I just want to talk to you a minute.Joe says in a soft and calm voice.
Kim just watches Dawson move around without a word.
Nikki walks into the room and moves a table over next to Joe. She puts her laptop on the table and opens it up. Focusing the camcorder on both Kim and Joe she sets it to record then fades into the corner of the room and out of the way.[Joe] Look....Kim. I'm sorry what happened to your village....to your people. For what we did. Out there....Joe points to the front room.[Joe] ...there are a couple of people....Immortals...who think I should want you either dead or at least turned over to authorities for what you have done.Joe leans forward, resting his elbows on his thighs.[Joe] And to be honest....a few hours ago I would have agreed with them. But now....Joe looks into her eyes.[Joe] ...I guess it all depends on you.Joe says and watches Kim for her reaction.
Kim looks at Dawson slightly surprised wondering what he has in mind.[Kim] What do you want Joe Dawson?Kim asks him in a hoarse tone of voice.[Joe] For one thing....I want you to understand that we....the guys in my unit...were just following orders. We may not have agreed with most of them but we had no choice.Joe says softly and calmly.[Kim] There's always a choice, you could have refused to do it, I bet you Americans have some laws against killing women and childrenKim answers looking at him coldly.[Joe] We also have laws about refusing a direct order when in the military. And I was just out of boot camp. I was too scared to go up against an officer.Joe explains quietly.[Joe] That's not to say I'm excusing our guilt. We did destroy your village and kill your people. For that we are guilty. I am guilty. But it's not like we set out to do something like that because we are completely cold hearted.Joe adds and watches Kim's face.[Kim] Fine. Whatever.Kim tries to shrug but finds out she can't with her hands tied behind her back.
Nikki listens quietly to Joe and realizes the background of what has been going on.[Joe] Then....will you except my deepest apology?Joe asks sincerely.
Kim looks at Joe surprised again wondering if she'd heard this correctly.
Nikki looks at Kim wondering what she is going to do.
Joe repeats his question in fluent Vietnamese.[Kim] You are apologizing?Kim asks disbelievingly.[Joe] Yes.Joe answers...nodding his head.[Joe] For all of us.Kim looks at Joe for a while then nods.[Kim] Fine, apology accepted, now what?Joe sits back...continuing to lock his gaze with Kim's.[Joe] So can we call an end to your revenge?Joe asks still speaking in a soft and warm voice.[Kim] There's only two of you left, you know?Kim tells Joe with a slight smile.
Joe nods.[Joe] Yes. I know.Joe says and waits for her answer.[Kim] Why do you want to know if my revenge is over or not? Are you going to let me go?Kim asks Joe frowning puzzled and wondering how the man could be so stupid. Of course she wasn't going to give up and he should know that.[Joe] That depends totally on you, Kim.Joe answers.[Kim] On me?Kim keeps frowning
Joe simply nods.[Kim] Alright, if you let me go, I'll go away.Kim nods, thinking she'd go away to Young, not away from them.[Joe] You don't have to go away, Kim. Just promise not to hurt me or my other friend...Alex Young...like you did Edwards, Anderson, Fleming, Johnson, King, Patterson, Temple and Williams. Can you promise me that, Kim?Joe asks looking at her....a fatherly expression on his face.
Kim nods again, apparently he still didn't know about the others.[Kim] I said I'd leave you alone.[Joe] I need your word, Kim. As someone who still values honor. Can you do that?Joe presses.[Kim] Fine, I won't try to kill you or Young like I did to the others.Kim answers with a sigh, she hates when she has to promise something she doesn't intend to keep.
Joe looks into Kim's eyes to see if she means it then he smiles warmly.[Joe] Then I'll let you go.Joe says and glances at Nikki then glances at the laptop indicating for her to stop the recording.
Nikki moves out of her corner and closes her laptop.
Joe gets to his feet and looks down at Kim.[Joe] Thank you, Kim.Joe says sincerely.[Joe] You can untie her, Nikki.Joe says and picks up the laptop. Then he leaves the den.
Nikki walks behind Kim and cuts her restraints.[Nikki] He's a good man, Kim.
Nikki says quietly as she cuts the last restraint.
Kim tries not to show her surprise, the fool really did it. She stands up slowly rubbing her wrists.
Joe looks around the front room then looks at Methos.[Joe] Where's the Judge?Joe asks as he walks over to the dining room table and sets the laptop down.[Methos] Bathroom.Methos smirks.[Methos] The beer was too much for her.Joe nods understandingly and sits down. He sighs from exhaustion and says, "it's done. It's over."[Methos] So what did you decide?Methos asks even though he already knows the answer.[Nikki] We all care about him very much. Some of us owe him our lives. So I hope....for your sake....that you meant what you said.
Nikki says as she walks toward the door.[Kim] I've said I was leaving and I intend to.Kim answers looking around.[Kim] So how do I leave? Front door?[Joe] She's going to walk out of here. She has promised to stop the retaliation and has admitted to what she has done.Joe explains to Methos.
Nikki nods but places her hand gently on Kim's arm to hold her up.[Methos] Of course she did. Did you believe her?[Nikki] It's a long way back into the city. I'll give you a ride if you wait outside for me to get my keys.
Nikki says to Kim.
Methos shakes his head, Joe was too trusting, just like MacLeod.
Joe sighs and shrugs.[Kim] Back to the city?Kim frowns slightly.[Kim] So where am I?[Joe] As much as anyone can I guess.Joe answers Methos.[Nikki] You're about 20 miles outside of town. On my ranch.
Nikki answers Kim.[Methos] You guess? I didn't know you wanted to die young.[Nikki] I could call you a cab but it would take them an hour or more to get here and I doubt you want to hang around everyone that long....am I right?
Methos sighs as he stands up to get another beer from the fridge.
Joe looks over at Methos...his exhaustion showing on his face.[Kim] Yes, in that case I'd like a ride, please.[Joe] Nor do I want to commit cold blooded murder.Kim nods smiling at the red haired woman.
Joe responds to Methos' comment.
Nikki smiles and nods.
Methos opens the bottle and comes back to the couch.[Nikki] Just let me get my keys and I'll be glad to give you a ride. If you want....you can wait on the front porch.
Nikki suggests and holds the den saloon door open for Kim.[Methos] Like I've said it's your funeral. You think I've lived this long letting go the people that tried to kill me?Joe wearily rubs his hand over his face and slumps back in his chair.
Methos asks looking at Joe.
Kim hesitates for a moment, knowing there's an Immortal at the living room, but since she doesn't have a choice walks in there.
Methos side glances at Kim the moment she enters the room, keeping an eye on her.
Nikki follows Kim into the front room and looks warningly at Methos. She walks over to the coat rack by the door and takes her duster off its hook. Wrapping her sword in her coat she grabs her keys off their hook says, "Adam....would you stay with Joe while I give Kim a ride back to the city? And Joe you need to go lie down." She opens the front door for Kim and holds it open so she can pass.
Joe doesn't argue. He gets up and slowly makes his way back to Nikki's bedroom and lies down on top of the bed.[Methos] You what? Are you out of your mind?Methos looks at Nikki disbelievingly[Nikki] It's never been official but....probably.
Nikki says with a wink and a smirk.[Nikki] Come on, Kim.
Nikki ushers Kim out the door.[Methos] Just open the door and let her go, she can walk.Methos grumbles before he stands up, looking coldly at Kim.[Methos] And you better behave with her or you'll have to deal with me.Methos tells Kim seriously.
Kim nods at the male Immortal.[Kim] I've got nothing against her, or you.Kim says as she walks to the door.
Nikki smiles and blows Methos a kiss.[Nikki] Be back shortly.
Nikki says and walks out of the house and closes the door behind her.[Methos] Fine. Keep it that way.Methos says after them before he sits back on the couch and keeps sipping his beer.[Methos] Damn, forgot to tell her she's almost out of beer, and to bring some on the way back.Methos says after a while.To be continued